The next day.
Before dawn.
Hermes woke up in an inn and shrank to five millimeters as he approached the Navy base, carefully navigating through the grass to a large training field.
Around him were various training equipment, such as barbells and stone weights.
It may be too early, as the training field was empty. Hermes stood still for a while, looking at a distant building. He wanted to check Captain Bastan Ugar’s office or living quarters. He might find information on the Rokushiki techniques.
Hermes’ boldness and wild ideas were evident.
If Captain Bastan Ugar had observed Haki, Hermes might have found himself in serious trouble.
It was uncertain if the Rokushiki techniques were even documented like martial arts manuals, and even if they were, Bastan might not have them.
There were too many variables.
Everything went surprisingly smoothly.
Since Bastan’s office was on the ground floor, with windows overlooking the training field, it was clear he often supervised the training of his Marines from there.
The large sign reading “Captain’s Office” with “Bastan Ugar” was visible afar.
Sneaking in through the door gap, Hermes returned to his normal size and found the office quite ordinary: a desk, a bookshelf, and several books and papers.
Hermes didn’t have a system-like cheat ability as a transmigrator, but he did possess basic advantages.
For example, he could naturally understand the world’s language and writing.
His physical and mental attributes had also greatly improved, which was a blessing. Otherwise, he would have been too weak as a transmigrator.
Hermes first checked the desk, which mostly had administrative documents and a few newspapers. The drawers didn’t contain what he was looking for either.
He found books, newspapers, government documents, and bounties for pirates, bandits, and the mafia on the bookshelf.
It was disappointing but not entirely fruitless. The bounties could become his stepping stones for honing his skills and were crucial economic resources.
Soon enough, noises from outside indicated the Marines were waking up, washing, and gathering on the training field. Hermes quickly shrank to five millimeters and found a spot with a good view.
As the sun rose higher, Hermes’ disappointment grew.
The Marines underwent standard physical training: push-ups, sit-ups, weightlifting, and running.
Their instructor was a lieutenant.
Hermes also saw Bastan Ugar: a burly, muscular man who looked intimidating but was diligently working at his desk, a stark contrast.
Hermes confirmed that Bastan did not have Observation Haki.
Next, he decided to check Bastan’s living quarters.
With his last bit of hope, Hermes searched around until he found Bastan’s room. The furnishings were ordinary.
However, under the bed were several eye-catching photo books.
Half an hour later, Hermes’ face was grim, his last hope shattered.
Damn it.
Did a captain guarding a region, possibly even a captain from Navy Headquarters, not know one of the Rokushiki techniques? He could have at least left a diary or training notes for future generations.
No vision at all.
Aside from several crates of photo books, there was nothing.
Cursing under his breath, Hermes left the room, maintaining his five-millimeter size as he returned to the training field. Finding a hidden spot, he began basic physical training.
He planned to stay for a while longer. If he still didn’t find what he wanted, he would move to Plan B.
Plan A was to try his luck at the Navy base, hoping to learn the Rokushiki techniques and Haki. Plan B was to go to the capital of the Kingdom of Providence. The royal family there surely had many resources.
Hermes was also interested in King Elizabello II’s King Punch, said to be capable of killing an Emperor with one punch after an hour of warm-up.
Regardless of whether it was an exaggeration, it was the combat technique Hermes urgently needed, even if it had flaws.
Currently, Hermes has few combat techniques.
His ultimate move was using the Mini Mini Fruit to shrink and enter the enemy’s body, then cause internal damage. This had its shortcomings. If he wasn’t agile, the enemy could swat him like a fly, and his death wouldn’t just be tragic; it would be humiliating.
One day.
Ten days.
A month.
Hermes was losing his patience.
He had spent a month at the Navy base, eating in the kitchen and sleeping in the storeroom. He followed the Marines’ physical training on the field.
No one noticed Hermes’ presence.
The shrinking ability was incredibly convenient.
The only ones who might have suspected something were the cooks, as food often went missing from the kitchen.
They had kept watch but never caught Hermes, who was always one step ahead.
By now, Hermes knew the base inside out, including every nook and cranny.
“Damn it, one more day.”
Despite his frustrations, Hermes had gained something from this month. The basic physical training was systematic and effective, clearly refined by generations of strong Marines.
Even small movements were perfected, like the difference between noble and commoner training in ancient times.
Hermes needed to mimic the training to build a solid foundation, making future martial arts easier to learn.
He planned to stay one more day, then head to the capital.
He couldn’t waste more time.
As usual, the day was dull and uneventful.
Hermes was about to curse in frustration when he noticed the Marines weren’t gathering as usual. Curious, he began to pray.
About ten minutes later, seven people appeared on the training field.
These were the base’s five lieutenants and two commanders. Along with Captain Bastan Ugar, they were the base’s main leaders. Defeating them all would leave the base leaderless.
Hermes had seen them all before.
Some were responsible for Marine training, others for patrols, and others for fighting pirates and bandits. They each had their duties, but Hermes had never seen them train.
Now, it was clear they were preparing for a training session.
Hermes’ instincts told him this was his chance.
Sure enough.
The seven began basic training and then moved on to one-on-one sparring. The impressive combat left Hermes exhilarated.
This was on a different level from the regular Marines.
It was like the difference between a novice and a master.
Becoming a Marine leader wasn’t easy, even without connections.
Unfortunately, they were only sparring, not fighting to the death, so the combat style was different. Still, it was like watching an action movie.
This wasn’t just watching a movie; it was observing up close.
Fist-to-fist, powerful blows.
The sparks from weapon clashes were mesmerizing.
This thrilling combat was the romantic pursuit of men.
Hermes absorbed it like a sponge, his excitement growing.
This was just the lieutenants’ level. He could hardly imagine the battles of those at the top of the pyramid.
Holy crap!
Holy crap!!!
The romance and allure…
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