The next day.
Delmar wasn't training the usual way anymore. He stood beneath the morning sun, eyes focused, three pebbles balanced on his fingers. With a swift flick, he launched them skyward all at once. Then, with a burst of motion, he kicked upward.
Crack!
His heel kicked the first stone midair.
[1/3]
The other two hit the ground seconds later.
Delmar exhaled in frustration. "Sigh… the Flash Kick title is really as hard to obtain as I thought…"
He rubbed the back of his head. "Maybe I should earn other titles to raise my speed first… Then I'd stand a chance."
But there was one glaring issue.
"…I don't even have any weapons. All the beginner combat titles require one…"
He thought for a moment, gaze drifting to the east. "The only place that has weapons is…" His shoulders slumped. "…the dojo. Maybe I really should go back. Maybe Dahlia and Ostrich will help me get accepted again. I could even earn the Proper Fighter title…"
And so, Delmar headed for Jellyfish Village.
The village was unusually crowded. Delmar weaved through the mass of people, frowning as he heard shouts. Curious, he pushed his way to the front of the gathered crowd—and what he saw made his blood simmer.
A little girl with messy purple hair stood alone, trembling. Surrounding her were five burly men with pirate coats and cheap, rusted swords. Their grins were ugly.
"What did you just say, you little pest?" one of them growled, licking the edge of his blade.
"Your mother's gonna come beat us all up?" another mocked, laughing cruelly.
"She doesn't even know who we are…" sneered a third.
The largest of them stepped forward and raised his voice. "We're the Black Skull Pirates!" he declared, striking a ridiculous pose with the others.
Delmar stared blankly. Yep. Definitely newbies.
The crowd didn't laugh. These men might've been jokes, but they were still armed. Civilians couldn't afford to risk it.
"Pfft!"
Unfortunately, the kid couldn't help herself.
The pirates turned sharply.
"What? You dare laugh at us?!" one shouted, raising his sword. "You need a lesson!"
He lunged at the girl.
"Kyaaah!" she screamed.
The crowd gasped. "Ahhhh!"
Just as the blade was about to slash down, a blur flashed between them.
Crack!
A punch exploded against the pirate's face, sending him flying back. The attacker stood firm.
Delmar.
"How dare you?" the pirate captain barked, eyes narrowing.
Delmar knelt and gently placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, smiling to calm her—though his knuckles were white with fury. "You okay?"
"Y-Yes… Thanks, Onii-chan…" she whispered, hiding behind him.
Delmar turned to the pirates, expression darkening. "Hey, you little dipshits. Ganging up on a little girl? That's the most pathetic thing I've seen in days."
One of the pirates snarled. "What do you know about being a man? You probably haven't even lost your virgin—"
Delmar shot forward.
"You've got guts, kid!" the captain shouted, drawing his sword. "Challenging the Black Skull pirates alone?!"
Delmar clenched his fists. I've never fought someone with a sword before… Even a single slash could kill me.
The grunts charged first, one at a time.
The first swung his blade in a downward arc. Delmar pivoted, his whole body turning with the motion of his foot.
Now!
"Purple Phoenix: Wing Sweep!" he roared, channeling the momentum into a powerful knuckle strike straight into the pirate's jaw.
The pirate dropped like a stone.
[Secret Title Unlocked!]
Delmar froze for a split-second. What? A Secret Title?
[You have obtained the title: 'Empty-Hand King'!]
[Empty-Hand King
[Rank: C]
[You've toppled armed foes with nothing but your fists.]
[Combat Talent +100%]
[+50% to all stats when fighting unarmed against armed individuals.]
[Would you like to equip this title?]
Delmar blinked at the screen hovering in front of him.
Of course. It's just what I needed.
[The title 'Empty-Hand King' has been equipped!]
A strange warmth surged through his limbs, deeper than adrenaline—something soul-deep. Power flowed through him like a tide, sharpening his senses, lightening his steps.
He launched toward the next pirate.
"Purple Phoenix: Talon Jabs!"
His fists blurred. He had struggled against this technique just yesterday—but now, he could use it as well. The pirate tried to raise his mace, but Delmar struck first. A flurry of precise jabs landed one after another, knocking the man out before he could react.
Delmar didn't pause. Another came slashing sideways. Delmar ducked low.
"Purple Phoenix: Rising Coil!"
His fist rocketed upward into the man's chin. The pirate's feet left the ground as he flew back, unconscious before he hit the dirt.
Since unlocking the Title System, Delmar had already gained a 200% boost in combat talent. Now, with Empty-Hand King increasing his speed and power even further, he felt unstoppable. Every strike was faster. Every movement, cleaner.
"Y-You… You defeated all of my crew?!" the pirate captain stammered, wide-eyed. His men were weak, sure—but to flatten all of them solo?
Delmar took a deep breath and grinned. "Now it's your turn."
He burst into motion.
"Purple Phoenix: Rebirth Rush!"
A reckless, high-speed dash—body lowered, shoulder first. It was one of the strongest moves of the Purple Phoenix Style. Delmar had memorized every detail of it, awestruck the first time their instructor demonstrated it. Now, it was his turn to bring it to life.
The captain raised his sword to block.
Too slow.
The full-body impact crashed into him like a cannonball. The sword snapped, and Delmar's fist hammered into his jaw. The captain crumpled to the ground—out cold.
Silence fell.
Then—
The crowd erupted in cheers. Villagers clapped, laughed, and shouted with joy.
[You have obtained the title: "Brawl King!"]
[You have obtained the title: "Proper Fighter!"]
[Secret Title Unlocked!]
[You have obtained the title: "Village Hero!"]
Wow… so many titles—
Delmar's excited thoughts were cut short as small arms suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind.
"Thank you, Onii-chan!" the little girl said, her voice trembling with relief. A bright smile lit up her tear-streaked face.
Delmar turned, caught off guard. He gently ruffled her messy purple hair. "It's nothing, little girl…" he said softly, though inside, his thoughts stirred. So this is what it feels like to save someone… I have to say, it's not bad…
"Onii-chan!" she called again, tugging at his sleeve.
"Yes?"
"Are you one of my mother's students?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Your moves… they looked just like hers!"
Delmar's jaw dropped. "Wait... You're Ms. Sera's daughter?!"
To be continued...
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How was this chapter? Liked it?
Also, can you please suggest me a name for Delmar's future pirate crew? Like, I have a couple of ideas, but I don't like them that much.