Even though I had gotten out of the Western Wilderness “Beast Forest” as the Guider called it, what was considered the Western Wilderness still went on for another couple hundred miles.

What I was currently traversing was semi-mountainous bushland. Although the view and terrain weren’t obstructed by a tree every couple of meters, the bushes and rocks scattered all over weren’t making travel a walk in the park either.

It was currently the time of the year when the Sun was at the highest point in the sky it would be all year, and the days were longer and hotter.

Although I was in much better shape now than at the start of my journey, the heat was still taking its toll so I found myself resting and camping in the shade more often than I thought.

I decided to follow the same travel philosophy I had practiced since the start of enjoying the scenery and taking my time in getting from place to place.

I developed a habit of working out and practicing with either my blades or spear in the mornings so I wouldn’t get complacent and rusty.

Other than the misfortune I encountered at the start of my journey the rest of my journey had been smooth sailing. That continued even until now that I had departed with the Toltmic, as I had yet to encounter anyone hunting me or even just another traveler.

That was probably thanks in part because I could travel offroad safely thanks to the Guiders map function.

****

“Those raggedy old farts really kicked me out didn’t they, even after I showed them the error of their ways, truly ungrateful…. It doesn’t matter, I’ll spread my “Combined Fighting Method” all over Volunterra without their help, it’s fit to allow even a common man to become a decent expert, that’s the genius of my creation. Even that idiot over there, playing with weapons, I could make a martial genius; hmm in fact…”

The old man observed and followed Guso for quite a long time, he had planned to make a random person his Disciple just to prove a point to himself and his doubters, but the more he observed and followed the young man the more he liked his character.

The kid would start his days off doing his best to practice some sort of combat form and work on his physical condition before continuing his journey in a carefree and relaxed manner.

In the Old man’s opinion, the kid had no idea what he was doing but the effort and heart were there.

Despite his horrible form and technique the old man could discern that the youth wasn’t a complete amateur his physical fitness was above average, he did seem to have some sort of basic training and he could even feel a hint that the boy might already have combat experience.

All that only sweetened the deal for him, half of the tedious work was already done for him the boy was a blank slate that was ready to become a masterpiece. He had decided to make his move.

****

One morning during my daily practice routine an old man randomly popped out of a bush, despite his harmless appearance the old man’s sudden intrusion into my space immediately put me on alert.

Since I was already practicing with my spear I only needed to turn around and point it at him.

“How can I help you senior, it’s too early to be sneaking up on people without warning.”

The old man scowled for a moment but immediately started to chuckle.

“Who are you calling senior brat, I’m still in the prime of my life, that’s a nice spear you got there it’s a shame you don’t know what you’re doing with it, are you sure you can take down a threat like myself with such a shabby form.”

I immediately shuddered was he after my weapon?

I had forgotten that after being bathed in blood my weapons were now technically Magic Weapons. Magic Weapons should definitely be highly coveted by both Ranked and Unranked Experts.

This was definitely a miscalculation I need to be more careful on how exposed my weapons are. If I flaunt them around ill probably become a target.

“I won’t find out unless I give it a try are you sure you want to be on the receiving end of my spear.”

The old man only chuckled some more and was unperturbed by my words.

“You really do have a strong character, it truly is admirable, but would you still be as courageous if you found out how strong of an expert I am.”

Damn it! Was this guy really that strong, maybe he’s just bluffing I can’t show any weakness.

“An old man like you an Expert, well it doesn’t matter, I don’t really care whether your the mighty ‘Autemos’ himself you’re still going to have to work hard to steal this weapon from me.”

The old man seemed surprised and amused that I would use the name of Volunterra’s founder to insult and intimidate him. He also looked confused.

“Steal the weapon from you? Young man, I think you’ve misunderstood, well whatever well do it this way then, prepare yourself and see the might of a true expert young lad.”

The old man immediately stomped on the ground a cloud of dust quickly rose and covered all of the surroundings.

I had lost visibility.

I wanted to do something, but I had no idea how to react to this type of tactic. I suddenly thought to use Gale Shot to disperse the debris. It was worth a shot.

As soon as I reached for my Slingshot I felt something that felt like an iron bar grab me from behind my throat and throw me to the ground.

I had tried to resist but that had only strengthened the grip I felt around my neck.

I was done for.

The slam made it so that I dropped the Slingshot and spear and I felt like I was being pinned to the ground through my chest.

I decided it was probably best if I let him take my stuff. My life was much more important. I stopped struggling for the moment and waited until I had a better understanding of what just had happened.

