Sometime later, i decided to pay a visit to the lake near the road to Luton.

It feels pleasantly warm and is crystal clear.

The side towards the road isn't very deep, so i should be fine if i stay here.

I can see an occasional fish near the surface.

In the old world, i didn't swim much during my training and when i did, it was only in indoor pools.

This'll be the first time i'll be swimming outside.

I do some basic stretches, undress to my underwear and slowly make my way into the water.

I brought an extra dry pair with me since i don't have any proper swimming gear.

My feet sink slightly in the sand, i just hope i don't step into anything nasty.

The water only reaches to my neck when i arrive to the center.

Since i'm in the water, i might as well bathe myself really quickly.

There, now i'm ready.

For starters, i decide to do laps by swimming from side to side.

The first few laps feel awkward as i try to relearn how to swim.

Coach advised me to swim occasionally to diversify my training but didn't teach any specific techniques.

There are some fishermen in the distance who give me curious looks but otherwise mind their own business, and i think i'm far enough not to disturb their fishing.

Up until now, i've only done jogging and running in the mornings and evenings, so i'll incorporate this into my routine.

I swim for about an hour and head back to shore because this was more of a test run but i did get a decent workout out of it.

Once i've dried myself and put my clothes back on, i begin heading home.

Walking the road back home, i notice some figures in the distance.

As i get closer, i see it's the elf girl i saw previously and also the same three boys who ripped her flowers.

They look to be around twice my age, about eight or nine.

They seem to be talking to her, but i can't hear about what from this distance.

She's holding the hem of her dress and looks down at the ground nervously.

She also has a flower crown on her head, probably made from the flowerfield next to her house.

I stick to the other side of the road and hear their conversation as i pass them by without them noticing.

"Look at her stupid elf ears, haha!"

Says the one in the middle and also biggest.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The three of them laugh loudly and one of them places his fingers next to his ears, as if to mimic hers.

Another one kicks dirt at her and it makes her white dress dirty, causing her to start tearing up.

She turns her head slightly and our eyes meet for a moment.

My eyes of indifference are met by her teary ones, clearly asking for help.

Our eye contact breaks and i continue walking with my hands in my pockets.

She should learn to defend herself and stand up to them.

Suddenly, the biggest boy grabs her flower crown off her head and starts waving it around.

"Haha, i got her stupid crown!"

He declares triumphantly and the two others cheer him on.

The elf girl panics and tries to speak up, but her voice is too quiet.

"P-Please, give it back..."

The boy ignores her and throws the crown to the ground then stomps on it, causing her to finally burst into tears.

For some reason, her crying causes me to stop.

I remember the day i was beaten by bullies in the old world.

How i cried and felt hopeless, wishing for someone to save me.

I contemplate if i should intervene or not.

If i keep walking, they'll most likely continue bullying her and i don't want to see that every time i pass around here.

"Sigh, god damn it."

The biggest boy grows more confident in his excitement and by the other two boys cheering.

He raises his right hand, clearly intending to slap her.

She turns her head away to shield herself.

His hand is about to make contact when it suddenly stops.

I managed to step in and grab his wrist with my left hand.

"W-What?"

The biggest boy stutters, confused and surprised, just like the two other boys.

The elf girl opens her eyes to see what's happening.

He tries to pull his hand free but fails as i hold it firmly.

"You've had your fun, now back off."

He gets furious and tries to grab my collar with his free hand, but i smack it away and strike him right in the solar plexus, causing him to gasp for air and fall to his knees as i let go.

"You'll pay for that!"

A second boy from his left screams and lunges at me.

He pulls his right hand back, making his attack obvious.

My experience from my past life kicks in and i swiftly side-step his fist.

I use this chance to counter-attack and strike his jaw with a right hook, knocking him out.

As the second boy falls to the ground, the third one uses the same tactic of charging at me for a grab attack.

To his surprise, i step-in and use a front kick on his stomach, sending him flying backwards.

The "fight" is over as fast as it started.

The biggest boy stumbles back on his feet, ready to strike me again but stops when he looks up at me.

I stare him down, his previous anger turns into fear when he realizes his friends are also struggling to get up.

"If i see you back here again, i'll kill you."

I speak slowly and with a threatening tone.

Overcome by terror, he runs away with his friends while screaming.

A little excessive but seeing them run makes me smile a little.

My first victory in this world, if one could call it that.

I take a look at my hands.

"This body might just be up to the task."

I look back at the girl, who is kneeling on the ground with her eyes closed.

"They're gone, you can get up now."

Slowly, she open her eyes and looks around.

"A-Are they gone?"

I walk past her and she suddenly grabs my sleeve.

"Um!"

I look at her.

"What?"

"Oh, um... i wanted to t-thank you."

She manages to speak up.

"M-My name is Alfreda, what's your name?"

I pull my hand away.

"Alex."

"Al... ex... Alex..."

She mutters my name and her moods changes completely.

"Thank you for saving me, Alex!"

I roll my eyes and begin walking back home.

"Whatever."

"Ah! Where are you going?"

She asks curiously.

"Home."

"Oh, okay."

I can hear her following me as i walk.

Whenever i turn around to look at her, she keeps an even distance and just smiles at me.

Are all elves this weird?

I thought she was walking back home but she keeps following me after we walk past it.

I finally arrive home and open the front gate.

She looks at our house, as if inspecting it.

"Is this your home?"

"Yep."

I answer and close the gate behind me.

Again, she just smiles and begins walking back.

I let out a deep sigh when i step inside.

My stomach growls and i head to kitchen, where i find Anna preparing dinner.

"Oh, hello Alex. Did you enjoy your swim?"

"Yeah, it was alright."

"Well, that's good to hear. Dinner will be ready soon~"

Later in the evening, faint steps can be heard from my room.

Deep in focus, i shadowbox, sweat dropping on the floor.

Even if it was against some kids, tonight's victory got my blood pumping a little.

Step, step, punch!

I'm relearning my footwork and punching precision.

Everyday, i can feel myself getting stronger and faster.

At midnight, exhaustion catches up to me and i pass out on my bed.