As for why Takumi knew Taekwondo, it could only be credited to the system's level-ten talent—an ability almost too powerful. Whenever Mizuki leveled up, Takumi's Taekwondo skills would also improve exponentially, with advanced techniques and theoretical knowledge naturally surfacing in his mind as if they had always been there.
Because of this, whenever Mizuki hit a plateau, Takumi could rely on both theory and hands-on practice to help her progress.
For example, today was Saturday, and the two of them were standing on the bed, practicing grappling techniques.
Mizuki struck a fighting pose, shouted "Ha!", and lunged forward, attempting a proper takedown. But in the blink of an eye, Takumi reversed their positions and gently tossed her onto the bed.
Flat on her back with her knees bent, Mizuki blinked up at him in surprise. Her wide, clear eyes locked on his."Takumi, you're amazing! How did you do that?"
Takumi sat cross-legged on the bed and began explaining the key points of the move. Mizuki listened intently, nodding along. But halfway through, he noticed her sitting like a duck, clutching the blanket in her small hands, trying hard not to laugh.
He narrowed his eyes playfully. "What's so funny? Did I mess something up?"
She shook her head quickly, her ponytail bouncing with the motion. "Nope! It's just... Takumi, how do you know so much? You didn't even sign up for the class, but you're still way better than me…"
Takumi crossed his arms and lifted his chin with mock pride. "Why is it strange that I'm better than you?"
Mizuki nodded seriously. "It's not strange at all. Totally normal!"
They stared at each other for a moment, and Takumi noticed something different in her gaze—a kind of quiet, focused admiration that made him slightly uncomfortable.
"What's with that look?"
Startled, Mizuki quickly looked down and gripped the quilt tighter. "It's nothing. I just… I'm really grateful. You've always been there for me, teaching me, training with me… Takumi, why don't you sign up for Taekwondo too? Then we could practice together every day."
Takumi closed his eyes, puffed out his chest, and answered firmly. "Not a chance. I'm not interested in Taekwondo or anything like that. I'm just helping you so you won't get beaten up."
Mizuki's cheeks turned pink. "You're really good to me…"
Takumi's eyes snapped open. "What did you say?!"
She clamped her mouth shut and shook her head quickly. "Nothing."
"Well, if it's nothing, then get back to practicing. Didn't you say you wanted to place in the top three at this year's dojo competition?"
"I do! I will!"
What exactly Mizuki was thinking about Takumi at that moment, no one could say—not even Mizuki herself. Maybe there were no complex thoughts at all. Maybe just the simple happiness of being around him every day… even if that meant being tossed onto the bed a few times.
But even if her mind wasn't sure, she'd already noticed that she wasn't the only one who wanted to be near Takumi. Plenty of other girls liked him too.
She had known for a while now. Takumi was handsome and good at everything—what wasn't there to like?
Back in kindergarten, he'd always seemed distant, and with fewer classmates, most people had been too intimidated to approach him.
But after they entered elementary school, things subtly began to change. More students, more curiosity, and more eyes turning toward Takumi.
This year, both Takumi and Mizuki had turned seven and officially graduated from kindergarten into elementary school.
By some small miracle, they were placed in the same class during first grade.
But in second grade, things shifted. Their teacher reorganized the classes, and they were separated.
Still, that didn't stop them from spending time together on weekends. After all, they were neighbors—and that bond didn't change. They could see each other anytime they wanted.
Today was Friday.
For reasons unknown, the small town had somehow caught wind of a festival tradition and decided to host a beer festival.
Though it was branded as a beer festival, in reality, it resembled more of a street market with a festive banner slapped on top. There were more vendors selling hard liquor than actual beer, crowding both sides of the street.
Perhaps the town mayor had taken this event seriously, as police officers were patrolling in noticeable numbers.
Takumi was there too, strolling through the beer festival with his parents.
They'd been walking for about an hour now, and yet Takumi's steps were still light, showing no signs of fatigue.
It had already been two years since the system activated.
Thanks to the weekly Taekwondo lessons with Mizuki, and her diligent practice under his guidance, Mizuki had grown into the strongest girl in their dojo. Unsurprisingly, Takumi's own level had increased dramatically as well.
[Current Spirit Qi Level: 18 — Minor Mastery][Current Attributes]Strength: 5Energy: 6Stamina: 10Charm: 4
[You're currently wandering the festival market. The sunny weather lifts your mood. Perhaps today, you might stumble upon ancient map fragments — after all, fantasy novels love that kind of twist. But just as you're scanning the booths for hidden treasures, a distant roar echoes through the air!]
[Alert: A monster has appeared! It has breached the human world. If it isn't stopped, this cheerful market will become a bloodbath. Do you choose to investigate or retreat?]
A monster?
Takumi looked around at the lively, crowded street. Everything seemed perfectly normal. The festival-goers were laughing, shopping, snacking on skewers. Security seemed tight. What kind of monster could the system be talking about? Had a zoo animal escaped?
The system hadn't even specified a location.
"Takumi's dad, what do you think of this hat? Isn't it cute? Should we get one for me and Takumi?" his mom, Rin, called out from a nearby stall, holding up a cartoon-themed hat with animal ears.
His dad, Aizen, chuckled. "If you like it, go ahead and buy it. That's what we came here for, right?"
"I'll check if there's another style I like more."Rin bent over to dig through a pile of hats, then turned back to her son. "Takumi, what about this one with the kitten ears? Isn't it cute?"
Takumi looked at the pastel pink hat with mild dismay. It was way too girly for his taste. "Mom, I want to go back to the car for a bit. I'm kind of tired."
"Huh? Already? We haven't even walked that much."
Takumi adopted his most innocent, childlike tone. "But I'm still a kid, right? I can't walk too far."
Rin gave him a look that mirrored his usual one—clearly unimpressed. Like mother, like son. "That's nonsense. You and Mizuki practice Taekwondo for hours on end in the bedroom. You think we don't know? Your stamina's fine."
Aizen, watching his son's embarrassed face, chuckled. He knew where the "tiredness" was really coming from. His wife moved like a glacier when she shopped—every stall became a half-hour commitment. This wasn't about stamina. It was about patience.
"It's fine. If he's tired, let him rest in the car. There are plenty of officers patrolling the parking area—it's safe enough."
Rin sighed, reluctantly giving in. "Alright then. Dad will take you back. We'll come find you when we're done."
Takumi nodded quickly, glad to be released, and was escorted to the car by his dad.
After his father left, Takumi sat in the back seat and pondered what the system meant. Where would a monster show up here?
That's when he saw something unusual just outside the parking lot.
On the sidewalk, a little girl in a yellow dress stood facing a golden retriever. Her hair was tied in high pigtails, and she was holding a small puppy in one arm and a thin twig in the other. Eyes squeezed shut, she waved the twig like a sword.
"Don't come any closer! I'll call the police if you take one more step!"
... patreon Seasay