Morning came unexpectedly. It seemed like I had just closed my eyes, and it was already time to get up. My body wasn't in pain, but there was a lack of freshness and vigor. I went about my usual morning routine and went downstairs for breakfast. Lyra saw my gloomy expression and didn't bother me with conversation. I quickly ate, placed a golden coin on the table, and said, "Lyra, this is for the food."

"Evan, listen..." the elderly woman began to refuse.

"No! I said it, so it will be!" Lyra opened her mouth to object, but I didn't listen. "It's not up for discussion."

"Fine, let it be for the food," Lyra said, looking at my serious childish face and smiling. Perhaps I was a boy trying to look like a grown man to her.

"Where did you get the money from?"

"I successfully sold the family home," I waved my hand as if it were a trivial matter not worth discussing.

"I hope you weren't deceived," The woman exclaimed and threw her hands up ridiculously.

"I need a little help," I hurriedly changed the dangerous topic of conversation.

"Which one?"

"I need you to buy a bottle with a tight cork, three flasks, and some dried herbs," I placed another gold coin on top of the first one. "Specifically... Stinging nettle, chamomile, and fern. It would be better if it was pulverized into a powder"

"Alright, I was planning to go to the market today. I'll bring you the change," she pointed to the money. "But why do you need all this?"

"Thank you. My mother knew about herbs and taught me a few tricks," I sniffed as if remembering something sad. It seems like I'm doing well. I'm getting into the role. "I don't have much time. I need to recover faster after my training sessions with Hina."

"I got it."

"Until tonight, Lyra."

"Have a great day, Evan," the woman smiled after me.

I walked out onto the street and turned right. I didn't want to encounter the local teenagers; they always gathered on the corner of an old house. I felt it was best not to attract any unnecessary attention to myself. I decided to change my route to the banukai every day. I easily ran to Hina's gate and entered inside. No one responded to my greeting.

In the corner of the courtyard, a monkey was moving, performing a complex series of exercises. Naturally, the loa paid no attention to me whatsoever. I sat in a lotus position in the middle of the courtyard and began observing the spirit. It was fascinating. The loa moved slowly and gracefully. Then suddenly, he exploded into rapid series of strikes before slowing down again. The intricate, refined movements captivated with their technicality and lightning speed.

After some time, the loa began to harness the power of chi. I noticed how, at the last moment, a burst of energy shot out from the monkey's fist, extending a few centimeters before swiftly retracting back. Next time, the loa's fist collided with something invisible, and its paw flew off to the side. The spirit grimaced and muttered something angrily under its breath. The loa finished its sequence of movements and retreated into the house.

I'm deep in thought. The idea wasn't new, but it was intriguing. Even in my world, there were legends of people who could do something similar. It seemed there were several variations of strikes. One could simply strike with their hand, a regular blow. Another option was striking with a hand where the muscles were infused with energy. And the third option was releasing energy outward during the strike. The latter option was the most destructive, but coming into contact with the sphere of magicians could be dangerous for me. The second strike was the most versatile, enhancing physical abilities without interacting with the spheres as long as the energy remained within the body.

I chewed my lips thoughtfully. There's another way. At the moment of contact with the enemy, I could push the energy like a spell. It would resemble ordinary magic, as if a nature mage released an icicle or a fireball upon striking with their fist. Mages don't have to worry about energy return; they can just unleash it and forget about it. But spirits and shamans have to adapt. It sounds promising; I should give it a try.

Lost in my thoughts, I continued with a simple warm-up routine. Suddenly, Hina appeared out of nowhere. More precisely, I just noticed the girl now. She stood there for a while, observing my movements.

"Excellent. I don't know if you're naturally resilient or if my ointment is working wonders, but I'm pleased with your condition. Now, do the komaz!" she commanded.

Hell began again. Hina was satisfied with the my "komaz" and proceeded to study the "komda" with me. Before noon, I went through full-body muscle strengthening, weighted exercises, sparring with a girl. After a light lunch, Hina sat me down to meditate on a stump about ten centimetres in diameter. It didn't seem difficult, but it was hard to sit in that position for long time. Then slow exercises again. Push-ups three minutes down, three minutes up. The same slow squats and pull-ups alternated with fast exercises. By the end of the day, I once again resembled an old man battered by life. After praising me, Hina finally let me go home. I hoped I would adapt to these monstrous training sessions.

