The bunny kid who wants to become the strongest - The strongest man

The village was quiet, save for the crackling of torches and the distant chirping of insects. A small gathering had formed in the town square, where a single, old-fashioned television sat atop a wooden cart. It was a rare sight in this humble settlement—technology was scarce, and yet, tonight, everyone had gathered to watch. Farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, and children all huddled together, their faces illuminated by the bluish glow of the screen.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmtIDdNIBk

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCBiOVpdYI

Elder Hagan, a grizzled man with a long beard, leaned forward on his cane. "Turn it up, lad," he muttered to the young boy at the front. The child obeyed, twisting the knob.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo6cugnnFH

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4RK5XEwne

Just as the broadcast began, the screen flickered, static crackling. Gasps filled the air as the picture distorted. Then, as if emerging from the darkness itself, a tall, thin figure stepped into view. His top hat cast a long shadow, his long coat swayed slightly, and his voice—smooth yet filled with an eerie playfulness—echoed through the village.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnNZgXHrMs

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGF5qs1IR7

"Hello, hello there, viewers~"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHK11lvS0b

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeqXCKckoG

The villagers exchanged wary glances. Some clutched their necklaces of prayer, others instinctively reached for their weapons.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYd6EcOQ1s

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JIKIbEQQc

"I have hacked everyone's TVs. And I mean... everyone's."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjufXNZQrnR

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHwtidopVq

A shiver ran down the spines of the listeners. Even in their secluded village, they felt the weight of his words.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw37xROj8tN

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLoO98Y8IZ

"And you're probably wondering—who am I?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6tJeoOoQ3

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMI8e4m2Yo

The man chuckled, twirling his cane lazily before resting it on his shoulder. His presence felt both regal and dangerous, like a king who had long grown bored of his throne.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmDt8PP9ls

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3ebYbqaza

"I am the strongest man alive."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavBfDxBL8F

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMAWPLYWmq

A hushed silence followed. The baker dropped a loaf of bread. The village guards stood frozen, hands gripping their spears. Even the cattle in the distance seemed to quiet down.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8so53UQZys

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOSH8jqPa5

"And I want to be beaten."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX0WSMuPsw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnRFHwJecg

Murmurs broke out. The blacksmith's son, a fiery young man, clenched his fists. A cloaked traveler, sitting at the back of the crowd, tilted his head in interest. Even Elder Hagan's eyes glimmered with something between suspicion and curiosity.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQedhqsYdn

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSd3khyocs

"It's been, what, a month since the Supreme Council officially recognized me as the strongest? And let me tell you—it's been so boring."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaTPmrNtdY

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC6DuWMKMq

The villagers whispered amongst themselves. Some laughed nervously, while others frowned, their warrior spirits stirred by his words.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YL5hnfGwH

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwQts3kVxw

"Now, I won't reveal myself, and I won't say where I am. But here's all you need to know—"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv63ZzvI7OO

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsBv93ns6k

He leaned in closer to the screen, as if speaking directly into their souls.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIzLj3858H

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmHm8HCyrw

"Whoever defeats me, kills me, or makes me surrender... will be rewarded handsomely. One trillion gold. The strongest sky ship. Mythical weapons beyond your imagination. Magic scrolls containing spells lost to time. And, best of all... the power to create your own domain."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nJ6926Kxh

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiAendBZsL

A stunned silence filled the village.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNavlczu7U

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6H1kxHXge

Then—an uproar.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQi93g8IEY

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaduz5ZYvWt

"Is this a trick?!" a merchant shouted.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxi1QjqLXt

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarvrHj90EY

"He must be mad!" cried a mother holding her child.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdlW56XPra

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWo15aO7zP

But among the chaos, a few stood still. The ambitious. The fearless. The ones who saw this not as madness, but as an opportunity.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEMVw4oGgy

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDTpT0988z

"Invitations have been sent across all worlds. If you accept, know this—you will be hunted by the Supreme Council. But that's fine, isn't it?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wyDCgp7YO

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh7rY4DhIw

The man in the top hat chuckled again, the sound lingering like a whisper on the wind.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJgP1XxMqS

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDqOxxJlyz

"Anyway, I must go. I wish you all luck."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuDRLI4z54

