Volume 1 Chapter 4 The Great Villain Of The World Negotiates
"Before we go out, I have a request for you, Hakuyou."
"What is it, Hou-sama?"
"Could you have a 'ki' energy comparison with me?"
I want to check my condition before getting a martial arts book.
Hakuyou has trained in martial arts as my bodyguard.
She has a decent amount of 'ki' energy――meaning, she has inner force.
Hakuyou is just right for comparing with me now.
If I were to face my father or brother, I would just get blown away.
"Hou-sama... that's unusual for you to say."
"Why is that?"
"Recently, you've started to dislike 'ki' energy comparisons."
"...That's true."
Maybe it's because I realized I don't have any 'ki' energy.
In this world, children start practicing methods to increase their 'ki' from a young age.
They do this every day without fail, drawing 'ki' from the atmosphere and the ground.
That's how they increase their inner force.
Of course, I've been practicing these methods since I was little.
Yet, I still haven't gained any 'ki' energy at all.
I hated admitting that, so I avoided 'ki' energy comparisons with Hakuyou.
But now that I know the fate of my own Tenhou, I can't say such things anymore.
"I'm unable to look away from my own weakness anymore."
I stared straight at Hakuyou and said,
"So please, first, try to release your 'ki' energy onto my shoulder."
"Understood. Then, excuse me."
Hakuyou took a stance.
Bending her knees, lowering her posture, and pulling back her fist.
Then Hakuyou slowly released her fist towards my shoulder.
"──Hah!"
"────!"
Hakuyou's hand only lightly touched my shoulder.
Even so, a shock ran through me as if I had been pushed away.
This is Hakuyou's 'ki' energy.
People in this world use 'ki' energy to strengthen their bodies.
By channeling 'ki' into weapons, they can increase their power or deliver shocks to their opponents.
It seems that higher-level martial artists can even control natural phenomena.
"Are you okay, Hou-sama?"
"I'm fine. Now, let's compare 'ki' energy."
I regained my stance.
Then, I extended both of my palms in front of Hakuyou.
Hakuyou nodded and placed her palms against mine.
Attacks using 'ki' energy can be defended with 'ki' energy.
The shock I felt was because I couldn't defend against Hakuyou's 'ki' energy.
Honestly, it was tough.
But I need to find out just how weak I really am.
If I don't do this, Kou Tenhou can't change his fate.
"Please put your palms together and channel Hakuyou's 'ki' energy. I will resist it."
"Understood, Hou-sama."
"It's fine."
"Then, excuse me."
Thud, Hakuyou's hands become heavy.
Hakuyou only lightly put her hands together. Yet, an intense pressure is weighing down on my body.
The 'ki' energy comparison is a game where we clash our 'ki' against each other.
The one with stronger 'ki' can impose intense weight, power, and pressure on the weaker one.
People in this world compete in the strength of their 'ki' energy like this.
"...As I thought, I can't resist at all."
If the strongest 'ki' energy is 100――my general father has a 'ki' energy of over 80.
My older brother, the heir, is around 60.
In comparison, Hakuyou is probably around 20 to 30.
I, Kou Tenhou, who can't resist her 'ki' energy, seems to have a 'ki' energy of 0.
"L-Let's stop here, Hou-sama."
Seeing my condition, Hakuyou hurriedly released her hands.
"Are you okay, Hou-sama? Hang in there!!"
"I'm fine. I just... have to endure this much."
A person with 0 'ki' energy can't compete against someone with strong 'ki' energy.
I wonder if that complex made Kou Tenhou a villain in the game world.
For the weakest Tenhou, power might have been the only thing to protect himself.
"I'm sorry for taking your time. Let's go out."
"Understood. So, what are we going to buy?"
"Books. Something like a martial arts book."
"What do you mean?"
"There should be a book about a health method called 'Beast Body Guidance' somewhere in Hokurin."
'Beast Body Guidance' is a martial arts book that appears in the game.
Those who equip it get a +10 to their 'ki' energy.
However, only those with the lowest rank of 'ki' energy can equip it. It's a useless item for game strategy.
But right now, I need it.
If my 'ki' energy is not 0, I can use martial arts to some extent.
I can resist attacks and create chances to escape.
Also, in the game, there are movement skills that only those wearing 'Beast Body Guidance' can learn.
It's called 'Four Divine Steps.'
It doubles movement speed and prevents being captured by enemies.
First, I need to get the martial arts book 'Beast Body Guidance' and raise my 'ki' energy, even a little.
Once I have the minimum 'ki' energy, I can use martial arts.
I will be able to protect myself.
And if possible... I want to learn 'Four Divine Steps' someday.
That way, even if this country is about to collapse in ten years, I can escape with Seirei.
I can avoid the 'Kou Tenhou Destruction End' and save Seirei too.
"But, Hou-sama, books are expensive, right? Do you have any money?"
Hakuyou started to say something but quickly shook his head.
"...Speaking of which, Hou-sama, you are helping the head of the family, aren't you?"
