The Foolish Grappler Chapter 15
(Authors Note: Hey guys got an early chap this month due to me being inspired and me starting my two-week mid sem break. If I keep this pace going, I may have another chapter by the end of the month. I have also done a fair bit of planning and you really should look forward to the upcoming chapters, things are going to start ramping up. Which means some short time skips and REAL FUN STUFF. Adorno will be progressing faster now over the next ten chapters so look forward to that.
Also, I updated the ending of chapter 10 as Its meant to be really impact full and it was subpar to me. So, I fixed it up so it's a lot better and easier to read. Please feel free to offer any criticism in the reviews but if you do its best if you have an accountant as I would wish to discuss with you to become better. Also at the end of this chapter is a part where I swapped my style of POV as a test so tell me what you think.
THANK YOU FOR READING I HOPE THIS MAKES YOU HAPPY.)
"Well, at least I have confirmation now, I guess" I sighed, though something about how the quest is laid out feels weird. I guess with how emotive it's, it seems human, which is weird. Then again, it's not out of the box for a system to have personality; at least the system doesn't seem to hate me yet.
***BOOM***
A large explosion interrupted my tangent, that my mind went down. The explosion was visible from where I was at the centre of the village. It was in the direction that the chief ran, clearly related to the battle. The rising smoke seems to be on the other side of the wall. They must be trying to blow holes in the wall to attack through. Sadly that means they are firing explosives that very likely could kill me in one shot, so this is really just based on luck if I survive… Well, off I go to likely certain death if my loot box success rate is anything to go by. With that grim thought, I started running against the tide of villagers, who were primarily women, children and the elderly. The ones not taking an active role in the defence though I didn't care about that at this moment as I got my first possible friend in this world to save.
After I started to wade through the crowd, not seeing an easier way, I began to take stock of the situation. 'OK, Adorno, let's think this through; all I have to rely on is my one week of training, granted it was training from hell by sensei. However, in that week, he wasn't able to really teach me much about combat other than some primary forms, which was part of an exercise on top of a log to keep balance. Granted, I didn't really stick the staying on the top part of it. The only other thing was basic punches and other techniques; however, he was pretty adamant that just knowing them isn't valuable is the repeated drilling of them into the body over the years to see them really shine, which I clearly haven't done.
So he wasn't able to teach much relating to combat focusing more on learning how to train my body and the very start of explaining the bare basics. So I at least now know how to throw a punch that a professional wouldn't laugh at should they see it. However, not much more than that, which now I kinda wish he pushed harder.
Why did a chill go down my spine?
Anyway, I am going to have to rely on what I know and my stats and then hope for the best. Hopefully, I got an edge on the stats side, as that would make up for my severe lack of skills. My train of thought was derailed by a massive clanging sound from the battle, as if two cymbals crashed but louder.
"Guess that's the chief, or at least I really hope that was the chief," I say as I realise that I had passed the crowd of villages and was by myself in the street. If I understood where I was, I was a bit further than halfway to the battle, so I could finally see how the battle was going on top of the wall. It was not as bad as I feared but by no means good. The invaders were contesting the rampart. I couldn't really see how they got on there, but they had and were giving the villagers a hard time. As the villagers were no battle-hardened soldiers so, while it seemed like they had the moral to continue, it seems the average villager is weaker than the average enemy.
However, I saw a group of enemies who were not being attacked by the defenders as they had others on each side of them, creating an opening. They jumped down from the wall and ran towards the village, clearly hoping to cause chaos. Sadly for both of us, I don't want that to happen. There were only three so far, which is why they are likely getting through. I had to stop them, so I put my head down and started sprinting as fast as I could to get to them as quickly as possible. This was really the first time I had run without the weight of a dinghy behind me. I felt faster and lighter than before, and I felt I wasn't getting anywhere near as out of breath as I usually would, even from this little sprint.
Now that I was closer, I could get a better view of them as they closed in with a home in the street, clearly looking to cause chaos to draw defenders from the wall leading to the wall being overrun. Something I can't let happen. I can't let the town that took me in be raided. So sadly for them, they were also within range of my observe, which gave me some helpful information about them.