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSOclVWCsl

With a final tip of his hat, the screen went black.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrKe60yrmt

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqICQ0v3WT

For a moment, the village stood in silence. Then—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAwAqU6HIQ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RF1MdlVfw

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaVGeKbiM6

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF93MoGuGf

Laughter erupted from the tavern as a burly warrior slammed his fist onto the table. "A trillion gold?! A sky ship?! I'm joining, no question!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSqiQ20lZJ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2vBgfHB0A

"This could be our chance," a robed sorcerer murmured, his mind already racing through possibilities.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AWa8CD8zn

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2kR5uk8AY

The village was alive with excitement and fear. Some trembled at the thought of such a challenge, while others felt something awaken within them—a hunger, a thrill, the call of adventure.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFItM0CwPz

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DuSv7zTnD

As the night stretched on, one thing became clear: the world would never be the same again.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREVjO2a2hU

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCot9mTkkT

The glow of the television flickered in the small wooden home, casting a warm light over the cozy interior. Plates of half-eaten food sat on the table, and a single candle burned low. Sitting on the floor, wide-eyed and ears perked up, was Eleo, an 8-year-old bunny kid with an energy level that could shatter mountains. Beside him, lounging back in a creaky rocking chair, was his human grandpa, Gou, an old warrior-turned-fisherman with a face like a weathered mountain and a personality as gruff as a shipwrecked sailor.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5eAzuatAf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1nnBv4lMc

The TV suddenly cut to black after the mysterious man's challenge, leaving the room in silence. Eleo's nose twitched. Then, without missing a beat—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjifwshl4K

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3N69TNfWk

"GRANDPA GOU!! I WANNA BE THE STRONGEST!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0tibIjjuU

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfklXurXbIF

Gou rubbed his temples, already regretting his decision to visit. "Boy, did you not listen to a single word that man just said?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccl0GDieSG

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqc6lGo6e2

Eleo grinned, his buck teeth shining. "Yeah, I listened! He said if you beat him, you become the strongest!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttkmffXLaw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKQdMwsf5G

Gou facepalmed so hard that his chair nearly tipped over. "Not just that, ya goofy little furball! You'll be hunted by the Supreme Council! You know what that means?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cpiE6ZkGe

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHa8Gm33NT

Eleo tilted his head, blinking. "Uh… they wanna shake my hand?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSWDl5QIie

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD9PKqcO45

Gou's eye twitched. "No, boy, they wanna KILL you!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SHclZ0Wmm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTnOBHPCSX

Eleo stood up on the couch, puffing out his tiny chest. "PFFT! I don't care! I'll kick their ass!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTECp1Pxww

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXjCqi0YdJ

WHAM!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfewCM0jzkQ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltqoi3Dldj

Before Eleo could blink, Gou's fist crashed into his face, sending him flying back into the couch with a loud "OOMPH!" He sat there, dazed, legs sticking up in the air like a knocked-over toy.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftG8PbMFP2

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCxNy1lz0Z

Eleo rubbed his cheek. "Hey!! What was that for?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXjEKiuYRv

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0n34YG1ss

Gou crossed his arms. "Well, Eleo, my boy, you said a very, very bad word."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OmmDNIjO0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewHCjarrSG

Eleo sat up, shaking his head dramatically. "Wait—ass?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYWVoD6NEP

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrhk7cVdli

WHAM!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPaXt74OTf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMTZaYspWj

Eleo hopped into the air and double-kicked Gou right in the face, sending the old man skidding back, his chair flipping over. Gou sat up, nose bleeding, and wiped the blood with his thumb, smirking.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KaNq6C6dN

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfxbRcgK3E

"Heh… you made me bleed." His grin widened. "I'm proud of ya, boy."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6IqHBVwa5

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc0FUiO3M4

Eleo beamed like an idiot. "YEAH! I AIN'T WEAK! I BEEN TRAINING WITH MASTER KUMA!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdxY2VQv5j

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T4j0OD61I

Gou cracked his neck, standing up. "I can tell. You hit like a malnourished squirrel, but hey, it's somethin'."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxFMsxzRtU

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuuG1puSV

Eleo's ears twitched. "Wait… what's a squirrel?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjhYtY9xy8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNv2mMtXxC

