Kain sat cross-legged on the floor of the rickety pavilion, looking at Lazu who was lying down leisurely on a long chair.
"…So, when do we start training?" Kain asked.
Lazu just yawned. "We already started."
Kain frowned. "But we haven't done anything yet."
Lazu looked at his new disciple with a lazy expression. "Do you think training means running up a mountain, slashing wood with a sword, or meditating under a waterfall like in the classic stories?"
"…Isn't that right?"
Lazu snorted. "That's why most fools remain weak. They believe that mindless hard work will bring them to the top. In fact, this world is crueler than that."
He sat up straight, looking at Kain with sharp eyes—for the first time, a trace of seriousness could be seen in his eyes.
"I will teach you how to become strong without wasting your energy."
Kain swallowed.
Lazu raised a finger. "Lesson one: Know the Rules, Find Loopholes."
"This game was created by the Supreme God, and everyone follows it without question. But think about it… if the rules could be exploited, wouldn't it be more effective than wasting time practicing like an idiot?"
Kain fell silent, digesting those words.
"Look at your ability—Devour. You can absorb the power of defeated enemies. But because you're too weak, you can't even defeat an ant."
Kain lowered his head in shame.
"But the rules never mention how the enemy should be defeated." Lazu smiled slyly. "As long as you can lure your enemy into a trap, force them to surrender, or use your wits to defeat them without having to fight them directly, then your ability will still be active."
Kain's eyes widened. "So… I don't need to be really strong to gain power?"
"Right." Lazu leaned back. "Why bother fighting directly when you can defeat others without touching them?"
Instantly, Kain's thoughts on power began to change.
"…Then, how can I do it?"
Lazu smiled in satisfaction. "Good, you're starting to get it."
He snapped his fingers, and a small portal opened before them.
"Lesson two: Use the weak to defeat the strong."
Inside the portal was a small village in the mortal world. There were no great warriors or powerful mages—just ordinary people living simple lives.
"We're going there," Lazu said casually.
Kain frowned. "For what?"
Lazu stood up, stretching lazily.
"To teach you how to win a battle… without fighting."
The light of the portal shimmered as Lazu and Kain stepped inside. In an instant, they were in the mortal world, in a small village in a valley surrounded by forest.
Wooden houses were neatly lined up, farmers were busy working their fields, and children were running around on dusty dirt roads. There were no knights in armor or great wizards—just ordinary people living peacefully.
Kain looked around in confusion. "So… what should we do here?"
Lazu yawned, walking leisurely as he answered, "The first lesson: Strength does not always come from muscle, but from information."
Kain frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lazu turned with a sly smile. "You'll see for yourself."
Without waiting, Lazu walked towards a tavern in the middle of the village. As soon as he entered, the aroma of warm bread and tempting soup wafted through the air. Several villagers sat chatting, while a large man, who seemed to be the tavern owner, was busy pouring drinks.
Lazu went straight to an empty table and sat down. Kain, although still confused, sat down in front of him.
Lazu tapped the table lightly, then whispered softly, "Kain, pay close attention. I'll get free food without spending a single penny."
Kain was stunned. "What? How?"
Lazu just smiled, then calmly raised her hand and called the shop owner.
The big man approached. "Welcome! What would you like to order?"
Lazu leaned back. "I'll have some beef soup, some warm bread, and a glass of wine."
The shop owner nodded. "Okay. That'll be three silver coins."
Lazu shook her head. "No, no. I won't pay."
In an instant, the atmosphere around them became quieter. Several people turned their heads, waiting for the shop owner's reaction.
Kain almost jumped out of his seat. "W-Wait! Then how are you going to get food?"
Lazu ignored him and looked at the shop owner casually. "Listen, you want your business to grow, right?"
The shop owner narrowed his eyes. "Of course."
Lazu smiled. "And you want more customers?"
"Yes…?"
Lazu folded her arms on the table. "I happen to have some information that could make your place more popular than any other tavern in this village. Would you like to know?"
The tavern owner looked hesitant. "What information?"
Lazu leaned in closer, her voice lowered. "Do you know about the annual festival coming up? I heard that the Lord of this village is looking for the best tavern to serve the royal banquet. If you can make a special dish that is unmatched, perhaps you might be chosen… and earn more benefits."
The tavern owner's eyes widened. "T-That's right… But I don't know what special dish would catch their attention."
Lazu leaned forward, smiling mysteriously. "As it happens, I know a secret recipe from a distant kingdom that could make your dish unmatched. But, of course, that information doesn't come for free."
The tavern owner swallowed. "What do you want?"
Lazu patted the table. "Free, all you can eat for three days."
The tavern owner looked deep in thought. Kain stared at Lazu with confusion and admiration at the same time.
"What will you do if he refuses?" Kain whispered.
Lazu smiled slightly. "He won't refuse."
Sure enough, a few seconds later, the tavern owner nodded firmly. "Okay! I agree!"
Kain was stunned. Just like that?
Not long after, warm meat soup, fresh bread, and wine were served on their table. Lazu began to eat leisurely, while Kain still couldn't believe what had just happened.
"You… You exchanged something that didn't exist for free food?"
Lazu smiled in satisfaction. "I exchanged information. Or rather, hope."
Kain stared at him, beginning to understand something. "So… you don't need to be strong to get what you want."
Lazu pointed at him with the spoon. "Exactly. If you know how to use words, brains, and understand what people want, you can get everything without having to fight."
Kain bit his lip, his mind beginning to open. Maybe… maybe strength isn't the only path to victory.
Lazu smiled in satisfaction. "Congratulations, my student. First lesson is over."
Meanwhile, in the corner of the tavern, several men in armor watched them with sharp eyes.
Unbeknownst to Kain, a new problem was waiting for them.