《Magic Beast Eaters》


 Prologue

    In the darkness, a small red orb was floating thru the sea of nothingness.


    Not far from it, other orbs of numerous colors were following behind it.


    Those were the souls who recently passed away, on the path to be reborn again,


    following the law of the ancient cycle, again and again...


    [Huh... what''s going on ? Where am I ?]


    Confused, the red soul started looking around,


    only to see nothing but a vast sea of darkness and the glowing orbs in it.


    Most of the orbs were either blue, yellow or orange, but there were also a few white ones as well...


    [Ah... that''s right, I remembered... I died...]


    Trying to shake its nonexistent head, thinking that what''s done is done,


    it started wondering what is going to happen next.


    Is it going to go to heaven, or hell ? Or maybe somewhere else.


    [Well, who cares... Floating like this isn''t so bad either.]


    But before it could get any more comfy,


    a gigantic skeletal hand grabbed the red soul and separated it from the rest of the souls....


    [Wh... what going on !?]


    But before the red soul has any time to figure out what happened,


    it heard a strangely calming voice of the older woman.


    [Again ?]


    Followed by a screeching childlike voices.


    [How long was it since we send the other one to the demon realm ??]


    [Should I send this one too ??]


    [Can we, can we ??]


    [Hush, little ones... Not yet.] Said the woman with her calming voice.


    Red soul was paralysed, but before it could say anything,


    a gigantic skeleton with a mannequin head emerged from the darkness, still holding it in its skeletal hand...


    It had a long straight black hair, black lipstick, and a long black eyelashes on its closed eyes.


    On its shoulders were four broken dolls, staring at the red soul with creepy smiles.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.Its long black robe looked like it was one with the surroundings darkness itself.


    It looked like a death himself, yet above its head floated a beautiful halo filed with strange markings.


    [Do not be afraid little one, for I have a few plans for you...]


    [Plans ?] Red soul asked.


    [If we leave you like this, you will undoubtedly perish.


    Now you have two choices, either to be sent to the "high class" world and be reborn,


    or you gonna be sent to a demon realm and become a demon yourself...]


    [Or maybe you just end up as some random demons snack!]


    [hahahaha...]


    [hehehehe...]


    [hihihihi...]


    Dolls creepy laughter echo through the darkness...


    [SILENCE... So, what will you choose ?] The skeleton lady asked...


    Red soul started thinking about the situation it found itself in.


    The skeleton lady, the dolls, and the choices, everything have come too fast,


    and it wasn''t eager to make a hasty decision.


    Going to the demon realm was a big no,no...


    So that only leaves the other choice, but thinking about it, there may be a third choice.


    [What did you mean by "high class" world ?] Red soul asked...


    [It''s a world my friend Minerva governs, it''s a best world to send you to...


    At least better to sent you there, then to one of those trash worlds I have a displeasure to govern...]


    Said the skeleton lady with a sarcastic smile...


    [Then wouldn''t my choice be obvious ?!?] Red soul retorted.


    [Maybe, but you DID kill yourself and I don''t want to go through the trouble of sending you to another world


    only to have you kill yourself again. It doesn''t hurt to ask, no ?]


    Said the skeleton lady as she put the index finger on her chin and tilt her head...


    [No, no... That was... A hasty made decision, but I don''t regret doing it.


    Anyway if my only other choice is a one way trip to the demon realm,


    I would take that second chance in another world any day.]


    [Good, very good. Now I did say I have plans for you,


    but your only job is to reincarnate and test that worlds prototype "world system" and see how it works.


    Easy, no ? ]


    [Wait, waitwaitwait there missy, hold your horses, what do you mean by that ?!?]


    [You''ll see soon enough. Also while we chatted, I already send you a "skill" gift that will help you out.


    Pipi, Lala show our guest the door. Nana, Gaga, inform Minerva about this.


    She''s probably won''t be happy though...] Skeleton lady replied and quickly given orders to the dolls.


    [[[[ YES ]]]] Dolls responded jointly.


    Before red soul had any time to ask anything further,


    two dolls quickly grabbed it and started flying at the impossible speed into the darkness.


    As it''s conciseness began to fade, only one thought came to it...


    [this still isn''t such a bad thing]


    And then everything turned into... light ?

 Chapter 1: The Unfortunate Child

    Uruviel Kingdom has just come out of war with the Nux Kingdom,


    and King Alastair Durrant von Uruviel has already started preparing for the next one


    as they and their neighbor Kingdom Minerva weren''t on good terms.


    This also means demoting useless noble houses that didn''t do anything during the previous war,


    and promoting those that contributed greatly.


    Because of this, nobility has started to stir up and normal populace started to become restless.


    King Alastair also needed new capable warriors and fast,


    so new academies were being opened and the existing ones received numerous donations


    to allow more students to enter without needing to worry about tuition payments.


    Thanks to their Kingdoms racial law, a few Elven Kingdoms were willing to help if another war broke out,


    which has given King Alastair a little bit peace of mind.


    At the edge of mountain Volos lies a small village called Veles.


    This village was famous for their excellent students, with some of which would be called geniuses.


    While those trained in sword and bow were very good, Veles village greatest gems were the "Eaters".


    Nearly every "Eater" from this village has gone to the best Academies in the Kingdom and become famous people,


    so it''s no wonder King Alastair had very high hope for this village.


    He sent them enough funds for 10 cycles of free tuition,


    and also send them two young promising "Eaters" as teachers.


    In this village also resides the current ruler of that territory, marquess Quinn Deurius von Immitrex.


    During the war he lived in the Immitrex city where he gathered capable men and women


    from surrounding villages and towns to send to the Raka city


    where they would be further sent to the frontlines or to one of the Forts.


    After the war he come to the Veles village with his wife Abbey


    to slowly retire and wait for his two sons to come back home so he could leave his position to one of them...


    Veles village, Deurius mansion


    [... and you still can''t found where is Garrett even now ?] Quinn asked.


    [We are terribly sorry, but there must be a reason why he still didn''t come home even now,


    so you should not worr...]


    Before the messenger could finish what he was saying, a maid has come into the Quinn study room.


    [Excuse me master Quinn, but your wife is calling]


    Quinn looked at the maid, then the messenger and then he said to him to contact him


    if they found anything about Garrett.


    [Of course sir, then if you excuse me...]


    When the messenger exited from his room, Quinn turned to the maid and asked.


    [Now then Kornelie, was the delivery successful ?]


    [Yes, there were no problems during delivery, but...]


    [But what ?]


    [I think that it would be better for master Quinn to ask mistress Abbey about that.]


    Quinn slowly stood up from his seat and headed to the door.


    [Then, lead the way.]


    [Yes, master Quinn]


    Not too long ago, his oldest son Howard returned home, but Quinn didn''t expect his return to be so chaotic.


    Somehow Howard fell in love with an Elf, and brought her home with him.


    He couldn''t even protest as she was already pregnant with Howard''s child.


    Understandably Quinn wasn''t happy about it,


    as he very much understand how complicated it is for Humans and Elves to have a child together.


    But what enraged Quinn the most was his son''s refusal in inheriting his title of marquess,


    leaving it to his younger brother Garrett to inherit...


    Problem is, Garrett was nowhere to be found...


    As he was thinking about his son''s return, they have already come close to the room


    where he could hear a few voices behind the door.


    Slowly entering the spacious room,


    he could see his son''s soon-to-be wife Lia lying on a big bed with the baby in her hands,


    his son Howard next to her, and his wife Abbey sitting near the desk writing something.


    Noticing him, Howard''s smile soon disappeared from his face, and Lia lowered her head down.


    [What''s with that face Howard,


    shouldn''t you be happy that your child was born without any problems as we feared ?]


    [Yes father, Lia has given birth without any problems...]


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.[It''s a boy...]


    Said Howard and Lia


    [Hoh, a boy ?]


    Coming closer to the bed to see his grandson, two words escaped Quinn''s mouth.


    [Silver... hair ?]


    Elves are usually born with a head full of hair, and while it''s extremely rare,


    there are elves with silver or white hair.


    [I don''t see any problems here, he isn''t the dirt colored darkelf like other halflings, but a real half-elf.


    Now that I look at him closely, while he has pointy ears at least they aren''t a meter long like his mothers...]


    Lia blushed because Quinn has made fun of her ears...


    [Eh, let''s just hope he doesn''t have a meter long tongue like his grandfather]


    Abbey retorted.


    Usually a child between an elf and someone from another race will be a dark elf,


    but in some rare cases, a half-elf will be born.


    For those two rare traits, what will this child need to pay, Quinn thought to himself.


    [So what is the real issue here that you''ve been avoiding to tell me ?]


    Abbey breathed in, then out, then looked Quinn into his eyes and said...


    [Their child was born with red soul, I personally checked, he has red eyes...]


    Red soul, usually only devil''s are born with it,


    but there are cases where children of other races are born with it.


    However they barely survive the next 20 lun, barely 2 cycles...


    Is this the price it has to pay for those two rare traits, if so...


    [Truly an unfortunate child...] Quinn answered,


    [Have you come up with a name ?] then asked.


    [We were thinking about it and then Lia come up with a fitting one]


    [Then, what is it ?] Abbey asked


    [Arian, it means silver in ancient elven language] Lia answered.


    [Haha, Arian Deurius, I like it...


    Good, good, then Howard, later this solcome to my study, we still need to talk about that thing.]


    [Of course father, I''ll come before the evening.]


    [Well then, If someone needs me, you know where to find me.]


    After Quinn went out of the room, his face distorted as if he swallowed an insect...


    Turning to face maid Kornelie near the door, he said to her to came meet him later that evening.


    [Yes, master Quinn]


    Later...


    As the midsol was coming to an end, Howard headed to his fathers study for a much needed talk


    that he''s been postponing since he come home.


    After knocking on the door two times and hearing his father shouting to come in,


    he slowly opened the door and entered the room.


