Chapter 11

The next morning in this small town has come and I could hear the chickens clucking out the window. I am now at the front lawn of Mr. Eustace’s house, stretching my arms to the air.

And while I’m doing my regular stretches, I notice the neighbors pushing some carts and headed to the town square.

I’m a little curious, but I quickly realized why the town’s people are doing this.

[James] “It’s because the festival is today.”

Which reminds me, as soon as I got back, Mr. Eustace told me to fix up those very same carts that his neighbors own.

[Eustace] “Today’s the day, the harvest festival is about to start.”

With Mr. Eustace’s voice, I turn around and greet him and I then ask in what time will the festival start.

[Eustace] “Before the afternoon.”

After giving me the answer, I ask him if I could help prepare for the festival but he quickly refused and said that I should just enjoy the festivities together with my wife.

It’s kind of embarrassing to hear someone say the ‘Wife’ thing out in the open, but I also have a bit of guilt for lying to them. On the plus side though, it’s for their own safety, so I guess its fine.

That’s right, there are good lies to, and these are one of them…I’m not saying that to clear my conscience alright?

But anyway, what should I do now? Since Mr. Eustace himself said that I don’t have to do anything but show up at the festival, I have so much free time on my hands.

I guess in a way, I’m somewhat a busybody kind of guy.

Whenever I’m bored with playing games or reading comics or mangas, I go outside and tend to the garden or do my usual exercise. So standing around like this is a bit unsettling for me.

[James] “Not like I can water anything here, I might ruin their crops.”

It’s best to leave those things to the professionals.

[James] “Exercise it is then.”

Deciding what to do for now, I walk in the house and made my way to the room we are using.

I’m seriously in dept to these good couple.

Slowly opening the door, I peek through the door and found Vistela sleeping peacefully in her violet colored underwear.

[James] “………………………”

It’s not what you think, alright!? We didn’t do it at all! It’s just that she prefers to sleep in the nude, and when she was about to take of her remaining clothes, I quickly begged her to at least keep her underwear on.

Didn’t really help me sleep properly though. I practically had my whole body stick to the wall to avoid from touching her soft parts and special parts.

Making sure not to make any loud noises, I quietly walk in and open my luggage. I then took out a pair of black and white tracksuit and quietly change into them.

Finishing changing into a proper exercise attire, I silently walk down the stairs and meet with Mrs. Margret, who seems to be baking something.

[Margaret] “Oh perfect timing. James, can you please taste these cookies I made?”

[James] “Sure, I’d be happy to.”

I couldn’t really refuse her kind offer, so I took one from the tray she’s holding on to.

[James] “Hmm!?”

This cookie…it’s covered in white cream like filing…could it be!?

Though I’m still not sure, I quickly took a bit of it without hesitating.

[James] “Hmph!?”

I knew it; Mrs. Margret used the same milk that I had last time! And not only that, usually when the milk is made into cream, it tends to become sweeter or even to sweet, but this cream still hold it’s perfect sweetness!

And let’s not forget the cookie inside the cream, the crunchiness and its flavor mixes well with the milk cream, not destroying its flavor!

This feeling of the cream melting in your mouth and the sudden gentle crunchiness of the cookie is amazing!

[Margret] “So, how is it?”

[James] “Hmm!? Oh…it tasted great…umm…”

[Margret] “What is it?”

[James] “C—can I have some more?”

I know this is going to be sold on the festival, but I just can help myself. If she refuses, I’ll just buy it some from her.

Like I said, that Milk Cream Cookie is amazingly good. I want to have more.

[Margret] “Sure, I don’t mind.”

Oh, she’ll let me have some!? Yay!

While still having my head thinking about the cookies, Mrs. Margret walks to the kitchen and puts some cookies in a plastic container.

[Margret] “Here you go, you’ll be heading out, right?”

[James] “Yes, thank you. Oh, but before I go, can you please tell Vistela I’ll be heading to the empty plot near the barn?”

[Margret] “Alright, I’ll tell her.”

With Mrs. Margret waving back at me, I slowly made my way towards the empty plot while carrying my treasured cookies.

Since there is literally nothing here, it’ll be perfect for moving around.

