“Say, Zero, what do you know about combat crafts?” Tommy asked me.

“Hmm…” I tried to recall what I knew about combat crafts.

In the real world, there are a lot of combat crafts. Each one has its own strengths and purposes, though most are crafted specifically to defeat certain types of monsters.

I remember, back then, watching videos on NeoTube to learn about combat crafts—mostly just to look cool.

Each one showcased flashy and striking moves. Not gonna lie, they did look awesome.

I wonder when I’ll be able to do all that. At my age, game simulations are the best and most fun way to experience them.

But then again, that doesn’t really count because, in games, I get all the abilities of the character I’m playing. Using skills and combat crafts specifically designed for them can only happen in games.

Though, there are games that let you build your own skills and combat systems. Oh, how I miss those. Crafting the most overpowered builds and absolutely conquering the game was so satisfying.

“Perfectly balanced game with no exploits.” They said. It didn’t take Lia long to find a way to abuse those builds in ranked matches.

Wait, what was I supposed to be thinking about again? Ah, right. Combat systems—or, I mean, combat crafts.

“Combat crafts are how we fight?” I answered Tommy, not entirely sure if that was the right answer after drifting in my thoughts for so long.

“Well, yes, they are.” Tommy replied. “But more specifically, combat crafts are the culmination of your efforts, your experience, and your strategy brought together.” He paused. “For example, take one of the most famous combat crafts: The Celestial Way of Kick.”

Tommy demonstrated a fire-enhanced kick, flames swirling around his leg in a blaze of energy. “This combat craft focuses on enhancing kicks with the power of colors, so you don’t have to rely on weapons.” He followed up with a regular, precise kick. “It’s a versatile style that works with any color—including when you’re not using any color, which is especially useful if your color gets sealed.” He explained this all while his movements flowed like water, every kick deliberate and sharp.

I watched Tommy’s cool demonstration with admiration, though most of what he said flew right over my head.

Then, I remembered Lia showing off her cool new move at the cybercafe—a flying kick that impressed every kid watching. I wondered if that move was part of The Celestial Way Of Kick. But knowing her, she probably just made it up on the spot. Still, it was undeniably cool.

“Do you understand now, Zero?” Tommy asked, snapping me back to the present. I wasn’t sure how long he’d been talking.

“Hmm, yeah, I understand now.” I lied, nodding like I had it all figured out.

Combat crafts seemed like such a complicated thing to grasp, but I remembered this one video I watched where the content creator said, As long as you say, “I understand now.” You will understand it.

“Hmm, now that makes sense.” I murmured, even though, honestly, I still didn’t understand at all.

Tommy continued his lecture, which I promptly forgot, but I kept looking forward to his demonstrations because, honestly, they looked so cool.

He ignited fire on just his hands, flames dancing and flickering like living energy, and began shadow fighting.

“You see, when fighting an opponent, you need to predict their moves, blah blah blah…” he rambled on, his words slipping through my focus.

“But whenever they let their guard down…” he said, suddenly throwing a punch. Boom! A fiery fist erupted into the air, blazing brightly like a meteor on its ascent.

“Woahhh, that’s so cool!” I exclaimed, eyes wide.

Tommy didn’t stop there. He kept the demonstrations coming, each one more explosive than the last. Punches that detonated like fireworks, kicks that left fiery trails in the air—it was like watching a battle-ready Vanguards show off. Then he unveiled his signature move, the one he used when fighting Lia before.

“This is my Beast Aura.” He declared. Fire surged around him, flowing through his hair and engulfing his body in a roaring, bestial blaze. Flames shaped like claws and fangs materialized, making him look like a fiery apex predator.

But just as quickly, the inferno subsided, and he returned to his normal state. “However, that’s just stage one.” He added, a sly grin on his face, hinting at untapped strength. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was just acting tough after his loss to Lia.

“Did you get the gist of combat crafts now?” Tommy asked, snapping me back to the present.

“…” I paused, my mind blank. Most of his explanations had evaporated from my memory, leaving only the cool moves etched in my head.

“Yes, I understand now.” I lied, nodding with a face as stoic and confident like a sigma alpha male.

Tommy raised an eyebrow, his expression filled with doubt. He shot me a look that screamed, hella sus.

“Then tell me.” He said, clearly not buying my act.

My brain scrambled to piece together what I’d heard so far, forming tenuous connections from the scattered fragments. My neurons fired up as I replayed snippets of his words in my head: Blah blah blah combat… blah blah blah this… blah blah blah that… Wabam! Epic transformation, stage one.

