《Voice of reason with a hint of insanity》


 Prolugue: Mondays are never reasonable

    <h1>Prolugue: Mondays are never reasonable</h1>


    Sure is a fine monday evening after work.


    Really mondays truly are hated for no reason.


    Honestly who could hate that one day that ruins the weekend sleep schedule and generally just throws shit at your face. Not me in the slightest. Just a monday when I''m freefalling into a jungle after getting chased by a snake person wielding a glowing dagger that froze anything it touched.


    Don''t forget all those icicles that penetrated 5 m thick concrete and all the other wonderful icy suprises. Almost getting skewered alive and naming your subconcious voice of reason is the perfect way to start a productive week.


    A few hours earlier


    Really wished this was a normal day for the normal me. I didn''t ask for any of this nor want it. I''m just your average Joe. Man i never get tired of that pun.


    You can never go wrong with puns. Even terrible ones can be laughed at. Never underestimate the power of puns.


    Agreed. But still never did expect such a normal person that is totally not insane by any definetion. An average 1.75 meter tall dude with a skinny build and slightly tanned white skin. Blue eyes with a messy brownish black hair. I may or may not also have a sentient subconcious voice of reason that I talk to.


    I feel like these monologues happen every two weeks. Also can''t we shorten that subconcious voice of reason to something a tad bit shorter. You have to agree to it being a mouthfull.


    That is a perfectly fine idea. How about taking the initial from the definetion of subconcious voice of reason. Svor seems like a fine name.


    Suppose that will have to do. We never really had the greatest long term plans did we. Atleast realistic ones. Especially the ones related to love.


    Geh. Don''t remind me of those failures. It is criminally difficult to get a girl to like you in 2018 without having some sort of assets. Be it monetary or otherwise. I am a perfectly capable 20 year old young adult. I just need to make people see that.


    Easier said than done after burning down your apartment by using too much oil while making a pie. Why did you even need that oil in the first place.


    I thought maybe it would look cool okay!? Besides the insurance company was the one to pay for that slight misshap.


    It also resulted in said companys prices rising for us. Now that we got that out of the way can we perhaps lend some attention to the 2 meter tall blue snakeman wrecking the street.


    Oh yeah. That is a thing. Also when did we take the turn to this side of town and why in the first place. I mean i don''t have anything against the old side of town it''s just that theres nothing here.


    Seeing as you forgot we were making your way to the old post office. Glad i was the one steering the idle walking pace you were using while conversing with a voice in your head. Always the truly sane one aren''t you.


    Should i feel glad about winning an argument against myself or nah. Svor your input please.


    Considering I am the thinking part of your brain in possession of your common sense I would say don''t mind it. You never really had a change you know.


    You really can make a solid argument.


    Snapping back to reality I come face to face with the scaly blue horror throwing giant icicles that seem more like missiles at people. ''Perhaps we should run about now before the other targets run out.''


    I concur with this plan. May I recommend using the alleyway behind you.


    ''Thank you Svor. Your input is appreciated.'' And then I start running. Now I may not be the most fit person in the world, but I''m not some whimpy nerd either. Working 8 hours a day at a factory is pretty decent exercise. I have also always been a fast runner so taking the corner and looking behind me to see the snakeman yelling something does make me pick up the speed. At the same time as I make my way around the concrete labyrinth which the snakeman can''t seem to get used to I am required to dodge a fair few meter long icicles impaling the alley around me. And i totally caught that glowing blue dagger nicking a hobo in a bin which caused his nicked arm to completely freeze. That is not something i would like to get acquinted with.


    I''m wondering what is with the fixation of chasing you down. I do not believe we ever did anything to it or it''s family.


    ''You tell me Svor.'' Just trying to lose it by running around the alleys doesn''t seem to be working very well. The snakeman has a remarkable ability to adapt to these unfamilier surroundings. That or the distractions are starting to run out. I would not be suprised that most people have already evacuated during the tenish minutes I''ve been chased for. I wonder if hard objects hitting it in the head would do anything.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    It is perfectly feasible for that to be the case. I do believe it to be common for sapient creatures to have a weakness called a brain. That weakness also exists in pretty much every animal.


    Yes yes thank you for the snarky comment. But seriously i should give it a shot. Not like I would die or anything if shit happens according to murphy''s law. That being said i grab a loose brick from the side of the road and turning around ready to give it a shot. Readying the brick in my hand I aim at the corner where i can see icicles coming from. It only takes a few seconds for the snake to catch up to me and turn the corner clearly not prepared for what I am attempting.


    To be fair have you ever seen a mouse try and fight a snake voluntarily and not because it was cornered? No you haven''t. And it is logic defying which is perfect for utterly confusing snakemen clearly.


    Captain obvious aside the brick is sent flying on a crash course with the snakes face. It seems to take a second for the snake to register the red flying object about to hit it in the face which results in the slowed down reactions, which allow the brick to hit the snake perfectly. It doesn''t seem to do more than disorient the giant ice wielding terrow, but it does give me a chance to bash it in the head with a metal pipe. Somehow the snake is still dazed about the sudden blow the weak little prey dealt it. Too bad for the snake I happen to be an opportunist. Finally right before my strike is about to connect the snake decides it''s time to move dodging, well trying to. The strike connects but this time hitting the snakes shoulder causing it to jerk in pain for a moment loosening it''s grip on the dagger. Deciding it to be a good idea i kick the hand holding said dagger managing to send it flying. It seems to be very sharp as it easily makes a hole in the wall of the building while also freezing said wall in a flash.


    Talk about a flash freeze. What it''s not that bad right?


    Silence filled with contempt for such terrible jokes is the only answer I give Svor.


    Alright alright it sucked ok, but focus on the snake that is slowly recovering from the sudden turn of events.


    Looking at the snakes blue eyes they seem to be turning a bit red. This can only really mean that it is either pissed of or flying into a frenzy. To be fair it is a good thing for me reducing the fucks sanity and ability to judge. What is not good that it is going to hunt me down like a rabid dog in heat.


    How about you try that dagger that is impaled on the wall a try. It can''t be that bad. It''s only turning the surrounding area a bit chilly right now.


    Said dagger also happens to be behind the frenzied looking snakeman that can''t seem to be believing the situation. Good thing the bins around this part of town are always full of smelly questionable trash. Taking a trash bag from the closest bin I smash the smelly black sack of disgust on it''s head. Some of the trash seems to get into it''s mouth which results in the snake choking for it''s life. I do believe i have time for that dagger now. Running to the glowing piece of freezing metal on a handle I instantly notice the surroundings turning very chilly.


    Used condoms and rotting food is a great way to turn any conversation chilly in the near vicinity.


    Thank you for the obvious not so horrible humouristic remark I suppose. Taking my two gloves from my pockets and putting them on the handle before touching it seems like good idea to me, and boy was I right. After touching the handle i can feel the biting frost even through the thick leathery gloves. Deciding it to be a quick idea to not handle this particular object for any longer than necessary i proceed to run towards the snakeman still choking on what seems to be a foul smelling mess of pads. Just as the snake is finished getting rid of said filth I am already lunging at the chest of the snake. It seems to notice me from the corner of it''s eyes even if it doesn''t have time to do much to prevent the attack. As a final act of resistance the snake decides to do something to a cubic object on it''s belt while clawing in my direction. The unfocused slash from the snakes draws blood from my dagger wielding mainhand right before the blade is plunged deep into the snakes chest. There is no explosion of blood thankfully as the snakes wound is quickly frozen from the blades abilities.


    ''To be defeated by a normal human, not even a wielder is pathetic.'' (Snakeman)


    ''Wait a minute, why can i hear you inside my head.'' (Joe)


    ''Ah... it should be the transference ritual. How do you have the knowledge of it?'' (Snakeman)


    ''I have no idea what you''re talking about.'' (Joe)


    ''On accident then? Whatever the case I should congratulate you for your victory against all odds. What is currently happening is generally referred to as the transference ritual where a non-wielder has defeated a wielder. The victor awakens their own wielder potential by consuming the losers life-essence by taking in their blood. Seeing as this is a world completely foreign to wielders and mana it seems I made the right choice to use an emergency teleport.'' (Snakeman)


    ''Wait a moment! Where exactly is this teleport taking me?'' (Joe)


    ''Ah that would be the world of Wanderia. I''m sure you will adapt to it quite quickly considering you were able to take me down and all. Well anyways I do hope you can atleast grant me a final dying wish.'' (Snakeman)


    ''Now why in the hell would we do anything to help someone that tried to kill us. That seems really dumb to me.'' (Svor)


    ''Who in the nine gods is this. It should be impossible even for gods to peek into to the conversations happening in transference rites!?!'' (Snakeman)


    ''Right I''m this idiot Joes Subconcious Voice Of Reason, now also called Svor. Basically you can think of me as another version of Joe living in the same body?'' (Svor)


    ''Hah... hah... haaa. I guess life is full of suprises for all. Well it''s simple i wish for you to wield [Frostmaw] that trusty dagger of mine you killed me with. Since it can only really be wielded by the owner of the blade. I was quite suprised seeing you being able to hold it honestly. Anyways could I also bother you to announce to the world that Slithas [Frostblood] is deceased, you can just find some branch office and show them you wielding that weapon. Man this was an embarrasment huh, to think I would actually get overwhelmed by my own senses and become a beast before dying. Well we are running out of time so I wish the best of luck to you now. Hopefully you can do more with life than i could.'' (Slithas)


    Just as Slithas finished his sentence the cubic object starts to hum and glow with blue light. Soon the cube opens bringing with the opening darkness for my senses and me.


    I suppose that could have gone worse. We could have died or something you know?


    I suppose so. I suppose so. I soon fall unconscious letting the dark take me for a while.

 Chapter 1: Of bears and cats

    Waking up to some sort of rumbling sound I stand up thinking that the roadworks started again. Oh how I kinda wish that was the case. I am instantly assaulted by the desolate scenery of a forest filled with pinetrees. Really makes me remember my childhood playing in the backyard forest. There were a lot of forests back then untouched by the grime that is humanity. Looking around I can tell that this is your typical pinewood forest with each tree atleast a few meters from each other. Moss is growing everywhere and there is the occasional bush and sapling aswell. Most plants seems quite typical to pinewoods, but I can''t recognize some of the flora around. Take for example some of the moss growing on a large tree that is dotted with red spots. Does it have some sort of parasite or disease, or is that just something innate for the moss itself.


    Yep we are definetly in a fantasy world. Also remember those wisps I''ve been collecting since I surfaced? Yeah there are a fuck-ton of them here. I think I can make a pool of them now instead of just a jarfull.


    Well atleast that is something nice for you. I still do think we need to find a way to civilazation before anything though. I don''t fancy the idea of sleeping in an unknown enviroment. Standing up from my sitting position I notice the blue dagger still held in my hand. That thing came along huh. Still should be nice for atleast a minimium of self defense. Would be nicer if you were a sword though. Just as I finish that thought the dagger starts humming and I can feel a suction in the air. Almost as if it''s sucking in the coldness of the air. Now that I think about it, I should be freezing right about now with the ground being covered in a thin layer of frost and all. Might have something to do with becoming a wielder as Slithas put it. Now that I think about what are wielders anyways. The way he spoke of them made them out to be some sort of people with superpowers.


    Update for you my friend. You know how the wisps used to just stick around for a bit and dissapate. That doesn''t happen anymore. They seem to be a lot more willing to be caught and sometimes they seem to come to us of their own will. Might have something to do with becoming a wielder. I can also notice that they''re all differently coloured. We got a lot shades of blue right now. Those ones are the easiest to catch. The brown wisps are a bit more stubborn and the green guys are neutral about it.


    Speaking of those wisps didn''t you say that everyone had atleast a very small condensation of those. Let''s classify those wisps as something similiar to mana for now. Seems like a reasonable bet to me.


    Can''t help but agree with that. I''m gonna make different areas for the different colours now. Don''t wanna mess around with powers we don''t quite understand yet too much. Mixing unknown elements usually ends up badly.


