Encore 30 — New Beginnings (III)

The next day, I had an excellent night's sleep. I woke up early in the morning and started my new routine, which was mana control. I tried to create a mana weapon once more but, of course, it didn't work.

Though it didn't work, the foundation of the weapon became clearer. I could now create half of a mana sword. I could only create the sword handle and guard but as soon as I create the blade, the mana droops.

Anyway, the villagers were kind enough to give me a spare change of clothes.

The first thing I did was have breakfast. It was stew with bread. It wasn't very luxurious but I liked it and appreciated it, nevertheless. I was never the type of person who would complain about tastes.

"Good morning, Shiba-san."

The temporary mayor came to me with his food and sat down next to me.

"Call me Kazuya, I mean, you were kind enough to let me stay here for a short while."

"Well, Kazuya, you can stay here as long as you like, if you want."

I proceeded to eat my stew before Arthur smiled at me.

"But people like you have goals in mind. I can't stop you from leaving here when you do, can I?"

"Unfortunately not."

The gods, at least the ones working with the Imperi, are my targets. However, I can't take them on now since I'm not strong enough. There was that angel who was strong too. If I can't take her on, then I doubt I can take any of the gods on.

More importantly, I can't do it alone. I need help from others.

"I've been wondering... Arthur. Why are there people sending me dirty glares?"

I asked him.

Ever since I sat down, there are people, especially men, who have been glaring at me. I find it weird because of the warm welcome I received when I first got here. It seemed strange.

Arthur took a bite out of his bread and chewed before swallowing.

"Well, it's been a while since the villagers have seen someone new since my father doesn't let people into the village. I let someone in for the first time and the older villagers, specifically the men, don't like it. They'll try to test you."

"A test, hm..."

They can throw whatever they want at me, I'll be fine with it. I'm more interested in training myself.

After breakfast, the first work I had to do was wood chopping.

I grabbed the axe and the firewood, putting it on my stump.

I thought of a way to use this job to help me with my training. Mana control is what I'll be training here.

Imbuing the blade of the axe with mana, I'll do my best to chop the firewood without ruining a batch.

I placed the piece of wood onto the stump and raised the axe above my head.

Just as I was ready to lightly swing downwards...

"Oi, kid."

Someone called out to me.

I lowered my axe and looked over at the man who called out to me. Behind him were other men, who glared at me.

"Do you need anything?"

I don't plan on hurting anyone. If this happened to me in Interblade, I would've already asked for a duel. They hate me.

"You should know your place here. I don't know what shit hole you came from but you obey the rules here."

"Okay, I will."

Almost everywhere, there are people like this. The ones who like to show their superiority. Honestly, I don't have the urge to show off my power to others. It's only provocation that I answer to.

Not here though.

"Pft, he's a pussy."

"Yeah, some pushover."

"Not even worth it."

Now, I'll get back to wood chopping since that's what I'm doing.

I struck down, lightly, at the firewood. The wood split, but not directly in the middle.

Eh, crap. I guess the mana around the blade is unstable. It cut differently. Cloaking a weapon with mana is slightly different compared to cloaking my body with mana.

"Hahahaha! He can't even chop firewood!"

They were laughing at me but I honestly didn't care.

I should at least cut the required amount normally, so I don't waste any more pieces of firewood.

Guess I'll finish this and move on to the next task after this.

·———·

It took 3 weeks for Yuichi to heal all of his injuries. Though, the scar that Alpha, Kazuya, gave him remained. It was a blemish on Yuichi's face, something that he did not want to forget. So, Yuichi decided to wear an eyepatch.

The lack of half of his vision was his reminder.

"We're here,"

Aisaka said to Ruby and Yuichi.

The boy looked up.

"This is one of the bases of the Divine Church in Japan. This is also the one I operate in."

It was a pristine, white church. It stood out within the city of Kyoto since the architecture of the other buildings were not so bold and extravagant.

"I'm guessing the regional headquarters is in Tokyo."

Yuichi said.

"Yeah, but that was isn't so obvious to find. For any terrorists or enemies, this will be their target."

"No very productive, if you ask me."

He commented.

The black-haired woman smirked as she brought Yuichi into the church.

Though the exterior was a church, the inside looked like a business firm. There was a reception and a woman behind the desk. Once she saw Aisaka, she bowed her head.

The three walked through and went into the elevator. Next to the button was a black scanner, Aisaka put her face to it and it scanned her eyes.

[Apostle detected. First-apostle, Aisaka Airi. Access to the hidden base shall be granted.]

A toneless mechanical voice spoke.

The elevator descended.

"So, the real base is underground here too?"

"We would get too many random civilians entering if it was on the top."

After half a minute, the elevator stopped and the doors opened to reveal a corridor with many people, in black uniforms, travelling around.

"Welcome to our base."