Chapter 2

Third Person Pov.

Ernest walked through the busy streets of Roa. He was almost 5 years old, so he was still quite small.

But his appearance could attract attention, so he covered his body with a cloak so as not to raise suspicion.

Ernest was guarding a fruit stand, security was pretty tight. And all thieves were severely punished.

But that didn't make Ernest's actions uncomfortable. He watched the vendor for hours, looking for any patterns or flaws, and after another moment the time came.

A nobleman had arrived, it was easy to tell by the dress.

But the important thing was that the majority began to pay attention to him.

It was an instant but Ernest filled a canvas bag with some fruits. Just to keep it in his robe.

Ernest didn't run away, he just walked away a bit before stopping again. Then slowly walk away.

.....

First Person Pov.

That was my routine, the food they gave me was the leftovers of the leftovers. So the moment I managed to walk I started stealing everything I can.

But the food was not the only thing, I also got some money.

Several copper coins and some silver. And although I was able to use them to buy food, I had been saving for this moment.

"Give me the book". I don't care about manners, I already knew that old man anyway.

"And how a kid like you got the money." The old man looked at me with accusing eyes, but my expression did not change at all.

"If you don't want the money I can go somewhere else."

The old man seemed to hesitate, but in the end, he took out a book.

"Sword God, elementary level. Do you know that without a master this is useless?"

"Then so be it." I put down the money and took the book to walk away.

I had to go to a far corner so as not to be disturbed.

In a world of magic and sword, I would prefer to learn both. Too bad it seems that I have no talent for magic since this is the second book that I bought. Being magic the first, since using the sword being so young could be harmful.

But no matter what I try, not even a small flame or a drop of water appears when I try to use magic. So I had to continue.

Hopefully, I won't suck as much using the sword.

…..

Today was my 5th birthday, this was supposed to be an important date for the people of this world. Also being 10 and 15 years old. But I went out to do my thing as usual.

In a far corner, I was practicing with a wooden sword.

I didn't have the option of hurting myself, so I focused on technique before force. Day after day I practiced my footwork and attacks.

Too bad I didn't seem to have many talents, the only positive thing was that I liked the ideology that came from learning the sword god style. Victory comes from the one who moves first. Although there were several ways to interpret that.

But I could only cultivate slowly, systematically repeating every move and fixing every flaw. Every time I got tired I analyzed and tried to improve my performance. It was slow and I could hardly see a change.

But I didn't give up, I had too much pent-up rage so it was a good way to use it for something useful.

To continue with my training. But I was starting to get hungry so it was time for one last effort.

I refocused and checked my sword grip. I calmed my breathing and concentrated.

When I fully concentrate I notice how my senses intensify.

These were the few times my body felt light, a sense of power. I couldn't control it, but it was intoxicating. I could hear my heartbeat as well as every little bird in the vicinity. The world seemed to slow down, and I felt more energized than ever.

But don't waste this moment and throw everything you've got at a tree.

It was a fairly thick tree but quite damaged from all my training.

Only this time I noticed that my sword seemed to have penetrated the tree doing significant damage.

" That never happened."

I wanted to verify this phenomenon immediately to try to recreate it. But…. Why did my body feel so tired? and everything started to go dark.

…

I didn't get up right away when I woke up. My left leg hurt quite a bit, but to an acceptable level. The problem was that my right hand is broken.

That did hurt, even moving hurt. And that was a problem.

But it was getting dark, and walking at night was more than a bad idea.

I ripped some of my clothes and using some wood I adjusted my hand as I could, my teeth hurt but I had to adjust them in the best way.

…

"Ernest come quickly." I heard Jewel talking to me when he arrives.

I was pretty late so she should be mad, but she looked different today. Something scared her.

"What's going on". Don't belong in getting to the front of it. Her cheap cologne started making me sick, and this town was supposed to be a big perfume producer.

"Someone wants to see you."

That was new, and from her expression, that person should be someone important.

"Guide the way."

I was taken to one of the brothel rooms, I just hope it's not someone with weird fetishes. With my broken hand, I had no chance. But as a precaution, I took a small dagger out of my boot. Useless for fighting, but effective in surprise attacks.

"Enters".

Jewel didn't go in, leaving me at the door.

When I walked in I noticed that the room wasn't very well lit, along with the sound of the door closing behind me.

There was only one person in that place. He had a robe that hid him.

There was a simple table and two chairs. One used by the man, and one that could be mine.

"You can sit".

It was a calm and somewhat familiar voice.

It didn't seem like a problem so I accepted his invitation.

The place was silent, I wanted to ask some questions. But I was just a kid who was pretty hurt, so I refrained and decided to act accordingly.

"You have a good look, quite unusual for a boy your age."

"You tend to grow up a little faster in my situation. But I'll take the compliment." It was hard not to be so sarcastic, but my mind pushed unnecessary thoughts away from me.

"You also have good manners. It seems like you managed well these 5 years." That person began to speak more familiarly.

And now that my eyes got used to the light, I could see the person under the robe better.

He was the person I think my father was. After so many years he came to visit. Quite a nice gesture... As if he would think that. Although I didn't care about that matter.

"I did my best, I'm not really complaining. Although it's rare for a stranger to have that kind of talk with me." I knew who he was, but my goal was to speed up the conversation.

My comment seemed to be a bitter pill for my father. But he pulled himself together pretty quickly.

"Actually I owe you a lot of explanations. But first I have to apologize for my actions." That person bowed his head in apology.

Which was a surprise, most of the nobles I met were idiots. That was weird.

"I think I should first listen to that explanation before thinking of an apology." I had to fake a bit of interest, I actually became a bit numb. Since this family reunion didn't affect me in the slightest.