In the game, right after the prologue, time skips forward to chapter 1, Which happens 8 years from now.

But since this world is no longer a game, I would have to spend those 8 years by myself.

This is not bad since it just means I will have that much extra time to prepare for the future.

But it also means that I must do all the hard work and practice the protagonist did to become strong.

At the very least, I have to become as strong as him in chapter 1 within those 8 years, but--

'It was hard.'

Was it level 6 in aura, becoming a 6th circle mana user, and raising his gift from grade F to C?

'I can do it if I try. This body had that much potential, after all. But now that I think about it, just how desperate did Raon Eva become after losing his village to monsters? It's not a strength of will any ordinary 10-year-old could have.'

Then again, he's the protagonist of the world who survived and killed the final boss when everyone else died. A person who can't die even when he's killed.

He wouldn't be the protagonist if he didn't have that much strength of will.

'I have to do better.'

I picked up my wooden sword and headed out to the forest.

"You're here, Raon."

I met Bianca there. She was sitting on a tree stump and waving at me with a smile. It had been three days since she had come to this village.

At first, my mother was terrified when I introduced her as a dragon. So Bianca pulled my cheek all day as she sulked, asking me what she should do if I scared my mom away like that. I later told my mom it was a joke and that Bianca was just a great person who saved my life. I even added that she was the one who put the fire in the village.

Thanks to that, she was well-received not just by my family but also by the villagers.

Of course, nothing much has changed except for Bianca and my mom excitedly talking about this and that from my childhood and Bianca hugging me every now and then.

'I feel embarrassed, really.'

So I thought today would be no different than usual, but…

"What is it?"

"No, well… I didn't expect to see you here at all."

"I see. As much as I enjoy being with other humans, I came here to be with you after all. So wouldn't it be normal for me to stick close to you 24/7?"

"Is that normal? No, wait, at least not in public…!"

"Eh~ What's wrong with showing affection in public? Eii!"

Bianca jumped at me and giggled.

She fully intends to stick close to me as much as possible.

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It's okay, though; I actually like the gesture.

"So, what are you doing, hm?"

She put her forehead on mine and closed her eyes. Then, her face stiffened as she looked at me.

"You're practicing like that? Why?"

"Yes? What do you mean why? How else am I going to practice?"

"Eh? But it's so inefficient! Can't you see your body's condition? Look, rather than building strength, aren't you injured here and there?"

She was right.

I was practicing like the protagonist would in his later days. But I only know how he practiced after chapter 1, meaning after his gift had awakened to some extent and he was somewhat immune to injuries.

So it wouldn't be weird for me, who hadn't awakened that gift, to be injured at this point.

'Then again, I thought it was a good method despite the risk of injuries.'

Was the protagonist's method wrong?

"But I don't know other methods of practice."

I will say it again, but I'm a modern man who rarely leaves his home.

So, let alone learning martial arts, I don't even know how to exercise and build muscle properly.

All I know is second knowledge from media or watching the characters practice every now and then.

'The problem is, every character's way to practice is unique. As if tailored to fit their personal needs.'

If I tried, I might be able to compare it to real-life martial arts. But when they add mana and aura, and even acrobatic movements that I don't understand the meaning of, I can't help but just put my trust and leave them alone.

"Is it necessary to practice at all?"

I nodded.

"I have to get stronger."

"Why?"

"That's… To save this world?"

"Oh…"

She smiled and looked at me warmly.

"Kuhm… I see. Boys sure love that, don't they."

No, I'm embarrassed to say that with my mouth, so please stop looking at me with such compassion.

"Hehe, so cute."

It seemed like her image of me had grown stronger in a weird direction.

"Anyway, I understand. If the reason you did such inefficient training is because you don't know, then I'll help you practice."

It was an unexpected offer.

"Why?"

Honestly, I have done nothing to receive so much favor from her. But she continues to give without expecting to receive anything back in return.

"Huh? What do you mean why? Isn't it because I like you?"

"Eh?"

She likes me? It doesn't mean she just finds me cute, doesn't it?

To be honest, hearing a pretty girl say she likes me felt very good.

It must be because I have no dating experience before, so I can't help but feel conscious even though the other person might simply say it in a non-romantic way.

"Oh, that's a good reaction. Your face is all red, you know?"

Keuk… I can't refute that.

Really, I'm glad my hormones didn't go crazy like a teenager would. But I see that my heart can still beat like crazy even though there are no sexual reactions just yet.

It's a wonder of the human body.

"Anyway, I can write several skill books if you want, whether it's magic, martial arts, or healing arts. All you need to do is open those books, and poof! The book will disappear, and you'll learn the basics. All that's left is to raise the skill proficiency to mastery whenever you self-study. Even better, I can even teach you myself if you're stuck somewhere."

"Wow."

That's such a good offer it would feel weird to refuse.

"You seemed to like it. Hehe. So, how about it?"

"I really like it. Please help me! Teacher!"

Honestly, it was the best thing I could ask for.

"Sure! Of course, now that you're my disciple, you must listen to every word I say, right?"

"Hm?"

Something… something is not right. Bianca was smiling, but somehow, I felt like my dignity was being threatened?

"Hehe, hehehe… I look forward to it."

It was not until later that I realized the danger I was in.