    [Hello father]


    Howard greeted his father nervously, as he slowly come closer to the desk where Quinn was sitting.


    [Yes Howard, hello. Sit down, I have the feeling we will have a long talk.]


    Quinn responded, looking at his son carefully.


    [Of course, thank you...]


    Howard said as he sat on the chair near the desk. He already know what his father was going to ask him, buthe won''t change his mind.


    [So then, are you really leaving the title of Marquess to Garrett, you know that we still can''t find him


    and I''m starting to fear for the worst.]


    Quinn firmly asked his son, looking him straight in the eyes...


    [Yes, I won''t change my decision. And he''ll come back,


    he may not be a strong warrior but he can get away from any sticky situation.


    That''s why I wan''t him to inherit the title.]


    Howard answered, still a little bit nervous. He never planned to inherit the title and he know that his brother was a better candidate.


    [I hope you right, but are you still planning to leave with Lia to the Druantia Forest,


    even with your son in that condition ?]


    This question was the reason Howard was so nervous. What he''s about to ask Quinn is both selfish and cruel...


    [Yes, this is what I wanted to talk about with you.


    We will be leaving in 3 cycles but we won''t be bringing Arian with us,


    so I wanted to ask you to raise him instead of us...]


    After what happened during the last battle with Nox Kingdom, he was sure something bad would happen if he stayed here more than necessary...


    [Haa, ya cheeky little brat, after so many headaches you given me,


    I don''t even have any problem with leaving the title to Garrett.


    Now you can''t even be the father,


    yet you still have the nerve to ask me to take care of a child whose two steps from the grave ???]


    Quinn was understandably upset. Refusing to inherit his title was one thing, but abandoning his own child was something completely different.


    [I... I know this is too much to ask, but we never planned to have a child this soon,


    not with so many loose threads left. So please father, this is the last thing I asking of you...]


    Howard pleaded his father, knowing all too well how cruel this request was. But he didn''t have a choice, not with his condition...


    [Hmp... Well, he is my grandson after all, so I, no, me and your mother will do it,


    we will raise him like he''s our own.]


    However, Quinn was only teasing his son, testing his resolve... Seeing that Howard was serious, he accepted to take care of Arian.


    [Father...]


    While Howard was happy about this, Quinn was worried. He wasn''t sure if he will have enough time to raise Arian properly...


    [Make no mistake, I''m not doing this for you, but for Arian.]


    Well, he already agreed to it, so he will found the solution for that later. First they need to worry about Arians health...


    [Yes, thank you father...]


    While Howard already has a few ideas, Quinn has also sent his personal maid Kornelie to gather information about children with red soul''s...


    [Now then, with all that done, why don''t you tell me about how you met Lia,


    it must be an interesting story, right ?]


    Feeling that they finished with that subject, Quinn asked about something else, which made Howard surprised.


    [Haha, yes, where to start...]


    As Howard started telling his story, Quinn listened carefully. Like this, they talked late into the night...

 Chapter 2: A New Beginning

    Although my life was relatively good, because of some unfortunate events that I don''t even want to remember,


    I died and then was reincarnated in another world by some mysterious skeleton lady.


    In this world I''m called Arian Deurius.


    Although she has given me some task to do here in this world,


    I fear that it will be put on hold for now as I have a more pressing matters to sort out...


    Although they look cute and relaxed, being a baby isn''t fun at all!


    Most of the time, controlling my body is nearly impossible,


    it feels like I''m trying to pilot a helicopter with my feet...


    And don''t get me even started on understanding the language of this world,


    I feel like a caveman trying to understand morse code...


    As those two are the most basic things I need to survive, let''s not be lazy and get to work.


    .........


    Currently I''m about two years old, so most of the time I''ve spent being carried around by my mother


    or crawling on the floor when she let me do it.


    Also, I don''t know if this is just because I''m a baby, but the house we live in feels a little too gigantic.


    Anyway, my mother is called Lia, and she is a beautiful woman with long straight blue hair and blue eyes.


    And how do I put this, if those pointy ears weren''t a dead giveaway, she is an elf.


    My father is a called Howard, tall, strong built, piercing yellow eyes and a long blonde wavy hair like a prince.


    I don''t see him very often, but when I do, he''s usually with grampa Quinn talking about something.


    Grampa Quinn is a tall strong men already past his prime, with piercing yellow eyes like father,


    and long wavy half blonde, half gray hair.


    And then, there''s my grandma Abbey. I love her the most,


    as whenever I''m with her she always start talking about her days as an adventurer.


    While I still don''t understand half the words, listening to her stories always make me happy.


    Not to mention whenever I lost control of my body and started crying,


    she would show me magic tricks like floating water or dancing earth golems.


    First time I saw it, I couldn''t believe my eye.


    Unfortunately I tend to get sick all the time, so they never let me go outside.


    ..........


    Today I turned three years old or three cycles old as the people of this world would say.


    During my birthday party, when maid Kornelie mentioned how lucky I was to celebrate my third birthday,


    mother started crying and even father had a sorrowful smile on his face.


    Why? Was it because I tend to get sick very often even now ?


    I didn''t think those colds where life threatening.Although those nightmares I frequently have are really annoying...


    Anyway, on my previous birthdays, there were only mother, father, grandpa and grandma, even the maid Kornelie wasn''t there for some reason.


    But today, there are also Fronto family, a priest and even maid Kornelie with her husband.


    To be honest, I was surprised as until today I never saw so many people in one place.


    After the party was over, mother and father were taking with the priest something about the examination.


    So after three long years, what did I accomplish up to now:


    -I finally learned the common Human language, and while there still are a few words I don''t understand,


    it won''t be long before I learn them to.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    -I can now walk on two legs without falling flat on my face.


    It was hard learning to control my body but I somehow finally did it.


    -And finally I can talk, well baby talk but still...


    With those things done, now I can start learning how to write,


    magic and just exploring the wonders of this world.


    What? I''m forgetting about something ? I don''t think so.


    ..........


    Today mother, father and grandpa Quinn dressed up and going somewhere, taking me along with them.


    [So is everyone ready ? We know what to expect but be prepared.]


    Said grandpa Quinn like we are about to go to war or something, what''s with everyone today ?


    [We already talked with father Killian about his posible "status"]


    Father answered to grandpa. Huh, are we going to church or something ?


    And what is this status he mentioned ?


    [Wh.wher awe we goin] I tried to ask.


    [Oh, we are going to visit mister priest right now, you remember him from the party, right Arian ?]


    Mother answered and added a question.


    She and grandma have been doing it for awhile now, for which I am truly grateful.


    Thanks to that, I had more opportunities to train my tongue and easier time learning how to speak,


    especially when they correct me if i got something wrong.


    [uhu] I answered with a simple confirmation.


    [Alright, let''s go, the church isn''t that far from the mansion, will be there in no time.]


    Father said with a smile as he looked at me.


    [And Lia, hold Arian tightly or he fly off, look just how excited he is.]


    Of course I''m excited, I''ve been stuck in that mansion for all my life,


    with barely going out because of those frequent fevers. I barelyremember the last time I go out.


    Also, did I ever mention that we live in the mansion ? Can''t remember...


    Anyway...


    [Oh, good morning mr Howard, mrs Lia and marquess Quinn, where are you all going so early this sol?]


    A knight in leather armor greeted us and asked .


    If I remember correctly, that''s Calvin Fronto, he come to my birthday with his family.


    [Good morning Calvin, going to the church to check on Arian''s status] Quinn answered.


    [I see, well then good luck Arian, say hi to father Killian for me will ya ?]


    For some reason, he started talking to me. I answered with a [un].


    [By the way, isn''t your daughter also Arians age, if I remember correctly she''s younger then him?]


    Father asked Calvin.


    [Yes that''s right, Myla will turn three by the end of Sert.] Calvin answered.


    [You also must be excited to have her status checked, right ?] Quinn asked.


    [No, not really. I''m already happy with Bernard being such a strong "Eater",


    so I plan to train Myla with the way of the sword.] Calvin answered.


    [I see, anyway will be going now, it would be rude to keep father waiting.] Quinn seid.


    [Of course, then see you around.]


    Calvin said goodbye as he resumed his duty patrolling the village.


    [bay] I answered and waved at the knight.


    Not long after that, we arrived in front of the church. It was a made with stone,


    about two-story tall with a symbol of a star at the top.


    In front of it stood father Killian Potus, a tall, skinny man with orange eyes and short brown hair.


    He wore a standard white priest mantle with black clothes underneath.


    [Good morning everyone] Father Killian greeted us.


    [[[Good morning father]]] Mother, father and granpa greeted him back.


    [Mowning!] I did to.


    [Hoho, Arian is quite energetic this solisn''t he?] Father Killian asked.


    [Well this is his first time outside since who knows when.] Lia answered.


    I know when, it was about four months ago.


    [I see, I see, well then, come in. The Appraisal crystal is ready.]


    As we entered the church, I started looking around.


    Inside, there were numerous benches on both sides of the room,


    and at the front was a giant statue of a man holding a big star.


    In front of the statue was an altar with a floating transparent greenish crystal.


    [Now then, shall we began ?]


    As we stood in front of the crystal, father Killian asked excitedly...

 Chapter 3: Plans for the future

    After my mother brought me closer to the crystal,


    I placed my hand on it and said [status] as instructed by father Killian.


    The moment I finished saying the word,


    the crystal started to shine a little and a hologram-like projection appeared in front of it.


    %$#@: &^%$# %$#@!*& - Damian


    ?%$: 3


    $#@!: &^%$-#@!


    @!`~&: 1


    &^^%$#@!%: $#$#


    &^%!!$: @??#!$@! LV 1


    @?=*&^%$#: $#$#


    %$#@!: $#$#


    &^%$ ?=@!: $#!


    What''s written on it ? I don''t know, still haven''t learned how to read.


    The only thing I can in my name from my previous life, Damian.


    There''s also number 3 below it which may stand for my age, but other than that, everything is alien to me.


