《The One Called Everfrost (Hiatus)》


 Chapter 1: Prologue

    ATTENTION


    The MC is GAY


    BL/YAOI will be there with his love interests as main theme is also the  romance elements


    _______


    The whirling sound of fan spinning, humming as a white noise. Birds chirping could be heard as warm morning light lightly touches my skin.


    Laying down on bed, I turn the page of the novel I am reading.


    ''Arseus called out to his saviour, Leaia. A blinding light shines, silence fall as all allies and enemies alike watch the pillar of light protruding in the middle of the battlefield.


    There. Stood the figure of a man with golden hair, armed with red armor adorned with golden markings. In his hand, the divine sword Leaia. Divine. That''s how everyone describes the aura emanating from the figure. As if God Himself has descended.


    ''Enough!''. Raising his sword, he shouted out of frustration. The pillar of light shines even brighter. And a wave of light explodes as the wave travels through the battlefield. Everyone stood still watching the figure. Surprised, in awe, and some are afraid. Only he knew how tired he felt. Tired of war. Tired of losing his companions. Tired of constantly fighting in wars that brings nothing but pain and destruction.


    He swings his sword heavily towards the enemy forces and what followed is a beam of light so strong the very ground trembles. Total annihilation. Those hit by the light are obliterated to dust leaving nothing but a barren land of sands. Few seconds in and one shout is heard. A shout of victory. And from the single voice, everyone followed and starts cheering; shouting for victory.


    But for Arseus, this is just another useless bloodbath. And he knows there will be another. The light in his eyes slowly lose part of its life. He had stained his hands with thousands of human blood yet again. But he can do nothing but fight.''


    I place my bookmark on the page and close the book placing it on the side of my bed. I sit up and slightly stretches. A yawn escaped from my mouth.


    ''ahhhh-hhaaaa''


    I then went to the kitchen, turning on the electronic kettle. Taking my mug from the rack, and taking a tea bag from the small cabinet.


    I watched the scenery from my window while waiting for the water to boil. Tall white buildings erected in the surrounding. The long road is everly busy, lined with cars. The city is bustling with life as usual.


    ''Click''. I turn my head towards the kettle and pour the boiling water into my mug. White vapor escaped from the hot water. Putting in some sugar. Slight stirring; I hold the mug in hand and blowing it to cool it down faster.


    As I bring the mouth of the mug my lips, a sharp pain throbs in my head.


    ''ngghh!''


    My vision slowly turns blurry. I lose my grip causing the mug in my hand to fall and shatters as a pool of hot water form and touches my feet.


    ''Ahh!'' as my feet burned, I fall over.


    Thud!


    ...


    Darkness surrounds me. I start to be conscious.


    ''I think I passed out.'' I start to recall what happens. I remembered falling over after having a sharp pain in my head.


    Slowly, I realised the pressure around my body. And I heard muffled sounds as if someone screaming.


    !!?


    ''I am being pushed by something!''. I start to feel as if I am passing through a small tight passage. Soon enough.. A bright light welcomes me. I closed my eyes instinctively and slowly trying to adapt to the bright light. I opened my eyes and sees a face of an old lady with brown eyes and some wrinkles on her skin.


    ''Lady Julia! It''s a male! Congratulations!'' The old lady speaks to the woman next her excitedly shouted.


    A guy who looks in his 50s, with dark crimson eyes and long dark hair came to view and spoke.


    ''Hmm... Our family have another suitor.''


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ''He looks just like you, Julia''.


    The lady holding me move me towards the other lady laying on bed. The lady, named Julia has a silver hair and a deep blue eyes. She is very beautiful. Her eyes looks like jewels adorned with silvers. She looks like an enchantress.


    I realised what situation I am in. I was... Reborn. No, I was reincarnated. From the looks of it. I was reincarnated into a rich family given the luxurious looks the people who re supposed to be my parents are.


    The guy with black hair hold my forearm, caressing a small birthmark located there. I noticed that the birthmark doesn''t look like a birthmark. It''s definitely a symbol. A circle with a fan shape with 5 crowns in the middle.


    ''''Thank you Julia for giving me another heir".


    The old man standing next to her spoke.


    ''''It''s you that give us this boy" Julia said.


    ''What nonsense'', I thought. Being a heir? From his words, I can assume I am in some sort of a rich family in a patriarchal society that have males as the head of the family or something.


    But it''s a random chance of 50/50 to be a male or female, technically and scientifically speaking. And being a male or female does not makes someone a good leader or heir automatically.


    I was taken to a baby crib. Gently the old lady put me down into the soft sheets. It''s a bit cold, but it''s fine. The cribs sway left and right as the old lady pushes the crib and letting it move.


    ''this is nice'' I thought. I started to feel sleepy. And, while thinking about my past, I slowly descend into slumber.


    ***


    7 years later.


    I figured that my family is actually from a high ranking noble.


    My father is Duke Augustus Bloodfallen of the Bloodfallen clan.


    All the branch families are under blood fallen clan, however only the children of the main bloodfallen family, which is my family, can use the surname of Bloodfallen.


    The chosen heir and their family also can use the surname Bloodfallen. However, the children of those that aren''t picked as heirs can''t.


    Apparently there is a reason for that distinction. To explain that, the world that I reincarnated is actually a world with magic! I realised this when I was strolling around the mansion and sees my brother, holding up his hands and sees a bright circle with unknown symbols shows up in front of him.


    The tall lady with violet eyes-his instructor- can be seen guiding him. And soon a the red circle grows brighter and a ball of flame shoots out from the magic circle and hit the target. As the ball of flame reaches the target it explodes and burns the target to smithereens.


    I was in awe. I can''t believe I too can use magic someday!


    Coming back to the significance of family name, apparently the main family have more mana and talent than others.


    And the chosen heir, can inherit magic unique only to the main Bloodfallen family.


    The Bloodfallen clan are clans that specialises in Fire magic, which is the most destructive magic in terms of raw power. The family have a rich history and key figure ancestors which the clan looks up to.


    The greatest of them all, the first ancestor is named Arthur Bloodfallen. The greatest fire mage in history of the continent. History says him alone have ended war with neighbouring kingdom by using the greatest fire magic he created, called ''Morning Star''. Replicating the power of the Sun itself or so they say. Shooting the miniature sun towards the centre of the opposing kingdom and completely destroys everything in a big radius.


    Stories says, thousands of years ago, what left of the land were hot magmas. As time goes by and it cools, the land becomes hard layers of rocks. This is why today the land now is known as the Granitisia, because of how the land have hard rock layer called granit few meters underground. While they aren''t good at agriculture or forestry, they have abundant source of jewels and magic crystals.


    This year, I will have a Coming of Age ceremony, in which all children of all people go through. While the normal citizen usually go through the ceremony at age of 12, since I am a noble, I go through them at the age of 7. Nobles get to receive early education in Preparation Schools, although commoners also can join them.


    I heard a priest will come to the mansion and will do an appraisal to check my attributes. And I will start receive magic training after the ceremony onward. I am very excited to learn magic especially.


    I mostly heard all of this from my mother and maids. I rarely sees my new father. Given that he have a high position he must be busy.


    Today will be the day I have coming of age ceremony. The priest come the large living room, decorated with unique and luxurious golds, silvers and crystals. The priest hold a gold staff and a translucent crystal ball.


    Gently, he placed the ball on the small wooden table in front of him with his hands still placed on top of it.


    ''You may touch the crystal, child'' the priest with white beard spoke.


    As soon as I touched the crystal, it glows with a bright calming blue. It feels calm, like being in a still lake as soft wind touched my skins. Well, it feels like it.


    And immediately I start to see a sort of screen in front of me. It listed my attribute, talents and skills I have.


    ---


    Name: Cassius Bloodfallen


    Level: 1


    Mana: 224/224


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    Talent:


    Mana flow (B)


    Mana control (B)


    Mana acceleration (B)


    Mana agglomeration (C)


    Regeneration (A)


    Skill: None


    ---


    WOW. I look awesome to be honest. Water attribute with S+? I absolutely love having water attribute. Fire magic is boring anyways.


    But then i remember that my family is supposed to be a bloodline that focuses on fire magic. I looked at the priest and I saw sweats dropping down his cheeks.


    "How is his talent Sebastian?" Augustus asked the priest.


    "H-his talents are incredible." he spoke, with a bit of stutter. Am I that talented?


    "But...". While avoiding Augustus gaze, he continued.


    "H-he have no fire attribute."


    Augustus eyes opened wide, and he crossed his arms while tapping his arm while tapping his finger. He placed his hand on his chin, thinking. He looks... disappointed. And he turns and look at Julia, who too, was clearly shaken.


    And he then look at me. With an emotionless face, he spoke.


    "This thing brings shame to the family. Get this out of my face."


    ''Huh?''.


    Before I can process any thoughts, suddenly few guards came close to me and grab my arms and harshly pull me, forcing me to go with them. ''F-father? M-mom?'' I muttered as I watch father and mother simply stood still as I was being dragged by the guards.

 Chapter 2: Escape

    I am scared. What''s going on. Where are they dragging me to?


    I was brought to a room that seems like a storage.


    The guards then lifted a part of the carpet covering the floor. A wooden door was revealed.


    As he opens it, a stair leading to the basement is revealed. The guards then starts to drag me into the basement.


    The walls are dirty. Moss were seen to grow and dirt stains painted the stone wall. As I reach the basement, I was horrified.


    Rooms, or I would rather call it space divided with rusted iron bars are seen. No. These are cages.


    ''W-what is this place?'' I quietly ask the guards.


    "You will be staying here from now".


    I don''t understand. What is going on? What did I do? So much thoughts and fear pops in my head.


    I don''t want to be here. The guards pushed me into one of the cell and lock the gate.


    "Stay quiet and don''t make any noise. Food will be served twice a day."


    Tears starts to flow down my cheeks. I feel scared, I feel overwhelmed. My feet are dirtied from from the dirt beneath me. I feel weak and my legs tremble as I realised what situation I was in.


    The guard take a look at me. He eyed me for a second, with pity in eyes.


    My tears still won''t stop. The guard then walks away with his partner slowly leaving me behind. Only the light coming from torches on walls dimly light the space.


    I sat down on the corner of the cage. The floor is just dirt. Its hard, dirty, and there''s a section covered with a wooden plank with a hole in the middle.


    Am I supposed to shit here? There''s no bed and no pillow either.


    Why is this happening to me?


    I tried to keep positive and maybe, I will get out of here soon. But... I was wrong.


    I was not sure how much time has passed, perhaps hours. I lost my sense of time as the only light source barely reaching me are from the torches on the walls near the entrance.


    Soon, I can hear someone opened the door leading to the basement.


    The steps slowly approaches. And as the figure comes closer, her steps echoed louder and louder until her face .


    ''Mother!''. I was hopeful that my mother came to get me out of here. She stood, rummaging the keys in her hand for the right key.


    As she opened the gate, she went in and stood in front of me. Her blue eyes pointed towards me with a sharp hateful look.


    "Stupid brat."


    ''What?''. My jaw slightly opened at the unexpected word from her .


    Mother had always been gentle. Even though most of the times I spend my time with the maids or the language tutor, once in a while mother will invite me and brother to drink tea at the garden. Aside from asking ''how is your day?'' and asking my brother how is school, she barely speaks with us. She never was a doting mother, but she still check on us time to time. She was gentle. However, the woman I called mother is no longer here.


    Suddenly I can feel the temperature rising. Sweat starts to form around my neck, trickling down my chest.


    With a furious look in her eyes, she raises her one of her hand forward and a red magic circle appears in front of her. The intricate magic circle glows brighter as she pointed her hands at me.


    "M-mother?"


    ''WHO ARE YOU CALLING MOTHER!?''


    Fire shoots out of her palm searing my face.


    "Aaagghhhh!!!" I screamed as pain throbs across my skin.


    Its painful, it''s so fucking painful. My face. My fucking face.


    "Aaaargghh!"


    I can only scream at the pain coursing through my body. The world turns dark as my sight was lost from the burns.


    The pain seeps deep into my skin, into my flesh and to my very bones. I screamed on topped of my lungs, losing air and I passed out from the pain.


    After some times, I woke up.


    I was lying on the ground feeling drowsy and tired.


    Red and black stains the dirt and wall behind me.


    My sight has returned to my surprise. I vividly remembers what happened. My mother- no, that crazy woman has burned me with magic.


    I recalled the pain coursing through my face - and my whole body consumed by fire. I touched my whole body to realise they were smooth and it seems as if I was never harmed to begin with.


    I know what happened was real. Why am I fine? Why am I alive?


    Sometimes later, I hear someone coming in.


    It''s a guard. As his figure came to view, a surprised look carved on his face. He had a look full of questions.


    ''How is he alive and look unharmed?''.


    I was not sure too. In a second, I remembered the talent I had as shown by the status screen.


    And as soon as I think of it, suddenly a status screen appears in front of me.


    ---


    Name: Cassius Bloodfallen


    Level: 1


    Mana: 160/230


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    Talent:


    Mana flow (B)


    Mana control (B)


    Mana acceleration (B)


    Mana agglomeration (C)


    Regeneration (A)


    Skill: Self regeneration


    ---


    I figured out what happened. I gained a skill.


    When I was unconscious, I healed my own body completely from all the burns I received although I still feel dizzy and tired after the ordeal. And it consumed my mana too.


    The guard then leave. Sometimes later, he came back with food on his hand.


    ''Eat.'' he places the plate of food on the ground in front of me and steps out of the cell, locking the cage and leaves.


    I feel some numbness in my face and part of my body. I reaches out to the plate.


    It was soup, with some pieces of breads in it. There''s some pieces of meat too. It was edible, but bland. I had no choice to swallow it whole as thirst irritates my throat and my body screamed to eat something.


    It''s nothing compared to what I ate with the family as we sat together in the dining hall before.


    No... were they family? Why are they doing this to me. What did I do?


    For 7 years everything was just fine. Is it because I don''t have fire attribute? Is that a big deal?


    I want to get out. I want to live a life. I don''t want to stay here. With so much negative thoughts... I slowly eat the soup, stopping my grumbling stomach.


    I soon fell asleep, still feeling drowsy and weak. As I lay down the floor and closed my eyes, I made a wish that everything was just a nightmare.


    ...


    Clink. Clink. Clink.


    I was waken up by sounds of metals clashing with each other. And I heard the gate being opened, producing a creaking sound as the hinges of the iron cell grit their sides.


    I slowly raise my head and focus my eyes to look at the entrance to see the figure in front of me. It starts to come into a clear view and it was- mother.


    ''I thought I had killed you''. Spoke her coldly.


    S-she really meant to kill me? Her blue eyes have a cold, emotionless look.


    ''But now I have a different idea''.


    A creepy smile carved on her face, her wide lips makes makes her smile looks even more scarier as it stretch out to her ears abnormally.


    And then, I hear more footsteps.


    Guards too come in and they start to come close and tie my hands and feet with iron chains. They pinned the chains that locked my hands to the wall with a large iron nail.


    ''I feel so mad. So mad. So angry. Why did I give birth to you? Useless. You brought shame to me. Its all your fault! It''s all your fault! Your fault!''.


    She screamed in hysteria.


    I trembled at the sight of the crazy woman in front of me. For the 7 years I knew her, she barely speaks- and when she does it was soft and calming. But now its scary.


    I feel scared. I remembered being burned by her and tears starts to flow down my cheeks. I struggled to shake the chains off my hands but it''s useless.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    My worst fear come true, she starts to point his palm towards me and starts chanting.


    The bright red circles starts to come into view.


    The sight of the bright red light causes me to lose my breath, my heart suddenly beats faster and faster - loud enough I can hear them and strong enough I can feel my body trembles.


    Fear surged in me making me to panic and sweat formed on skin.


    "N-no!! Please, stop I be-!''


    Before I can say anything much, the sensation of heat and pain starts to course through my body. I can only scream as my body burns in bright light, convulsing making loud noise as the chains tying me clanks with the wall.


    For some times which feels like eternity, I was in so much pain.


    Slowly I opened my eyes to look at my body.


    All of my skins are burnt. I can see dark burnt flesh of mine, blood and pus erupt from various parts of my body. The pain pulsate through my body here and there.


    Tears still flowing down my cheek and I grit my teeth trying to hold on. Soon, the pain slowly dissipate as I watch my body starts to heal abnormally.


    The dark burnt flesh starts to loosen and fall off and I saw new flesh grows- pink flesh and veins grow in the burnt spot and then new layer of skin covers my body.


    It feels like, having worms or insects crawling in me as I heal to the point that it seems like I was never hurt at all. The rate I heal is, inhumane if I say so myself.


    ''Hahahahah!''.


    I flinched at hearing the laugh. The crazy woman in front of me laughed like a maniac.


    I realised she was still there. The pain made me temporarily forgot she was there.


    To my horror, she raises his hands again and red magic circles appears again. ''Die, you useless brat!''. The pain course through my body whole again.


    I screamed yet again until I left with no more energy.


    ''I want to die. It hurts. It hurts. Kill me. Just kill me''


    I muttered in my head as the pain keeps on going.


    I wanted to scream but I no longer have a voice. My body keeps healing over and over again.


    I don''t know how long has it been. Even a minute is could feel like an eternity.


    Has it been hours? But she stops burning me at one point.


    A guard came to her to tell her something urgent. Without looking back, Julia leaves me behind in a hurry.


    Leaving me sitting down the floor charred with black and dark red.


    Another tear drop down my cheek. My body started to heal once more- but it stops abruptly.


    Blood keeps flowing out of me until a fresh pool of blood forms beneath me.


    Since I use mana to heal, I think I ran out of mana.


    I feel extremely weak, dizzy and tired. ''I will die here'' I thought.


    My vision starts to becomes blurry. I am losing consciousness. I will die here.


    I start to remember my past. My past, is traumatic as well.


    I completely forget about the specific events after I was reincarnated as it never once crosses my mind. I guess, this is what it meant when they say life flashes before your eyes when you re dying?


    In my previous life, I was bullied by people and was left alone because I loved someone that I shouldn''t.


    My parents can''t accept me even though they still provide me with basic necessities. At some point we stop talking to one another.


    And about him, yes, I remembers him.


    He told lies about me to others. He told me did care for me. We have spent our time together, deluded thinking our love was real.


    We embraced each''s others warmth but it meant nothing. He never cared for me, he made fun of me with his friends.


    I saw everything in his social medias.


    Everything starts to go wrong when his friend simply asked if I liked him in front of him trying to make a gay joke out of us.


    He''s, afraid that others know about our relationship. That was it.


    That was the reason for those trauma. I had to quit college because I had depression.


    I remembered everything clearly again.


    And I remembered that he''s a stupid fucking piece of shit.


    Yes.


    He''s a trash that broke his promise, had the audacity to tell he do care but leaves me, abandoned me, and treated me like a joke.


    And I had to go through so much alone, all by myself. I feel mad. I feel so mad. I don''t deserve any of this shit.


    My life was so shit and now in this life I was born into a shitty family with crazy woman who burn their own 7 year old child.


    Right. I am 7 years old. I am not even 26, remembering my memories up till my age of 19 in my previous life.


    That crazy woman burns and torture a 7 years old child. I feel mad.


    I don''t deserve this. If anyone has to die, it''s her.


    That trash from my previous life too, deserves to die for what he did.


    The crazy part of me starts to come out as I remembers the trauma in past life.


    Hahahahaha!


    A laugh escaped from my throat, and I smiled with madness. I will kill them.


    I will kill them! I will not die here!


    They deserve to die, not me.


    As anger and flame of hatred starts in my heart, I can feel... Energy around me.


    I mustered all my strength to focus on the lingering energy in the air. I can feel them.


    And, as if it''s natural to me, I instinctually gather these energy into small spots around me. And soon, small bright particles becomes visible around me.


    Mana.


    This energy are mana. I starts to focus even more to gather them and the particles of mana starts to form multiple glowing threads.


    It seeps into my body and I can feel my body starts to heal once more. The bleeding I had slowly came to a halt. And although not as fast, my body starts to heal once again.


    With anger and madness reflected in my eyes, I swear to kill that crazy woman and everyone who turned a blind eye to what she has done. More mana particles forms and gather inside me. I can feel that I have the ability to kill that crazy woman.


    Knowing I have water attribute, I start to channel mana in me imagining water molecules sticking to one another as they expand.


    A conglomeration of pure mana with water attribute forms in shape of threads and strings, which then moves around in my hand. I can control them freely. It''s like when I gather mana to absorb the energy. It''s just the opposite.


    I can feel that the threads formed with my mana is strong.


    Strong as steel, yet fluid as water.


    This is it. I will wait for that crazy women and kill her. Before that crazy woman come again, I will practice and perfect whatever magic I am using now and kill her.


    A lot of time passes. The guards come and go to bring me food. But the woman was not seen.


    I think it''s already been a week.


    Everyday, I practiced forming the threads of pure water magic while at the same time absorbing mana in the surrounding. This way I can sustain my magic for a long time.


    I know the chance for me to escape is slim. Perhaps the guards will catch me even if I escaped. And my mother cannot be underestimated.


    She was married to Duke Augustus Bloodfallen for a reason.


    She was worthy in Augustus''s eye, bearing abnormally large mana pool and fire attribute talent matching even from those of Bloodfallen clan. She might kill me instead but I don''t care.


    I will try to fight my way out to my death. I no longer care if I die. Dying is better than staying here anyway.


    ***


    After a long wait... Finally my revenge time has come. I will kill her and escape.


    Slowly, the figure of the mad woman come into view. She opens the gates and enters the cage. I pretend to stay still, seemingly lifeless. I start to form threads of mana in my closed hand, ready to break free.


    ''Finally. I can kill her.''


    She sighed, and complained the same things as she said last weak. Telling me its my fault or something.


    I don''t bother to listen.


    And soon she raises her hand, and the bright red circle appears. Upon seeing this, fear starts to come in me. My pulse increases. My heart feels like exploding from the sudden rush. Sweats starts to form.


    But I smiled.


    Instead of fear, I wanted to tear her apart. Quickly, the threads of mana I already prepared wraps the chains around my hand.


    And then, I pull the strings of mana and completely crush the chains, releasing my hands free instantly.


    Upon witnessing this, the crazy woman startled and the magic circle disappears as she stuttered ''H-how can you use magic!?'' then she tried to regain composure and starts to form magic circle again.


    But she is too slow. With my hands forwards, threads of mana grows and fluidly wraps around her hands and I pulled them making she fall over cancelling her cast. From my hands, more threads form and gathers to forms spikes.


    As if it''s a part of me, I threw the spikes as it flies and pierces to the ground and walls. With the strings of mana connected to it, I pulled the woman up as she stays tied afloat in the middle of the room.


    "Was it fun torturing me?"


    ''YOU! RELEASE ME AT ONCE. GU-'' before she can screams more, I use my magic to wrap her neck, with pressure choking her.


    ''G-Guh-''


    As I increase the strength of it, blood starts to cover the string around her neck dying it red.


    ''I want to torture you back after what you did to me. But I am afraid the guards might think something is up. So I will be quick with it. You should be thankful''.


    Her bloodshot eyes stares straight at me. With tears forming in her eyes. She tried to say something but couldn''t because I was choking her.


    I start to wrap more strings of mana around her mouth, forming a thin layer covering her mouth shut. And more covering each of her fingers and limbs.


    CRACK!


    ''MMhhmmffffhhh!!!'' she let out a small sound as she felt pain.


    The sound of her fingers being crushed as I contracted the threads of magic was music. CRACK! CRACK! Crushing her fingers one by one, slowly, indeed, I suppose this is on same level as what she did. No, its not enough.


    Threads of mana crawl on her face as if it have a life on its own and crawling into the crevices of her eye. And soon.


    Plop!. Blood spurts out.


    ''MMMhhhmmmm-!'' She tried to scream as one of her eyes gauged out. With tears of blood flowing down from the empty socket. Or maybe its just blood. It profusely bleeds from the hole left there.


    "I will end this. You should be thankful you can''t heal like I do". I tighten the strings wrapping her neck even more. Tighter. Tighter. Tighter.


    CRUSH!


    Ah. I overdid it. I accidently beheaded her, crushing her necks and severing her flesh too. Blood gushes out like a fountain from her headless neck.


    The crimson colour covers the walls and floors of dirt, dying it red.


    I slowly let the dead, headless crazy woman down. That was easier than I thought. Even though Julia have the talent to be one of the greatest fire magic user, a noble woman like her lived a sheltered life only to be used as a political pawn in marriage.


    Weak.


    ''Status.'' I muttered. And status screen shows up in front of me.


    ---


    Name: Cassius Bloodfallen


    Level: 2


    Mana: 54/260


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    Talent:


    Mana flow (A)


    Mana control (A)


    Mana acceleration (B)


    Mana agglomeration (B)


    Regeneration (A)


    Skill:


    Self-regeneration


    Mana Threads


    ---


    I levelled up. Some of my talent increases. And I gain a new skill, mana threads which is the magic I used.


    It seems like I used a lot of mana. Seeing that the threads of mana still attached to the dead body, I gather them back into my hand and absorb it back. The strings of mana becomes thinner and seeps into me.


    I regained almost half of the mana back, and I gathered more mana until its full.


    I slowly step out of the cage and head towards the entrance. I climb up the stairs and open the wooden door covering the top of it.


    I peeked my head to see if anyone in the storage room.


    There''s no one.


    I climbed out into the dusty storage room. Now, I only need to escape.


    It''s too dangerous to get out using the main entrance of the mansion. The kitchen is safer, as it leads to the back of the mansion. However, even then, there''s guards patrolling and maids and butlers can be alerted.


    I look around the storage room and see a glimpse of hope.


    This is it!


    A very small window, very high up in the room letting some light in.


    The window is very small, but big enough for a 7 year old body to pass through. It''s very high, but I can stack the stuff in here to climb up.


    But of course, my 7 year old body can''t do that quickly.


    With quick thinking, I form spikes with mana and attaches them to the walls and ceilings.


    I wrapped myself with the strings and pull myself up.


    I opened the small window and soft gush of wind touches my face. I breath in the air coming in, air of freedom. I crawled through the window and landed on the ground beneath.


    ''Hey you! Stop right there!'' I was seen by a patrolling guard! I quickly ran towards the forest.


    I noticed there''s snow beneath my feet. My feet freezes as the skin of my sole freezes.


    But I can heal. I am not sure where I am heading but I keep on running.


    Soon, I can hear horses coming chasing me.


    Fuck. I already come this far.


    Quickly, I form threads of mana and wrap them between trees trying to slow them down. As I run I can here some of guards chasing me fall over. I keep running until my legs are giving out.