“Combat craft is simple.” I declared proudly, as though I had deciphered an ancient riddle.

I struck a shadow-fighting stance, imagining a dark, menacing figure in front of me. It wasn’t just any foe—it was an alter, evil version of me. His aura radiated malice, his mocking grin daring me to attack.

I launched a punch at his face, but he dodged effortlessly, his smirk widening as if taunting me.

“Oh, you think you’re slick?” I muttered, unleashing a barrage of fists. But he weaved through every strike like a phantom. “Damn you, smug-looking brat monster!”

Frustration simmered in me, but then I remembered Tommy’s teachings—or at least, the vibe of them.

“Calm yourself, my child. You are a warrior. And as a warrior, you must suppress your rage.” Came a deep, resonant voice.

“Grandpa Tommy?” I gasped, looking around. The battlefield had transformed, the space now an endless epic battle arena. Young Tommy was gone. Grandpa Tommy, too, was nowhere to be seen, his voice echoing as though from the heavens. All that remained was his wisdom—and his combat crafts.

“I understand now, Master!” I declared, my focus sharpening. I turned to face the shadow monster once again, this time with resolve blazing in my eyes.

I launched a series of punches, not aiming to land them but predicting his movements. My eyes followed his patterns, and when the moment was right, I spun and delivered a kick to the spot I knew he’d move to. He couldn’t dodge it—but he blocked it with his hand!

“Tch, I underestimated you.” I muttered, narrowing my eyes. But it was all within my calculations. With one hand occupied blocking my kick, I threw a punch toward his face. He leaned his head back to avoid it, but I’d predicted that too.

Wabam! I yelled triumphantly. “Fire fist!”

…

…

The shadow monster stood there, staring at me with an amused smile.

No fire fist came out.

“What the—?”

Before I could react, the monster struck, a sneaky blow sending me flying face-first into the ground.

“Bro, are you okay?” I heard Tommy’s voice, concerned yet tinged with amusement as he checked on me.

“Y-yeah… I lost to the shadow.” I admitted, pushing myself up from the ground, dusting off my clothes.

Tommy chuckled, covering his face with one hand as he shook his head slowly.

“W-what?! I did my best!” I protested, feeling both embarrassed and defensive.

“What are you even doing?” Tommy asked, a mix of amazement and confusion in his tone.

“I was doing that shadow fighting thing you showed me.” I explained, genuinely perplexed. I thought I had followed his demonstration perfectly.

“…” he stared at me, pausing for a moment with a look that screamed suspicion.

“What? I was just fighting a shadow monster. Can’t you see it? It was right there!” I insisted, recounting bizarre experience I had just gone through.

Tommy scratched his head, his expression shifting to something between bewilderment and disbelief.

“I even heard an old man’s voice from the sky! I thought it was you—Grandpa Tommy!” I added, as if that clarified everything.

“I’m not a grandpa!” he snapped, rolling his eyes.

“Hmm, weird.” I muttered, eyeing him skeptically.

“But wait.” Tommy said, his interest suddenly piqued. “You said you were fighting a shadow monster. What did it look like?”

“It looked just like me.” I replied, recalling the chilling sight. “But, you know, evil-looking. Like a villain version of me. I think he’s Dark Zero.”

Tommy pressed a hand to his forehead, sighing in disbelief. “I almost forgot for a moment that you’re actually just a kid.” He said, chuckling to himself.

“I am a kid!” I shot back. “But what I showed you had nothing to do with my age. I was just doing what you did earlier.”

“Hmm, okay.” Tommy said, his voice lowering thoughtfully. “Perhaps this can work too.” He murmured to himself.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“How was it, though? I looked cool, right? The whole environment changed as I focused and fought Dark Zero!” I exclaimed, eager for some validation.

“Well… aside from the part where you suddenly lost balance and fell flat on your face.” Tommy teased, his laughter barely contained.

“But that Dark Zero was strong!” I defended myself.

“Still, there’s a lot to improve.” Tommy said, raising an eyebrow. “But you haven’t answered me yet—what do you understand about combat crafts?”

“Well…” I trailed off, thinking back to my fight with Dark Zero. The memory played out vividly in my mind.