Gou stared at him for a long, long moment. Then, sighing like a man who had just given up on life, he patted Eleo's head. "Boy, ya ain't got a single brain cell workin', huh?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl9LIOJUYZ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw5UxiqWGE

Eleo gasped, ears perking up. "WAIT! I GOT A BRAIN?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r7COqD9c3

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVF5fOTjv3

Gou just closed his eyes and took a deep breath, muttering a prayer for patience.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh0Zd0zYYr

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLly1cGisbE

Anyway, brushing off the madness, he stretched his arms. "Alright, I need to hit the sack. I'll be leavin' Pork Island tomorrow."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKhm7nwOrY

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGUelKZz6d

Eleo's ears drooped. "Already?! But ya just got here!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF0tYoCjW7

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWuKRkP5ba

Gou shrugged. "I know, I know. But hey, at least you got your lil' friend Abby to keep ya company."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf4BgdxfUx

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh93jmX4wmU

Eleo pouted dramatically. "Ughhh, but Abby's no fun! She always tells me not to punch stuff, and that's, like, my favorite thing to do!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyCw9bd2Po

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0QrMRvytD

Gou chuckled. "Good. Maybe she'll knock some sense into that thick skull o' yours." He patted Eleo on the back and started walking toward his room. "Alright, go to bed—"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopautTXPin

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSgurOQMG7

WHAM!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8HCGdKbkL

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIbXRii6Ie

He punched Eleo in the face again, sending him flying straight into his pillow.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPI8MDZp9f

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgCmlIzaMU

Eleo groaned. "Whyyy…?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aAzV5nhEm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6WmhGuqTq

Gou grinned. "Told ya to get some sleep, didn't I?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTZieweB0T

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVk4txBQpG

Eleo, half-buried in his blanket, gave a thumbs-up. "Night, Grandpa Gou… when I wake up, I'm gonna be the strongest."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjzNmrJ32f

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJPDukWqfn

Gou chuckled, walking away. "Yeah, yeah, kid. Just don't forget to wake up first."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpSU902bmD

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLPwnSxhIQ

The sun had barely risen over Pork Island, casting a warm glow through the wooden windows of Gou's home. The salty sea breeze swept in, rustling the curtains. But inside, the peaceful morning was about to be utterly destroyed by an energetic little bunny kid.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3aL1BTniz

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT4gOwA1U2

BAM!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUFAq75WEn

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CRNbWITnv

Eleo kicked open the door to Gou's room, his fluffy tail wagging wildly.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenNgiixAT3

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneTk8ZHEAN

"GOU! GOU! GOU!! WAKE UP, OLD MAN!! I ALREADY WOKE UP FIRST!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1s8tk5ztl

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxUTQ280nh

The only response was the loudest snore imaginable—like a walrus choking on a bagpipe. Gou was sprawled out, arms behind his head, snoring so deeply he might as well have been in another dimension.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA8KV2lmgb

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwqCdsarSc

Eleo squinted. "Okay… you asked for it."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnXoYKHTPF

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KrJhghJvn

He hopped onto the bed, crouched like a tiger about to pounce, and—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpryTTpCLO

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMrA1JtkB

"GRANDPA WAKE-UP ATTACK!!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmkOdqzyJZ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSfJqlwSXA

THUMP!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx38wku11s

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3gFlrR9F3

Eleo flopped down onto Gou's stomach like a sack of bricks.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3LJbjvq4z

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zq2xJBAQu

"BLAGHH!!" Gou gagged, eyes snapping open as he nearly choked on his own spit. "KID, WHAT THE HELL?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs3CyGmxbq

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptJutoP3N3

Eleo, still lying on top of him, grinned innocently. "Well, I didn't want you sleeping all day. Also, I called your name a bunch of times and you wouldn't wake up, so… yeah."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpQBmkoA2J

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iO7dVVDyM

Gou sighed, rubbing his face. "Good grief, boy. If you weren't my grandson, I'd have punted you into the ocean."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFnCkV80Hf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUWcxF9Cx1

The Morning Routine – A Warrior's Start

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9XUTeB5XT

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcp1eZPAgw

After prying Eleo off, the two got up and went about their usual morning routine:

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0jVJQVkhn

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV051MmyTc

Brushed their teeth (Gou had to stop Eleo from eating the toothpaste—again).