    Even though my legs doesn''t feel sore as I keep healing my legs, but I feel so tired. I am running out of breath. I am losing my speed. And my mana is slowly decreasing.


    Soon, I saw light at the end of the forest. And I reached a high cliff with waterfall. It was so high, I doubt I will survive if I go down here. But there''s no other way. I noticed that the sound of the horses coming have abruptly stopped.


    I turned my back and sees- father. Duke Augustus Blackfallen. The menacing figure with black hair and red eyes staring at me with annoyance. He came down his horse and slowly approaches me while sheathing his sword.


    ''Troublesome''. He spoke one word. And suddenly, in a mere second he was directly in front of me. I was startled, as he swings his sword I stepped back and tried to block his sword with my arms with threads of mana covering them. But it''s not enough to block the attack.


    SWISH!


    Effortlessly both my forearms were cut clean, blood gushes out as it paints the figure with crimson eyes in same colour as his eyes and I fell into the cliff and into the freezing water beneath the waterfall.


    Upon hitting the surface of the pool of water beneath, the sudden pain and pressure knocked me out of consciousness.

 Chapter 3: Wolford Village (1)

    Crack. Crack.


    I heard some crackling and popping noise, waking me up. I could feel warmth coming from my side. I slowly opened my eyes and gazed at the wooden ceiling. My head was spinning, distracting my thoughts.


    Where am I? When am I? What am I?


    I rub my eyes and massaged my temple for a bit. Or that''s what I tried to do. My arms... Was gone. I can see the end of my forearm, smoothly covered by soft skin as if I was born with it.


    ''My hand didn''t grow back?''


    Well, that would be too ridiculous even for me. I start recollecting what happened as memories finally surfaced. I remembered I ran away from that place. And I fell into a cliff, into the water beneath. I turn my head sideways to check my surroundings.


    The warmth came from a hearth made of stone with smokes going up through a hole above allowing ventilation. It was a humble house with some parts having wooden walls, and floor with smooth stones and bricks used in some part. I can see hunting trophies, heads of beasts that looks like a bear, a deer and some sort of stuffed dead rabbit-like creature decorated the wooden wall. There''s also a worn out blue vase filled with twigs, or I suppose wilt flower, on a drawer. The space was clean, but it seemed a bit messy with unorganised furniture and unwashed dishes and cups made of of metal and porcelain in a corner of the room.


    I didn''t know where I am. I had a fear that I was caught and sent back to that damned family, but thankfully it doesn''t seem to be the case. I would have died or would have been in that cage, chained, even if I was kept alive. Someone must have saved me. While embracing the warmth radiating from the fireplace, I muttered- ''Status''.


    ---


    Name: Cassius Bloodfallen


    Level: 2


    Mana: 260/260


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    Talent:


    Mana flow (A)


    Mana control (A)


    Mana acceleration (B)


    Mana agglomeration (B)


    Regeneration (A+)


    Skill:


    Self-regeneration


    Mana Threads


    ---


    My mana was full even though I was sure I was running really low on them before I fell. And my regeneration was upgraded too. I can assume survived the fall thanks to it, and I had passed out long enough to regenerate my mana naturally even while unconscious. I closed the status. I noticed a new clothing I had on.


    The cloth I had on before was a simple shirt, which was ragged and torn apart during my escape. The guards was kind enough to give me a new cloth after it got burned along with me when that crazy woman torched me. Currently, I had a white long-sleeved shirt, layered with a white, warm knitted sweater. The white clothing paired with my naturally snow white hair and sapphire blue eyes.


    While in deep thoughts, I heard creaking from door opening. I raised myself in a sitting position to see the figure coming. It was... A child.


    ''Are you awake?''. He asked. His dark brown eyes stares at me, checking my condition. He wore a coat of brown fur, with hood covering his head and carrying a short bow and quiver behind his back. He pulled down his hoodie to reveal his figure. Vanilla toned skin, oval-shaped eyes, chubby cheeks with a hint of blush, small raised nose, slightly pink lips, and black hair.


    I nodded at his question. ''Where am I?'' I asked.


    "You re in Wolford village, in Silverstein." he replied. "Mr. James found you collapsed at the river bank. He brought you here and the village chief asked me to take you in."


    ''I see''.


    "What is your name?" the boy quickly asked. I know I cannot use the name given to me. In a moment, I tell him my old name, the name that I use in my previous life.


    ''I am... Bell. Thank you for taking care of me''.


    ''What do I call you?''


    With a smile, he replied "You can call me Lucas!". He starts to think about what he should ask.


    "Mmm... Where are you from? How did you end up in the river?".


    I hesitated to answer. After few seconds thinking, I came out of with an answer.


    ''I can''t remember''.


    Of course its a lie. Given that my family disowned me somewhat, I didn''t want to use that name. And it would be dangerous. And so I used my old name from my past life.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "That''s too bad. No worry, Bell. The chief tasked to take care of you. Uhhh, I guess you will be living here until you remember! I am sure someday you can return home. I will report to the chief later".


    ''S-sure''. I slightly feels bad when he said it like that. I don''t have a place to return to. It feels heavy knowing I was being a burden.


    "You must be hungry. I will cook something for you. Just stay in bed and lay down kay?".


    I simply nodded and lied down as he said. Yes, I was so damn hungry. It felt like I haven''t eat anything for days making my stomach grumbles. I noticed he brought with him some rabbit-like creature tied to some ropes in his hands. He then went to the back of the house through a door in the kitchen. Seemingly doing something as I heard sounds of cuts.


    After a while he came back in with some sloppily diced meats in hand. He place the meats besides the fire place. An iron pole hanged above the fireplace, with a iron pot hanging by chains above the fire. He took some water from a large cylindrical wooden container nearby with a ladle, pouring them into the pot. He then went to a small room, coming out with some vegetables that I can''t recognise in hand. As the water boils, he placed the colourful vegetables and the diced meat one by one in an order, letting each different ingredient cook perfectly without overcooking any of them. With the last stir, the stew was done.


    ''Here comes Lucas Special Stew!''


    He brought with him two bowls of the stew and sat next to me.


    ''Here! You need to eat! My dad said, a hunter with an empty belly is a dead hunter''.


    I frowned at hearing his words. What kind of quote is that? He placed one of the bowl on his side, then took a spoonful of stew with a big piece of meat and slowly blow the steams off to cool it down. He then bring it closer to my lips. The smell of meat and vegetables teases my senses. I gladly took his offer, and chomp it down.


    After eating so much bland soup and stale bread for weeks in the underground cell, I feel really grateful to him. This sense of comfort, the warmth of this place, and the savoury stew filling my mouth. I feel alive. I had been through so much. I feel thankful. Without realising it, tears drop down my cheeks. ''I am alive'' thought me.


    The warm feelings I had forced a curve on my lips, showing my dimples as I gaze at the kind boy with a shimmer in my jewel-like eyes.


    "It''s really yummy". I thankfully praised his stew.


    Lucas returned my gaze, seemingly dumbstruck as he froze. Then, for some reason, his ears turned red and he averted his eyes from me. Maybe he was sick?


    ''Y-you are welcome''. He replied in a much quieter tone.


    I asked him where were his parents. Upon hearing my question, a sad look starts to appears on his eyes, looking away and staring at the ground.


    ''They are in a better place''.


    ''My mom left when I was still a baby. I don''t really remember her. My dad... He left me a year ago''.


    His voice shows a hint of loneliness in him. I can assume he lives alone and hunted for food on his own. I feel bad for him. Lucas had to hunt on his own, cook on his own, and live on his own. Now that I think about it, I guess the village chief, whoever he is, make Lucas take care of me to accompany him.


    I placed my arm on his head, patting him, I mean, I tried to pat him. I keep forgetting I didn''t have a hand anymore so I use what left of my arm.


    "You re kind and strong. I am sure your mom and dad is proud of you".


    ''Don''t treat me like a child! I am older than you!'' he shyly spoke out of embarrassment as he removes my arm from his head, with blushes clearly visible on his chubby cheeks. Hearing that, I chuckled. He tried to spoon-fed me again, but I refuse this time.


    "No worry. I think I can feed myself".


    With his brows frowning, he doubts that I can do it myself.


    ''But your hands-''


    "Just watch"


    I channelled my mana around arms, and form threads of mana around my arm. The threads seems like it grows out of my flesh and skin. With it, I wrap the handle of the spoon holding it firmly. Then held the bowl of stew up with magic from another hand.


    "See?"


    Lucas eyes grows wide at the sight of this.


    ''Wow! It''s so cool! Is that magic?! I have never seen anything like it!'' Lucas shows an expression of excitement and surprise. His eyes was glistening with amazement.


    "Well, I don''t really know much about magic. I learned to do this myself".


    Lucas has a curious look on his face and keep staring at me eating using the threads of mana, fascinated by my use of magic. We ate together and chatted until we both finished the meal in our hands. Through our small talk I figured he was 3 years older than than me. It just that my body is smaller, and shorter. And I figured I was 4 days away by horse-drawn carriage to Ruberia, the territory from which I was from. The river current has brought my petit body quite far. It doesn''t seem too impossible, given the river has a long steady current from what I heard from Lucas. And given that I had inhuman regeneration, even if I crashed into some drifted wood or stones I came out just fine. Thank God I was unconscious or it would have been painful.


    I offered to wash the dishes, but he refuse at first. After insisting I was fine enough and did star jumps he finally let me do so. And I was actually annoyed that he let so much dirty dishes and bowls stacking there disturbing my eyes. As I gently wash all the plates and bowls, he went out to clean the waste left from the beast he got meat from.


    He did asked me to show him more of the magic during our small talk, with an anticipated look. I start to experiment more of threads of mana, spending some times perfecting the art while he was away reporting to the village chief about me and getting some firewood and groceries. I managed to make small shapes of butterflies using them and can move them around fluidly and flap their wings as if they are truly alive and flying around.


    It was night-time, as the darkness envelopes the sky, bright stars decorated the black canvas. As threads of mana grows about, glowing butterflies roams the air, flapping their wings gently as I make them move by focusing using the magic. It was such a beautiful sight, the blue butterflies made of mana seems like creatures out of this world. Lucas, as expected, looked excited and in awe. I can''t seem to make anything big though. The threads always unravel by itself.


    We played around some more and he never seemed to get bored, kept on being impressed at what he sees, holding the creatures I made wowing at everything. He touches the threads of mana and he can tell even though its smooth and seems soft, it''s very hard to break as he tried to stretch the strings only to irritate his hands making his palm red. It was such a nice day. At some moment, I completely forgot about what I went through. I guess, he was the first person I can call a friend. Perhaps, we were both lonely, that''s why we could have so much fun together even though we had only knew each other less than a day. Perhaps it was my child body making me more child-like even though my mind is of a teenager.


    I did meet some children of my age, son and daughter of nobles during my stay with the Bloodfallen. But... they are too immature and annoying so I eventually refuse every kid coming to play (which I know was nothing but an excuse for the parents to meet and establish connection or political something nobles stuff). We both get tired soon enough, and we went to sleep.


    He took out a thick cotton wool sleeping pad from a big drawer, and laid it down next to me. We sleep in the living room together, few meters away from where the fireplace was. It''s been awhile since I had such a peaceful night. I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion drift me into deep slumber.

 Chapter 4: Wolford Village (2)

    *Sniff*


    A rich smell of meat and fragrant spices tickled my nose. The slight warm amidst the cold and the comforting hug of thick blanket covering still tying me down. As I open up my eyes, I was greeted by the morning light and rich aroma as I wake up. I sat up to see Lucas cooking a stew for breakfast. I get up and approached Lucas greeting him with a good morning, receiving the same greeting.


    "What are you making Lucas?"


    ''I am making Polage le Magnifique. Recipe from the best chef in the continent, Howden Rasme himself. Hehe'' Lucas spoke proudly while stirring the content in the pot.


    The name of the stew, and even the name of the chef sounds somewhat familiar, but I can''t quite grasp what''s lingering in my head.


    "Is there anything I can help you with?"


    ''Uhhh, I am almost done''.


    Lucas take a look around, and seeing that  I was eager  wanting to help, Lucas decides to let me clean up the used bowls and utensils, and store unused vegetables into the storeroom. I am getting used to using threads of mana to hold things for sure.


    Right. Anyway, last night I used my magic to make butterflies and all and actually made even more creatures and play with Lucas but I forgot someone might actually saw me. No, I am sure someone sees them. It''s almost impossible to not notice the glowing things I made in the middle of the night. For some reason, Lucas excitement at seeing my magic infected me making me forget to care about my surroundings. Is this the effect of being in a child''s body? I keep doing chores tasked to me with thoughts in my head, questioning my own not so smart behaviour.


    I brought bowls with spoons with me for serving and in few minutes, breakfast was served. Cubes of polage, which taste and smell exactly like potato from Earth were the main ingredient of the stew, accompanied by diced carrots and onions in thick soup. The soup was thickened with flour and was rich in savoury flavour by boiling rabbit-beast bones as the base of the soup in the beginning of preparation. It''s a healthy, rich, delicious meal.


    "It''s really nice, Lucas. You re a great cook".


    ''I can make them all the time!'' replied Lucas with a smile. We ate silently until we re both finished. I offered, I mean, insisted on doing the clean up. Lucas has no say in it of course. He had done all the cooking, it''s only right for me to do something in return.


    "Hey, wanna take a walk around the village? I want to introduce you to the villagers. Chief also wants to see you".


    I agreed to his suggestion. I feel healthy and energised, I take my chance to learn more about the village and what the villagers do. I, after all, was raised in a noble household. The lifestyle was definitely different. Even in my past life I have no idea on how people in the medieval times live, as I think that was the closest thing to this village currently.


    As I stepped out of the humble house, snow white scenery flashes before my eyes. Each step leaves behind an inch deep foot print as I take my steps  following Lucas from behind.


    The first stop was another humble house within view nearby, quite similar in design to Lucas''s home with slight variation.


    ''Mrs Rachel! Good morning!'' Lucas screamed out calling the inhabitant.


    Soon, the wooden door opened. An old woman who looks like in her 70s greeted us. She had a grey hair and wrinkles around her forehead, cheeks and folds next to her black-brown eyes due to losing her youth. She invited both of us in to have some hot chocolate and cookies. I reluctantly followed Lucas into her house. It was a nice simple furnished space. I introduced myself to Mrs Rachel while sipping the nice warm chocolate drink. Mrs Rachel, just like Lucas before, was surprised seeing me use my magic to hold the cup.


    Apparently, she lived alone and her husband passed away. She had a son working as a mercenary in the capital. She was the one who knitted the fluffy sweater Lucas and I was wearing too. I can see Mrs Rachel cared for Lucas a lot.


    ''A nice grandma'', that was my judgement on her character. The hot chocolate she made for us taste really good especially in this snowy weather.


    We soon leaves to go visit Mr. Nazim and his wife next to Mrs Rachel house. A middle aged man with a rough beard was cutting down firewood. We greeted Mr Nazim and introduced myself to him. We promptly leave to let Mr Nazim focus on his work.


    We pass through an area of small square where different mini shop stands set up at some places. These facilities are for villagers to sell their extra spoils from hunt, fruits and vegetables they grow, firewood or cloths they spun. Travelling merchant sometimes will stay in the area to trade. During winter however, there were less things to do as the temperature not suited for farming and lesser beasts roam about thus there''s no extra meats so there''s no stall open for business.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    There''s also a small building with a signboard written ''Wolford Drink N Dellies''. It''s a pub owned by Mr Jason who also lives in there. The pub is where the villagers hang out, chit chatting, spreading rumours and drink alcohols during other seasons. Eatery business is not profitable during winter in this small village due to low customer, high maintenance and lesser resources in the season.


    There''s also a blacksmith nearby. I can hear sounds of metals being hit. Mr Roswell is a versatile craftsman. He crafted and repair most of the utensils and tools used by the villagers ranging from kitchen and farming tools to weaponries and armours. Lucas told me that Mr Roswell and his wife originally opened their workshop in the city and their shop was a really popular workshop among mercenaries in the city but he retired as he ages. That''s the only shop that opens in the area.


    Afterwards, Lucas brought me straight to the house where Chieftain of the village resided. It was a majestic long house made of timber. At first sight it can be guessed it was a house of an important person. The doors were covered in beast skin to keep out the cold like many of other houses here. There''s also a symbol carved onto the front part of the roof in shape of a wolf head.


    "Good morning Chief!"


    Lucas called out for him. Soon, a tall middle aged man with white-grey hair with full beard came into view. His chiselled face structure can be described as nothing but handsome even for his old age. In his youth, he was the most popular guy among his peers and was fawned over by many girls due to his charm, charisma and leadership. His muscles even outlined his body through the thick layers of cloths making him look menacing. If this is 21th century on Earth, people would have called him ''daddy''.


    The chief told us to come in. Inside, a large long table with many seats was placed at the centre. The longhouse was also used as a hub for the villagers to gather and for discussion on different issues with the chief.


    "Take a seat".


    Awkwardly I take a sit one space away from chief while Lucas sat opposite of me.


    "Lucas, I need to talk to this child alone. You can wait in that room. I will call you out when we finish".


    Lucas followed the chief''s order quickly leaving me and chief alone in the large space.


    The old man then took a deep breath and spoke.


    "Cassius Bloodfallen".


    Upon hearing the name, I flinched and looked at chief. H


    e knows my real identity. Right. Of course. My shining white hair and blue sapphire eyes are unique to me and the woman who gave birth to me in this continent. And my reaction just made it more certain.


    After few seconds of silence, he continued.


    "It seems that you remember".


    "Do you want to return home?".


    I was unsure what he thinks of me. Do I lie saying I am not Cassius and he''s mistaken? Or do I say I don''t remember anything? No, then he might try to send me back to that family.


    After some thought, I replied.


    ''No. I don''t consider them my family''.


    After a pause, I continued.


    ''They did this to me'', while showing my hands to the chief which was cut clean by my own father.


    Remembering that crazy woman, uncaring eyes of father and the near death experiences made me feel a bout of anxiety and fear. I already crumbled, and already lost my will to live as I went crazy because of it and dared to escape. I killed mother with own hands. I killed a person...


    I stop thinking about what I had done after waking up from being unconscious. I tried to not think about it. I tried to rationalise my action, that she deserves it.


    The memory of her bloodshot eyes staring at me, her muffled screams, the blood staining my cloths and walls of the underground cell. I never have killed a person before. I never experienced so much pain before. Even though at that time I really meant to kill her, but now when things are fine the memory becomes unbearable.


    I thought, I was okay. But I wasn''t. Tears flows down my cheeks without me realising.


    Chief watched me cries with pity on his eyes. He nodded in understanding, and place his hand on my head, ruffling them.


    "It''s okay. You can stay here as long as you want".


    ''...''.


    I cant say a word. His big warm hands caressing my hair makes me feel safe. I broke down in tears. He welcomed me as a new member of the village with open.


    He soon called Lucas. Lucas got worried and we eventually go back to home. Chief even gave us some beast  bore meat for us to cook later.


    I will be living together with Lucas, as a member of the village. I was worried I will be casted out, with nowhere to go. I am lucky to be alive and met such nice people. And I now have a place I can call home. I wiped the remaining tears with my sleeves as we reach our home.


    Lucas quickly took out the thick cotton quilt and put some more firewood into the fireplace.


    ''Bell, you should take a nap here. When I am sad I always lay down and just sleep. It always makes me feel better''.


    Lucas kind gesture moved me. I thanked him and laid down. Having broke down crying, remembering all the traumatic memories, I felt drained. I don''t want to move. It''s feels really heavy inside... I am tired.


    But... I am safe now.


    With that thought, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.


    The entire day, I lied down in bed or sat in front of the fireplace embracing the warmth. I have no energy to do anymore exploring or anything. Lucas went out the entire day leaving me to rest. He gather firewood from the forest and hunt a lepus (the rabbit like beast) and process it for its edible and usable parts.


    Lucas came home to cook lunch, sat next to me eating together as we sat on the floor. A part of me feel guilty as I just lie down on bed doing nothing. I tried to help out a little but Lucas insisted on me resting for the rest of the day. Soon, Lucas went out again and return by dusk. He even brought some fishes back. I am older than him mentally but I was taken care of by him. Its embarrassing when I think about myself.


    Lucas cooked a much lavish dinner than usual that evening. Rich stew with boar and lepus meat, soft bread and grilled fish. He really did his best to cheer me up. I feel thankful.


    As we sat together at the dinning table, I answered Lucas''s questions about me. It seems that he overheard things (he eavesdrop the conversation between chief and I). It feels nice to talk so openly to someone. He''s such a great listener. Well, I didn''t say exactly what I went through. It just that, the family treated me bad and I will never go back there.


    Midnight came and I fell asleep, feeling relaxed and secure knowing I can stay here.

 Chapter 5: The First Hunt

    Lucas strapped on his leather belt. Pulling out a dagger from its sheath reconfirming its sharpness and place them on the scabbard on his belt. Lucas placed his quiver and arrows on the other side and looped his short bow around his shoulder, perfecting the hunting attire by slipping in a leather bracer on his right forearm completely readying himself for another routine hunt.


    ''Lucas, I want to join the hunt too''.


    "Eh?".


    ''I mean, I shouldn''t burden you too much. You had to hunt more and do more work since I came here. Let me help''.


    Lucas scratched his neck upon hearing my request. He seems contemplating about it. He looked at me up and down, judging my small figure that doesn''t seem suited for hunting at all. He never thought about letting me hunt. After all, he has this mindset that he had the responsibility to take care of me. He''s reluctant about it but still agrees on letting me join. If you think about it, Lucas is only 10 years old but had hunted earlier with his dad in earlier age for sure.


    "Alright. Let''s go to Mr Roswell to get a bow for-"


    Lucas temporarily forgets that I can''t use my non existent hands. After all, I actually act like I have one using my magical threads.


    I can guess why he stopped midway.


    ''I can try to hold a bow using my magic''.


    I confidently told him. In any case, I am not really worried to fight againts small beasts. The lepus (rabbit beast), at least from the corpse that Lucas brought back look easy to fight. But theorising about the nature of rabbits, they might just run away and that would be a major problem. I have never used a bow either. But if they are aggressive and actually tried to attack me, my self healing skill is too inhuman that I could just use my body as bait and capture them with my magic while they bite me. I quickly shudder waving away those desperate ideas. No, I should care for myself a bit more.


    Lucas agreed and bring us to the only blacksmith in the village, Mr Roswell. His wife, Mrs Lisandra or just Lisa can sew leathers and make clothing from fabrics, furs and beast pelts while her husband handles most of the metal work. They had a son working as blacksmith and a daughter who was a scholar in the city.


    Passing through the village square, we eventually reaches the workshop.


    Mrs Lisa greeted us and brought us into the building. Mr Roswell was sitting while carving thin pieces of wood to make arrows. He stopped his carving motion and walked towards us.


    ''Oh, Lucas. Here for more arrows?''.


    "Mmm, yes. And I need a bow for Bell too Mr Roswell".


    Lucas grabbed by shoulder, telling the blacksmith the bow was for me. The man with thick mustache have a questioning look, seeing my petite body and the main reason he doubted me was that he don''t think I can hold a bow for obvious reason.


    I understood his thoughts, and thus I did a quick presentation of my magic.


    ''Mr Roswell, I can use try to use magic to hold the bow''.


    Blue glows surrounds my hand and threads made of mana grows wrapping my hands to show its capabilities to Mr Roswell. Upon seeing this, he had a surprise look just like Lucas and Mrs Rachel when they first saw it. In agreement, he walk towards one of the glass cabinet, taking out the short bow displayed in it that looked just like Lucas''s. He brought it to us and suggested for me to try holding and shooting with it.


    We followed Mr Roswell outside to test the bow by shooting at the nearby tree 20m away from us. Mr Roswell handed me the bow and an arrow. With some focus, I wrapped the bow with the magic firmly tying it to hand. I took the arrow and placed them on the bowstring. I tried to pull it but it the bowstring only stretched halfway due to my weak muscles. Well, with quick thoughts I used my magic to add more pulling strength onto the arrow, pulling it back with sufficient force.


    I was almost happy that it works until I realised my bow is not stable and keep moving left and right. I can''t shoot the arrow like this. My threads of magic can at least hold a mug and a bowl just fine. It was fluid in character unless I apply tension to it but even then it cannot be completely stiff to be able to hold the bow firmly with a single hand, while having an arrow pulling the bowstring.


    I did have an idea to make the bow stay still by pinning spikes of mana to the ground or trees then apply tension from all direction. I could make a makeshift ballista. But the problem was I will have to set it up every time I want to use it.


    Probably someday I would use this technique to shoot a super big arrow and screams Ultimate Arrow or something but this ain''t it.


    Mr Roswell and Lucas have the same opinion as I did. Mr Roswell sighed and shook his head. I eventually gave the bow back to Mr Roswell. But I won''t give up just yet! There must be a weapon suited for me here. We came back into the building and I immediately searched around until I see it. Yes. THIS IS IT!


    A small thin star shaped metal, a shuriken or some may call it throwing stars. I quickly tell Mr Roswell I wanted to try them out. With another sigh he took them out from display. He told us it originally was made for a custom order by a customer who originated from Kanto, a region from an Eastern country far across the sea.


    With the dark-brown tree 20m away as my target, I tie the throwing star through its hole, letting it dangle around my hand. I casted a swirling motion spinning the star in a circular motion ready to throw. Lucas and Mr Roswell took a step back afraid that it would accidently fly out.


    Using the momentum of the swing, I made a swinging motion and release all tension from the strings in an instant. The shuriken flies out at incredible speed while spinning and it eventually reaches the target- and missed a meter away from hitting the bark. I tried to throw another one and this time I give it a little creativity.


    With the same swinging motion, I threw it out with a thread of magic still attached to it. The magic thread grew longer as it catches up to the distance consuming little mana as it did so. As it reached close the bark, it seemed like it will miss again.


    But behold, the technique inspired by a scene from this popular ninja anime. I applied some tension to the strings and swing my right arm to the left directing the travelling projectile to the target.


    Thunk!


    The throwing star hit the middle of the bark embedding the sharp object halfway through. An impressed sound escaped from Lucas who witnessed it. This isnt the end, I pulled back the object I threw by pulling in the thread of magic to retrieve them-


    But I was dumb and the object shoot backward to me at incredible speed. I will get injured if it hit me! I wrapped my hands in thin layer of mana forming a thin shell. I blocked the projectile with them successfully. With a clang, the projectile drop to the snow beneath my feet.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    An ''Oopsie'' escaped from my mouth.


