7 One Strike (1/2)
The village elder looked seriously at Arnin after asking the question. He knew that with Arnin's talent, he could easily get into the academy, even without any outside help. As the village elder, he understood the living situation of most of the people, but he couldn't assist anyone because of how much money the village lacked. His only alternative was to help families that had children with high potential. If those kids grew up to be famous and wealthy, then they could hopefully lend a helping hand to the village. He had been doing this for years, but Arnin was the first child that he thought would naturally become someone famous, if he doesn't die prematurely that is.
”You want me to go to the academy with your two granddaughters? You should already know that I come from one if the more poor families in the village, so I would not be able to afford going to an academy.” Arnin's family was actually very poor, but if Nekaia's master is able to abide by the new contract, that wouldn't be the case anymore. Although they wouldn't be wealthy, his family would at least be able to eat and sleep without much to worry about.
”Don't worry about all those little things; I will handle them for you. I just need a yes from you and your parents. There are many ways to improve your strength quickly.” The way the old man was trying to convince Arnin continuously made him understand that all of this was not for free.
”Tell me what you want me to do for you! I know that all of this isn't free, so stop trying to cover it up!” Arnin was getting more annoyed with the village elder who tried to pull tricks on him. There was no way that the old man was a saint who would assist him no charge.
”Haha! I like how smart you are. I only have two conditions, the first is that you protect Lilise and Elidia in the academy from danger. I would have sent someone with them but the academy only accepts children under the age of fifteen and you are stronger than most people in that age group. The second condition is that if you become famous in the future, be sure to assist this village the best you can. That's all!” The thick faced old man didn't even care that he was asking for a lot, he only knew that this would benefit the village and his two granddaughters. He could care less about what people thought of him because of this.
”You want me to meet all of your conditions just for an entrance into an academy? I think you know better then most that if I wanted to, I could join many academies with just my talent. I am not bragging, but the truth is the truth. So tell me, what will I receive in compensation for becoming a bodyguard for your little girls?” The village elder mocked himself for thinking he could fool a monster like Arnin. He was seen through in a minute. There wasn't much he could offer at the moment but he really wanted Arnin as his little girls' protector.
”If you really do want me as a guard dog, then I have one condition for you. No matter what happens in the future, my family will stay in the village whenever they want, whether I am labeled as good or evil, you will keep them here! If you agree to this minor condition of mine, then I can be a bodyguard!” Arnin drew up another contract that listed the conditions of each party. The only reason he asked for such a demand was because he might be hunted down inthe future and his family may possibly get involved.
”Hmm. Your condition seems safe from a distance, but in the future you could very well be a great disaster, but I don't mind looking after your family. That is a deal!” The elder signed the contract and sent it back towards Arnin who also quickly signed it, binding both to the content inside the contract. Lilise watched all of this happen with some excitement. She still tried to avoid looking at the bare chested Arnin.
Moments later, Elidia came in running with some ointment. She handed it to her grandfather who then applied it to Arnin's back. ”Arnin, let me meet your parents. I want to see who gave birth to such a brat. Haha!” The old man smacked Arnin's bruised back before he laughed heartily. His eyes glanced at the smiling Lilise. Arnin shrugged his shoulders before leaving the training field himself. The village elder and the two girls quickly followed behind.
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In Arnin's home, Avian was still inside discussing things with Ashia. They had settled on all major matters while Arnin was gone, and now Ashia was helping Avian familiarize herself with her family. As Nekaia's master, she could now be considered a part of the Foro family. Ashia and Florian were very excited that one of their children had high talent and would be able to have a much better future than themselves. Florian did not talk about the little deal he made with Arnin because it would worry Ashia more than anything. Although children would go out at a young age, five years old was still a little too young. Most would wait until atleast they were ten to leave their home, because by then they would be at the upper levels of Orb Birth. Arnin, who they believed to only be at the beginning stages of Orb Birth, couldn't possibly be ready to head out. Florian only made the deal to motivate Arnin to work harder. He was not willing to let him head out yet. Although he knew there was something different about Arnin when compared to other children. In his eyes Arnin was still a five-year-old child that needed his parents. Little did he know that that very child had already reached Orb Birth - Sky and could match people in Orb Birth - Hell. Ashia herself might not be a match for Arnin.
While the people in the house were busy, Arnin had already arrived with the three people. When the three saw the state of the house, they looked at Arnin with different expressions. The old man had a look of satisfaction because it showed that Arnin had his strength not because of others, but because of his own skills. Lilise and Elidia really wanted to meet the parents of Arnin. They wanted to know who brought up an amazing talent in such a bad situation.
”Mom! Dad! I am home! Can you guys open the door?” Although the house wasn't locked, he didn't want people walking in if his parents were discussing something important. He didn't want his parents feeling awkward or anything because he brought people in while they were discussing finances, so he just wanted to make sure that they knew he was home now. The door swung open and Ashia came walking out. Her face was somewhat red from anger, which caused her not to see the people behind Arnin, and rushed towards him. She grabbed his ears and started to scold him.
”Arnin, why are you home so late? Did you tell me or your dad that you would be going out? You little brat, first you make a ruckus with Avian, and now you come home late? Just watch how I take care of you!” Ashia began to pull his ears even harder causing them to become redder. She only let go when she saw Arnin's ear becoming too red. When she was done releasing some of her anger, she noticed the three people behind her son. She couldn't recognize the two little girls, but she knew the old man in the middle.
”Oh, village elder, I am so sorry for the scene that you just saw.” Ashia quickly gave a bow before glaring at Arnin, who she believed to be the reason the village elder was here. She was thinking of the many ways she would beat Arnin later.
”You don't have to bow to me. I don't mind what I saw. Rather, seeing that brat so obedient makes me really happy. Haha!” The old man laughed out loud while the two girls also giggled before glancing at Arnin who was quietly rubbing his ear. They didn't think that such a cunning person could be so submissive. Ashia, on the other hand, was somewhat confused and glanced at Arnin before facing the village elder again.