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkEAVEPVaT

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNhrztA4fM

Ate breakfast (Eleo devoured an entire stack of pancakes in two bites).

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZegSWx1Eb

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI35WpySHEs

Did push-ups (Gou did them casually while Eleo did them dramatically, yelling, "ONE TRILLION!" after every single rep).

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4PVpym5NE

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdFrZx4fAs

Punched each other for fun (Gou smacked Eleo across the yard, Eleo kicked him in the shin).

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJqnBfDJou

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrxm6jTXZt

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaW2tu2xlv

After all that, Gou grabbed his travel bag and stretched. "Welp, I'm off."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGECNkT29G

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQwwB0k2Mg

Eleo pouted. "Man… I'm gonna miss you."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza2RubMbmn

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauBJj55JCz

Gou smirked and messed up Eleo's hair. "I'll miss you too, kid. And hey—keep that dumb little smile of yours, alright?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbaE1aoHWp

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNewk5Bd28U

Eleo grinned wide. "OKAY!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZP05WFNmO

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2dI4WVzpG

Gou glanced at his watch. His eyes widened. "Oh hell, I'm gonna be late—"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfuxA7SxV8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtrTDDqhVz

WHOOSH!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMh1LjS5RH

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFPd6SorOH

Without another word, he sprinted off like a madman. "BYE, ELEO!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvrPLDX3X7

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAyKjG1zVx

Eleo waved, sighing as he watched the old man disappear. Then his brain caught up.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPMVvW0iAk

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bKPegylxY

"OH, WAIT! I GOTTA SEE MASTER KUMA!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi6xgFCX9f

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFudYNRTTQm

And just like that—he blasted off.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdzp50fBOB

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPBlXqKyGj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDl35E9pKf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nDTUwGQ5B

Eleo raced through the forest, weaving between trees, leaping over logs, accidentally knocking over a guy on a donkey, and finally bursting into the rowdiest bar in town—The Iron Fang.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz23yX4vduD

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQniTSf9yn

The place was alive with laughter, the clinking of mugs, and the occasional bar fight in the background. At the counter, a fox woman with sleek orange fur—Lucy—was busy serving drinks with the speed of a seasoned warrior.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQdGMUfvw9

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSFVyZ3fZx

At the biggest table sat a massive, muscular bear in a kung fu gi—Master Kuma. He was laughing heartily, a large mug of beer in his paw. Beside him sat Abby, Lucy's daughter and Eleo's best friend, sipping some juice.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26FVyIboD3

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MF9pYCbRx

Eleo ran right up to Kuma, jumping onto the table dramatically.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfioJtgtRI

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWPEYVgbm5

"MASTER KUMA! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OgAN2XnR0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpM87xbeWz

Kuma took a sip of his drink, unfazed. "Yep."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwlruFTxcJ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs3UWnpHfe

Eleo grinned. "THEN YOU KNOW I'M GONNA BE THE STRONGEST!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLPcfelARP

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs7J2YAwuA

Kuma calmly set his mug down. "Boy, you ain't ready."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMfLXpkvTW

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOfdJoNO5O

Abby nodded. "Yeah, Eleo! You gotta be extremely strong! Right, Master Kuma?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6qyyLbjfm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57Rzo7y0Hd

Kuma chuckled. "That's right."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgANVmLTm8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWAfqyfzHQ

Eleo puffed out his chest. "I am strong! Stronger than you! All you do is sing."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet0Ra6RCOA

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOgmSYsCBX

The entire bar went dead silent.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZOEgqOMoE

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmuC2Mv1ON

Kuma froze mid-drink. A single drop of beer fell from his mug.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvJHXKdDhK

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneR1tSeeQj

Abby's eye twitched.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPIo8j8RWr

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xkXr00Zs1

SNATCH!