But before that, I will place this treasure chest (Plastic Container) under this tree and make sure not to let the milk cream melt from the sun.

[James] “I’ll enjoy you later.”

Since I have something to look forward to after my exercise, I feel a bit lighter.

Alright, let’s do this!

(Lancelot POV)

[Lancelot] “Hmph….haa~”

I must have slept very peacefully if the sun is already up.

As I stretch my hands into the air, I took off the blanket that is covering my legs and stand up.

I then walk to the window and notice James in his tracksuit, walking towards the barn…no, not walking, it looks like he’s skipping happily.

Did something good happen? Well, I know he’s going out for an exercise, but is that really enough to make you skip like that?

But I guess I shouldn’t think about that right now, though the sun is up the air is still cold and right now wearing nothing but my underwear.

And since James luggage has some extra clothes, might as well wear them.

After all, I can’t keep asking favors from Mrs. Margret and Mr. Eustace, they’ve done so much for us already.

[Lancelot] “Hmm, another tracksuit?”

Not like I’m planning for a pair look or anything, but since James is heading out for an exercise, might as well join in.

And besides, the tracksuit I’m wearing right now is opposite to his. James wore a black colored tracksuit with the color white in the middle and at the side of his pants, while mine has the same pattern but has more white and less black.

After wearing the tracksuit, I walk down the stairs and found Mrs. Margret piling up some delicious looking cookies on the dining table.

[Margret] “Oh, good morning Vistela. Are you heading out too?”

[Lancelot] “Good Morning Mrs. Margret. Yes, I’m planning to meet up with James.”

[Margret] “Then you can find him on the empty plot next to the barn.”

[Lancelot] “I see, thank you.”

Telling Mrs. Margret that we would meet when the festival starts, I wave my hand good bye and made my way towards the empty plot.

It isn’t that far so it only took me 2 minutes to get there and I quickly found James standing at the middle of the flat plain.

I was about to call out to him, but I decided not to since it would look like I’d only get in his way.

Though if a normal person sees this, they would only see James standing there motionless, but from what I see is that the air around him is starting to become distorted, and even though I’m standing a bit away from him, I could still feel the air getting heavier.

And all of these are happening with the simple act of him doing some breathing exercises.

After doing a bit more of his breathing exercises, the air around him started to lighten and he then opens his eyes.

[James] “Alright, that’s done. Next is…”

I wasn’t sure what he was about to say, but I didn’t gave him the chance and sneak up from behind him and did a spinning back kick to the left side of his head.

Since he was looking the other way and letting his guard down, I thought I could at least succeed with my surprise attack…

[Lancelot] “Gnn!?”

But he was able to guard, no, he caught my kick with his right arm and threw me in to his front.

While in the air, spin my body and landed on the ground safely.

[James] “What was that about?”

[Lancelot] “Oh nothing, I just wanted to find something out. More importantly, you were about to do some kind of shadow boxing thing, right?”

[James] “Well, that was the plan…”

[Lancelot] “Then change of plans, today you and I—”

Before finishing my words, I took my fighting stance and finish my words.

[Lancelot] “—Are going to have a little bout.”

Honestly, ever since you easily beat me back when we were young, made me think that someone out there will be better than me, whether it’s about martial arts or something else.

That is why I trained harder and even asked my Grandmother to be tougher to me.

And just like how the saying goes, “the student surpasses the master”. After spending so much time training and also doing the Queen’s orders, I eventually surpassed my Grandmother.

The very same Grandmother who I thought I would never be able to reach.

That is why this is the perfect chance for me to see how good I’ve become.

And also, though I love you James, I am Vistela Monrrow, and just like my Grandmother, I too carry the Monrrow Pride.

[Lancelot] “So, are you in?”

James must have been surprised to what I said, but it only took a few seconds for him to smile and gave me a reply while giving me a fearless smiling.

[James] “Alright, bring it.”

[Troy POV]

My name is Troy, and right now I’m here staying with my grandparents for a week.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my grandparents, it’s just that 5th grader has nothing to do here far off to the countryside.

But luckily, I’m not alone with this.

I have my 3rd grader sister Trish with me as well as my classmate and best friend, Burton who came along with his family. Apparently my dad and his dad are friends and lived here back when they were kids.