Name: Meldon Ox
Occupation: Raider of the Forward Group (******)
Level: 10
Description: Meldon Ox sets an imposing figure with square shoulders and a body made from countless amounts of sweat. He is quite apprehensive about his body and how he looks. It's quite a sore spot for him. He hasn't been a part of the (****** *****) for long. It's only been a few months, but he has since proven he can be a somewhat trusted member. While he has a lot of muscle, it doesn't make up for what he lacks between his ears. Making him a good follower if controlled by an intelligent person.
Hp: 400/400
Brawn: 52
Vitality: 46
Dexterity: 20
Intelligence: 7
Wisdom: 8
Charm: 15
Name: Stoddard Tempest
Occupation: Raider of the Forward Group (******)
Level: 9
Description: Stoddard Tempest, aka Stod, Is also a new addition to the (****** *****) looking for wealth and fame. He is quite skinny and lean more in line with a marathon runner than a fighter. He has a pretty average face with not much to note. His strongest faucet is that he is one of the quickest in (****** *****), leading him to outperform his peers unless facing someone experienced.
Hp: 250/250
Brawn:16
Vitality: 25
Dexterity: 47
Intelligence: 21
Wisdom: 23
Charm: 16
Name: Hewson 'Chipper' Oldham
Occupation: Raider of the Forward Group (******)
Level: 11
Description: Hewson 'Chipper' Oldham, the self-proclaimed leader of the Forward group of the (******). He is oddly very charismatic and is well known to many in a bar as a hopeless flirt. Which is odd, given his great looks. It comes from this feeling that repels women that have had the displeasure of being in the same room as him. He is pretty average as a fighter because he mainly relies on his subordinate to do his work.
Hp: 278/278
Brawn: 43
Vitality: 36
Dexterity: 45
Intelligence: 26
Wisdom: 10
Charm: 66
OK, that's, um, I don't know what to expect, but I am not sure that was it. Luckily they seemed to somehow not notice me running at them, which is quite surprising I wasn't being stealthy. I guess they were too focused on the target of their desires, thinking they were behind the defenders. They were safe, or it could simply be the roar of the massive battle covering my steps. However, regardless of the reason, it gave me the privilege to pick my first target, and as I did, I recalled what sensei said a few days ago.
Flashback start (A week ago)
I was in the middle of my morning run, sensei seating in the dingy I was pulling. I still find it hard to believe I may be getting used to this. However, I was interrupted by my inner thoughts by sensei, who had been throwing question after question at me about what to do in a combat scenario. I wasn't going that great and hence he was explaining it.
"You see Adorno when you are facing a group of opponents more so if you have the benefit of surprise to knock out the biggest threat. Now why do you think that may be the case?" Sensei questioned.
"Due to having multiple opponents you're likely to leave openings and hence you rather not have them taken by the biggest threat?" I get out between breaths as I continue to run.
"Good answer, but there is much more to it…." Replied sensei as he began to go into detail about why to do so.
Flashback end
Well, the largest of the three and by physical stats, the most prominent foe was at the back while the other two were already at the porch, one trying the door and the other looking through the window. He was just about to reach the steps when he noticed me. Sadly for him, he was too late, as I had already lunged with the sword in my hand, ready to run him through. He was barely about to get a shout of "WHAT TH-" before my rusty sword that I had got out from my inventory as I was running cut into the side of his chest through his ribs, likely hitting his lungs and maybe his heart given the damage it did.
I continued with the motion into him, tackling him to the ground as I saw his face frozen in both shock and pain and the beginning of a rage. If his description was anything to go by, this wasn't good and had to be stopped now. This is why as soon as we landed with me on top of him, I quickly mounted him, letting go of the sword lodged in his chest and started raining full right punches straight at his head. I don't really recall how many I threw. I just knew by the time I stopped, his face was bloody and bruised. Yet as I stopped, I heard a wooden creak that had my hand going to my belt, where I placed the pistol from my inventory.
I looked right, and sure enough Stoddard was already on the steps with his sword out, apparently shouting. Yet in this split second that felt like a minute, I heard nothing other than the rapid beating of my heart in my ears. Yet that didn't matter as I didn't care for what he was saying; I just cared about lining up a shot as he came closer. Which I took as he finally took a step on the ground. This was the first time I fired a gun, sure I knew how guns worked even wanted one back home but couldn't have it. Not like that would have helped much with this world's weird firearms that look like flintlocks but acted nothing like it. The recoil was more powerful than I expected. I don't know if this was normal or extra for this world's guns.
