Isekai Losers!

Vol 2, Chapter 17: Perfect Form

Ugh...

what...

...what just happened..?

Ivan's eyes opened ever so slightly. His muscles were sore all over and his mind in complete disarray.

"You are finally awake." 

The man who had crossed blades with Ivan just earlier now kneeled over the boy, giving him a relieved smile.

"I went overboard." he continued. "I didn't expected such a struggle on your end." 

Right... I was fighting this guy. I was about to win, too. Then some huge wind attack swept me away like a twig.

Ivan let off a low groan as he sat up.

Glancing down at his torso, he found that his chainmail had been heavily damaged and filled with holes. Though the chainmail had taken a lot of the damage, his upper body didn't come out unscathed, being covered in many cuts, bruises and blood-oozing grazes.

"Sir Ivan!!" Goldegar roared, at which point Ivan saw the dozens of curious faces gathered around him.

"Are you well?! Shall I apprehend these... these DELIQUENTS!" Goldegar gritted his teeth, shooting Zuyin and his posse a disgusted glare.

"...for attacking you in broad daylight so shamelessly?!" 

"No." the boy shook his head dismissively. "This was a friendly duel. If you want to do something for me, you should tell the crowd to get lost. This is embarassing enough already. And fetch me my shirt, maybe."

"I... Of course!" Goldegar nodded diligently before turning to the onlookers.

"You heard him, you ruffians! The show has ended, be on your way!" he ordered, his piercing voice radiating a deafening authority

None of the bystanders protested as they began walking back to the town gates, or their farmlands. After a minute, only Ivan, Zuyin's group and a couple of guards remained.

"Galter! Get Sir Ivan his shirt!"

"A-aye sir!" yelped one of the guardsmen nervously at Goldegar's request before jogging over to the black shirt on the ground.

"I wish to have a chat with you, youngster."

The chubby swordsman spoke up after being silent for a while. He still kneeled next to Ivan, a gentle smile on his face.

"Sure." muttered the boy in response, his eyes following the guard who carried his shirt.

Once the shirt was offered to him, Ivan swiftly jumped to his feet and put it on. It was covered in dirt and torn in one place. Nonetheless, he put it on.

I took my best shirt off to create that diversion. If I hadn't done that, it would've been damaged beyond repair in that last attack. I'll have to ask Lynn to patch it up later or something.

"You have proven that you possess remarkable skill." Zuyin noted. "Your technique needs some work but you definitely have a knack for the twin dao. Furthermore, it takes years of dedication to reach and upkeep such levels of speed and power, while you are doing it like you have energy to spare. Very few could boast such power at such a young age. It is surreal to utter these words, but you might just be a skyborn."

"As I have been telling you." Ivan murmured in an aloof manner.

Zuyin nodded, a humble smile on his face.

"I have been foolish to patronize you so casually, yes. Claiming to be special is one thing, but you have proven that you are an exceptional individual and have earned my deepest respect." the man bowed.