    It really is dangerous to retrieve them back that way. I took a look at Lucas and Mr Roswell. They had a worried, anxious, and spooked look on them. Mr Roswell told me off to not do that again. Sobs. But I convinced Mr Roswell that I won''t. I learnt from my mistake.


    Eventually, Mr Roswell let us go to hunt with throwing stars in my hand. Mr Roswell simply asked for one whole lepus from the hunt for the throwing stars. Thank you Mr Roswell.


    I followed Lucas through into an area where some trees grew far apart from another. There''s also some dark greenish clover like plant called furclove with tiny black flowers growing at the base of the trees. The plant thrives well in winter and was the source of food for rodents and lepus. Lepus was omnivorous and mostly choose meat but when there''s no rats to eat they will eat the plant.


    After walking some more distance, we finally sees a lepus. The creature really looked like a rabbit that I know of- an oversized rabbit with its 2 large teeth protruding out of its mouth. It was munching on the furclove not realising it was about to become prey.


    Lucas took out his short bow looped around his shoulder, readying an arrow placing them on the bowstring. We sneakily went closer to it. Lucas direct his bow to the lepus, pulling the arrow stretching the bowstring with force. With one eye opened, focusing on the target Lucas released the arrow as it flies straight to the it with tremendous speed.


    Thunk!


    The arrow hit the body of lepus. The lepus tried to walk but fall over while whimpering. Lucas quickly went closer to the beast as I follows him behind. With a dagger sheathed in hand, Lucas placed the dagger on the beast''s neck.


    ''May the white wolf bless the hunt''.


    In a fast motion Lucas ended it''s life as to not prolong its suffering. I asked Lucas about the words he spoke before he ended its life. Apparently, ''The White Wolf'' is the guardian of the village. Villagers called him the white wolf, but its real name is Fenrir. The stories passed on from old folks say Fenrir was only seen in winter, in which he often protect villagers from intruding predators which were not local to the area looking for more food to eat. But it quickly disappears after giving his help adding more to its mystery.


    Lucas and I walk another small distant and sees another lepus. This time, it was my turn to hunt it. Taking one throwing star from my leather pouch on my waist, I whirled the blade with speed and throw it towards the unbothered rabbit. Directing the projectile with magic, the shuriken hit its mark. The beast tried to run away but its movement was hindered by the pain. To prevent it from moving, I pour mana onto the magic thread, moving it to wrap around the beast''s body, completely immobilising it.


    We approached it closer and Lucas handed me his dagger. It was my first time ending an a life (when I was still sane). I looked at the whimpering beast, as if it begs me to end it. Without anymore hesitation, I placed the sharp edge over it''s throat. Reciting the same ''prayer'' as Lucas, I slashed it, completing the hunt. Lucas tied its legs with a rope just like the one before, carrying them with his hand. Lucas had a proud look, approving me my skills.


    Lucas and I starts to walk back to the village. Lucas was satisfied looking at the prey we captured.


    However. A loud squealing sound suddenly directed to our direction. Looking at our back, a big boar beast was staring at us menacingly! Two white tusks potrude from its mouth. His brown fur covers it whole, with some horizontal stripes of lighter color on its side.


    ''What is it doing here?!''


    Lucas screamed out at the unexpected sight. The boar usually lives deeper in the forest. But there are rare times when boar is seen walking out of its usual territory. And one of those times is now!


    With a grunt, the boar sweeps one of his front leg forward and backward, readying himself for a sprint. Lucas dropped the rabbits in hand and quickly took his bow out readying an arrow. The boar quickly rushes towards us with speed as Lucas launch his arrow towards it.


    Thud!


    It hit the body of the boar but it doesn''t stop its movement. Lucas and I both jumped and rolled over to sides dodge the incoming boar as it crashes on a tree behind us.


    The boar was only few meters in front of us. I quickly take out a throwing star, did 2 swinging motion and launch it to the boar hitting its body. The boar turned around and stares at me with anger, and readied itself for another rush. I took out another throwing star and threw it quickly hitting its eye.


    The boar only gets angrier. It grunts and start to rush at me- but before it could move any distance I released more mana to wrap threads of mana around its front leg, causing it to trip and fall over. Lucas saw the chance and pull his arrow back.


    Schiwkk!


    An arrow buried deep into its skull. With that, the boar let out his last breath.


    ''Whew! We actually killed a boar. Its my first time killing one''. Lucas smiled proudly for his first boar hunt, taking a deep breath and releasing it. Then he turned around to look at me with a worried look.


    ''Are you okay?''.


    He came over and hold my hands, moving them all over checking carefully around my body to see any injuries. Even if there was, it would have healed already. To be honest, I was a bit scared facing that boar. I most likely won''t die but I don¡¯t want to have those two long tusks piercing through me. It will be painful.


    Looking into his eyes, I smiled at Lucas trying to lessen his worry.


    "I am okay Lucas. Don''t worry too much about me. I helped right?".


    Lucas stood still for a second, letting go his hands from my shoulders.


    ''Oh- Um. Y-yeah, you did a good job''.


    Lucas scratched his neck, muttering quietly while averting his eyes from me for some reason.


    The boar was damn heavy. Lucas tied the boar legs and tied them onto a long stick. We hanged the stick on our shoulders carrying it together slowly back to the village. Its really tiring and my legs were shaking from the heaviness. Sobs. I am just 7 years old but I have to do this to not burden Lucas.


    And so we return to village stopping by Mr Roswell workplace to give the promised lepus. Mr Roswell was surprised that we brought back a big boar. Lucas told the story of how I am good at throwing the shuriken and helped by tripping the boar over with magic, letting him give the final blow. Mr Roswell was amazed at our capabilities.


    With a validating thoughtful eyes, he looked at me and held my hands.


    "Child, I can make prosthetic arm for you. You can move them with magic. It takes a little practice to use but you can use a bow with it and make things easier. This boar and one more, and I will make it for you. How about it?".


    I wanted to agree with it but hesitated. Its difficult to hunt a boar by myself and I don''t want to drag Lucas into it.


    Seeing me hesitating, Lucas nudged me with his hand.


    ''Mr Roswell, take the boar. We will hunt another later''.


    Lucas turned to look at me and place his hand on my shoulder.


    ''Bell, you have me okay? We can hunt another boar together just like before. It will be easy''.


    *Sniff*. Lucas is really nice.


    And so, we agreed with Mr Roswell to trade boars for prosthetic arms.


    We returned home and processes the lepus we hunted. Lucas taught me how to process them. First, it''s skin need to be peeled off. Lucas direct the blades dissecting the skin along the legs connecting the cut around the beast butt. Then he cut along the tail. The arms of the beast was cut at its joint to ease the peeling process. Hanging from a chain, Lucas pulled down the pelt of the beast peeling it off, cutting some flesh and muscles as it stuck here and there. Eventually, the pelt and fur was peeled whole. The pelt was placed on a tanning rack.


    Then, Lucas taught me how to dissect the meat from the beast cutting different edible parts. As we finished, Lucas dug a hole to burry the leftover over bones and unusable parts.


    As I get inside the house to wash the meat and vegetables for lunch, Lucas continued to process the pelt. He removes the fat and flesh on the pelt with a tanning blade. Then, he poured a lot of salt rubbing them vigorously onto the pelt and leaves them in a shed nearby. He got back inside to help prepare lunch.


    On a side note, after 24 hours, the salting will be done again and left for another day. Then, it will be soaked in a brine solution for 15 minutes, rinsed multiple times and left to dry. The processed fur will then be sold to Mr Roswell workshop.


    So coming back to lunch, the cooked stew taste better than usual. Its probably because the meat was the one I hunted myself. I felt a sense of achievement being helpful and useful. Nothing is better than fresh meat indeed. That evening I helped Lucas gather firewood in the forest and cut them too- I mean, I tried, but I lack the muscle and ability to hold the axe properly.


    Lucas let me help a lot and taught me many things. The me that had lived in luxurious mansion before feel grateful to him for teaching me things I didn''t know. I feel amazed at him, knowing that he''s just 10 and had lived by himself for over a year, doing all these works everyday. *Anyway, the humans in this world were more stronger physically, mature faster and lived longer than those on Earth due to the adaptations because of mana (energy) in the surrounding.*


    Tomorrow we planned to just stay home and rest. For the boar needed by Mr Roswell, we would hunt it the other day. I had a lot of fun today accompanying Lucas hunting and stuffs. Its nice, really. It felt like I am at home, and belonged here.

 Chapter 6: Bright Future

    It was the day to hunt another boar for Mr Roswell.


    Lucas and I reached the forest, capturing 2 lepus on the way deeper into the beast boar territory. The lights were dimmer than the outskirt due to the lusher leaves of the trees and smaller gaps between them.


    It doesn''t take too long before we finally see a the boar in our view. Both of us readied our weapons, proceeding with the plan we came up with.


    Using magic, I conjure thin threads of mana, tying it from a tree to another making a simple trap to trip the target as it charge at us.


    With a nod signalling Lucas to proceed aggroing the beast, Lucas pulled his arrow as far as he could.


    With his right eye on the target, he took a deep breath and released it halfway, stop his breathing, stabilising his bow and arrow for the snipe.


    The arrow flies straight at the pig, hitting directly into its cheek!


    The pig growled and squealed in anger. It''s two long tusks pointed at Lucas, quickly charging with speed towards him.


    However, the pig was far from intelligent.


    As he reaches the trap, it legs tripped on the magic strings losing its balance and fall over.


    Due to its earlier momentum his face was dragged across the soil 2 meters from the trap.


    Taking the chance, I immobilised it with magic and Lucas quickly shoots an arrow into its neck. The boar let out its final squeal before showing no more signs of life.


    We brought the boar to Mr Roswell''s workshop. Mr Roswell once again feel impressed at our hunt.


    ''Such a nice boar you got me. As promised, I will craft your prosthetic arms. Let me measure your arms first''.


    I was really excited to get new prosthetic. And so we say goodbyes to Mr Roswell. The prosthetic arms will be done in a week and we continued our routines as usual the following week.


    Oh, Lucas also brought me to fish at the nearby river (the same river they found me). We caught a big fish that looks like salmon, however its body is crimson red except its head which is grey. Its flesh are red pink, and oily. When grilled, it has slight flaky texture, and each bite forces the fish oil out, covering the tongue with heavenly savoury flavour.


    Oh, that reminds me.


    ''Status''.


    ---


    <System Access: Authority Level 1>


    Name: Cassius Bloodfallen


    Level: 5


    Mana: 340/340


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    Talent:


    Mana flow (A)


    Mana control (A)


    Mana acceleration (B)


    Mana agglomeration (B)


    Regeneration (A+)


    Skill:


    Self-regeneration


    Mana Threads


    ---


    None of my talent or skills changes. Only my level. It seems that my level increases my strength a bit and I feel like I can think faster. Maybe it''s just me? And I noticed something strange that wasn''t there before.


    <System Access: Authority Level 1>.


    System. I don''t understand what it is, but I know that it have something to do with how I can see the floating panel in front of me.


    Everyone in this world can see the panel after the coming of age ceremony. It is unnatural even though in this world we have magic. Who created this ''system''? Who wrote all of this? I can only assume it as something from God of this world.


    A week passed by and we went to the workshop to collect my new prosthetic arms.


    The prosthetic arms had different metallic parts attached to it coloured white and grey. The surface was smooth, and at the hole where I would slot my arm in, there was red lines decorating the inside, eventually converging into the single spot at the centre.


    It was the mana circuit where mana can be channelled into the arms and into the palm and fingers.


    Mr Roswell fitted them in for me. The prosthetic was extended to fit until just above my elbows. 3 black straps made of comfortable pelt of beast and metal buckles further make them fit really well.


    "Mr Roswell... It looks really expensive. Are you sure I can have these?".


    It really looks expensive. No way these are equivalent to 2 boars. I feel bad about it.


    ''Don''t worry about it. I have these materials just laying around gathering dust in the storage from the days I work in the city. You kids have a promising future. This old man feels glad to help''.


    Mr Roswell held my arms, telling me that he made it for me because he wanted to assuring me.


    I channelled my mana into my new arm. Somehow, I can ''feel'' touching sensation with it. It seems that the prosthetic has a function to feel pressure as I touches it with my other arm. However, I can''t feel the cold air surrounding me. I am really grateful to Mr Roswell. I will be sure to pay him back for it someday.


    I tried to move my fingers and it did. However, when I tried to grab a branch nearby, I can''t seem to grip it properly as I always lose my grip. As Mr Roswell says, it takes practice.


    We said our thanks and return to our home. With these new arms, it will make things much easier.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ***


    2 years pass by.


    It was spring when the coming of age ceremony was held. Different flowers blooms here and there, making the scenery sweet and warm.


    A person who wore a tall white hat clad in white robes came to our village along with another person accompanying him. The priest brought a white crystal orb to perform the ceremony for those who had reached 12 years old or older if there''s anyone missed theirs.


    Lucas is actually the youngest member of the village before I came, and so he was the only reaching 12 years old this year.


    However, the chieftain told me that I would participate too. Chief said the priest is someone he trusts and knew about my situation. Chief also said the priest can change my name in my status, as he was given the authority by the system. I think I sort of get it.


    One might wonder why the ceremony of age done specifically at age 12? It''s more because of only priests, people who have rare attribute of light can let others access the system. They act as an intermediary between the System and the people.


    There''s very little priests in the continent because even if one has the rare light attribute, they doesn''t necessarily want to become priest. Naturally, they had to have a schedule to make things in order. The priest had already travelled across different cities and is now on the way to another, passing through this village.


    The villagers gathered at the village square to view the ceremony. Everyone wanted to know what kind of attribute and talents do Lucas and I have. Villagers stop their trades leaving their stalls to watch the ongoing ceremony. Lucas, after all, was cared for collectively by the villagers after his parents passed away. And... Even me too. The villagers were nice people.


    Although some are... Peculiar. Like the high Simon. People didn''t call him high Simon because of his height. But because of ridiculous stories he told people.


    Like that one time he said I was blessed by the God because he saw blue spirits surrounding Lucas''s home around the time I first came here. He keeps trying to spread weird rumours in the the pub.


    Okay he did saw me using my magic while I was playing with Lucas back then but the way he interpret them made me laugh so hard when Lucas told me about what he said. Perhaps all his stories have some ''based on true story'' origin being taken too far.


    Ehem. Coming back to the ongoing ceremony.


    The thin, young looking priest sat under the roof, sheltering him from the sun. He placed the crystal on the table and ask Lucas to touch it.


    As he placed his hand on the ball, the crystal glows in light green colour. The villagers watch in anticipation.


    Lucas definitely looks really excited. While the priest shows a surprised look, and turned around to his companion and whispered few words to him.


    The companion then opened his book and write details unknown to the viewers.


    "You have a bright future, young man", said the priest with a smile. The villagers cheers for Lucas for the positive words the priests said.


    Then, it was my turn. All of the villagers already know that I could use magic and it no longer surprises them. However, my real identity as the son of Bloodfallen was only known by Lucas and chief, and the priest here.


    As I sat down on the wooden chair, the priest told me that the chief already told him about my situation.


    He asked me to place my hands on the crystals, and as I did, it glows a bright blue. The status screen appears in front me.


    ---


    <System Access: Authority Level 1>


    Name: [Request to change ''Name'' accepted. Change ''Name'' from <Cassius Bloodfallen> to <Bell>?]


    [Yes/No]


    Level: 5


    Mana: 340/340


    ...


    ---


    ''Yes'', I spoke in mind.


    <Name change successful>


    The name Cassius is no more. Now, I am free from that name. I smiled at the changed name in my status.


    The priest then whispers to his companion, making him write unknown details into his book. The priest praises me for my talents and bright future, followed by cheers from the crowd.


    The ceremony was then over. The priest proceeds to talk to chieftain about something.


    Lucas came to me in a hurry to tell me about his attributes and talents.


    Lucas had a B+ wind attribute with few mana related talents which around B and C ranks. He also had one skill, Primal Instinct skill at B rank. The skill does seems fitting for Lucas specialised in hunting.


    Lucas have a really great attribute affinity and talent given that he was just a commoner that didn''t go through artificial selection for good genes. Or did he? I don''t know about Lucas''s parents. Perhaps they were both respectable people.


    While Lucas was still excitedly talking to me about wanting to use magic, the priest and chief approached both of us.


    "Lucas, Bell, I have good news for you.".


    Lucas and I shift our focus to chief, waiting for him to continue.


    "You both have great talents and can get scholarships to study. Which means, you can study magic and other things at magic institute for free, all covered by the empire".


    After a brief pause, he continues.


    "You both have promising futures. There''s so much to explore out there. And there''s many things in the city compared to this small village. What do you think?".


    Lucas and I look at each other, thinking about how to respond.


    I personally wanted to learn magic. It was the first thing that I was excited for when I realised magic existed in this world. But it feels like I am still in an unknown world, and the village is the only place I can feel secure and safe.


    Going alone, to an unknown place is scary for me.


    ''Bell, let''s go together''.


    As if he understood my worries, Lucas spoke those words.


    ''I wanted to use magic like you do and maybe visit the cities. But, emm, if you wanted to stay here I will stay with you''. Lucas looked at me with sincerity in his eyes, before shyly averting his eyes.


    Right. Lucas is with me. My friend, and someone I can call my family. I no longer have to worry about anything. I am not alone in this world.


    A small smile appears on my lips. With new resolve, I tell Lucas I wanted to go with him.


    "I want to go too. Let''s go together Lucas".


    We told the chief and the priest our decision on the spot. Then the priest''s companion wrote down more things into his book.


    The guy accompanying the priest then came to us, giving both of us a ring silver ring with symbols marked onto them along with a pouch filled with some silver coins. The ring was a proof of talent being officially appraised to be used during admission into the academy and the coins was for the expense for our travel.


    The companion who was with the priest then gave a small briefing on the academy as well as the subjects we would learn.


    The academy is in Starshear, the capital of Noven Kingdom. The territory was directly ruled by the imperial family.


    Imperial Magic Research Institute Starshear.


    A grand name for the best educational institute in the entire kingdom. There are other institutes however this institute accepts only talented people with B ranks and above for their attribute or talents. They even give scholarships to those talented students who didn''t have a good background unlike the aristocrats or wealthy merchants.


    To put it in perspective, 99 out of 100 have E and D elemental attributes.


    And for those who have elemental attribute between C to S rank,


    C ranks made up most of them, around 8/10 from those between C to S.


    B ranks made up the 1 out of 10,000 of total population.


    While A ranks is 1 out of 100,000.


    And S rank is very rare at 1 out of a million which mostly was from named families with deep histories and keep their lineage in keeping a generations with specific attribute and talents.


    Given the rarity of talented magic users, the empire highly values them.


    The academy is located in the neighbouring state. South West direction from here. It takes 3 to 4 days on carriage from the village to Flaron city, the biggest city in Silverstein and where we can use High Speed Magic Accelerated Train, a type of transportation that covers different routes connecting big cities to each other, moving on an extensive railways allowing fast and easy travel between cities.


    It only takes around 6 hours journey on the train. The technological advancement in the city compared to the rural areas has a clear disparities.  Of course, many technologies in this world uses mana cores of intermediate to higher ranked beasts which are not so easily available.


    About the subjects that we will learn in the academy, since me and Lucas has no prior education (unlike in the city which does have Preparation Schools) we would have to learn the necessary subjects like Aeneas Language, Elementary Mathematics, History of the World, Basic Humanoid and Beast Anatomies, Introduction to the System, Magic Codex and Magic Programming and more stuffs for 2 years.


    Usually people in the city will learn these earlier from seven years old onward in preparation school. When the guy starts to give out the list of subjects and explain what each of it is about I start to get headache.


    This feels like I am going back to high school. Just thinking about group assignments, essays, and exams. I want to cry.


    I am actually more worried about Lucas. Will he be okay?


    Lucas face was stiff as if he can''t even understand anything from his explanation.


    Well, and so time passes by.

 Chapter 7: On the Way to Magic Institution

    One week before we start out journey, the villagers threw a celebration for both of us. Drums made from leather vibrates the air, melodies of flutes and singing makes one dances, the smell of different food of different tastes satisfies all cravings.


    Some of the villagers even gave us gifts like pocket money, arrows and throwing knives from Mr Roswell, a thick hand-knitted sweater from Grandma Rachel and many more. The night was truly lively.


    On the day we depart, the chief gave me a pendant, it was made of silver chain, and tied to it a black round stone - a mana core. As I wore them, I can feel some tingling sensation in my eyes. Chief brought a hand mirror to me and asked me to see myself.


    Black hair and black-brown eyes - I look just like most of the villagers here. My snow white hair and sapphire eyes was completely hidden. To conceal my identity, chief gave me the magic device. At least, I won''t attract any attention.


    Lucas reaction was funny. When he first saw me with the same hair and eye colours as he did, he looked disappointed and immediately he says:


    ''You were cuter before''.


    And for some reason, he panicked after he said that trying to correct his words.


    ''I-I am not saying you were cute. I am just saying you looked better before''.


    Right. I think I am used to this behaviour.


    The chief accompanied us to the stables, where the carriage waited for us. We got onto the carriage and journeyed through different villages and small cities. Stopping by once in a while to eat and rest at inns.


    The people often look at us curiously, seeing two young people journeying by themselves. We eventually reached a big gate that was wide open with guards on the lookout. As we stepped into Floren city, what we saw was a street busy with life. So many different modern looking buildings, big glass displays and the odour of delicious food!


    And what was most interesting are some people have a rectangular device on their hands. The guy over there waiting for food, that woman lining up to pay for her bread, and that kid sitting on the bench. They have the device and staring at them.


    Is that what I think it is? Something like smartphone from Earth! No freaking way. Just how much did I miss staying in the village?


    Lucas was even more surprised. His eyes wildly looking here and there with confusion and curiosity as he never went out.


    The carriage brought us close to the train station. We gave him the pay and went our separate ways. We walked through the busy streets until we reached the station. There was few counters with a people attending it. We quickly approaches one of them.


    ''Good afternoon, what are your destination?'', asked the lady.


    "We are going to the magic institute miss".


    The lady stared at the rings we both had on our fingers, and smiled.


    ''Oh, yes, the imperial institute. It must be nice to have talent. You young people must study hard or you will end like me'', she said with a sigh.


    Errr. Who asked?


    We got the tickets for the train towards Starshear. There''s about an hour or so before it stop by. And that means, we can walk around and browse the shops.


    We went into clothing stores, magitronic (magic devices) stores, souvenir stores, the nearby blacksmith and we finally went into a desert shop. They sell crepes and ice cream!


    It''s been a long time I had dessert.


    After the first bite, Lucas chew it slowly as if he''s feeling every flavour coming from the crepe. He swallowed it down and words of praises came out of his mouth.


    ''Its sooo tasty! I can eat this everyday!''.


    I chuckled hearing that.


    "Lucas, you will turn into a boar if you eat this everyday".


    Lucas continues to eat without a care in this world, finishing it in a blink of an eye. There''s even some cream on his cheek.


    "Lucas, there''s some cream on your cheek".


    ''Here?''.


    "No. Wait, let me-".


    I stood up and bend over closer to him, wiping the cream off his cheek with my metallic thumb.


    It''s sweet, I thought while tasting the cream left on my finger.


    I sat down and took the last bite of my creep. Looking at Lucas, I realised his face was slightly red and heated up.


    "Lucas, you had a fever?".


    He was silent for few seconds, then he replied quietly.


    ''N-no. I was just, tired''.


    I was tired too. It''s been a long journey for sure.


    And so we finished our snacks and return to the station just on time. The train is comfortable. They keep the temperature just right with magic, the seats was covered with leathery skin, with soft cushioning. There were many passengers going in and out of the train. It''s quite packed.


    After walking through different sections of the trains we finally found the right seats. As we sat down on our seats, the trains starts to move.


    The train slowly accelerated until it reaches a super high speed. And when it almost close to the next station, it decelerate to a stop. The ride was really smooth and make very minimal noises. I relaxed my shoulders and laid on the seat. Closing my eyes, I fell asleep.


    ...


    Slight shaking from the train wake up. I felt a comfortable warmth cushioning my head.


    I opened my eyes to realise I was laying on Lucas''s shoulder.


    And I noticed slight pressure on my prosthetic palm. Lucas was, holding my hand.


    Eh?


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    It makes me feel flustered.


    The light suddenly shone brighter through the window, casting more light onto his figure. I noticed he had grown into an adult.


    Lucas had a growth spurt since last year. He grew even taller and his body becomes bulkier. And his personality, changed a bit. His voice too became deeper. He had a stubby chin from shaving the hair under them. Looking at him, I noticed the masculine features he had now. He was not someone one would say VERY handsome, but, he did look... attractive.


    *Ba-dump*


    Eh?


    W-what am I thinking?


    My cheeks were flushed, and my heart starts to beat faster.


    I place my other hand on my heart, trying to calm it down.


    It''s, its just that he had been with me after I was abandoned. Right. I am, dependant on him. He were there with me. Taught me many things. And we spent most of our times together. I was just confused for a second.


    Assuring myself, I calmed down. It was just a momentary confusion.


    I relaxed my body, and laid on the seat once more.


    Lucas hand was still gently holding mine. I don''t want to wake him up so I let it be.


    And, it doesn''t feel bad.


    ***


    Ding-Ding!


    ''You have arrived at platform number 1, Starshear Station. Please take your belongings before leaving the train. Thank you''.


    The automatic announcement wake us up. Quickly, while still being half-asleep we took our bags and step out of the train. The view was almost blindingly dazzling. It was night time. And yet the station was bright with light from the magic devices. The train station was even busier than the one in Floren even at this time.


    Both me and Lucas stretched out, letting yawn escape from our mouth. We went to the toilet to wash our face and then went to grab some food at nearby restaurant.


    Fried rice served with prawns and diced carrots and peas. It is good.


    After asking the Information Desk for direction, we were directed to walk along the station until we sees a sign written ''Imperial Magic Institute Students Pickup Up Point'' and was told to wait there.


    And like he said, we finally reaches the spot where some young people in similar uniforms was waiting at the spot. We approached them.


    "Oh? New intake has arrived. Scholarship students huh?", a young woman with long brown hair tied in ponytail spoke.


    ''They look like country bumpkins'', a young man suddenly muttered loudly.


    "Hey, what your mouth. Why are you so rude to our junior here". The young lady hit the rude guy over his head with a knuckle.


    "Sorry for that bastard''s behaviour. He lacks the brain, please forgive him".


    ''OUCH! That hurts''.