    With that inner monologue done the sword also seems to be done humming and drawing in the cold air. It seems to have encased itself in a block of sword shaped ice. A few moments later the ice cracks and dissapates revealing a sword with a blade 1 meter long blade and a handle perfectly sized for my hand. Well ain''t that convinient. We got ourselves a shape shifting weapon. Should help if we need to process something. Although the freezing effect it seems to have on wounds would probably make that a bad idea. Still I have done some hunting in my life with it running in the family and all. I still remember that one time when we were hunting with our friends uncle and he accidently brought an elephant gun. He only realized what happened when the moose had its torso pretty much blown off.


    And that fellow still just laughed it of. Really how come all our associates turned out to be crazy in some way. I suppose birds of a feather flock together holds true.


    Well we were technically diagnosed with a personality disorder or something like that. For dissorder you sure are useful. That or the skull shrinkers are just terrible at their jobs which I find more likely. Let''s actually get a move on now.


    There seems to be a sound of running water to the west. Settlements are always found alongside rivers in the olden days.


    Well atleast we have a source of water if nothing else. I start heading towards the distant sound of rushing water with steps of someone used to traversing the woods. It takes about 10 minutes of walking before I hear a scream of a woman.


    Damsel in disstress development. That or the you peeked on me and now I have to kill you one.


    Eitherway it would provide a solid clue towards some sort of village atleast. Breaking into a jog I head towards the place where the scream came from. Getting closer I can the silhouette of someone running away from a giant bear. That someone also seems to be a catkin. I always loved cats, even if they are pricks sometimes. My thoughts get interrupted by the strangers yell


    ''''YOU THERE PLEASE HELP ME!'''' (Catkin)


    Just as she finished yelling for help the bear tries to claw at her. She tries to dodge it by jumping away which results in her getting hit and slamming into to tree. Well she is out of the game for a bit. Releasing a threatening growl the bear looks at me trying to intimidate me away from its prey. Well this has to be the dummest idea I''ve had today.


    Yeah sure just ignore the idea of fighting Slithas in the first place.


    That turned out fine okay. Examining my opponent in more detail I can notice a few distinct changes to the grizzlies I know. First of this thing is huge, it''s atleast 3 meters tall with longer limbs aswell. The mouth also seems to have an assortment of far deadlier looking teeth than normal. The eyes are also red.


    And don''t forget the football sized mass of wisps aswell. As a side note it also has pathways for the claws.


    Brilliant, I get to fight an oversized grizzly in the woods with nothing but a magic shapeshifting sword. The grizzly decides to break the standoff first by charging at me at an unexpected speed. I manage to still dodge the charge barely by rolling to the side just as the brown rocket goes past me. Well this won''t be easy that is for sure. Any advice for taking this thing on.


    Aim for the limbs I suppose. The vitals are most likely not in reach of our weapon so disabling it is the best bet.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Sounds like a plan to me. Focusing on the bear again it seems to have recovered from the failed charge now looking at me a bit pissed of. This time the bear doesn''t break into a full charge only running at me. Just as it gets in a few meters of me it stands up bringing its 2 claws up to strike down with them. Such a large movement creates easy to exploit gaps as always. Kinda like reloading a few bullets after you get a kill in a shooter. I decide on the most sound of strategies and dash under the bear while its still winding up the attack. Sliding under its back legs and stopping myself by stabbing into the sword into the ground, I lift the sword from the ground and aim for where I suspect the ankle is. My guess is rewarded with my stab cutting through something tense. The bear at this point has already dropped on all fours again starting to turn around. It doesn''t get to finish that movement before it falters and slips from the loss of balance. The bear seems flustered about the loss of usability from one of its limbs. Taking the opportunity I wind up a large swing aiming for the other back leg. The bear flails a bit and I end up missing my mark a bit cleaving the leg in question in half. The bear at this point breaks into a complete frenzy just trying to swing at everything wildly.


    It seems to have lost all reason and is just flailing in desperation. Let it exhaust itself and then finish it off. Also do take that catkin a bit further away.


    Reminded of the catkin lying unconscious against the tree, I run next to her and lift her up throwing her on my shoulder. Taking her away from the flailing mess of an apex predator, I set her against a tree further away. It takes a few minutes for the bear to lose all of its energy. Getting a bit closer I take a stone of of the ground and throw it at the bear looking for a response. The bear does react to it, but it only raises its head weakly. I kinda wanna take pity on the poor fellow, but rules of the jungle most likely apply here more than ever. Bringing my sword up ready to decapitate the bear, it only closes its eyes in acceptence. The sword comes falling down cutting through the bears spine with some effort. Luckily the wounds on the bear were closed by the spreading frost my weapon seems to inflict. Atleast the blood won''t attract other predators. Turning my attention to the still unconscious catkin I finally take a closer look at her.


    I must say those boobs of her are quite pitiful. She seems to only be a b-cup while looking like an adult.


    Well beastkin usually mature much faster in every novel ever, so she might be younger than she looks. Focusing again on the inspection of the catkin, I take in some general details. She seems to be around 1.60m tall with bright brown hair, from which 2 cat ears peek out from. Her tail is also bright brown, but has some darker spots aswell.


    You think catkin purr in this world? How about scratching her ears?


    Hmm considering I saved her it should be fine as compensation. Sitting next to her I move her head into my lap and begin to absent mindly scratch her ears while inspecting her. Her clothes look like a stereotypical herbalists clothes. Maybe she was looking for ingredients in the forest when she got attacked. That might hint at a village being close by. She seems too young to venture out too far anyways. After a minute or so of petting her, I notice a small purring sound coming from her.


    Oh that is cute. Her cute face full on innocence makes this so much better.


    I can agree with her being very cute. Slowly her tail starts getting more active and finally after about 10 minutes of petting, she starts showing signs of waking up. Yawning a bit while purring she opens her bright brown eyes staring into mine.


    ''''Uhh... Hello?'''' (Joe)


    She seems to fall into some sort of daze and starts mumbling to herself.


    ''''am i in heaven... this is definetly heaven.. i''m sure i got eaten by that dire bear...'''' (Catkin)


    ''''Are you ok? Are you hurting anywhere?'''' (Joe)


    My question brings her back to reality causing her to jump up, which she immediatly regrets judging by her falling down. I quickly catch her in a princess carry and gently place her on my lap again. Which causes her to freeze up again.


    ''''Maybe we start with names. My name is Joe what is yours?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Ahh.. Right my name is Patricia, but most people call me parts.'''' (Parts)


    She seems like a typical airhead character doesn''t she? I think i know where that nickname came from with that.


    ''''Right. So what were you doing and why were you attacked by that bear?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh right I was supposed to collect some mushrooms for teacher, but then I got attacked by that bear. Why was that bear so close to civilization in the first place. Usually they stay atleast a day away from town...'''' (Parts)


    She starts going on and on about what lead to the events, even if she does it in a klutz way. The summary of the situation is that she was supposed to collect some mushrooms for her teacher which grow on the riverbank an hour away from town. While she was collecting them she started singing to pass the time while collecting them. That singing attracted the dire bear to come and take a look at the source of the sound. Parts got spooked by the bear and threw a mushroom she had in her hand at the bear in question. The mushroom just so happened to land on its face. The problem with that was the fact that the fungi causes irritation when touching skin. It got enraged by the irritation she caused it and started chasing after her causing her to scream. That was the first scream I heard. And the rest I know.


    ''''So mind taking me to town? I''m kinda lost here anyways.'''' (Joe)


    ''''How did you get here in that case? The town I live in is the closest town for atleast a hundred kilometers. No one wants to build a town around these woods anyways. Too dangerous with things like those dire bears being one of the weakest inhabitants.'''' (Parts)


    ''''Right are transmigrators a thing here?'''' (Joe)


    ''''You don''t mean that youre one of those legendary people!?!'''' (Parts)


    ''''Oh good that makes things so much easier to explain.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh god, oh god, I''m glad i didn''t insult such a person.'''' (Parts)


    Parts falls into a daze while mumbling yet again. I can already see a pattern here.


    ''''How about we get to town to converse these things instead of being in the woods? That is if you would prefer another dire bear to come and looking?'''' (Joe)


    ''''YES PLEASE!'''' (Parts)


    She tries to bounce up again only to make a pained face and fall down. I once again catch her this time taking her into a piggyback.


    ''''Don''t try to walk with that back of yours now young lady. Just point in the right direction and I will take us there.'''' (Joe)


    Taking a commanding tone with Parts to stop her from doing anything stupid at this point seems like the right choice.


    Just how much a klutz can one person be.


    Leaving those thoughts behind, I start walking in the direction Parts is directing me to. After I took a commanding tone she seems to have turned into a meek little mouse.


    How ironic. A cat as meek as a mouse.


    Let''s just hope no more of these annoying stereotypes pop up. I always did hate harems. Thinking about such things we make your way towards the village.

 Chapter 2: Hard taking care of airheads with low iq

    Oh lord please let me never have to travel with this person for any extended periods of time ever again. I really thought that I would die after 10 fucking minutes. That was enough for me to realize the mistake of telling her about being a transmigrator. Then again I do appreciate the crash course on common sense in this world. What I don''t appreciate is the condensation of idiocy she also spat out. I knew Parts was an airhead, but to think it would be so bad. I feel bad for killing that bear, he didn''t deserve it.


    ''''And then Vera scolded Marianna for atleast an hour for making her favourite shirt turn bright pink. Did I mention who Marianna was, she is the other apprentice apothecary studying under Vera my master.'''' (Parts)


    ''''Alright how about you zip it now. You can see the walls now.'''' (Joe)


    Seeing a village in this world for the first time, I am actually suprised just how effieciently it''s built. Then again from what Parts told me this place is a frontier town filled with social outcasts and weirdos. Suddenly the ground shakes a bit, and I can see a purple smoke cloud rising from a more secluded area of the village.


    ''''Ara? Did Marianna boil the ingredients before cutting them up again?'''' (Parts)


    ''''Just how much of a scatterbrain are the apothecarys around here!?!'''' (Joe)


    Seriously speaking it seems these two apprentices mess up something alchemy related once in atleast 3 days. I hope they don''t practice at night. I don''t believe I could get used to using explosions as a wake up call.


    Such a thing would make you wake up well though. There are certainly pros to it.


    Why are you even bothering with thinking up pros for such a thing.


    One of us has to see the light in the dark. If I didn''t do that you would be a horrid pessimist about everything.


    That is a fair point. Well getting closer to the gate I can make out the details of the houses better. They all seem to be made by carving out giant blocks of wood from the inside.


    Some sort of plant magic? Considering this is pretty much the town for all the weirdos out there I would expect there to be someone who can use plantmancy, or whatever they call it here. As a side note there should be a lot of people that get misunderstood from their appearence so keep an open mind.


    Ah yes the social recluses and outcasts. The misunderstood of the world. Totally not banished because they caused hall of the town to smell of burned brownies for a week or anything. Seriously though how bad of a cook do you have to be to magnify that smell to those kinds of proportions on accident.


    Talents come in different varieties. Some just happen to lean more towards what some would consider to being defiencies.


    Arriving at the gate with the still babbling catkin on my back, the guard keeping watch notices us. He most likely already noticed us by the time I saw the town, considering the preparations he seemed to make. I wonder if this happens often enough for there to be protocols recarding this. Walking up to the guard in question and taking a closer look at the now standing beast of a man.


    Well he is a bear. A giant bearkin. He''s gotta be atleast 2 meters tall.


    Looking at the now standing man looking at the catkin with a tired expression. He is totally done with her shit is he not. Anyways the best way to descripe his build would be to say he looks like a body builder. He also has murky black hair and a scar running across his chin diagonally.


    ''''Well look at what the cat dragged in. Well what the cat got dragged by in this case. Names Francis the lawkeeper of this little collection of weirdos.'''' (Francis)


    ''''Hey Francis! Hows the day, the weathers been so lovely recently...'''' (Parts)


    A cold stare from Francis silences the blabbering mouth of the catkin lady, causing her to hide behind me.


    ''''Right, I suppose I must thank you for bringing back a stray cat. Considering we could hear her from atleast 500 meters away I can''t say I''m suprised.'''' (Francis)


    Just how loud can one person be. Seriously though as someone used to the sounds of rush hour and modern society I''m personally not that bothered by the volume. The fact that it is the only thing I can hear tickles my nerves though.