Anyway, I hit him, I don't know where, just that after I fired, he was dropping his sword and was falling to the side as his forward momentum continued to bring him closer. Yet as I was watching him fall, I saw something from the corner of my eye. It was the third raider Hewson who was exploiting my distracted focus on Stoddard as an opportunity which worked. Before I really could hope to fire another shot, he was already swinging his sword to separate my head from my shoulders. Sadly for him, I was just able to move my pistol in the way to parry his swing, which was deflected as it forced my pistol from my poor grip. It was sent flying to who knows where. I didn't bother to look as I sprang as fast as I could up, grabbing his arm with his sword with my right as I twisted my body with my left fist cocked back, which quickly sprang forward too as I launched the strongest left straight punch across his face.
This seemed to stun him, and seeing my potential only opportunity, I quickly got under his arm and tried to mimic a move that that sensei used on me. Using his arm as leverage and using all my might, I was about to lift him from the ground and slam him down, further stunning him. As I was righting myself to stomp on his face, I felt a sharp pain in my lower back and a force pushing me forward. Over the guy I just threw, looking back, I saw an enraged Stoddard who clearly was not dead. He was currently removing his sword from my lower left back and then using two hands aiming to shove it through my face. Something I would object to, so as he swung down, I was just able to move my head to the side, only leaving me with a shallow cut on my cheek and ear.
I then hooked my left arm around him to get him into a clinch so he couldn't attack me right now. It also gave me a good view over his shoulder of Hewson being to get up. Seeing things were about to get a lot worse, I looked down at this guy's belt, and sure enough, he had a pistol which I quickly borrowed and fired a shot at Hewson right shoulder, looking to hit the centre of mass and ended up lucky instead hitting his head causing a quick death and a big mess.
Yet as I was distracted with killing him, the guy I was clinching was able to knock the gun out of my hand. He then took my surprise as an opportunity to elbow me across my face, knocking me senseless, which caused me to let go as I tried to gather my wits. This was the first time I was really hit in the head, and it appeared I needed to get used to this weird feeling of both being in my body and floating. Also, could whatever was causing that ringing in my ears to stop, please.
When I finally came out of my stunned state, I didn't know much time had passed, yet when I looked to my left, the fucker who hit me was trying to get his sword out of the ground while on top of me. I felt the ringing slowly die out to the ramping beating of my heart as my eyes locked onto his face. Then my body moved before I realised I was moving, throwing a right punch right to the side of his cheek, causing him to fall off of me to my left, grabbing his face. I wasted no time in remounting him and giving him the same treatment of face remodelling as I did the first guy.
'Hrf hrf' I sat there staring at the guy's face; I felt like nothing existed outside of myself, or at least I wasn't aware of it. The pounding in my ears was calming down, and was allowing the sounds of battle to enter my senses. I didn't really know what was happening; it was like my mind was finally catching up to what had happened. This felt like I have sat here for an hour when I don't think it's even been a few seconds. Looking over my shoulder, I saw the big guy was still there. He seemed to be breathing though I don't know if I did a lethal amount of damage. However, that wasn't a question when my eyes found the body lying there. I quickly looked forward again as I felt the need to vomit.
"Holy shit I just killed a dude sure he deserved but the fuck wait he wasn't even my first kill oh god why is that just impacting me now?" I said queasily. I don't know why I was having such a strong reaction to killing him when I seemed fine before or why all at once. It was all That was as far as that thought went as about twenty metres away from me from the sky roared a cannonball that, once hitting the ground, exploded. That caused me to realise I was still in a battle and, more importantly, I needed to hurry to save Marie. Weirdly as that realisation came to me, the guilt, disgust and other emotions due to my killing faded away in real-time. While this is concerning, I have to get going, so that's what I did as I got up looking down; I took the guy's pistol I was standing over. I even pulled his sword from the ground, which looked to still be in OK condition and put them into my belt.
After that, I set off running towards the wall, which didn't take long. But it let me see the state of the battle so far, and it wasn't the best or worst. They seemed to be holding them mostly on the wall, with a few fights just behind the wall as I looked right and left. This was bad. I had no clue which way to go as there was no one to ask which way she went.
