Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

When Mike Bai stepped out of the tailor's shop, he was wearing a blue tunic and woolen pants, topped with a small round hat. He looked no different from a regular town resident.

"Come on, come on! I've helped you earn so much, now treat me to some good food!" Mike Bai grabbed the still-dazed Goldin, who had been lost in counting his money, pulling him out of his reverie.

"Sure, sure!" Goldin happily stuffed the 10 silver dinars into his pocket. Thanks to Mike Bai, today's earnings were nearly three times what he usually made. Naturally, he agreed enthusiastically.

Mike Bai led him to a tavern, where, with his usual sharp tongue, Mike Bai managed to sell the wild boar for a high price of 5 silver dinars.

Looking at Goldin, who seemed to be bubbling with joy, Mike Bai shook his head. This naïve young man, if he ever saw his own vault, might just have a heart attack on the spot.

Mike Bai, with a somewhat sympathetic smile, ordered a luxurious lunch.

"Try our tavern's famous roasted bean chicken."

A steaming chicken was placed in front of Mike Bai, along with a large chunk of fine wheat bread, a bowl of apple and pork stew, and a mug of apple cider.

Carefully, Mike Bai tore off a chicken leg and a large piece of bread, wrapping them in cloth to take back for Anna. Tossing the other chicken leg to Goldin, he began to eat heartily. Although the taste didn't compare to his own cooking, his body, in need of nutrition, couldn't care less.

After the meal, Mike Bai sat back, content, picking his teeth. It was around two in the afternoon, and many merchants and farmers had stopped by to rest. They usually ordered a cheap beer to enjoy a rare moment of relaxation.

"Ah, esteemed guests, may I have your attention!" A wandering bard, wearing a tattered tunic, tight trousers, and long stockings, carrying a lute, walked into the center of the hall.

"Don't tell us your old, tired stories again, Rupert!" A farmer, seemingly familiar with the bard, shouted in mockery. "If you do, you won't even make enough for a pint of cheap beer today."

Unperturbed by the farmer's mockery, the bard gave a graceful bow and, with an exaggerated tone, announced, "As per the audience's request, today I shall tell a new tale."

"The story of a knight, renowned across the East, known for his kindness, generosity, humility, bravery, and honor—Mike Bai Adler!"

Mike Bai nearly choked on his drink at the mention of his name.

The bard's fingers strummed the lute, and his deep voice began to spin the tale:

"Ah, this knight hailed from the far North, a land known for its harsh winters and fierce warriors."

"Mike Bai was born blessed by the gods. At the age of three, he could ride a horse; at four, he hunted wolves; and at five, he killed a bear with his bare hands. By the age of six, he had made a pilgrimage to the legendary holy land—Jerusalem."

"There, he prayed to the Lord, asking to control the desert's never-ending winds. And so, mighty windmills arose from the earth, and countless sheep kneeled before him, begging him to shear their excess wool. The suffering masses pleaded for his protection, and the merciful Mike Bai took them all in."

Mike Bai, whose brows were nearly tied in a knot from both embarrassment and frustration, had to suppress his urge to speak. He looked around at the fascinated audience, especially at Goldin, who was eagerly listening, and kept his frustration to himself.

At this point, the bard's tone shifted dramatically, becoming darker.

"Just as Mike Bai's name echoed through the holy city, the leader of the most fearsome assassins in the shadows—the Old Man of the Mountain—set his sights on him."

"The Old Man of the Mountain, a 300-year-old monster, hideous beyond belief, wielded a dagger that emitted smoke, molten lava, and venomous bees with each strike."

Mike Bai rolled his eyes. Thank goodness Sassan wasn't here; otherwise, he'd make this lousy bard regret it.

The bard continued, unfazed:

"On a mountaintop and at the edge of the sea, Mike Bai stood unafraid of the Old Man's attacks. At this moment, he was ten feet tall, his body a solid mass of steel-like muscle that could block any harm."

"After battling for three hundred rounds, Mike Bai, blessed by the gods, finally defeated the Old Man of the Mountain. From that day on, the Old Man, awed by Mike Bai's strength, became his most loyal sword."

The bard's voice rose, bringing the story to a small climax before changing course.

"Just as the two were locked in combat, the demon Sultan of the Saracens—Saladin—quietly rose to power."

"This heretic Sultan ate ten children's hearts for every meal, bathed in the blood of virgins, and led an army of demons that thirsted for blood."

Mike Bai almost couldn't hold back a comment about Saladin's apparent good manners, but he knew no one would believe him at this moment.

"As the Lord's knight was besieged in a small castle, Mike Bai summoned the winds beneath his feet, holding a bolt of lightning in his hand, and hurled it at the demon army. The mighty thunder shattered the evil horde, allowing the knights to escape unharmed."

"But Saladin was already close to Jerusalem, and the holy city was about to be ravaged. But Mike Bai saw through his evil plan."

"Mike Bai called forth the winds again and instantly led the royal army back to the holy city, where he engaged Saladin in a deadly battle."

"Saladin, looking down on Mike Bai, opened his massive mouth, and black light began to gather within. But Mike Bai, with a swift motion, raised his hand to the sky, and a massive bolt of lightning converged in his palm. With a great roar from both sides, the two forces collided in a flash of blinding light."

The bard paused dramatically, waiting for the crowd's expectant gazes.

"After a long while, as the light faded, the people saw that Mike Bai was unharmed, while Saladin had been sent soaring into the sky, shouting, 'Mike Bai, I will return!'"

"'Oh, my warrior, how can I reward you?' asked the King of Jerusalem."

To this, Mike Bai answered calmly, 'Protecting the people is my duty. I ask for nothing more.'"

"'Knight! You are a legendary knight!' cried the King of Jerusalem, bestowing upon Mike Bai untold wealth and 300 maidens."

"From that day, Mike Bai, with the wealth and 300 beautiful maidens, lived happily in the East."

The bard finished his tale and bowed once more. The audience burst into applause. Many merchants tossed copper coins into his direction.

"Thank you! Thank you!" The bard bowed and collected the coins, clearly surprised by the enthusiastic response to his new story.

"Tell it again!" Some patrons who hadn't had enough begged the bard for another round. Goldin was also clapping eagerly, hoping to hear it once more.

Mike Bai sighed deeply, catching Goldin's attention.

"What's wrong, Enno?" Goldin asked, concerned, seeing Mike Bai looking rather melancholic.

"It's nothing. I just want to be left alone for a while," Mike Bai muttered.