At home, I quickly freshened up and had dinner. Lyra reported on the purchases. She handed me several small paper packets of herbs, two-liter flasks, and a bottle made of murky glass with a tight cork. I left the items in my room, took a prepared healing totem, the new flask, and headed to the courtyard. Soon, I healed the sprains and bruises. While performing the ritual, I inscribed sealing runes on the flask.

As I was returning home from the banukai, I noticed a spot where kvits were congregating. I quickly went there and managed to capture four small spirits in my flask. I decided that wasn't enough and went into the nearest tavern. Expectedly, there were a lot of people in the evening.Various groups were enjoying themselves, engaging in lively conversations and consuming alcohol. In the tavern's great hall, I saw six small spirits. They levitated quietly around the room. My appearance did not arouse any interest among the guests of the establishment. Another local boy popped into the funhouse in the evening. I cautiously navigated through the hall, capturing kvits in my flask. When I caught the fourth spirit, I noticed that the tavern owner was observing me. Perhaps my peculiar movements seemed suspicious to him. I tried to blend in with the crowd and left the establishment. Hopefully, he would quickly forget about me.

Two guys from the street corner gang were standing outside. They were openly observing me, showing clear interest. I thought that the evening wouldn't be dull anymore, but then I heard a muffled whistle from the darkness, and the guys vanished into the night. Perhaps the teenagers were not standing there without reason, so I quickly followed their lead.

On the way back to Lyra's house, I managed to capture three more spirits.

"Not quite like in the woods, of course," I muttered to myself. "But... It doesn't hurt to have some extra reserves in my pocket."

Back at home, I realized that today I felt better than yesterday. I didn't feel like sleeping. I went out to the backyard and spent several hours practicing the basic movements of "Bezor".

I was learning how to release energy at the point of impact. It turned out to be more challenging than I thought. When exactly should I release the energy and in what form? I performed everything slowly. Many times, I failed to achieve anything. I was either too late or too rushed, making mistakes along the way. Several times, my hand was thrown off course. It was quite unpleasant, and I silently cursed the magicians and their spheres. If I executed a fast strike incorrectly, I could seriously break my hand.

And so, a week passed. I felt that I was on the right path and stubbornly moved forward. Thanks to the totem, I could continue training at home after my sessions with Hina. I would return to Lyra's house and spend several more hours practicing in the backyard on my own. I became immersed in it, and my training schedule became more stable.

I brought several logs from the nearest lumberyard to the backyard of my home. I had to spend several coins for this purpose. Logs served as targets and were very helpful to me. I practiced learning how to release my energy at the right moment upon impact and separate it from myself. At the point of contact, I would shape the energy and push it forward. The tree would bear the mark in the form I imparted to the energy. I experimented with different forms, such as spheres, needles, blades, drills, anything I desired. If I didn't separate the energy, upon contact with the invisible distortion sphere, my hand would be deflected or even fractured. After thousands of attempts, I finally found the right moment. I pushed the energy forward, quickly withdrew my hand, and recoiled backward. It was a skill that required caution and training.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

When the energy came into contact with the sphere inside the tree, it would reflect in different directions, causing immense damage. The log would simply explode, scattering splinters all over the yard. I had to reduce the amount of energy in my new technique. The effect became significantly smaller, but it would still be sufficient for anyone.

It took numerous attempts, but I figured out how to command the dispersal of my energy. The spell I formed vanished without a trace after a short distance. I shaped the energy into a blade and pushed it forward upon contact. The energy would disperse after twenty centimeters. I could increase the penetration depth, but it didn't make much sense. It was equivalent to a knife strike at the same depth. A knife that knows no obstacles. It didn't matter how well protected the target was. Could a simple punch from a teenager be dangerous? Should an adult man seriously fear it? If you're clad in steel armor, what can a frail boy do to you? It's a deadly surprise for anyone.

I would strike and immediately recoil from the target, going as far as possible. It sounds simple, but I spent a significant amount of time on it. I had to take into account multiple factors. Gradually, I started working on speed. At the moment, I was doing fairly well, but there is no limit to improvement.

During this time, I accumulated a large supply of kvits. I managed to gather around fifty spirits. They should be sufficient for me in case of another astral journey. I was ready and hoping things would happen.