So I just randomly picked a direction and ran to the right. Hoping I would find her in time, along the way, I found that a few more raiders had gotten down from the wall. However, they were being met by some defenders. So seeing an opportunity, I used the fact that they were mostly distracted to quickly deal with them along with the help of other defenders. I also took the time to ask the defenders if they had seen Marie, but they hadn't until I got to the last person I had just helped.
"Ah huff, thanks for that; oh, you're that kid that people have been talking about. Fancy seeing you here? I wouldn't be able to knock him out that quickly without your help. Is there anything I could do for you?" He asked as he tried to catch his breath after clearly fighting for a sustained period. Clearly, he wasn't used to fighting for so long, which makes sense. He wasn't a soldier; he was a woodworker by the name of Bark Lee if Observation was right. Ironic name for a woodworker if you ask me; let me guess, his son is called Timber.
"There is something. Do you know where Marie Schit is? Have you seen her? She ran to help, but I couldn't find her" As we both stood over the last smuck that we double-teamed, I asked if he knew anything as his favour for me helping him.
"Oh, I have, before this smuck attacked me. I, of course, asked what the hell she was doing here. She said she needed to help. So I thought It best to point her to the wounded area closer to the centre of the village, hopefully, safer. Sure it's admirable that she wants to help but unlike her sister she can't fight as well," He answered with a concerned look on his face.
"GREAT, I gotta go; then I was told to keep her safe, and that's what I plan to do. Keep up the fight," I say, finally relieved that I have a tip on where she was. As I was turning to leave, I felt a hand on my shoulder, so I turned around. I am met with a grateful look from Bark Lee.
"Looking at you, you need help yourself; you have done a lot, lad. Leave the rest to us folk ok."
"Sure, I just have to make sure she's fine first, then I am more than happen to rest."
"Good off you go then."
"Thank you Mr Lee."
"You too, kid, oh, and you can just call me Bark got it."
"Sure"
With that, I booked it towards the way he said the wounded camp was. It was deeper into the village in a small plaza that I had been to earlier when I was handing out the food to the rebuilders with Marie. I really hoped she was safe as what he said was true. I really am getting tired though I don't know if that's to do with the hard work and fighting or blood loss. My HP wasn't doing so well either, so hopefully, I don't get into any more fights.
As if fate and karma were listening and thought to punish me for my hubris. As I was making my way to the camp, I heard a faint noise that sounded like a muffled scream. It was even a miracle that I heard it. Yet obviously, this was suspicious and could be a trap, yet I needed to check it in case it was Marie. So I quickly duck into the alleyways between buildings trying not to make too much noise by avoiding puddles and rubbish. I eventually can hear some voices multiple in fact, all sound male. At this point, I try even to be more stealthy though I don't know how well I am doing so as when I get to the corner, I don't peek out from behind it as I fear they could be looking this way. Instead, I listen to see what I can gather.
"Oi now None o' that deary, Else I will be givin' ye o'er t' Cap'n in pieces. The ornery bastard just said ya had t' be alive not in one piece. Though why not just take a little nap then ye will be all awake t' meet th' boss" Someone spoke in a tone that was jovial but clearly had malice weaved within. However, I could tell they weren't close to the corner, so I dared to peek around at first quickly, then slowly, realising they weren't looking this way. When I did, I noticed a group in a small area bigger than typical back alleys where multiple houses' backs faced. Luckily I right away spotted Maria, who was currently being held by a large guy who was forcing a cloth over her mouth and nose, which seemed to cause her to fall unconscious.
I quickly checked her Status, and thankfully she seemed ok, so it was just a sleep drug of some kind. I then took the time to observe every one of the enemies to give me the most significant advantage possible.
Name: Marwood 'Defiant' Zul
Occupation: Raider Sub-Leader (******)
Level: 17
Description: He has a hatch face that has clearly been worn by being out sailing for most of his life. His hair is dirty and unkept, along with his clothes are weatherbeaten and barely hanging on him. He has been a (******) for more than half his life, yet he has failed to live up to his dreams; hence he now usually drinks his worries away. He hates taking orders yet normally relents when applied with a little force. He has particular views on how a pirate should act and tries to do so as best he can, which only leads to most of his comrades hating him for being annoying. His nickname was given to him ironically though he doesn't seem to understand that.
