"How did you...?" Granny gave a little chuckle.

"How could i not know? 2 years ago you used reinforcement to fight the bandits. Not only was there lingering magecraft but that's the only explanation for why the muscles in your arm and leg would basically explode." I promptly shut my mouth. She's known for that long?

"Why haven't you said anything before than?"

"One because your young and living as a farm boy and two... I didn't think an 8 year old child would get into life and death situations." She deadpans. I just scratch the back of my neck while avoiding her gaze, chuckling nervously.

"So, what do you mean become your apprentice? I mean i know what an apprentice is, of course, but what does an apprentice to a magus do?" She seems to contemplate what to say for a little while.

"I will teach you basic magecraft, find out your orgin and natural alignment, and get you started on your own research." Hmmmm, great more stuff to train. Oh, well at least i could finally learn more than just reinforcement.

"When do we start?"

"We will start next Monday and we will meet up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."

That's not bad at all. Three times a week will give time to learn the new magecraft, than i can practice in aincrad. Though i prefer to be a swordsman so i doubt i will learn all that much.

After talking a little longer and avoiding questions on my equipment, I finally started to head back to the farm.

In three day's i will begin my magus training...huh. I need to start making a plan on what to train.

One, i need to practice shunpo. If i can use shunpo in the middle of a sword skill it would increase my chance of hitting and avoid getting hit.

Two, I need to start training more against enemies with swords. Fortunately there are some enemies that use swords in Aincrad, but those are just mindless AI. I need something with intelligence. I believe i heard there are some kind of small tournament's every now and then, maybe i can enter those.

Third, I need to start training my body out of Aincrad. I need to increase my stats in what ever way possible, and i can't grind them physically inside aincrad due to the whole time ratio thing.

There's a whole lot more i need to train, but those would be the most important. I need to be able to swiftly cut down enemies when we go to the war, to get to the leader. If you kill the leader the soldiers should fall back.

My thoughts start drifting more to the future. Jeanne gets captured by the english and burned at the stake due to her popularity. I need to make a name for myself, so i will be targeted instead of her, but how?

hmmmm... Oh! The tournament's could be a way to do just that! I'll have to ask Isabelle if she knows anything about it.

Later

Once i got back to the farm i asked Isabelle and Jacques about the tournament. Jacques said there is a yearly tournament for all ages up to 16 that can participate. Apparently my dad was in that tournament before, though he didn't win.

It's in 3 weeks from now, giving me enough time to get my skills up evwn higher. I'm not really all that worried but you never know.

After making the plans to enter the tournament, Jeanne takes me outside to play.

"Regis let's play hide and seek! I'll be it first!" She starts to count while i jump up on the roof of the barn, waiting for her to finish.

After she finishes counting she looks all over the place trying to find me. I decide to help her out like usual and hang a leg over the egde of the roof of the barn. She beamed when she saw me before realizing were i was.

"I found you Regis! How did you get up there!?" Instead of answering her question i jumped down and took her in my arms, then using my STR and AGI i jumped up the side of the barn like before.

"See princess, that's how i got up here. This is my favorite spot to sun/moon bathe." She smiled as she stretches, taking in the sun. After a few seconds she went a little red.

"Why did you call me princess?"

"Because your pretty blonde hair and beautiful eyes makes you look like the princesses from the stories you love so much."

I pause after i say that, did i just flirt with a six year old? I have the sudden urge to bang my head on the barn. Wait! I'm only 8 myself, it's not illegal! Hahaha, take that coppers! B-besides that wasn't really flirting, i just spoke what came to mind...right!?

While I'm having my internal war, Jeanne goes another shade of red while fidgeting and playing with her hair.

*BING BING BING*

Eh!? Impossible! Orange music notes just flew out of her head! Her friendship rating is already max!

JEANNE D'ARC LV 1

FRIENDSHIP:

RANK 5 100/100 MAX LOVE

huh, it's still max. Was that just telling me she was happy?

"So are you exited to leave the farm in a few weeks?" I try to change the subject.

She just stares at me confused. Oh, i just decided on the tournament today, of course she has no idea what I'm talking about. "I'm planning on entering a swordmanship tournament in three weeks. The tournament takes place in a town a few villages out. The whole family is coming to watch."

She instantly smiles showing a missing tooth that came out just a few days ago. Though that smile quickly turns to a worried look. "Are you going to be okay?" I chuckle at her worried expression before patting her head.

"Of couse princess, I'm planning on winning after all."

Three weeks later

We are currently on a carriage to the town of Swindon, the town holding the tournament. I was only able to get up to level 30 but i increased my 1H sword skill, worked on countering and exploiting weaknesses(on AI), and trained shunpo so i can control the distance a bit better. I should be able to use it discreetly, but only if the situation gets rough.

