Two days had passed since the last battle.

The fight with Rendo made me realize my weaknesses.

Of course, fear — numbness and the adrenaline surge.

If I don't address this properly, it could significantly affect the outcome of future battles. I need to put myself into various situations and overcome them to grow stronger.

Although I wasn't a martial arts master in my past life, I still have a few basic techniques in my arsenal.

For now, that should be enough. The key is to control the body, breathing, and emotions. If I can do that, even ten opponents might not stand a chance against me.

By the way, I shouldn't have been feeling such strong fear. Maybe it's something instinctively imprinted in this body from its former owner. Even after his death, the fear remained.

Analyzing what happened, a strange thought crossed Ao's mind.

«I'm in another world. So, there should be some possibility, right?»

— System, open my profile, — Ao commanded mentally.

[ Processing request... ]

[ Updating current stats... ]

[ Changes applied! ]

[ Zzzp! ]

Name: Aenari Remire

Age: 7 (estimated - 21)

HP: 30

MP: 40

Strength: 2

Agility: 4

Intelligence: 12

Vitality: 8

[ Status: Assimilation of soul and body in progress ]

[ Progress: 44.6% ]

«I was right! The progress has increased significantly since the last check.»

Maybe, if I kill them, the process bar might reach 100%!

For now, I lack the means, but soon, I'll achieve my goal. I’m also glad that this progress is helping me improve control over my body. That alone is motivation enough to get rid of them quickly!" thought Aenari with anticipation.

A knock on the door interrupted Ao's musings.

— Young master, we’ve arrived. May we come in?

— I've been expecting you. Enter.

— My master, I heard you called me to ask about goods, prices, and their differences.

«How convenient, I didn’t even have to say it aloud.»

— You’re right. Tell me everything you know.

— Very well, I’ll begin.

For the next half hour, Alfred shared all his knowledge. I managed to retain about 70% of it, which should suffice for now.

All this knowledge will help avoid mistakes in buying or selling goods in the future.

— Alfred.

— Yes, my master?

— Do you have any poison potions? I need them for an experiment. Don’t tell my parents about this; they might ruin everything.

— Can you acquire them?

— I believe I can, if I try.

«I wonder what the young master is planning?»

Sunset.

After an evening run, I returned for dinner.

— Little Ao, you’re looking healthier. And your complexion is rosier, too. Must be thanks to your training. Don’t overdo it, though, — Tina said with concern.

— I understand, Mother.

There are only a few days left. I should draft a new list of short-term goals for the next few years.

While Aenari chuckled, working on his plans, the sound of his laughter reached the servants.

— The young master seems so happy. Did something good happen, Alicia? — Alfred asked, showing mild interest.

«He wasn’t even this happy when I brought him the poison potions," Alfred mused.»

— I’m not sure, but his laughter feels... nice, — Alicia murmured softly, causing Alfred to shake his head as he left.

A New Day.

With little time before lessons begin, I decided to meet everyone and help guide their development. I'm sure their assistance will be invaluable in the future, so I need to strengthen their loyalty to me.

With Alfred and the guards' help, I gathered everyone to avoid running around.

Soon, cheerful voices reached from outside.

— Ah, here they are.

— Haha! Didn’t expect we’d visit you so soon, brother Ao, — Kazen said enthusiastically as he walked through the gates.

— If only you’d seen how excited Shizuku was, — teased Rena, tugging at Shizu’s cheeks.

— Not true! — Shizu retorted, sticking her tongue out.

While the others were having fun, Elin sighed hopelessly, while Risell seemed deep in thought.

— I see you’ve all arrived. I’ve prepared a little surprise for you.

Hearing Ao’s words, excitement filled the group.

— Aenari, what’s the surprise? Tell us! — Utsin exclaimed eagerly.

As Aenari explained, he led them to the southern outskirts of the settlement. There, near the defensive walls, lay the Watchful District, a training ground where future defenders honed their skills under the strict gaze of instructors. The clanging of steel, shouted commands, and heavy breathing of aspiring warriors filled the air.