    Me and Lucas just laughed it off. The friendly lady chatted with us for awhile until a large vehicle stopped by. It have 4 wheels and large rectangular body. It looks identical to a bus. We get inside and was stopped by the driver for awhile, he asked for our proof of scholars and we showed him our rings.


    We sat down on the last row, letting the vehicle carry us. We eventually passes through a large white gate with a signboard showing it''s name clearly on it. We finally saw a very big building in front of us as it make a stop.


    The nice lady showed us the way to the administration building. We keep going straight turning left and right following the signboards. We eventually reach a big hall. There were many empty counters except one.


    A woman was sitting behind one of them. As we approached her, she asked for our rings and to identify ourselves.


    After she tapped on some sort of device that looks like a desktop, she placed the ring on a small platform connected to the device.


    "Alright", she muttered while looking at us.


    She asked us to fill in some forms. We quickly fill it up in no time giving it to her. She typed in onto her device while looking at the forms.


    "Do you have a bank account?".


    Lucas doesn''t seem to know much about how people in the city lives. But I can make an accurate guess about how people here live. This world is not so different from Earth after all.


    The institute can, or have to make a bank account for the students. After all, they need a place to give scholarship money to the students.


    I said no on behalf of Lucas, and she made new accounts for us. The lady then handed a silver coloured card, explaining to us how the card can be used. We can access a different currency, using ''Imperial Points''. The points can be converted to copper, silver, gold and platinum coins and vice versa. She explained we can go to the nearby bank to withdraw coins from bank, or withdraw coins from imperial points or store our coins in the bank or store our coins in the card as imperial points.


    It takes a while for me to digest the words she says but I get it.


    The card can also be used to do transaction directly with stores within the institute.


    We would be given 2000 imperial points each month to spend as part of the scholarship program.


    Afterwards, she took two large sized black boxes from under her desk and two keys from another drawer giving it to us.


    "Your room number is stated on your keys. Just outside there''s a signboard showing where the dormitory is. There''s also a canteen nearby the dormitory if you re hungry. Orientation day will begin on Sunday morning at 9 am. There''s a guidebook in the box, be sure to read it later. Enjoy your stay", the lady politely smiled at us.


    We moved according to the sign posts, finally reaching the male dormitory in 5 minutes. There were two different buildings slightly spaced apart from one another.


    Sapphire Dormitory was the building designated for us. The other building next to it is Alexandrite Dormitory.


    There are a total of 8 floors. There is a device- a platform- that can float up and down carrying students across the different floors. Its an elevator okay?


    We stepped on the platform, a dim glow illuminate the floor beneath. Pressing the number 6 at the side, it carried us up to the sixth floor.


    Walking some distance and turning two corners, we reached our apartment. In the apartment, there were a living room connected to 3 rooms. Each room is for 2 people, so there''s 6 people living together in an apartment.


    In the living area, there was a big couch facing a short table, a place to hang out. There''s also a pantry area, a dinning table, cooking stoves, sink, cooking utensils, a washing machine, a dryer and a big fridge. There''s a glass sliding door leading to the balcony. It had a great view from this floor. We can see the administration building, the academic building and the sport complex.


    We placed our sandals on the shoe rack, and went inside our room.


    Huh. We actually had different rooms. We were neighbours though. I and Lucas entered our rooms to unpack stuffs.


    The room was small, but it does have a walkable space. Its more or less a 10m x 5m space. We each had our own locker and small desk table. There is a bathroom too, with a bathtub at that. The 2 beds were on opposite wall to each other.


    Lucas had a roommate, from the way there were stuffs on the other table and in the locker. But the owner wasn''t there.


    You know what. This looks like an ordinary dormitory to me. Where is the ''Imperial'' part.


    Well, it''s free after all. I am sure the fancy looking Alexandrite dormitory are 10x better.


    I start to unpack the little things I had. We both only carried bow, backpack and a handbag after all.


    I unboxed the black box given to us by the lady. There was a bracelet, a small rectangular device, a set of earphones, 3 sets of uniforms and a small guide book.


    After unpacking and arranging them in my locker, I take out the book, lied down on my bed and start reading.


    The bracelet is a magic device that can be used to open a dimensional storage that can store different items with limited space.


    The rectangular device is a mobile phone, literally. We simply need to channel our mana in order to use them. We can access the network of information, all stored in Imperial Tower where a magic device was placed and used to store and send all information connected to similar devices. It can also be used to do one to one messages and calls.


    While reading the guidebook, I learnt all sorts of information. There''s a sport complex, training complex, academic building, administration building, and leisure complex. A shuttle bus can be used to travel to these places. The book tells the facilities and services available in each different locations.


    As I browse through the book, I heard the door creaking.


    ''Heyyy''.


    It was Lucas. He climbed onto my bed, asking me what I was doing. While he''s here, I asked him to bring him his phone and so he did.


    I taught him how to use them. There''s actually very few videos can be accessed. And they were slow, the picture is pixelated, and the frame rate is so low its feel cartoonish. And most of them are educational videos produced by this very institute, like demonstration of magic.


    Probably, this device is still in its early phases and age of social media and content creator haven''t rise yet.


    We can access music and different books and texts.


    I sent a text to Lucas for fun.


    ___


    Bell: Hello


    Hi : Lucas


    ___


    As I browse through the phone, a yawn escapes my mouth.


    I haven''t bath the entire day so I take off my cloths, covering them with a tower. Taking off the necklace that chief gave me, my hair turned its colour to snow-white. My eyes turned to sapphire blue, reflecting the moonlight coming from the window making my eyes glimmer like jewel.


    A gaze can be felt casted upon me.


    "Lucas?".


    ''You think you re handsome?''


    "What?".


    ''Show-off''.


    "What are you even saying", I laughed it off and get into the bathroom.


    After I finished taking my bath, Lucas had already left my room.


    With clean and fresh body, I went to bed while thinking of places I wanted to explore tomorrow.

 Chapter 8: New Roommate?

    Rustling noises wake me up. A tall figure with sculpted body was standing in front of me, arranging things into a locker.


    "Oh, hey. Sorry I wake you up".


    The tall figure had a dark hair, with a serene grey eyes. His features is, out of this world. As if it was sculpted by the God by His own hands. It was that of a main character in popular manga and manhwa. He was like the prince for the princess.


    He wore a black singlet, revealing the veins on his trained, thick biceps.


    *Ba-dump*


    *Ba-dump*


    *Ba-dump*


    My heart races faster at explosive speed, seeing the attractive figure in front of me.


    ''H-hello''.


    "Hi? I just got here. I am Arseus. You can call me Ars".


    ''Ah. I am Bell, just Bell. Nice to meet you''.


    Oh. My. Gosh.


    What the-


    He''s so...HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. I thought I was hallucinating or something.


    When he turned away to continue arranging his stuffs into his locker, I placed my hand on my mouth, gasping for air.


    I have never had this much of a crush at first sight in the first second I see someone. I need to behave.


    I need grass. No, I need the whole forest.


    *BREATH IN*. *BREATHE OUT*.


    Alright. Calm down. It''s fine. Act like a normal human being.


    I chanted in my head that I am pure like an elf, strong like the dragonfolks, uncaring like the demons, unbothered by worldly desires like the spirits. I keep chanting the words religiously.


    And it works. My heart beats slower until I finally return to its normal pace.


    ''I came here just yesterday. Mmm, where are you from, Ars?'', I tried to strike a conversation.


    "I came from Calchester, a small village in Rubiria".


    ''Oh. I know Rubiria. I am from the neighbouring territory Silverstein. I came from a small village too''.


    Ars had a curious look on his face.


    "You really are from a village? You looked like a foreign noble".


    Huh?


    M-my pendant! I took it off last night before I went to bath! I quickly collect my thoughts, and remain calm.


    I had to use my disguise outside. So I had to show Ars anyway.


    ''Ars''.


    "Yes?".


    I took the necklace from my desk table and wore it over my neck. A tingling sensation runs through my body. My hair turned to black, and my eyes turned to black-brown from the magic.


    Seeing this transformation, Ars showed a surprised look.


    ''Can you please keep this a secret. I have my reasons''.


    Ars was collecting his thoughts before replying.


    "No worry. I don''t like prying into other''s secret".


    ''Thank you, Ars'', with a smile I thanked him for his understanding.


    I looked out the window to see the sun high up in the sky. It was already noon.


    I am hungry, should I invite Ars for lunch too? He was still busy unpacking his stuffs.


    I left my room and knocked on Lucas''s door.


    ''Lucas, are you awake?''.


    I turned the door knob, it was not locked- to see Lucas still lying in bed, still sleeping.


    ''Lucas, its already noon'', I poked him to wake him up.


    He just grumbles, pulled up his blanket and turned his body sideways. I tried to wake him up some more, but its useless.


    Sigh. What did he do last night to still be THIS sleepy. I slowly closed the door to not make a sound, and went back to my room.


    ''Ars, wanna grab lunch with me?''.


    "Sure".


    Ars took the white plain shirt folded on his bed, wearing it over his singlet.


    I followed the signboards to the canteen, just 4 minutes walking distance.


    The canteen has 2 floors. The ground floor serves buffet style food. There were different sets of cuisines to choose from, one of it is for vegetarians. We would line up and go to different counters that served different set of food, letting the staffs put the food to our plates. Each plate cost 20 Imperial Points (IP).


    While on the 1st floor, the students can order from more set of menus. The price ranges from 30 up to 500 IP and even more.


    The meals served upstairs are cooked by professional chefs, and high class food can be found on the first floor including Orstead beef which were highly prised for its high fat content for out of this world steak.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    At least for today, we lined up at the ground floor canteen. There were some students lining up as well. There were a board of menus with different cuisine.


    Looking at the menus, we have vegetarian stuff- not interested. The second one is Ogana Curry Noodle served with fish curry, green veggies and beansprout.


    The third one is Squid Blood Pasta, served with calamari and olive sauce.


    At the end of the line, we can go to the 3 different counters. I went with curry noodle. At the counter, we would have to swipe our silver card to pay for it.


    I noticed the stares that we- no, not ''we'', but Ars get.


    Even on the way here, I caught many people glancing into our direction. Is this the power of being super handsome?


    After I taken my food, I was looking for Ars.


    He was having a problem at the counter. I quickly approaches him and sees that he forgot to bring his silver card.


    ''Hey, you should have called for me'', I quickly swiped my card on the device.


    "Thanks. I forgot to bring my card", Ars placed his right arm behind his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    ''No problem. Let''s go sit over there''.


    We sat down on a nearby table. Ars actual took the Squid Blood Pasta. It was black coloured, looking really weird to me. The gazes directed at us is still coming.


    ''Ars, don''t you think you have too much calamari on your plate?''.


    No kidding. The portion of the pasta and the calamari is the same.


    Ars slurp the pasta into his mouth, chewing them.


    "Don''t know. She served it onto the plate. I thought this was the normal amount".


    No, of course that wasn''t normal.


    ''You are too handsome'', I sighed.


    Ars coughed as I said that, and quickly chuck down some water from his cup to relieve his choking throat.


    The privilege of pretty and handsome people. That in itself, is talent. You can have the worst attribute and other talents in this world but you will still find success somehow.


    We tried to chat for a bit, talking about the food, the place here ect.


    We ate quietly after running out of topics to talk, returning to our dormitory afterwards.


    We entered our room and lied down on our respective beds. Ars take off his white shirt, revealing the black sleeveless undershirt beneath.


    His singlet slightly pulled up slightly, revealing chiselled packs on his stomach. He adjust his undershirt as he continues to play around his phone.


    *Gulp*.


    Dear Gods, the System, whatever higher being in this world, give me strength.


    I asked for Ars phone number, which then he told me he didn''t really know how to use the phone.


    I came over to his side, sitting next to him to teach him how to use the phone. Showing him what the different icons on the screen means and all the functions that the device has.


    Yes I liked him and I did feel slight (I mean, intermediate) excitement sitting so close to him especially when he was wearing his singlet like this but it''s not like I have other ulterior motive.


    And he was just a crush and I am just attracted to his otherworldly physical appearance.


    I had enough experience from my past life to control my emotions.


    *Creak*


    "Bell-", Lucas spoke after entering the room.


    ''Hey'', I replied.


    Lucas was staring at Ars and me sitting next to each other.


    After a brief staring contest, I introduced Ars to Lucas, and Lucas to Ars.


    ''Lucas, this is Arseus. My roommate. He came in just this morning''.


    ''And Ars, this is Lucas, my close friend''.


    "Nice to meet you, Lucas", Ars spoke to Lucas while giving out his hand for a handshake.


    Lucas looked at Ars up and down, also having the same thoughts as with me that Ars is damn handsome and hot- although with a hint of inferiority instead of amazement.


    "Nice to meet you too, Arseus", Lucas also gave his hand, completing the handshake.


    "Just Ars is fine".


    They both politely greeted each other.


    ''Lucas, what''s the matter?''


    "Oh, I just thought of getting lunch with you. Ars, wanna join us?".


    I and Ars looked at each other, trying to think of something.


    I responded hesitatingly,


    ''Lucas, I had lunch with Ars just now".


    "But-" before I could even finish, Lucas cut me off.


    "Its okay. I can go by myself". Lucas went out of the room, closing the door.


    I wanted to accompany him for lunch but before I could even tell him that he already went off.


    I feel bad for leaving him like that. Right. I have always been with him before. Back in the village, Lucas and I are the only ones with young age so we only had each other to play or do stuffs with.


    But we still have more other times to go out together.


    The orientation day is tomorrow, so today is free. I want to go the Leisure Complex. There is a shopping mall there.


    ''Ars, want to go with me to Leisure Complex''?


    "What''s that?"


    I told him what''s written in the guidebook. Ars agreed with my suggestion.


    ''I want to go with Lucas too. Let''s wait for him''.


    After awhile, I can hear small sound of door creaking from the room next to me.


    I went out and knocked the door, opening them.


    ''Hey Lucas. How''s lunch? What did you get?''


    "It was just fine. I got the Squid Blood Pasta".


    ''I see''.


    ''Lucas, let''s go to Leisure Complex. There''s a shopping complex there, an arcade to play games and more stuffs''.


    Lucas''s eye bright up. Agreeing with me instantly.


    After I and Ars finished preparing ourselves, we waited at the couch in the living room. Then Lucas came out with a simple dark blue shirt with jeans.


    ''Let''s go!''.


    We walked out of the dorm to the nearby waiting point for the shuttle bus. There was a button on the sign pole to notify the driver of students want to use the service.


    After a a minute or two, the bus came.


    ''To Leisure Complex please'', I told the driver.


    The bus took us to a wide area, with a big building in the centre. There was a garden here covered by transparent glass walls. There''s also a big lake on the right side.


    There were some people jogging around the lake. There''s two people riding a boat there too.


    The garden seems to have some tables and chairs. I can see students sitting there. It would be a nice place to study and do readings.


    We entered the shopping complex in the middle. Different stores with different brands of clothing, magitronics, weapons and armors, and restaurants were lined up along the sides.


    I see a guide map at the centre and quickly approaches it. Lucas and Ars followed me behind.


    I tapped the device, showing our location and different stores available at each floor. There''s also a search function.


    Tap. Tap.


    Oh the arcade is on the 2nd floor.


    We walked to a magic elevator and get on to the floor. After walking straight and a turn, we finally sees the arcade.


    ''Wow''.


    Is that a VR machine? I sees around 10 capsules lined up, and all of them are occupied. I want to try them, but its too bad there''s not enough of it.


    I went to the counter to exchange my IP to arcade tokens.


    ''Lucas, Ars, come over here''.


    Lucas and Ars was looking and walking around. They probably never saw these kind of modern games.


    We each get our own tokens and the first game we play was a table top game. When we insert the tokens, a black disk shoots out from the long side of the table, positioning the black disk at the centre.


    Lucas and I had some sort of disk with a handle we grab with our hand.


    The goal of the game is simple, to hit the disk into the goal (the hole at the short side of the table) at the opponent side.


    We played around taking turns.


    When it was Lucas versus Ars, for some reason Lucas was really serious about it, he seemed aggressive. Ars still won by landslide against Lucas though.


    Ars had an inhuman reaction speed. He would always defend his goal at critical moment.


    It seems that he had a talent that was even better than Lucas. After all, Lucas had Primal Instinct talent, making his reaction was better than me. But Ars was the best among three of us.


    We played around some other games and went out to check other kind of stores. We visited the casino on the highest floor as well. It looked really fancy with rich looking students who looked like sons and daughters of aristocrats gambling here and there.


    The staff there was looking us up and down as if questioning our status to even enters such a place.


    We get out of the place after and take a look at the food court, the restaurants and finally decides to eat Eastern food for dinner. They served ramen, a type of noodle dish with different varieties. It costed 40 Imperial Points (IP) but it''s definitely worth it.


    Lucas and Ars too think its really good.


    Right. I had 2000 IP, the cheapest food in canteen is 20 IP, and if I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner, that would be 60 IP each day. Times that by 30 that was 1800 IP used just for cheapest food served at canteen.


    I think buying bread and plain water will be cheaper but I want to eat proper ones.


    I spent around 100 IP today just from the food and arcade. I haven''t shop for anything yet either.


    Hmm I might need to start planning my spending.


    We soon get tired of walking and return to our rooms.


    It was a nice day. It really feels different with Ars around. It''s like, we were a group of besties doing things together.


    Tomorrow will be orientation day, and where school truly begins.


    ***

 Chapter 9: Class Starts TT (1)

    ''Anna!''


    Arseus stretched out his hands, trying to reach the young girl with blonde hair. But just before he could grab her, drops of blood splashed onto his hands and face.


    A black monstrous hand emanating demonic energy pierces the young girl''s body, before the body was tossed aside like a ragdoll by the demon.


    Arseus despaired over the loss of his childhood friend and his first love. The light in his eyes dimmed, as tears drops down his cheeks.


    Rage surfaced in his heart. Feeling how useless, how weak, how pathetic he is. He was mad at the world, at the demon, and mostly at himself.


    The demon_ dA zdge Dsaf gaadsd S lfjgjas


    <ANOMALY DETECTED>


    <INTERVENTION PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL: [93%]>


    <RE-CALCULATING>


    <REWRITING>


    ***


    Huh?


    I had a dream last night. I had a feeling like I had a dream about Ars... but, I can''t remember anything other than it''s about Ars. Or is it about Ars?


    I am unsure.


    My heart feels heavy. I don''t understand.


    Arseus. It feels familiar. But it doesn''t at the same time.


    I shook my head, waving away these confusing thoughts.


    Maybe he was just too handsome and hot that he gets into my head.


    I looked at the clock.


    ''3:15''.


    It''s still early. I closed my eyes, and turned by body sideways trying to sleep.


    Even as minutes pass by, my mind still refuse to sleep. I take a look at the clock once more.


    ''3.28''.


    Sigh. There''s something heavy in my chest. I can''t get it off.


    I stand up from my bed, and went outside.


    I am thinking of getting fresh air from the balcony.


    I saw the glass slide door was already opened. Wind blew the curtains waving it slightly.


    I approached it closer.


    Moving my hand over the curtains, I saw a figure already standing over the balcony watching the scenery.


    I stood next to him, breathing in the air and watches the buildings and the still bright streets.


    ''Can''t sleep?'', I asked Arseus while staring at the gibbous moon.


    "Yeah", responded him shortly.


    When I look at him, I noticed a melancholic feelings in his eyes. It reminds me of that time I was still despairing over things that had happened to me in my past life and when I was 7 in this life.


    His eyes, carried the same burden.


    My heart feels heavy for him.


    ''Are you okay?'', the question blurted out of my mouth.


    It was a weird question. Ars definitely didn''t look sad or have any problems at all. We even hanged out the entire day.


    And yet, I had the urge to ask him if he''s okay.


    Ars turned his head to my direction, looking at me.


    His eyes, started to get teary.


    ''Ars.. ''.


    I didn''t notice it before, but now, he was on the verge of breaking down.


    My question triggered it, as if it was the last drop of water falling into a dam on the verge of breaking, completely releasing all the weight it holds.


    Ars averted his eyes, and didn''t say a thing. it''s as if he was holding himself together.


    ''It''s okay to cry''. The words came out of me, as if I can feel how he was losing it.


    Ars placed his hand over his face, letting tears trickle down cheeks, quietly sobbing due to a heavy burden he carried in his heart.


    I was once in his place, acting all fine throughout the day and yet breaking down in the middle of the night.


    Those times when I can''t sleep, lost my will to live, and being all alone fighting through it all.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I saw my past self in Ars. I wanted to help him.


    I came closer to him and wrapped my hands around his body, hugging him tight.


    ''Just cry on. Let it all go''.


    We stayed together for some times. And soon, Ars has stopped crying.


    I let go of my arms wrapping him, letting him be.


    "Sorry. That was embarrassing", Ars spoke while wiping his eyes with one of his arm.


    ''No, it''s not Ars. We have our limits''.


    ''We have to let it all go at times'', I spoke, as brief silence accompanies it.


    "Thank you", Ars thanked me quietly. We continued to watch over the starry sky.


    "Umm...", Ars was about to say something to me.


    ''You don''t have to tell me why''.


    ''But, if you need someone to listen, I can be that person. Just take your time''.


    Ars stayed quiet.


    The silence continues for another minute.


    I had already start to feel sleepy, and so I told him I am going back to my room.


    He stayed behind at the balcony for a bit longer before returning to bed.


    ***


    That morning we wake up as usual, as if nothing happened last night.


    It was the orientation day.


    Wearing our uniforms, we went out of the room waiting for Lucas at the living room. Lucas come out soon, wearing the uniform as we do.


    We took the shuttle bus to the academic building, where the Great Hall is.


    There were many students gathered at the hall.


    We took at seat around the middle.


    As we sat, many stares fell upon us. Towards the very attractive figure named Arseus.


    The hall was noisy from the chatters of the students.


    A person climbed up short staircase into the stage and walked towards the centre.


    He tapped the microphone twice, testing it, making the chatters quiet down.


    "Welcome all new students, to Imperial Magic Research Institute Starshear. I am Sir Xavier Sinclaire, the chairman of this institute representing all board of directors. All of you came from different backgrounds, some of you are sons and daughters of aristocrats. Some of you came from an average household. Some of you came from a remote village. But there is one thing common in all of you".


    "Talent. All of you possess more talent than most people out there-".


    The speech goes on for some more minutes.


    Soon, the microphone was passed over to woman. She asked to gather at different sides of the hall, depending on if you had a Preparation School certificate or not.


    Lucas, Ars and me went to the left side of the hall.


    After everyone seems to have gathered accordingly, a lady came to us and brought us all to the classroom designated to us.


    It was a large lecture hall, with a large magic screen at the very front.


    The seats were arranged like on you would fine in a stadium, with an elongated table at each row.


    We all took a sit at one of the row like other students.


    After everyone was seated, the lady proceed to activate the device at front, which shows us different texts and diagram.


    She briefed us about the subjects we would learn, and the area of studies we could choose to further study if we want to.


    She says that if we wanted to just become a mercenary, or join dungeon exploration teams or become a beast exterminator and similar jobs that requires fighting power, we only had to pass practical magic application class in the 4 years of Imperial Institute Baccalaureate.


    Although some employers may want to look at different subjects and may give you better pay and position.


    She gave an example, that to be an Imperial Knight, we had to have high qualification for both practical magic application and swordmanship classes.


    So it is advised to do research on the job we wanted and it''s general requirements so we can set a target for ourselves.


    The swordmanship class isn''t necessarily just swordmanship. Students are free to choose any weapon and instructors will value our grade individually. The grades will be reflected on the certificate along with weapon type.


    To get into field of research, such as in the field of magic programming, the subject related must be of certain grade to be allowed to continue study for another 2 or 3 years, qualifying for an Advanced Imperial Institute Baccalaureate certificate (AIIB) for different specific courses.


    To be a magic researcher or magitronic engineers for examples, they had to have AIIB certificate for Magictronic Engineering course or equivalent certificates from other recognised institutes as employers always take in those with such qualifications.


    Afterwards, she also briefly tell us about student opportunities to study in other continents such as the Eastern continent, the Elvendom, the Dwarven Sanctuary ect.


    Basically, if one wants to become a mercenary we really just have to pass the practical magic application subjects throughout the years studying here.


    The briefings was finally over. She told us we could find our class schedule in the phone.


    It was then lunch break. We had a 2 hours rest before the first subject we would have. Which is General Theories on Mana, Magic, and System of the World.


    Lets shorten it to GTM class.


    We three went to canteen for lunch. It was even more crowded as students gather there at the same time. Then we went back to our room. I took a nap for an hour or so.


    It was then time for class. Shuttle bus carried us to the academic building.


    Walking some distance, we reached the classroom. We sat together at the middle-front row. I sat in the middle, with Ars on my right side and Lucas on the other side.


    As usual, many people are staring at our direction due to Ars handsomeness.


    Most of them girls came over here to chat with Ars, asking him stuffs.


    Seeing many girls lining up to chat with him made me glad I am not handsome.


    I may be pretty, but because I am a guy, no guys will hit on me (publicly).


    "Heyyy!".


    One of the girl is too loud. I don''t know if Arseus is ignoring you but maybe don''t disturb those not related.


    "HEYYYY!!!!"


    That startled me. A girl standing in front of my table, wearing glasses, with freckles and dark short hair screamed straight at me, stealing my attention.


    ''Yes?''.


    "What''s your name?".


    For some reason, this girl is talking to me.


    ''I am Bell''.


    I replied. She then told me her name is Jessica and asked me to call her Jessy.


    "You are really pretty", she praised me.


    That was a first time someone called me pretty in this. Even though my hair and eyes weren''t the original colour, it still cannot hide my pretty bone features and clear skin.


    I said thanks for the praise. She then went closer to me, saying she wanted to ask me something.


    I said sure.


    She hold one of her hand on her mouth, making a c shape, trying to whisper her question.


    I leaned in trying to hear what she''s gonna say.


    "The guys next to you, what are their names?".


    I answered it for her. She wanted me to introduce her to them or something?


    She then reach even closer to me, acting bashful and wanted to whisper more.


    I leaned even closer to hear it.


    "Which of the two do you like, or both?"


    ''W-what?''


    The girl giggles at seeing me flustered.


    She said her goodbyes and sat on the seat in front of me. She took a glance at me, and the two guys next to me.


    She had a weird smile on her face, and its as if she was giggling by herself as she opened one of her book and start writing something.


    I had a bad feeling about it.


    The chatters in the class died down as a woman in her 30s enters the classroom and stand in front of the class, readying to give her lecture.


    "Good evening everyone, I am Madam Beth, I will be your homeroom teacher as well as your GTM class teacher. If you have any problems, you can tell me".