    Everyone else is looking at the projection half-concerned, half-confused.


    [Hmm, there are a few things I want to mention, but first...


    What''s that gibberish next to his name ?] Asked father Killian


    [It looks like a ancient elven language, now that I look at the symbols closely.]


    Mother answered totally confused.


    [What, way would Arian have another name in ancient language ?] Grandpa asked also confused.


    [Well, Arian is already a miracle. Having another bag of surprises isn''t that unexpected.


    You should already know this, father.]


    Father responded to grandpa''s question.


    [Howard, no matter how much of a miracle Arian is,


    being born as a rare half-elf with a rare silver hair and as a cursed red soul which is also considered rare,


    now you telling me that he also has a second name in ancient elven language ?


    And look at that, isn''t that a ultra rare skill "appraisal",


    there are only about 20 people that has that skill in the whole Kingdom !!!


    Isn''t he a little too much of a miracle ?


    Tell me son, did you sprinkle pixie dust or dragon scale powder on your tool


    before doing the job to get a child like this ?!?]


    Calm down grandpa, you gonna get a heart attack if you continue like that.


    Also that last part was unnecessary... Anyway, I have a appraisal skill ? When did I get that ?


    I never even tried to do something like shouting appraisal at the top of my lungs


    while staring at something really hard, as I never expected to have something so convenient.


    Also, what is that cursed red soul he mentioned ?


    Ugh, so many questions, so little answers...


    [Calm down father, don''t be so loud you''ll scare Arian.


    Also, weren''t it you yourself who said to be prepared for this ?]


    Father tried to calm grandpa a little.


    [Howard''s right. Also, his second name could be explained as something he has as a elf.


    Every elf has a second name, even I do.


    The only weird thing is that his name is written in ancient elven language...]


    Mother also added, making grandpa relax a little.


    "cough" "cough"


    [Excuse me, I know you are all confused a little about all this, but can we continue ?]


    Father Killian asked after he interrupted the conversation.


    [Yes, of course father, I''m sorry I lost my cool like that.


    It''s just that Arians whole existence is too overwhelming for an old man like me.]


    Grandpa apologised.


    [No, no it''s understandable. After my talk with Howard and Lia at the party,


    I was really excited to see Arians status. But seeing it now, I''m not that surprised, really.]


    Father Killian answered


    [We, beg your pardon ?] Grandpa asked.


    Of course, everyone was surprised by his statement.


    [I''m sure you all know what a hero is, right ?]


    Father Killian, where are you going with that ?


    Are you suggesting that I''m some destined hero or something ?


    [Of course, nearly every story is plagued with them...]


    Grandpa answered, also confused as to where is father Killian going with this.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    [Well, those stories must have gotten an inspiration from somewhere, right ?


    Hero is nothing but a title given to the person who did many outstanding deeds after all...


    But in most of those stories, hero''s come from a poor family''s or are orphans,


    who after many trials and hardship become who there are at the end of the story, right ?]


    [Father, where are you going with this ?]


    Mother asked. Thank you, just get to the point already !


    [Well, just think of Arian as someone who has the potential to become a hero, simple as that.]


    You know, you could have just said that immediately and be done with it.


    But with that passion in your voice, father, are you perchance a fan of hero stories ?


    [Or a villain if we go by your logic, right father ?] Grandpa asked.


    [Yes, that is also a possibility. That''s why you are here, to not let him go down the wrong path.]


    Father Killian answered calmly.


    [Although you say that, but he doesn''t have any attribute,


    so magic is automatically out of the window. Mother will be sad when she hears that.]


    Father said that after he looked at the projection again.


    [That leaves him with only sword, spear, axe or bow but with his body, that would be hard to imagine.


    I was hoping that he would have an attribute so he could become a mage or a wizard,


    but if its like this, we would need to strengthen his body first...]


    Grandpa was concerned, thinking what to do next.


    [Aren''t you forgetting about something ? We live in Veles village after all.]


    Killian asked as grandpa looked at him as if he''s just cursed his mother.


    [Excuse me, but is there a problem with that ?]


    Father Killian was confused because of grandpa''s reaction.


    [No, it isn''t a problem. It''s just that Father is very strongly against the concept


    of people absorbing ma.beast soul cores, effectively becoming beasts themselves.]


    Father answered with a smile as he scratched his head.


    [I could understand the concern, not too long ago they were treated like monsters,


    but that was only because of superstition and religion at the time.


    Now it''s being treated as an honorable way of life and a lot of parents


    are encouraging their children to become one.]


    Father Killian answered as he understood what the problem was.


    [Is being a "Eater" the only option he has ?] Grandpa asked.


    [No, there are always other options. But if you asked me,


    being a "Eater" would be ideal for Arian who has a red soul....


    By the way, what do you know about the soul types ?]


    As father Killian was explaining, he suddenly stopped and asked a question.


    Yes, this was bugging me for awhile now, please explain.


    [Not much, only that you could determine which soul type someone has


    based on the color of their eyes and that yellow and orange are the most common ones.]


    Grandpa answered.


    [Correct, there are 3 soul categories, demon, dragon and human category. Each category has 3 soul types.


    Red, dark red and black in demon category, dark blue, blue and light blue in dragon category


    and orange, yellow and white in human category. Overall there are 9 soul types.]


    Father Killian answered.


    [Then Lia has a dragon type soul ?] Father looked at mother and asked.


    [Well yes, it''s rare but there are elves with dragon type souls.] Father Killian answered.


    [So Lia is also a rare case huh, and here I was wondering from whom did Arian inherit that surprise bag.]


    Grandpa answered jokingly.


    [So what has this got to do with "Eater" being the best path for Arian to take ?] Father asked.


    [Well, as you all know, killing ma.beasts will result in absorption of their soul fragments.


    This makes our own soul bigger and stronger and in turn, also our bodies.


    This is measured in the status by levels. However, absorbing the ma.beast soul core


    will result in our soul becoming similar to that of a ma.beast the soul core belonged to.


    This is also reflected on the body. Absorbing multiple soul cores could result in our soul


    becoming a higher soul type, for Arian that would be dark red and then black soul type.]


    Father Killian explained. From what I could gather from grandma''s stories,


    ma.beast is actually just a short version of their real name, magic beast.


    They''re something like monsters in RPG, and it''s one of the adventures jobs to hunt them down.


    [Wait, wouldn''t that result in him becoming a real devil ?] Mother asked.


    [Better be a healthy devil than a unhealthy human or in this case, half-elf.


    I could understand your concerns if we lived in Holy Gaia Empire, but luckily we do not.


    Thanks to our Kingdoms racial law, you could freely walk on the streets


    without fearing to be discriminated even if you are a devil or even a dragon.]


    Father Killian answered.


    [I see, Then it has been decided. Too bad we need to give up on the sword and magic...]


    Grandpa said disappointedly.


    [Oh no, on the contrary. You should teach him both sword and magic even if he could not use it yet.


    Here''s my advice, right at the beginning of the next cycle,


    have him run around the mansion to build his stamina


    and swing a wooden sword or something to straighten his arms.


    See how it go and the adjust his training if needed.


    And when he''s about 4 cycle old, have mrs.Abbey start teaching him about magic.


    And as Howard and Lia are already leaving in 3 lun,


    it would be best for Arian to occupy himself with something to do.]


    Father Killian answer make grandpa happy,


    but he said something that I have been overheating from time to time.


    There are 10 months in this world called lun, and each has about 36-37 days called sol.


    So are mother and father leaving somewhere in about 3 months ?


    [Leaving ?] I asked.


    [Oh, don''t worry Arian, mama and papa are going on a adventure for a while,


    well be back in no time.] Mother said with a sad smile.


    Liar...

 Chapter 4: Birthsol Party

    It''s been 2 Lun since my status check and everything is still the same as before.


    After we come back from the church, while everyone else were explaining my status and plans for future training


    to grandma and maid Kornelie, I was trying to learn how to use the appraisal skill.


    Concentrating while invoking "status" in my mind,


    a hologram-like projection appeared in front of me, just like the one in the church.


    While I panicked at first, not to long after that, I discovered that nobody else other than me could see it.


    This was when I decide my next goal will be to learn how to read,


    because my status was still written in the common human language of this world.


    So, for the past 2 Lun I have been trying to learn how to read from mother and grandma.


    Common human language has 37 letters in the alphabet which made me worried that this won''t be such a easy task,


    but was pleasantly surprised when they teached me the "write as you speak, read as it is written" rule,


    witch made it really easy to learn. However, it will still take a while before I could read without someone''s help.


    Other then that, in 8 sol, we are going to the Myla''s birthsol party.


    She is the the daughter of Calvin Fronto, and while I did play with her a little at my birthsol party,


    I''m more interested in Calvin''s son Bernard who is a "Eater".


    As someone who''s also going to become one, I''m really excited to finally find out how they look like


    and why was grandpa so against it.


    Not to mention, Fronto family also manages an inn with a big hot spring and if I''m not mistaken,


    my grand-grandfather has given that land to Calvin''s grandfather as a sign of friendship.


    ..........


    2 sols before Myla''s birthsol party, Howard visited Quinn in the library.


    He wanted to speak with him about Arian and their departure that is coming near


    and to see what his father''s plans are.


    [Good evening father, it''s unusual to find you here in this time of sol...]


    He already visited Quinn''s office and study, but couldn''t find him there.


    That was when Kornelie informed him that his father was in the library, a place he rarely visits.


    [Hello there, Howard. You know, even I''m surprised to be here,


    but I just couldn''t miss out on this thing that Abbey found just awhile ago...]


    Quinn answered while still looking at the parchments in his hands.


    [Heee, I never thought there was anything that could interrupt your evening tea time.]


    Quinn has never skipped on his evening tea without a very good reason,


    so it was unthinkable of him to skip it just because he found something interesting.


    This made Howard curious.


