Chapter 5: Problem
The first Leon woke up in bed, noticing that the second was still sound asleep. Deciding to start his day without waiting, he headed towards the kitchen for a quick bite. His thoughts wandered as he walked.
"It's been some time since I found myself in this world. Honestly, I can't say if I like it or hate it. But, for better or worse, there's nothing I can do to escape this cursed game and truly live again..."
His thoughts were momentarily interrupted by memories of the second. Leon still couldn't get over some of the things the second had said, even if the details were vague.
"About the second..." he muttered under his breath, recalling a particular conversation.
The second had once bluntly stated:
"We have two choices. Either we forget about the canon and do things our way, or we commit genocide across the Kingdom of Holfort and the neighboring nations."
But the second's explanations always felt incomplete. He often admitted to not remembering the plot clearly.
"I don't remember everything very well. Mostly just the major events. I skipped over a lot of details."
"What the hell? How could you be so irresponsible? I hated that damn game, but I still remembered everything!" the first had shouted, clearly frustrated.
"How was I supposed to know this knowledge would be useful? You realize I read more than just 'Mobuseka,' right?"
Their argument dragged on for a while back then.
Now, Leon finally reached the kitchen and began eating breakfast with his family. His sisters, as always, tried to tease him and Nick, but Leon simply ignored them.
"Sometimes, the best weapon is silence. By ignoring them, you win without ever engaging."
And it worked. Instead of irritating Leon, their antics backfired, leaving them fuming while he felt surprisingly at peace.
The Training Session
After breakfast, Leon headed out with Balcus for training. At first, it was tough, but he eventually got into the rhythm. During a run around the estate, Leon felt the second consciousness finally stirring awake.
"Haaaaaaah... Morning, First!"
"Oh, it's you," Leon replied, already accustomed to these sudden interruptions.
"We've got a problem," the second announced without preamble.
"What now?" Leon asked, his voice cautious.
"Uh... unless some miracle happens, we'll need five years to fix the boat."
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Leon yelled, nearly stumbling mid-run.
"It's full of old parts that need replacing. Repairs will cost at least one gold coin at worst. And without the main crystal, the ship won't even lift off. That thing is expensive—especially for us, nobles from the boonies. Bringing one here will take time. Your father's budget? Fifty bronze coins max. He won't spare us a single gold coin."
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For the readers:
I've updated the currency system as follows:
1 gold coin = 100 silver coins
1 silver coin = 100 bronze coins
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"So, it's either five years of putting up with Zola, or we speed things up. What's your plan?"
"Speeding up!" Leon interrupted before the second could finish.
"Fine. For now, we'll have to work in the fields like before. But I've got an idea." The second grinned mischievously.
"What idea?" The first was instantly on guard.
"Remember how your father sometimes goes on pirate-hunting expeditions?"
"Yeah, so?" Leon replied, his suspicions growing.
"We sneak aboard his ship. When the battle starts, we intervene, board the pirate ship, and loot it. Pirates always have money."
Leon hesitated. There weren't many other options, so he reluctantly agreed.
"Fine, but barely. What's the catch?"
"We'll need a grappling hook to board their ship," the second said confidently.
"You do realize we're in the body of a five-year-old kid, right? I don't think I can win a fight against grown pirates with just a sword."
"Just get a pistol, some grenades, and dynamite. By then, I'll teach you everything I learned in the army."
Leon sighed deeply.
"You're insane..."