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCpcoYjtXg

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cK9g5Nzbz

Before Eleo could react, Abby grabbed him by the ear and started twisting.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ftVy1tNDw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTi03PMZct

"YOU WANNA SAY THAT AGAIN, PUNK?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR0aVE1MW7

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz80b8kVJC

Eleo flailed. "OW! OW! OW!! ABBY, STOP!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UqKoM16SK

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr7VEItvE1

Kuma calmly took another sip. "Abby, no hurting Eleo."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdrB52qu3d

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrvNrH2jeD

Abby kept twisting. "I'M NOT HURTING HIM! I'M DISCIPLINING HIM!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd15Yc4h6O

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO9mv5i5db

Kuma chuckled. "Mhm."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUxDpSaVcB

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lcceDd95C

Eleo, dangling by his ear, flailed helplessly. "AAAAH!! KUMA, HELP ME!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpaHkL55Nj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2ZoZDvC3F

Kuma smirked. "Nah. You brought this on yourself, boy."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5cgkNT0fA

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zT3m1k1bM

The bar erupted in laughter.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTzmie4zD8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gj05rBu70

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc3Y8AfkGz

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVYuvcL4KC

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyiNaK51wX

Eleo eventually escaped Abby's wrath, rubbing his sore ear while pouting. Kuma just smiled, watching his student with an amused expression.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzB1uLdb3W

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aQs7MroGs

Kuma leaned back, crossing his arms. "You really think you can be the strongest, Eleo?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK3t7LZk9P

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThR8ou8p4B

Eleo grinned, full of unshakable confidence. "NO—I KNOW I CAN!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNongdFc66

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZxnDj1Mxx

Kuma chuckled. "Well then, let's see if you can survive today's training."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSgOxjwNhx

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTABEnymMs

Eleo's ears perked up. "TRAINING?! AWESOME!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fKXDD6U4z

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiq4s0Lzh0

Abby sighed. "Oh boy, here we go again…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZhFtQUACW

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfsqazNNaR

And with that, everyone headed twords the woods.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Adjz93A8A

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgyi9oBkV1

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIp8EHIe2z

The crowd gathered in the clearing, the trees swaying with the anticipation in the air. The Iron Fang bar regulars stood on the sidelines, drinks in hand, whispering about what was about to unfold.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2aznqH27D

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV4Te2SoVM

Master Kuma, towering over the crowd, stepped forward, his massive, fur-covered arms relaxed at his sides. He still held a long wooden mug of beer, taking a slow sip like this was just another ordinary day.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e0EHyrLDX

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMU6h83bya

Eleo, standing a few meters away, bounced on his feet like an excited kid—which, to be fair, he was. His fluffy tail twitched, and his ears perked up.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmoBOzmGby

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJImyjMuXrX

Abby cupped her hands around her mouth. "Eleo, you can do it!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNhjx4jKQK

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMfuCMRXHW

Eleo turned and grinned wide. "Thanks, Abby!" He then pointed dramatically at Kuma. "Alright, Master! Let's FIGHT-FIGHT!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFA9VqSEQi

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5sxmejkRT

Kuma sighed, swirling his beer. "Boy, you're more impatient than a starving wolf at a feast."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxphwdz5qt2

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkI9n9RWyB

Eleo cracked his knuckles. "Yeah, yeah, enough talking. Time to see if all this 'training' actually made me stronger!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGseMgKDX8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSFeyx5buT

The crowd went silent. The tension was thick.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp3yHdSSgX

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpsnoagRK3

Then—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZgb80It2Z

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLpf1JjYrW

"BEGIN!" someone shouted.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek1p7fCc3y

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTuxlsjcE6

Eleo sprinted forward, fists clenched. His tiny legs kicked up dust as he charged, letting out a war cry that sounded more excited than intimidating.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbR3nyWAzZ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kJgJuVw7c

Kuma?

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxo7bcyapi

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI7kyqLNEW

He yawned and scratched his belly.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaGsQWu5jy

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFgycghajX

The moment Eleo got close, he swung a wild punch straight at Kuma's chest.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyRcXSLZ0S

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBheILBnwX

Thud.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXarFTAKCH

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaXziy8x9S

His fist connected.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzMhmQBP9x

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX7inClzpg

With a soft boop noise.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcwrOlr5Ru

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhbsUhasdN

Like he had just punched a pillow.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjMOWOfW0V

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L1u5kq5nG

Eleo blinked. His ears twitched. He looked up.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMl3V7j6Yj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwroI5sbpZ

Kuma just sat there. Unbothered. He blinked back at Eleo.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYI0D05MHd

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNYQd3v5KM

"...That was it?" Kuma asked, sounding a little disappointed.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafNwTByO8O