"Yes. I've been my father's scribe――writing documents for him. I've saved the money I earned from that."
My father has terrible handwriting.
Sometimes he can't even read what he wrote, which is pretty bad.
By the way, my older brother has awful handwriting too.
So, I usually write for him.
Since I can't use martial arts, I thought I would become a small official. I practiced to write neatly.
My father praised me, saying, "You are better than the general's scribe." He even gave me rewards.
I didn't have any use for the money, so I saved it all.
"Then, please take me to the market, Hakuyou."
"Yes, Hou-sama."
So, Hakuyou and I headed to the Hokurin market.
The Hokurin market is one of the biggest in the country.
It's located near the main road leading to the royal castle.
Traveling merchants set up stalls on the roadside, while big merchants sell their goods in stone shops. The luxurious red-painted pillars show that they have been making money for years and are trustworthy.
What I'm looking for is a martial arts book called 'Beast Body Guidance.'
I can get it at the Hokurin market from 'History of Swordmaster.'
It's not a rare item. I can buy it, or it might drop from defeated enemies.
But right now, it's more than ten years before the game starts.
I thought there was a chance it might not even be on sale yet──
"I never expected... there to be 4 versions."
After going around a few shops with Hakuyou, I found 4 volumes of what looked like martial arts books.
I asked the shopkeeper if I could read the beginning, and all of them had different content.
'Methods to enhance 'ki' energy by imitating beasts,' 'The guiding game of the Four Birds,' 'Methods to gain beast-like physical abilities,' 'Ways to transform the mind and body into a beast'──there are various names.
'History of Swordmaster' starts ten years later.
Maybe the methods for 'beast body guidance' aren't unified yet.
What I have now might be a prototype or a beta version...?
"Is it not possible to buy all the books, Hou-sama?"
"With my budget, I can only buy 2."
So if I end up with a dud, there's no going back. Returns are impossible.
The only reason I could get the shopkeepers to help me was because I was the second son of 'General Skybear,' and with Hakuyou who is my bodyguard.
If I complain about the products, it would tarnish my father's name.
If what I buy turns out to be a dud... I guess I'll just have to save up and come back.
"Let's go around the shops one more time. Then we'll decide which to buy."
"Understood, Hou-sama. So, where shall we start?"
"We'll do it in reverse from last time. Let's check the open-air stalls."
I took Hakuyou with me to the last open-air stall we visited.
It's a shop run by traveling merchants.
Just like before, the products are lined up on the straw mat.
A merchant is sitting against a large package.
On top of the package is a thick long coat. It seems this merchant came from a cold place. If a long coat is needed at this time of year, it must be from the north.
"Can I see the book from earlier?"
Instead of me, Hakuyou spoke to the merchant.
The merchant opened his eyes slightly, looked at me, and said,
"Are you the young master from earlier? You can check the book, but please only the first few lines. This is also my business."
"I understand."
"Then, go ahead."
When I replied, the merchant opened the book on the mat.
'──A method to enhance 'ki' energy by imitating beasts.
Become one with heaven and earth, and better absorb energy into your body. Transform your mind and body into a beast──'
──Just as I read that far, the merchant closed the book.
...Is this really a martial arts book on 'Beast Body Guidance'?
The other 3 books were sold in a nice store. They seemed more trustworthy.
On the other hand, since this fancy store has leftover items, it could also be suspicious.
Hmm. What should I do...
"Hou-sama. Books are expensive. It's better to buy them from a proper store."
"I know, Hakuyou."
"This place has a mix of items. They probably sell whatever they can find. There are books, clothes, and even hair ornaments. Can we trust what's sold here?"
"...Huh? Hair ornaments?"
When I looked over, I saw a pink hair ornament in the corner of the mat.
This is──
"That one is shaped like a flower that blooms in the northern lands."
Noticing my gaze, the merchant picked up the hair ornament.
"North town, it's said that the 'Setsuenka' only blooms here in Tanetsu Town. For the people of Tanetsu, it's a precious sign of spring. It's a unique piece made by a famous craftsman. What do you think?"
"...How much is it?"
"Well, let's see..."
The price the merchant announced was a bit higher than a martial arts book on 'Beast Body Guidance.'
If I buy the hair ornament, I won't be able to afford the martial arts book.
When I checked with Hakuyou, the answer came back, 'Surprisingly, this hair ornament is a good one.' It really seems like a great find.
This hair ornament... would look good on Seirei.
My mother used to say that when the 'Setsuenka' blooms in Tanetsu, everyone celebrates with a festival.
If I give the hair ornament to Seirei, will she be happy?
...But my savings are meant for survival.
The longer it takes to get the martial arts book... the lower my chances of survival become.
I can't waste money on unnecessary things.
"I'll buy the item."
I said to the merchant.
"However, please let me negotiate the price. As a traveling merchant, it would be better for you to carry less. Would you consider my proposal to reduce your leftover stock?"
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