    ''''Righto, the names Joe. Parts said I should inform you of me being a transmigrator.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Well it usually isn''t recommended to tell that to people you don''t trust, but considering I am the closest thing this place has to an official it should be fine.'''' (Francis)The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ''''I get the feeling you need to fill me in on some common sense that this airhead doesn''t have.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Hmm well, I am supposed to fill you in on that by law. But I think it would be better for someone like Vera or Jared to give you the rundown. They do have experience with transmigrators already.'''' (Francis)


    ''''Hmm? I thought transmigrators were very rare?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh they are. It''s just that those two have lived for atleast a thousand years. Just don''t mention you heard that from me to Vera.'''' (Francis)


    ''''I see.'''' (Joe)


    This place is totally going to have an assortment of overpowered characters isn''t it.


    ''''Anything else I should know urgently?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Just don''t be an idiot and you should survive till finding one of those two. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully?'''' (Francis)


    JUST HOW DANGEROUS IS THIS PLACE! Oh wait, I know this pattern. He is fucking with me isn''t he?


    ''''Are you fucking with me?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh interesting. You actually kept your cool and thought about it. The towns safe aslong as Parts or Marianna aren''t cooking.


    ''''I''m not that bad at it!'''' (Parts)


    ''''And who is the one who turned pancakes into chemical explosives? What about that time you somehow made a chicken turn into an undead with your cooking?'''' (Francis)


    Just what the hell is this fearsome ability.


    I once considered her a waifu canditate, but that ship has sailed, exploded and burned.


    Parts is clearly embaressed and unable to come back after that.


    ''''Just take me to Vera, okay?'''' (Joe)


    ''''...fine.'''' (Parts)


    Reluctantly she seems to agree to be my guide. Not that she really has a choice with her back in its state. Following her directions we approach the site of the purple smoke cloud explosion. The streets are busy with everyone hurrying along doing their own thing, too busy to pay us much attention. I walk to the fence of Veras house, which now has a hole in the roof. The person in question is lecturing a dogkin girl on the lawn. Why am I not suprised?


    Because you totally expected it?


    Thanks Svor for the unnecessary answer. Then again rethorical questions are something we answer ourselves so technically he is supposed to answer the question.


    How about focusing on the situation at hand first and then discussing the meaning behind this rethorical dilemma.


    Focusing my attention on the master and apprentice pair, I take in what the two look like. First of Marianna looks like your typical energetic red head who only gets good grades in PE. She seems to be a bit taller than Parts with a lithe build and a flat chest.


    What''s with the beastkin all having small breasts anyways?


    Let''s not ask that question from these ladies. I still very much value my life. Vera on the other hand is a beatiful blonde that could easily make for a model. She is also rocking some decently sized melons on her chest. She gives of a motherly feeling.


    ''''And that is why you will be in charge of weeding out the rosethorn bushes for the next month. Now go clean up and make some tea, we have a guest it seems.'''' (Vera)


    Well atleast she finished with that lecture. Also what is with this terrible feeling that I''ve stepped into a trap or some sort of web.


    ''''Uhh... Miss Vera I presume?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Ara? What a polite one you are. Usually you transmigrators nowadays are all hotheads rushing forwards to adventure. You seem awfully composed facing me.'''' (Vera)


    ''''Is there a reason why all of my instincts are screaming at me to run away, or is it just my insanity acting up again?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Well yes. What you''re feeling right now is the same feeling a rabbit feels when meeting an apex predator. Usually it causes people who aren''t used to it to faint. It is a form of pressure. Also I''ve noticed you''re gathering mana. Have you been in this world for a while now? It usually takes a while for people to get mana perception to see mana to draw at in.'''' (Vera)


    Uhh Svor? A little help?


    So it is mana. Well it was pretty obvious from the start that it was atleast something similiar.


    ''''Now this is interesting. You seem to be unaware of what mana is, but still have collected a fair amount of it. This needs more research.'''' (Vera)


    I really don''t like the look in her eyes. I''m fairly certain she thinks of me as something akin to a new toy. Isn''t she supposed to be some thousand year old immortal?!


    ''''Umm.. yeah I''ve been seeing these weird wisps since a while back. Mind explaining more inside?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Yes it would seem that you lack a lot of basic knowledge at the moment. We can talk everything over tea, yes?'''' (Vera)


    ''''I''ll take you up on that offer. Just to make sure the tea is going to be safe to drink?'''' (Joe)


    ''''My! What could you be referring to?'''' (Vera)


    I think we''re in for a long, long talk. My stomach interrupts any thoughts that were being processed by growling out in protest.


    ''''It would seem that you would prefer lunch instead?'''' (Vera)


    ''''If it''s not a hassle I would like to cook myself.'''' (Joe)


    ''''I think I will have to take you up on that offer. These two idiot apprentices of mine just can''t seem to not turn any food items into poisons, explosives or other deadly substances. I would love to have an actually competent cook for once.'''' (Vera)


    She spoke in a loud enough voice for me to hear something fragile break inside. It doesn''t require a genius to regognize what caused that.


    Marianna seems easy to tease huh. I''m sure she will cute being embarressed by her master and being teased by us. Let us remember to not take it too far though. We don''t want her to hate us for going too far.


    Noted. Finally entering the house that smells suspiciously mushroom like, I can finally appease my stomach and my curiosity regarding a lot of things. First things first though, I need to make food.

 Chapter 3: Common sense is useless right?

    Entering through the door inside the giant wooden box turned house, I am greeted by the overflowing bright colours. I think either my eyes or my soul is on fire right now.


    It''s neither. Just your optical nerves throwing up, give them a moment to restart.


    I think, I just witnessed paradise for some, hell for others. After nearly burning out my eyes, I continue following Vera towards the living room. The cozy little room is outfitted with 2 couches, an armchair and a teatable in the middle. There''s no fireplace in sight. Vera takes a seat and then tells me to do the same.


    ''''Now to begin with simple intruductions. I am called Vera. I am also known by a myriad of rather unpleasent nicknames, but we shall not discuss those.'''' (Vera)


    I could feel the ice cold stare glaring at my name when nicknames came up.


    Women are the most terrifying creature anywhere you go. Atleast you can kill or hide from a pissed of dragon, but a woman will never let go.


    ''''I am a witch. That is all you need to know for now regarding my occupation.'''' (Vera)


    ''''Righto. I''m called Joe. Just an average man from the working class.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Now with such pleasintries out of the way, it''s about time you get some common sense of the world whacked into your brain.'''' (Vera)


    I don''t think, I like the direction we''re going. Please no spartan lectures, those already made me feel dead inside too many times back in the old world.


    You do remember, I took control for those and pretty much anything else academic.


    Not important okay.


    ''''Usually with you transmigrators the problems never end. Somehow you always end up pissing of a lot of people. Like seriously the last fellow managed to blow up the capital for fucks sake.'''' (Vera)


    ''''Do, I even want to know?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Maybe later. What we need to teach you is how things work around here. Now take a nice position and stay awake since this is going to take a while.'''' (Vera)


    Svor would you so kindly?


    I suppose it is unavoidable. Taking control. Standing up suddenly makes Vera raise an eyebrow.


    ''''Oh god it''s been a while.'''' (Svor)


    ''''What could you possible mean?'''' (Vera)


    ''''Right. I am this guys other persona? Subconscious voice of reason is a much better term in my opinion. Sounds a lot better atleast. You may call me Svor'''' (Svor)


    ''''Ara? Now that is interesting. I take it you were the one collecting mana in that case?'''' (Vera)


    ''''That would indeed be the case. Anyways, I take control when Joe can''t be bothered to learn something, so I just learn it in his place. No worries about him still being ignorant about common sense though. Joe pretty much learns the same things I do. I''m just the one who remembers anything that matters.'''' (Svor)


    ''''This is indeed interesting. Maybe I should take a looksie inside your thoughts after all?'''' (Vera)


    ''''Please do not joke like that. Now can we actually get to the important things. Oh but do skip history, we don''t care at fucking all, well unless it''s based in religionous beliefs. Don''t want to make the church hate us.'''' (Svor)


    ''''Why would you care about some small time religion though? There isn''t much they can do to you.'''' (Vera)


    ''''Maybe not. But they sure as hell are gonna be annoying.'''' (Svor)


    ''''Well, I suppose that is a fair point. Anyways let us start shall we?'''' (Vera)


    Some time later


    Hey Svor? Is it over now?


    Yeah you can have control back now.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Thanks. Also I like what you did to the place. Feels a lot better to be there instead of a blank cube or something. Anyways gimme the rundown would ya.


    Worlds name is Wanderia like we were told. Multiple continents around starting with the one in the middle, Dewanria. The one in the east it Riawande, and the west one is Werianda. And yes, they are all anagrams of Wanderia. We are on Dewanria. Next is magic. Gather mana and make force phenomenon to happen is the watered down explanation. Gathering mana is simply bringing it inside your own mana pool, which is what I was doing before. Gather enough so that the pool can''t hold more which is when you can start refining it. Pretty much just make the mana better and bigger as the mana pool dictates how strong your mind and body is. Simple stuff so far right?


    Seems pretty much what we were expecting so far.


    This world also has monsters. Those are usually beasts that have their mana go out of control making them go into an eternal frenzy. Otherwise it''s just a beast. Some beasts are classified as monsters for their aggressivenes though. Vera had some really advanced knowledge. Anyways other races like the usual elves, dwarves and beastkin exist obviously. Religions are pretty weak around here aswell. Considering the fact that you usually don''t need to pray for a higher power with there being a lot of overpowered characters going around, it is easy to trust in the goverment which is in charge. Also several countries on this continent, and on the other two aswell. Most are monarchies, but democracies exist aswell, like the trade union on the west coast. I''ll tell you details on things when necessary.


    Seems quite stereotypical. Also holy shit this bed is so comfy. I could die from happiness.


    Next is adventurers. They complete requests approved by the guild. Rank systems go by the level of mana body and requests done. Ranks range from F-S with minus and plus for denoting the level of mana body in comparison to the rank. Minus means lower than the usual, plus is higher and nothing means it is the usual. Mana body level is also measured from F to S with 3 stages for each level. We are currently at higher C-level. That would be shortened down to C+. We can go into more detail about the details when we register as adventurers. Slithas had an MB at B-. Dungeons are also a thing. They seem to be large collections of mana condensed down to a crystal that gained sentience. Pretty much spirits with a lot of power, that for some reason started making monsters from mana and make them drop stuff. My guess why they''re doing it? Boredom, sadism or something sinister or just playful, take your pick. As a side note it is supposed to be stupidly difficult to take in mana of other creatures. That and reading anothers mana flow. Apparently we could be considered a cheat.


    Being a cheat sounds fun. But it would seem that there are local cheats aswell. Well atleast this world won''t get real boring real fast. Doing something challencing is fun once in a while. Just don''t let it be a hr+hd overdose difficult. I think we still get nightmares from that one map.


    Well it seems you''re losing focus again. Well not that I didn''t see that coming. I''m going to just info you when necessary.


    How long did it take for Vera to finish telling all the things she told you anyways?


    4 days I believe. As a side note I was the one cooking for the majority of the time. Apparently Vera herself is not an amazing cook. I didn''t want to live on stale soup for a period of time, that is for sure.


    Wait. You can cook? Why did you never mention that?


    What the hell did think, I was doing back in the school days? I was the one getting us up in the morning making breakfast and other morning activities. I also took care of the theoritacal stuff, while you were screwing around with different projects.


    Now that you mention it. Guess I know now why, I always said ''I don''t know how my morning is''.


    Nah that was just you being you, you know?


    Any incidents of the alchemical nature with those two apprentices of Vera?


    There was one where Marianna applied a substance she though was shampoo, which resulted in her having pink facial hair for a day. No explosions thankfully.


    So what is the game plan now?


    I mentioned it. We''re registering as adventurers tomorrow. It happens to be a line of work we''re fitted for.


    How so?


    First of the fact that, I can collect mana even while you sleep. Then there is your weird concept of common sense which results in very weird solutions.


    I am proud of my common sense. It is a perfect example of wrong being right.