    She wrote her phone number on the big flat device.


    "First, we will be taking attendance".


    The teacher continued to take attendance. Each student raised their hand after being called out. There were a few students who weren''t here.


    The class then starts without further ado.

 Chapter 10: Class Starts TT (2)

    Madam Beth starts her lecture with a question.


    "Alright. Now to begin with, can anyone tell me what is mana?".


    Everyone was silent for awhile, until one student raises her hand.


    ''Mana is what we used to use magic''.


    "Then what exactly is magic?".


    ''Uhh, we use it to create elements based on our attribute using mana''.


    Madam Beth looked pleased hearing the answer.


    "Well, good answer. You may sit down".


    "Now, like the student said, magic can be used to conjure the elements, based on our attribute. But there were different forms of magic within similar attribute.


    "Look at the example such as, fire ball and fire explosion".


    She then showed us two videos of instructors shooting fire ball and fire explosion


    "As you can see, the spell fire ball, conjures fire element in a ball shape, and shoot it forward. While the spell fire explosion, the fire element was formed in an explosion from the ground upward".


    "What is the difference the two? Now, take a look at each of their magic circles. The symbols on the magic circle is called magic codex. There are many similarities, and some differences between the symbols".


    She then displayed the two different magic circles on the big flat device, with similarities highlighted in green colours and differences in red colour.


    "As you can see, from the different symbols was a language to show the form of the element we would conjure".


    "Take a look at this one symbol. <Insert symbol>".


    "This symbol is unique only to fire magic, and every magic spell of fire attribute has this one symbol. It''s pretty clear this symbol denotes the element of fire".


    "Every other attribute also has their own unique symbol that aren''t found in other attributes".


    Then, she showed us the symbols for magic circle that shoots a projectile forward, comparing the spells fire ball, water ball, earth shard, and wind bullet.


    Each of them have one symbol that are found in their magic circles. The symbol meant "to shoot forward". She further explain how each symbols on the magic circle represents the form, speed and power in the conjured element. Symbols can represent, shape, speed, volume, power and et cetera.


    ''It is a programming language'', I thought after digesting all the info she gave.


    To summarise the lecture,


    Magic circle aka magic Program was formed by the System to aid humanity in conjuring the elements. A philosopher said that God made humanity an image of Him, allowing us to conjure something out of nothing using mana just like God.


    Relating to the Big Mana Bang Theory, in which all matters and energy in this world were originally was a single lump of mana that exploded forming everything in this world.


    Mana is able to change it''s form into waves, matters, and even something that behaves with particle-wave duality.


    So in the philosopher word, the System let us use magic - to convert mana to different forms.


    Who create magic Program? The system did. When we wanted to use magic, the system assisted by analysing the intent and knowledge of the user, and made a magic circle for us to use the intended magic.


    <System Access> is something that was written in the status bar of everyone after hearing the lecture - unless they were asleep. Now, why would hearing the lecture increases Authority level? It''s because of knowledge and understanding.


    There were assumed to be 10 level of authorities. Everyone starts with none.


    This authority to the system allows us to use simple magic. Such as, fire ball. Its simply a ball of fire, shooting forward.


    However, to make a fire tornado for example, it requires level 5 authority. And the Program formed by the system when conjuring the magic is also more complex, with more symbols and larger Program.


    Morning Star spell, a magic that creates a miniature sun itself, require authority level 8, the highest level of authority of ever recorded by humanity.


    And there are different rules to use magic in relation to System Access Authority Level.


    First, the person need enough authority to use the said spell.


    Example the fire tornado spell. It requires level 5 authority. If you are at the same level, with only an image in your mind, you can use fire tornado spell.


    However, if you have level 4 authority, with partial knowledge on fire tornado spell (such as knowing how tornado is formed for example) you can conjure the fire tornado although weaker.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    You can completely bypass the authority level by using known recorded or memorised magic spell.


    Memorising the magic codex allows you to use the said specific spell, although you still need the clear image and minimum mana to use them.


    Partially recorded or memorised magic codex still requires lower authority to conjure the spell than when it was originally created.


    Another way to bypass authority is to use mana cores of beasts to imprint known, complete magic Program into them.


    For example, spells like fire ball can be imprinted into mana cores of lower ranked beast by imprinting the magic codex used for fire ball.


    To use mana cores as magic activator, the full magic codex must be known.


    Partial codex will not work at all.


    For example, Morning Star was a spell created by Arthur Bloodfallen when he reaches authority level 8.


    However, the Bloodfallen heirs all can use Morning Star although lower in power and quality at authority level 6, due to them memorising and recording the magic codex partially.


    The spell has a very large multiple magic Program, and thus many magic codex implemented. The codex also constantly shifting position in the Program, making it almost impossible to fully memorise and record them all. The Bloodfallen family had recorded and memorised them partially.


    However, they cannot fully bypass the authority level completely even by partially memorising the codex. Some authority of the system is needed to fill in the blank for them to use the magic.


    And since the magic codex for the spell is only partially recorded, mana cores can''t be used to activate the magic.


    The authority can be upgraded by increasing your knowledge. Learning the magic codex (the magic circle/Program language), learning about natural phenomena, learning calculations all can increases one authority.


    System only aid you using your knowledge by filling in the blanks, or interpret the images in your mind into the magic.


    However, even if you have the magic authority, you still need the a clear image. If one never had seen how a tornado looks like and only screams ''fire tornado'' you cannot use the magic.


    Lastly, the person must have enough mana. For obvious reasons.


    The lecture on how mana cores, and magic devices work will be given later.


    Extra


    While Authority unlocks more magic of higher levels, but level increases things like strength, the mana capacity, our processing speed, our intelligence and other things.


    What about the rank of our attributes then? I have S+ water attribute what does it mean?


    It seems that it just meant you have more firepower and higher casting and mana use efficiency. The difference in firepower between an E rank to and S rank is around 4 fold more powerful in relation to the mana used. And the mana use efficiency will also increases.


    The mana requirement becomes an issue for those with low ranking attributes when casting higher authority magic.


    Let say, in theory a person had E rank fire attribute and know how to use the spell Morning Star (Level 8 Authority)


    Well, he can''t. Even if he had level 8 Authority he will not have the minimum mana to use the spell.


    The System will reduce the complexity of the spell or/and adjust the mana usage and that also reduces the fire power. But in general, the System can only make a -80% adjustment to the fire power.


    The adjustment allows users with lower authority (usually by 2 levels lower) to use the spell by lowering the complexity of the magic codex which lowers the fire power by at most 70% in general, along with its mana usage.


    An A rank Bloodfallen heir with Authority level 6 for example, can cast Morning star at 20% of fire power once. It could destroy just a small village (reducing it to dust) compared to the one that Arthur Bloodfallen used.


    You can also boost the fire power of a spell by increasing the mana consumed by the spell.


    For example, if someone with Authority level 6 use a fire ball spell (Authority level 1), he can boost the fire power by 3 times by increasing the mana usage.


    However, he had to use 6 times more mana!


    This is highly inefficient as the boost to power diminishes.


    ***


    My brain is exploding almost overheated from what the lecture says. After all, she''s cramming many things in this 2 hours of lecture. I read through my notes back, remembering the important details.


    <u>TLDR, rules of magic and magic codex: (this is the note written by Bell )</u>


    IMAGE OF THE SPELL IS NEEDED, EXCEPT WHEN FULL MAGIC CODEX IS MEMORISED/RECORDED.


    Magic can be divided into with attributes (the elements) and with no attribute.


    Magic with no attribute may be used by everyone regardless of their innate attribute given by the System.


    Example: Mana barrier - a level 1 authority spell can be used by all students.


    Mana cores can be used to activate magic, given that complete magic codex is imprinted into it.


    Fully recorded/memorised magic codex: Can use the specific magic bypassing authority level.


    *Magic of higher authority have ever-changing magic codex as the magic was in the process to cast, and some have multiple magic circles/Program, and they have very high number of codex used, so recording all of them is impossible.


    Partially recorded/memorised magic codex: Can use the specific magic with lower authority.


    Never memorised the codex, with high knowledge related to the spell: Can use the specific magic with lower authority.


    Never memorised the codex, with low knowledge related to the spell, however with only clear image of the spell: Can use the magic with the original authority.


    Increasing authority level will increase casting speed.


    Increasing understanding and partially memorising will increase casting speed for spells under the same authority level.


    Example: Mana barrier- Lvl 1 Authority. Students only need to have an image of layers of condensed mana forming a barrier to use the magic. However, my memorising the magic codex for the spell mana barrier, they can be casted faster and even stronger.


    One can use a grimoire, a book that contains recorded complete magic codex for different spells, to do the recorded magic bypassing all authority level as long as you have the mana. You simply have to look at the grimoire while casting the magic.


    This, however, will leave you open to attacks. And due to low authority level, the casting speed will be very slow as the system will form the magic Program.


    However the records of complete magic codex is heavily restricted for offensive magic and that also means magic devices that uses offensive magic is also heavily restricted.


    Skills are innate to every individuals, requires zero authority. Can be developed by training or is natural - given directly by the System. Having no magic codex-


    But there''s a theory that the magic codex is written in the soul of the person.


    p/s: I think the at Authority level 10, you became God. Or perhaps the System itself is God?


    ___


    Magic Program is like a computer.


    The codex, the codes were written in it is the Program.


    The System allows us to access the programme of this world, allowing us to add something that wasn''t there into it.


    The System also assist by writing the right commands, the right codes into the programme.

 Side Story 1: Incident at the Swimming Pool

    NOTE: *Side story with steamy sexual descriptions - can skip if you don''t like it*


    The GMT class was over.


    I opened the dimensional space using the bracelet they give to store the books and stuffs.


    I take a look at Lucas, and he looks... so confused.


    I then turned to the other way to see Ars having a calm expression, also keeping his stuffs into his dimensional storage.


    ''Lucas, you good?''.


    "Urghh. She speaks so fast, and I am so sleepy", Lucas frowned and rest his head on the table.


    ''Haha. Yeah she did speaks too fast''.


    Right. This is the first time Lucas learns in this kind of setting. It will take a while for him to adjust.


    Though, I understand all of what Madam Beth says. I can conclude that knowledge means power in this world.


    My butt feels stiff sitting for 2 hours straight. And now I realised it''s been a while I do any physical activity.


    At the village I always went on a hunt with Lucas.


    Oh right, there''s a swimming pool here. The last time I swim was in my past life.


    ''Lucas, Ars, want to come to the swimming pool later?''.


    "Okay...", Lucas spoke with his head still laying on the table.


    Ars nodded at my suggestion.


    "CAN I COME TO!?".


    Jessy, the weird girl in front of me suddenly turned his head facing us and spoke.


    ''Uhh. Sure?''.


    She looks like she had ulterior motives but she doesn''t seem like a bad person.


    We exchanged our phone numbers and went back to our room to prepare our swimming clothing.


    With a swimming trunk and a towel in my bag, I placed it in the dimensional storage.


    ''Let''s go''.


    ***


    We reached the sport complex. It was a multi level building. There''s also a large colosseum next to the building where tournaments held ranging from normal sports to fighting.


    As we walk towards where the swimming pool is, we sees many different facilities.


    There''s also a special training room where you can practice fighting using your weapon and magic versus an advanced golem (or do I call it a robot or AI?) made using very tough materials.


    Apparently the golem can calculate the fire power of your attacks and display them. It also can analyse your movement set and counters it accordingly. You can also set the difficulty. The training room is also covered by a wide area Program that reduces pain and continuously heal injuries.


    Lucas and Ars look very interested in the training room as we sees some students fighting the humanoid golems with extraordinary skills and colourful magic.


    Heck, they might had ditched me and went there if I didn''t pull them to make them move.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Finally we reached the swimming pool. It was an open swimming pool. The sky made the pool looks like a really nice place to cool down. There were 2 other students in the pool and a lifeguard standing by.


    The pool is of the standard Olympic size. There''s beach chairs lined up at the sides, with an umbrella. There''s also a smaller pool connected at the side, with a net stretching across it for water volleyball game.


    Jessy was already there, laying down on one of the beach chairs. She noticed us and waved at us.


    We quickly changed into our swimming suits. I came out first with my fit swimming trunk, revealing my white bare thighs, and my small framed, fit body.


    Even though I had reached puberty, there''s barely any hairs on my body.


    Soon Lucas and Ars came out from the changing room.


    Lucas was slightly taller and have larger frame than Ars. His body was of a beefy build, with short fuzzy hairs around his chest and stomach. The hairs grows down to his groin.


    A part of his bush peeked out from the top of his tight swimming trunk, with a distinct unusually thick mushroom shaped print around-


    *Ba-dumb*


    Has it always been that bi-


    *Cough*


    I felt like like a pervert. But it''s too obvious to ignore as if it was a speed bump in the middle of the road.


    Seeing him like this makes me realise he really is attractive. As a certain feeling wanted to come out, I suppressed it immediately clearing my mind from unnecessary thoughts by taking a deep breath.


    Ars on the other hand, has a well built toned curved muscles. He has fine hairs around his body, almost not noticeable.


    Each movement he made cause slight contractions of his muscles. Truly a body sculpted by the God. His back was slightly broadened by his back muscles, making him look really masculine.


    He wore a swimming trunk too, though its a relaxed fit.


    My crush on Ars had dimmed down, especially after seeing him broke down yesterday.


    When I first saw him, he was like the perfect idol.


    But, he is far from perfect, and is a human too.


    Noticing a glare onto our direction, I turned my head.


    Is Jessy taking our pictures?


    I looked at Jessy holding her phone in our direction, not hiding her actions at all.


    Jessy then approaches us with a smile, or was she giggling?


    ''Am I dreaming...?'', Jessy muttered quietly while holding her excitement, swallowing her saliva.


    We all get into the water and starts warming up. Like otters in a still lake, we swam around casually.


    I laid down on the body of water, closing my eyes as the blinding sun warm my face while the gentle cold surround my body..


    It feels therapeutic and calming.


    ''Bell! Let''s play with this ball!''.


    Jessy approached with a rubber ball in one hand.


    Ouh? I liked the suggestion.


    As we played throw the ball around, Lucas and Ars also joined us at the small pool where the net is.


    Its me and Jessy versus Lucas and Ars.


    Wait, isn''t this unfair. Two bulky guys against us two?


    Jessy suddenly throw the ball up in the air, shooting it above the net directly into the opponent sides.


    With fast reaction, Lucas took one step back and slap the ball right back at us.


    I managed to move to the sides quickly and return the ball to them but my hit was too weak!


    As the ball move right above the net, Ars was already waiting, slapping the ball into the water with speed.


    Tch.


    Taking the ball in my hand, I throw it up in the air and hit it with as much force as I could.


    But Ars again with his inhuman speed was suddenly right at the front of the net, slapping it at speed just like before.


    I managed to hit and bounced the incoming ball upward, letting Jessy to take the shot.


    I can feel mana in the air gathered around Jessy''s hand.


    Wait isn''t that illeg-


    Jessy slapped the ball with force and speed shooting straight at Lucas!


    Lucas didn''t expect such force and can''t react on time as it hit his face directly making him lose his footing and fell into the water!


    Lucas!


    Lucas was waving here and there splashing the water around as if he was drowning.


    ... huh?


    HE ACTUALLY IS!


    I screamed out for Lucas. The nearby lifeguard was about to come over but Ars quickly dived into the water.


    In a second, Ars stand up out of the water, holding Lucas with one arm under his legs and the other supporting his back like a groom carrying his bride.


    "Are you okay?", Ars asked with his gentle voice.


    Ars gazed at Lucas with a relief in his eyes, seeing that he is safe. Lucas returned the gaze with gratefulness to his life saviour.


    At the sight of this, sudden excitement filled my entire body. I wanted to explode! T-this scene!


    "KYAAAAAA!!!"


    A scream shrieked from my side.


    Quickly turning my head towards the direction, Jessy fainted with her head face down under the water. Blood can be seen flowing her face.


    JESSY!!!


    *****


    The lifeguard brought Jessy to the infirmary and we followed after. Blood was flowing out her nose.


    Will she be okay?


    It was an eventful day.


    What happened today was deeply etched into my brain. Just remembering the imagery I saw, my blood rush faster and euphoria took over me.


    It was hot, dreamy, sexy, romantic, genuine, there''s so much words I wanted to use to describe it.


    I CANT!


    I wanted to squeal and scream like Jessy did.


    Nghhhh! >w<

 Chapter 11: I only knew Frost magic is unique.

    Today, we have practical class on using magic.


    After breakfast at the canteen, we used the shuttle bus to go the academic building.


    The class was held at a wide empty field with dummy targets placed there.


    We stood with the other students gathering at one spot.


    (Context in Side Story 1).


    I saw Jessy walking towards us.


    ''Hey guys''.


    "Are you alright Jessy? You bleed a lot yesterday", I asked her.


    Jessy let out on a grin.


    ''I thought I was going to heaven. I even saw my grandma waving at me''.


    I chuckled at hearing her words.


    "Pfft... I get what you mean. It was a sight to behold", I too had a grin on my face.


    Both me and Jessy let out a laugh remembering what happened yesterday.


    ''Shut up'', Lucas spoke out of turn with his face being red from embarrassment.


    We keep giggling on and on as we re on the same page.


    ''Pfffttt...'', a chuckle also escaped from Ars out of nowhere.


    He was holding his laughter. He had a crooked smile on his face, with his hands holding his stomach. His eyes getting teary.


    "Not you too!", Lucas was taken aback at seeing Ars reaction.


    Ars immediately burst into laughter, understanding how the image of him holding Lucas like princess and the way they gaze at each other after saving his life is really funny.


    And it spread to me and Jessy as well.


    Lucas covered his face with both his hands dying from embarrassment.


    Soon, 3 instructors came to view.


    They divide us into three groups.


    In which Fire and Lighting attribute were placed into one group.


    Earth and Wind into another group.


    Water and other attribute as the 3rd group.


    Some people may have more than one attributes, however, at least from what had been recorded one of the attribute have a very low rank.


    Jessy had Lighting attribute while Lucas and Ars both have wind attribute so they went to their respective groups.


    I joined the 3rd group with a young instructor leading the group. He has a tanned skin, blue eyes and short dark curly hair. His body had a straight structure although he seemed fit even without any muscles. His facial features are objectively hot and handsome, although it can never be compared to Arseus.


    Girls seems to like him as they chatter and giggle. He had list on his hands and read through them carefully, checking the information on the students.


    He noticed that this year there''s no other rare attributes such as Light, Space, Spirit, ect.


    Those attributes were already really rare and since this academy only take B rank and above there''s very little chance that someone with such qualification will appear.


    "Good morning everyone, I am Mr. Keith your instructor for today. Some of you may have tried using magic by yourself since yesterday. Still, I will show you demonstration on a simple spell. The form of the magic is in small concentrated sphere, movement is in a straight line, and it was shoot with momentum".


    Instructor turned sideways and raises one of his palm.


    "As you imaged the way your spell forms, the System will realise that image and a magic circle or these days people call it Program, should appear".


    A bright blue coloured circle forms. Slowly, symbols filled in the circle in circular manner one by one. Every time a codex was inserted, it first glitched and switched to different symbols rapidly before making a complete stop as if the System was searching for the right codex.


    "It may take time for the System to fill in the magic codex for the spell to cause a phenomena. I slowed the casting so everyone can see how it works".


    As the symbols was filled full in a ring, another blue ring appears. Symbols once again starts filling the ring in the outer layer one by one.


    "The magic codex is a language to describe the properties of the spell casted. Including the shape, power, speed, the way it was shoot and other properties".


    Soon the second ring was filled completely.


    "You can feel it when the Program is complete. To activate the completed Program, you have to had a clear intent to activate it. Some people may call out the spell name as they find it easier to cast it but it''s not necessary with enough practice".


    "Once it was activated, you will see formation of the elements. I will slow it down for you guys to see".


    A small speck of water forms in the middle, and it immediately swells up into a constantly spinning sphere of water.


    "Next you have to aim it, with an intent to shoot to release the magic".


    The instructor slightly straighten up his arm, aiming at one of the dummy target. The constantly spinning ball of water shoots straight with a momentum towards the target, hitting the dummy.


    The dummy, slightly shook from the impact before stopping moving as if undamaged.


    "Around 10% of the mana will be used to form the Program. Another 60% during the formation of the elements. And last 30% is used to shoot it. This is just an estimate for a projectile based spell. Other types have different proportions".


    The instructor then asked us to try to do the same after seeing the demonstration.


    ''Alright, it''s time for me to properly use magic''.


    I take a deep breath.


    I raised both my hands towards the target. With an image of water sphere shooting out at incredible speed in mind and with clear focus.


    As my mana flows out from prosthetic arms, blue line of circle appears in front of me and immediately with constantly shifting symbols glitching and making a stop one by one forms a complete ring, and then the second ring in mere 2 seconds.


    ''Water Sphere'', I said in my mind with a clear intent to shoot it.


    With some symbols starts to glow brighter the water sphere shoots forward right at the dummy''s body at incredible speed. It hit the dummy with force causing it to slightly shake before firmly standing again.


    "That''s really good", praised the impressed instructor with a smile, while looking at the list in his hands to check my rank in water attribute and my other talents.


    ''Thank you mister''.


    I check at the other students. It seems that I was the first to use the magic successfully. Few students had almost completed second circle of the Program, while most had only finished the first circle.


    It seems that I am more talented than them. I had an S+ rank and many high ranked mana related talents after all.


    So anyway, even among artificially selected good genes among named families, most of them only had A rank children with S rank every few generations or so.


    But I realised something when I take a look at the students from other groups.


    Their magic look WAY more powerful!


    The fire ball leaves a dark scorched markings onto the dummy and disintegrate part of it before dummy repairs itself with magic.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The lighting bolt also the same but instead it leaves a single black spot and a deep hole as if a lightning pierced the dummy body.


    Wind cutter instead left deep slash markings on the dummy.


    While Earth bullet leaves a large bent on the dummy.


    What???


    I take a look at the dummies our group is targeting, seeing that it only shakes due to the force but it was mostly not damaged at all.


    Unsatisfied at seeing my element look really weak, I tried to use magic again but with an improved image.


    I imaged water from a tank being pumped out of a small space, and into an even smaller opening causing it to have very high pressure. With the concept of a water jet that can even cut stones, the System recognise the image and mana flows out of me.


    A Program made up of 3 blue circles appears simultaneously stacked in a straight line with some gaps apart from on another.


    One of two gazes were directed towards me as the blue line glows but I ignored them.


    The first circle closest to me was the biggest as the size becomes smaller for the second and third circle, as if it was about to form the channel to pressurize the water.


    Constantly glitching symbols start to fill the Program at different places along the circle simultaneously as I channel my mana with a focused image in my mind. After 5 seconds of constant focus and mana flow, second layer of rings starts to form at the first and third circle.


    With the first circle completed, water sphere begins to form and swells into a very large sphere.


    With an intent to shoot, mana flows out of me even more, channelling for another 2 seconds as the different magic codex in the rings start to glow and dim alternatingly.


    In a moment the magic fully activated as the water sphere from the first circle shoots out.


    In the span of millisecond, as the water ball touched the 2nd circle, it shrink into a thinner long shaped form like a bullet.


    As the bullet reached the final 3rd circle, the bullet shaped projectile shrink further and forms a javelin shaped projectile. (reminder: this is in a millisecond view)


    The water javelin then accelerates at an impossible speed unseen by the naked eye, flying straight to body of the target dummy.


    THUNK!


    On impact, the sheer force cause the water shot to vaporise due to the energy released, forming mist instantaneously around the target hiding the after effect of the magic.


    Soon the mist disperses to reveal a completely pierced dummy, making a clean tennis ball sized hole in the body and the projectile even still goes on to hit the wall behind it, forming a deep small crater.


    I was amazed at the penetration power. Indeed, remembering videos of people cutting stones with water jet it can be powerful.


    I realised shortly that everyone in my group was looking at me.


    "Impossible".


    The instructor had his eye balls out.


    Even students from other groups and instructors also turned their head towards my direction looking for the source of the damage.


    The instructor walk hastily towards me with questions in his mind.


    "What spell did you use? No, what kind of image? Program with3 integrated circles... No, wait...", the instructor them re-read the list he had on his hand.


    "What is your Authority level?".


    ''Status'', I muttered in my head quickly displaying my latest information.


    ___


    <System Access: Authority Level 2>


    Name: Bell


    Level: 7


    Mana: 230/300


    Attribute: Water (S+)


    ...


    ___


    ''It''s at level 2 Mr. Keith''.


    Uhh. Did I overdid it? But I have an S+ rank attribute so it should be within expectation right?? He knows right?


    "We have to re-confirm your attribute rank. It says here you are B rank. You should be at A rank, or even S rank".


    He then check the second page of the paper with my name on it. He looks doubtful.


    Eh?


    After some thinking, probably, the priest had gave false info to the institute saying I am at B rank.


    Right, S+ rank should be the highest ranking among attribute and for me who''s supposed to come from a small village with no clear lineage that''s unheard of. Actually I don''t even know how the distribution of attribute ranking is before Madam Beth class yesterday.


    "And that spell was never recorded. What image do you have in mind?".


    I told the instructor about the image I had, and the concept I used.


    He nodded in understanding and seems like he just discovered something new that was never used before.


    Apparently, there''s no water jet here despite the advanced use of magic. Because there''s already so much other methods to cut stones or whatnot that they never thought of using water.


    Although it is known that when water moves to smaller spaces it increases in power, no one bother to push the property further that they just never thought of it.


    The most powerful image of water phenomena they can think of was tsunamis, very strong river current or waterfall from a high cliff.


    The instructor surprised face turned to delight.


    "As you know, water attribute was regarded as the weakest element. But with the new concept of using pressure to improve the power, we could raise our standings with other elements!".


    Ah.


    I didn''t know that. Is that why my ex-father think I am a disappointment? Yes, that must be the case.


    And why is this guy looks so happy?


    ''... raise our standings...'', remembering his words, I can assume he hates that his element is the weakest.


    "Do you mind if I share the information to other students and instructors? And I might have to bring it up to the magic research team too".


    ''Sure''.


    After all, its always best when I am not unique. Now everyone with water attribute can use the same technique and I won''t be special.


    He tapped my back twice with his arm, gesturing his gratefulness to me.


    I noticed other instructors was already close to us, trying to eavesdrops the conversation. Mr. Keith went and talked to them, probably explaining about how I did it. They too seems to understand it.


    Afterwards, the instructors each went back to their respective groups.


    Mr. Keith then spoke to us.