    [Look and be amazed, Abbey found them in the corner over there together with books like "World''s history",


    "Basic magic theory" and "Ma.beast encyclopedia"...]


    Howard looked at the parchment in his hand, there was a single letter written over and over again.


    Looking at another parchment, there was another letter written over and over again.


    [This is...] Howard was amazed.


    [Arian wrote that, Lia was wondering for awhile now where did he always run offto after the reading lessons,


    looks like he''s already trying to learn how to write too.]


    [Haaa, why I''m not surprised anymore ? Is that kid even gonna fit in with the others his age ?]


    Howard asked worryingly. His son was way too different from anyone, which made him worried.


    [Well, he did play with Myla on his birthsol, and was curious as to who Bernard was.


    I think he''s gonna be fine, even Calvin likes him.] Quinn answered


    [Oh, that''s right. Did you send that letter to Calvin about Arian ?]


    After remembering his original purpose coming to the library, Howard asked.


    [Yes, he replied that he will inform you after he talks with his wife about it,


    but if you asked me, that''s already as good as done.]


    [That''s reassuring, if he could stay with them,


    then me and Lia could go without needing to worry about him missing us.


    Calvin could also teach him how to handle a sword together with Myla...]


    Howard was very worried about leaving Arian alone with Quinn and Abbey


    as they are very busy lately and their maid Kornelia was very distant toward him for some reason.


    It was really reassuring knowing that he could leave Arian with Fronto family


    and have them take care of him.


    [By the way, was there any words about my brother ?] Howard asked.


    [No, other than that he''s alive and somewhere in Krerean Kingdom, nothing...]


    Quinn shoved a grim smile. They been trying to locate Garrett for about 3 cycles,


    but Garrett was very good at keeping his tracks hidden.


    [I see, well at least he''s alive.]


    [As long as he come home safe and sound, I''ll be happy.


    I know that I sound like a broken recording crystal but are you really leaving in 1 Lun,


    without even waiting for Garrett to return ?] Quinn asked.


    [Yes, we''ll will be leaving soon. We have already packed everything we need in magic bag,


    the only thing that needs to be done is finding the place for Arian to stay.


    If Fronto family cannot do it, I plan to ask father Killian if he could.]


    Howard answered with determination.


    [...And then you heading straight to the Druantia Forest ?] Quinn asked


    [Yes, we''re also leaving one magic bag for Arian to use when he''s older.


    You can store those "soul strengthening" and "complete recovery" potions in there.


    It would be bad if something happens to them, when you got to all that trouble buying them,


    even selling other mansions just to afford them.]


    [Its okay, they safe in the treasury. And don''t make that face Howard,


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.it was my decision to sell the mansions and buy the potions, even if father Killian said it was unnecessary.


    After all, the frequency of those fever have decreased completely thanks to those potions.]


    Howard wasn''t happy about his father selling the mansions that he worked so hard to buy,


    but undoubtedly the potions have helped Arian battle his frequent fevers easily,


    enabling him to grow up like any other child.


    [Fine, I won''t mention that again....]


    [Good. Anyway, wanna hit a drink, Howard ? We won''t be able to spend time like this again,


    might as well do it while we can.]


    Quinn has taken off one of the very large book from the shelf, revealing a bottle of vine behind it.


    ..........2 sols later..........


    [[[Happy birthsol Myla!!!]]]


    Fronto family inn was a big three story tall building with 20 rooms for rent.


    This was because a large amount of tourist would come for the hot spring or just to see the famous Veles village.


    Because sweets were a little bit expensive, most commoners never had a cake for their birthsol,


    so our family bought one for this occasion.


    [Yay, cake. Thanks!!!] Myla was excited


    Despite being younger, Myla was a little bit taller than me,


    with shoulder length black hair and yellow eyes. Not to mention she looks and acts like a tomboy.


    [Welcome, please come inside.] Bernard politely greeted and let us inside.


    Bernard is in his early teens, with yellow eyes and short black hair.


    He is really muscular and tall for his age, but other than his tanned skin,


    there was nothing abnormal about him.


    [Please sit down and have a drink. My wife will soon bring something to snack on before we start the cake.]


    Calvin welcomed us and showed us where to sit.


    Father Killian was already here together with two guards that Calvin usually patrol the village with.


    Not too long after, Calvin''s wife Miranda showed up with food in both hands and put them on the table.


    After that she took the harp and started playing and singing.


    Looks like she was an adventurer before getting married.


    As our parents were talking and laughing, me and Myla were listening to father Killian''s story about heroes,


    looks like he''s really passionate about them. Bernard was sitting outside, eating and drinking.


    In this world, it isn''t weird for teenagers to drink alcohol during home parties like this.


    [Are you really a Eater ?] I asked Bernard.


    I barely escaped from father Killian and his stories...


    Myla is still listening to them, excitedly.


    [Of course] He replied.


    [You don''t look any different ?] I asked again.


    [Haha, of course, I still didn''t transform, that''s why I look normal.]


    Bernard replied. Wait what? Transform? This is the first time I hear that.


    [Transform?]


    [If you curious, ask my father if I can show you. It''s pretty cool. But for now I can do this at least.]


    After he said that, Bernard stood up and taken down his shirt,


    revealing the muscular body that doesn''t belong to a teenager.


    [Touch my skin, see how it feels.]


    Bernard said to me after seeing me confused for a moment.


    When I touched his skin, it was hard and cold, like I was touching a stone statue and not a human...


    [Hard... and cold ?] I asked confusingly.


    [That''s right, I absorbed the stone golem ma.beast soul core


    resulting in my body becoming hard and cold like a stone together with the ability to transform.


    However, my first soul core was from horned bear, stone golem was my second.]


    Bernard explained. There are still many things I don''t know about Eater''s,


    but I''m starting to slowly understand the concept.


    [I see, it really is cool] I answered with a smile


    [Right ? Also, can I ask you something, it''s been bugging me for a while now ?]


    [Sure.] I answered confusingly.


    I don''t think there is much to ask a 3 cycle old child like me.


    [Are you a boy ? or a girl ?]


    Bernard''s question was shocking.


    [HAH ?!?]


    ..........


    As the adults were drinking, joking and just talking about mundane things,


    they listened to Miranda''s beautiful voice as she skillfully played the harp.


    [Hahaha, that''s a good one Cripin...


    But really, if Calvin didn''t tell me beforehand that a marquess family was coming to the party,


    I''ve would had shit ma pants when you showed up.]


    One of the guards said to Howard.


    [No joke. But really, marquess Deurius,


    there aren''t many nobles that are this comfortable with commoners like us. That''s really a rarity.]


    The other guard, Cripin added.


    [No need for formalities Cripin, Kai, just call us by our names.


    Our family has been friends with Fronto family for generations,


    there is no need to raise our noses up to the sky just becouse we are nobles now.]


    Quinn answered humbly.


    [That''s right folks, this is your only chance to make fun of our marquess without losing your head, haha.]


    Calvin joked at Quinn''s remark.


    [By the way, do you have an answer to our request, Calvin ?] Lia asked


    Hearing her, Calvin stood up from his seat, took his glass of vine and looked at his wife, Miranda.


    [I talked with my beautiful wife about this matter and...


    we decided to accept your request. We will raise him like he''s our own together with Bernard and Myla.]


    After he looked at him and Myla listening to father Killian''s story


    as he''s trying to explain to them some action scene, he looked back at Howard and Lia and continued...


    [I will personally train him in the ways of the sword and turn that scurvy girly body of his


    into a mass of muscles just like Bernard!]


    Calvin exclaimed proudly.


    [Hahaha, please no. That would be a little too much of a transformation, and anyway...]


    Abbey looked at Lia and continued.


    [... are you going to finally address the dragon in the room now, Lia ?]


    [A dragon... in the room ?] Lia was a little bit confused at that question.


    [I''m gonna be frank with you, when you look at those two, doesn''t Arian look more like a girl then Myla ?]


    Kai, one of the guards asked and the Cripin added.


    [I heard that elf boys tend to be more feminine before they hit puberty,


    but don''t you think that he''s a little bit too feminine ?]


    [Yes, that''s true, but... Maybe I never noticed because I was always with him, but...


    He really do seems a little bit too feminine then normal...]


    Lia answered after she understood what the question was.


    [Well, I already given up on explaining every abnormal thing with Arian,


    and I suggest you all do the same... It will only make your head hurts.]


    Howard added.


    [Just don''t be surprised if he grow a pair of horns of something one sol...] Quinn joked.


    [Hahaha, no problem with that, we already have a son who can transform into a werebear, so...]


    Calvin also answered with a joke.


    As everyone was laughing, Miranda finished the last song and headed to the kitchen to bring the cake.


    Father Killian also finished with his story and sat at the table together with Myla.


    Not too long after, Arian and shirtless Bernard come inside and also sat at the table.


    After Miranda brought the cake, everyone sang the traditional birthsol song for Myla before she opened her presents.


    After the party was over, everyone was ready to go home, but...


    [Can Bernard transform ?]


    Arian asked Calvin if Bernard could transform.


    [You want to see it ?] Calvin asked.


    [Arian, it''s already late, you can see it some other time...] Lia told Arian.


    [No, no it''s fine. Because Bernard started really late,


    he only absorbed his second ma.beast soul core just recently. Even I haven''t seen his new transformation.]


    [Is it really fine ?] Howard asked


    [It''s fine, no problem here, right Bernard ?] Calvin asked.


    [Of course]


    Said Bernard as he walked to the spacious area near the inn.


    As the wind started circling around him,


    Bernard''s muscular and already tanned body become even blacker and bigger


    as his head and arms become like that of a bear with two large horns.


    His skin then started to crack,


    leaving behind big chasms as it shows that his body is made of stone just like a stone golem.


    [WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MY NEW TRANSFORMATION, A HORNED STONE WEREBEAR ?]


    Bernard asked proudly.


    Everyone was impressed and given him a loud applause.


    No one noticed the big devilish grin on Arians face.