    Moving on from your pointless narcissim. Frostmaw is a living weapon, which is pretty much an evolving weapon. Oh and weapons and armour are categorized as ordinary, mana-touched, magic, artifact/legendary and divine. Living weapons being evolving have the possibility to surpass divine weaponry, so don''t reveal the fact that Frostmaw is a living weapon to strangers. Ordinary weapons are just normal steel swords and such. Mana-touched are weapons that have some sort of an affinity with an element, say a frozen stick that makes ice a bit easier to control. Magic weapons have stronger affinities and also abilities to boot. Legendary weapons and artifact weapons are almost the same thing, the difference being how they achieve their power. You see artifact weapons are magic weapons made in ancient times with may more powerful enchants way more powerful than the ones in use now. Legendary weapons gain a spirit by accomplishing something that will result in history, be it evil or good. The weapon spirits aren''t actually sentient though and never can they gain it. That is very the gap between divine and legendary comes in. Divine weapons are sentient weapons too powerful to be wielded unless accepted by the weapon itself. And then there are living weapons. They are pretty much just weapon shaped organisms that evolve gaining new abilities and such as they collect more mana. We can inject it with mana to boost the rate at which it evolves, but that is inefficient at our current level.


    All these words are hurting my head. Can we just go and sleep now?


    Fine, I suppose. As a side note we are going to level up now. It is going to hurt a bit so, I''m knocking you unconscious.


    Wait. What are you talking about?


    Ah it seems that I was too late. Good thing I can''t feel pain inside your mind.


    And then a chill went up my spine as the pain began. That was going to be the most painful night of my life. I''ll get you back for this Svor!

 Chapter 4: Training maniacs are the worst/Best trainers

    Waking up in the morning, I gaze out the window. Well try to since it''s covered by the curtains. Moving the curtains aside, I simply stand there waiting for something to happen.


    Yeah this is real. Get used to it. Also don''t sleep in, we are the only ones capable of making edible food here. Just don''t say that to Vera, we still value our lives right?


    Geh! Also don''t you usually handle is this morning stuff? Why do I suddenly have to take care of it?


    Because, I''m stabilising our level up you dingus. Usually people have to dedicate days to make themselves not explode. Anyways, I just reminded you and now I need to focus. I''m closing the line so no use calling, capiche?


    Aaaand he''s gone. Well shit, now I have to think again. Making my way downstairs after stirring myself fully awake, I make my way towards the closet holding all of the food. Opening the enchanted closets door, I am greeted by an overwhelmingly large space than should be possible. Magic is a funny thing huh, capable of anything as long as you got the mana and imagination to back it up. Grabbing myself bread and things to put on said bread, I close the door again. Let''s see how this magic really works now. Imagining my mana moving towards my right hand, I concentrate on the idea of a flame over my finger. The thought procress takes a second, but feels like atleast 30 seconds. The flame flickers into existance hovering over my finger. Cool, I guess?


    ''''Heya Joe! Whatcha doing?'''' (Marianna)


    ''''Experimenting with magic, I suppose?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Now why would you be doing that?'''' (Marianna)


    The head tilt is too cute, must, resist. Gah it is of no use. My hand starts moving towards Mariannas head a bit too fast for her to react.


    ''''Wha!?!'''' (Marianna)


    ''''You''re just too cute like a small innocent airheaded puppy.'''' (Joe)


    Leaving behind the breakfast preparations, I begin my cuddle assault in earnest. Marianna got start startled at first, but is quickly subdued by my petting prowess. After a few minutes, I finally feel satisfied and leave a fumbling Marianna to snap out of her daze. Focusing on my original objective, I bring out a pan from the cupboard. I sure do hope this works. Placing the bread on the pan, I light a fire over my hand and try and make it the right temperature. The fire first jumps up a bit scaring me in the progress, almost making me drop the pan. I barely stabilize myself and the fire. After a few moments of feeling it out, I bring the flame under the pan. Watching the bread slowly starting turn the right colour after a minute or so, I cut the flame and place the pan of the stove. Making the finishing touches by adding some butter which melts slowly upon the surface of the toast, I can already tell that this is the best toast in my life. Adding some goat cheese and thin ham, the toast is finally finished. I finish making the 3 other toasts just in time when Vera walks in dragging a very sleepy catgirl.


    ''''How is such a heavy sleeper? She didn''t wake up after an explosion happened 5 meters away from her.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Hmm, well some people have gifts for the weirdest things in the weirdest ways. You are also like that with your nonsensical partner, you know?'''' (Vera)


    ''''Ah... well played.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Anyways what have you made for us this morning? Certainly smells wonderful.'''' (Vera)


    I can notice the you drooling Vera. Telling her about the toast the day starts off wonderfully peaceful. Just kinda wish it stayed that way. After breakfast is done, Marianna gets tasked with bringing me to the guild. Let''s hope that the touch guy trope doesn''t happen. The streets are slowly coming awake as people are setting up shop on the street and moving abouts doing their own daily routines. I don''t think ill get used to the kinda creepy houses of this town though. Just something about them looking like prisons aliens would make for the victims of probing.


    Aaaaand finally finished. Also fuck you. You almost fucked everything up with that little cooking of yours.


    Really though? I started feeling my mana clearer before cooking you know. You are most likely just fucking with me, right?


    Aww. You''re no fun, are you? Anyways, I can see we''re heading for the guild now. Also for troupe devoplements, it''s most likely going to be the training with guildmaster one.


    What makes you say that?


    The guild leader Jared loves training transmigrators with experimental methods.


    I freeze on the spot, feeling a chill run down my spine. Do we get a choice?


    Unfortunately no. We are kinda fucked from the get go. So man up and git gud.


    I''m not letting you get away scot free, while I suffer through hell.


    Don''t worry. I''ll be doing my own training.


    Magic training doesn''t really count does it?


    Don''t be such a pussy and get a move on, Marianna is already going ahead.


    Cursing Svor, I start making my way towards the guild followed by ominous feelings. The next period of my life is most likely going to be beneficial, but am I gonna hate the pain. After a bit of walking, we finally arrive at the doors of the guild. Reaching for the door, I jump backwards on instinct right as the door is swung towards my face.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ''''Hey, what gives?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh? You managed to dodge that now. Vera did say you were an interesting one. Names Jared the guildmaster of this branch.'''' (Jared)


    I am greeted by a muscular old man. I can only say that based on his face and prior knowledge of him being over a thousand years old. This town is totally a gathering of overpowered characters isn''t it? Now we only need a dungeon which abhors killing and loves puns.


    ''''Hmm? How come you''re already at MBL B-?'''' (Jared)


    Uhh. Good question actually. Svor?


    We''ve been collecting mana since before you turned six years old. Well I''ve been doing it. Apparently our world had quite a small amount of mana, that meant that only the purest of mana existed. It made our body more receptive of mana. People of this world would just rate it as talent though.


    ''''Well, I''ve been gathering mana since, I was six years old.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Huhhuh, I see. That means you have a mana gathering method, eh?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Does grabbing it and showing it into my mana pool count?'''' (Joe)


    I think it''s safe to say that our method isn''t common. Atleast judging by the pause we gave Jared.


    ''''How about we continue this conversation in my office?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Yeah that would be appreciated.'''' (Joe)


    Walking inside the guild, my eyes are lured towards the massive board occupying the enterite of the left wall. Must be the quest board. Right side has the typical bar/restaurant setup and in the middle we have the counter. The building is split into 2 parts, one for the general public and adventurers, and the other for the guild staff. There are stairs leading to what, I can only assume to be the guildmasters office overlooking the public area. Marianna bid us farewell once we made it inside the guild. There are a lot of people looking at the quest board filled with notices. It seems most adventurers pick up a quest or two in the morning to make it back during the evening. The staff greets Jared politely, while also giving me appraising looks. Making our way inside the cozy office, I sit down on the presented arm chair. Sitting behind his desk Jared starts speaking.


    ''''As you already know, I am Jared the guildmaster of this branch.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Nice to meet you Jared. I''m Joe your average dude.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Enough pleasentries, let''s get right into to business so to speak. I am going to train you. I won''t take no as an answer.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Now hold on a minute..'''' (Joe)


    ''''I''ve finished all of my work and prepared a period of 6 months for training you. Parts, Marianna and Vera already know about this. So let''s head of into the mountains Kenichi!'''' (Jared)


    I can feel this old superman is not joking with me. He is heartily laughing while planning his torturous training methods isn''t he. Mission control, any change of escape?


    Negative, the enemy is far too powerful to resist. Recommended action suicide.


    Not funny Svor.


    ''''So let''s go now!'''' (Jared)


    He says while knocking me out with movements, I can''t even see. I can already feel my end approaching huh. The days of peace never last long do they.


    Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.


    Now Svor, do correct me if I''m wrong, but that is the sea right.


    You would be absolutely correct. The considering we were about 100km away from the closest coastline a few moments ago.


    Looking around the surroundings, we seem to be on an isolated cliff. There is a small cabin visible along the path. I can also see a very big wall of stone blocking our only way of escape. Not that we would have any idea of where to go anyways. Nor do we have the know how to survive in the wilderness. Maybe this won''t be so bad after all. Yep this is totally a good deveploment.


    Right let''s just get over denial so we can get to acceptance and deal with things properly.


    ''''I see our sleeping beauty is finally awake. Here have your icicle and come at me.'''' (Jared)


    Grabbing Frostmaw which was thrown at me, I stand there for a little bit contemplating my will to live. Well let''s not make the superman old dude angry. I would like to get knocked out on my own terms. Charging at Jared with a frontal stab, while having Svor prepare some icicles behind Jared, I pray for my life. Frostmaw gets caught with a pinch and the icicles are blocked by a wall of earth that appeared behind Jared, who flings me at said wall. I crash through the wall losing my breath for a moment while tumbling across the ground. Right that went about as badly as it could have.


    ''''Those icicles of yours very a suprise, I must say. Not many people are able to cast spells without chants, while moving aswell.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Thanks... demon...'''' (Joe)


    I reply in the middle of catching my breath. It takes a few moments before, I manage to stand back up, still a bit wobbly. Another try, I guess? This time, I take a slower approach by not immediatly running towards Jared. And upon noticing that he begins throwing rocks at me with magic. A wall or something Svor! Instantly the earth begins to move trying to form a wall while, I am still doing by best at dodging the rock shower. I get my hopes up not having learned my lesson and clearly forgetting the fact that Jared seems to specialize in earth.


    Sorry to break it to you, but earth walls are useless. He can just overpower my manipulation.


    Wonderful. Holes just start appearing for the rocks to come flying at me. I manage to hold on for about a minute before a rock gets me in the leg. Did I mention they''re shaped like baseballs? Right the first one disturbs my concentration leading to the rest of the rocks pummeling away at my body. After about 15 hits, I fully collapse on the ground in pain. It only takes a minute before the pain is gone though, and with it my chance at being knocked out.


    ''''Now that we have that out of the way, let me inform you that you managed to survive about 1 tenth of a percent of my power. And you won''t be leaving this place till we run out of time or you manage to handle a tenth of my power.'''' (Jared)


    We are stuck in training hell for a while huh.


    To be fair we were warned about it. Though, I guess i forgot to tell you to mentally prepare yourself.


    Svor, moments like these make me want to punch you.


    ''''So we are going to be training your combat capabilities and drilling in the necessary stuff to survive out in the world. So shall we go for round 2, or do you want to start the training.'''' (Jared)


    I think only people like Jared can smile happily when sending someone to hell.


    ''''Training please. I would prefer having a chance even if it''s one percent at this point.'''' (Joe)


    And so my training began.


    How about keeping a log about everything?


    Why?


    Maybe keep your sanity in check?


    How could keeping a log help?


    I don''t know actually. Just a random thought.


    You''re pretty weird sometimes.


    It''s your brain.


    Alrighty then pal. Let''s get this shit done and over with now.

 Chapter 5: Log of the training camp from hell

    Day 1


    I knew this was going to be bad, but for it to be this horrible is way beyond my imagination. After getting beaten down by Jared he decides to first train my sense of balance. By making me balance 2 water buckets on a pole while also throwing rocks at me. Everytime I was about to get knocked out he just used some sort of restoration magic to bring me back. That continued on for about 8 hours, after which we had dinner. I say dinner, but really it''s just me having to practice gutting beast corpses. And everytime I fucked that up and made a mistake, I would get an extra 20 minutes added to my training regime. This truly is training in hell.