    "Alright, everyone gather here. Your friend here, Bell, had made a huge discovery to improve the spells. Everyone give him a round of applause".


    The students than clapped loudly while looking at me.


    This is so embarrassing why he even mentioned my name. I looked straight at Mr. Keith, trying to not make any eye contact with other students.


    I wish he just take the credit for himself. Don''t instructors in novels usually tries to take credit or hide the information?


    Gosh. What if my name was recorded in history book? Sobs TT.


    He then proceed to explain the words that I told him in different wordings far easier to be understood.


    He then made a demonstration using the new concept of pressure he learned.


    Raising his hand towards the dummy, Program with 2 circles lining up in a straight line appears with only one ring each. The magic codex starts to fill in.


    As it complete, a sphere of water forms at the 1st circle, and it shoots out towards the second circle turning it thinner into elongated bullet shape. The projectile flies towards the target, hitting it causing a deep bent with violent splash of water from the impact.


    "All of you should be able to do this much with only slightly more mana used even at Authority Level 1. Using two integrated circle may take practice, but it''s not that difficult. You just need to take your time and focus properly".


    The students then hurriedly tried to use magic with the new image in mind. It takes almost 10 minutes for a student to finally manage to make the second circle for the Program completely.


    The magic was successful, causing similar deep bent into the target. Other students soon also be able to do it.


    Mr. Keith looks really happy as he sees most of the students able to grasp the new magic. They are all talented after all.


    The target dummies was beaten hard by the incoming bullets of newly discovered magic, though it soon regenerates.


    As the student was still bullying the practice targets. I had a thought.


    Why don''t they use Ice magic? Or is that a different attribute?


    Without thinking too much, I put it on a test myself.


    I put my hands forward again, with an image of an ice lance like I see in fantasy animes.


    Bluish-white circle starts to form with magic codex start to be inserted. The surrounding temperature around me slowly turns cooler as I-


    Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm pulling me harshly making me lose my focus and cancelled the casting accidently.


    It was Mr. Keith.


    As if not wanting others to notice, he came even closer to me. His face was only an inch away, tilting his head slightly downward due to his tall build and spoke in a very low voice with a controlled expression.


    "Come to my office after the class. Don''t use that magic for now".


    Mr. Keith is still holding my arm and intensely looking into my eyes. His tanned skin, blue eyes and dark hair makes him looks really charming. Like a foreign prince coming to visit-


    Some forbidden thoughts and emotions along the physiological reactions almost came out. This cursed teenager body with raging hormones is a problem.


    I calmed my heart down and replied to him.


    ''Yes, Mr. Keith''.


    The young instructor nodded at my reply and take a look at the surrounding, as if trying to confirm that no one noticed.


    He then went to other students to watch and continue to guide them.


    After about another 20 minutes, everyone had exhausted their mana and class was over. I also shoot several more water bullets to the targets until my mana was a quarter of the max amount.


    The students and the instructors all gathered at one spot as the one of the lecturer tell his satisfaction over the student''s abilities and summarised the lessons in that practical class.


    As everyone dispersed and went back to their own dorms, Lucas, Ars and Jessy came over to me.


    "What was that?! Who shoot the magic?", Jessy talked in a slightly high pitch.


    "It seems really powerful", Ars also commented.


    "Did you do it?", Lucas asked me as if he actually suspected me.


    ''Umm, yeah. But then other people can also do it its not that special''.


    "No, that was really amazing! I watched and the others didn''t even come close", said Jessy.


    Ars was looking at me as if he was impressed, or was validating me.


    "Oh, you guys didn''t know but I sees him use magic since he was 7", Lucas suddenly interrupted with a proud expression due to him knowing how talented I am at using magic from the very beginning.


    "What?", asked Jessy with a shocked expression.


    "You guys were childhood friends?!", a completely out of topic question blurted out of her mouth.


    "We lived together", replied Lucas while placing his hands on my shoulder.


    Jessy seems like she was about to explode but held her emotions and looked at us alternatingly before asking.


    "You guys were siblings?".


    "No? We were, umm...", Lucas stopped midway as he scratched his neck with the other arm.


    I can feel the hand holding my shoulder pressed more firmly.


    "We just lived together", said Lucas.


    Jessy suddenly turned her face away, with her hands covering her mouth.


    Her body was shaking, trembling, and convulsing violently.


    She soon collapsed on the ground!


    JESSY!!!


    ***


    Lucas and Ars carried fainted Jessy to the infirmary while I went to Mr. Keith, the instructor office.


    Following the sign posts along the path, I finally found a space with multiple rooms with name tags on each door. I soon found Mr. Keith office.


    I knocked on the door before entering.


    I sat down on the chair in front of his table where he was sitting.


    "Did you know when was the last time someone used Frost magic?", asked the instructor.


    ''I don''t mister'', I awkwardly replied.


    "It was thousands of years ago".


    He added,


    "It was a lost magic. I am not sure about the details, but until now no one has ever managed to use Frost magic even if one has an S ranked water attribute- at least no record says so".


    I listened to his words attentively, seeing that he was more worried than surprised.


    "Don''t use that magic when others were around. They might take advantage of you if they knew. Especially if the info ever gets to the Imperial family. It will be troublesome. Keep it a secret".


    "I understand mister", I replied at his words. He was a nice instructor worrying about his too talented student.


    He then asked me about my upbringing. I insisted on being just a person from a normal village, he just sighed and accept my answers.


    "Take care", said Mr. Keith as he tap my back twice with his arm.


    I went back to the dormitory. Remembering Mr. Keith words I will keep my true ability hidden until the time comes when I had no other options.

 Chapter 12: Training (1)

    I returned to my apartment. A savoury odour touches the sensors in my nose.


    Confirming its source, there was 2 cups of instant noodle sitting on the pantry left to be immersed in hot water.


    Lucas went out of his room.


    He saw me and we greet each other.


    He went to check on the noodles.


    I approached him and stood by his side, asking if he''s not going to the canteen for lunch.


    "I feel a bit tired to walk around", he answered.


    "Oh and I had a roommate too. When I came back he was already there. He is actually our classmate".


    "He skipped yesterday and today''s class for, some reasons", Lucas added more.


    The door to Lucas room was opened. A figure with hazel eyes and very short hair came out. His stature was almost similar to Lucas, although he was less muscular.


    With his almost bald head, his size and his big body, he looks like a bad boy type.


    He turned towards me, as if he was surprised.


    "Yo. Lucas, you brought your girlfriend in?", he said while teasingly smile at him.


    "H-he''s a guy!", Lucas was flustered at his words.


    He turned his head to me and look at my face carefully.


    "Damn. Haha. I thought she-, I mean he, is a girl. His face is so cute".


    "Mmm... Thank you?", I thanked him for its technically a praise.


    "I am Ian by the way. I was screwing around I forgot to join the orientation haha".


    "Oh. I am Bell", I replied to him.


    What did he just say? Nvm.


    We then introduced each other.


    "Damn your voice is cute too. I want to bite your cheeks",


    "N-no-".


    Huhu. I don''t know why I feel flustered at being told I was cute like that.


    I never have handled this kind of person.


    He''s too direct. And why Lucas just keep quiet? I hoped he said something.


    I just ignores him and run away back into my room quickly not dealing with the situation.


    And what did he meant he wanted to bite my cheeks why would he want to do that.


    Inside the room, Ars was laying down on bed.


    I asked if he wanted to go for lunch with me. He agreed.


    As usual, there were many students seated at the canteen, and the gazes coming to towards Ars too.


    The queue were shorter as lunch had been served for quite a while.


    As we got our fish fillet with Oceana sauce served with fried potato chips, we sat down on an empty table and start to eat.


    "Bell".


    ''Yes?''.


    "I wanted to go to the training room later in the evening".


    "Want to come with me?" he added.


    ''Sure, Ars. I wanted to test something I had in mind too'', I agreed with him.


    The training facility is advanced. They have humanoid golems that can even analyse the attack power of our attacks and display them.


    They also can fight with different level of difficulties and analyse our movements to counter them.


    Lunch today is pretty good I have to say.


    Though the fish they served had been stored in the freezer for about a week or so.


    We went back to our room shortly.


    The class we had after this is Aeneas Language followed by Basic Mathematics.


    You might be wondering what is the use of this.


    Some of the people here haven''t receive proper education as they came from the outskirts. One or two may even come from a slum.


    But of course, I received education on the language since I was 5 or so.


    Well, while most people do know how to read and write, but there are differences in academic writing, letters, reports, and even in literature writing.


    This world, although is filled with monsters and beasts, dungeons and magic;


    But they still have kind of formal ways to do stuffs. We still have to send a resume to apply for a job, for example. Or one may want to be an author who write fantasy light novel about someone reincarnated in a world without magic or something.


    As for mathematics class, the tutors coming to teach me math back in Bloodfallen mansion all were impressed that I was quick to solve everything.


    Not bragging but I have A+ on my Math Higher Level class for my IB (International Baccalaureate) and (forced to) join math Olympiads to represent the school back on Earth.


    I would say I am above average in academic stuffs.


    We both took a quick nap before going to evening classes.


    ***


    The class was dull. The lecturer told us that attendance does not matter for these classes as long as we pass our writing examinations. And that if we are confident enough they can just leave the class.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    When she said that, some of the students hesitatingly stored their book in the dimensional storage and slowly and quietly exit the classroom.


    I wanted to ditch the class right then and there too but Lucas and Arseus seems to be focusing on them so I stayed with them until the end.


    Before the class end, she gave us some worksheets for practice. Although I already finished it in 1 minute right after I got the sheet on hand.


    Lucas seems confused about why X is 3 but Y+2=X and so Y is 1 =X-2. Honestly I think the lecturer is the problem for explaining so badly and half-heartedly.


    Ars on the other hand able to understand it just fine.


    We return to our rooms shortly after. Ars took off his school uniform and lay them on the rail of his bed. His black sleeveless undershirt made him look hot revealing his muscles as usual.


    Ars noticed I was staring at him and turned to look at me. I act like it was nothing and just turned my eyes away.


    Oh right. I should invite Lucas too.


    I went and knock on his door before opening it.


    "Yo", Ian greeted me.


    I simply said ''hey'' and turned to Lucas.


    ''Lucas, me and Ars going to training room later. The one at Sport Complex. Wanna come?'', I asked him.


    "Sure", he replied.


    ''In 15 minutes'', I added.


    I wonder if I should invite Ian too, out of respect. I mean, he will be Lucas''s friend naturally and he might hang around me and Ars more so should I?


    "Ian, want to join us", Lucas asked him before I could.


    He refused the invitation, saying he had other stuffs to do.


    Some times later we had prepared ourselves and went to the training facility.


    The training room is really big. Some target dummies were placed along one side of the room with large spaces between them.


    At the centre there''s also same target dummies with spaces apart but it was used for short ranged spells or even if you want to hit it directly with your weapons.


    At the entrance into the training room, there was a large weapon racks with variety of weapons ranging from spears, swords, shields, maces, daggers, guns, bow, and other unique weapons like gauntlets and whip.


    I was really interested in the guns. It was fuelled using mana. I had the urge to try out the sniper rifle especially. But maybe later.


    Ars picked up a sword from a rack. It was a standard sword you would find in any fantasy novel. Looking at it with intent and determination. As if, he yearns strength.


    Lucas also took the same type of sword as Ars. Even though he knew how to use a bow, he seems interested to try out swordsmanship.


    Fighting on melee range is actually the specialty of wind attribute magic users. In general, wind spells casting speed is faster compared to others.


    One could say in terms of combating other humans or humanoid figures one on one at close range, wind magic user have the advantage.


    Think about, how one Wind Blade spell, although its area is small it could severe your unprotected neck instantly at melee range.


    Wind projectile spells loses it power more significantly than others as it travels. However the spell is quick to cast, fast and had almost invincible projectile, making the combat style more prominent.


    Wind magic user also have access to self enhancing spell. Cloaking themselves with wind, increasing their speed and makes them slippery versus enemy.


    Of course, if you want to destroy a horde of monster for examples, fire magic is the best way to go.


    Both Ars and Lucas went to the personal training room to practice using a sword while I went to to test my magic to a target dummy.


    As I stood a far distance from the target, I started with a simple 1 circle water ball.


    Magic circle emerges and soon water ball shoot out hitting the dummy.


    <80>


    It displayed the relative power of the magic.


    Hmm.


    I then tried to use water bullet, the spell with 2 integrated magic circle that the instructor improvised during the practical class.


    The magic circles forms. The water sphere shoots out into the second circle and turned into a fast bullet shaped projectile.


    <154>


    That was significantly stronger and cost only 1.5 times more mana than water ball. It seems that I might have improved the seemingly weak water magic by a lot.


    Next, I try to test the tri-circle water magic, water javelin spell. Forming a projectile thinner and have higher pressure than water bullet.


    Three circles appears in front of me forming a tunnel shape.


    It takes almost 7 seconds of focus before the magic circles is completed.


    A ball of water forms at the first magic circle and it shoots out through the 2 magic circles in front of it turning it thinner with higher pressure and speed.


    It shoots out at the dummy target, hitting it as mist forms out of the high energy on impact.


    <654>


    Whew. That is around 5 times more power than water bullet. Though it cost 2 times more mana than water bullet spell and takes 7 seconds to prepare.


    The power to mana ratio is really high, but the casting time is not practical unless someone can act as the aggro when fighting.


    I was satisfied with the numbers.


    I then went to one of the personal training room. The golem also have the function to display attack power. There were a glass display on the chest of the golem where I can modify the golem settings.


    I opened my dimensional storage to take a belt with throwing knives and throwing stars attached to it, wearing it over my waist.


    I choose the easiest difficulty and a 10 second countdown starts before the golem start to attack.


    My original fighting style using my original magic, threads of mana.


    It''s been a while I have used this.


    Threads made out of mana grow from each of my prosthetic fingers. I place both my hands on a throwing star each.


    The countdown on the golem display reaches zero and it immediately approach me at speed.


    Hap!


    I threw the shuriken directly at the golem. It simply deflected them with one arm.


    <40>


    It displays the relative power of the attack.


    With threads of mana still attached to the shuriken, I pull them back into my hands, absorbing the thread of mana shortening it lengths.


    Alright. That''s for warmup.


    I threw both the shuriken to the golem again, and quickly I take throwing knives from my waist with 3 knives in each hand. In a split second I tied them each with mana threads and throw them too.


    It deflected the incoming metal projectiles like it was nothing with its arm.


    With the projectiles still in the air, I moved the threads attached to them making it wraps around the golem!


    The projectiles moved circular motions using the golem body as the circumference before the blades grinds the golem body as it wraps around it.


    <230>


    The golem is immobilised and tried to break the thread of mana but quickly I reached out a short blade from behind my waist.


    Pulling myself into the golem at incredible speed using the pulling force of my threads wrapping it, I stabbed it in the chest before kicking it away pushing me into the air backward.


    I made a backflip and landed with style.


    <540>


    Wew. My weeb inner self has come out and I felt like a ninja or something. This will be my final attack at melee range after immobilising the target.


    But then if the enemy broke the threads as I was still mid-air they could easily counters me.


    As I was still thinking about my movements and recalling how stylish I am still, the golem suddenly break the threads and run really fast to me.


    I was startled and can''t react!


    It punched me hard in the face almost sending me flying backward as I fall to the ground.


    THAT DAMN HURTS!


    Blood comes out of my nose. I was sure it broke my nose.


    Is this golem sentient and wanted revenge?!


    The golem, as if it was satisfied at it''s work it stopped moving.


    ''End'', I called the word out to end the practice. The golem walked to its original location.


    Huhu. The bleeding stopped really quickly and my nose self repaired very fast as if it was never damaged in a matter of seconds.


    My self regeneration coupled with automated healing spell in the room made me regenerate even faster than usual.


    I wouldn''t daydreaming again after this. I regret it.


    I took out the weapons imbedded into the golem''s body.


    I wanted a break and so I went to check on how Lucas and Ars is doing.


    I went to where Lucas were and sees he was fighting a golem with a wooden sword in its hand.


    The golem had a programmed swordsmanship and students can learn from it as well. Lucas stepped sideways, dodging the incoming swinging sword. Quickly he countered by swinging his sword to the golem''s arm causing it to lose its grip on the weapon.


    Lucas raised his sword and to cut down the golem however it stepped sideway and span dodging the attack gracefully before a backfist landed on Lucas head causing him to topple.


    Damn that golem''s evasion and attack was so smooth.


    Lucas didn''t give up yet and raised up once more, holding the sword in his hand. His sweat was dripping down his neck. And again he approached the golem.


    Lucas really is motivated.


    I then went to the other personal training room to check on Ars.


    The transparent glass shows me a horrifying view.


    Ars managed to block the incoming swing of the sword, deflecting it to the side.


    Ars let go one of his hand from the sword handle and swing his left arm towards the golem''s head. A green magic circle form at his left palm as it approaches the golem''s neck.


    In an instant the circle was complete and as a blade of air magic at an inch distance was shot.


    And yet the golem inhumanely dodged it by tilting his entire body at the last split second. At the same time it swung its wooden sword on Ars on the side of his stomach.


    As if it crushed his ribs, Ars lost the grip on his sword due to the excruciating pain and the golem took the chance to kick him in the chest making Ars spurt out some blood from his mouth as he flew backward hitting the glass walls.


    ARS!!!

 Chapter 13: Training (2)

    Ars was lying on the floor, resting his upper body on the glass wall.


    I knocked on the walls to make him notice.


    He heard the knocking and he turned to see me.


    He muttered something to the golem before standing up slowly and unlocked the glass door.


    ''Ars! What were you doing! You are hurt! That golem difficulty is too high!''.


    "...".


    After brief silence, he explained with few words.


    "I want to be stronger".


    ''...''.


    I am speechless. He looks so desperate. Why?


    ''I-I see...''.


    ''Take it slow, Ars''.


    Ars simply nodded at my words. The healing magic embedded into the room take action and Ars was recovering at moderate speed.


    <A Watcher had its eyes on you>


    Huh?


    Did I imagine it? I think I saw a panel saying something had its eyes on me just now.


    What was that?


    Seeing that the panel didn''t appear as I was looking for it, I gave up.


    I turned to look at Ars once more. He looks beat up and was really tired even though his injuries were already mostly healed by the magic in the room.


    ''Ars, I think you should rest for now''.


    He looked at me and nodded.


    He slowly approaches me as we went out of the room together.


    We walked to where Lucas did his training, seeing him still fighting the golem.


    Right, I saw Ars used his magic. If it was a normal human being, no one can react to that for sure.


    His magic circle was complete in an instant. How talented is he?


    But it still left him open to attack with no way to defend himself as he had to let go one of his arm to cast magic.


    Hmm? Who says its necessary to use our hands?


    I went to the range practice targets and tested it.


    A magic circle appears and it completes in 3 seconds.


    With my mind, I intent on the magic to shoot out with my hand still resting sideways.


    The magic circle glow as it forms a water sphere and shoot it forward towards the target.


    That really feels unnatural. Honestly it takes so much focus and it even requires more time.


    The problem is, the way we direct the mana flow inside the body.


    When we reached out our hand, we instinctually direct the mana to flow more towards the hand, concentrating the mana in one single direction making it flow out much more easier making the absorption of mana by the magic circle much faster.


    It''s possible to not use your hands its just slower as it feels like mana flows out of me slowly from throughout my body instead of from a single concentrated point.


    In a way, mana is like water. Our body is a tank.


    When we concentrate the mana in our hands, the mana will flow out smoother, like there was a hole at the bottom of a deep water. Flow fast and clear.


    It need depths. It need to be concentrated in one spot.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Normally, when we use our focus to concentrate the mana at one spot, we would lose the control when we lose our focus and the mana immediately disperses.


    In Ars case for example, why can''t he focus on BOTH the golem and on forming magic?


    How can you say you were focusing on something when your mind is on two things? That''s not what ''focus'' means.


    Hmm?


    Then can''t we make a self maintaining magic circle? The magic we use was only one use.


    One cast and the magic circle disappears.


    I immediately test it out. The concept was like a gun filled with bullets.


    Our mana is the bullets. While the magic circle is the gun.


    I start to make an image of the same Water Javelin spell with indefinite usage.


    Three magic circles appears in in a tunnel shape.


    However this time, I can feel more mana is being used as the Program form 3 rings of magic codex on each circle.


    It took me around 12 seconds to finally complete the magic circles.


    With the intent to shoot, mana start to flow out of me causing formation of a sphere of water. The sphere shoots out and finally turned into javelin shape as it flies towards the target dummy.


    THUNK!


    <639>


    The Program is still maintained. I again intent to shoot the target and squeezed out all my mana to do so.


    Water javelin forms and shoots at the target in succession with a second interval each.


    THUNK!


    THUNK!


    THUNK!


    <2545>


    The target dummy had 4 clean tennis ball sized hole on its body and displayed the total relative damage it did.


    The test was a success. We can, indeed, make a self maintaining magi-


    Eh?


    My vision becomes blurry as I lose my balance. I feel really weak.


    As I was about to fall from losing strength in my legs, Ars quickly caught me in his arms with a fast reaction.


    ''Ah. Ars, I think I overused my mana haha''.


    I tried to make it seems like I was fine since he looks seriously worried. His expression immediately changed.


    "You should take it slow too", Ars tell me with a slight smile seeing that I fine.


    ''I want to sit down for a second''.


    I ask him to let me go and I just sit down on the floor, feeling really drained.


    "Bell! Are you fine?!".


    I heard Lucas''s voice coming from my side. He stood in front of me bending over to check on me. His sweat was dripping down his body from the battle he had with the golem.


    ''Oh, Lucas. I am okay. I just used too much mana. I am tired''.


    ''Oh. By the way''.


    Taking some more air, I continued.


    ''Ars, I just thought about how you can use magic continuously with the same Program. Think of Program like a bow. And you use mana to form the arrows and shoot it. But the bow still stays''.


    I catch my breath once before saying more.


    ''Oh and maybe try to use magic using your sword. Like, each swing shoots out a Wind Blade or something''.


    I finished my words.


    Ars nodded in understanding and pull out his sword from his sheath.


    Program with 2 interloping circles with 2 rings forms along the flat surface of the blade.


    As the codex filled the Program completely, a thin layer of mana with Wind attribute covered the blade.


    Arseus take a stance, and swings at the far dummy target.


    A Wind Blade shoots out towards it, leaving a slashing mark on it.


    THING!


    <237>


    He slashed to upward then downward shooting 2 more Wind Blades.


    THING!


    THING!


    <698>


    "Wow. You are a genius", said Ars surprisingly.


    ''Ehe. I just focused in class'', I smiled at Ars.


    He must find it really convenient to swing at an opponent while casting magic at the same time.


    If there''s a downside, the mana cost to make the ''gun'' is really high, although the mana used to form and shoot the projectile itself is just the same.


    Lucas, as if he feel challenged try to do it with the sword in his hand.


    2 green circles forms but it soon disappears. He can''t seem to do it.


    "Why can''t I do it??".


    I and Ars looked at each other, trying to think of something.


    "I think you need higher Authority level Lucas", replied Ars.


    "What''s that", said Lucas with a questioning look.


    Alright, he really didn''t focus in class did he?


    Ars and I tried to explain what its for and its written on top of the Status bar.


    "How do I increase the level?".


    ''You need to study'', I replied to Lucas.


    Indeed, you had to study and understand the properties of the natural element and the phenomena associated with it and learning the Program language as well.


    His expression doesn''t seem satisfied with my answer.


    Lucas tried again but the Program just won''t start.


    He gave up eventually.


    "Let''s go back. I am tired already", said Lucas.


    I tried to get up from my sitting position.


    Eh? My legs feels so weak!


    "Bell? You okay? Can you stand?", ask the worried Ars.


    ''I can''t. My legs feel so tired''.


    This is embarrassing.


    Lucas stood in front of me before turning his back and crouching in front of me.


    "J-Just climb on", said Lucas with a slight hesitation.


    E-Eh?


    ''Okay...''.


    I placed my arm around Lucas neck, looping my hands around his shoulders and chest. He pulled both my legs up, carrying me.


    My entire body was touching his back. My chest was pressing firmly onto him.


    I feel the cold from the drenched shirt from his sweat mixes with my own.


    ''You are wet'', I told him to break the silence as he carries me.


    "S-sorry".


    ''Thank you'', I thanked him after a brief silence.


    Being carried like this, I do like it. To be cared for.


    I like his smell the most. It feels calming.


    It always has been. His presence always give me peace.


    Even though his sweats were drenching me too, it doesn''t feel bad.


    I wish I can stay like this for a long time.


    ...


    Maybe...


    Maybe I do like him. I have all the reasons to.


    I just don''t want to let myself like him too much.


    ...


    It will ruin everything.


    ***


    He carried me until we reach the waiting spot where we wait the shuttle bus is. We entered the bus with me still holding onto Lucas.


    I climbed down and take a seat immediately.


    As we reaches the dormitory, he helped to support me walk.


    One of my arm placed over his shoulder, as he grabbed it firmly. His another arm gently placed over my waist as we walk together until we reached our rooms. I gave another thanks to him before sitting down my bed.


    I, have a lot in my mind to think about.

 Chapter 14: Girls (+boy) Nights Out

    Nothing special happens particularly the whole month. Though, my mind was bothered on something else. Or, rather, it was my heart.


    On someone. Why I feel bothered by it nowadays?


    I felt a longing for him. Its, weird that even though we sat next to each in class, went to eat together at the canteen, and hanged out or practice at one day or another and yet...


    I wanted more.


    And, because of this feelings I felt like I was walking on an eggshell everyday. That someday I will break again. That someday, he will push me away.


    That someday, I can''t even call him a friend anymore.


    No. I wasn''t afraid of rejection.


    It''s something worse. To be denied, to be invalidated. To be disrespected. To be called disgusting by the very person I cared about, the very person I had been with for a long time.


    Something that had already happened before in my past life.


    When I heard about a couple breaking up normally, I thought ''how lucky they are''. Sometimes I wonder, why back then we can''t just ''break up'' like normal people.


    Since that time when he carried me on his back, my feelings seeped out.


    Sigh.


    But, perhaps it was just temporary. After all, no one has ever treated me as kind. The chances are, my feelings stems from my own loneliness and from the last relationship I had which was, abusive and traumatising.


    Right. What was I thinking? Nothing good will come out of this.


    It was still in the evening. Tomorrow is the weekends. As I laid on bed, I turned to my side trying to sleep and ignore the problem.


    RING! RING!


    My phone was vibrating. I take a look and see it was Jessy.


    "Hello".


    ''Yeah, hi Jessy''.


