🌍 Marvel + Xianxia + Naruto + History = ??? — What's your prediction for what George will encounter next?
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Chapter 5: Prohibition
On January 4th, George took a day off from school. Early morning, he had Ryan drive the carriage to town, waiting for the newspaper shop to open.
The small town didn't have newsboys like big cities. Instead, the general store went to the city every two days to restock and brought back newspapers to sell. For a small tip, the shopkeeper would deliver them to your door.
Normally, George's family waited for delivery. But today, if he went to school, he wouldn't get the news until after classes. George was eager to confirm society's direction, so he took the day off to buy them himself.
At nine in the morning, the shopkeeper finally opened. George stepped forward immediately.
"Boss, I'd like every newspaper from the last two days."
"Certainly, please wait." The shopkeeper gathered four newspapers, folded them neatly, and handed them over. "Ten cents, please."
George took the papers and paid. Instead of returning to the carriage, he opened them right there and started reading.
On the front page, the news George expected appeared prominently:
On January 2, 1920, the Volstead Act, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages, took effect in the United States.
He flipped through the other three papers, which also covered this legislation extensively. There were editorial opinions, but George didn't bother reading them. He knew more stringent bills were coming.
Sure enough, the January 15th paper published complete details. From 0:00 on January 17, 1920, the 18th Amendment, the Prohibition Act, would officially take effect.
It would be illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport beverages with alcohol content exceeding 0.5%. Drinking at home remained legal, but drinking with friends or hosting parties became criminal. Maximum penalty: $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment. Only people 21 and over could buy alcohol, with proof of age, from designated places only.
George knew from history that America's war on alcohol began at the nation's founding. Early immigrants, known as "Puritans," brought religious fervor across the Atlantic. By the mid-19th century, some residents used legal means to restrain heavy drinkers. This grassroots temperance movement had ebbed and flowed for decades, finally surging in the early 20th century.
Seeing this familiar information relieved George's anxieties. The fundamental structures of this world matched his previous life's knowledge of American history.
Unlike some stories where everything looked the same but was completely different underneath.
George realized this world might contain extraordinary elements, but these supernatural individuals hadn't used their abilities to alter the world's trajectory, at least not yet.
George felt excited thinking he might return to that country across the ocean someday. Although his current body was foreign, his soul remained from his homeland, and he wanted to see it again.
On January 15th evening, George opened a bottle of premium bourbon from his father's collection. His first time drinking alcohol in this world.
At dinner, George frequently tried to clink glasses with Ryan, who assumed the alcohol news made George drink in retaliation.
Ryan couldn't dissuade him, so he joined in. During the conversation, he asked about the alcohol batch George bought earlier, but George deflected with vague excuses.
The next day, riding to school, George saw endless liquor trucks crowding the roads. People frantically transported alcohol home for storage.
On January 16th evening, people gathered for final legal "farewell drinking parties." A senator raised his glass at a dinner party and declared:
"Tonight marks the eve of Americans losing their personal freedom."
Thunderous applause followed.
George stopped following this story. That evening, in his room, he practiced using his abilities to change his appearance in the mirror.
George was preparing to create a false identity. If his alcohol purchase wasn't handled properly, it might cause misunderstandings with Ryan. An alternate persona would explain many suspicious circumstances.
Moreover, Ryan spent every day with George and couldn't have missed the changes in the boy's behavior. George couldn't guarantee he'd never expose his abilities accidentally. Using an alias was the optimal solution.
Saturday morning, George and Ryan had breakfast together.
George sipped his milk thoughtfully. "Uncle Ryan, I want you to meet someone today."
Ryan looked up. "Meet whom? A school teacher?"
George set down his utensils. "He is my teacher, but not from school. When I recovered from illness, I went to town for supplies. This man asked for directions. We met twice more and felt a connection. He taught me things, and I became his disciple. He's leaving town today and wants to meet you first."
"If that's the case, we should visit him. After all, he's your teacher."
Ryan was deeply worried. He'd checked the warehouse after George's mysterious alcohol purchase and found everything had vanished. George wouldn't explain, leaving Ryan concerned about swindlers. Everyone knew George had money from selling the farm. That's why Ryan escorted George everywhere, always carrying his pistol.
"No need to travel. My teacher said he'd come here. We just need to wait."
"Very well. Let's wait in the living room."
They settled into their seats. After several minutes, George used his abilities. Behind Ryan's sofa, a Shadow Clone materialized silently.
George acted surprised, stood up respectfully, and bowed slightly.
"Teacher, you've arrived."
George's sudden actions startled Ryan. He quickly stood and turned around.
Behind him stood an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face. He radiated vitality, had rosy cheeks, bright eyes, a distinguished beard, and wore a dark robe. He seemed to walk out from behind the sofa.
George made introductions. "Uncle Ryan, this is my teacher."
To his Shadow Clone: "Teacher, this is my uncle, Ryan."
The Shadow Clone approached Ryan and extended his hand.
"Hello, Mr. Ryan. I'm George's teacher. You can call me Professor Morgan."
Ryan remained frozen until George called his name again.
He shook hands with the Shadow Clone, amazement in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Professor Morgan. Your appearance was incredible. How did you manifest just now?"
The Shadow Clone stroked his beard and laughed warmly.
"These are minor techniques I've mastered. In the old traditions, this is basic illusion work. In your terms, sophisticated magic. Nothing extraordinary, no need for alarm."
Ryan didn't respond immediately. The teacher continued with a smile.
"Perhaps this will help clarify things. Let me demonstrate another technique."
With a puff of smoke, two identical copies appeared beside the original. This shocked Ryan back onto the sofa.
George controlled his Shadow Clone to release the technique, addressing Ryan with a smile.
"Do you understand now?"
"Extraordinary! Is this real magic?"
"Beyond anything I imagined." Ryan's voice became incoherent from astonishment, exactly what George intended. Only by stunning Ryan could he control the conversation and make him accept the story.
The Shadow Clone nodded approvingly.
"These are insignificant abilities. If you're interested, I can have George teach you. With practice, you could achieve similar results."
Ryan responded excitedly. "Really? I could learn too? That's incredible!"
The Shadow Clone nodded. "Certainly. Now, let's discuss why I'm here."
Ryan straightened respectfully. "Of course."
George controlled his Shadow Clone to speak with authority.
"Mr. Ryan, please compose yourself. Your emotional state isn't good for serious conversation."
Ryan took two deep breaths and nodded.
"You're right, Professor. I got carried away. Please, call me Ryan."
The Shadow Clone smiled, satisfied.
"Very well, Ryan. Let me introduce myself properly. I'm a traveling scholar from far away, searching for rare items and visiting old friends. Meeting George was accidental. After our encounter, I discovered he has remarkable talent for learning specialized knowledge."
"Over two months, without your permission, I taught him various techniques. I hope you don't object."
Ryan interjected enthusiastically.
"You're too modest, Professor. It's George's good fortune to learn from someone of your caliber."
He paused, then continued with concern.
"But may I ask, you mentioned friends. Are there many individuals like yourself? Most importantly, is this dangerous for George?"
"Excellent question! George has a protective uncle. I understand your concerns. There are many people like myself, but their abilities vary. Some are born with gifts, others acquire them through study. Some gain power through chance encounters."
"Regarding danger, it exists everywhere. But widespread supernatural conflicts haven't emerged yet. How many extraordinary events have you witnessed? Don't worry unnecessarily. I taught George protective techniques for self-preservation, not dangerous activities."
After letting Ryan process this, the Shadow Clone continued.
"Meeting George was destiny. When he mentioned owning a farm, I shared some insights. I never imagined he'd sell immediately! Though I didn't directly advise it, I felt obligated to explain. When he heard I needed alcohol for certain purposes, he bought those bottles as gifts. Truly unnecessary."
"So I'm here to clarify things. He learned skills from me, I hope this doesn't alarm your community. About the alcohol he gave me, I'll have it returned. He has a caring uncle, and I shouldn't cause worry."
Ryan waved his hands in protest.
"Professor, George being recognized by you is his honor! Those bottles represent heartfelt gratitude to his teacher. I absolutely insist you accept them!"
The Shadow Clone smiled warmly.
"Since you've expressed it clearly, I won't decline further. I'm departing today. Meeting you puts my mind at ease about George."
The Shadow Clone turned to face George directly.
"George, I've discussed various possibilities about your country's future. Your actions are your responsibility. But remember, those were potential scenarios, not certainties. Don't be reckless. The techniques I taught you need gradual practice. How far you progress depends on your dedication."
He stood up with dignity, looking at both with warmth.
"May we meet again if fate allows."
George and Ryan began to stand respectfully. Before either could speak, they heard a puff of smoke.
The teacher vanished completely.
George had simply released his Shadow Clone.
Ryan fell back into amazed bewilderment, staring at the empty space.
—End of Chapter 5—
📜 Translator's Note :
George's journey may seem slow-burning now, but every layer added—be it sword Qi, chakra, or secret scrolls—is part of a plan years in the making. We're weaving power systems into history itself.
If you enjoy subtle foreshadowing, grounded characters, and slow-cooked worldbuilding… this story's for you. And your comments/power stones fuel the next arc. Thank you for reading 🙏
🗨️ Also, I've been thinking of launching a Patreon for those who want early access.What do you all think? If I do open it, how many advance chapters would you want to see available? (50? 100? More?)