    Meanwhile I was practising mana control, by fighting the old mans mana control. The old man could also jolt me even when I''m not really real. Said something about zapping ghosts once inside the death gods labyrinth or something. I also had to try and keep the mana pool in check and not overuse it. Harder than you think when the old man is poking holes in it. According to him there is a system of magic fully specialized in attacking the opponents mana pool.


    Day 3


    The balance training was just kicked up a notch. Apparently being a fast learner just gets you into more trouble with Jared. The size of the pole got reduced to where I can only use one leg. Its also 3 meters higher. Now if i get knocked down, I also need to handle my landing. He also started making ''slowly'' moving poles that threatened to knock me down. Svor had to fight Jareds control over those to prevent me from being knocked down.


    What I didn''t tell Joe is the fact that those poles would have most likely broken a bone, if I didn''t slow down their speed upon making impact. They still seemed to hurt like hell combined with the fall. Still the old man being the demon he is allowed us no moments of respite.


    Day 7


    Jared you piece of shit. When you said you were going to start training my awareness more, I didn''t expect sudden attacks while taking a piss. He started throwing attacks randomly at me while, I had my guard lowered atleast a little. I have a feeling he''s going to be doing this lot more. I''m not looking forward to it. He also released some beasts into the forest that, I have to hunt for food. Said beasts also attack while, I''m gutting something. Something about teaching me to not gut beasts in the forest without proper preparations.


    The sneak attacks are getting really out of hand. I have to be constantly vigilant to notice the small holes the old man pokes at our mana pool. He taught me a method to making the mana pool harder to break holes into, only to constantly attack said methods weak points. He''s telling me to figure out how to fix those weak points. Kinda hard when, I can''t have a single moment of peace to actually think about.


    Day 13


    The sparring matches started today. I attack Jared while he just defends and punishes most things, I do. If i don''t attack he starts hitting me with some very creative and painful earth magic. During those matches, I also have to keep an eye out for backstabbing beasts that like to come after me. I''m very sure that Jared is behind the attacks of those beasts. Svor is also very rarely able to help me out during the matches. I have to start casting magic myself aswell now. Not the most pleasent of things. Apparently my affinities are quite good.


    Training hell continues with an increasing amount of attacks against our mana pool. I don''t even have time to collect more mana, since all of my time is devoted to making the mana pool stronger against attacks. I think, I can see where the old man is going with this atleast. Most likely people only focus on increasing the size of their mana pool leaving it vulnerable to attack. Most likely attacks against mana pools aren''t actually common.


    Day 20


    Getting close to the end of the month now. Did, I mention the horrid stamina training I''ve been doing till now. I have to run in the forests for about 10 km while dodging suprise attacks from Jared and the assortment of beasts inside the forest. Usually ends with me being completely exhausted. While I''m exhausted, I get forced to fight and do other training to make it easier to cope with the exhaustion. I don''t believe people would envy the strong when they realize what you have to do to achieve that kind of power. It hasn''t been a month yet, and I''m already feeling like being on my last ropes.


    Too busy. Can''t write.


    Day 27


    I haven''t heard from Svor for about 7 days. I asked Jared about it, and he just laughed at me. I''m sure he''s blocking our communication somehow. How in the hell he is able to do said thing, I have no idea. Muscle training also started today in earnest. Jared brought in some weird contraption that forces me to pull against it, if I don''t feel like getting zapped. The attacks during the night have also increased. I can''t get a single hour of good sleep. I have been in a constant state of sleep deprevation and exhaustion. My thoughts tend to wander because of it, earning me a strong zap for a wake up call.


    sThe old man really did step up the game with the attacks. Multiple attacks from different angles just keep happening. Now our mana channels are also under attack simultaniously with the mana pool. It requires all of my attention to prevent the loss of mana. Good new is my mana control has improved a shit ton. Bad news our mana pool isn''t getting any bigger.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Day 33


    The cabin is gone. I now have to survive solely in the wild. I never did mention how big of an area Jared sealed off. The area seems to be about 20km squared. The amount of beasts has also increased along with their level. I''m attacked during all training sessions. Jared has also stopped healing any wounds that don''t completely prevent training. I have been trying to figure out how cure them myself. Some progress was made in that, but I''m still far away from being able to do much more that close some minor wounds.


    Although Joe hasn''t noticed it, there are also monsters mixed in with the beasts, also spectral entities. I now have to fight those alongside the constant barrage of mana attacks. I don''t have time to notice my improments right now, with nothing to really compare it to.


    Day 39


    Jared is literally satan.


    ...


    Day 44


    The brutality of the training has gone up a notch. Jared is teaching martial arts and it''s applications in a very physical way. By beating the shit out of me with the moves he''s teaching. I have been trying to cope with the myriad of different attacks with every ounce of my being with very little results. Everytime, I feel like I''ve got a move figured out he proves me wrong by executing it in a new way. His weapon also happens to be a sword made from hardened stone, so there aren''t really any flesh wounds, just a whole lot of blunt trauma everywhere. I seem to be getting used to the pain atleast. I sure do hope, I''m not turning into a masochists right now.


    So... fucking... exhausted...


    Day 51


    I had to fight a giant fucking firebreathing lizard. The thing was 3 meters tall and 15m long. It took a lot of time and hit and run tactics, but i finally took it down. Only for there to be about 4 more even powerful versions. I had 4 days of time to kill them all or get accustomed to a new and improved training plan. The lizards are also of different elements that this one. I happened to be very gifted in water and ice which made the fire one a fair bit easier. The other ones are apparently earth, water, poison and wind.


    The lizards mana pool was fucking massive. It was atleast 3 times the size of ours. Luckily, I learned how to do mana attacks. Made it much easier to wear down the fucking lizard. I also finally managed to identify the thing blocking my communication with Joe. It''s a strong wall separating our thought procressess. I''m going to be starting my attack on the wall tomorrow.


    Day 53


    Going after the wind lizard was not the greatest of ideas I''ve had. The thing wasn''t actually very large only about 1m tall and 5m long. It was just stupidly hard to hit. I managed to finally catch it by creating a large dome of ice which seemed to affect a lot. The tempature dropping quickly suprised the white speedy fucker causing it to make a miscalculation and hit a tree. That gave me just enough time to give it a cut with Frostmaw and after that it was just waiting for a bit. What, I didn''t expect to happen was for the water lizard to be attracted by the dome of ice and instantly attacking me on first sight. Atleast the attack in question wasn''t deadly. Oh no the giant lizard decided to cuddle up to me. Jared was a bit perplexed by the situation and decided to tell about beast companions. It seems, I have the possibility of making this guy my partner. According to Jared the fellow did actually have decent changes of evolving into something fairly powerful.


    I almost managed to break down the thought wall. What interrupted my attempt was the addition of a new mana pool. I was completely focused on destroying the thought wall that, I apparently missed the fight with another lizard and another one showing up of it''s own accord. Seems like we got a new beast companion. I tried communicating with it, causing it to be really confused. I suppose, I''ll wait for the thought wall to be broken down.


    Day 54


    I named my new companion Jenn. Apparently it was a she. Svor is back aswell. Seems like there was some kind of wall blocking our communication. Jenn was scared by Svor at first but quickly calmed down after a bit. I decided to try attacking the earth lizard after a bit of a rest. The thing was absolutely fucking massive. A 10 meter tall and 30 meters long walking mass of muscle. Thanfully it was quite stupid and incapable of any ranged attacks. Jenn was actually quite small and Jared meant for her to be just hard to find, requiring me to dive into a lake. She was quite happy just riding on my head launching water and ice magic at the earth lizard with Svor. Our attacks didn''t seem to be getting through the earth lizards skin though. Svor got the idea of climbing on top of the lizards head and just attacking it''s brain from there. It was easier said than done. We got on top of a tree ready to jump at the lizard with the help of some ice pillars.


    After we made on top of the lizard, things got harder. The lizard didn''t appreciate unwelcome passangers and started flailing. We managed to hold on by stabbing Frostmaw deep into the lizard. At that point, I had the wonderful idea of freezing the bottom of the lizards legs. That idea ended up with the lizard tumbling down and hitting it''s head causing it to be knocked out. At that point we just quickly ran to it''s head and stabbed it''s eye deep enought for the frost to invade it''s brain.


    Day 56


    After the lizard challenge, I had a feeling of being lied to. Jared deemed it time for the next stage of the training to begin. Now with Jenn added to the mix, I had a wonderful time of dealing with a plethora of new and ingenious training methods. I am starting to lose hope now. I think all that is left of my sanity is in danger now. Jared is also starting to bring in a lot of different types of monsters from ghouls and undead to pixies and corrupted spirits. Atleast, I have the cute Jenn at my side.


    I am worried for the safety of our mind aswell. I think it is better for us to just try and focus to the training and forget about time for now. Keeping track of days is just going to stress us out for no reason. This is going to be the last log of training camp from hell.

 Chapter 6: People are stubborn in stupid ways.

    I am alive. Thank who ever was watching over me during that trip to hell. But still fuck Jared. I never want to hear the word training or anything related from his mouth ever again.


    Usually that would be an overdramatic and empty thing to say, but I have to agree fully.


    ''Sha sha'' (Jenn)


    Oh right thank you Jenn for being such a therapeutic partner for me. I couldn''t have asked for a better companion in my life. I will never betray you.


    That aside can we get something to eat, I for one am starving.


    Way to ruin the mood. But that aside we don''t have any money do we? We haven''t had any use for money so far. Then again Jared remembering that he had something to do and just throwing us at the nearest village was not nice. Speaking of which, maybe we should get out of this crater now that we are back to our senses? Looking around, I can see some B-level people gathering around my landing point. Diplomacy is tedious, but I would like to enter a town and use an actual bath.


    Ah yes. The wonders of civilization and technology creating the greatest of comforts around.


    ''''Sha sha'''' (Jenn)


    Thank you for the reminder Jenn!


    ''''Ahem. I don''t mean to impose on you, but mind not blasting me to bits?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Who are you stranger. No, what are you?'''' (Adventurer)


    ''''Well, I''m just a human. I just happen to be A-level?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Don''t try and trick us devil. All A-level people are well known adventurers or retainers. There is no way for a random A-level to pop out of nowhere!'''' (Adventurer)


    ''''Fucking Jared. I swear to god, I will slap you once I find you again!'''' (Joe)


    ''''And who the hell is Jared? Is he your partner!'''' (Adventurer)


    ''''Nah. He''s just the guildmaster of a branch in a backwoods place. That and apparently some sort of superman. Fucker forced me on a 6 month training camp and threw me out on the final week, because he forgot an appointment he had to go to.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Wait look! Ain''t that an ice drakes kid!'''' (???)


    ''''You don''t you know that only the royals are allowed to own drakes! That just makes you all the more suspicious. GET HIM!'''' (Adventurer)


    And fuck. There goes all of our chances at a nice relaxing bath. Well no time like the present. Svor how about making it a little frosty. There is clearly no use in trying to talk to these fucks. I can see the greed in their eyes.


    With pleasure.


    An ice pillar appears under me bringing me over everyones heads right as the magic and projectiles were about to hit me. These guys are actually fairly decent if compared to the norm. Too bad for them, I suppose. With Svor and Jenn starting to freeze the opponets to incapacite them, I jump at the leader looking dude forming an ice fist around my hand. No need to dirty Frostmaw with their blood. The leader is clearly suprised at the sudden turn of events panicking to try and counter the incoming blow. He brings up his sword to defend, but ends up just getting smashed to pieces. His head explodes in a rain of blood right before, I freeze the blood into the air. Now he looks like a frozen fountain. The others seem to panic and despair at the gruesome display of power, not noticing the ground gaining a layer of frost. They seem to snap out after feeling a biting sensation at their feet, only to see them frozen in place.


    ''''Now, I do recommend just surrendering so, I don''t have to murder you all.'''' (Joe)


    At this point, I must look like a devil with a huge grin plastered on my face. They all come to a quick understanding dropping their weapons and holding their hands up. Looking around these guys could be considered elite adventurers from what, I can tell. Apparently being B-level is huge around here. I can sense some wagons over the hill behind with people inside. Must be some kinda of a big shot to hire these kinds of guards. Oh now they''re starting to move. Wait a moment. I couldn''t tell at first, but there is atleast one A-level guard with those people.


