Kingdom of Heaven's

Though the house appeared abandoned, the structure seemed largely intact. A simple replacement of the glass and doors, a thorough cleaning, and some ventilation to dispel the mildew would make it habitable again.

The furniture inside, though damaged, could be repaired. Those beyond restoration could serve as firewood.

Maria, furious at the sight of the destruction, shared Alan's anger. He, too, was incensed, contemplating a confrontation with the culprits who had desecrated his home.

In his memories, this little courtyard had been beautiful, a haven of his happiest moments. He had played hide and seek, climbed around, and often sneaked onto the roof to stargaze. Chalk drawings of his younger self still adorned the walls, and the cherry tree his father planted at his birth had been cruelly cut down.

Alan was not one to hold grudges, typically quick to forget wrongs. But the state of his home stirred a deep fury within him, even the kind-hearted Alan could not suppress. The fire of anger burned hotter, nearing an explosion.

He restrained himself, choosing not to act impulsively. His memories assured him that the perpetrators would soon come to him. It would be easier and more justified to confront them when they made the first move, saving him unnecessary trouble.

Private property was inviolable; entering someone's home without permission was a grave offense. Before, his lack of strength left him powerless. Now, armed with newfound power, he resolved to show no mercy, seeking retribution and compensation.

As he pondered, the sound of approaching voices reached his ears—a group of older children, noisily making their way toward him.

Alan recognized them instantly; they were the ones responsible for the death of the original Alan and his subsequent arrival in this world.

"Alan! Bring out that wicked witch!"

"Alan! Get the demon out of our village!"

"She'll bring disaster upon us! She must leave!"

Even before they reached the courtyard, their shouts filled the air.

Maria's face turned pale, tears streaming down as she was reminded of painful memories. The words "witch," "demon," and "disaster" cut deep, bringing back the torment of her past. She clutched her heart, recalling how her brother had nearly died because of her.

Such cruelty towards a child was unforgivable!

Alan's anger surged uncontrollably.

"And you, Alan! Who allowed you back?"

"I warned you, but you didn't listen!"

"Go back to the garbage heap!"

"Eck doesn't make empty threats!"

Without another word, they entered the courtyard, intent on dragging them out. Some wielded sticks, aiming directly at Maria.

"Courting death!" Alan growled, swinging a sturdy oak fishing rod with a swift motion.

With a thud, one of the boys flew back, crashing into others, unable to rise. Alan didn't stop, swinging the rod to fend off another who reached for him. Then, with a loud shout, he accelerated, abandoning form and strategy, simply thrashing indiscriminately.

The rod became a whirlwind, keeping everyone at bay.

"Ow!"

"Ah!"

"Shit!"

"Help!"

"Stop!"

In no time, the intruders lay sprawled, groaning in pain. Cries for help and pleas for mercy filled the air.

Alan ignored their calls, focused solely on subduing them until he was out of breath. Only then did he pause to survey the scene.

The boys were battered, clothes torn, faces streaked with tears and snot. Alan felt no remorse, only satisfaction. They had hurt Maria, and for that, they were his enemies.

This was his home, now defiled, fueling his rage. Past bullying had etched a deep resentment in his heart. There was no room for leniency.

Fatigued from his assault, he switched tactics, targeting specific offenders—Green, Eck, and Happy. Green had always harbored the most hostility, often hitting hardest. Eck instigated trouble, gathering followers to torment them. Happy, sly and secretive, delivered underhanded blows.

Alan's observation was keen, missing nothing. These three had been the source of many of his troubles, and now they would feel the full weight of his retribution.

"Ah!" "Ow!" "Ouch!"

Their cries echoed as Alan punished them.

Maria cheered, gazing at her brother with admiration.

Outside, a group of onlookers—boys and girls—watched in stunned silence. This was not the outcome they had expected. Alan and Maria were supposed to be the victims, not Green and his gang. Had they misjudged? How had Alan become so formidable?

"Help!"

"Stop! My father won't forgive you!"

"Alan! You and Maria will pay!"

Eck whimpered, while Green and Happy threatened, showing no signs of yielding.

Their defiance stoked Alan's anger further. He dropped the rod, pulling out a flexible willow switch, lashing out without hesitation.

"Ahhh!!!"

Their howls of pain grew louder, fear creeping into their eyes as they dared not speak another word.

The onlookers cringed, each cry hitting them as if they had been struck.

Maria, her face flushed with excitement, mimed Alan's actions with clenched fists, eager to join in. Her unexpected enthusiasm made Alan smile, pleased by her joy.

"Boy!"

"Stop this instant!"

More people approached—parents of Green, Eck, and Happy. Seeing their sons beaten, they rushed forward, fists raised.

Alan paid them no mind, continuing his assault. He knew the root of the problem lay with these parents. Their teachings had bred this animosity, making them complicit in every act of malice.

"You ill-mannered boy, stop now!"

"Oh, God! Demon, stay away from my son!"

"Damn bastard! Die!"

The mothers, shrieking and cursing, lunged with sharp nails and hurled stones at him.

Alan snorted, switching to the sturdy rod, infused with divine strength.

Wham! One man flew back. Another followed. One after another, they fell. The fierce mothers froze, their clawed hands suspended mid-air.

Alan raised his rod, showing no mercy.