Hp: 450/450
Brawn: 52
Vitality: 49
Dexterity: 44
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 12
Charm: 10
Number of units: 5
Occupation: Raider Grunts (******)
Level: 5-13
Hp: (100/100)-(240/240)
Brawn: (15)-(40)
Vitality: (10)-(30)
Dexterity: (20)-(50)
Intelligence: (5)-(12)
Wisdom: (3)-(10)
Charm: (1)-(10)
(Author's note: This is the range of stats that the grunts have. I don't feel making a new one for each will be beneficial to you, the reader or me, so yeah)
There was the big guy in charge holding Marie with two guys close by him. The last three were closer to me, looking at the other three, so their backs were to me.
That's a lot of enemies to fight at once, enough to kick my ass without really trying. All I got is a week of training with little relevant combat teaching, an ego, a sword that I am not trained with and a pistol that I've been relying on my gaming experience to use. Who thought all those Vr games would come in so handy. It only has like five shots left. I guess I never asked how to check how many shots were left. How the hell is that meant to stop six enemies that are basically all stronger than me. 'THINK ADORNO THINK' Ah, I think I may have an idea that either works or fails horribly if the Observation was correct.
This doesn't look good for me at all, I think as I silently sigh to myself. Taking stock of my condition, I have currently (HP TOTAL) and the fact that I am in a fair bit of pain that I am trying not to think about. I am also tired as hell, and my stamina really isn't going to last me much longer. Today really hasn't been my day. Maybe I could just go back and tell the chief what happened. That would work, right?
Flashback start
Flashback to middle school with (********), who was my Best friend.
We were walking home from another dull day of school. At Least I was able to hide being bullied by Her today. I don't want to really bother her with it. I was chatting about some useless topic that looking back, had little value, but I nevertheless obsessed with it. I could now tell she didn't really care for the subject itself but was talking as it seemed like I liked it. I never realised how often she would go out of her way to make me happy. It's only when I look back do I see the times when she did.
As we were walking by an alleyway, we heard a scuffling. When we looked, it turned out that some highschool thugs were trying to harass two nerds, a male and a female. The guy obviously didn't want to fight and was trying to give them money so they would leave them alone. Sadly they wanted to have fun messing and beating them up and then taking their money. The worst kind of bully. I much prefer ones that just want your money because as soon as you give it to them, they let you off. It was the ones who drew most of the fun from the suffering they inflicted that was troublesome.
Realising that there was nothing I could do, I was about to continue walking, not wanting to get drawn in. Unfortunately, when I looked at Her, she was gone; however, looking back at the bullies showed that she was just talking with them to stop what they were doing. Sometimes I wish she wasn't as headstrong and brave as she was, but that wasn't fair; that was just me being selfish.
Of course, they didn't take the threat of a clearly middle schooler girl seriously, yet that changed when she dealt with the closest of the three with a jab to the balls, taking him to the ground. That got their attention. Yet when the biggest of the bullies that were holding the nerd dropped him and walked over to this new pest. Well, he regarded as he got a kick to his family jewels which caused the others to wisen up and leave, followed by the limping bullies who had their nuts cracked.
Later when we were close to being home, I asked why she bothered as she didn't have to help. She simply smiled and replied that if she could help, even if she didn't have to, that didn't mean she couldn't. That one of the reasons she trains is to help people is the right thing to do.
Flash back end
Sadly I just took that for its face value, not looking any deeper. If I did, maybe I could. But that's the past now. I wonder what she would think about me now about to run into what could be my death just to do the right thing… I guess people really could change another thing she was right about.
Oh, who am I kidding? I know there really is one way and only one way this has to go down. Well, I WON'T STOP PUSHING, SO LETS FUCKING GO.
With that, I found out from the corner focusing on the guy who I was going to use as a hostage. Sadly my luck seemed to run out because I seemed to step on a loose part of the pavement, causing me to slip over and fall forward. Luckily I got my arms out to brace myself. It would be foolish if I knocked myself out by falling. I then heard multiple clicking sounds, which caused me to look up at every (raider) armed with their pistols pointing at me. Well, shit.
"Let go o' that gun if ye don't want t' be full o' holes", The head guy said in a broken accent that I really found hard to understand. Anyway, I best listen; at least for now, Marie isn't in immediate danger.