    ''''Hey you behind the hill! I don''t mean any harm! I just acted out in self-defense!'''' (Joe)


    ''''Shut up devil! Your kind will not be allowed to live another day on these lands! Not as long as the gods support us! Burn in the holy light evilspawn!'''' (Stranger)If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Oh geez this kind of useless magic. Seriously it''s just a degraded form of mana attacks. And it does nothing. Suprisingly warm, I must say. It''s just a magic for attacking mana pools in a wide area, but thanks to the horrible use of it, It''s only effective on untrained people.


    ''''Seriously man. Did you get to A-level like yeasterday. This shit is absolutely useless. Here let me show you how it''s really done'''' (Joe)


    On that signal Svor releases an equilevant of a javelin thrown by a bear at the strangers paper thin defenses. Needless to say it does a lot of damage instantly knocking him out with mana depletion.


    ''''Is there anyone rational or atleast reasonable, I could talk to?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Wait young lady! You can''t approach the devil! We must escape for our lives!'''' (Butler)


    There is a young lady approaching me with a stiffled look, and a butler running after her begging for her to run away. I just wanted a fucking bath after 6 months, Is that too much to ask world?


    ''''Please stop this needless slaughter. You can take me, but please leave my subjects alone.'''' (Young lady)


    ''''Can you listen to reason for fucks sake. I just wanted to ask for directions to the nearest town and everyone decides that, I''m a devil. Can you atleast just calm down and just talk with me for a moment?'''' (Joe)


    Oh boy she is very flustered after that complaint from me. Still this is going a lot better.


    ''''Don''t even try it devil! You will not trick me!'''' (Butler)


    ''''Alfred please just stop! I need to do this! I can''t have any of my subjects suffer for my own actions!'''' (Young lady)


    ''''Well then. Fuck this shit, I''m out! I don''t care to see your stupid little goddam drama play right now. I''m just gonna go and find some nice cave or something to sleep in so let''s just go our different ways now. (Joe)


    And then, I just start leaving in the opposite direction to these weird people. Seriously the nerve some people have.


    I must agree with you. I didn''t think we would be landing on a drama play when Jared dropped us. I do wonder where we are supposed to go.


    Wait. What the fuck is that flare. We do, I have a feeling this will end with a thousand push-ups for me. It takes a minute for something to happen after the flare. Some sort of meteor comes crashing down next to my landing spot, making another crater.


    ''''Are you alright my sweetie!?'''' (???)


    Oh fuck my life.


    ''''Are you hurt anywhere!? What happened?'''' (???)


    ''''Fuck you Jared!'''' (Joe)


    ''''Wait. What the hell are you doing down here. And why are you scaring my little sweetie!?'''' (Jared)


    The damm flare was apparently for calling in Jared to help his little sweetie. What the fuck are you Jared!?


    ''''I didn''t do anything! They attacked my for no reason. Also this is all your fault for throwing me aside you shitty old man!'''' (Joe)


    ''''I thought, I forgot something.'''' (Jared)


    This fucking training crazed old fucker. I really want to slap him.


    ''''Mind explaining the situation to the lady completely frozen from shock now?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh right. This here is my little sweetie, Princess Samantha Prasendia. Sweetie, that foul mouthed brat over there is a new transmigrator called Joe.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Oi, go fuck yourself old man.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Ahh... Right nice to meet you Joe'''' (Samantha)


    She is totally in a daze, isn''t she? I do wonder how these kind of events just seem to line up always.


    You do keep jinxing yourself almost every minute.


    Input acknowledged. Moving on with our lives now, the princess is coming back to reality now.


    ''''Jared did you force an experimental training method on a poor transmigrator again?'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Uhh... No he totally agreed to it, right Joe?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Ma''am he kidnapped me from the before the doors of the guild and locked me in a forest full of beasts and monsters in the name of ''training'', while trying out some very disturbing training methods!'''' (Joe)


    Ah and here comes the glaring of a woman, the most fearsome weapon known to men. Some payback was required for putting me through hell.


    Revenge is a dish best served cold they say.


    ''Sha.'' (Jenn)


    ''''Listen here ''Grandpa''. We are going to have another talk about the rights of human beings in this kingdom.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Sorry?'''' (Jared)


    I will forever treasure the memory of Jareds face being contorted from this young ladys glare. I will also remember this feeling of coldness and study it to better my magical abilities. And then Samantha bows at me.


    ''''I am so sorry for this idiot relative of mine! He always does these kinds of things when finding someone with talent. Just like Jared said, I''m Samantha Prasendia the first princess of the kingdom of Prasendia. I do hope, I can make things up to you.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Right. For now how about we get somewhere more pleasent, preferably somewhere with a bath. I haven''t had a proper warm bath in forever.'''' (Joe)


    ''''That can be arranged for sure. I was headed to a large town near here on business anyways.'''' (Samantha)


    I think we are finally heading of to a better direction now. Getting inside the luxurious carriage and sitting down, we make our way towards the trade town Lidor. Hopefully we can find a bath now. And maybe, I can eat something aswell. Thinking about all of the comforts of civilized life, I sigh out in relief for the nightmare that is my first half a year in Wanderia seems to be over. That hellish experience will hopefully be only remembered in a time of need.


    How about we just think about Jenn whenever we need to remember the things that we''re taught back then.


    Seems like the greatest of ideas you''ve had Svor.


    ''Shaa!'' (Jenn)


    Happy Jenn, Best Jenn.

 Chapter 7: The basics of living in a society: A job and an id

    ''''Have you guys ever heard of cushions?'''' (Joe)


    ''''You mean like the ones on chairs? Why did you ask such a question?'''' (Samantha)


    ''''You know you could use them in carriages?'''' (Joe)


    ''''That seems awfully luxarious.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Wait, what are your cushions made of?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Why from devil bird tail feathers.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''You use an A rank beasts tailfeathers as cushions? Could you like just use something like wool inside of the carriage?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Now that you mention it. Why didn''t we try and make cushions with different materials again?'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Well because, I wanted them to be exclusive gifts for you so convinced everyone that they need to made of devil bird tailfeathers.'''' (Jared)


    ''''You know if cushions we''re released to the general public trade would increase, since people could ride for longer periods of time.'''' (Joe)


    ''''That is very true. Grandpa, we need to have another talk, don''t we?'''' (Samantha)


    Jared looks aghast at first, and then switches to glaring at me. I don''t fear you anymore Jared, I have figured out your cryptonite. We have finally reached the trade town of... what was it again Svor?


    Let me just pull up the memo from here, let''s see notes on geography section is towns/villages and here we go. We are arriving at the trade town of Lidor.


    Thanks again Svor, I couldn''t live without you. Like literally my name memory sucks. Anyways Samantha seems to be finished with the preparations for Jareds punishment later on. Now let''s see we are arriving at the gate finally. I was so absorved in the conversation, I completely missed out on the 15 meter tall walls surrounding the large town. The gate seems to be busy with a lot travellers and merchants making their way through and out constantly. We seem to be headed towards a shorter line, most likely a nobles privilege.


    ''''Princess Samantha Prasendia entering town!'''' (Gatekeeper)


    And that just makes everyone get out of our carriages way. Definetly privileges of being high ranked on the totem pole. Still the job comes with a lot of downsides aswell. Like politics, fuck politics. Bureaucrocy has never made anything work smoothly, and only servers to satisfy the small minded fuckers up top with money. Samantha seems a bit troubled with the attention, while Jared looks pleased with people respecting his little ''sweetheart''.


    ''''Always so troubling to go to a town. I can never relax on a visit anywhere. Always feels like, I need to keep up appearances.'''' (Samantha)


    Now this is where, I could start worming my way into her life and conquer her, but I think my life is more valuable than some loving relationship.


    Congratulations on realizing the fact that love is not forever lasting.


    ''Sha sha'' (Jenn)


    I was more thinking about Jared murdering me if, I somehow deflowered her, you know? Let''s just focus on what is actually happening.


    ''''At ease gatekeeper, let us pass and continue on with your duties as usual.''''


    ''''Yes, princess!'''' (Gatekeeper)


    She must be pretty popular and well known to be instantly regognized for her carriage. That or the gatekeeper was just informed beforehand.


    I would wager on it being a bit both, with her personality being what it is. Samantha seems like the kinda person no one would seriously hate, execpt those slimy scumbags that think with their money purses and political powers. This is really just turning into me reminding myself to stay away from politics. We''re apparently making our way towards the guild first to deal with some complications caused by the idiotic adventurers attacking me for no reason. Oh and that self proclaimed holy man apparently was a titled dude. He was clearly not as strong as Slithas, which reminds me, we need to report him being dead.


    ''''Hey Jared, you happen to know a snakekin named Slithas?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Have you seem him? He was one of the more promising rookies in the guilds ranks. I''ve been trying to figure out what happened to him, he seemed to just dissappear from Wanderia itself.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Yeah... you see, I kinda killed him.'''' (Joe)


    ''''YOU DID WHAT!?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Alright first, he lost control of his mana and attacked me, two he was the one who managed to drag me to Wanderia in the first place. He seemed to have found some ancient ruins containing world warping technology that caused him to be thrown in to my world. He also brought some sort of artifact that opened a portal to this world. And, I happened to fall in through that portal.'''' (Joe)


    ''''You mean to tell me the gods didn''t bring you here to satiate their boredom?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Uhh, yeah kinda got here on accident'''' (Joe)


    ''''And you are that powerful without any cheats from god?'''' (Jared)


    ''''Pretty much. Did you think my dual casting bullshit was a gift from a god?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Look most transmigrators gained some sort of out of bounds power to give them a change to survive and make it far in this world as adventurers. It never entered my expectations that you we''re just that talented naturally. Also no one has ever transmigrated the way you descriped. And how the hell do you even know our language.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Wait, what language are we speaking in the first place?'''' (Joe)


    ''''I think some transmigrators called in englesh or something. Also you look nothing like the other transmigrators. The others all had some squinted eyes and different skin tone. They also spoke in a really weird language, and wrote with some weird scribbles.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Wow, I seriously thought it was just a stereotype that all isekai stories feature a japanese protagonist.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Well that is one mystery checked of my list in terms of you.'''' (Jared)


    ''''Before you even mention it, no I''m not telling you the true nature of my power.'''' (Joe)


    I don''t believe he needs to know you exist Svor. No one really does. Well Vera is fine, she wouldn''t go babbling about others secrets would she?If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    She seems very iffy, but still kinda trustworthy. Like she keeps her word, just be careful of the wording. Kinda like reading fine print in contracts with a drow. Never trust those fuckers and question every word they release from their mouths. It''s either half truths, bushwhacking or leaving something said. The best lie is when there is no lie.


    ''Sha?'' (Jenn)


    Jenn don''t worry, there is no need for you to think about such things. Me and Svor will protect you from such things!


    ''Sha!'' (Jenn)


    And we''re at the guild. And oh lord the adventurers that were with us are scared shitless. I guess attacking an innocent civilian can really mess up your career. Let us feel their terror and enjoy it for causing us to deal with that pain in the arse.


    ''''I would like to report on how an escort commission went.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Very well, may I ask for the people involved to give me their id cards?'''' (Receptionist)


    The receptionist takes the id cards of the adventurers, who took the escort job. I can already smell the dread in the air.


    ''''Here is my report for how the adventurers did the commission. First the complaints, they attacked an innocent bystander in the middle of the commission based on what, I can only call fear mongering from the leader of the party. Said bystander tried explain himself, but they didn''t listen and attacked him anyways. The bystander then retaliated by incapacitating everyone and killing the leader. After that the A-ranked adventurer ''Crusader'' declared him a devil and used a dangerous spell meant to only combat monsters. The spell proved ineffective and he died from a retaliating strike. After that my guards were responsible for defeating any appearing monsters. The hired adventurers were quite frankly useless and just caused me headaches. The stupidity of the 2 leading members also resulted in unnecessary casualties. I would like to declare the commission a failure'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Complaints noted and proper punishment will be dished out to the adventurers that took the job. Also noting the death of 2 prominent guild members. The punishment for failing to escort a high ranking member of society and attacking an innocent bystander will be: 10 compulsory requests for 1/3 of the rewards and an increase to the amount of requests needed for the next rank.'''' (Receptionist)


    I think the biggest hit they took there is the damage to their reputations. Like who would want to hire them to be escorts ever again. Going to make getting from town to town a lot harder for those guys.


