"Sorry, that was really embarrassing, my mom acting and all."

[I just want to know one thing. Did you really say all that stuff?]

"That…..yes, but …."

[Fucking awesome!] *thumbs up*

"You think so?"

[You'd give up just because it can be embarrassing?]

"Of course not!"

I see a resolute glint in his eyes. Yes, I like the kid. A lot.

[Alright shall we start training already!?]

We head outside in the courtyard. Everyone knows training should either be done either there or in an immortal cave.

He takes position opposite of me. Between us are a few meters. He slowly draws the sword at his hip. I do the same.

He glares at me and then …..

"How did you lose to the guild master at the hunter guild?"

We doing questions? What about the fight? Okay, I guess.

[He rushed at me fast, I wasn't exactly ready either. He bypassed my guard and before I knew it his sword was on my neck. That's when he said the bullshit about me losing.]

"Wait how is having a sword at your vitals not a loss?"

[Oh. I've trained my resilience diligently. My body is sturdier than most people.]

"Enough to take on a sword? Wow!"

[I figured it would be the best way for me to stay alive. Defeat doesn't matter if one can come back and get revenge later!]

"Are you a monk then? I heard many train their physical body at the beginning of their paths."

[I don't even know what a monk is, to be honest.]

"Alright let's just spar a bit and we'll know."

He dashes toward me. Slashing left and right. Slowly at first. A blind man could dodge the initial strikes. Then he slowly picks up the speed. The slashes are faster, he reduces the number of unnecessary movements. But even then, I manage to keep up. I use my top-sided view to make sure I don't miss a single of his movements. I see the trajectory clearly.

I dodge. And I dodge. And I dodge some more. Before I know it, a huge grin is plastered on my face. This is fun, the feeling of being in control.

He goes even faster. By now he's almost as fast as the space mantis. That's amazing. A young kid is actually as fast as a rank 3 (estimated) monster.

Then again. The mantis itself is way faster.

But his sword can compete with that speed for sure!

I'll just keep evading! How do you like that! I'm the best ….

*Clash*

WTF! I just got hit. Wait what happened?!

His sword just disappeared from my vision. I was focusing properly on it …and then…nothing.

*perplexed*

"I figured out what the issue is. You lack technique. You can follow my movements easily and are not threatened in any way by my max speed. But only if I make my intent obvious. Simply put you can't deal with feints at all. A child without any training would be better at it than you."

So he says… the one that is the literal child! Wait, he's just trying to help. So feints. I guess my loss wasn't unwarranted…But me not being accepted as a hunter is still bullshit.

[Do you think I could hunt rank 2 monsters then?]

"I believe you would be fine against rank 3s to say nothing of the rank 2s."

[So how do I get stronger?]

"Well, there are two ways. First, you slowly learn a swordsmanship style that you practice over and over until you master it. Second, you get the shit beaten out of you until you get used to it."

[Second option!]

"I figured!"

The width of his smile is only second to mine. Getting stronger is pleasurable.

*Many many sounds of swords clashing and a body getting slashed at for a long time*

****

"You boys done with training yet?"

"I guess we can take a break. Time to eat?"

"Indeed it is, go wash your hands and bring your friend"

[Sure!]

I'm quick to agree. I get to eat more of that heavenly delight!

I wonder if I could trade the recipe for some sect privileges. I would have to sacrifice my sense of integrity and fairness? These pies might actually be worth it. 100% in fact. I'll have to ask later haha.

Not long after we sit at the wooden table. A pretty normal one, lots of dishes. All pie. There is a seat left open, I guess we are waiting for someone.

I don't have to wait long before the door suddenly opens up. From it comes a well-built man. Not a mountain of muscles for once. He looks really down to earth. The fact that he's covered with various monster parts does help that image. He looks battle-hardened. A veteran I'd say. A bit scary.

He frowns when he sees me. I see his gaze wander about. Guess he's not used to strangers. That seems to be the father, I think?

"Welcome back honey, how was the hunt?"

"Haha, successful as usual!"

"Welcome back father!"

[Sup!]

He looks weirded out by the greeting. But he goes to clean himself quickly and sits back down with us. I'm bad at socializing alright!

Finally, the moment I've been waiting! I'm sure my saliva would form a giant puddle enough to drown dwarves if I didn't repeatedly gulp.

We get the ok to eat.

Bliss. This is all I'll write.

I feel I might already be addicted to these.

This sure is good….

"Father, Mother. I've decided on a sect to join."

* Choke *

Can that family stop dropping bombs while I'm eating?

Like seriously!

The father is looking at me suspiciously. Of course, if your son suddenly goes on about a sect while a stranger suddenly comes out…it is not hard to connect the dots.

The mother looks peaceful and is awaiting him to finish his declaration.

"I'm going to join The Unnamed God sect. I've thought it through and I don't think I'll ever get a better opportunity than this. I'd like to formally introduce to you the sectmaster. He will stick around for a while. I promised to help him train his swordsmanship."

"NO FUCKING WAY IN HELL!"

Wait. Where did that sword come from? The father was empty-ended a second ago! He's going for the kill! I'm innocent I fucking swear! I'm won't poach kids anymore even if I'm lacking in membership from now on!

"Honey"

She is smiling.

He freezes.

"Let's go to the bedroom and have a talk. You boys keep eating, you need nutrients to grow strong!"

The intimidating-looking man looks tame as a …I don't know. He looks tame as fuck anyway. He follows her obediently, any belligerent look completely gone.

[What the fuck.]

"Haha. Don't worry they are always like that. While he is the one that oversees my training, her input is the one that will determine the final outcome."

[You mean I need to make her like me, or you won't be able to join right?]

"Haha. Don't worry she already likes you."

I feel like a man meeting his in-laws right now. But the one I am trying to bring with me is a minor. Where did I go wrong in life? *sigh*

[How can you tell?]

"Well, she didn't pick up a knife and try to gauge your heart out. 😉"

0_0 Scary!