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaN7fZeZ45

Eleo stepped back, shaking his hand. "Owowow—dang, you're built like a brick wall!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbzvGT8B2G

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPETBtGWOi

The crowd burst into laughter.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadB4fOBdOH

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOdx5ctoXo

Kuma smirked and finally moved.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN6ZOS0a05

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRq6PJTEaA

BAM.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FL1xh0Yd0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUN0CjZ5rc

His massive paw came down, aiming for Eleo's head.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ao7ZdRHH4

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRojmmQA9n

"GAH—"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTBKyNNz5c

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2QGfL1BVW

Eleo barely dodged, tumbling backward and rolling to his feet. His heart pounded.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU0WQv4c6X

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaLYbtVg89

Kuma had moved so fast for such a big guy.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjAFEBB6wZ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt5TTPETIY

Eleo gulped. "Alright, okay, so you're actually pretty strong—who knew?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEM0f0AHNJ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkNGYto2no

Abby facepalmed. "EVERYONE KNEW, ELEO!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4c7FzvU6K

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTiVIjARXP

Kuma stood up slowly, dusting himself off.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEu8no3wVk

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZEDFHl1P4

"Well, boy, looks like you at least dodged that one," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see if you can dodge the next."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf9R6UnZHL

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLZyn7MncY

Eleo's ears stood straight up.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3KMKATtu9

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB1tboJly8

"Oh, crap—"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaLyQ0jicm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAXtmpcSFd

WHOOSH.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CTCORHc4E

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTLKnyPOMK

Kuma vanished from his spot.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeeLzmd0Ia

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WC89EH8xA

Eleo's eyes widened. "WHERE'D HE GO—?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IeugZ7UeL

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPo51dSKot

BAM.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP64RXnHJP8

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNvmvtjvzS

Kuma lightly chopped Eleo on top of the head.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRDRQQjy5c

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleShZbCQwb

"OWWWW!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jfCIPbvgh

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXktTqbanGq

Eleo face-planted into the dirt.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtjuobDsD9

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXg5pOYbLK

The crowd howled with laughter.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsjY8RK9GK

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2KhGFCYXu

Abby sighed, rubbing her temples. "This is painful to watch."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRUVupK7u7

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO1D3W2Ipw

Eleo popped back up, clutching his head. "HEY, WHAT KIND OF TEACHER HITS THEIR STUDENT?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpDn8fPs1Z

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9cNN9Iwyo

Kuma took another sip of his beer. "The kind that teaches lessons. Ready to learn?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DUzgw9xFi

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpcuUD0vfD

Eleo gritted his teeth.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94iLy2yVFs

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlqNRwOVSd

He lunged again, this time swinging a barrage of punches.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbXp46Ght6

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtypSeoLWn

Left. Right. Left. Right.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjq9yZnLTc

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC4ahpUyz5

Every punch—dodged.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz7cWMqg7U

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6PW25IgXz

Kuma simply leaned left, then right, then back, then forward, sipping his beer without spilling a drop.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbDCJVzlik

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAZFuxbTsx

The crowd gasped.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qeamyWSnG

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMfr3tLXBI

"He's dodging without even trying!" someone whispered.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwnGF9Dswf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvmPMJpLEo

Eleo growled in frustration.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTjBmHgF0w

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R0uH8XXxE

"STOP DODGING, OLD MAN! LET ME HIT YOU!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1f2YzHAlk

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO52aOy7CcD

Kuma smirked. "Alright."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcSx3myOX6

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDVsRhaTsV

Eleo's ears twitched. "Huh?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2cbfyJHnR

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2LqSjRjsd

Before he could react—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHHTCMk2rd

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQz1GjiuWD

WHAM.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mjxIm5bhx

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RcPBzQmFx

Kuma backhanded Eleo across the clearing.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmLXx8ujnD

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vhbvUVRlR

The bunny kid went flying, tumbling through the dirt until he crashed into a bush.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MaStL2UbT

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWn4emHMBC

The crowd cheered and laughed.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie6i3RS7YG

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlNxy6KygC

Kuma stretched his arms. "Welp, that was fun."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNtyhU4jmb

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETsGmbDmSF

Abby ran up and peeked into the bush. "Eleo, are you alive?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCehHGwWbk

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwJBJVFz2x

Eleo popped out, twigs stuck in his ears. "Yep! Totally fine! Not even hurt!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmjyDLOM4i

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88hf4UVi92

His legs wobbled.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKZbrjo5o0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3MfeXt1PV

Kuma walked over, standing over Eleo. "You done yet, boy?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl8IHWOlJo

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvopNpdJR5E

Eleo took a deep breath.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYHwlKNVdj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbKY33Ku89

Then, despite everything—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSf6vGjtmg

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS4ADudOKW

He grinned.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcmd0fu91Z

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nWFoVb1Zo

"Not even close."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLt4KadUFR

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWREJdP9DC3

Kuma raised a brow. "Oh?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SbnrEnKk9

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HCWCtGkKN

Eleo wiped the dirt off his face, stomping his foot.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGMLtHFdR0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ6njqPyG8

"You might be stronger, faster, and way better than me at everything…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO5DFn9oOW

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVjUtpahI2

"…BUT…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kSWcCIQkJ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMGchr8dRg

Eleo puffed out his chest.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQFnFQktp6

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs5KAJv8kF

"I REFUSE to stay weak!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT5A5dEy1G

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1I6SJDIxv

The crowd went silent.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKjvjawB7F

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3wWGm1JLj

Kuma watched him for a long moment.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqW9jGRpxd

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhDXBaXIkA

Then—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iZEgLwqRw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXtiajvonk

He laughed.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNehlK54dR

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW48XcKY0Z

A deep, hearty laugh that rumbled like thunder.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75vCe5fYbX

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLZ5O1JQ18

He put a paw on Eleo's head, ruffling his ears.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIinvYyEO8j

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOMMCxwwtx

"Good answer, boy."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThU7UjtfoU

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzKoLXpOCf

Eleo blinked. "Huh?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyzpewb6tE

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjTcCMc2eu

Kuma smirked. "You lost, but you ain't broken. That's good."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ilv8ji3W4

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlVqTG9OpL

Eleo's eyes widened. "Wait… does that mean—?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBS14j2AQ3

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA4hQ70G8d

Kuma took one last sip of his beer, then grinned.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f9IrgbjEV

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWYfnKiA02

"Alright, Eleo. I'll keep training you."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4cE3APiLL

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxrJLQmbF8

The crowd cheered.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVvPt2fnM0

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NnG48eK8p

Eleo pumped his fist into the air.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2pDFj3zJI

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9VUlmIm4a

"YEAH!!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWox3bZXdP

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUwpLqzPC4

Abby sighed. "Well, at least he survived."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGEZmXH9mp

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdmqttrohT

5 days: later Eleo lay sprawled on the ground, panting like a dog, sweat pouring off his fur. His ears twitched slightly as he tried to lift himself up, only to collapse face-first into the dirt.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY2ewLwG7N

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjZPMz8FRo

Kuma, meanwhile, sat on a log nearby, completely relaxed, drinking beer from an oversized jug.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYbcLDe02Y

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxQG0TuQlD

"Alright, boy," Kuma finally said.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbquG338Yhg

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSNIHaMAau

Eleo peeked up. "Y-Yeah?" he wheezed.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcZSbPLfVv

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuyVlOGFZK

Kuma took another sip. "I'm leaving soon."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gvGbyPMSj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQypvjKJgef

Eleo shot up immediately. "W-WHAT?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7WVhK39eI

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmGn9tG0Lh

Kuma gave a small sigh, stretching his arms. "Gotta handle something big—dangerous stuff. Can't stay here forever, kid."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRgmhyHWdO

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdJHVoytSq

Eleo's ears drooped, but he forced a smile. "Oh, uh… okay! Yeah! No big deal!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD3HIENJQE

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oTB2QD0XF

Kuma's eyebrow twitched. He saw straight through it.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYekgEt96uz

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBROdXdUSrm

"Follow me," Kuma said, standing up.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhal83nSKzJ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNOwJrtVUi

Eleo blinked. "Huh? Where we goin'?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirq71Jzdbq

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvllFxJS9Ls

Kuma didn't answer, just started walking. Curious but confused, Eleo scrambled after him.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GBzMk5kiP