Our arrival did not go unnoticed.

— Are these the ones the lord mentioned? — a muscular shield-bearer asked his sparring partner.

— I believe so. I’ll escort them to the inner training hall.

— Very well. I’ll go inform the lord of their arrival.

Nodding to his companion, the shield-bearer turned to us.

— Kids, I am Daron, the lord’s unyielding shield.

— A pleasure to meet you, Lord Daron! — we responded in unison.

On the way, Risell, Utsin, and Elin eagerly asked him about his skills and abilities, exclaiming in amazement at his responses.

Finally, we reached the inner training hall. Handing out sheets of paper, Ao began explaining that they contained personalized basic body techniques for each of them. In truth, Ao couldn’t have created these techniques on his own. His father, Akano, had helped.

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— Wow! Ao-kun, you’re truly helping us out! If what you’re saying is true, this is incredible! — Kazen expressed gratitude, followed by the others.

— Trust me, it’s not time to thank me just yet, — Ao replied with a grin.

Suddenly, Akano’s voice boomed as he entered.

— So, everyone’s here!

— Lord Akano! Are you going to train us personally? — Risell asked in surprise.

— Of course! I have the most experience here, so trust me.

Their eyes widened in shock at his words.

— Hahaha! — Akano laughed heartily at their reactions.

After over two hours of training, the group had mastered the basics. Now they could train independently for the next year, occasionally consulting Akano when they encountered challenges.

Time passed unnoticed. Exhausted, we finally left the Watchful District and went our separate ways.

Before taking Shizu home, I gave her the final two phases of exercises since she had grasped everything so well. Perhaps I rushed this decision, but it would ease my burden if she became stronger, even slightly.

— See you later, big brother Ao, — Shizuku waved goodbye.

— She’s smiling a lot more now, — Ao said uncertainly.

— It’s all thanks to you, young master. Aren’t you happy? — Alfred asked doubtfully, stepping out of the shadows.

— Everything’s fine. I said that because it’s amazing to see her change.

As it turned out, Alfred had a treasure of camouflage given by Akano, allowing him to protect me from the shadows.

Returning home, I reread all the books I needed, managing to memorize about three-quarters of their information. It’s still not enough, but it’ll do for now.

To my surprise, I also managed to learn the stats of my friends. They were about one-third weaker than me — a considerable gap.

Based on my observations, it seems the former owner’s stats combined with mine, creating this difference. Or perhaps I received additional advantages simply for being from another world.

I have no definitive answer, but at least my higher stats should help me dominate. I hope.

With these thoughts, Aenari fell asleep.

The morning of the next day.

After a good night's sleep and a refreshing wash, I decided to sleep a bit more. When I finally got up, the sun was shining brilliantly. Opening the window, I felt a cool breeze sweep through me and my room, filling it with freshness.

— Young Master, good morning! May I clean your room?

«Judging by the sound of the wind and the opening window, she must've figured out I was awake.»

— You may enter. Thank you for your hard work.

— You don't need to thank me, Young Master.

— Once you're done, come downstairs, and we'll eat together.

— It will be done! Wait, um... what? But we, servants, aren't allowed to dine at the same table as our masters.

— Don’t think about it.

— This… alright. — Alicia replied with a forced smile.

Soon after, we had breakfast together. Though she looked rather out of place, all I could do was sigh.

Afterwards, I went outside to practice some combat techniques and exercises that still lingered in my memory.

Meanwhile, Alicia, feeling guilty, decided to clean the house again. Her efforts were obvious, as everything sparkled.

But if you looked closely, she even seemed happy.

«How little it takes for some people to be happy. Of course, this only applies to certain people.»

Having finished my exercises, I returned to study the system more seriously.

Holding a book in my hands, I gave a command:

— System, save the original data.

There was no response.

