INTEGER UNLIMITED

I hopped off the table and landed in front of Leo. He recoiled in shock, not expecting me to suddenly close the gap between us. Now that he was in proper clothing, I could get a better look at him. Even I could tell he was strong, the kid looked like he lifted weights with Broly.

But strength isn’t everything, especially if they were up against the king. I stared into his eyes, and he met my gaze. His breathing seemed off, but that was only natural. It was me who was in front of him, afterall. He needed to learn how to handle being afraid of a tougher opponent.

I broke the quiet staring first, “Hey, why don’t we go for a walk?”

“Why?” he asked.

“Well, I figure that I should get to know my future son-in-law,” I grinned at him.

I saw him and Marem exchange a look, but I had no intention to let her interrupt me. I placed an arm around his shoulder and guided him away from the dining room. Marem wouldn't just run off from her doting mothers without a good reason.

Leo didn’t voice any complaints as I took him through the mansion. I expected him to put up some sort of resistance, but it’s for the best that he didn’t waste any of my time. Especially since there was a need to be some teaching.

Not only in terms of respect and knowing who he is dealing with, but also with the system. Bluebo said that it couldn’t go into detail, but somehow this kid managed to gain access to the system. Well, part of it, at least. From what I know, he had limited functionality in terms of how it worked.

I hadn’t the faintest clue how some farm boy managed to gain access, but it’s apparently a pain in the ass for Bluebo. Sadly, Marem would have thrown a pitch if I killed him, so that’s off the table.

“So, Leo, you think you’re a pretty tough guy?”

“I mean, I’d guess so.”

“Do you think you could beat me in a fight?”

Leo stopped in the middle of his stride and looked me over. It was a bit impressive that he’d have the confidence to do that, but this was still a clear sign that this kid was out of his depth.

“Maybe,” he answered after a few moments.

I struggled to bite back my anger, “Don’t get so cocky now. I’m certain you’re feeling confident after beating Venox, but don’t think that me leaving the public eye means you have a chance at beating me.”

He looked confused, “I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just don’t know who you are.”

My jaw nearly dropped to the floor. “I guess maybe it has been a while since people have seen me. I’m John the hero.”

I tensed my hand, and with a burst of flames, my cool sword materialized within my grasp. The fire flashed over my body, singing off the ordinary outfit that I had before. It had left me behind in my adventurer's outfit, something I hadn’t worn in a while.

The magically enchanted black leather of my armor felt taut against my skin, designed to accentuate my rippled body. The appearance was only slightly harmed by my newfound beer belly. The metal plate on the upper chest wore heavy, with dark spikes protruding over my shoulders. It was contrasted by the billowing white cape behind me.

Leo looked on in complete awe, the only natural response to seeing me in my legendary equipment. It was with this outfit that I had slayed countless demon kings, dragons, and world ending threats. He was in the aura of a true hero.

Leo spoke up, “Sorry, but I still don’t know who you are.”

Now he was pissing me off. I understood why Marem wouldn’t have told him who I was. There are many people who would do anything to be a part of my family. But there is no possible way he would have the gall to stand here and pretend to not know me.

“Fuck off, you know who I am.”

“Woah, I’m sorry, but I don’t.”

“There is no way in hell you don’t know who I am. There is a fucking holiday named after me. I have hundreds of statues all over Kalpania.”

“Okay, wait, give me a second. It’s part of the reason why I agreed to come here with you. I need to know who you got the Dragon Ball comics from. They’re copies from another world, and I need to find the person who brought the-”

I exploded with anger. “What the fuck are you talking about? Since when did manga become part of this discussion? Is there something wrong with you?”

Leo paused for a moment, he seemed to be contemplating something. “Manga? Why do you call it manga?”

I had already lost my patience with him. I was soon about to lose my restraint. “BECAUSE IT COMES FROM JAPAN?? YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO CALL THEM COMICS!”

“Holy shit. You’re the one from Earth.”

I froze up when he said that. I had told Marem about my origins, all my kids learn about our heritage when they’re ready. They also knew better than to openly talk about it with just anybody. If he knew the name Earth, then Marem must have told him about my history.

The existence of Otherworlders was considered a secret of top priority. Outside of my family, less than a hundred people know it’s possible. The kingdom puts a lot of care into making sure that any rumors are stamped out. The fact that I am an Otherworlder is known to less than a dozen people outside of my family.

“If you tell a soul, I promise that I’ll kill you,” I threatened him.

He looked confused, “You’ve got it wrong. I’m from Earth too.”