Granny did start teaching me, but I've only been able to get down structural analysis. Though I've only gone to see her a few times, she's teaching me more on the monstrous beasts, phantasmal beasts and divine beasts since i have a familiar now.

REGIS BRASSARD MALE LV 30

HP 5090/5090

SP 450/450

SSC 3

CURRENT PRM:

ATTACK 278 (144)

DEFENCE 141 (75)

ATTRIBUTE PRM:

STR 102 (33)

DEX 40 (12)

VIT 33 (11)

AGI 104 (32)

STAT POINTS:0

1H SWORD MASTERY 253.1/1000

EXP 953/19100

SKILL POINTS: 12

SHUNPO LV 21

Apparently after reaching level 30 i got a boost in HP thankfully.

I'm not too worried for the acual tournament, but the final fight with the knight. Basically the winner of the competion will get the chance to test there might against a real knight.

As for the other participants, they aren't really worth much most likely. None of these boys will have experienced much life/death situations, if any. Though i will keep my eyes open for trouble, people tend to play unfair when they see someone more skilled.

"So, Regis what do you think your chances at winning are?" Everyone's attention was on me now due to Pierres' question.

"hmmm, i think i have a good chance. People will underestimate me due to my age, and i am pretty sure i have been in more battles then they have. Though i haven't seen the others yet so i can't give you a real awnser."

The other nodded in understanding. I look over to Jeanne who is shifting in her seat. Whether it's from excitement at seeing a new place or the carriage is uncomfortable, i have no clue.

"I've been meaning to ask but were did you get the sword and other equipment?" My expression died instantly along with my voice.

"I don't want to talk about it."

The sword was a pain in the ass to get. It was in a chest on the 14th floor guarded by a NM called twisted demon bull general. It was a giant black bull that was extremely predictable but had a ridiculous amount of hp. It took me forever to beat it, but on the plus side it did help my sword mastery a bit. The vulcan blade itself doesn't look like much but its much better than the anneal blade i used before. I was able to upgrade it to 12 out of the 14 slots.

As for the Blackwing coat and Blackwing boots those were rewards for a quest involving killing a bunch of demonic bats.

"O-okay..." Jacques looked unsure, but didn't want to push it."Don't worry i didn't steal it or anything." He nodded at that and the conversation ended there.

The rest of the way to the city was mostly quiet, with a bit of small talk here and there.

Once we finally got there we marvelled at the size of the town. It was at least 3-4 times larger than the village.

Looking over to Jeanne, she and Pierre were both almost jumping in excitement at seeing the size of the city. The tournament doesn't start till tomorrow so we decides we would find an inn, then look around.

By look around i meant get dragged around by the women of the group.

"How does this look, jacques?" Isabelle was trying on a necklace.

He gave a strained smile. "It looks great, dear."

Once the women(mostly isabelle) were done we went back to the inn and bought some dinner. I have to say, i was pretty disappointed in the food. I can do way better than this...

After dinner we all seperate to our rooms and sleep for the night.

The following day

"Regis! It's time to get up!"

Ignoring the voice i throw my covers over my head and snuggle into my pillow.

"Regis...why does it take so long for you to get up. Fine, I'll do...this!"

"Augh!" Something hits my stomach causing me to heave. The new weight on my stomach starts to jump up and down, causing me more pain.

"ghh...okay! okay! I'm up, please stop!" I look to Jeanne who's currently laughing on my stomach.

After laughing for a little while more, she finally got off of me. Now capable of standing up i walk downstairs for breakfast with the little troublemaker.

"geez, princess, couldn't you wake me up like a normal person. Like not treating my stomach like a trampoline." I grumble.

"I would have if you would wake up like a normal person." she huffed. "...whats a trampoline?"

Noticing my mistake i wave it off. "it's nothing, just an...expression."

"expression?" She tilts her head to the side.

kuuuh! This amount of cuteness is blinding! How is this legal!? Patting her head, i just pick up the pace down the steps.

"wait! whats an expression?"

She too eager to learn! I don't really know how to explain what an expression is, and she is too cute to look at.

"You'll learn when your older!" Looks like my mouth answered for me, thank you! Though that was slightly cliche and unneeded. It's not like I'm talking about sex or something.

Geez, we can weaponize her cuteness and win the damn war. What was it that Sora said? That cute was the absolute law of the world, or something like that. I wholeheartedly agree with that virgin gamer, cute could inspire men to win a war.

"I see you got the sleepy head up. Morning Regis." Isabelle waved at me.

"Good morning."

Looking at the food in front of me, i can't help but let out a silent sigh of disappointment. It's plain porridge and bread...

It's no wonder that people don't have very high life expectancy, these guys get zero nutrition, throw their piss and shit out their window, and rarely wash their hands. If only i studied technology or something, that way i can make a damn toilet.