"Sure, That wasn't part of my plan for the record."
"Na shit, But who th' fuck be ye? Ye barely look like ye got off yer ma's tit."
"Ah well I happen to be here to save that girl you got in your arms. You wouldn't mind handing her over right? I promise not to beat the shit out of you."
"th' fuck could ye do ya out numbered and out gunned how about ye do as I say and I may only break half o' yer ribs."
"Wow such a great offer I got to think about it….. Nah I liked mine better."
"Well, yer funeral sadly th' lass won't see that comely savour get destroyed. I would've loved t' see her reaction. BOYS, TEACH THIS FUCKER A LESSON WHY YE DON'T FUCK WITH US." With that order, the five mooks started circling me while holding their pistols at me. When they finally had me circled, I tried to see if I could make this easier for myself. They seemed proudful. Maybe I could use that.
"Woah what are you going to shoot me that's not fun how about you all fight man to man fist to fist. How does that sound you fucks." As I say that I look around me as they all start looking at each other not knowing if they really should.
"Do as he says or be ya tellin' me ye can't beat a kid that hasn't even been in a wench with yer bare hands?" and with that, they drop their weapons as I draw and drop the sword in my belt to the floor. Right before I felt like we were going to start, I had one thing to say.
"Oh before we start I do want to say that part about just getting off my mom's tit well you're half right it's just it wasn;t mine it was yours, she says hi by the way." After I said that, it seemed as if time froze, only to be broken by the guy to my right starting laughing, which caused others to snicker or laugh.
"THE PERSON WHO BRINGS ME HIS HEAD IS THE ONE I WON'T SHOOT SO HURRY UP AND KILL HIM", He shouted … Normally, wait, was that just him putting on an accent? Regardless, that caused the guys around me to very quickly straighten up and get into fighting stances. I guess this is what it feels like to me in a standoff; how lucky now I get to die, at least knowing the feeling. But the anxiety was killing me… well, that is until the beating in my ears started pumping. Then a calm came over me. Wait, it felt more like I stopped feeling anxious than being calm, as right now I am pretty mad.
The standoff was broken when the guy to my right finally took a step. It seemed to be the thing to break the tension as the other four finally started moving. Sadly for them, I don't plan to make this easy on them as I charge the guy to my right. He clearly didn't expect this as I shoulder charged him into the wall behind him, hopefully doing some damage, after which I immediately grabbed his arm and threw him towards the footsteps behind me, then turned around.
It was important not to be surrounded in a fight, so I had a better chance if I could use the wall to limit the number of attacks they could do. They clearly didn't expect that to happen as two guys ran into the guy causing all three to fall. But that means two were missed and made it to me, where I quickly learnt how fucked I was.
They weren't much more robust, if at all, than the guys who I fight, yet fighting two-on-one is a big handicap, one I am not ready for. I made a naive mistake as I put up my guard, thinking I could take a few hits and then find an opening. Sadly this was one of the worst things to do in a fight against multiple people, something I would find out now. As I felt two punches land, one in my gut, then with the opening one across the face, which broke my guard. I fell to my right, sliding across the wall as my legs lost all strength. My body felt like I was buried in the sand. It was so slow, not to mention I couldn't really focus on anything as my sight was blurry, which, compounded with the ringing in my ears, disoriented me a lot. At this point, pathetically, I lost the fight; sadly, this is the real world, and there ain't no bell.
I think I felt like being kicked a few times, after which they realized I wasn't putting up a fight. There was some talking. I didn't really hear it as I still couldn't make heads or tails of what was around me. That punch really rocked my brain. I did feel when I was picked up by my arms and likely dragged to the leader. I don't really remember much about this, as right after, I think I was used as a punching bag by the Mooks. Or at least that's what it felt like though this was at least still allowing my plan to work just wished I could go without the beating. Though this is nothing new, If anything, this was easier with my increased stats than back when I was bullied. At least here I am, fighting for something worthwhile.
By now, things were getting into focus, and the ringing wasn't as bad, so I could finally hear. Also, I could finally feel my body; sadly, the only feeling I got was extreme pain though nice to know my spine wasn't broken. A quick look at my stats and if my chest felt like it was full of cement, I would have laughed.