— System, modify my stats. Open the database…

After an hour of countless attempts to interact with the system, Ao finally gave up.

However, he remembered one function he had found — the ability to see growth measurements, both his own and others', if given the command.

«And what’s the point of this? To remind me how small I am compared to my friends?»

At the moment, it was indeed of little use, but in the right situation, it might come in handy. Ao understood this but still wasn’t thrilled. After all, it wasn’t helping him now.

«Wait! I have poison potions in my possession. Should I kill something large with them? Would that level me up? Or are levels nonexistent here altogether?»

Recently, I had asked my parents and Alfred about levels, but they seemed perplexed.

In this world, power is determined by ranking, not levels! Even to become a first-rank warrior or mage requires immense effort, training, combat experience, and finally, resources for advancement.

My parents don’t want to reveal too much, claiming that I’ll find answers to many of my questions at school, so I won’t get bored there.

«Seems like I’ve been sitting here too long.»

Walking through the town center with a lollipop in my mouth, I saw children around two or three years old, loving mothers and fathers, guards discussing their drinks and skills, and cute animals that had been taken in or bought.

«Quite a crowd today.»

While looking around, I noticed a tall guard in armor, holding a spear.

I called out to him a couple of times. But because of the noise and his limited view in the armor, he didn’t notice me. Walking closer, I kicked him.

— Bang!

Everyone turned to look at me, Aenari.

— Doesn’t this child know to respect the law?

— Who knows, but his family will definitely hear about this.

— Sigh, foolish child…

The guard slowly looked around but, seeing no one, thought he imagined it. Then — bang!

— Hey! Are you asleep? I’m talking to you. Or are you deaf?

The guard finally realized the kick came from below. Lowering his head, he recognized who it was and immediately bowed, hastily apologizing.

— Forgive me, Young Master! This subordinate was blind and deaf.

— Fine, but let it be the last time.

— Of course!

— Then, carry me. I want to walk around, but my legs are tired, and you’ll help me out. Or are you refusing?

— Definitely not! I’ll do as you say.

«Otherwise, the lord will kill me, the guard thought as a shiver ran down his spine.»

Taking the spear in his right hand, the guard swiftly lifted Aenari and seated him on his shoulders. Together, they headed toward the center, the eastern part of the city, where, according to the townsfolk, a performance was set to take place.

— That...

— Who was that just now?

— I know him. He's the son of Lord Akano, one of the strongest men among us.

— Now it makes sense why the giant was so polite.

— I've seen that child before too. I thought he was taken in out of pity. But now that I look closely, he does resemble his father and mother a little.

— It doesn't matter. Let's go.

And once again, everything returned to normal.

On the way, the guard explained that traveling merchants and performers had visited their land. They were the ones creating such a commotion in the city while displaying unseen goods.

And so, they arrived.

Exotic goods, rare herbs, elixirs, various beasts, weapons, and more could all be found here. Seeing the bustling crowds, Aenari was amazed; there were even more people than on execution day.

As they strolled through, they naturally attracted curious gazes. After all, who wouldn't notice a giant strolling around with a child on his shoulders? Questions arose about who they were, and more informed townsfolk began sharing their insights, dispelling doubts.

— Do you know where I can find fabric or cloth?

— I know a place. But first, we'll have to take a short detour before we get there.

— Excellent. Lead the way.

— As you wish.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by a wide variety of fabrics—low-quality, ordinary, some of elite quality, and even mixed types. Aenari knew he would soon need specific battle attire. With such rare goods available, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

While browsing, Aenari noticed many intriguing weapons but decided to delay his choice. What weapon should I choose in the future? Aenari resolved to approach this matter seriously.

— Put me down for a moment.

Once on the ground, Aenari began carefully inspecting the fabrics.

«Hmm, only the elite and mixed-quality ones are acceptable. According to Alfred, the other two tear easily and soak up moisture like a sponge.»