    ''''I would also like to report the confirmed death of Slithas [Frostblood].'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Noted, could you provide proof of his passing?'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''This is his weapon [Frostmaw]'''' (Joe)


    ''''The magical signatures are confirmed to align with [Frostmaw]. This will suffice as evidence. We will make a public announcement later on. Who is the person resbonsible for the discovery of the demise of Slithas?'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''That would be me.'''' (Joe)


    ''''May, I have your id card to record this deed on it?'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''Uhh, I don''t have one?'''' (Joe)


    And at that point everyone pauses and stares at me blankly. Well except Jared, he totally realises his mistake and averts his gaze away from me. Something that Samantha picks up on and instantly realizes what is going on.


    ''''Jared. Did you forget to give Joe here an id card as one of the first things. You do know it is a persons lifeline around these parts?'''' (Samantha)


    ''''I may have forgotten to give him one when, I took him to train.'''' (Jared)


    Jared is looking as guilty as possible under the unamused stare of Samantha. I wonder how much practice she gets for these stares with Jared.


    Jared does seem to do these things very often, so I would not be very suprised if it was a lot.


    ''Sha sha'' (Jenn)


    ''''I was supposed to register as an adventurer after, I finished training out in the woods.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Ah, in that case. Hey, Pate could you come here for a moment. We have a new recruit you need to test.'''' (Receptionist)


    After shouting, I can see a rather sleepy looking person walk through the staff door behind the receptionist.


    ''''Right when, I decided to take a nap some new recruit wants to join up. Really, I just have the worst luck.'''' (Pate)


    ''''If you want to be finished with it quick, do a proper evaluation that doesn''t need to be repeated.'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''Uhh fine. C''mon recruit let''s get this over with and move on with our lives.'''' (Pate)


    I follow this Pate fellow outside as we move to the training yard behind the guild. The courtyard is a nice flat area with wooden and blunt weapons lined up on weapon racks.


    ''''You wanna go with wooden weapons, or can you handle blunt ones?'''' (Pate)


    ''''Blunt, please. Give me a one handed sword.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Righto!'''' (Pate)


    ''''Right, I''ve got a beast companion. Can she help me out here?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Actually let me just give you rundown on the rules for the test. Anything goes that ain''t lethal or leave lasting probhibiting damage. So magic is fine if you also do that stuff and beast companions are allowed, seeing as they are kind of a part of you.'''' (Pate)


    ''''How does the evaluation work?'''' (Joe)


    ''''I''ll tell you after we duke it out for a bit. I''m calling it quits when we are done.'''' (Pate)


    ''''Seems fine to me.'''' (Joe)


    ''''No need for anymore talking, let''s boogie'''' (Pate)


    Saying that he charges me with his blunt spear with the assistance of magic. I barely side-step it which he responds to by attacking with the spears shaft. Pate goes for my feet trying to knock me down. Svor stops the attack with a small earth pillar placed infront of the shaft before it can gain any momentum. While Svor does that, I use an overhead swing aiming for his head. Jenn also starts freezing the ground beneath Pate. He lifts his spearhead up aiming to swat my attack away. The chilled ground reduces the friction beneath his boots causing him to miscalculate the strenght he needed to stop my blow. My blow ends up getting only slightly missdirected as, I hit him on the shoulder. The power behing the blow suprises him, and causes him to weaken his grip on the spear. Thats when Svor hits Pates wrist with an ice pillar causing him to release his grip fully and dropping the spear. I also bring my sword up to his throat to seal my victory.


    ''''And, I thought you were the regular noobie. I wanted to catch you off guard with that first lunge, but clearly you are far above getting caught by such things. And the clever use of different magic complements your style very well. Too bad, I didn''t get to see too much. Well with this, I can easily nominate you as a C-rank for sure. What is your level anyways?'''' (Pate)


    ''''Oh, I reached -A-level about a week ago.'''' (Joe)


    ''''I think we can make something out of you yet. Well you do have to start somewhere, so we can only give you C-rank, but you should rank up soon enough if you work for it.'''' (Pate)


    ''''That is fine with me.'''' (Joe)


    We return inside where the receptionist is suprised to see us so quickly.


    ''''Did you slack off again on the evaluation?'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''No way boss. Whatshisname here beat me fair and square.'''' (Pate)


    ''''Impressive, for a newbie to beat Pate [Galepiercer] in a spar'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''It''s nice to impress people, makes you feel important for no good reason usually. The names Joe by the way.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Yes, I heard a bit about you from Samantha here. It seems you have a high evaluation for both manners and knowledge from the Princess herself. That combined with the deed of bringing information on the wherebouts of Slithas lets us easily start you of with a C-rank.'''' (Receptionist)


    ''''Thanks a lot. It''s nice to not have to deal with the starter requests. Would feel like stealing from the weak.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Well, Jared here finished giving us the necessary information to grant you an id card. Now we just need you to drop a bit of blood on this card here to register it as your own.'''' (Receptionist)


    Making a shard of ice to cut my finger a bit, I drop a bit of blood on the card which causes it to flash golden. After regaining my sight and inspecting the id card a bit, I can notice some interesting changes to the previously dull gray card base. First of it feels cold to the touch and the borders seems to be frozen. The card is also now fully golden, and I can feel a connection to it. Interesting piece of magical technology.


    ''''Well this day has been tiring. Joe might, I interest you in staying at my mansion for the night. It''s the least, I can do to repay you.'''' (Samantha)


    Jared is about to say something, but a quick glance from Samantha shuts down all attempts.


    ''''I''ll take you up on that offer. I don''t have a place to stay or any money either. And, I don''t really feel like doing any requests on an empty stomach.'''' (Joe)


    And so ends my day in the town of Lindor. We have finally acquired some form of a job to live with.


    Even if it is a job filled with monsters, idiots and dungeons. Now we just need a dragon and an abserd follower for it to end in oblivion.


    ''Sha?'' (Jenn)


    Don''t worry about it Jenn. Svor likes to make terrible attempts at jokes and obscure references. I don''t get them often either.

 Chapter 8: Be mindful of implications

    The mansion is goddam huge. Who needs such a luxarious and grand place for temporarily staying somewhere. Well, I guess only royalty and such. Besides the point. The area the mansion occupies is around 250 square meters alone. And the fenced area surrounding the mansion is quite big aswell. I think it is finally hitting me that Samantha is truly royalty with how she acts around people other than me and Jared. I suppose it has something to do with being her saviour and all that.


    ''''Joe, I do hope you will accept my hospitality fully.'''' (Samantha)


    I can feel the scheming mind behind those eyes looking at me full of expectations. I knew she was talented in many things and she clearly wants me as a chess piece. I will not succumb to the lusts of life, for long atleast. I should be able to escape even if, I enjoy it for a little while. It can''t be that addicting can it? Svor do back me up.


    Don''t worry. If it gets truly bad, I can always take control for a bit and make you forget it.


    Thanks for the reassurance. Now let''s enjoy the treatment of nobles for a bit.


    ''''Thanks for having me. My manners might not be very good, but I will do my best not to be an embarrasment for you.'''' (Joe)


    I can feel the smirk Samantha has on her face right now. It really gives me the chills. I should escape her grasp in a day or two huh. I don''t want to get tangled up with the world of backstabbing upper ranks. Truly a tragedy how envy, greed and lust destroys the beaty of so many things. I also do like to see the world and shit. Fighting is also quite fun when it''s not against impossible odds. Sometimes mindless goblin slaying can be very relaxing. Highly recommend it to the high level people around. Nothing like watching those green little lusty fuckers turn into popsicles and blow up in a fountain of bloody ice blocks. Truly a piece of art when you can get it just right. One would think someone like Jared could appreciate the sport more, truly a dissappointment.


    ''Sha sha'' (Jenn)


    ''''Do not hesitate to call on the servants for any of your needs.'''' (Samantha)


    No don''t you wink at me. I thought you were more pure than this. Is she the kind of person with different modes. Does her persona change depending on the surroundings? These questions won''t haunt me when it''s this obvious atleast. What does haunt me is the implications and methods that are being used right out the gate.


    ''''I will relay my needs to the servants, if necessary. Though, I truly don''t want to impose on you so once, I get some money, I will take my leave.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Oh don''t be such a stranger. I could never think of it as imposing when you saved my life.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''Wait, when did, I save your life?'''' (Joe)


    IT''S A TRAP, I REPEAT IT''S A TRAP.


    Aaaand fuck. Now all of the servants are going to spread rumours huh. This sly little devil forcing me into her faction without asking anything. I hope the guild provides some political immunity.


    ''''Young lady, the dinner is ready now.'''' (Maid)


    ''''Oh perfect timing. Let us continue this lovely banter in the dining hall.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''I can''t deny being hungry after all that has happened today, so let us do that.'''' (Joe)


    The maid guided us to the large dining hall which was clearly made for high nobles. The table was huge capable of having atleast 30 people seated comfortably. I can already smell some wine in the air and the feeling when sitting down the feeling is that of a nobles residence indeed. Truly the more cultured in manners and degraded in morality. I think, I should stop reminding myself of my hate against politics now.


    ''''I do hope the foods provided will satisfy your palet. We have the best chef in Lidor to cook for us so the quality should definetly be guaranteed. Don''t worry about complaining if it doesn''t suit your tastes however, I''m sure the chef won''t mind at all.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''I''m sure the food will be the best I''ve tasted in a very long time, so don''t worry. Jared provided many different tastes, more on the bad side in the name of getting used to shit food.'''' (Joe)


    Samantha just continues to smile at me after sending a quick look towards Jared. He seems to get a bit jolted with that stare. Does every transmigrator that he meets have to deal with the bullshit he comes up with. If that truly is the case and the gods do it on purpose just for fun, I have to pity everyone who had to deal with the old fucker. It takes no time at all for the food to arrive and they seem to have prepared a feast. Truly some exquisite foods on display here with some rare wines from what, I can tell. The wine also happened to be very strong and caused me to get fairly drunk soon. Svor take the handles now. And with that my time awake comes to an end.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Oh dear me, to have to deal with these kinds of things everytime. Truly our body can take the alcohol well, but Joe himself just blanks out fast. It is exhausting to deal with the constant sneak-in attempts from the maids during the night. Samantha is clearly employing every trick she can to try and rope us into her faction here. Not to worry, it is too early for us to settle down and deal with society in an extended manner.


    In the morning


    Good god what the hell was in that wine. Thank god, Svor can take the handles when that happens. Truly a mystery how the alcohol doesn''t seem to affect Svor in the slightest. Getting dressed and moving downstairs breakfast is being still prepared. It seems Samantha is still sleeping, most likely because of the journey. I start eating breakfast quite early to everyone else. Samantha shows up as, I''m about half done with my breakfast. She seems a bit out of it still, most likely the alcohols doing. After finishing breakfast and enjoying the excellent tea served, Samantha says something a bit suprising.


    ''''I would like you to accept a nominated request.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''If it''s coming from you, I don''t think I have the ability to even refuse. Aslong as it''s not something completely out of the realms of possibility, I will do it.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Right, I received a report yeasterday at the guild that a mysterious curse is creating a famine at a nearby village. I would like you to investigate and see if you it''s in your power to deal with it. It is not required for you to solve the issue, the minimum is to figure out the reason for it.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''That seems reasonable to me. I will accept the commission.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Great. The village of Potra is a day away from Lidor on foot. Let me give you a map of the surrounding area so you don''t get lost.'''' (Samantha)


    Wait, aren''t maps like really expensive. Like this detailed map alone would fetch atleast a couple gold. You sure you want to give something so valuable to me princess? Well not that, I won''t take this kind of bribery.