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1WzP6Qbwp

They stopped in a small clearing, away from the main village. Kuma reached into his coat, pulling out something glowing.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xOfQ5Psou

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVUbc2aK2Q

It was an orb, dark blue, swirling with ink-like patterns inside.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k0P4w1Otz

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kk3SU0tdG

Eleo's eyes lit up like fireworks.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mQ9XcFuxS

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKynakH3DE

"WHOA—WHAT IS THAT?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsCLqdT9nf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuQokKYD1r

Kuma smirked. "This, boy, is a Soul Orb. We call it an S-Orb for short. Here, take it."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANr63HDCCw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoQumFsesJ

Eleo snatched it immediately and…

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOYIsNyCOw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0FcaPt9yY

Licked it.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ7Q1sEdJv

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJJgsMotqL

Kuma stared. The wind blew softly.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHBZjVnnfB

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltXGNTgQto

"…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLci8KyRiMK

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41RBNFvwUv

"…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP1ufPV8It

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6e5fNjm4F

"…Boy, what the hell are you doing?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljWCpCHGWf

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmo6ucYQUz

Eleo wiped his tongue, gagging. "ACK—IT TASTES LIKE A SWEATY ROCK!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXCBuXD4qV

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yGGwLd8ev

Kuma palmed his face. "You're supposed to absorb it, you idiot."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbtPHwngvd

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uKLHarl1W

Eleo blinked. "Oh."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgrHa8PMmw

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxdvY7to9U

He closed his eyes and concentrated. Slowly, the orb began to sink into his body, and for a brief moment, he felt warm. Powerful.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xQF0k6nN6

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsqZqmpgvw

Then—

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hIgvdpcod

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZezgtOTi0j

PAIN.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYbuLoF41R

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aNDDeAlz4

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBXkXi6osy

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3jSHkL1S4

Eleo dropped to the ground, rolling around like a fish out of water. His body felt like it was on FIRE.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelmVLlcznr

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw2Gt4qGTn

Kuma took another sip of beer. "Oh yeah, forgot to mention—it hurts."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mUBtOGgZm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk4Fk440kp

"YOU FORGOT TO MENTION THAT?!!" Eleo screamed, flailing.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGhbx2qNkx

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbzseWH8NA

Abby, who had just walked up, froze in horror. "What did you do to him?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqBIAaUQFm

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw8fj8zbR1

Kuma shrugged. "Gave him an S-Orb."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC40OdBS4j

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31CXR64OTB

Abby stomped over, pointing an accusatory finger. "You just gave him a legendary artifact like it was a snack?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWaRrRnlC5

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HIq4OOFTu

Kuma nodded. "Yep."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbUCWHdJ5x

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFjDMw5EyQ

"AND YOU DIDN'T WARN HIM?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXFAsRgzPZ

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh7zWjdNqG

"…Nope."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBecN9EB5M

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH3rkRcHQV

"ARE YOU EVEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4SaTUNmfI

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLvS3YGfn

Kuma sipped his beer. "Nope."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW3AWcP0m9

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDnPp2TNuP

Eleo finally stopped twitching, panting heavily. His fur was ruffled, his ears crooked, and his face full of regret.

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gIW9rlDQE

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeV6MIiNgv

"I... I think I saw my ancestors…"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4giBhxSk7

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW5i67SLCB

Kuma patted Eleo's head. "You'll be fine, kid. Might not be strong now, but that orb will be useful someday."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8bepz6oVP

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9eovQBDfx

Eleo groaned. "D-Does it at least give me super strength?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq7kCT4k9k

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9obIxoEISN

"Nope."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0peawhgAj

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KTDfe59Ir

"Super speed?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb1VIpZc8S

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC33wTOZx1e

"Nope."

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKYDQgcMgF

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2b7mZRRGc

"Heat vision?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMSBXrBaMW

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVjW57hdbl

Kuma tilted his head. "Why would a bunny need heat vision?"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqzSeEgnOV

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl2oRFqNkt

Eleo gasped. "I'M STILL WEAK?!"

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRAoIUsc6V

85Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQzhhrdv7R

Kuma grinned and stood up. "No, but now you've got potential

ns3.145.200.8da2

The strongest man

REGISTER

LOGIN

Interface Language:

Story Language: