016: Intruder in my Secret Base

Today, I’m practicing with a wooden sword in the courtyard. This instance, it’s not regular practice or a punishment, but a voluntary act. It’s part of a strategy of mine, I want to get better to not lose so hilariously.

Move silently and use the power of the whole body, not just the wrist and elbows. After a hundred swings, I got tired of sword swings. Maybe I’ll try some Kendo-style swings instead.

“Men!” Al

Huh, this stance is to kill your opponent. All you need is to swing down. It’s the fastest action from all of the stances if you can cut downwards. Even if I’m a novice at swords, I still have at least that knowledge.

“Kote!” Al

The stance that holds the tip of the sword in line with the other party’s eyes. It’s smooth to get to this stance from all the other stances. In other words, it’s useful to respond to attack, defense, and other situations from this stance. Since there aren’t many gaps, it’s the common attitude of Kendo in the modern time.

“Do!” Al

This stance keeps the tip of the sword pointing slightly downwards and is usually used as a defensive posture. It’s hard to quickly respond and easy to expose gaps, so this stance is rarely used in modern Kendo.

The soil around here is boring, I don’t feel any sort of power from it. I love using Earth Magic since it’s so convenient.

“Fu!” Al

This stance reminded me of my high school days. I liked to escape from the teacher’s supervision during Kendo practice.

Why do I feel like practicing Kendo?

According to my friend, shouting a different target from what you’re aiming for won’t be counted as a point. You can’t win against a friend who’s in the Kendo club doing normal moves. I was frustrated when I failed at that strategy.

According to that friend, pronunciations differ based on the experience level of a Kendo practitioner.

• Beginner: “Men”
• Intermediate: “Meeeeen!”
• Advanced: “Meenyaaa!”
• Transcendent: “Me#*&$@”

At least, it seems that way. Later, when I saw an exhibition match between two masters, it was amazing. Even me, I can do some moves.

“Meeeeen!” Al

How was that? I wonder if I made it to an intermediate level?

“That’s an interesting pose… Did you come up with it yourself?” Nord

“Eh, did you see that Dad?” Al

“That’s right, but?” Nord

Oh, wow… that was embarassing.

“Try striking me with that pose” Nord

Oh, so now it’s like that. Dad wants me to try a strike from my pose. He looks happy with my interest.

“Meeeenyaaah” Al

I made a strange call as I face Nord. Take it!

“Kote!” Nord

“Gufah” Al

Dad remains on top…

After getting a beautiful strike from Nord, I decided to rest from sword practice for the day. Today will be a magic practice day instead. I think I’ll swing by my secret house that I made from Earth Magic. I’ll go down to the forest behind the mansion, I made it near the place I experimented with Spatial Magic on the fork beetle. I’ve placed some furniture from Mr. Herman as well. I’ve even added a bath to it, it’s a nice house. It’s like my home away from home.

“Well today should be…” Al

As I open the door to get to cleaning up some things…

“Zzzz… Zzz…” Large Man

When I peek inside the house, there’s a large man snoring on the floor. He looks as muscled as the cook Bartolo.

“Who?” Al

Maybe I’ll figure it out with some inspection, who knows? I know I haven’t seen him before in the village, I’d remember someone like this. He’s got armor that covers the important areas while remaining easy to manuever in, not sure what the metal is. His sword is leaning against the wall and has been through some battles. He has thick hair and stubble. He doesn’t seem to have noticed me.

“Dinner Time!” Al

“What?! Food!” Large Man

He woke up.

The man looks around for where the food is, but when he realizes there isn’t anything, the sits up and looks at me.

“Hey kid. Who are you?” Large Man

“Isn’t that my line? You’re in the house I built.” Al

“What? Isn’t this a rest hut?” Large Man

“Don’t sell my house so short, there’s a kitchen, desk, chair, and bath through that door.” Al

When he heard my retort, the strange man had to check and see what’s in the other room.

“Wow, you’re not joking! It’s like a home!” Large Man

Did he not believe me?

When I followed him into the back room, he was examining the fixtures in the room with great interest.

“Hmm, huh” Large Man

I’ve got various furniture made with Earth Magic along with a wooden desk and chair I got from the carpenter Herman. Reversi and shogi as well.

“Who are you? By the way, I’m Alfred.” Al

“Oh? It’s nice to see a young man with your attitude. My name is Rumba!” Rumba

“Rumba? Do you move around and clean?” Al

“Hmm, so you have heard of me? I wonder if my reputation precedes me, since I’m a Rank B adventurer and have traveled widely.” Rumba

Rumba has a proud look while stroking his chin.

Something is off, but hmmm…

“Take a bath, your smell precedes you!” Al

Translation

Good Job!

Do Better!

Chapter

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FFS!

Really?