But still, whether I’m alone or not, spending time in a boring place is still boring.

[Burton] “There’s nothing to do.”

[Troy] “Well, we could always…we could…we could…nope, can’t think of anything.”

[Trish] “You know, we could always do our homework.”

[Troy] “I know, we could go for a walk!”

[Burton] “That’s a good idea Troy, a very good idea.”

Who would have thought, there was something we could do here!

[Trish] “…………………”

And Trish, stop looking at me like that, it’s not like I’m trying to get away from doing my homework, I only want to see the place where dad and uncle used to live.

[Trish] “Wait up, I’m coming along, just to make sure you guys won’t do anything stupid.”

Ouch, can’t you trust your older brother a bit more?

After asking permission from our parents, me, Trish and Burton start to walk aimlessly around the road and eventually made it to a clear plot of land.

[Trish] “Wow, this place is wide.”

[Troy] “I think you can even play some baseball here.”

Too bad I didn’t bring my baseball equipment. That was a chance for us not to get board here.

While slightly depressed, Burton notices something and called out to us.

[Burton] “Hey guys, what do you think that guy is doing standing there?”

Following where Burtons is pointing, Trish and I found a man standing motionless while having his hand forward, as if he’s pushing something.

[Burton] “Ah, I know what he’s doing.”

[Trish] “Really, what is it?”

[Burton] “I think he’s getting prepared for giving birth.”

[Troy] “I have no idea what he’s doing ether, but I’m pretty sure that is it.”

And he’s a guy, guys can’t get pregnant.

Luckily that man is a few walks away and didn’t hear what Burton just said about him.

But honestly though, I am a bit curious, I mean he isn’t moving and just continue to stand there like a statue.

[Trish] “Want to go ask.”

[Burton] “Sure, not like we got anything else better to do.”

I’m not that curious, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to just ask.

With Trish and Burton leading the way, we slowly made our way towards the motionless man. But after a few meters away, at least close enough to see his face, I suddenly felt something.

The air is heavy; the atmosphere feels like it’s telling me to walk back.

I was about to see if my sister and my friend are feeling the same, but they don’t seem to feel anything.

Am I the only one who is feeling like this?

Thinking that I might just be sick, I put my hand to my stomach and felt my hands are shaking.

No, I’m not sick, it’s because of him. I don’t know how he’s doing it, but he’s the one making me feel like this.

I was about to tell my sister and Burton to walk away from him, but suddenly I noticed someone dashing towards the man from behind him.

[Trish] “Hmm, what’s…”

Looks like my sister also noticed, but before she finishes her words, it quickly jumps towards the man.

At first I thought it was some kind of fast animal, but as soon as it jumped, we quickly noticed that is was actually human, and she’s a woman to boot.

And while she is still in the air, the lady did some kind of spinning kick, aiming for the man’s head.

But before the lady’s kick touch the man, he quickly caught her foot and threw her.

The lady who was thrown then did a flip in midair and landed on the ground.

[Burton] “Wha—what in the world was that?”

I completely agree, that happened all of a sudden and way fast, it was like something out of a action movie. But because of it, I’m completely sure that the one who’s creating the heavy atmosphere was him all along.

[Trish] “H—hey, should we be staying here? We might get involved.”

[Troy] “Let’s hide for now.”

[Burton] “R—right.”

Instead of running away, we three hid behind a tree while keeping our eyes directed to the two on the opening field.

Though we ran a bit further away from them, we could still see what they look like.

The lady who gave the first strike was a young woman with glasses who seems to look like the strict type who would be the boss of a big company. But even though I said that, the lady has a thin looking body as well as an attractive face.

As for the guy…

[Troy] “……………”

He has a tall figure and a wide looking body and even if he’s wear a tracksuit, I could still tell he has a tough body.

But that isn’t the most attention grabbing about him.

The thing that got not only my attention, but also Trish and Burton, is his eyes. He’s smiling so I’m sure that he isn’t angry, but his sharp eyes make it seem it can stab you through the chest.

[Trish] “W—will the lady be alright?”

Honestly, I think she should just run, but opposite to my thinking, the lady with glasses did a fighting stance while smiling.

So brave…

The man then gave a smile and also did a fighting stance.