 Chapter 5: Departure

    In a weakly lit room stood a big round table with about twelve seats.


    Behind each seat, there was a door with strange symbols engraved on them.


    At the center of the round table floated a ball-shaped green crystal


    and around it circled a few hologram-like projections.


    Occupying one of the seats was a short girl with a short, messy white hair and black eyes.


    A large black horn was growing out of her forehead.


    She wore a long white dress with a few black colored decorations.


    Looking at the heap of paper in front of her, she had a tiresome look on her face.


    After the while, one of the doors have started to slowly open.


    From behind the door, a skeleton with a mannequin head walked into the room,


    dressed in pure black robe that looked like it was absorbing the little light the room had into it.


    On its shoulders, four small broken dolls danced happily.


    [Hello there Minerva, it''s been awhile. How are you ?]


    Skeleton Lady greeted the other party and asked.


    [Hello my ass, have you finally decided to show up, GAIA ?!]


    Minerva was pissed, she asked while staring at the Skeleton Lady with her black eyes.


    [There''s no need to be angry, ya know? I just didn''t show up on a few gatherings, that''s all...]


    Skeleton Lady, Gaia, answered calmly.


    [A few ? A FEW ?! I didn''t see you since forever and when it looked like you were finally going to show up,


    only your dolls come out of that door. To make matters worse,


    they told me that you have sent a damned red soul into MY world.


    What were you even thinking, are you messing with me ?!?!]


    Minerva screamed at Gaia.


    Gaia just calmly walked to the round table and sit on her seat.


    She started to feel a little bit nostalgic as she didn''t come here in a very long time.


    [Calm down, Nana and Gaga should have informed you about the reason, no ?]


    [Haaa, they only said that you have sent one red soul to test the system, that''s all...


    But do you really think that I would just be like "Oh, ok" and ignore it ?]


    Minerva answered.


    [That''s all there is to it, really. What else do you want to know ?] Gaia asked


    [WHY.A.RED.ONE ? No really, why ? You could have picked up any other soul to test it...


    And if you really wanted to send me another "Demon lord" candidate,


    you could have just sent me a black one and be done with it.]


    Minerva answered as she was scratching her messy hair.


    [Ha, where''s the fun in that ?]


    [GAIA, I''m serious here. What makes you think it won''t go on a killing spree like the rest of them?]


    Minerva asked with a serious face as she stood up from her seat.


    [Minerva, we have known each other for a long time now, so you should know me very well by now, right ?]


    [I really wish I didn''t... So ?] Minerva asked.


    [How would you describe me ?] Gaia asked with a smile.


    [A self-centered, lazy bitch with a ugly personality,


    who won''t even lift a finger if it didn''t benefit her in any way.


    That sums it up, I think... So? Is there a point to this ?]


    Minerva answered to Gaia as her mood improved after letting go what was on her chest.


    [Wow, that''s harsh. Anyway... Me and that red soul have a very similar ego, so I let him go.


    So you don''t have to worry about him going on a killing spree,


    as he probably won''t do anything that doesn''t benefit him.]This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    As Gaia was answering, Minerva facepalmed.


    [You got to be shiting me, that''s the reason ?] Minerva was astonished.


    [What, It would be a waste to just throw him into the Demon realm.


    He is perfect for testing the system...]


    Gaia answered unconvincingly.


    [Fine, that''s enough. By the way, are you staying here this time ?] Minerva asked.


    [Of course. After all, I wish to watch him grow...]


    Gaia answered with a creepy smile,


    as she was looking at the projection showing an elf mother teaching her child how to read...


    ..........


    And just like that, another Lun has gone by and it was time for mother and father to depart.


    I won''t lie, I''m become to like them both and am very sad to see them go, but I won''t stand in their way.


    This is their choice, and I''m going to respect it.


    Currently, we are in front of the mansion saying goodbye to grandpa and grandma,


    before we head to the Fronto family inn.


    [Take care out there, son. This is the path you chosen, don''t stray away from it.]


    Grandpa said with a sad smile.


    [Protect each others, and take care.]


    Grandma said with teary eyes.


    [We will, and you too. We''ll miss you greatly.]


    Father said as he hugged grandpa, then grandma.


    [Thank you for taking care of us, It was fun spending time with you all.]


    Mother said as she hugged grandma, then grandpa.


    [Of course. Have a safe journey...]


    [...and may the gods watch over you.]


    Said grandpa and grandma.


    After saying goodbye to them, we headed to the Fronto resident.


    On the street, they said their goodbyes to the people they know.


    Even the guards Kai and Cripin were sad to see them go.


    Not too long after, we arrived in front of the inn, where Calvin and Miranda were waiting.


    [Howard, my old friend, I''m gonna miss the time we spent together...]


    Calvid said with a sad face.


    [Me too Calvin, me too...]


    Father said as he hugged Calvin tightly.


    [I''m glad I came to know you all, wish we could spend more time together with you...]


    Mother said as she was hugging Miranda.


    [We too, it''s sad to see you go so soon after coming here. Take care...] Miranda answered.


    As they took their bags and were ready to go, father turned towards me and give me one of the bags.


    I already have one bag with clothes with me so I was confused.


    [Arian, this is the magic bag. In here are a few presents from us, Calvin will show you how to use it...]


    Before I could take the magic bag that father was holding, mother suddenly hugged me and started to cry.


    [Be a good boy and listen to what Calvin and Miranda are saying.]


    She said as she was trying to wipe her tears.


    Looking at father, even his eyes are starting to water up.


    Not being able to hold up, he let out a tear as he hugged me, giving me the magic bag.


    [Get along well with Bernard and Myla, and don''t forget to train and study...]


    Father managed to say.


    [I will] I managed to answer.


    [We love you very, very much...]


    Mother said as the tears continued to fall.


    [I love you too]


    I didn''t plan to cry, but this moment was too emotional.


    Tears started flowing out of my eyes. This is why I always hated goodbyes....


    After awhile, they let me go. As they were wiping their tears,


    a caravan master has come to tell them that the caravan will soon leave the village.


    [We are going now, stay strong.]


    Father said to me and then turned towards Calvin.


    [Take care of him...]


    [We will, you have nothing to worry about.] Calvin answered.


    After saying our goodbyes, they went with caravan master.


    The trade caravan was traveling from Immitrex city to the southwest of the Kingdom,


    only coming to the Veles village to resupply, or so I overheard.


    After greeting the other passengers, mother and father boarded the wagon as they waited to depart.


    After they were gone, I moved inside the inn to unpack.


    Myla and Bernard were already in my room, waiting to help me out and cheer me up if need be.


    [Are you alright ?] Bernard asked worryingly.


    [I''m fine, just a little tired...] I answered


    [Heee, okay. Then let''s finish this up as fast as we can, so we can go for a swim in the hot spring.]


    Bernard said as he already started putting my clothes into the chest.


    [That''s sound like a great idea...]


    I answered, still rubbing my eyes.


    ..........Later that evening..........


    Calvin was sitting at the table, cleaning his armor and sword. Miranda was sitting across him, drinking coffee.


    They were both silent for a while. Unable to handle the silence any longer, Calvin asked.


    [So... Did Arian already go to bed ?]


    [He did, right after he got out of the hot spring...] Miranda answered.


    [I see. It must be hard for him...] Calvin added.


    [He''s probably too young to realise that this solmay be the last time he saw his parents....]


    Miranda said...


    [That''s probably for the best...] Calvin answered.


    As they remembered him crying just this morning, they began to wonder if they can do something for him to cheer up.


    He was their friend''s son, and they planned to do everything they can to help him out.


    But they began to worry as they didn''t know how to interact with him,


    especially because he was so different from any other child his age.


    [Well, looks like it''s going to be awkward around here for a while...] Calvin joked a little.


    [Haha, I hope it will not. I want Arian to feel just like at home here.] Miranda replied.


    As they looked through the kitchen window outside, they wondered how will this change their lives.


    But no matter what the future has in store for them, they were happy to have a new member of their family.

 Chapter 6: First Hunt

    Running through the Veles village was a small petite silver haired boy, no more than 5 cycles old.


    He''s been running every morning, every Sol for awhile now.


    At first, he only run one lap around one street, but as time goes on, he expanded it around the whole village,


    which wasn''t a small feat considering his age.


    [Good morning Kai, Cripin. The usual patrol ?]


    [Good morning Arian. Yeah, it''s our turn to patrol in the morning this Sabb. What about you, on a morning jog ?]


    [Like usual, then I won''t disturb you. See ya !]


    Continuing his morning running like usual,he''s about to finish his 10th lap around the village. Exhausted, he heads home, to the Fronto family inn.


    [I''m home!] He said as he entered the kitchen.


    [Welcome home, come, dinner will be ready soon.] Miranda answered.


    He''s been living with Fronto family for 2 cycles now and he''s come to feel here just like at home.


    At the beginning it was very awkward, but over time it got better.


    As he come to the table and sit on his chair, he asked:


    [Where are uncle and Bernard? I also didn''t see Myla around...]


    [Calvin has gone with Myla to the school to enroll you two and Bernard is probably training like usual.]


    Miranda answered. At first, Arian was calling them by their names, but over time, he started calling them uncle and aunt.


    As a 5 cycle old, he and Myla will start going to school. It''s not a normal school, but a school designed to train warriors and eaters.


    Arian and Myla has been training with a sword for about a cycle now, and Calvin wasn''t a gentle teacher.


    He wanted them to learn as much as possible before they start going to school.


    Arian was also learning magic from his grandma Abbey once a Sabb every Lun.


    [Your grandpa and grandma will be coming this sol before they head to the city...] Miranda said.


    [About time, they been pushing that away for awhile now.] Arian answered.


    Because of Howard''s and Garrett''s achievements during the war with Nox kingdom, king was very easy on their family,


    but as the work piled up, they couldn''t wait anymore for Garrett to return home and replace Quinn.


    [We''re home]


    [Home !]


