---
Life had settled.
There was food on the table.
Mina's shoes no longer had holes.
The roof didn't leak when it rained.
For the first time, Ryu had space to breathe.
And with that space, he made a simple decision—
> "If I can get a little stronger… why not?"
Not to fight.
Not to impress.
Just to be… a little more capable.
---
The Purchase
From his savings, he visited the local combat vendor.
Low-grade Martial Arts Scroll – 4 Silver Ounces
Basic breathing and movement techniques. Enough to strengthen muscle control.
Weak Sword Style – 6 Silver Ounces
A simple, balanced stance style. No flashy moves. Easy to learn.
Decent Energy Circular Method – 9 Silver Ounces
Helped circulate the little energy he had more efficiently. For stability, not power.
It cost him most of a month's pay.
But he didn't regret it.
---
Training
Ryu trained before sunrise and after sunset.
He still worked. Still carried loads. Still took care of Mina.
But when no one was watching, he trained.
Steady, focused movements.
Breathing. Posture. Swing. Step. Again and again.
No shortcuts.
No mentor.
Just repetition.
---
The Change
Two months passed.
And one quiet morning, as he guided his breath through his center, he felt it:
> A shift.
Like a stone finally rolling into place.
His energy moved smoother.
His strength felt more focused.
His presence… sharper.
---
He went back to the Registry Shack.
The old examiner raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm… Not bad, boy."
> RYU – MOB (Trained Class)
---
No one in town made a fuss.
But the change was real.
He could lift three times more now.
His swings were no longer slow.
And even his breathing was deeper, more solid.
---
He didn't celebrate.
He just picked up a fresh bag of rice on the way home.
Mina was waiting.
---
To be continued...