No way, they’re really going to duck it out here!? Will the lady be alright!? That guy looks like he’s ready to kill! Is she going to be OK!?

The cold wind then blows while both people stood still as they stare at each other. I gulp some saliva while keeping my eyes to them, but then I suddenly heard a crunching noise beside me, along with a sweet scent.

[Troy] “Burton, what are you eating?”

[Burton] “Hmm? I found it laying here beside the tree.”

[Trish] “More importantly, why are you even eating at a time like this?”

[Burton] “I get hungry when I’m nervous, alright?”

Though I do agree on what my sister said, I just couldn’t help but my stomach from doing the same.

[Troy] “Give me some. (Munch) (Munch)”

This milk covered cookie is awesome, it calm me down for a bit.

[Trish] “Give some to me too.”

Eventually my sister gave in and did the same.

With our mouths munching and our eyes staring, we kept quiet while watching a fight that is about to unfold.

The two stood still for about 10 seconds, and soon after, the lady dashed towards the man in an incredible speed.

She then jumps and did a turn in midair and gave out a piercing kick.

Which then got dodge by the man by doing a back flip, but as soon as the lady lands behind the man, she charges towards him and gave him a straight punch.

But while the man is still looking away from her, he turns his body along with his right arm and blocks the oncoming punch.

But the lady wasn’t done yet, right after her punch got blocked, she then attacks again with her right arm, and is about to hit the man’s right cheek.

I wasn’t sure due to the position where we are hiding, but it seems like didn’t hit due to the man clocking her fist with his left palm.

He then grabs hold to her right fist.

Without her arm getting released, she continues her attack with her left fist aiming for the man’s face.

But once again blocked by the man’s right palm, but unlike before, she quickly withdraws her fist and still continues her amazingly fast attacking and withdrawing fist.

But just as fast, the man kept blocking her right fist from getting a hit land.

After a few more hits, the lady then folds her right arm, which is still being held by the man and got closer to him and she then gave him an uppercut.

But instead of blocking it, the man moves his head upwards and bends his back a bit, completely avoiding the uppercut.

The man then grabs the lady’s right arm, which makes the lady unable to attack.

Or at least that is what we thought.

While both of their arms unable to do anything, both of their arms are lowered, making their bodies move closer and with their faces inches away from each other.

I then start to wonder what she will do next to get away from his—

[Lancelot] “CHU~”

[James] “HMM!?”

They kissed…no, more like, she kissed him. She was the one who drew her face closer to him.

And besides…

[James] “Wha—what? Huh?”

Considering how the guy is reacting right now, theirs is no doubt that even he didn’t see that coming.

[Trish] “Wow, what was that?”

[Burton] “A lover’s quarrel?”

I don’t think so, but whatever the reason is, these people aren’t normal. The speeds of their punches are too powerful.

Well at least that what it looks to me.

While I continue to ponder about the two in front of us, the lady once again took the initiative and gave another kick.

But even though the man is still panicking, the still saw though the lady’s kick and dodge the kick by jumping back.

[James] “Tha—that wasn’t fair!”

Though I slightly feel the same, the lady still charged in while smiling and gave him a drop heel kick. The man then blocks it by crossing both his arms and pushes her away.

While still in the air, the lady puts her hands on the ground and did a cartwheel making her land on the ground unharmed.

[Lancelot] “That’s because you’re making this fight one-sidedly.”

Huh? One-sidedly, isn’t the fight pretty much in her favor? The man wasn’t eveb able to lift a finger to her.

While I continue to question her words, the lady then points her finger towards him and said…

[Lancelot] “I’m the only one who is fighting seriously here.”

Eh?

The lady was the only one who was fighting seriously? Then…that could only mean the man wasn’t fighting for real?

That can’t be! I mean, the lady’s movements were so fast, I couldn’t even see some of his punches last time!

So you mean to tell me that he took all of those punches and kicks while he, himself wasn’t even being serious!?

[James] “…………………(Sigh) I guess you saw right through me.”

It was true!? He really wasn’t serious!?

[James] “But I guess it’ll be rude for me if I keep doing this, huh?”

After the man said those words, he once again did a fighting stance, only it’s different from his fist stance.