    As Calvin and Myla have come home, they were only waiting for Bernard to return.


    Since Arian has started living with them, Calvin has started growing a stylish beard, seeing it looks cool on him.


    He wasn''t joking when he said he''s gonna make Arian strong, thanks to his spartan training,


    both Arian and Myla can swing even a real sword like its nothing. Although it''s just a normal swing.


    [The paperwork is done, they will start going to school next Lun.] Calvin said.


    [Do I also need to go to the normal classes ? I don''t think there is anything left for me to learn in there...] Arian asked.


    [No, you can skip those and do whatever you want. You only need to attend eater classes and take tests for the normal ones.] Calvin answered.


    [Yay, more time for training and studying...] Arian joked.


    [That''s good and all but wouldn''t you want to go and play a little ? All you do nowasols is training and studying...] Miranda asked.


    [Why, I''m having ton of fun doing just that.]


    Arian know that his way of thinking baffled those around him.


    While other children his age always played around and only trained and studied when their parents convinced them, Arian was the complete opposite.


    Arian loved to study because he found it interesting to learn about this different world, however, what he loved the most was running.


    Pushing his body to the limits and experiencing that runner''s high was something he loved even in his previous life.


    But, a leg injury in high school prevented him from ever running again which greatly depressed him.


    [Be careful, don''t push yourself too much. We don''t want those fevers to return now, do we ?] Calvin said.


    [Don''t worry so much uncle, last time I had a fever was one cycle ago...] Arian answered.


    [It''s still better to be careful for awhile, okay ?] Miranda added.


    [I will !]


    Maybe because he''s older, or because of training, Arians frequent fevers have disappeared completely.


    [I''m home, what''s for dinner ?] Bernard asked as he come inside, completely shirtless...


    [Come and see, it''s the usual. Well since everyone''s here, we could finally start to eat.] Miranda answered.


    Their dinner was a standard commoner meal, like a horned rabbit soup with a few vegetables and black bread.


    Because most ma.beast meat was too tough for normal humans, they would normally eat only horned rabbits, two headed wolves or antlerless deer


    which were not even considered ma.beasts. While commoners eat anything out of necessity, nobles eat delicate delicious food just for enjoyment.


    After the dinner, Arian headed to his room to continue reading the book that he have yet to finish.


    He has already finished reading so many books that he managed to fill an entire bookshelf, which everyone found very impressive.


    Most of the books were borrowed from his grandma''s library or from father Killian.


    While reading the book, he absentmindedly invoked "status" in his mind.


    Name: Arian Deurius - Damian


    Age: 5


    Race: Half-Elf


    Gender: Male


    Level: 1


    Attribute: none


    Skills: [Appraisal LV2], [Swordsmanship LV1]


    Abilities: [Concentration LV1], [Mana Control LV1]


    Title: none


    Soul type: Red


    While looking at his status, he remembered what father Killian said about each category.


    While name, age, race and gender are obvious, others are a little bit complicated, some more, some less.


    Level is a number that represents a strength of the soul and absorbing the soul fragments by killing the creatures with a soul will increase the number.


    Attribute is an elemental component of a soul. Only humans and halflings can be born without an attribute.


    Using magic require an attribute, so those without attribute cannot use any kind of magic.


    So, fire magic require an fire attribute and water magic require a water attribute. More complicated magic like ice magic require two attributes, water and wind.


    Because of this, more and more wizards are becoming eaters, as absorbing a ma.beast soul core will result in them acquiring an attribute that ma.beast had.


    Skills are the knowledge of the soul and any creature that could learn and think could acquire a skill.


    So, if you learn how to use a sword, you will acquire a [Swordsmanship] skill.


    Abilities are the most interesting as every creature has them or could acquire them.


    Every creature has an ability that is unique to their race, which also make every creature''s appearance unique.


    Humans only has magic or mind related abilities, but eaters could acquire other abilities by absorbing ma.beast soul cores.


    Titles are a mystery because they can come anytime and without warning.


    They usually come after completing a certain action and can grant you a bonus to your status. But sometime, that bonus could also be negative.


    Other than appraisal, Arians status is relatively normal.


    He got the sword skill one lun after he started training with the sword, Myla got it two lun after.


    As for his abilities, he may have acquired [Concentration] because he reads so much, and [Mana control] when he was learning magic from his grandma Abbey.


    [Arian!!! Your grandma and grandpa are here, come to the kitchen.] Bernard called while Arian was lost in thought.


    He quickly jumped off the bed, returned the book on the shelf and got out of his room.


    [Here I am, let''s go...] Arian answered.


    [Are you ready for the hunt, next sol will be your first time fighting ma.beast, right ?]


    Bernard asked as they were on their way to the kitchen.


    [Both nervous and excited to tell you the true...] Arian answered with a smile.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    [Haha, it''s just a slime type ma.beast, those pests are easy to kill.] Bernard was encouraging Arian


    When they come to the kitchen, Quinn and Abbey were sitting at the table talking with Calvin and Miranda.


    [Good evening, grandma, grandpa...] Arian greeted Quinn and Abbey.


    [Hello there Arian, how have you been ?] Quinn asked.


    [Relatively good, enjoying my time doing fun things...] Arian answered.


    [Hohoho, I see. That''s youth for you.] Quinn laughed


    [Liar, all he does is train and read those books of his every sol.] Miranda added.


    [Well, if he enjoy doing that, just let him do what he wants to do.] Abbey answered.


    Abbey was coming to visit Arian every Sabb to teach him magic, but Quinn could only manage to come once a Lun, for which he felt really bad about.


    [I heard you are going back to Immitrex city, is that right ?] Arian asked.


    [Unfortunately, it''s true. We can''t wait for Garrett to come back forever.


    If he doesn''t come back and inherit my title in a few more cycles, I will need to give it back and let the King choose someone else to inherit it.]


    Quinn answered.


    [When are you going to the city?] Calvin asked.


    [Next sol in the morning, my personal guards will come to pick us up.] Quinn answered.


    [This is why we come here so suddenly, we wanted to personally let you know about the situation.] Abbey added.


    [I see...] Calvin answered.


    [We really didn''t want this to happen. It feel so wrong to just leave Arian here while his family just up and go somewhere, leaving him behind...


    I feel like laughing when I remember how angry I was at Howard, yet I''m about to do the same thing...] Quinn said while lowering his head.


    [Its okay, you just need to wait until uncle Garrett comes back and take your place, right ?] Arian asked innocently, making everyone surprised.


    Arian know that they didn''t have any other choice, he also already got used to people leaving him behind as it happened to him many times, but nobody know about that.


    He also know that he will one sol leave this village and go on his own journey, leaving everyone behind.


    That''s just how life works, but this was not a mindset of a child, but an adult.


    Everyone else know how cruel it is to leave such a young child behind, like his parents did, even if it is with another family.


    [Yes, thats true...] Quinn answered after coming to his senses.


    [Don''t worry, we''ll take good care of him.] Miranda answered with a smile.


    [By the way, did you heard anything about Garrett ?] Calvin asked.


    [Yes, just last Sabb we heard that he returned back to Uruviel Kingdom, so let''s just hope it''s a matter of time before he come back...] Quinn answered.


    [Oh that''s great news. But I still can''t figure out why did he go to the Krerean Kingdom...] Calvin said.


    [Gods know why...] Abbey said silently.


    After that, they talked about various things before they said their goodbyes and parted ways.


    After Arian returned to his room, he started preparing his equipment for tomorrow.


    His leather armor made from horned bear''s skin and reinforced with iron plates that he got from Fronto family for his 5 birthday and


    a silver one-handed sword that he got from his parents as a parting gift. Both were a very well made items.


    He was very excited for tomorrow''s hunt more than anything, even if they would be hunting slimes, the weakest ma.beast in the world.


    ..........


    Today is the first time I''m going outside the village and quite far at that.


    I, Calvin, Bernard and Myla are walking across abandoned farms into the forgotten valley which is infested with slimes.


    There exist about 45 types of slimes but most of them are the weakest Copper rank and only a "big" variant is one rank higher.


    However, those big variants are extremely rare.


    There are 8 ranks of ma.beast in total:


    Copper from LV1 to LV10


    Iron from LV11 to LV20


    Silver from LV21 to Lv30


    Gold from LV31 to LV40


    Platinum from LV41 to Lv50


    Mythril from Lv51 to LV60


    Orychalcum from LV61 to LV70


    Adamantite from Lv71 to LV80


    Copper rank ma.beast are recommended as a foundation material for those that wants to become an "eater".


    Because not every soul core is compatible with other soul cores, its best to create a foundation that is compatible with most other ma.beast soul cores.


    Also, first two soul cores are combined to form a basic Transformation that stays with eaters their entire life.


    Other absorbed soul cores are nothing but an upgrade to the basic transformation.


    So Bernards basic transformation "Horned stone werebear" won''t change drastically


    or even a little if he absorbs another soul core that has little to no compatibility with his basic transformation.


    This is why children that are going to become a Eater start to train so soon.


    They also get assistance from their teachers to create their basic transformation that suits their fighting style.


    However, nobody has ever absorbed a slime soul core because it is considered useless.


    There is also a side effect of *softening which is the complete opposite of what happened to Bernard when he absorbed the stone golem soul core.


    Basically your body start to become slime like over time.


    [Are you ready? Okay, listen here, try killing those small green ones around here,


    but be careful not to go too deep because there are those that can shot stones at you and I don''t think you are ready for that.]


    Calvin stoped and explained.


    [Also try slicing them in half when they jump at you, because if the cut is too shallow,


    they will just regenerate... Slimes may be weak, but they are annoying to kill.] Bernard added.


    [Arian to the right, Myla to the left. And, START !] Calvin shouted.


    Myla is going into clear space without any tree while I am going into small grove.


    There are countless green slimes on my path, but I could also see a few blue and brown ones.


    I look at them with appraisal...


    .....


    Name: Water slime


    Level: 1


    Attribute: Water


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 100%


    .....