“Based on my fight with Dark Zero, I learned how to adapt and improve my moves. I realized I needed to strategize my attacks, luring him to a position where I could confidently land a kick. And when he blocked it, I anticipated his defense and was ready to follow up with a punch to his face—a punch that would blow him apart with Fire Fist.” I spoke with a mix of pride and determination, recounting the intense battle in detail.

“Combat craft is about crafting your own combat style. It’s based on your experience, the critical thinking you apply, and the hits you successfully land on your opponent. So, in conclusion, what you’re trying to teach me is your own combat craft—one you’ve developed through experience. It’s a style meant for protection, not for killing, like you said before, right?” I finished with a confident grin, feeling like I’d nailed it.

Tommy looked genuinely surprised. “I see… so you did understand it.” He said, nodding in satisfaction.

“…” I froze, suddenly struck by a realization.

Combat craft just means combat craft. It’s as simple as that!

What the heck, Tommy?! Why would you overcomplicate this? It’s literally in the name!

Tommy reminded me of those school teachers who always made simple concepts overly complicated—just so they could explain them and look cool.

* * *

“Alright, Zero, keep running! Don’t stop until you’ve done a complete ten rounds.” Tommy said, jogging steadily beside me.

We ran from the waterfall back to our camp, a distance of about 1.5 kilometers each way—or so Tommy had mentioned earlier.

“Hah… hah… hah…” My breaths came out heavy and labored. Tired. In a game. Would you look at that?

“Tommy, aren’t you tired?” I asked, glancing at him as he kept pace effortlessly beside me.

“Not really.” He replied casually. “Once you’ve awakened your color, most of your stamina gets used for color abilities. I’m used to cardio and stamina training.” His breathing remained calm, not a single bead of sweat on him.

“It’s also about the way you breathe. Of course, I’ll teach you a breathing technique soon.” Tommy added, sounding way too composed for someone running.

“Hah… hah… hah…” My breaths grew heavier. We were only on our third round, and my legs were already wobbling. The fatigue from last night hadn’t even left me yet.

“You said… hah… a breathing… huh… technique? Hah…” I gasped, my words stumbling out in rhythm with my failing legs.

“Is it the… hah… one you’re… hah… using?” I asked, as my legs began shaking violently.

“No… my breathing technique is specifically tailored for my red color abilities. You remember what that girl said about it… right?” Tommy replied, though his voice carried a hint of conflict.

“Hah! Hah… ah!” My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground, breathing hard. This body… so weak. Was I really this weak in real life?

Tommy stopped running and looked down at me. “It’s fine if we take a break for now.”

“Huu… huu… hu… ahhh…” I gasped, trying to catch my breath and calm my racing heart. “That was… so hard…” I complained between gulps of air.

“Hmmm?” Tommy looked at me, clearly amused. “Actually, the minimum training run for Vanguards is 100 kilometers. So this? This is really nothing.” He chuckled as though he’d just issued me a challenge.

“Ha… th-that’s great… huu…” I muttered sarcastically, still trying to stabilize my breathing. 100 kilometers? Was that even possible for me?

“What about your breathing technique again?” I asked, remembering the conflicted look on his face earlier now that I had mostly caught my breath.

Tommy sat down beside me, his usual composure dimmed just a bit. “Well… it’s one I created myself. Breathing techniques are designed to control your color flow. Every ability may comes with its own side effects. For my red ability—fire—it not only burns through my stamina but also burns my skin. If I don’t control it properly… it could burn my entire body.”

What?! This was new. I knew about the side effects—Lia had mentioned them—but not to this extent. Not to the point where it could kill you.

“That’s why most countries have banned self-destructive color abilities like fire for common people.” Tommy explained, his voice steady. “Not only are they dangerous to others, but they’re also dangerous to the user.”

“But with breathing techniques, that problem can be solved, right? So why is it still banned?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“The thing is.” Tommy said, leaning back slightly. “Not everyone is lucky enough to know someone who can teach them a breathing technique that suits their ability, such techniques often monopolized by organizations. And not everyone is talented enough to figure it out on their own. For most people, it’s easier to avoid using those abilities altogether, even if they’ve awakened them. That’s just the kind of world we live in.”

“What about you?” I asked, my curiosity growing.

“For me… it was the latter. But I wouldn’t really call it talent. I worked hard for it.” Tommy said quietly, his gaze distant. “I was forced to awaken my ability. To survive, I had to control it. My hometown… it was cruel and brutal…” his voice trailed off, tinged with a sadness that hinted at the harsh realities he’d faced in his life.