I hurriedly down my food and get ready for the tournament. Today will probably just be the preliminaries, unless they have more than one match going on at once...or everyone finishes their match fast.

Making sure my sword is strapped on and ready to go, we leave for the tournament.

After asking around a bit we find the place it's being held at. To my displeasure, there is a large crowd of people standing around the little rink/stage. Well its more like just flat ground with a small wooden fence around it.

The d'arc squad goes and finds a decent spot to watch, while i go over and sign up.

"hello, i would like to enter please." I ask nicely.

The man raised an eyebrow at me before sighing. "we really need to put a minimum age requirment... whats your name kid?"

I'm 26 technically, thank you very much. Don't judge age based off appearance!

"Regis Brassard, sir." I reply kindly, though my eyebrow is twitching a bit.

"yeah, alright. Go wait over there till your called, kid." He points over to a group of kids ranging in age.

Looking at the group, i must say that i am not impressed. While majority of them have some form of armour on, none of the pieces that i can see are chipped or dirty. This can either mean that they clean their armor really well or never used the armour.

The level range isn't that high either. The highest being level 13, though i am happy that this person looks to be only slighlty older than me. This may mean they have potential...

Well whatever, hopefully they'll be a fun match, besides the level represents how much they've fought now that i think about it. It doesn't tell me how much they practiced. There's a chance that some of the older guy's are more skilled.

"Hey, what's a brat doing here!?"

Some guy is trying to cause trouble? Well it doesn't involve me at least, sounds too troublesome.

I'm looking at the competition and also try finding the knight. Hopefully the guy is strong...

"I'm talking to you peasant!" That same snobby voice from before speaks again. Really, can someone just awnser the idiot already.

I noticed that some people have shields, this could be a slight problem. I've never fought against someome with a shield. Hmmm, what are some ways to get passed it. I guess they would have to be open when they attack, and i am stronger than them so i can probably knock them off guard. Though it would look weird if a child is stronger than someone a few years older, and probably embarrassing to the other person.

someone grabs my shoulder and pulls me back violently. "Stop ignoring me, peasant!"

Of course that guy was talking to me.

"what do you want?" I stare blankly at the rich looking guy.

He is covered in armour, minus a helmet, with a sword at his waist. He looks roughly 13 years of age, longish dirty blonde hair. He's almost a full head taller than me. His face is contorted into what can only be described as utter rage.

"Don't you dare talk to a noble like that! I demand the proper respect i deserve!"

"*sigh*"

I know this will probably piss him off further, but he's ruining my mood.

"Who even are you, oh great and powerful noble?" Sarcasm dripping from my voice.

"I am Yeoman Edon, son of Baron Edon!"

YEOMAN EDON MALE LV. 4

I really have to repress a heaving sigh when i saw the guy's level. I know i said that you shouldn't judge someone's strength based off their level, but i get the feeling i can with this guy.

"i see...well good luck."

"A noble such as myself does not need luck." That tone really pisses me off.

Releasing another sigh, i walk away from him towards the ouside portion of the waiting area. It looks like the d'arc family found a spot since their currently waving at me. I smile and wave back to them, letting them know i see them.

Now all thats left to do is wait for the proctor to begin the matches...

The first few matches were nothing much to look at. Their forms were sloppy and predictable, slightly painful to watch. The winners would only just barely win, and mostly because their opponent made a silly mistake. The crowd enjoyed it though.

When it was finally my turn, i could only give another sigh.

Yeoman Edon vs. Regis Brassord

Looking over to the noble, he is already gloating. I'm honestly surprised that this type of character exists in real life. You watch shows that have characters like this, but when you see them in real life you feel your faith in humanity decline.

Sighing one more, i draw my sword and stand in a ready stance. Seeing my opponent i take a more casual stance, sword slightly raised by my side, ready to counter the enemy.

"Ha! What a fitting blade for a peasant such as yourself!"

My eyebrow twitches with annoyance, is that the only insult he can think of? Yes, I'm a peasant. Thanks for telling me fifty times.

A man in the crowd shakes his head. The boy in front of me shares an uncanny resemblance to this man. I assume he is Baron Edon, my opponents' father. Looking at him closer, he has what could be said as noble clothing but lacking the arrogance Yeoman clearly shows. If anything he looks exasperated at his son.

Well at least i don't have to worry about the noble brat telling me off to his father if i crush him.

"This a nobles sword!" He dramatically draws his sword.

It's a pretty blade, but no doubt it's more fragile than mine. The actual blade looks to be made of iron, while the hilt has a few jewels encrusted in.

In contrast to his blade, mine is plain but durable. The grip is good and the blade is sturdy. I've upgraded it's sharpness amd durability to 6.