I also began experimenting with the small spirit. I placed one of the small spirits in a separate bottle. It looked repulsive, resembling a large fly without wings. I started feeding it with my chi. Over the course of a few days, the spirit grew significantly. It underwent slight changes and started to resemble an even more unpleasant insect. Wings began to grow on it. I gave it the name "Buzz." Currently, there is no conscious awareness in Buzz's actions. It simply lives inside the bottle and does not respond to my voice. Avdot became very interested in my experiment. The house spirit keeps an eye on Buzz, talking to it and trying to teach it something. I hope Avdot doesn't disrupt my experiment.

Two days ago, it was a day off, and I went to the marketplace with Lyra. I bought a comfortable backpack. Experienced rangers use such backpacks for their forest expeditions. It was expensive, but I couldn't resist and bought it. Compared to the backpacks in my world, this one still has a long way to go. However, the backpack is much more convenient than a regular shoulder bag. I also gathered various essential items for the journey. In my case, I always need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. For some reason, I am confident that I won't be able to stay in one place for long.

I also visited a master and placed an order for a brigandine maked to my size. Additionally, I ordered sturdy wrist guards made of thick metal and a pair of solid gauntlets. I considered getting shoulder guards as well, but I decided against it as the purchase would be too costly. There were no questions about the padded gambeson with long sleeves. I requested all the fabric components of the new gear to be dark green in color. I also asked for long strips of the same fabric to be cut. I planned to wrap these strips around my arms and partially camouflage the metal. The man looked at me very strangely, but he promised to do everything to the best of his ability and within the agreed timeframe. My budget was significantly depleted.

There was an old man wandering around me in the marketplace. He appeared to be an ordinary peasant. He would approach from the left, then from the right. I didn't like his penetrating gaze. It was only a day later that I remembered him. The elderly man was from Evan's village and recognized me.

Avdot reported that Elva had hidden her wealth in the attic and taken some of the money elsewhere. I didn't like this news at all. I doubted that someone like her would simply forget her fear and resentment. Perhaps the woman had recovered from the shock and come up with something. What could she have come up with that was original? She definitely wouldn't act through her husband. Maybe I'm too tainted by my own world, but I am certain that someone will come after my life. What kind of person would be willing to commit the murder of a child? Or am I judging everything based on the morals of my own world? In such moments, I realize that I am still far from being a local resident.

Yesterday, I noticed a man who was following me from home to the banukai. His face was crooked and soaked, lacking any signs of intelligence. If he is from Elva, then there is nothing to worry about. I need to make sure that is the case and then present Elva with the bill.

I have tried to astral project several times, but I haven't succeeded. It seems like I would experience the necessary sensation, but then overwhelming fear would take over and everything would come to a halt. All my senses would start screaming that I was about to die and that I should stop. Naturally, nothing would work. Why do spontaneous journeys happen, but I can't initiate them myself? No matter how much I think about it, I can't find any answers.

In the morning, everything was as usual. After breakfast, I went to the training ground. The same unpleasant man followed me. Across the street, I noticed another person who was pursuing me. He moved confidently, exuding strength. Perhaps a former legionnaire or ranger. He was in his fifties, with muscular arms and a face marked by old scars. A short sword hung by his side, and he wore a type of brigandine on his powerful torso. The warrior moved with ease and grace. This man was much more dangerous.

I ran. I tried to provoke them to act, but they didn't pursue me. Perhaps they didn't want to attract unnecessary attention by chasing a boy through the city streets. They seemed confident that they knew where to find me. Strange behavior. If they didn't intend to attack, why did the second warrior appear? Maybe they decided to take a chance. Let's see what happens next.

Hina met me in the courtyard. Her arms were crossed over her chest. Her face looked grim.

"Evan, can you get tired or are you an iron golem??" she asked.

"I'm human," I was taken aback, surprised by Hina's words in the morning.

"It's not noticeable. It's been ten days of training with me, and I feel like I'm getting more tired than you. How do you do it?"

"Your magical ointment helps me, " I shrugged carelessly. "It works wonders. Thank you..."

"Don't make a fool out of me, " muttered the girl.

"Yes, Hina... I wanted to let you know that I'll be absent for a few days. I want to go to the forest. You remember, right? I mentioned that sometimes I'll have matters to attend to."