    ''''Any additional info you can give me on the village that would be helpful?'''' (Joe)


    ''''The area around the village contains a lot of clay which is used to make the villages specialty pottery. The amount of beasts around the surrounding area is quite low thanks to the large areas of clay being the growing place for a certain plant that beasts and animals hate. I don''t know much else about the village. I am sorry for the lack of better info.'''' (Samantha)


    ''''No that is plenty enough for me. You wouldn''t send me to investigate something like this if you knew a lot about it, so it''s expected. If that is all, I will now take my leave for the village. I should be able to get there before sundown, if I leave now.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Very well. I wish you a safe trip.'''' (Samantha)


    Exiting from a side entrance to not draw any attention, I leave the mansion behind to leave for the village. Samantha did give me a bit of funds to get some supplies, but I think I will be fine with saving the money.


    Ah yes, you always were a scrooge. Seriously you try and save money in the weirdest ways sometimes.


    Oh please shut up Svor. I just don''t feel it necessary at all to buy supplies like food. I also don''t need a tent since, I can use earth magic to make a shelter. And Jenn can provide a constant light aswell. Walking through town with such thoughts, I can finally truly pay attention to the town life around here. Shopkeepers and stall owners are busy setting up shop in the morning while the citizens are busy with their own business. Truly a harmonious blob of people just trying to get by.


    Small kid, most likely a pickpocket coming from behind.


    Hey Svor, what is the local punishment for pickpockets again?


    You are at most allowed to cut of a finger from them if they attempt it. Still I wouldn''t recommend doing it to a kid. Just do something not so permanent to the fellow. He''s reaching for the pouch now.


    Deciding to play with the kid a bit, I allow him to take the pouch from me to try and dissapear into the crowd. Too bad for him, I can use magic. Svor do me a favor and freeze his legs in place. It only takes a bit for the kid to scream and the crowd to disperse around the kid, whose legs are now encased in ice.


    ''''Don''t try and pickpocket people kid. I hope this will be a lesson for you. I''m still more on the lenient side of people, but try and get a legit job. And if you can''t, atleast don''t be a leech on society by stealing from the hard working people just trying to get by in life.'''' (Joe)


    I then proceed to cause his arm to freeze for a moment to cause a painful burning sensation. It won''t leave permanent damage, but man does it sting a fuckton. Hopefully it will teach the kid a lesson to stop stealing. The guards show up so disperse the gathering crowd, and see the kid trapped in ice. They ask me what happened and they are satisfied with my explanation. Telling them about the administered punishment makes them cringe a bit. According to this kid has been caught multiple times, but people have been hesitant to punish such a small kid harshly. Most likely the reason for him to not change his ways.


    ''''Kids like these won''t learn with just words. You really do need to teach them the pain such a path will bring.'''' (Joe)


    With that final event, I leave Lidor behind to make my way towards Potra. My first adventure in a true sense, I suppose. Let''s try and make it a success. Let us also not be stereotypical goody two-shoes. Seriously be realistic in reality. Escapism is a very bad thing, though sometimes the despair it brings gives you a new outlook on life as a whole. Some people snap in a good way. Personality change isn''t always bad.


    Something, we are a living proof of huh. Though doesn''t my existance count as escapism at it''s finest? What do you have to say on the matter Jenn?


    ''Sha, sha sha'' (Jenn)


    That is an interesting view you have on the matter. Truly a nice thing to have a third companion for more opinions and views.

 Chapter 9: A good drinking buddy solves a lot of problems

    A wonderful day with the sun shining, birds singing and no problems in sight. Truly this is what life is all about. Lately my life has just been a hellish experience. This little break from insanity will surely heal my broken and battered soul.


    No chance in hell of that happening and you know it, also 6 goblins to the right behind the trees and bushes.


    Goblins are an interesting creature. Absolutely primal pieces of walking feces given form to torment the people of the world. Still they do have their uses as stress relievers by volunteering to get brutally stabbed, mangled and just generally brutalized. Nothing makes a day better than cold-blooded monster massacaring. Oh would you look at that, the goblin scouts face just burst out into a fountain and the frozen blood pierced them all. Nice going there Svor.


    I can certainly agree with letting loose like this once in a while. Really helps us keep our cool.


    Jenn don''t even approach the remains of the green little snotballs. I don''t want you to dirty yourself with anything related to those things.


    ''Shaa.'' (Jenn)


    Oh cmon now my little baby don''t be like that. You know I''m just worried about them infecting you with weird things. They are also very dirty things. Nothing like their cultured hobgoblin brethren. Seriously what had evolution been smoking when it somehow made those green bags of shit into the first class gentleman that hobgoblins are. Seriously hobgoblins in this world are the most honourable people when it comes anything. They will fight tooth and nail to up hold justice. They are also fantastic knights that are realistic. Nothing like the fancy fencing that human nobles like to practice alongside their greedy habits.


    Whoa there! Getting into rant mode about stupid people in charge again. Tone it down would ya. We''re trying to relax here.


    Geh! Sorry about that. Anyways the town is coming in view now. And holy hell what are those fields full of. They look like ashen weeds took over the fields. Is this the curses doing or are those weeds the plants they''re raising? Well no time like the present, I guess. I call out to the people looking over the fields with frustration.


    ''''Hey there! I am an adventurer tasked with figuring out the curse around here. Could you point me to the people in charge?'''' (Joe)


    ''''Fuck off would ya! We''ve had enough troubles with ya dang impostors already!'''' (Villager)


    ''''No, I''m legit. See, I have the request paper signed by the princess right here.'''' (Joe)


    The woman standing next to the elderly looking man who yelled at me takes the paper hurriedly and checks it out before sighing in relief.


    ''''Dear don''t worry, he is speaking the truth. Sorry, about that we have had a bit of a problem with impostors demanding payment upfront lately. Seriously when do people stop being so idiotic thinking village people are gullible.'''' (Woman)


    ''''Ehh, people that try and make a living that way are usually just dumb. I don''t mind it and I take it he is in charge around here?'''' (Joe)


    Pointing at the shouting elderly man who seems to have aged a years lately he simply nods.


    ''''Sorry ''bout that. Dads been bit jumpy with all dem weird shouty people comin in demanding monies.'''' (Young man)


    ''''Really it is fine, I understand the irritation must have been piling up lately. How about we get inside and you can tell me more about your problem.'''' (Joe)


    The elderly man sighs and starts walking towards the middle of the village. I guess he must be the village head or something around here. Also what the hell is wrong with this depressing surrounding. It''s like someone nuked this place with depression hitting everyone and their dogs with it. The ground just feels like it wants to kill itself.


    That would be what is affecting the land around here. I wouldn''t be suprised if the curse has something to do with this depressing earth mana. In case you didn''t notice the usual brown mana has a tinge of purple darkness.


    Great we now know what the curse is. Now to figure out where, why and how to dissolve it. We enter the only two-story house in the village and enter the living room while the village head and the young man sit down with the woman going to the kitchen to make tea for us.


    ''''Right, I should introduce myself now. My name is Joe and I''m a +C-Rank adventurer.'''' (Joe)


    ''''I am the village chief Olde. And the young man sitting down there is my son Pate. Thank you for coming to help us.'''' (Olde)Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ''''Right who was the woman?'''' (Joe)


    With that said tea was placed in front of us all, after which Olde got hit with a chop on the head. I think the true village chief around here is the woman.


    ''''Dear, you should first ask for proof before shouting at people. It gives our people a bad reputation if you keep doing it. And, oh my where are my manners. I am Olga this blockheads wife.'''' (Olga)


    ''''Uhh, right nice to meet you Olga, I''m called Joe. Now before you scold your husband anymore how about you just give me the info, I need and I''ll be on my way.''''


    ''''Dear would you be so kind as to tell the adventurer coming to help us about our troubles now.'''' (Olga)


    ''''Uhh right. Around 5 weeks ago our crops started withering away mysteriously. It started with a few crops here and there nothing to cause a fuss over, but you''ve seen what it has come to recently. Nowadays our crops are starting to turn ashen and completely useless with the land seemingly getting poisoned. We started asking around for anything suspicious that happened before our crops started withering and the hostess of the inn mentioned a rather gloomy cloaked stranger. That stranger stayed for around 2 days before leaving. He just kinda drank his days away while sobbing while here so everyone just kinda left him to it. That is till some of the kids mocked him for a bit. He left during the night at some point after that.'''' (Olde)


    ''''Hmm from the sounds of it this curse is getting stronger every moment. Any clues to where he went?'''' (Joe)


    ''''He should have gone to the south towards the forest. Our hunters did mention an oppressive feeling around those parts so try and look around those parts.'''' (Olde)


    ''''Right thank you for the assistance, I will be on my way now.'''' (Joe)


    ''''No, no thank you for coming to help us regardless of the paltry rewards.'''' (Olde)


    With those words behind me, I set of towards the southern parts of the forest in search of the cloaked stranger. Sounds like a man just trying to drown his sorrows to me, and not an evil necromancer planning to curse the village for those kids mocking him.


    I wish you would be correct. Just that whatever is causing the concentration of darkness mana is not weak by a long shot. Might be comparable to Jared even.


    Of course it would be. Apparently my luck has just gone down huh. Also what is wrong with the clouds. It was sunny just a bit ago and now it''s the most depressing dark and ominous cloudy weather ever. This can''t be good huh. Also the surroundings just seem like they lost the will to live. This curse seems like the curse of depression to me. Well, I think I can see a clearing with someone there.


    ''''Why can''t, I just for once succeed. I tried my best and did everything I could. Why is it impossible for me to just get it right...'''' (Stranger)


    Oh lord the smell of alcohol is strong with this one. I can see atleast 10 barrels of ale just littered around the large rock the stranger is sitting on while sobbing and wallowing in self pity.


    ''''I wanted to make you happy, but I just made you angry instead. I''m a terrible mate, aren''t I. I should dissapear from the face of the planet. Just hide in a hole for the rest of my life...'''' (Stranger)


    Well dumb idea. Let''s get drinking. Everyone needs a friends shoulder in these kinds of situations clearly.


    Dumb idea, one I would expect from you.


    ''''Hey man, you okay over there?'''' (Joe)


    ''''No just stay away. I''ll only bring you misfortune if you come close. I''m just a useless dark dragon like that.'''' (Stranger)


    ''''Man you aren''t useless. You just need to realize that and stop blaming yourself so harshly. Come on, I''ll drink with you and you can tell me all your troubles to lighten your heart.'''' (Joe)


    ''''I''m such a wreck, how could that help me at all. I haven''t done anything good for people, just by existing I bring misfortune to my surroundings.'''' (Stranger)


    ''''Look just tell me your troubles, and I can show you how you''re wrong.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Whatever, at this point what does it even matter.'''' (Stranger)


    Taking a drink from my backpack, I uncork the bottle of wine, I had with me and share it with the stranger down on his luck. Everyone needs a friend in times like this. Sometimes all you need to solve your problems is a good night of drinking with a friend. There is no need for fancy chairs and skullshrinkers in reality. The cozy athmosphere is just relaxing in body and mind. Seriously doesn''t even need to be a good friend, just someone who will listen to your troubles.


    I suppose you have to live through something to really understand the feeling associated with said thing. You can symphathise with someone losing an arm, but you can never truly understand what that person is feeling. Good thing you are a train wreck with the cargo being issues from paths of life huh.


    You really should shut it Svor. You being unaffected by alcohol can''t understand these feelings.


    I know that and it''s sometimes frustrating to miss out on these moments in life. The little things are what life is truly about.


    ''''Now come on and tell me your troubles mate. Tonight no one will bother us and troubles are gone. Just take a moment and live in it for now. You don''t really need to feel so down.'''' (Joe)


    ''''Heh, I thought that was supposed to rhyme in some way.'''' (Stranger)


    ''''I''m too sober for that, so gimme some more would you.'''' (Joe)


    And that is how, I solved a curse with jollydrinking and complaining. I''m going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow huh.


    Actions have consequences mate. And that is what you are going to have to live with now. Have fun.


    I''m still you so she is on your side.


    I''m still too sober to think about that sentence properly. More drinks for me!


    This is going to be one hell of an embarassement for us. Thank fuck we are in the middle of nowhere with no one around.


    ''Sha sha'' (Jenn)


    Hmm, I suppose so, I suppose so.