"And whats with that pathetic excuse of armour? Is a coat supposed to protect you!?" He continues to mock me.

Of course i completely ignore him. Apparently he doesn't appreciate this because as soon as the match starts he puts on his helmet and charges.

Once he gets close he raises hisblade for an overhead swing. I bring my own blade up and tilts it sideways, parrying the blade to the side. This leaves his head wide open, so i bash my hilt into his helmet sending him back a bit.

His helmet has a slight dent on the side where i bashed it. Everyone's quiet, i guess no one thought that waa going to happen.

Yeoman stumbles a bit before collecting himself. I can't see his face but I'm sure it's twisted in rage.

"You pe-"

"Oh my gosh, seriously shut up already. Yes i am a peasant, congratulations for pointing it out a few dozen times. Do you have any other insults?" Cutting him off with a bored tone.

He grips his sword tighter in rage.

Giving out a roar he charges once again, swinging his blade in a horizontal slash from the right. Once again i parry it, this time hitting the blade down to the ground and stomping on it. Pulling my fist back i lash out with most of my strength.

shatter*

His lower jaw portion of his helm is shattered and blood is leaking from his mouth and nose. He screams bloody murder as he falls to the ground clutching his face, his helmet taken off.

Tears start to fall from the pain and he glares hatefully at me. His face showing utter rage, humiliation, and hate.

All the while i simply stare passively at the noble, waiting for what he does next. The crowd is all but silent as they watch the scene.

Yeoman starts to stand up and grabs his sword. Before he can even charge my blade is already up to his throat.

"Yeild." I say emotionless.

He continues to grip his sword about to strike out. I press my blade on his throat, leaking a small amount of killing intent.

"Yeild and save what little pride and honour you have left, noble brat!" I spat out with barely concealed venom.

"Aaaaaaaahhh!!" He screams as he swings his blade at me, causing me to jump back.

I shake my head as i glare at the idiot. This time i charge before he gets the chance. I attack from the bottom right with a diagonal slash. He tries to block, but gets pushed back. Before he can recover i slash at his sword, cutting his fragile blade in two.

His other half of the blade flies in the air and sinks into the ground. He looks dumbfounded that his "precious" blade was easily destroyed.

"you have no weapon. You have lost."

Sheathing my blade, the person in charge of the match declares my win. I release another disappointed sigh before walking back to the waiting area.

"Regis, look out!!" Jeannes voice screams out.

Whirling around i see Yeoman charging at me with a crazed look in his eyes, his broken blade out to stab me.

His complextion intantly reminds me of the bandits that killed my mom. Rage fills every portion of my body as i dodge out of the way and grab the bastards arm.

*snap*

I crush his wrist, and before he can scream i punch his face hard enough to take a few teeth out. He flies through the air and hits the ground knocked out.

Before anyone can do anything i walk out of the rink with a furious expression.

His father walks calmly up to his son, shaking his head in disappointment. He grabs yeoman and begins to walk away.

I on the other hand sit down, clenching my fist and biting my lip in irritation. I wanted to kill the brat and i probably would have if i didn't hold back in the last second.

I ignore the other contestants that are now looking at me in slight fear. I just need to calm down and take a deep breath. My face slipping back into a calmer expression as the next match begins.

Third person POV

Back to the Edon residence yeoman wakes up with his face burning. His dad looking down on him with a disappointed expression.

"You are a fool. Not only have you tarnished your own image, but the families as well. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Yeoman sputters in rage and hate.

"It was that peasant!! He dared stand against me, a noble!"

slap*

Yeoman recoils in shock as he was slapped across the face. His father has a furious expression.

"Do not misplace your lack of honour onto that young warrior! He showed more than you've had your whole life! You've disgraced our families name. If you would have yeilded, one of our families blades would still be here! Yet you lost yourself in your stupid little rage! Get out of my sight!" The father harshly yells out to the boy.

Yeomans shakingly gets up and walks to his room, slamming the door behind him.

He clenches his jaw, his teeth creaking from the strain. "That regis brassords gonna pay. I'll kill him!!!" He starts to speak to himself.

"No i can't kill him..." His face contorts into a crazy grin. "I'll get someone else to kill him. Hahahaaha!!! Diediediedie!!!"

He breaks out into a crazy fit of laughter filled with hate and vengeance.

--

Disclaimer: i do not own annything but my own characters.

Sorry for the long wait! I've been busy with looking for jobs and preparing for collage. I'm going to start to release every 3-5 days.

The tournament idea was for regis to gain popularity and also for him to meet future friends and knights that will assist him in future battles. There was a little "fluff" between jeanne and regis to further their relationship, and i know 'princess' isn't very original but i thought it fit her. I also just had to add the noble douche bag.

thanks for reading!