    Name: Earth slime


    Level: 1


    Attribute: Earth


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 99%


    Mp: 100%


    .....


    Water and Earth slimes, huh... Looks like every slime here is LV1.


    I come closer to the green one and wait for him to jump at me. When he did jump at me I cut him in half with one swing, killing it instantly.


    This looks easy but that wasn''t a normal sized slime but a small one. Normal sized ones have a harder skin so there are harder to slice.


    While thinking about that, two green slimes comes jumping at me simultaneously.


    I evaded the first one and sliced in half the other one.


    After restoring my stance I waited for the first one to jump at me again before cutting it in half.


    This is easy, I only need to be careful not to get swarmed by a large group and to have enough space to swing my sword.


    That''s why those trees around me are really annoying, but I guess this is good training.


    After killing about 20 green slime, I realized that I wandered too deep into the grove.


    Remembering what Calvin said, I turned around to go back but a tree next to me was suddenly hit by a stone.


    Before I even realized that I had already started running, countless stones were already hitting the trees behind me.


    As I ran between the trees for a while, I ended up on a vast plain that Myla has gone to.


    Before I could even look around, two brown slimes jumped towards me.


    Reflexively swinging my sword at them, I managed to cut in half one of them while other had a deep cut.


    Seeing that the other one won''t jump at me again, I started running towards the place where Calvin and Bernard were.


    My hand was trembling from killing that earth type, his skin was too tough.


    I continue running not thinking too much about it...


    Suddenly, two stones hit my back, making me clench my teeth from pain.


    But I continue to run towards Myla that just came into my view. She was waiting for a green slime to jump so she could cut it just like Bernard suggested.


    [RUN!!!] I shouted with all my might, as another pair of stones hit me while others were flying over or near me.


    Myla was confused at first but then her expression turned sour, before starting to run too.


    [Hahaha, that expression was gold!] As I screamed at no one, another stone hit me in the head. Ouch...


    .....


    Before long we reunited with Calvin and Bernard. But I fear that swarm behind us has grown a little bit too large.


    [Hide, we got company !] I screamed.


    [Lots and lots] Myla added.


    [What are yo...] Before Calvin could even finish his sentence, a large rock hit him in the face, making him nearly fell to the ground.


    All four of us then hide behind the trees, as slimes continue to shoot stones at us.


    [How the fuck did you managed to bring so many with you ?] Bernard asked with a amazed expression.


    [Sorry, they followed me while I was escaping from them.] I answered while lowering my head.


    [Ouch, ouch my nose. If they weren''t such a low level, it would probably bleed.] Calvin said.


    [Don''t say that, father!] Myla answered.


    [Hey, those attacks aren''t lethal at all, right? So why don''t we just attack them straight on?] I asked.


    [Well if you don''t mind the bruises, go ahead.] Bernard answered.


    [Haha, then I will go ahead]


    After saying that, I got out of my cover and started running towards the swarm of slimes not minding Bernards shouts that he was just joking.


    There were countless green, blue and brown slimes shooting at us stones and water projectiles.


    [Dammit Arian, I can''t havE YOU HAVE ALL THE FUN !] Bernard was saying as he transformed in the middle of his sentence.


    [Myla, we are going too...] Said Calvin.


    [Yes, father!] Myla answered


    Before we realized it, it was already evening. We then headed home with countless bumps and bruises all over our body...


    Only bernard was without a scratch...


    ..... At Home .....


    In front of the entrance stood annoyed and worried Miranda. As she looked at our sorry state, she asked us all:


    [Where have you been up till now, you should be back before dinner, right ?


    And why do you all look like a horned bears just played catch with you ?]


    [Sorry, sorry, I didn''t think that Arian would bring a whole swarm of small slimes to us, not to mention, he then jumped recklessly at them...]


    Calvin answered with a smile while scratching his head.


    [I sorry, but it looked fun to do that...]


    I answered with a smile as blood started running from my forehead across my face...


    [Arian, you should be careful, you know ? Slimes may be weak but they are really dangerous in groups.] Miranda said.


    [Nah, we are also to blame. We didn''t even tried to stop him...]


    [Even we jumped and attacked like Arian...]


    Both Bernard and Myla have come to my defence. Thank you guys.


    [Well no matter, come let me heal you so we could eat, you must be hungry.]


    Miranda said as we walked inside. As a former Red adventurer, Miranda knows how to use healing magic.


    That''s why I didn''t worry about cuts and bruises as she could heal at least that. After healing us, she reheated the dinner.


    [Next sol we are going on a hunt again, but this time Arian, please don''t get into trouble.] Calvin said as we were eating.


    [Yes, it won''t happen again.] I answered.


    After the dinner, I go to my room. After cleaning my armor and sword from the slime goo and dirt, I lay on my bed and look at the ceiling.


    After invoking "status" in my head, I look at my level. Still level 1 huh ?


    It''s just like they say, no matter how much you kill them, your level will go up so slowly that it''s better to hunt anything else.


    As I was falling asleep, I thought about how tomorrow is going to be a long sol again....

 Chapter 7: Disastrous Second Hunt

    Last cycle, beginning of Mare


    Standing in the empty space near the Fronto family inn were Calvin, Myla and Arian.


    After warming up, Calvin was about to give Myla and Arian instructions about their sword training.


    [Alright, listen here kids. Before we start the lesson, I will first tell you what my father told me before he started to teach me.]


    [What is it ? What did he said ?] Myla asked excitedly.


    [Probably just some formal speech or something...] Arian was already losing interest.


    "cough" "cough"


    [He told me that "No matter how good you are, never use your power to hurt others,


    but to protect the ones that you care about. Only then will you be truly strong"...] Calvin finished his speech.


    [Oh, then when I become strong, I will protect everyone here!!!] Myla answered even more excitedly.


    Arian on the other hand yawned. Calvin speech was so clich¨¦ that even books of this world has it.


    Seeing that it will take more than that to motivate Arian, Calvin added.


    [But here''s also my advice. Never underestimate your opponent, think of them as your equal or someone even stronger than you.


    Because one careless step and you will fail. Do you understand ?!]


    [Yes!] Myla answered confusingly as she probably still didn''t understand her fathers advice.


    [Yes!] Arian was surprised at first, but he still answered strongly with a smile.


    [Good, now take those two wooden swords and hold them tightly.]


    Calvin said as he was giving them the wooden sword. Surprisingly, they were heavier than they looked,


    both Myla and Arian were barely holding them.


    [Now, from now on, you will be training here every sol. Your goal is to be able to swing 100 times with that sword.


    Every morning after exercise, you will be standing here swinging that sword until your hands fall off. Is that clear ?!]


    At that time, Arian and Myla didn''t understand how impossible their task was.


    It was a hellish training that should start much, much later, when they older.


    After all, the swords that they got from Calvin was made from a very heavy wood,


    making those two swords combined together as heavy as one normal iron sword.


    Even Calvin thought that it was impossible, he only wanted them to strengthen their muscles. However, their results impressed him.


    After seeing their progress and their determination to continue,


    he slowly started teaching them how to properly hold the handle and the best ways to strike.


    Before long, Arian even started going on morning jogs every sol just before his sword training.


    This worried both Calvin and Miranda,


    because it looked like he was forcing himself too hard and after awhile they asked him to take it easy.


    But his answer surprised them, turns out that Arian loves to run, so they leaved him to do as he wished.


    And then, one and half cycles later, both Myla and Arian managed to swing 100 times with that wooden sword...


    Present time, end of Sert


    Opening my eyes, I could see that the sun has just started climbing up the sky. Probably nobody has woken up yet.


    Rising up from my bed, every muscle in my body was screaming in pain.


    Coming to the stool near my bed, I wash my sleepy face with cold water that I prepared last night.


    Tying my long silver hair into a ponytail, I quickly dressed up and got out of my room.


    I plan to go on a morning jog that I missed last sol because of the hunt.


    However, this isn''t a good idea, I don''t want to pointlessly overwork myself.


    Normally I would run for about 10 laps around the village, but this sol I take only one or two before going to the hot spring to relax.


    After all, we are going on a hunt this sol again.


    Running around the village, I could see people tiredly coming out of their homes to get ready for the sol.


    Cold wind was blowing this morning, reminding people that it''s already autumn season or "pluvi" as people of this world call it.


    After finishing my second lap, I returned home, took off my clothes and jumped straight into the hot spring.


    There''s nothing more relaxing than this...


    .....During breakfast.....


    For breakfast we have a fried black bread with boiled eggs from some two legged reptile. Simple but appetising.


    One egg is big enough for an adult to be satisfied, so me and Myla are sharing one as it would be too much for us to eat it alone.


    [So, are everyone ready for the hunt this sol ?


    We will be going closer to the Dark Forest so maybe this sol we will hopefully get something other than slimes.]


    Calvin said excitedly


    [YEY!] Myla shouted, putting one hand into the air.


    [yey...] I did the same with the monotonous voice.


    It''s not that I wasn''t excited, but just thinking about the weather is making me feel sad...


    [This sol is quite windy, it won''t be long before the rainy sols comes around.


    Looks like we could only go on those hunts just this sabb, regrettably...]


    Bernard said. See, even he realized it...


    [Well, they are going to start going to school next lun, it''s not like they could continue going on those hunts every sol.]


    Miranda added.


    [That''s not a problem, there is always next cycle.


    Also, since we don''t have much time, quickly eat that faster so we could go as soon as possible.]


    Calvin said as he started chugging his food into his mouth. Looks like he already has this sol planned out.


    [That''s a good idea. And let''s this sols hunt be fruitful !]


    Bernard answered as he also started chugging his food like a maniac.


    Easy there, you could get the food stuck in your throat, ya know ?


    [I''m gonna finish first !] Myla followed right after...


    Hey, hey, is that how a lady should eat? Haa~, I sometimes wonder if she''s really a girl or not...


