Those bullies relied on the fact that they were still children, so they didn't hesitate to cause trouble for others.
And honestly, it was a genius idea.
The adults couldn't fight back, and even if they reminded them or reported them to their parents, it would be useless.
And the other kids weren't as numerous as them, and their strength wasn't on the same level.
Dealing with them was a difficult problem.
But that was only for the adults.
In fact, dealing with those kids was extremely easy.
They just needed to lose to a child of the same age.
And Collin was the one chosen to do it.
…
In a deserted alley, a shrill and painful scream was continuously ringing out.
"Mom, save me!"
But, no one came to save the boy.
Instead, all he got in return were more brutal punches and kicks from the bullies.
"Who gave you permission to scream, you dog!?"
"You're making my ears hurt! Die!"
Today was just like any other day.
The bullies woke up, ate breakfast, then went around causing trouble, and ended up beating up someone weaker than them.
Those were inhumane and cruel acts, no different from those of criminals.
But, those bullies only felt happy and satisfied.
They had no intention of stopping.
However, little did they know that today was the last day they could smile like that.
"Stop it!"
At that moment, a voice rang out from the alleyway.
It was so familiar that the bullies couldn't help but recognize it.
"Oh, look who's here."
Because the owner of that voice was one of their victims, one of their walking punching bags.
"Collin."
There, illuminated by the light, exuding the aura of a hero, of a conqueror, of a strong person, was Collin.
"…Huh?"
But, this Collin was different from the one in their memories.
As far as they remembered, that kid was just a crybaby.
Brave, but powerless.
An ideal object to be bullied.
But now, the one standing there was like a stranger.
Collin had transformed?
"…Gulp."
For some reason, the bullies all felt a little uneasy.
Because the scene that was happening was no different from the moment Hans Varun appeared.
"Hey everyone, what are you afraid of? After all, that's just Collin, one of our loyal dogs!"
However, the leader's words of encouragement had actually made the uneasiness in their hearts go away a bit.
That's right, that person was Collin after all.
Even in their dreams, the bullies wouldn't have dared to think that a person could change so quickly in such a short period of time.
"You're right, leader! After all, he's just a coward!"
Their arrogance had returned.
This was terrible…
Collin raised a hand, his aura cold, completely different from usual, successfully blocking the bullies' next words.
"It seems like it will be quite difficult for you to stop bullying the weak, huh?"
"Do you still remember your position? Or do I need to remind you?"
The leader sneered.
His eyes contained only extreme contempt.
"If you don't kneel down and apologize to us right now, maybe we will spare that old hag in your house and your little brother!"
"..."
Collin pursed his lips.
Yes, that was how they usually turned the boy into a puppet for them to control.
But now, the threat was no longer effective.
"The situation has changed, you dog."
Collin picked up a stick not far away.
It wasn't a weapon that could kill people, and killing people wasn't his plan.
Then, the boy pointed the stick at the bullies.
"Today, I'll discipline all of you!"
After that, without giving the bullies a chance to laugh or react, Collin disappeared from where he was.
And the next moment, he appeared in front of the guy who always threw rotten eggs at his house.
"This is the price you have to pay for constantly dirtying my walls! Don't think that mess is that easy to clean up!"
With all his anger, Collin swung his stick with all his might.
Thwack!
Causing that kid to faint on the spot.
Without stopping to rest for even a second, he approached the closest person in less than a blink of an eye.
"You like peeing in my house, don't you? Good! If that's the case, I'll make it so you can't pee anymore!"
Thwack!
Then, he repeated the same action as before.
Approaching the closest one, then gave each of them a blow that they would remember for the rest of their lives.
"Argh! It hurts!"
"Help! Help!"
Just like that, in less than 5 minutes, all the bullies, except for the leader, were unconscious.
Wiping away the blood from the corner of his mouth, Collin glanced at the leader with eyes that were neither friendly nor approachable.
Now, the always arrogant leader was frozen, his expression showing disbelief and fear.
He could not believe that the person he often bullied possessed such great power.
"Do you know why I still let you stand there?"
Swinging the stick that had just knocked out the bullies earlier nonchalantly, Collin closed the distance with the leader.
"...W-Why? What… do you want?"
He replied, his voice trembling.
The leader did not even have the guts to move a step, let alone run away.
"You are the mastermind, and the reason why I have to endure so much torture every day. So, do you think someone like you can have an easy end like those guys just now?"
Collin let out a savage laugh.
"Of course not."
Then, the boy threw the stick away.
Simply because it would get in the way of what he was about to do.
***
It was still the same simple, slightly shabby but extremely cozy house.
It was still the same small garden, with many flowers but most of them had withered because he didn't have much time to take care of them.
It was still the same familiar and peaceful scene.
Everything was the same.
Only Collin had changed.
But, it was a positive change.
From now on, the boy could protect his grandmother and younger brother.
Taking a deep breath, Collin put his hand on the doorknob.
Click!
"Oh, you are back? Come in and eat, everyone is still waiting for you."
Collin's grandmother smiled gently.
It was something the boy was familiar with, but never hated.
Following that, Collin's younger brother rushed over and gave him a tight hug.
"Welcome home, brother."
"..."
Collin paused for a moment.
But very quickly, a smile appeared on his lips.
"Yes, I'm home."