After waking up, he saw the same ceiling once again.
And a strange feeling lingered on his forehead.
He remembered that feeling, though it could not be put into words.
So he stood up from the bed, moved outside the house, picked up a wooden stick, and started swinging it.
Ank had not trained for eons.
He did not remember many things about how to train.
But he did not lose confidence.
He started his training without a master.
He didn’t want to follow the book’s instructions to unlock his power.
He had already started building his physical strength.
He believed fists had more power than swords.
But with this weak body, he needed a weapon, so he chose a sword.
After swinging for many hours, Ank started running all over the village to increase his stamina.
Many villagers noticed him because of his new face in the village.
After sensing his power, they ignored him.
Some children also made fun of Ank.
“Look at that boy,” one of the children said.
“He is so weak that even I could beat him.” Another said in a mocking tone, “Yes, we can beat him very easily.” “Why is he so weak?” “Look, he’s been running all over the village since morning.” “He’s like an idiot running here and there.” Some villagers said similar things after seeing Ank.
“He’s weaker than my little brother.” Stop insulting him, another one said.
“At least he’s trying.” Many commented on him, and many insulted him.
“Poor kid.
He’ll die outside the village.” But he ignored all of them, focusing on regaining his strength first.
In his mind, regaining his power was his only goal.
After many hours of running, he returned to the old man’s house.
He saw Maya training with a sword.
She was trying to master basic sword techniques.
Ank had not used a sword for eons.
After becoming Waestor, lifting a finger was enough to solve all his problems.
Earlier, he had chosen a sword only because he saw wooden swords lying on the ground.
He had also forgotten everything about swordsmanship.
In fact, he had forgotten almost everything about using weapons.
He rarely used weapons after becoming Emperor of the Universe.
Now, once again, fate was pushing him toward them.
While watching Maya, Ank thought of an idea and started observing her more carefully.
He watched every movement.
How she controlled the sword.
How she reacted quickly.
How she maintained her posture.
Maya was focused on her training.
She did not like using a sword so much, but her grandpa had forced her to learn at least the basic techniques for self-defense.
Maya had half-heartedly agreed and started training once again.
While practicing, she noticed someone watching her.
When Maya looked toward the person watching her, she found Ank staring at her.
She quickly moved toward him in a single motion and appeared in front of him.
Her sword was at Ank’s neck.
Ank didn’t have time to react.
Once again, this reminded him of how weak he had become.
Maya quickly asked, “Why were you watching me like some stalker?” She then lowered her sword.
When Ank heard this, he did not react much to being called a stalker.
He calmly replied, “I was just watching your sword movements and wanted to learn how to use it.” “Oh, I see,” Maya said, narrowing her eyes.
“Now you’ve watched, so leave me alone.” “I have to train.” “I’m not like someone who could lose to a seven-year-old boy.”Maya commented while smiling.
She was enjoying teasing Ank very much.
Ank ignored her again, moved away, picked up a wooden stick, and started swinging it just like Maya had done earlier.
Maya was astonished for a moment.
She had taken five days to learn that move.
Yet Ank copied it immediately just from watching.
After observing him for a few moments, Maya tried to determine whether Ank knew even the basics of swordsmanship.
She carefully watched the way he swung the wooden sword.
His stance was unstable.
His grip was awkward.
His swings lacked both balance and direction.
After only a few seconds, Maya already understood the truth.
Ank knew nothing about sword fighting.
Not even the most basic fundamentals.
But what surprised her was something else.
He was only copying her movements, yet he was slowly improving with each swing.
She picked up her wooden sword and resumed her own training.
She did not understand why he was wasting his time training.
He was very weak.
He should give up on becoming strong and move on.
Only copying my movements cannot help him.
I’ll ask him at dinner, she thought.
From time to time, Ank watched her and copied her movements for himself.
As Ank continued swinging the wooden sword, carefully copying Maya’s movements, time passed without him noticing.
The sun slowly sank below the horizon.
Day faded into evening.
And soon, night arrived.
Maya had already left earlier to help prepare dinner, but Ank remained outside in the training yard.
Again and again, he repeated the same movements, swinging his sword, taking a step forward, turning his body, and swinging once more without the slightest hesitation.
His breathing grew heavier, yet he did not stop.
Even under the dim light of the night sky, Ank continued practicing, his wooden sword cutting through the cool evening air.
Old man watched Ank for a moment and called out, “Let’s go, Ank.
Dinner is ready.” Ank heard the old man’s voice and headed toward the bath.
After bathing, he went to the dining room to eat dinner.
At dinner, Ank quietly ate his food while Maya occasionally glanced at him.
After watching him for a while, she finally spoke.
“Why do you want to become strong?” Her question caught Ank off guard.
He paused for a moment, surprised by her sudden curiosity.
But the answer came to him almost immediately.
“I want to become strong so I can protect myself,” he said calmly.
Maya raised an eyebrow slightly.
“And?” Ank lowered his gaze toward the bowl in front of him.
“So I can live in peace,” he continued quietly.
The room fell silent.
“I am very weak right now,” Ank admitted.
“That is why I need power.” He lifted his head again and looked at Maya.
“But not for dominance.” His voice was steady.
“For peace.” Maya thought for a moment and then said with a smile, “You know, dominance is out of your league.” “Maya, stop making fun of Ank,” the old man said immediately.
“Okay, Grandpa.
I won’t tease him anymore.” Then Maya looked at Ank.
“Ank, I have one last question for you.” “Why are you so weak?” Ank knew he could not reveal his real identity.
So he made an excuse.
“I don’t know.” “I can’t remember my memories.” Ank had already given the old man a similar excuse, saying he could not remember why he was here.
The old man knew Ank was lying, but he ignored it and said, “You can stay in our house until you find your goal.” Maya heard this and said, “From tomorrow morning, you can come and train with me.” “If I’m in the mood, I’ll teach you one or two sword moves.” “But it all depends on my mood.” “So I can’t guarantee anything.” Ank nodded.
“Thank you.” After dinner, Ank returned to his room and fell asleep almost immediately.