HP: 1/255
WARNING: USER IN DANGER OF DEATH DUE TO BLOOD LOSS (-10hp/Min) NEXT TIC IN 15 SECONDS.
Ha, just my luck. This is where I am going to die. It really sucks, sure I went out trying to save a girl again, but I thought I would have at least gotten a bit further. Maybe I could finally meet-
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What was tha-
'AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH' A pain appeared that felt like it came from every part of my body and yet also nowhere. It was so painful I didn't make a sound either due to not getting enough air to scream or whatever reason.
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********* PARTIAL REWARDS FOR ENCOUNTERS *************
+1200xp, +5 Vit
(USER NOTICE: DUE TO PARTIAL REWARDS BEING FORCED BY ADMIN: bpwqgtviawiu ALL OTHER REWARDS FOR THE PAST ENCOUNTERS ARE FORFEITED.
LEVEL UP
Name: Adorno Landor
Occupation: Disciple
Bloodline: (Hanma)
Level: 8
XP: 4864/5832
Unspent points: 4
Hp: 1/255-TO- 56/280
Brawn: 23
Vitality: 31-TO-36
Dexterity: 20
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 12
Charm: 6
[Author note: It's not mentioned here, but he had gained 2 to each in Brawn, Vitality and Dexterity. Over the two-week training. Here is the notification you missed.
The user has hit the Third Milestone (at 30) in Vitality which gives a bonus 20hp + Small toughness Bonus (innate). ]
Oh fuck is happening… It doesn't matter how I got to invest the points.
Assigning Unspent points
Vitality 36 -TO- 40
56/280-TO-66/300
The user has hit the Fourth Milestone (at 40) in Vitality, which gives a bonus to regeneration (innate).
After what felt like forever, I was finally able to take a deep breath. For the record, It's not like I was healed; it's more that I have more room before I die and my body fails. Yet talking quickly reminds me where I am as my ears start drumming with my ramping heartbeat as I look and see that the bastards are trying to leave. I can't let them get away. I have to push on. So even though my body protested, I clumsily got back up to my feet. I was swaying each way so much that a breeze would possibly knock me back on my ass, but that didn't matter.
"HAY shit for brains, we aren't done here unless you're giving up and running like little bitches", I said with a smirk, even though my throat was killing me as if I had just swallowed a bunch of pins. Even putting up a weak fighting stance as if I couldn't be pushed over. They appeared shocked when they looked behind them at what they thought surely was a dead or someone on death's door standing and taunting them. Some appeared to be in disbelief, as if their eyes were playing tricks on them. Some bought my act, likely thinking this was all part of a plan.
The one that drew my eye to a face that appeared oh so familiar, a face in disgust at what it was seeing. The leader was disgusted at me, the same look the bullies had whenever I bothered to stand back up when I didn't take it lying down. It's a disgust of what you think is below you, not knowing its place.
"th' fuck ye doin' ye should be poxed. I were bein' hopein' that I wouldn't have to waste a bullet on ye piece o' shit ye weren't fun at all."
"What ain't used to seeing a guy go more than one round? I feel sorry for your misses if you even have one" He didn't speak a reply as he just growled and drew his pistol aiming for me. I was getting ready to hopefully dodge it to make him fire more than one shot to draw attention though what good that would do wasn't thought about much.
Yet everything changed when the sound of something crashing into the pavement behind the group of enemies. It created a dust cloud hiding its foam from view. It drew the attention of everyone, causing everyone to hold their breaths in case that set of whatever this was. Then came a force that felt similar to gravity, forcing me down to my knees though it quickly let off. The same didn't seem to apply to the kidnappers, who seemed speechless with faces of fear as if they were watching a boulder fall on them in slow motion yet couldn't move.
From the dust, an arm jabbed out so fast it created a gust that dispersed the fust. The arm went right for Marie and took her quickly but gently to a princess carried in the arms of her now-revealed father. But none of the jolly, good-natured guys was there if you saw him; even the stressed and stern father/leader Marie and I ran into at the town hall wasn't the one standing there. His face was partly shaded as he looked down; his face was set in a brutal snarl looking more monster than a man. He also seemed to be more muscled than before, or that could just be due to his shirt being in tatters and his pants now more resembling shorts. He had a fair amount of cuts across his body and other wounds, but if you questioned his ability to fight, then you're a fool.
