Chapter II – Peaceful Repose
"W-what?" Jin stuttered. "Fell from the heavens?"
Without a word, Rena nodded resumed her humming.
"What could this mean?" he asked himself. It was a mystery on its own, and all he ever wanted was to come back to his home world and reunite with his friends. Rena tended to Jin's wounds while he shrugged off the nonsense he had just heard.
A day passed and Jin recovered most of his strength. He was granted permission to look around the village but only with Rena at his side. Rena acted as the tour guide, but seeing how small the village was, it didn't seem like it was necessary. Jin watched as people stared at the possible divine hero they kept mumbling about. It made Jin feel all but comfortable. But then came from behind a strong voice that calmed the entire ruckus.
"People, people! Stop staring and go back to your routines! Do not be rude to our guest!" declared the mayor. He then turned his attention towards Jin. "How do you do, kid? You feeling alright, son?"
Jin cleared his throat before answering.
"Yes, thanks to your courtesy."
"Nah, it's not a big deal," the mayor said as he patted Jin on the back. "Rena, prepare dinner for our guest and right away."
"Y-yes sir!"
Rena bowed twice and immediately headed back for the main house.
"Now, son," the mayor continued as he strolled alongside Jin. "Is there anything we can do?"
Jin thought for a second.
"No, not really. But I would like to look around and enjoy the fresh air."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, that's all."
"Alright, kid. Then feel free to do so, but don't cause trouble, 'kay?"
The mayor, massive in structure, was built like a true leader. He was charismatic, open-minded and powerful. Jin felt plenty of power flowing out from the mayor. Before Jin could say another word, the villager leader excused himself and marched back to check upon Rena at the main house.
As Jin watched the happenings of the village, he surely felt it was his home world: no major gravity effect or magic limitations. The children that were running around and playing were like soldiers in training. Each wielded a wooden stick and pretended to play war. The elders carefully harvested their crops while the strong and able men protected the village from any harm. Time passed quickly, and Jin was called in for dinner. And soon after that, night fell, ending yet another quiet day in the village.
That night, Jin went out to do some training. Just as he had to adapt to the atmosphere in the other world, he needed to relearn to control his powers in his own world. After re-mastering his basic elemental spells, he started to swing his sword as if in combat and tried to get back into the groove.
"Now, let's try this."
Jin unleashed a ray of energy around him and under his control, shattered his energy like glass. Then he swung his sword, the Rainbow, and sent the shards of energy flying in every which direction.
"Phew, that worked out well," he congratulated himself. That attack he performed is what Jin calls it the Energy Glass, one of his favorite overdrives. However, Jin stumbled a bit after the overdrive but regained balance just as he heard somebody clapping behind him.
"That was amazing!" Rena exclaimed.
Taken aback by her sudden appearance, Jin modestly thanked her.
"Please, continue," Rena pleaded.
But Jin somehow felt embarrassed by her presence. Instead, Jin made an excuse to go back inside and rest for the night. Rena was slightly disappointed, but gladly went with him.
The next day, Jin relaxed in the village as he conversed with many people, especially the vivacious children. He told his past adventures to the children (of course, with minor exaggerations) and willingly showed some of his magic to entertain them. It was something new and exciting for them, and they eagerly wanted to learn how to cast magic.
"Can you please teach us? Pretty please?" they would beg.
"Haha," Jin enjoyed the young audience. "Maybe another day, okay?"
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Then a voice came from behind.
"Jin-sama?" Rena called.
Jin turned around and saw Rena carrying a basket of dried clothes. "It's time to take a bath."
"Ah, geez, since when did I have to take a bath?" Jin whined.
"But you're going to smell!" the children teased.
Jin retaliated with playful gestures and was finally dragged to the bathhouse by Rena. There, she offered to wash his back and forced herself upon him.
"Hey, I can do it myself!" shouted a flustered Jin.
"No, no, I want to do it…"
Despite all the struggles, Jin ended up being sparkling clean thanks to Rena's scrutiny. A girl like Rena would probably outmatch Jin in a pure physical fight because of her daily work schedule. She did not seem to mind her everyday labor and took delight in making the mayor, and Jin, happy.
