Busted

While it was still early, Chayil could be seen in a wide-open space that was far from his home. His body gained a bit of weight, and he was fighting against an imaginary figure clad in black armor. His body was covered in sweat.

Once more, Chayil surged forward. The figure in black armor readied himself, forming a stance with the sword positioned at his side, intending to thrust it at Chayil.

As Chayil approached, the figure in black armor swiftly plunged the sword at him. However, Chayil managed to dodge to the left while still moving forward. 

The figure in black armor quickly responded with a Spin attack to the left.

Thinking quickly, Chayil attempted to press his right wrist against the sword to execute a side flip and evade the attack. However, the edge of the sword grazed his elbow.

As he descended, the figure in black armor executed a double spin. But he leaned backward until his head almost reached the ground to evade the second spin. However, as he returned to his position, the palm of his opponent was already at his face, releasing a strong Fire magic.

"Ha!" Chayil lay down, panting heavily from exhaustion, 'Fifteen battles and I haven't won a single one!' Chayil muttered. 'Still, I can feel myself getting faster. I'm also getting strong.'

After a while, he stood up. He brushed himself off and put his clothes back. Then he decided to jog around the village for half an hour. However, he started feeling a bit tired. He slowed down his pace and came to a stop. 

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling rhythmically as he regained his composure. Then he glanced at the gradually brightening sky. 

"It's almost sunrise, and I'm also getting hungry," he thought out loud. Then he decided to head home.

As Chayil made his way back, the delicious smell of food from their house drifted into his nostrils, triggering memories of his past life when he was still young. 

Memories about his morning training sessions and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals waiting for him afterward flashed back at him making him somehow nostalgic.

Upon entering the house, Chayil was greeted by the sight of the table that was set for breakfast. 

Rad was already seated, and the sound of his chair scraped softly against the floor as he adjusted his position. "How was your run?" Rad inquired with a tight-lipped smile. "It looks like you did more than a jog."

Panting, sweaty, and dirty, Chayil responded after he caught his breath. "It went well, thank you," he nodded.

"It seems like you've been doing too much exercise since last week," Esmar spoke while placing plates on the table. "Are you preparing for something?"

Chayil paused slightly at Esmar's words. "Nothing in particular," he replied with a closed smile.

"Grab a towel and wipe off that sweat," Rad instructed. "Wake up Krayna too." 

Chayil nodded in agreement. Then he went to the room where Krayna was sleeping and softly shook her awake. 

All of them settled into their seats. The clinking of utensils against plates and the murmurs of conversation filled the room as they enjoyed their meal together.

After resting, Rad invited Chayil for a walk around the village.

They were already far from the houses when Chayil asked, "Where are we going, Dad?"

Rad didn't answer. But he continued walking ahead before he abruptly stopped. "Who are you?" he asked Chayil while looking ahead.

Chayil was taken aback, feeling a sudden chill, despite the warmth of the day. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he struggled to find words. "W-what do you mean, Dad?"

Rad turned towards him, his eyes boring into Chayil. 

"From the very beginning, I knew you weren't Chayil," Rad answered him. "I witnessed my child's life slipping away, without a pulse and breath, before I left him."

Suddenly, the wind's gust became intense, and Chayil felt the immense power emanating from Rad as he repeated his question. "Again, who are you?"

At that moment, Chayil realized he was facing someone truly extraordinary.

"Yes, I'm not your real son," he admitted. "But my real name is the same. I am Chayil." He drew in a deep breath before he added, "I'm sorry. I am even confused by what's happening. I don't know about this world filled with magic. That's why I want to venture into the light dungeon so I can find out what was going on."

Upon hearing him, Rad seemed to relax, and the atmosphere returned to normal.

"HAHAHA. Okay!" his laughter echoed through the air. Then he walked back home. As he did so, he noticed that Chayil was not following him. 

"Aren't you coming home?" he asked.

Confused by Rad's reaction, Chayil replied, "Why? Now that you know the truth, you should kick me out."

"Why should I do that?" Rad approached Chayil and tapped him on the shoulder. "You're using my son's body. Why would I kick you out?"

"Even so, I'm still not your real son."

"How old are you really?" Rad asked.

"Twenty-six."

"Oh, you're still young. From now on, call me Dad." And he smiled at Chayil.

Chayil returned with a smile even though he was wondering about Rad's peculiar behavior and they returned home together.

Meanwhile, Rad accepted Chayil because he hadn't seen any danger to his family during the past month that they were together. He witnessed Chayil's genuine bond with Krayna, Esmar, and himself. 

Above all, Rad knew he had to protect Chayil's body until the right time comes. And he will do it even if it means sacrificing his own life.

After a whole day, before Chayil went to sleep, Rad invited him to go hunting in the forest tomorrow morning.

'Hunting, huh,' Chayil thought as he lay down on his bed. His curiosity was piqued knowing that he was going far from the village. For him, it is a good opportunity to learn more about the world he is currently in.