About a week passed since Han found himself in this new world. All he did was train endlessly in his small room.
When he was hungry or thirsty, Han would use the expired food and stagnated water he had within his own home, trying his best to keep himself from throwing up.
But this wasn't sustainable. Renewal Taekwondo by itself was extremely hard on the body, to the point where he could only train it for a few hours a day.
Combined with Northern ITF Taekwondo training which was quite a bit easier but still incredibly taxing, Han needed a lot more nutrients if he was going to keep this up.
'From this boy's memories, anything goes here in Tokita Ward. Crime, drugs, prostitution of men, women and children...there are no laws. Everyone has to find a way to survive. It's a wonder he even survived so long by himself.'
Han took a breather from his training and sat down on his couch, deliberating what he type of illegal activity he was about to get into.
'Let's see...I don't really wanna start dealing drugs...prostitution is out of the window, and I'm not that good at stealing. So I guess I'll just do what I did in my past life, pit fighting. I'm sure there's somebody here that will support me. But...'
Han got up and walked over to an old, cracked mirror that he had taken for his own use from a nearby dumpster.
'...I'm in the body of a ten year old. No one is going to take me seriously. I need four...no five years before I start pit fighting. Until then, ill just have to get food the old fashioned way. Doing work for those who need it.'
Looking at his cabinets, Han averaged how long his food would last before he's out.
'Maybe two weeks. Three months at most if I count the MRE's that this boy used to get from his old bosses. Then...in three months, I'll start venturing outside.'
Just like that, Han started training ruthlessly, day in and day out, trying his best to master his new martial arts.
In his past life, he had no understanding of official martial arts. His fighting style was just a combination of MMA techniques he had picked up from experience and dirty street fighting.
He had always admired the guys who had learned official techniques from professional masters and the like.
Now, it was his turn.
Han, as normal and rational as he might look, carried around a strange, almost alien obsession over fighting. After all, it was the only thing he was good at.
In his past life, he had no real parents. Thrown away into a run down orphanage as nothing more than a mistake by them, he had to find a way to live. He was never good at books, trades or even work in the service industry.
But, he could grasp how to throw a punch from one glance. The heavens seemed to have put every talent of his into fighting.
So when it came down to it, he put his own body on the line to ensure his survival.
In this life, his beginnings were similar. No parents, no guidance, nothing. But this time, it would be different. Just like the greats of every sport, he would carve his name into the history of fighting with his own fists, aspiring to become a respected champion of the world.
Just like that, three months passed.
Han didn't leave his room one time as he trained, practicing thousands upon thousands of kicks each day.
No matter how much pain he felt, Han didn't stop until his body gave out for that day.
On this morning, Han woke up on his couch, wearing red boxing shorts drenched in sweat.
'I ran out of food last night. It's time to find a way to get some more...'
Putting on a tattered, torn black shirt, Han climbed out of his little basement and walked out of the alleyway, turning onto the street.
Even at the crack of dawn, Han saw various illegal activities going on in the streets. Drug dealers leaning on the walls looking for their next customer, prostitutes beckoning at him, completely ignoring his age, someone getting extorted on the side of the road...the place was in full swing.
'Should be easy to find an employer here. It's just a matter of how far I'm willing to go.'
As Han walked, he noticed a sight that he never thought he would see in a place like this. A man, seemingly belonging to a church, giving out food to homeless adults and children.
He wore a long black robe, had short, blonde hair and always carried a smile on his face.
'If he came here everyday...food wouldn't be a problem anymore. I can take care of food for today if I talk to him.'
Han walked up to him, and lightly tapped him on the shoulder, causing the man to slowly turn around.
With a gentle tone and a soft, pleasing voice, the man said, "How can I help you, young one? Do you require food?"
Han was surprised. This man didn't seem the least bit annoyed by his presence nor did he seem like a con man.
He seemed to genuinely enjoy helping those less fortunate than him.
Another thing that was surprising was that people barely took food from him. They seemed to not trust him, while some were afraid. The scene was a bit baffling.
"I...do. Is it okay if I take a lot? I haven't eaten good food in a long time..."
The man laughed loudly and beckoned to his helpers, causing them to bring over three large parcels of meat with rice and clean bottles of water.
"Take it, young one! We understand how hard life is in the wards! The Church is here to help however we can!"
Han didn't even think twice as he grabbed the parcels of food and water.
"Thank, you sir. I owe you a great debt. Is today the only day your church will be here?"
The man, seemingly proud of himself after seeing Han's thankful expression, cheerfully replied, "No, the Church will be here everyday until every homeless person on this street finds a good home. We will change this ward for the better!"
Han could hear the conviction in this man's words. He meant what he said. He believed in what he said.
"Thank you, sir. I will be here everyday to support you."
The man tapped on Han's shoulders as he beamed, the rays of the sun itself shining off the man's teeth.
"Good child. Call me Priest Yan. It's a pleasure to meet young ones like you."
Waving at the priest, Han immediately ran back to his little basement, took a shower with the little dirty water he had left and started eating like a wild hog. This was the first time since he entered this world that he had good food.
After eating, Han went straight to training.
The next day, Priest Yan showed up again with his bright, unwavering smile, giving out food to those who needed it.
So, like that, Han continued to get food from this Church, happy that he didn't have to partake in any criminal activities.
This amicable relationship continued on for 5 years, with Priest Yan making several visits to Han's little basement personally to hang out sometimes.
All in all, there seemed to be no downsides in maintaining a friendly relationship with Priest Yan.
Another year passed, and Han was now 16 years old.
He had grown quite a bit and his muscles had developed to a point where most adult men could only dream of achieving.
His mastery of both Renewal and Northern ITF Taekwondo had increased drastically, to the point that every fiber in his body had been molded to use these techniques with maximum efficiency.
But, he couldn't accurately gauge how strong he was compared to the martial artist populace at large. After all, he hadn't fought a single time after fighting the old man who had infiltrated his home.
He had stayed out of trouble entirely by just not leaving his 'house', except for food.
On this morning, Han put on some clothing he had received from the Church and left his basement to go grab food from Priest Yan.
But, today, something was different. In front of the alleyway where his 'house' was, Priest Yan could be seen leaning on the wall, seemingly waiting for him.
"Priest? What are you doing here so early?"
Han nonchalantly walked up to the man and greeted him, giving a small bow.
Returning the bow, Priest Yan calmly said, "Rejoice, Han. A place of residence just opened up within the Church. Some of the children we took off the streets have entered foster homes, so I personally requested a spot be left for you. It's finally your turn to leave this place."
Han was surprised. This was an interesting development.
"Priest Yan...you didn't have to do this."
Putting a hand on his shoulder, Priest Yan's signature bright smile appeared, putting Han's heart at ease.
"Nonsense. Everyone deserves to live a good life. Get whatever things you have in your possession and meet me out here. I will take you to your new residence."