“So what do you think? Are you impressed, what I just did can't even qualify as anything too special, even a common man can do it with enough time? It just takes practice and dedication, But still, for a Martial Artist speed is everything, the one who gets off the first move is often the one who dictates the result of a battle, that will be your first lesson.”

“What are you talking about get off me you old fart before I shove my knife through your foot.”

“I'd like to see you try. I've basically blocked off all forms of motion that may be a threat to me, under my knee your fate is under my control hahahahaha.”

This cackling old man was insane. He wasn't even trying to steal my weapons, I didn’t know what the hell he was trying to do.

“What do you want from me old fart, was all this necessary.”

“But of course if I don't kick your butt at least once, how else would you respect me and the effectiveness of my martial way. So how about it? Do you want to be my disciple?”

I almost spit out blood, was that his aim the whole time?

What kind of a crazy method of disciple hunting was this.

“I'm already heading to Will City to train in the unyielding martial will dojo, why would I train with some bum off the side of the road.?”

He really was a strong Expert but my pride was hurt. I didn't feel like being under the tutelage of some random guy that just came to bully me. A man has his dignity.

“Pfff ‘Unyielding Martial Will dDojo’ more like ‘Unyielding Ballerinas Dojo’, that's all they do is dance, seriously kid listen to me you don't want to go there, that place is full of scrubs, if you really want to learn some serious Martial Arts it would be better to head to Martial Citadel, that’s where the true Martial Experts reside. But if you show up there now in your current state they're gonna eat you alive, it's better if I teach you the basics. How about you let me teach you some stuff then you can go and beat up those martial citadel princesses and get your hands on some real martial techniques. Trust me I know what I'm talking about.”

What was that he said going to the Unyielding WIll Dojo a waste of my time, but how come the Seeier’s File puts them as a powerful Organization this guy must be lying.

“You're lying the Seeier Organization says they are a powerful group why would I believe you over them.”

“They’re not wrong, they are a powerful group there's a reason they have a base in Will City, but with your talent, they will never teach you anything worth learning unless you give them an arm and a leg, the true promised land for Martial Arts enthusiasts would be Martial Citadel even Unyieldings Dojo’s main headquarters are there, those headquarters just aren't open to the public though, like the one in Will City, as that's where they train their true Experts.”

I considered the words the old man had just told me, and the more I thought of them the more they made sense, why would any organization give out the secrets to their power so easily.

The fact that I thought I could prance right into their headquarters and get myself a master to learn their secret arts and techniques was truly foolish.

Things were never that easy, even with the money I still had, that I had taken from the Clansmen, would that be enough.

I’m sure I could find someone to teach me as anyone would be willing to do anything for the right price, but what if I got scammed with a trash Martial Art or even worse what if I had no talent in Martial Arts, then all my efforts would be in vain.

I finally relented in the end.

What was the worst that could happen?

It was probably best if I found out if my martial talent was enough before I set off on that path.

If I wasted years of my life in vain for something that’s of no benefit to me then what was the point.

It was like when I had wanted to be a Magon, no matter how much I tried all the efforts I put into that impossible dream were nothing but a setback for when I was finally able to move on and pursue a more viable path.

“Fine I’ll let you teach me, but get off of me!”

“Oh right right sorry about that young lad the name’s Kemoro by the way what’s yours?”

Right, when I was about to answer as soon as the old man took his knee off me I heard the voice again.

“You have been defeated by another Ranker but your Rank will actually rise, you managed to survive a battle with a B Rank expert. Congratulations”

Right when I heard the voice the old man’s expression changed.

Hehehe, what a surprise Kid so you’re a Ranker as well who would’ve thought no wonder I had a feeling about you, but really if you’ve managed to become a Ranker at your skill level they really don’t make them how they used to, no matter this only makes things more interesting, you are correct it probably wouldn’t do your confidence any good if I forced you to become my disciple as a fellow Ranker. So I’ll only be your Mentor, you really are a fortunate one hmm, what was your name again…”

“Guso my name is Guso.”

“You really are lucky young Guso, the fact that you met me before anyone else at your current skill level is a godsend. Any other Ranker would’ve mopped the floor with you the moment they realized you were a Ranker. I really don’t know how you became one but that’s no longer an issue with my help; you'll be rising through those Ranks in no time. Just wait until those Martial Citadel snobs meet you after you’ve gone through my training, the future of martial arts is in my hands hahahahaha.”

This old man really was crazy but I was getting kind of embarrassed about how I was going to crush his dreams once he finds out how truly untalented I truly am.