"What are you going there for? " the girl asked with surprise. " Well... Never mind. It's none of my business."

She looked at me suspiciously, gave an uncertain grunt, and suggested warming up. Closer to noon, after our usual exercises, Hina said, "So, you're heading to the forest... Let's see what you've managed to learn."

I nodded and assumed my stance. Without hesitation, Hina launched her attack. Her left hand surged forward, aiming for my head. The strike was slow, and I could see it clearly. I performed a firm block with my right arm, then continued my movement. Naturally, my attack was predictable, and Hina easily defended against it. I didn't put much force behind the strike, as I expected nothing else in return. As I retracted my arm, Hina executed a series of strikes using the "komt" technique she had shown me a few days ago. She slightly increased her speed, but I managed to keep up. I successfully parried all her strikes and countered with a left strike to her ribs, taking advantage of the position. Hina effortlessly blocked my attack with her elbow, but I immediately initiated another attack. My right palm, swift as a snake, aimed for her ear. It was a feint. I wanted her to raise her defense and expose herself to my next move. Hina did just as I expected. As I rotated my thigh, my right leg crashed into her extended left leg, but... nothing happened. It felt like I had struck a tree with all my might, and Hina didn't even flinch. Meanwhile, her left hand swiftly darted towards my throat. From my unstable position, I couldn't do anything to defend myself.

"Speed and strength have increased. Very good." the girl summarized. "I hope everything will be fine with you."

Throughout the day, Hina demonstrated and explained the intricacies of the "komaz" technique. She showcased the various ways it could be utilized in combat. It became clear that simple hand movements could be applied in hundreds of different fighting scenarios. We didn't touch upon leg techniques yet. I hope I have enough years ahead of me to master the fundamentals of this fighting style.

As I walked home after training, I remained cautious, and it turned out to be a wise decision. Around the next corner, I came across three unfamiliar teenagers. In the distance, I spotted the familiar figures of two men. The group surrounded me, cutting off any chance of escape. In the center stood a tall, sturdy guy who began spouting nonsense and making ridiculous threats. The shorter, skinny guy on the right kept something concealed behind his back in his right hand. On the left stood another large teenager, holding a short club in his chubby hand.

The men closely watched our encounter. It became clear that there was nothing to talk about. The men came up with a simple way to keep their hands clean – they outsourced the job. They sent foolish teenagers to kill me while they stood there, controlling their actions. It was late, and the streets were empty. There was no one to ask for help.

I sharply jabbed my fingers into the guy's throat at the center. There was no room for remorse here; they came to kill. I pushed my energy forward and immediately took a step back. The guy hadn't realized yet that he was dead. He stood there, his eyes widening. Blood gushed from the cut on his neck. My energy didn't encounter the mages' reflection sphere, and all that appeared on the guy's neck was a clean incision, nothing more.

The guy on the right wasn't quick or experienced. It was probably his first serious encounter. He was too late. He attempted to stab with a knife - somewhere I was no longer present. The big guy on the left swung his right hand. They moved dreadfully slowly. I intercepted the skinny guy's wrist and continued moving forward. There was no resistance. The skinny teenager stumbled forward, and his knife easily pierced the chubby guy's abdomen. I pulled upwards and to the side. The wound widened. The strong guy's face contorted with a grimace of pain, and his club came down on the skinny teenager's arm. I was already standing behind the guy with the knife, my hand firmly gripping his neck. Only a hoarse sound escaped from his constricted throat. I pulled the guy back, and he didn't even try to resist. The big guy was already slumped on the ground. I intercepted the skinny hand with the knife and turned the blade towards the last enemy. Within moments, the knife was lodged in his eye socket.

I looked at the men, they looked at me. I let go of the lifeless body and darted around the corner. I dissolved into the darkness. After about fifteen minutes, I safely returned home. Everything seemed to have gone perfectly. There wasn't a drop of blood on me. The only doubt I had was whether acting so brutally was necessary. On the other hand, nobody would have shown me any mercy. I'd rather let them lie there, not me.

In the room, the armor I had ordered was lying there. Lira said that the master's assistant had delivered it. We had made prior arrangements for the delivery, all for a modest sum of silver. Everything fit perfectly. The clothing and the metal sat well, and it was comfortable. I was satisfied. Only further practice would show what needs to be changed and improved in the equipment.