    "So umm, wanna hang out at the Shopping Mall? With my friends too, you know Sarah and Zoey? They really want to get to know you".


    She reminds me of my bestie.


    I regret not appreciating him more. When I was still heartbroken, he is the one who tried to help me. Listened to my rants. Seeing me crying.


    But in the end, I cut contact with him and everyone. And before I could even resolve my trauma I was already in this world.


    I should at least have said sorry to him before I left.


    "Bell?".


    I immediately went out of my daydreaming.


    ''Ah Jessy. Sure, I will join you''.


    "Oh don''t bring Lucas or Ars. It wont be fun. In 30 minutes at the shuttle bus okay?".


    ''Alright Jessy''.


    I should hang out with Jessy more. And maybe new friends will be nice.


    I took a bath and prepared myself for the outing.


    As it was almost time, I placed my wallet and small bag into the dimensional storage.


    "You are going somewhere?", Ars asked me.


    ''I am hanging out with Jessy and her friends''.


    "Ah. Alright".


    I walked out of my room. Staring at Lucas''s door, I turned my sight away and went out walking towards the waiting point where the shuttle bus will come there.


    ***


    "Bell, you are here!".


    ''Heyyyy''.


    "Hello. I am Zoey".


    "I am Sarah".


    ''Hi. I am Bell, nice to meet you guys''.


    We introduced each other and talked about our attributes, where we were from, about the classes and stuffs.


    The shuttle bus finally came. We get inside and it brought us in front of the large shopping mall at the Leisure Complex.


    "Alright. First thing first, lets get ICE CREAMS".


    We followed Jessy''s lead to ''Freezy Eats'', a popular ice cream store that sells shaved ice with syrups, fruits and ice cream toppings.


    We made our orders, ordering 4 different shaved ice which was apple, mango, chocolate and strawberry flavours respectively.


    "Hey Bell. I heard you were the one who made the Program for Water Bullet spell", said Zoey.


    "Yeah, they say you said something about using small space or something".


    ''Oh that''.


    I explained to them about the concept of water jet. They understood my descriptions.


    Zoey had a fire attribute, while Sarah has lighting attribute like Jessy.


    "They said water attribute was the weakest! But since you made the new Program it seems that no one think so anymore", said Jessy.


    The waiter then came with both her arms holding into 4 trays at once and placed them neatly on our table. The waiter is really skilled to be able to carry that much in a single run.


    Each of the shaved ice had freshly cut fruits, syrups of different flavour made from jams of the fruit. The strawberry one had grated cheese on it. While the apple one had caramel flavoured syrup on them. They look really delicious and majestic.


    The girls took pictures of them with their phones.


    "Its time for group photos!", said Jessy.


    "Bell, come here closer".


    Jessy pulled me in into the frame even closer. I smiled as she took the picture of us together.


    Taking the spoon embedded into one of the shaved ice, I take a spoonful of the chocolate shaved ice.


    The cold ice melts in my mouth. As it does so, coldness and taste of sweet milk chocolate permeate throughout my mouth. It was really, really good.


    I take another spoonful of it along with some chocolate ice cream and some chocolate bits topping on it. The different textures of ice, creams, hard bits and different variant of chocolate makes it tastes heavenly.


    ''This is soo good!''.


    I said surprised at the really sweet ice cream.


    "Right!? We already went here 3 days ago cuz they had sales and it was WOW" added Zoey.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    We shared all the 4 shaved ice of different flavours, taking each one with the spoon in our hands. They were all amazing.


    "Rightttt. By the way...".


    "How do you end up living with Lucas?", Jessy ask with a really curious and somewhat excited expression.


    "They were roommates?", asked Sarah.


    "Oh no no. BEFORE they came here they were living together". As Jessy said that both Sarah and Zoey leaned in closer to me to hear the explanation.


    ''Haha. Well, its a bit complicated. But, umm... both our parents had passed away so we end up living together somehow''.


    "Oh", the word escaped from all of them.


    After a brief silence due to the tragic short story, Jessy broke the silence.


    "Well, you guys had each other right?".


    ''Yeah, we do...'', I replied and memories of Lucas and me back in the village came into my mind.


    ''He taught me many things. How to hunt, how to cook, how to fish, how to-'', I realised I ranted too much.


    ''Ah, maybe I speak too much''.


    "UUUUUUU tell us moreeeee! How you guys live in the village?", asked Jessy.


    Zoey and Sarah both leaned even closer as if agreeing with Jessy to want to know more.


    ''Well...''.


    For some reason, I start to tell them about how me and Lucas lived in the village. The almost routine hunt, help to tend the farm, fishing sometimes.


    I also told them about High Simon, and even told them about that time he said I was blessed by God saying he saw blue spirits surrounding our home there.


    They laughed as I retold more stories told by High Simon.


    They were surprised that I could use magic since I was 7. I showed them a miniature butterfly made from my threads of mana and made it flutter about our shaved ices.


    "That''s so pretty!", commented Sarah who look amazed at the small butterfly.


    ''Jessy, you were from the city right?''.


    "Yeah. But its boring anyways. It''s so dull. I wished I could lived in a village like yours that seems so much livelier".


    We keep on chattering, telling stories about ourselves.


    "Bell, by the way, are you close to Ars?", asked Zoey.


    ''Well, I guess? We were roommates''.


    All three of them looked at me with shock.


    "Y-you were roommates? I thought it was Lucas".


    She seems like she wanted to scream.


    "Sarah here actually like Ars. He keeps saying how handsome and hot he is", said Zoey while grinning.


    "I-It''s not like that! I mean, I admit I do had a crush on him but I know my normal face is not worthy at all", said Sarah trying to explain herself.


    ''Hahahaha'', I let out a laugh.


    ''Well, understandable. He IS, hot. You know, many girls tried to talk to him and everywhere he goes girls would be looking at him. Even I had a crush on him the first second I saw him'', I said nonchalantly.


    "Sksksksk. Me too, to be honest", said Zoey.


    "What? You never told me!", Sarah replied.


    "Must be nice to be his roommate... and his body too...", said Jessy. Were she drooling?


    "Hehe... I still have the picture", Jessy said while holding her phone. It was the picture she took when we were at the swimming pool in our swim suits. The girls all leaned closer with eyes wide open to see our shirtless picture.


    The girls start to chatter and judge excitedly on Lucas''s, Ars''s and my body.


    "Isn''t that...too big?".


    "Wow your legs looks so sexy and pretty!".


    Various comments were made.


    "I have another one to show", said Jessy while she giggles uncontrollably. She tapped on the display of her phone.


    The picture was...


    ART ITSELF. The angle of the shot, the lighting, the expression of the subject clearly expressed in the photo.


    Ars was holding Lucas like a groom, with their eyes staring at one another with sincere emotions.


    "OH. MY. GOSHHHHHH!!!", screamed Sarah.


    "WHAAAAAAA THATS SO HOT", added Zoey.


    ''HOW DID YOU HAVE THAT PICTURE DON''T YOU FAINTED!?'', asked me with mixed emotions and confusion.


    "HAHAHA you don''t know me. With my instinct I took out my phone from dimensional storage and quickly snap their photo. I get too excited though- hehe". She was still giggling and grinning to her ears.


    We chatters some more before we went to the arcade and the casino. We spent hours there until we went to the last location, the clothing store.


    ***


    ''I-Isn''t this the woman''s section?''.


    "C''mon, you have such a cute face just try them", Jessy handed me few pieces of clothing.


    "THESE TOOO", said Zoey and Sarah as they too, had different cloth in their hands, not for them, but for me.


    As they keep forcing me and even pushed me into the changing room, I gave up and followed their order.


    Right, this is my first time exploring my femininity freely like this. It wasn''t bad per say. Males clothing were dull anyways.


    As the curtain to the changing room opened, an enchanting figure came to view. It was a simple blouse with a skirt and a straw hat. A casual look.


    "Omg God bless my eyes", said Sarah.


    I had to do a solo fashion show for all of them.


    The curtain closed once again. And this time, as the curtains open it was a long sleeved beige turtleneck knitted sweater with slim fitted blue jeans.


    "You look so cool! Like a model!", commented Zoey.


    ''I think I will take these''. I was satisfied with the current outfit. It looks really nice.


    "NOW. TRY THESEEEEE", Jessy handed me-


    I-isn''t this a bikini?!


    ''N-nooo!''.


    I immediately tried to get out of the changing room. However, the girls were blocking me!


    "PLEASEEEE! JUST THIS ONE TIME".


    As Jessy and her gang pleaded me, I have no choice but to succumb to their unholy desires.


    The curtain opens once again, revealing my white smooth skin with a yellow rectangular cloth covering my chest, with a triangular cloth of the same colour on my waist.


    *SNAP*.


    ''WHAT THE-'', I panicked as I tried to grab Jessy''s phone but she was too fast.


    "EHEHEHEHEHE", she snickered and giggled like a maniac as she pressed the screen of her phone really fast.


    I eventually used my threads of mana to pull her phone from her hands!


    Looking at the phone to delete it, I was horrified.


    ____________


    Lucas (Online)


    [Jessy]: <Image>


    -------------------


    [Insert text here] [send]


    ____________


    N-NOOOO. WHERE IS THE DELETE UNSEND BUTTON.


    WTF THERE''S NO UNSEND FUNCTION.


    PANICKING, I quickly typed on the the phone to explain to Lucas.


    __________


    Lucas (Online)


    [Jessy]: <Image>


    [Jessy]: Lucas please delete them they forced me to wear those! It''s not what you think!!!


    -------------------


    [Insert text here] [send]


    ____________


    ''YOU!!!'', I chased after Jessy who already ran away far away from a distance.


    ***


    "I am so sorry Bell. I take the joke too far. I am really sorry", Jessy were making a sad face at me while we were waiting for the shuttle bus to come pick us up.


    ''Hmph!'', I don''t even want to see her face. It''s so embarrassing. What will Lucas say? What if he hates me?


    What if he finds it disgusting?


    A mix of anxiety and embarrassment stirred in me.


    After a brief silence, she spoke again.


    "You know. I noticed in class your relationship with him, feels cold", she added.


    "Like, it was different when I see you guys the first time".


    ...


    She, was right about that. I just, stopped giving as much attention to Lucas. I stopped initiating any conversation. Stopped looking at him.


    And, stayed away from him as much as I could. It was for my own sake. I don''t want to get hurt. But... the more I try to stay away from him, the more it hurts.


    "Do you, like him?", asked Jessy.


    ...


    Huh?


    Tears already start to form in my eyes. I can''t hide my frustration and fear.


    "I-I see...".


    ''I don''t want to...''.


    I don''t want to ruin our friendship. Had my feelings always been like this? Why can''t I keep it in? I am scared. I am afraid he will leave me. Fuck.


    ''He will hate me...'', I muttered.


    "Hey...".


    Jessy suddenly hugs me tight.


    "It will be fine. Lucas is not a bad person. If he is, that just means he is a piece of shit and you deserve someone better".


    "You are cute, talented, smart and most importantly you have a big enough heart to like him so much you re worrying like this".


    ...


    "If he ever hurt you, I will beat him up for you no worry!".


    ...


    "You don''t need a guy to live".


    ...


    "And nothing happened yet! All is just fine right now!"


    ...


    Zoey and Sarah who eavesdrops the conversation also joined in, as we form a group hug.


    "Yeah if he take it badly, that was his problem! This is the 28th century already!", said Zoey.


    "True. There''s always better guys anyway. Ars is hotter right?", added Sarah.


    In a way, their words were right. I didn''t know how Lucas will respond yet. And yet, I was already thinking the worst outcome there is.


    And even if that happens, it wasn''t my problem. My feelings, were genuine. And I did care for him. But I am still afraid.


    The shuttle bus finally came.


    ''Thanks...'', I said to them for giving me many assuring words.


    We get on the bus as it eventually send us to the front of our dorms.


    "Hey, if anything bad happens, tell us okay?", said Jessy.


    As if she forgot she was the culprit to make me feel so anxious in the first place.


    Hmph! I was still mad at Jessy.


    I walked out of the bus and towards the dormitory.


    A lot of scenario ran inside my head about how Lucas will react to my picture.


    Anxiously, I opened the door to the apartment, to see no one was around in the living area. It was around 10pm now, they were all inside their room.


    As I opened the door to my room, suddenly the door of the room next to me opened.


    It was Lucas. He was looking at me, as if he was waiting for me to come back.


    "Hey".


    "Want to come in?". Lucas asked me.


    I nodded and went to his room. His roommate, Ian, wasn''t there. It was just the two of us. I sat next to him on his bed.


    "Hey, the 4nemo released a new song. Have you heard?", Lucas asked me.


    ''I haven''t'', I replied.


    "Here". Lucas gave me one of his earphone. I took it and placed them over my ears as a catchy song with nice melodies enters my right ear.


    "It''s really good right?".


    ''Yeah, it is''. After a brief silence, listening to the music I made up my mind to speak about it.


    ... I should say it to him directly.


    ''L-lucas, Jessy sent you a picture, right?''.


    Lucas looked at me before averting his eyes.


    "She did. Y-you do look cute in them". Lucas spoke in a low voice, while scratching the side of his neck.


    ''E-eh?''.


    After another silence, he continues.


    "I mean, it suits you".


    ''I-I see. Thanks''.


    "No worry, I will delete them", said Lucas while still averting his eyes.


    That was, very anticlimactic.


    He, didn''t react badly at all. I was worried for nothing. Right. Lucas, is a nice person. He wouldn''t even bother to invite to hang out with him like this if he find it unacceptable.


    Perhaps, I overthink too much.


    I feel relieved. In a way, its as if he accepts just the way I am right now. With no judgement. My worry was lessened by a lot.


    We sat together listening to different songs. He asked me about what was I doing with Jessy and her friends and I told him about what we did and the nice shaved ice store.


    Lucas looked really hungry as I describe the shaved ice with multiple toppings.


    As late night comes, I said my goodbye to Lucas and went to bed. Ars was already sleeping.


    Most of the heavy burden I carried was lifted. I feel very much at peace. I took my phone and texted Jessy, telling her everything was just fine and tell her how he reacts.


    As I pressed the send button, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

 Chapter 15: Desires

    WARNING. 18+ CONTENT. ADULT CONTENT. SEGG CONTENT. YOU CAN SKIP.


    I WILL MAKE A SUMMARY AND RESTATE WHAT''S IMPORTANT FOR THE STORY NEXT CHAPTER.


    HIGHLY ADVISE TO SKIP IF YOU DON''T WANT TO SEE 18+ SEGGS CONTENT.


    ----------


    After the event with that picture of mine, I have stopped avoiding him and treat him as usual. At least, I feel that even if he knew I had that kind of feelings for him or just my sexuality in general, he wouldn''t react badly or anything.


    But, I am not desperate or need him to reciprocate those feelings or anything. I think, I can''t say I loved him that way, yet. After all, I would never let myself to do. I do like him though. Just a ''like''.


    My heart is still wounded from my past. I can''t open my heart enough to say I would love him.


    I was just scared to lose him forever. That we wouldn''t even talk or see each other anything. If you get what i meant. He is my bestest friend first and foremost. We had lived together for years even.


    Staying as we do right now, I am happy enough really. I already gave up about having any of my feelings reciprocated anyways. I wouldn''t even hope for it, at least for now. I don''t need it.


    ***


    It was just a normal evening. I don''t know but, I think these days I have been hanging out with Lucas in his room a lot.


    And with Ian too, naturally as he is Lucas''s roommate.


    Ian is a bit, too blunt I think. I mean, it''s not bad. I kind of like it? He is praising me after all, and made me feel like I am attractive and boost my confidence even though his wordings and actions is a bit, umm, let just say I can see that it made Lucas uncomfortable. But he was just worried for me. But I am just fine with Ian really.


    So, one day I was hanging out with Lucas in his room, listening to songs with him and studying with him.


    Well... We both get sleepy later and, i slept next to him. I am not sure how long did I sleep but, a conversation woke me up.


    "He looks really cute when he sleeps", Ian said as he gazes at the sleeping young figure, who had a smaller stature than most of men their age.


    Lucas, who were sitting next to Ian on his bed, simply stay silent.


    "Damn. It''s already hard", muttered Ian.


    Lucas turning his eyes towards that location on Ian''s body, and felt uncomfortable with it.


    "Man, don''t think of him like that", said Lucas.


    "But he''s too cute. Damn I really want to bite him. Fuck. I need to do something with this".


    I can hear Ian stand up from his bed and walk into the bathroom, before closing it.


    The sound of the shower muffled whatever activity was going on in there.


    The thought that, Ian was doing it there because of me made me feel, something stirring inside me.


    I mean, I am a human being with desires too you know???


    *Gulp*


    I don''t know how long should I pretend to sleep. Should I just wake up?


    I start to pretend to slowly wake up and stretches. Lucas was looking at me.


    ''Lucas, what time is it now?''.


    "Oh. Its already 11pm".


    That''s very late. I think I fell asleep at 8 something with Lucas.


    ''I will get back to my room. See you later''.


    "Yeah".


    I returned to my room and laid on my bed.


    Where is Ars?


    Just as I ask that in my head, Ars opened the door to the room.


    He looks drained out. And his white shirt was drenched in his sweats. He just came from training.


    Right. Ars trains really hard. Perhaps, too hard. He often went out immediately after class to train. Fighting the golem. Practicing using magic. And when he came back, he looks exhausted almost every day.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He seems, desperate. I can''t really understand why. But I don''t think I should ask. Whatever the reason is, I feel like it has something to do with his burden.


    Ars took off his cloth and covers himself with his towel.


    His figure is no doubt, getting more attractive as he trains each day. Sometimes, my heart wavers. Especially tonight. I feel, the urge was coming from inside me.


    I do think it''s just normal to have a desire, especially in this teenage body. And, especially when someone you think really attractive is unclothing themselves in front of your eyes. And given that I have pent up my desires for a long time.


    It''s, natural to feel that kind of urge given the situation.


    *Gulp*.


    I swallowed my own saliva and turned my body sideways, facing the wall.


    Ars opened the sliding door to the bathroom and soon the sound of shower came.


    I think I will take a shower too.


    Taking off the enchanted necklace, the white colour of my hair and the blue sapphire glimmer of my eyes returned. I went to the bathroom after Ars. I stayed slightly longer there this time. I have to. I am a human still.


    As I finished my shower, I wore a set of soft loose pyjamas and laid on bed. I picked up my phone and browse the internet.


    Internet here is quite limited. After all, the information is restricted and filtered by the Tower, the centre of information in Starshear. Still, I can see news of this artist or discovery of new magic or stuff.


    While I was browsing, I noticed Ars was massaging his own shoulders, and later his own body. It seems that, his body is a bit in pain and exhaustion.


    ''Ars, you good?''.


    "Yeah. It just ache a bit", Ars replied while still massaging his shoulders.


    ''Ars, let me give you a massage''. I feel the urge to help him ease his aching body. He is a good friend after all.


    "Its okay. You don''t have to. I don''t want to bother you", Ars said refusing my offer.


    ''C''mon just let me help''.


    I approached him and sat on bed with my legs crossing.


    ''Turn around''.


    Ars turned around as I said it, facing his back to me.


    I placed my hands over shoulders, pressing it firmly before letting it loose again.


    ''Is it alright?'', I asked him.


    "Yeah. It''s nice".


    After his shoulders, I went over his neck. And then towards his collarbones. The sides of his body. Afterward along his backbones.


    ''Ars. I think it will easier if you lay down''.


    Ars agreed with it and laid down with his stomach facing downward.


    He placed both his hands under the pillow, as he laid his head on them and closed his eyes feeling the comfort of the massages.


    As I went over the same places again, suddenly Ars sat up.


    He placed his hands on the end of his shirt, pulling them as he removes them completely. He simply crumpled it and placed it next to the pillow.


    *Gulp*.


    "I think it will be easier for you", he said as he laid down with the same position again.


    His extraordinary back muscles was laid bare before my eyes. Short hairs were visible under his armpits.


    I-is he seducing me?


    T-this is too much.


    But I can''t just stopped massaging him, not after he actually even took of his cloth for me to continue.


    I swallowed my saliva as I continue to press firmly onto his sides.


    I proceed to press them firmly downward to his waist.


    Down to his thighs. And down to his calves.


    "My waist feels a bit...", said Ars. I massaged his waist a bit more, with more strength added to my prosthetic hands.


    Ars suddenly turned his body facing upwards. Now letting the packs on his stomach laid bare to my eyes.


    "Can you... continue?".


    *Gulp*.


    I swallowed another saliva. He looks like he had such a good time and liked the massage I gave him and wanted more.


    I can''t help but continue. My heart was beating fast like crazy.


    Ars placed his hands under his pillow, laying his head on them closing his eyes comfortably again.


    *Gulp*.


    I started with his shoulders again. I was on top of him, with my knees as support. Seeing his face this close, with his eyes closed with a relaxed look on him-


    T-This feels a bit-


    Trying to suppress my unholy thoughts, I just focused on easing his aching body.


    I pressed his shoulders firmly, and onto the areas of his collarbones.


    I went to the sides of body.


    *GULP*.


    I pressed onto them and move closer towards his chest. His chest is really firm. As I pressed on the sides of them, it slightly twitches.


    Ars is still closing his eyes with a really comfortable look on him.


    I moved on to massage the sides of his body once more down towards his waist.


    ????


    *Gulp*


    H-his thing, was slightly firm and... pulsating.


    "Sorry", Ars said suddenly.


    ''A-ah. It''s fine. It happens''.


    My unholy thoughts becomes even worse. But still ignoring them, now I pressed onto his upper thighs and calves.


    I gave his toes a massage too, and his feet.


    ''I-Is it fine, Ars?''.


    He opened his eyes to look at me while still laying there.


    "Yeah. You re really good. Thanks".


    ''Welcome. It''s no problem'', I replied. As I thought I am going to finish up massaging his last toes, he spoke.


    "Bell...".


    I waited for him to continue.


    "Do you want to, sleep here?".


    ...


    Eh?


    Eh?


    My heart was pounding even faster. I...


    I don''t want to refuse.


    My heart was stirred too much.


    I nodded at his question.


    As I did so, Ars moved his body slightly sideway, giving me space to lay down next to him.


    I laid my head down on his pillow and then my body onto his bed. I turned my body sideways, looking away from Ars.


    My heart, was beating insanely fast. I thought it will explode.


    After sometimes, I turned to face stare at the ceilings.


    I turned my head to see that Ars was, sleeping, I think.


    He was not wearing a shirt, revealing his body bare. His hands were under his pillows with his body facing upward.


    Its... really inviting. Its as if, he wanted me to embrace him.


    A desire to touch him surfaced in me. I want him. I want to comfort him.


    I hesitating placed my hand over his packs.


    Although, I can''t really feel the warmth from it as my hands can''t feel it.


    After sometimes, Ars turned his body around to face me. And with that, my hand is already hugging him. He moved even closer to me.


    His hand placed over the side of my stomach.


    I opened my eyes, to see that Ars was also looking at me with eyes full of desire. Or rather, he wanted comfort and warmth.


    He wanted to relieve the burden he carries all this time. He need a place to temporarily reliefs all his burdens. And, as if I can understand him, I wanted to be that place for him.


    His hand moved slightly under my shirt, touching my back.


    His leg moved to cross with one of my leg, as he hugs me.


    He moved his face closer to me. His lips, were pretty. The warmth from his breath caresses my face.


    I received his lips with my own, sharing our warmth.


    <A Watcher curses your existence>


    I think I saw a panel saying something. But perhaps, it was just my imagination. I simply ignored it.


    That night, we both succumbed to our desires...

 Chapter 16: Burden

    Last night, I and Ars embraced one another. It all started with a massage and... Its just happens that Ars had a burden inside of him, and as if I could feel it I helped him to relieve them temporarily.


    I woke up with my head buried in his chest, with our arms wraping each of our body.


    I never thought we would end up like this. I wonder if, this is fine for him.


    I had given up on receiving love or anything of that kind. And, I didn''t pursue them either. I would be happy just to like someone from a far distance, and still able to be with them as friends.


    But... To feel close with someone like this, to receive them too, it feels good.


    The warmth from his body and the sunlight that shine through the gaps between the curtains surrounds me.


    I take a look at his face. He looks, in peace.


    I feel glad that I could comfort him. I caresses his arm, before moving on to interlock our fingers.


    Ars opened his eyes and looked at me in the eyes, before averting them.


    He seems shy. I mean, even I can''t look at him properly. I guess, even he feel that kind of feeling. I don''t know but, he looks cute like this.


    I hugged him much closer, cuddling him. He replied the same way.


    Its comfortable here. He too feels the same.


    My stomach was grumbling for some reason. I feel... Hungry. For literal food I mean. Maybe, we had used too much energy.


    ''Ars, wanna take breakfast? I am hungry'', I take a look at him before looking away.


    "Yeah", he replied simply. He is just as awkward as I am.


    ''I want to shower first''.


    We let go each other. I moved the blanket covering us, and take my towels to wrap my exposed body.


    I take the pajamas lying on the floor and placed them on my bed as I went to the shower.


    Remembering what happened last night, I feel flustered. It wasn''t a dream.


    I felt cleaner as water mixes with whatever left on body, washing them away. My waist felt a bit sore, even though I supposed to have a self healing skill. Maybe it was too intense.


    I wonder how should I approach him after this. I should ask him. Maybe he wanted it to be a one time thing and just forget it. I don''t know.


    I finished my shower and went out of the bathroom.


    Ars was sitting on his bed, with towel already covered his lower body.


    We took glances at each other, before he went into to the shower.


    As we were both clothed up we went out together towards the canteen. It was weekend and everyone can do whatever today and tomorrow.


    Ah. Right. Maybe I should have invited Lucas. But pretty sure he''s still sleeping though. It''s only 10am right now.


    ...


    Lucas... I wonder if, I can still say I liked him. I forgot about him.


    No. I just, never hoped to receive any kind of that feelings from Lucas. It''s not like I was betraying or anything.


    Why would I put my loyalty to someone who I wasn''t even in a relationship with?


    Right... I never planned to confess to him even. I just, don''t want to, never think of it and never hoped for anything more.


    I was just happy to stay as a close friend to him.


    And, that made my feelings stay as it was, not growing too much.


    I was only scared to lose him forever, but, I no longer worry about that.


    And that made my feelings for him dulled over time.


    ...


    No... I was just, self rationalising my actions and feelings.


    I felt like a bitch as I cheated on him. What is wrong with me?


    No... Maybe its because, I know he deserves my feelings more than anyone else, and I do care for Lucas.


    But, Ars need to be cared for more after what happened to him.