I wanted to ask more, to dig deeper into his past, but something stopped me—the realization slowly sinking in.

Despite what Lia had said pointing towards Tommy. She had also told me not to judge anyone based on their color alone.

I stood up from the ground, brushing off the dust clinging stubbornly to my clothes.

“Alright, let’s continue the training!” I said, forcing energy into my voice to mask my exhaustion.

“Yeah, let’s.” Tommy replied, pushing himself up with ease, looking completely unaffected by the break.

“This is just the beginning, though. I’ll make sure you can run 100 kilometers without a single complaint—or a single rest.” He teased, flashing a grin that practically screamed challenge.

“Gah! Hmm… I wonder how long that’ll take…” I groaned, rubbing the back of my neck nervously. “Isn’t this just a game? Why don’t we, you know, take it slow?”

“Well, who’s to say this is truly just a game?” Tommy countered, his tone more serious now. “It’s best to be prepared for whatever ordeal lies ahead of us.”

He motioned for me to follow. “Come on, let’s go! You’ve got bodyweight training after this, too.”

“Gah! Oh man…” I whined, dragging my feet. “That shadow fighting was way more fun than this endless running.”

“More running, less complaining.” Tommy shot back with a smirk. “I swear, I’ll make you strong, Zero.” His grin widened, his confidence almost infuriating.

“Yeah! Hah!” I panted in response, already struggling to steady my breathing.

I guess this is how people get stronger in real life—pushing past their limits until they can’t complain anymore. Well, whatever. If this game really is based on reality… game is still game.

And I’ll conquer this game!

* * *

I’m so much weaker than I expected…

After finally finishing 10 rounds of running…

I collapsed immediately.

“You took more breaks than I expected.” Tommy said, standing over me with a slight smirk.

“Huu… ha…” I tried to stabilize my ragged breathing, sprawled out on the ground, staring up at the night sky.

This is just a game… this is just a game…

The stars twinkled above, indifferent to my suffering. My legs screamed with every pulse of blood coursing through them, aching from all the relentless running. Fatigue wasn’t supposed to feel this real in a game.

“It’s already night.” Tommy chuckled, clearly amused. “I’ll go make us some food.”

“Hah… huuu… sorry to trouble you, Tommy.” I managed to croak out between breaths.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” He said casually, heading toward the river, leaving me in my pitiful state.

Just 15 kilometers… and I’m completely spent. The real me could probably handle this. Right?

Maybe…

[Why would you even try?]

The thought appeared out of nowhere, cutting through my exhaustion.

Hmm… because this world feels so real? And I need to prepare myself for what’s ahead?

[Won’t that all be pointless once you leave this world?]

The questions dug deeper, gnawing at the edges of my resolve.

Hmmm… maybe. But honestly, this training is starting to feel… kind of fun? It doesn’t feel wasted.

The questions stopped, leaving me behind a strange clarity.

To be fair… I don’t have any grand heroic motivation or burning passion…

Or… no. Maybe I do. I’m going to conquer this game and get back to the real world. That’s my goal.

“Yosh!!! I’m motivated now!” I shouted, forcing myself to stand and thrusting my fist into the air in triumph.

Only to fall straight back down.

“Zero!” Tommy’s startled voice came from the riverbank. He stared at me, wide-eyed.

“Hehe…” I laughed weakly, looking at him in embarrassment. “I’m fine.”

After dinner, Tommy gave me a firm pat on the back. “You’ve earned a break tonight.” He said with a grin. “Judging by your current condition, we’ll hold off on bodyweight training until tomorrow. You still need to get used to moving in this world.”

“Yeah… thanks.” I muttered, feeling a strange mix of relief and determination.

Tomorrow, though… tomorrow, I’ll show him what this body can do. Or at least, I’ll try.

* * *

The next day.

“You evil bastard! How could you do that to poor little Zero?” Lia exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at Tommy, her eyes blazing with indignation.

“But, Lia, I must get stronger.” I tried to explain, my tone more defensive than I intended.

“Sigh…” she let out a long, dramatic sigh.

She took a deep breath, her chest rising slowly, while Tommy remained silent, standing still like a stone statue.

“Alright, since you’ve monopolized Zero’s entire day yesterday, today, he’ll train with me.” Lia declared, her voice ringing with finality.

But, Lia, you also took my time to give me a lecture yesterday…

“Surely, but that’s up to Zero’s decision.” Tommy said, finally breaking his silence as he turned to look at me, his gaze steady and patient.