Quickly bypassing the low-grade fabrics, Aenari moved on to the elite ones. Their texture and stretch were impressively crafted. However, not wanting to spend unnecessarily, he meticulously went over each option again.

— Does that guy even know how to pick fabric?

— Fool! Watch your mouth. Can't you see that giant over there?

The remark was apt since the giant was indeed glaring at the two gawkers.

— Haha… I-I didn’t mean him. I meant you. Let’s just go.

— You scoundrel!

The giant merely chuckled at their antics.

Meanwhile, Aenari was pleasantly surprised.

«Yes! Could I actually be lucky for once? His heart raced with excitement.»

But he needed a strategy. Among the low-quality fabrics, there was a magical fabric of a special class. The old merchant likely had no idea he was sitting on a rare treasure. If he found out, the price would skyrocket, or he might refuse to sell it altogether.

«Heh, I’ve got an idea.»

— Young master, have you decided what and how much you’ll take? — the old merchant asked with a sly grin, noticing the spark of interest in Aenari’s eyes.

— I’ll take this white one of elite quality, that gray one from the ordinary selection, and all the low-quality fabrics.

Passersby who overheard turned their heads in surprise. To them, such a choice seemed extravagant.

— Do you think he has a plan?

— Definitely. Maybe he’s just flaunting his wealth. — Speculations buzzed quietly, but the guard’s presence kept them subdued.

Meanwhile, the merchant grew suspicious. Before handing over the goods, he inspected everything thoroughly.

He started with the rare white fabric and, finding nothing amiss, moved on to the mixed-class fabrics.

«Hmm… Could it be among the ordinary ones?»

Sensing the delay, Aenari warned, — Hurry up, or we’ll simply buy elsewhere.

— Please, don’t worry! I’ll be done soon.

The merchant continued his meticulous inspection with newfound speed and precision. To his credit, he was thorough.

«Idiot. I made sure to bury it deep but not at the very bottom, so I’d have time to react if he started there.»

After some time, the merchant had inspected about a third of the fabrics but decided to press on.

— My patience is not infinite. — Aenari’s irritation began to show, unsettling the merchant.

Outwardly calm, Aenari was also reaching his limit.

— Y-yes! I’m almost done. Please wait just a bit longer.

The merchant doubled his efforts, but Aenari decided to escalate.

— Folk, let’s go.

— Understood!

Realizing he was about to lose his profit, the merchant panicked.

— Young master, wait! I’m almost done! Where are you going?

— I’ve realized I’m taking too much and changed my mind.

— I-I’ll give you a discount since you’re buying so much. Please, don’t leave!

Exactly as Aenari had planned.

— Fine. I’ll buy it all for 13 silver coins.

— But with the discount, it’s worth 15 silver coins!

— Consider the extra cost for wasting my time. So, 13 it is.

— B-but that’s not fair, I—

— Take it or leave it. It’s your choice.

— Alright, alright! I’ll sell it for 13.

— You should’ve said so earlier. — Aenari nodded with feigned leniency.

— Folk, pack everything into a sack.

Folk, still stone-faced, smirked slightly in the merchant’s direction and got to work.

— Understood.

The merchant felt as though his heart was bleeding. Begrudgingly, he sold the fabrics for 13 silver coins, earning a meager 3 silver in profit.

«What mutt bit me?! he cursed himself.»

— Folke, let’s go.

While the merchant was fuming, Aenari was in high spirits, inwardly celebrating.

«He wasted all that time trying to figure it out and still came up empty-handed. Now this special fabric is mine. Its value far exceeds the money I spent. Everything went perfectly.»

Meanwhile, Folke, having seated his young master back on his shoulders, hurried back into the bustling festivities. However, Folke, who wasn’t known for his patience, couldn’t hold back his curiosity and asked along the way:

— Young master, why did you buy so much material?

— It’s simple. Look.

Aenari revealed a matte-colored fabric tied around his neck, which he hadn’t put in the sack.

— No way!