My Demons

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Once I finished my meal, I proceeded to engage in some exercises at the rear of the inn.

I invited Ellen to join me, but she declined, mentioning that she intended to meditate instead.

I couldnt help but feel a slight concern about leaving her alone, given her apparent lack of practical skills. However, I reminded myself that I wasnt responsible for her well-being. Perhaps through her meditation, she would acquire the abilities I had assigned to her.

Anyway, I began with some rigorous stretching before moving on to push-ups and sit-ups.

Even with the added weight of my armor, the exercises didnt pose much difficulty. I estimated that I could effortlessly perform around 120 repetitions per minute.

Feeling ambitious, I even attempted a planche exercise.

A planche is a type of bodyweight exercise that involves lifting the feet off the ground while maintaining a push-up position. In my previous life as Kim Seung-soo, despite being in the prime of my physical condition, I struggled to progress beyond the frog position. However, with Phoenixs body, I effortlessly achieved a proper planche.

It appeared that not only was I strong, but my flexibility and athletic abilities were on an entirely different level.

Next, I embarked on a run around the harbor, feeling like the protagonist in a Rocky movie.

I traversed the plaza where vendors and the harbor were situated, passed the lords tower, and circled the vicinity of the city wall.

Thanks to Phoenixs remarkable leg length and the relatively compact size of South Harbor, I completed the run in less than ten minutes.

Although I maintained a reasonable speed, my breathing remained steady, and I felt light on my feet.

If I were to engage in a more serious running workout, I would likely have to tackle at least a half marathon.

The physical training that persisted throughout the morning proved to be an extraordinary experience.

Just a few days ago, I led an ordinary life as an office worker, but now I possessed a physique comparable to, or perhaps even surpassing, that of an Olympic athlete.

The satisfaction I derived from this transformation far exceeded the exhilaration of simply washing my body the day before.

Doesnt a sound mind reside within a healthy body?

It might sound exaggerated, but I couldnt help but feel an unwavering sense of confidence in my ability to accomplish anything.

With that in mind, as I made my way back to the inn, I noticed the presence of a bathhouse.

Naturally, the bathhouse didnt boast the grandeur of public baths back in Korea.

The building resembled a cottage, adorned with lime paint, and stacks of firewood leaned against the outer wall.

In the yard, several women and children diligently laundered a considerable amount of clothing.

It seemed that the bathhouse also offered laundry services.

Against my better judgment, I succumbed to curiosity and peered into the steam-filled interior through a small wooden window.

In one corner, a large pot of water boiled, while the rest of the space accommodated individuals immersing themselves in wooden tubs filled up to their waists.

To my surprise, men and women bathed together in the same area without any curtains or partitions.

In fact, there were even a few tubs occupied by both men and women.

As a principled man who had scored 50 in the Ethics section of the university entrance exam and embraced Confucian teachings as part of my minor in Eastern philosophy, the notion that men and women should not associate beyond the age of seven was deeply ingrained within me. This realization left me feeling quite disoriented.

Yet, in order to adapt to this new world and cleanse myself of perspiration, I contemplated utilizing the bathhouse, albeit the issue of finances stood in my way.

The fee amounted to four pennies, and considering my current financial situation, I decided to postpone my visit for another time.

What a missed opportunity.

Upon returning to the inn, I decided to test out one of my skills.

To my slight annoyance, unlike in the game, I discovered that I had to physically draw blood in order to utilize the skill.

Once I reached level 15 and obtained the passive skill called Hot Blood, I would be able to employ blood from sources other than my own. However, that was not currently an option.

Well, even if I had access to Hot Blood, I would still need to draw blood from myself, as there were no enemies present in the vicinity.

Finally, after a moments hesitation, I resorted to drawing blood from my palm using the versatile dagger.

With determined resolve, I inflicted a long and deep wound, but it felt unsettling, almost as if I were intentionally harming myself. No, it wasnt just a sensation; it was indeed an act of self-harm.

Once I had the blood, I proceeded to utilize the three active skills I possessed: Blade of Blood, Shield of Blood, and Thirst.

Blade of Blood was a skill I had previously experienced. As I activated it, the blood flowing from my palm enveloped my blade, pulsating and wriggling.

In the game, this skill simply enhanced attack power, but it manifested differently in reality.

While I could sense the blade becoming sharper I couldnt be entirely sure without testing it on my own body. Unfortunately, I couldnt bring myself to scratch or harm myself for the sake of experimentation.

Nevertheless, there was a slightly different additional effect in reality.

The blood coating the blade felt like an extension of my own body. By concentrating my mind, I could subtly alter the shape of the blade.

Although the shape change was minimal, merely elongating it slightly, I had a feeling that with enough practice, it could prove to be quite useful.