Lia also turned to me, her lips curving into a mischievous grin.

“Nope.” She cut in before I could respond, grabbing my arm firmly, her eyes glowing an ethereal white.

In an instant, the world around us dissolved, and we were whisked away to a completely different place, leaving Tommy behind without a word.

“Today, we’ll awaken your class transformation.” Lia announced, her grin now wider, almost smug.

“Don’t worry, I’ll carry you!” She added confidently, puffing out her chest as if to emphasize her determination.

“Hmm… okay…” I muttered, feeling a twinge of guilt about abandoning Tommy like that.

“Hehe ~ Good, good.” She said, clearly pleased. “In this world, there are nine main classes: Villager, Bandit, Knight, Mercenary, Noble, Royalty, Hero, Evil, and Seer.” She explained with the air of a seasoned teacher. “I’m sure you already know this since it’s common knowledge here.”

“Yep, yep.” I replied, nodding along.

“Which class do you want to awaken?” She asked. Her eyes sparkling with excitement as she leaned closer.

“Hmm…” I began, putting on my best thinking face.

“Is it possible to awaken any class?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“Of course!” She said with certainty, nodding eagerly.

“What about the Bandit class?” I finally said, a sly grin spreading across my face.

“Ehh? Why Bandit? Don’t you hate that? That’s the worst class…” she replied, looking at me as though I’d just declared I wanted to live in hellish swamp.

“Well, doesn’t it seem cool? Besides, I could be upgraded to an Assassin. That would be sick.” I countered, already imagining myself as a shadowy figure darting through the night.

“Ugh… I think you should reconsider. I’m sure you know that being in the Bandit class makes this whole world your enemy. Most people would attack you on sight if they knew you were a Bandit.” She explained, her tone more serious now.

I mulled over her words for a moment before leaning in and whispering my plan into her ear. As I spoke, I could see her expression shift from shock to intrigue, and finally to excitement.

After seeing Tommy’s Seer class transformation, I had to admit it looked incredible. Something like the Hero class also seemed appealing. But wouldn’t that be so… cliche?

I’d spent a lot of time thinking last night. If this really was just a game world, shouldn’t I enjoy it and take my time exploring everything it had to offer?

“Lia, what do you think about this world? Everything here feels real, right? But isn’t this just a game?” I asked her, my curiosity getting the better of me.

However, Lia’s expression shifted as though my question had struck a nerve. She seemed lost in thought.

“Hmm… if… revive… then…” she began muttering under her breath, her words barely audible.

“Revive?” I repeated, my interest piqued.

“N-no, it’s nothing.” She said quickly, waving off my question.

Her mood shifted in an instant.

“Alright! What you’re planning sounds fun.” She said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “However, we need to prepare for whatever lies ahead.” She added, reaching into her dimensional space.

She pulled out what appeared to be a mask, its shape unnervingly familiar like a ski mask.

“Is this…” I began, trailing off as a realization dawned. “A torturer’s mask?!” I exclaimed, utterly baffled.

“Ohhh, so you do know what a torturer’s mask looks like.” She teased, smirking. “With this, our identities will be protected while we do that thing you planned.” She said, sliding on her own white torturer’s mask.

I reluctantly took the black torturer’s mask she handed me. As much as I hated to admit it, it did look pretty cool. Where did she got this from?

“Here, wear this too.” She said, pulling out a sleek black outfit tailored around my size.

“Alright.” I said, accepting the clothes.

“…”

“…”

“Come on, wear it.” She urged, tapping her foot impatiently.

“…” I stared at her blankly.

“What?” she asked, tilting her head and smiling innocently.

“Can you not look?” I snapped, my face heating up.

“Oh my, I forgot.” She said, her tone dripping with mock innocence.

She kept watching me.

“Fine, I’ll just go behind that bush to change.” I muttered, stomping toward the nearest shrub for some semblance of privacy. “Don’t look!” I gave her warning, as I glanced back to find her still looking in my direction.

“Don’t you also need to change?” I asked as I finished pulling on the outfit.

“Hm?” she said before armor began materializing over her body in shimmering waves of light.

“Knights… with a torturer’s mask for a head.” I said, raising an eyebrow.

“Now I look hella cool!” she said, spinning dramatically as if to show off her new look.

It does look cool.

“Do you have any ideas on how we should proceed with the plan I mentioned?” I asked.

“Of course!” she replied proudly, flashing a grin as wide as her mask would allow.