[James] “This is something I learned back when I trained with the monk in a certain part in China.”

Huh? Did he say something about China? Is he planning to be serious now? If he is, won’t the lady be in danger?

While carrying worry inside me, the man then stops moving. I then suddenly felt the air around him change, just like the last time, the air grew heavy.

But at least it’s not as bad as before.

[Lancelot] “Good, then I’ll show you how much I’ve improved.”

The lady then did another stance, and as she did, the air around her also change.

She then steps on the ground that made a strong sound and charges forward with even greater speed and she strikes him with a clenched palm to his chest.

But to our surprise, the man didn’t block the hit and just let her attack land on his chest.

(Booom!)

Even though we were in a safe distance away, we felt a bit of gust blowing our way.

Did that came from her attack just now? No way, it can’t be. Those things only happen in TV shows………right? Right!?

But that isn’t the most shocking; the fact that the man didn’t even block it and took it to the chest without flying off or even flinching is just unbelievable!

And it seems that the woman is just as shocked as we are, we could see it on her face that even she didn’t see that coming.

The lady then jumps away from the man and looks at her palm that she used to strike him and gave a wary smile.

[Lancelot] “What was that? It felt like I hit a 5 inch pillar of steel.”

[James] “Like I said, something I learned in China, but I can only do it in a single part of my body and it only last for a few seconds.”

After explaining something about China, the man then did the fighting stance he did before.

[James] “Now then…you better get ready Vistela, because it’s my turn to attack.”

As soon as I head those words, my whole body trembles in ether excitement or fear, I’m not sure myself.

But there is one thing I do know, and that is I want to see what happens next.

The woman then gave out a surprised look while keeping her eye on him. But seconds later, she closes her eyes and made a deep breath.

[Lancelot] “G—good, I can finally see how close I got to your level.”

And just like the man, the woman did a fighting stance while smiling. But it seems like she was also worried and gave out a slight weak voice.

[James] “On 3……1……2……3!”

At the end of the count, the two charges towards each other and exchange blows in amazing speed.

Sometimes the man blocks her attacks and sometimes the woman does the blocking.

This exchange of attacks and guarding lasted for at least 2 minutes, until…

[Lancelot] “Huh!?”

The woman’s attack starts to slowdown and a few seconds later, her arms drop as it doesn’t have any energy left.

[Lancelot] “M—my arms feel…wait, did you just…”

[James] “Yup, I hit your Pressure Points.”

[Lancelot] “So you mean, you hit my Pressure Points while keeping up with my attacks?”

[James] “Yeah, but I had to hit you a few more times since you arms are pretty tough.”

[Lancelot] “Hehe~ I see, I guess I still have to keep working hard.”

So the guy won the fight, huh?

[James] “What are you talking about; I’m not finished with you yet.”

[Lancelot] “Huh?”

What does he mean? Is he going to attack the woman even though she’s already down for the count!

I knew it, that man with an angry look is evil! We’ve got to do something, but what!?

As I panic not only in my mind but I also look at my little sister and friend for an answer, but just like me, they’re also panicking while looking at me and at each other.

[James] “Here I come, Vistela!”

Without even giving the woman a chance to get ready, the man once again charges towards the lady and grabs her waist wit both of his hands and carries her into the air.

Is he going to throw her to the ground!?

As I start to imagine some morbid image in my head, starts to shake while still being carried.

Is he…is he crushing her!?

But all of my imagination was wrong, because what happened next was…

[Lancelot] “PFFHAHAHAHAHAH—STOP JAMES, KHUHAHAH PLEASE STOP, HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

[James] “This is for that unfair surprise attack you gave me.”

[Lancelot] “BUT I WAS JUST PFFFTHAHAHAHAH I WAS JUST HAHAHAHAHAHA!”

[James] “I see, so you’re not giving up, huh?”

[Lancelot] “I GIVE HAHAHAHAHA, I GIVE HAHAHA UP HAHAHA! SO PLAESE LET ME HAHAHA DOWN!”

She was just being tickled.

After a few more tickling, the man lets the woman down with a satisfied look while she slowly drops down the grass.

I know I said that this is going to be boring her out in the countryside, but what I saw just now was completely incredible!

Not quite sure how I feel about the ending though.