—1 Month Later—
After about four weeks, I can finally say that I've thoroughly integrated Asta's memories and personality with my own. Thankfully, this also means that the flaws inherent in both our minds and souls have either canceled each other out or transformed into strengths that enhance the more beneficial traits of our psyche. What exactly determined this outcome is beyond me, but it's a boon nonetheless.
As for my training, I already have a basic idea that I'll be using swords and anti-magic, so I've decided to focus especially on agility and endurance. Still, I'm pursuing a comprehensive, well-rounded development of my skills and abilities.
I was leaning against a huge stone at one corner of my training grounds—also known as the Skull, as most people call it. I was resting after my 10K run and preparing for a set of 10-minute hill sprints. My current focus is on improving speed, which I'll definitely need in the future.
I'd made a sword out of a big chunk of timber. Unfortunately, I'm not the greatest craftsman—no matter how many hours I spent whittling in the Boy Scouts—so it's terribly unbalanced. Still, I practiced swinging with it.
To get used to it, I mostly copied anime fights I'd seen, mainly from Berserk and Sword of the Stranger. I'm using whatever scraps of swordsmanship knowledge I can recall: jumping, slashing, and just getting accustomed to holding a weapon. I haven't hunted any beasts yet, magical or not, since I still need a proper weapon for that.
I could technically use the lumber axe back at the church, but I don't think Sister Lily would appreciate me using it for active hunting.
Moreover, since most people here fight using magic, nobody really uses forged weapons anymore. Even the village blacksmith charges an exorbitant amount of Yul to make a decent blade.
To earn enough for one, I've started taking on odd jobs. But for now, I grabbed my makeshift sword and resumed my practice, aiming for practicality, shadow battling in my head.
At first, I imagined dueling Guts—but even in my imagination, I was obliterated. So, I toned it down and started practicing against an imaginary dummy using moves I remembered.
Eventually, I was out of breath, defeated once again by my imaginary opponent. I put my sword down, took some deep breaths, and rested a bit before starting my hill sprints to further increase my speed.
I sprinted at full pace, jumped over fallen logs, weaved around trees—reaching my target just a little faster than yesterday.
I could feel my speed improving, but by the end of each workout, I was utterly exhausted.
Then came the odd jobs, which I needed to earn money.
After recovering for a while, I began my stroll back to Hage Village, carrying a big stack of firewood I'd collected.
I stopped by the old baker's shop—he would pay me for bringing him firewood and helping around the store.
"Hey, old man, here's your firewood. Need help with anything else? I'll be back after a quick bath," I called into the bakery as the old man peeked out from the kitchen behind the counter.
"Yeah, I need some sacks brought out of storage," he replied as I was leaving.
"Alright, I'll be back. Wait a bit," I answered and headed back to the church, took a quick bath, and returned. On the way, I crossed paths with Yuno. He'd started taking jobs too, mostly delivering letters and small items since he could fly on a broom.
I barely paid attention. I still cared about his well-being and saw him as my best friend and rival—thanks to Asta's memories and lingering personality—but if he wanted to act all emo, well, two could play that game.
In a few months, I should have enough money for a real weapon.
—About 3 Years Later—
I woke up under the familiar ceiling, sitting up and yawning as sunlight streamed through the windows.
The last three years of my life have been good. Of course, I still had to work hard to get stronger, but I had to admit—this world is much nicer to live in than my previous one.
I did miss my old life. I'm not sure if Mom is happy about me being isekai-ed, but if she knew I was happy, she wouldn't worry too much. As for Dad and my friends… I don't need to elaborate on how they'd feel, do I?
Shaking my head to refocus, I reminded myself of the importance of today.
I had finally turned fifteen. Now, I could receive my grimoire—and my system.
Yuno and the others were still asleep.
I went out to finish my morning chores before heading to the kitchen, where Sister Lily was cooking breakfast.
"Oh, Asta, you're up. Help set the table, would you?" she said. I picked up the plates and began setting the table, getting everything ready.
Yuno came in just as I finished. "Morning," I greeted. Yuno just nodded.
I shook my head as Sister Lily glanced over at him.
"Eat up, I made your favorites today," she said, placing the potato dishes on the table. The others joined us soon after, and we all sat down together.
Father Orsi, as usual, started crying and proclaimed Yuno as the hope of the church, while offering a few encouraging words to me.
I didn't say much. I was used to it. After breakfast, we still had some time until the ceremony, which was scheduled for around three, so I went out for a stroll.
The village had become livelier over the past few days, with many people from nearby smaller villages arriving for the ceremony.
To the locals, it felt like a mini fair. I walked past food stalls that had started serving the crowd.
Most of the attendees were like me—fifteen, here to receive their grimoires. Many were filled with hope, dreaming of becoming Magic Knights and improving their lives. Sadly, the truth was that very few ever made it. Most would become village guards or end up serving some noble as a lackey. A lucky few might manage to open a shop or start a small business.
As I walked past the bakery, I spotted the old man, who now had a helping hand at the fair.
"Oi, old man, how's business?" I asked out of courtesy.
"It's been good," he replied as he sat down on a stool behind the counter. "Though I guess I'm getting too old for all this now. So, you heading to the ceremony?"
I smiled and nodded. "Don't worry about me, old man. I'll be fine."
I should be getting the system any time now.
Right then, a reddish-black window popped up in front of me:
{ System Online }
Perfect. This is going to be fun.
I grinned broadly as the old man gave me a weird look—probably wondering why I suddenly had such a creepy smile on my face.