    And yet, I-


    We eventually reached the canteen, stopping my deep thoughts.


    The breakfast was fine. It was simple toast with half cooked egg, sausages, scrambled egg, and orange juice.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    We didn''t say a word as we eat together.


    Eventually we finished up and went back to our room, laying down on our own beds.


    "Bell".


    ''Yes?''.


    Ars came forward closer to me, climbing on my bed.


    I moved aside to give him space as he lie down next to me.


    He held my hand with his, gazing into my eyes. Then he moved his hand under my necklace to remove them.


    He intently gazes at the changing colours of my eyes. Perhaps, he prefers me this way.


    His face came closer to me, kissing me again.


    ''Ars...'', his name escapes from my mouth as emotions swells up inside me.


    We hugged each other, sharing our warmth.


    "My family...", Ars spoke.


    I waited for him to continue as I hug him gently.


    "They were... Killed".


    "My friend, Anna, she-".


    I take a look at Ars. He was holding back his tears with his eyes looking away from me. Understanding the burden he had, I hug him even closer.


    ''I will be here for you, Ars'', I told him.


    Tears already flowed down his eyes, wetting the pillow beneath.


    I feel bad for him. He really needs help. He was hurting all alone.


    After awhile, he eventually calmed down.


    "Demons...".


    "They were back".


    "They killed everyone I loved..."


    "They killed my parents, my siblings...".


    "They killed Anna... I can''t do anything. I am weak. I am useless. Why am I left alive?".


    ''Ars...''. Listening to his story, I can''t help but hold him tighter.


    Demons. The last time there were seen were thousands of years ago. They were much like humanoids, like elves, dwarves, and sea dwellers and others.


    But they were ruthless. They were power hungry. They crave blood and authority. Its just, how they are. Their nature.


    Even though we called them demons, they came from another world. Much like portal to dungeons, they came from a portal appearing one day. It all starts with the advent of a demon king and then come his armies.


    The war with the demons won with humanity''s victory thousands of years ago. That was also why back in those ages great mages appears, due to the need for powerful people. And no demons was sighted since then and people nowadays already don''t care about demons as it was peaceful times.


    However, I believe in Ars.


    Perhaps, the info was kept secret and hiddened from the public. It would cause worry after all. And no one knows why now. And why they only attack Ars''s village specifically. But because of that, they manage to keep it a secret.


    ''You don''t have to go through everything alone, Ars''.


    ''I will be here for you. And, Lucas can listen to you too if you want to tell him''.


    ''And, you don''t have to take responsibility for what happened. It wasn''t your fault''.


    I caresses his hand, before crossing them with mine.


    "Thank you", Ars thanked me for believing his stories and listened.


    "I wanted revenge. I want to kill him. I want to kill the demon that had destroyed my life".


    Ars spoke with a much colder tone.


    I don''t know how to respond to that. After all, I worry about his safety. The demons were powerful than human beings and they could easily kill me, or Ars at our current level.


    I can''t even say I would help him with it. I just want to live peacefully. I don''t want to get involved.


    But, at the end of the day, once the demons invade even I won''t be excluded. I would be forced to fight in the end. Still, for the time being, I want to help him cope with everything that happened to him.


    His expression is now much relaxed after relieving part of his burdens. I want to be there for him.


    We just hugged each other to sleep once more, comforting each other.


    ***


    RING! RING!


    I was awaken by the the ringing sound. Ars too, seems to be awake because of it. I released the arm hugging him and took the phone under my pillow.


    It was Lucas. I picked it up and replied with a still half asleep state and voice.


    "Hey Bell. Let''s go for lunch. I am with Ian. We re waiting outside. You still sleeping?".


    I looked towards the door, and sees a shadow underneath.


    H-he was right outside!


    Thankfully the door is locked or we might have get caught.


    ''A-ah I just got up. Ars too. Give us a minute''.


    Both me and Ars was kind of panicking. But, we proceed to wash our faces and just went out.


    "You guys still look half asleep", said Ian with a snicker.


    Ian, suddenly opened his eyes wide while looking at me.


    "Uhh... Did you guys...?", Ian was having wild fantasies after seeing a mark on my neck.


    A grin appears on his lips.


    Was it, here? I don''t realise there is one! No, I don''t check the mirror properly!


    I understood what he saw through my past life experiences. I almost panicked.


    I pulled up my shirt to try to cover them but it''s to no avail.


    ''I-I think a bug or something bite me'', I said hoping they just accept that.


    "I see~ hahaha. It''s okay I don''t judge", Ian replied.


    Lucas seemingly don''t understand what Ian was implying.


    "What do you mean Ian?", Lucas frowned.


    ''I-Its nothing Lucas. A bug bite me last night. Just ignores him. He''s talking nonsense'', I hurriedly replied.


    "Oho~ Yeah I was just kidding". Ian winked at me and Ars. I feel so embarrassed and afraid we would get caught. No, Ian seems sure whats up.


    I looked at Ars and he too, felt the same and can''t say anything.


    Thankfully Lucas didn''t see the true hidden conversation we had, and simply accepts Ian was making some kind of joke.


    ...


    Why do I care if Lucas know?


    At the end, it was my own selfishness. Deep down, I wanted to fully give my heart to Lucas. But, I can''t. I am afraid I would lose him forever if I ever admit to having that kind of feelings for him.


    I should... Move on from him. Its unhealthy to have this kind of feelings towards him when I was, with someone else.


    He is and will always be my best friend. Nothing more, nothing less.


    I made up my mind about Lucas.


    That, that''s all we would ever be. I shouldn''t be selfish for something that can ruin everything.


    Maybe Ars didn''t like really like me and just needed to vent out his frustrations, but at least until we re clear about our relationship I would stay with him.


    ***


    We had lunch and went back to our rooms. Ars held my hand, wanting to cuddle again.


    "Bell...", Ars spoke as we hug each other on his bed.


    "I am not a bug...", Ars spoke out of nowhere.


    ''Pffffttt''.


    A laugh escaped my mouth. Since when Ars can make a joke?


    ''Hahaha. Sorry Ars. I don''t mean it that way. I had to make an excuse for Lucas and Ian''.


    Ars too, chuckled hearing my response.


    "Can you stay here with me?", he spoke with a soft smile on his lips.


    ''I will, Ars. I want to stay with you too...''. I want to care for him.


    Perhaps, I had already gave a piece of my heart to him.


    Maybe I pitied him at first. And then it was because he gave me the warmth that I lacked. Or rather, we shared them together.


    I again made up my mind to stay with him until the end, and see where it goes.


    Even if it was temporary, I should stay until it ends. Only then I should think about anyone else.


    <A Watcher is furious at your interruptions>


    This panel. I can see them clearly. This wasn''t my imagination.


    Who and what is this Watcher? I am sure of it that even before the panels are real. Even back when I kissed-


    Wait, this Watcher actually, literally watches me and Ars in bed? Whatever this Watcher is, it''s a damn pervert.


    <A Watcher is angry at your disrespect>


    Wow. That Watcher actually reads my thoughts. Damn pervert.


    <You whore>


    What? Did it just-


    <You are ruining him you fucking whore>


    Huh?


    <You will regret it when the world burns all because of you>


    As I read that line, a sharp pain goes through my head.


    Fuck! It hurts. Fuck. Fuck!


    I released my hand holding Ars''s, grabbing my own head pulsating with pain. Slight scream escaped from my mouth.


    "Bell, what''s wrong?".


    "Bell?".


    <Memory partially released>


    ***

 Chapter 17: The Truth of This World

    It was dark. I can''t feel my body however, it felt like I can move with my consciousness. As if I am a wandering soul, I searched in the void for some times. I don''t know how long but I eventually found a bright white light.


    As I reached closer to it, I see that it was a Program with intricate formations of different magic circles.


    The moment I touched it, one of the magic circle shatters and memories burst out from my head. The memory of my past life including the fact that I knew this world before I came here.


    This world was a novel that I had read in the past.


    I remember the early parts of the novel. And for sure, there was no character named Cassius. There was no Lucas either. Perhaps they are just insignificant side characters.


    No. Perhaps, Cassius didn''t even get to live in the original story. There was many different things to consider. Maybe the original Cassius failed to escape, maybe he never fight back, never killed mother and got killed instead. Maybe he escaped on a different day, and that too lead to his failure.


    Or perhaps the character Cassius only came to existence because of me.


    Whatever happened to the original Cassius, he wasn''t supposed to be alive.


    Arseus. That was the name of the protagonist in the popular fantasy light novel that I had been reading before I reincarnated into this world. The novel titled Rise of the Light Hero.


    Arseus. He has both wind and light attribute. I remember that one of the institute''s higher up found out about him while he was investigating the demon attack on his village. That was how he end up in the institute.


    I remember the early parts of the novel. And Cassius was never meant to meet me, to meet Cassius.


    Ars was supposed to be alone in the early parts of the novel until... until he met the second Imperial Princess, Princess Dianna Brightstar who will be his lover. His rival, Maximillian who will push him further to grow. And his later will be group of friends who will support him after he finished the Imperial Foundation studies.


    He was supposed to be all alone until then. I... I was not meant to meet him. I am disrupting the original story. No, I already disrupted it.


    Another burst of memories flowed out of my head.


    I remember. The reason the demons attacked his village.


    The demon king devours Anna''s soul and... stole her skill. Their target is Anna. I can''t remember the details but I know that that was the start of the demon appearance and activity. Whatever skill he took from Anna, that marks the start of the demon invasion.


    As the consequences, the demon king can share a part of his skills and knowledge to his subordinate, even the skill to steal knowledge from memories and soul of someone, form pacts with humans with promise to make them stronger.


    His goal is simply to rule this world. And to do that, he will abuse the System Authority by stealing every knowledge in this world.


    He wanted to be God by reaching the highest level Authority.


    That was his main goal.


    With those fragments of memories unlocked, a voice echoed inside my head.


    <I hope you choose what''s best for this world, Outsider>


    <Or nothing will remains>


    ...


    The visions of my pasts slowly gets blurry and turned to darkness as I fall into a state of unconsciousness.


    What... should I do...?


    ***


    I finally opened my eyes to see the dim light from ceiling above me. I am not in my room. Where is this?


    My eyes adjusts to the morning sunlight, allowing me to see more clearly. I take a look around to see I am in a neat room with monotonous white colour. There was a flower pot in the small desk nearby. This is the infirmary close to the dorm.


    Why am I here?


    My head felt dizzy. Did I faint? Perhaps, it was a side effect from remembering the truth about this world.


    ...


    Is this world, real?


    ...


    No. It is real. The fact that the story already changed its course, and my existence here means this world was not the novel I knew of anymore.


    I moved my legs and get out of bed. The dizziness made me stumbled but I quickly regain my composure. I walked towards the white door. Looking at the side, a figure was sleeping on the bench next to the room I was in.


    Looking closer, I figured it was Lucas.


    ''Lucas?'', I spoke to him.


    He opened his eyes and direct his gaze towards me.


    "Bell...".


    He stood up from the bench and walked closer to me.


    He suddenly hugs me tight. I barely could breathe because of his strength and size.


    ''L-lucas? What''s wrong?''.


    He released his grasp from me, still holding my arms.


    "You were unconscious for 3 days".


    Eh? That long?


    ''Really?''.


    "Everyone is really worried. Are you sick or still hurt anywhere? You should lie down in bed".


    ''Lucas I am fine, really''.


    ''Uhhh. I feel really hungry though'', I continued.


    Hearing me said that, Lucas formed a sudden smile on his lips.


    "Really? That was the first thing you want to say when everyone thought you were really sick?".


    ''But I am just fine. I feel like I was just sleeping or something''.


    "...". Lucas seemed speechless at how unconcerned I am at myself.


    "Alright then. Let''s get something".


    We just went to the canteen. We were just in time as they start to open. I got two plates of the croquettes they served.


    "You should check with the doctor to see if anything wrong", Lucas told me out of his worry.


    ''Fine, I will go later''. I told Lucas.


    We both returned to the infirmary and asked the nurse walking around to call for the one in charge. Soon, she brought an old man who wears a professional white robe attire.


    He simply checked my pulses and casted a spell to check on my condition. He too, think there''s nothing wrong with me and so we just go back to our dorm.


    I entered my room to see that Ars wasn''t there. I lied down on my bed, and start to recall what I had remembered about this world from my past life.


    The most important one I remembered is that next two months, there will be a trip to an E-grade dungeon, the lowest level there is. It will be the first time I saw one too. The dungeon was connected to via a portal. The theory behind the dungeon is it was the way for the System to replenish mana used in this world. Indeed, dungeon has more beasts with mana cores due to their adaptations growing in a mana rich environment. And it seems that mana was constantly growing inside the dungeon. If let be, it will destabilises and cause a dungeon outbreak where monsters will pour out of them and cause chaos.


    However, that trip... won''t end well. From the fragments of memory I retrieved, demons will make their appearance there. Some students will die. Although, the demons will quickly retreat after their leader is dead when Ars killed him. As for why the demons were in the dungeon, I can''t remember the details. Or perhaps the details wasn''t written in the original novel, so I don''t know.


    The thoughts of fighting demons made me feel uneasy. I am not brave, and I want to live in peace. I don''t want to feel pain or get hurt. I want to skip out the trip so I will not get involved. But, I know this trip is a must for Ars.


    He will show his Light for the world for the first time. And with it, comes support from everyone. After all, the world needs a hero. And that hero is Ars.


    I had to follow him there. I had ruined the story. If I didn''t fix it, the demons will win and... the lives on this world will be in danger. In a way, its as if I ruined this world.


    But, I know it wasn''t my fault. I didn''t know before. At least, I should do what I can. And survive. At least until we finish our Imperial Foundation. After that, Ars would meet with Dianna, Maximillian and his future friends. At that point, I can leave everything to Ars and his friends.


    ...


    I will have to train. I have to survive somehow during the event.


    With conviction, I made a resolve. Survive the future event and that would be it. The future will finally be put in the right track if I made it through.


    First, I need more power. And to do that I had to learn more about Water and Frost magic in the library and practice using them somehow.


    I quickly took a bath, and wear a set of new cloths. First stop, the library at the Academic Building. I don''t bother to tell Lucas, he never liked the library anyways.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Taking the shuttle bus, I reached the complex. As I walk for few more minutes, a big building with a modern glass walls stand erected in front of me. I can see people walking and reading books from here. I quickly entered the building.


    There was a counter with a man working as the librarian. I registered as a member, like any other students.


    "Thank you for registering with us. Is there anything you need?".


    ''I need books on water magic''.


    The man understood and typed in something on his device, probably searching for all available books regarding water magic in the library.


    ''And frost magic as well''.


    The man stopped typing and looked at me with doubt.


    But he then continued typing it in and pressed a button. Soon, a paper with different lists of books title along with its location on the shelves of the library was printed out from the device.


    "Here, these are all the books we have available. The first numbers on the code is the floors, so the G here is for ground floor. While 1 on this book is for first floor. The shelves had codes and it was then arranged in alphabetical order, just follow them".


    Shortly after, he gave me a silver key too.


    "There''s 3 books on frost magic available. 2 of them were on 2nd and 3rd floor. But the third one is in the 5th floor. It was a restricted area. You can only read and no books were allowed to be taken out of the room, no lending".


    "And it would be really appreciated if you can put them back where you took them. It''s tiring to arrange them back", said the librarian as he gave a sigh.


    Hmm. It seems that one of the book is really important for it to be in restricted area.


    I said my thanks to the librarian before heading to pickup the books available on the ground floor.


    First book I pick was titled "Intermediate Programs for Water Magic with Translations".


    There were different programs and magic codex examples written here.


    As it was like a programming language, I can understand the constants and the variable in each spell. Whether its about the pressure, the volume, the shape, the mana used, I can understand what variables is needed for the spell to form. Even though the spells are all lacking the power like other attributes.


    Like this Water Canon. They simply form a spell of sphere of water shooting upward like a canon. The power should be fine, and against hordes of monsters it is a good spell. Especially to disrupt movement of monsters or slow them down.


    But I already think of something can deal with a horde of monster. Let just say its Water Javelin but make the projectiles spread, like a Shotgun. It''s simple really.


    After browsing through the book, I went to another, and another. Going up to upper floors.


    I eventually finished reading 5 books on water magic. I think I don''t learn too much. I get inspirations and understood more about the properties of water from the magic though. Not sure why Mr. Keith (the practical lecturer) never mentioned that Water Attribute users have access to healing spell. Although, it was not as strong as Light attribute healing.


    After all, healing spell of Water attribute only hasten the natural recovery of the body. Take my forearms for example. If it''s light attribute healing, they could restore them completely from nothing like a miracle. Although there was a time limit for complete total restoration.


    Next, book on frost magic.


    I went to the 2nd floor to find the book "Myths of Frost Magic".


    As I browse through them, I realised it was simply a collection of tales and rumours and whatever left recorded about frost magic and the last user, who had been given name Everfrost by the people due to the cold he brought with him everywhere he goes.


    But one line caught my attention.


    "What makes frost magic special, is their inherent property for absorption. While it is by logic that frost magic absorbs heat from the surrounding, but it is theorised that frost magic also absorbs mana from the surrounding in creation of magic phenomena, allowing the user to use magic with lesser mana yet the same destructiveness than other spells of similar level".


    I see. Probably, that explains why I can absorb mana so well and regenerate my mana faster than others here. I had the talents for it.


    I went to the 3rd floor to read the second book on frost magic. I sees different simple Programs used. Ice Shards, Ice Javelin, Ice Cage and many others. They were all simple spells that I can easily imagine. I learn that even though no one can use them, using mana cores of High Ranked beasts who are known to use frost magic the Program could be imprinted and used. But it was too expensive and there''s not really any particular reason to use frost magic using a magic device either.


    I finally went to the 5th floor. The room had a big silver doors almost 3 times my height. I showed the key to the guards standing in front of them, and they opened the door to let me in. It seemed that the key were simply for show.


    There is another floor above. It is said that the most secretive and dangerous books where stored there.


    In the 5th floor, I sees a lot of different books here. Most of them are research Journals and old and worn-out books. It seems that they were full of advanced research on Elements, the System, and Programs itself.


    I finally reached the farthest corner of the room where the book I am searching for is. I saw a very ancient book, as if the book had existed for thousands of years. The cover itself was rotten and I can''t see any letters written on it. I liked the smell though for some reason.


    I picked up the book gently as it seems like it could fall apart at any moment. Placing them on a table nearby, I opened it.


    ???


    It was a complex Program with multiple magic codex and circles, although most part of it is unreadable not to mention I have not understood the codex language perfectly yet but this seems really complicated. I might need to learn for few more years before trying to even understand this.


    There was no explanation or description at all. There''s only Programs drawings. What is this book?


    I turned the pages and they are all the same. Many of the magic codex was covered by stains and rots.


    Sigh. I guess this is useless. As I was about to close the book, a panel appears in front of my eyes.


    <Grimoire of Everfrost [Qualified User Identified. Begin inheritance?] [Yes/No]>


    Huh? This is...


    A grimoire was a collection of Programs used by someone. With a grimoire, anyone can use the spells of the same attribute as long as you know the Program and have enough mana for it. But it only works if the Program was complete. One can even bypass Authority levels set by the System although with restrictions.


    I said ''Yes?'' in my head, and right after my vision went dark.


    Light flashes before my eyes and soon the light dims until I can see an Ice castle. I was in front of the majestic door which had intricate designs.


    I placed my hand on the door and it opened by themselves, revealing an interior made of ice.


    And in the room, was a figure sitting on a majestic throne. The figure was wearing a brown cloak, contradicting with the majestic background. Our eyes finally met.


    His eyes... is the same as mine. Blue sapphire eyes. But his had a hint of white glows along the lines of his iris. He had a slightly wrinkled face with white short hair and beard. Although the white colour is due to his age.


    "Come here, child", he spoke with a soft voice.


    I came forward to him reluctantly.


    I stood in front of him few meters away, waiting for him to speak more.


    "A part of my consciousness and knowledge was stored in my grimoire. And it seems that you were worthy for me to appear".


    "You will inherit my knowledge, and along with it, power".


    ''Why are you giving away your knowledge, mister?'', I asked him out of doubt.


    "...".


    I waited for an answer.


    "I have searched for power and knowledge my whole life".


    "It was a tiring journey, but, enjoyable. I had killed humans, other races, and demons. I joined different wars and had stopped the demon king with the others".


    "They may sang me praises about being a hero or some may curse me for the destruction I brought, depends on who''s side you are on. But, the truth is I was simply a man that loved magic his entire life and wanted to have the knowledge I had to be carried on".


    "I wanted someone to carry them, carry on my legacy, and along with it a part of my existence. I wanted to be remembered. It was a selfish pride of mine. That was also why I had written every magic spells I knew of in the grimoire and placed my consciousness in them".


    "It''s just a wish of a man".


    I don''t really understand his motivation. But I still nodded. Maybe, some people are like that.


    He stood up from his seat and walked closer to me.


    "Before you decide, there is a cost for this power. If you try to use more than what your body can handle, your heart will grow colder. I was once, almost consumed by it. However, I had people around me and they saved me".


    "But I am sure you will be fine. I can see the people you are close with".


    ...


    I can guess what it meant for my heart to grow colder. I already experienced it once before. The numbness and uncaringness. The lost motivation and will. But, I had already get over it thanks to Lucas and the villagers who had cared for me for all those years. I have others around me too.


    ''I will accept your knowledge, mister''.


    He nodded at my reply.


    He places his hand on my chest, and I could feel sharp coldness strikes through me.


    It didn''t hurt, instead, it felt numbing as I lose the sensation of heat from my body as a cold energy seeps inside my entire body.


    <Inheritance successful: Skill [Grimoire of Everfrost] acquired>


    <Skill [Heart of the Frost] created: 11% Progression>


    <Skill [*****] created>


    <Authority Level increased to Level 5>


    A panel appears before my eyes.


    And the warmth from my body returns.


    I can remember all sorts of Programs. No, its more like they were etched into my very souls. But I only able to see and understand the Programs ingrained inside me partially.


    But with this, I feel more confident to face the future event.


    "I do had one wish from you, however".


    He pulled out a silver dagger from his back. It had a blue gem embedded in the handle.


    "This belongs to the person I really care about. She wished to live on top on the Flemrior Summit, where nature and spirits thrive. We visited once there, and it was a really beautiful place. I think my old spirit friend is still there. ".


    "Due to circumstances, I wasn''t able to leave this place and aren''t able to give her a proper burial. I hope, you can fulfil this old man''s last wish".


    ''I will try my best'', I replied to the old man.


    "Thank you, child".


    "If you ever felt that your heart is growing colder, stay with the ones who you love and loved you. Don''t let the cold consume you."


    As he gave the reminder for the cost of the knowledge, my vision becomes blurry and become dark.


    ***


    I soon able to open my eyes. I was still sitting up straight looking at the grimoire in front of me.


    I looked at my phone to see the time. It seems that I had few massages. I didn''t check my from since morning. I look outside and its already dawn.


    __________


    Lucas (2 Message)


    Jessy (1 Message)


    Ars


    Zoey


    Sarah


    ___________


    Lucas was asking where I am. And Jessy was asking if I am fine.


    I stood up and placed the grimoire back to where I had taken them and went out heading to canteen.


    It seems that I skipped lunch. I called for both Lucas and Ars for dinner but they didn''t answer the call. Then I called Jessy.


    She picked up.


    "Bell! I heard you were in bed for 3 days are you okay?!".


    ''Hi Jessy. I am just fine really. I thought I was only sleeping''.


    "I thought you were dying!".


    ''I am too young to be dying Jessy'', I let out a little laugh.


    ''Anyway, I wanted to get dinner you want to come?''.


    "Yesss wait me at the canteen!".


    Soon, I reached the canteen and sat down on a nearby table. After few minutes finally I see Jessy along with Zoey and Sarah next to her.


    "Bell! I heard from Jessy you were dying!", said Zoey.


    "Yeah, we thought you had an illness you were hiding", continued Sarah.


    ''What are they on about?'', I thought.


    We actually went to the upper floor and ordered a really delicious steak for each of us as a ''celebration'' for my good health.


    We then returned to each others dorm.


    As I entered the apartment, I knocked on Lucas''s door before going in.


    "Huff...Huff...", Lucas was panting with sweats dripping down his body.


    I see Lucas was doing sit ups with his upper halves exposed. He was doing some work out.


    "Oh, Bell, you are here. Where were you before?".


    ''I just went to the library to study a bit''.


    "Oh.", Lucas replied as he understood why I don''t bother to tell him.


    I averted my eyes from staring at him too long.


    "Bell".


    I looked at Lucas again to hear what he''s gonna say.


    "Watch this".


    He twitched his chest muscle up and down, as if trying to impress me.


    "Its cool right?".


    W-what is he on about now? I feel a bit flustered with him teasing me like this.


    ''Ars''s is better'', I told him out of my nervousness.


    "Hey! That hurts!", said Lucas with a pouting expression. I feel bad for saying that accidently.


    I immediately run away to my room not wanting to handle the situation.


    Sigh. Maybe I should try to control my emotions better.


    I took my cloths off and went to take a bath. I took my time as I think about the future events, and what should I do next. Maybe I should ask Mr. Keith if there''s a place I can train secretly. He knows I can use Frost magic after all.


    I finished my shower and wore a set of loose pyjamas and lied down on bed. I felt a bit tired today. Many things to handle. I am worried for my future too.


    ***


    Some pressure on my stomach and slight warmth wake me up.


    Eh?


    I was sleeping sideways against the wall. I could feel someone else next to me, hugging me.


    A-Ars?


    He opened his eyes to look at me.


    W-wait-


    Before I can say anything, his lips already touched mine.


    "I am really worried... I thought you...", Ars spoke a relieved look in his eyes.


    ''Ars, I am fine, really. I was just asleep for some times''.


    I hugged him back to assure him.


    Is he, really that dependant on me? Why he seemed so scared that I would be gone? Is he like this with Princess Dianna or his friends? I was sure he was not at all like this in the early parts of the novel.


    I wonder if our relationship right now is a mistake. Perhaps that Watcher is right after all. Ars might had become too attached to me, the only support he have currently.


    But, it will be temporary. Soon he will meet her, his rival and his future friends. I assured myself of Ars''s future.


    I wonder if he''s able to kill the demon''s leader in this state. What if, he had become weaker because of me?


    As worries surrounds me, his hand moved to caress my back, and towards my waist. His lips came close to mine.


    ...


    Has he always been like this in the original story?


    But still...


    Being with him, I too can forget my worries.


    <Skill [Heart of Frost]: 11% -> 4% Progression>


    ***