Imagine the trouble it would cause for an enemy if, during a fight, the blade suddenly extended by about 30 centimeters!

On the other hand, Shield of Blood felt distinct from Blade of Blood.

Perhaps because I had only invested a single skill point in it, I didnt experience any significant sensations. I couldnt alter its shape, and the shield didnt feel like an extension of my body either.

Shield of Blood was a skill that required a considerable investment of skill points to unlock essential Blood Knight abilities like Iron Blood Armor or Red Ice.

However, I suspected that things might change once I invested more points into it.

Lastly, there was Thirst, a somewhat peculiar skill.

Of course. The old man is not here at the moment, so you can use it for free, Daria kindly offered.

Really? Thank you, I responded, pleased with the benefits that came with being handsome and useful. Well done, Phoenix!

However, my momentary uplifted mood was quickly replaced by a heavy heart as I drew water from the backyard well using a bucket. It felt as if I were holding an invisible time bomb.

Is the conversation over? a sudden voice startled me.

Oh, you surprised me, I exclaimed, accidentally dropping the bucket.

Whats wrong? Why are you so startled? Ellen asked, appearing out of nowhere, dressed in a beige shirt and thin trousers.

As I retrieved the bucket, I glanced at Ellen.

If I suddenly pop out from behind, wont you be startled? I questioned.

Suddenly what? Ive been here the whole time, Ellen replied.

Really? I questioned, realizing that I must have zoned out for a moment.

As I awkwardly splashed water from the well onto my face, Ellen leaned against the inns wall, arms crossed, and asked a rather teasing question.

Were you fantasizing about that young maid?

Dont be ridiculous. What young maid?

Seems like I hit the mark, huh? Ellen smirked.

Stop starting pointless arguments, I replied, feeling slightly annoyed.

Frowning, I turned to face Ellen.

Were you watching me talking to Daria?

I just happened to pass by and saw it. You looked like you were about to bury your face in her bosom.

I couldnt recall the details, but somehow, I had a feeling that might have actually happened. I had no words in response.

You said you were meditating, so why are you out here? I inquired, removing my shirt.

As I spoke and exposed my upper body, Ellen averted her gaze slightly and replied, Whats different about the same old meditation every day?

Listen here. Whether its studying or exercising, consistency is key. Youre young ah, never mind, I trailed off, realizing that I was starting to sound like an old fuddy-duddy.

As I fell silent, Ellen mumbled softly to herself.

If improvement comes from consistent practice, there wouldnt be anyone in Middle World who cant cast magic.

Indeed, she must have dedicated herself to practicing magic and meditation exhaustively at La-Palais Palace.

Yet it felt ridiculous for me to lecture about consistency when I couldnt even use magic myself. A sigh-like murmur evoked a sense of guilt.

But even that guilt was fleeting. Ellen smiled faintly and spoke in an excited tone.

Still, I felt something different today. Maybe my spiritual senses were stimulated by the unfamiliar environment Ahhhh!

Her sudden scream startled me, causing me to abruptly halt my undressing and clumsily look around.

Whats wrong? Why? What happened? I asked in a state of confusion.

You pervert, why are you undressing! Ellen exclaimed.

What?

Wait, she was startled because of me?

What? Am I the one in the wrong? I questioned, feeling puzzled.

Ugh, you crazy pervert! Ellen blushed and disappeared into the inn.

What on earth was happening? I thought this place was open-minded when it came to matters of a sexual nature, with mixed-gender sleeping arrangements in the inn rooms and mixed bathing.

Ellen, that girl, shouldnt it be obvious that if Im at the well with my shirt off and drawing water, I intend to bathe?

If she didnt want to see, she should have looked away!

But she just stood there, didnt she? I assumed the unwritten rule was to not pay much attention to each other in situations like this.

So, to be honest, it was a little embarrassing to undress, but I forced myself to do it naturally

Ah, this is frustrating, I grumbled to myself as I washed myself. Subtly, I approached Daria to seek clarification.

You really are an odd one, huh? Daria chuckled.

Am I the one whos odd? I questioned.

Puhaha, of course! she responded, indicating that she also agreed that I had done something strange.

I had momentarily forgotten, but the conical tent near the well was set up for guests to bathe in. It was just as embarrassing here for men and women to see each other naked.

Ah, that explains why people were giving me strange looks as they passed by while I was bathing.

I, who was an ethicist and Confucianist, created a situation where I seemed like a pervert with an exhibitionist disorder in this world? It was because of the misunderstanding caused by the bathhouse.

Turns out, the bathhouse was not mixed it was something different.

Whether this city is strange, or if its just Middle World, Im not sure but it wasnt just bathing in the bathhouse.

Swallowing my internal curse, I went upstairs to the second floor of the inn to find Ellen.