"Why did you think you could dare take my daughter from me and still live to see tomorrow?" A baritone voice deeper than whenever I had heard him talk before. There was something guttural to it, as if it was the personification of the meaning of predator. Yet no one seemed to answer his question right away, but then the leader broke.
"We were just ordered to find one of your daughters to use as bargaining, nothing else. We weren't going to harm her in any way. Honestly, I was quite against it when-" was as far as the leader got in his now revealed likely natural voice, which was squeaky and high pitched. How he could sound so low before and why he would talk like that, I had no clue, but I wasn't about to ask him now.
As that was as far before faster than I could register, one moment he was kneeling before Hagan, the next he was halfway to the wall a few meters to my right which in the next second he crashed into and remained stuck there unmoving. Looking back, Hagen was just lowering his foot; clearly, he just kicked him. The power of that kick was unbelievable.
This seemed to wake the others from their shocked forms, which got them to quickly try to run past Hagan to escape, which for some reason, he did. I was about to ask why, but I was interrupted.
"Son, don't worry about them. They will not get far adelind will want to release her anger on them. You went when I told you not to, yet from what I hear, you did it looking for my daughter. Is that true?" Spoke Hagan as he began walking toward me though he didn't seem as threatening as before somehow. Yet when I tried to talk, I couldn't, so I just nodded.
"There is much I wish to say, but that will be done once you are treated. You can rest easy now, son, the fight is over," and as if that were the magic words to the switch of my consciousness as I then fainted.
****** Two Months later ********
( Authors Note: I will be trying a new style of pov which includes some third person. It felt easier to right and more natural to read.)
It was a lovely morning with a nice breeze coming from the south, keeping everything nice and cool. The trees rustled, and birds chirped, the sounds of nature unmarred; truly A wonderful experience. That is if not for the heavy grunting that was disturbing some birds, causing them to fly off.
The source of this disturbance can be traced back to a young man in a clearing standing in front of a tree facing away from it. Weirdly he was holding two ropes in his hands that were pulled each time he punched forward. It seemed that it was taking him great effort to do such a simple punch; the reason for that would be the two large rocks that could easily weigh 500 kg connected to the ropes providing weight resistance through the ropes set up on the tree branches. While the tree carries some of the weight, a fair bit is still on the young man to lift.
" 295..296….297…298….299…..300!" The last number being shouted loudly in a tone of gratification. Quickly followed by the sound of two massive thuds. Ignoring them, Adorno walked over to a tree stump that had a bottle of water and a towel. Sitting down and using the towel to wipe his sweat off, then taking a large gulp of water.
"Ah, that hits the spot, didn't expect me to hit 300 so quickly." Ha, if my old self could see me now, he would have tried to exercise. Granted, I didn't have a system back then, plus sensei's help. But even then, being able to do even just that rep would have been thought as impossible. Hell, my balancing exercise is challenging, having to both balance weights and then kick either while standing or on my hands. I would even do vertical pushups though it was a pain learning to balance that well. Lastly, with sensei doubled my running track and now adds sizable rocks to the dinghy when he feels like it. Let alone possible in only about three months I have been on this island.
Yeah, it was shocking how well accustomed I have to this new life. Maybe it has something to do with the system. I wouldn't say that's impossible or even unlikely, but still. Going from a failed high school Neet to well this. I gesture to myself to my ….. Self. Granted, even in these two months, my body really has changed. I am by no means ripped, but all my fat is basically gone. Hell, I think I could see a six-pack if I suck in my gut. Plus, no other issues like loose skin, and that, like, is taken care of by the system or maybe this world's weird logic.
Well, regardless, I worked damn hard to get to this point. Even after that second battle, I have been pushing myself to get stronger. To be able to protect myself better, as it seems my luck sucks. If there was a second round of that fight now, I think I could have beaten that group. But that's neither here nor there; the bastards haven't shown up for a round three, if they ever will.
Well what, ever they are doing hope they fuck it up big time; other than that, well, that's above my pay grade. Time right now to take a breather and enjoy nature's beauty around me. Unexpectedly my days at this work are more chaotic and busy than they were back home. I hardly have time to sit and just enjoy my surroundings.
Though, for some reason, I feel like I forgot something.