    Miranda only smiled. Well, this isn''t the first time something like this happened.


    Actually, this is a normal thing here in Fronto family.


    After speed eating the breakfast, we quickly put up our equipment and headed to the Abandoned valley where we were last sol.


    We only stopped on few places so I could pick up a few flowers, grass and the likes that catches my eyes.


    My appraisals shows that there are a lot of valuable ingredients for potions or simply cooking.


    ..........


    [What''s with this scene ?] I asked.


    The large amount of slime goo we left here last sol is completely gone, only dried up slime skin remained.


    Also, the grass around us has obviously grown at least half its original height. Now it''s up to my knees.


    I look at it with appraisal:


    Name: Slime''s paradise


    Info: Usually grows near slime nests.


    If there are enough nutrients in the earth,


    it will regrow to its original size in one sol.


    Grass slimes primary food source.


    Effect: Highly nutritious grass.


    Eh? Isn''t this valuable? Maybe nobody had tried to eat it because it feeds on dead slimes,


    or maybe somebody has tried it but it''s taste was bad or something...


    [Don''t know its name but it usually grow near the slimes. That''s why there aren''t any slime goo remaining,


    probably absorbed it all to grow like that. Don''t try to eat it, it''s reeeeally bitter.]


    Thanks for the lesson professor Calvin, but I already found all that with appraisal. But he couldn''t have know that.


    After all, I hiding it from others as instructed by grandpa and father Killian.


    So it''s bitter huh ? I don''t think I ever eaten anything bitter since I got reincarnated...


    Maybe people don''t like bitter taste around here? No matter, that grass could be a good ingredient.


    Taking out one big sack from my magic bag,


    I started collecting slime''s paradise while Calvin and Bernard were looking around for prey. Myla was looking at me confusingly...


    [Why are you picking up that grass, didn''t father said that it taste bitter ?] She asked.


    [I may found some use for it later, so I''m collecting a little bit of it now.] I answered.


    [Hmmmm...]


    She continue to watch me as I was filling the sack with the grass. It was quite thicker than I thought...


    After I filled it up full, I said to Myla to let''s go. Bernard and Calvin aren''t that far from us.


    [What took you so long ?] Bernard asked.


    [Nothing, just collecting something.] I answered.


    [Hey you three, come over here! We have another swarm and this time, there aren''t small ones like last sol.]


    Calvin called to us. There was a wide grassy plain next to Dark forest that we planned to go into.


    Looks like we need to deal with that big swarm of slimes first if we want to advance.


    I look at them with appraisal.


    Name: Grass slime


    Level: 2


    Attribute: Nature


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 90%


    .....


    Name: Earth slime


    Level: 1


    Attribute: Earth


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 100%


    .....


    Name: Grass slime


    Level: 3


    Attribute: Nature


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 100%


    .....


    There are countless green and brown slimes, some even have higher level then the ones from last sol.


    Looks like they are following that LV3 green slime. Is he maybe the leader ?


    [Okay, nothing weird here and they seems to be a lone swarm. We could use them for training.


    They are even stronger then the ones from last sol and even have a leader... Perfect.] Calvin said with a smile.


    [Just don''t be reckless like last sol and you should be fine.


    After all, all you need to do is to keep your distance from them and keep slicing them up.] Bernard added.


    [Just always keep moving around to not get swarmed and that''s it.


    I and Bernard will distract them while you two just do like you did last sol. Ready ?!] Calvin asked.


    I have already prepared my silver sword. I''m excited to try something out that I learned from grandma,


    it should help me deal with those tough ones. I was having too much fun last sol, so I didn''t manage to try it out.


    Myla also took her sword out and took a stance.


    [We''re ready!] She shouted with a wide smile.


    [Good, then GO!] Calvin also shouted energetically.


    After his signal, we jumped out of the small grove,


    where we were hiding and started running towards the swarm from the side, while Calvin and Bernard got in front of them.


    When we come close to them, me and Myla split up and started attacking the slimes.


    Probably sensing the danger, a lot of slimes started to panic and running away from us.


    Last sol we learned that we don''t need to wait for them to jump at us to cut them down,


    as long as the cut is deep enough, they will die.


    At first, I had trouble doing that as I was always hitting the ground with my sword,


    slowing down the attack and enabling the wounded slime to escape.


    It didn''t help that I still need to use both of my hands to hold the sword, despite my sword being one-handed type.


    This is probably because I''m still short and quite thin despite getting muscles thanks to the training...


    This is probably what grandpa was talking about during my status check about two cycles ago.


    My body type is more suited for a Mage or Wizard class, not Warrior or the like.


    Myla on the other hand was killing slimes like mowing down grass, she has already got used to it.


    She is really talented with a sword, even surprising Calvin a lot of times.


    Not to mention she is at least a head taller than me. She is already holding her sword with one hand.


    With so much talent at such a young age, her future is already looking bright.


    Getting the hang of it wasn''t easy, and finding the right way to swing took more time than I expected.


    However, once I found the right way, It was quite easy. I probably already killed about 50 of the green slimes up until now.


    Problem are those brown ones. Last sol we managed to kill them somehow, but I don''t know about this sol...


    The ones here are bigger than the ones from last sol and their skin is probably a lot harder.


    This is where my new move come into play. I tried it at home last sabb and it looked like a promising technique.


    As I was running around, I started sending my mana into the sword with [Mana Control],


    making my silver sword to shine with a weak red light that started covering even my body.


    Good, doesn''t look like there''s anything wrong with the transfer.


    Getting ready, I cut down one brown slime that was in front of me.


    My hands started to tremble from the impact but I managed to cut it in half.


    Looks like the sharpness of the sword improved only a little, but it''s better than nothing.


    Myla is still struggling with another brown slime, looks like all her attacks are too shallow.


    I look at the brown slime with appraisal, it seems that his HP is already below 20%.


    I see, so because she can''t kill it with one strike, she decided to slowly bring his HP down.


    I look around me, there are still a good chunk of slimes left.


    Too many, aren''t there too much slimes here ?


    [Watch out you two, the shooters are coming !!!] I heard Bernard shouting.


    Looks like another swarm was coming behind us. Reinforcement? I appraise the ones in the first row.


    Name: Grass slime


    Level: 1


    Attribute: Nature


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 80%


    .....


    Name: Water slime


    Level: 1


    Attribute: Water


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 100%


    Mp: 90%


    .....


    Name: Earth slime


    Level: 3


    Attribute: Earth


    Abilities: Unable to appraise


    Title: Unable to appraise


    Hp: 80%


    Mp: 100%


    .....


    Eh? Another LV3 slime? Looks like he''s also the leader.


    Also, why did Bernard shouted that shooters are coming?


    Come to think of it, there wasn''t any slime that shoot at us like last sol...


    As I was thinking that, the other swarm suddenly started shooting rocks and water projectiles at us.


    [Take cover, NOW!!!] Calvin shouted.


    He is becoming quite nervous, probably didn''t expect another swarm to show up.


    Even worse, with another leader. And they aren''t a small swarm either, probably as big as the first one.


    This is starting to look like an ants attacking the beetle. Us being the beetle in this case.


    Using [Mana Control], I started sending even more mana into my sword and around my body, making me covered in red energy cloth.


    Then I started running towards the other swarm while Myla and Calvin had taken cover behind the transformed Bernard.


    [Arian, what are you doing ?!] Calvin shouted angrily when he realized that I still didn''t take cover.


    Of course he''s angry, those slimes here are more dangerous than the ones from last sol.


    But I continued to run at them as rocks and water projectiles fly towards me.


    The moment they started hitting me, I stopped for a second or two to check something and then continued to run like nothing happened.


    As I thought, this energy cloth serve as some kind of shield, protecting me from slime attacks.


    But it''s not perfect, I can still feel a little bit of pain every time I get hit and not every shot is completely blocked.


    At least the impact is lowered so the injuries are light, mostly cuts and bruises.


    Probably because my [Mana Control] is still only LV1 that this mana shield is still imperfect.


    Looks like I need to add another training to my already busy schedule.


    As I started cutting down blue and green slimes with my sword covered in my red mana,


    slimes around me started to panic and running away from me, still shooting rocks and water projections at me.


    Seeing that the shooters are concentrated at me,


    both Calvin and Myla got out from behind Bernard and started attacking the remaining slimes,


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.while Bernard attack that LV3 brown slime that may be the leader.


    I don''t know how long we are fighting those slimes, but I have already killed so many that I have started to feel tired.


    My grip has already started to loosen and my swings are becoming slower as sweat is running down from my face.


    I need to get to where Calvin and Myla are to get a little breather and while I''m doing that,


    it would be a good idea to check my HP and MP with appraisal.


    Looking at my status, I skim through the information I already know and only look at my HP and MP...


    HP: 92%


    MP: 60%


    Not good, not good, while my HP is fine, my MP is going down rapidly.


    Let''s just hope this is going to end soon, looks like everybody is starting to become tired from killing so many slimes.


    [How''s going?] I asked.


    [Good, thanks to that reckless attack of yours, but please don''t do that again, you''ll give me an heart attack...]


    Calvin answered. No good, that look of his is saying that he''s gonna give me some kind of punishment when we come home.


    Quickly, I need to come up with a good reason for my actions...


    [Surprising them with my attack was the best thing I could come up with at that moment,


    because hiding behind Bernard would only drag the battle to much.] I said in my self defence.


    [While I don''t agree with that method, it was certainly a solid plan.


    Good to know that you did use that head of yours and didn''t just attack mindlessly.]


    Calvin said that while he was still slicing up green slimes that didn''t run away.


    [What about that big one over there ?] Myla asked while pointing at the LV3 green slime.


    [He''s just standing there, probably don''t know what to do.


    Good, in that state he shouldn''t be that hard to handle. You two, can you do it ?]


    Calvin asked as he looked at Bernard and then at me and Myla.


    Looks like Bernard has finished the brown leader and is now cleaning the rest.


    [[Yes!]] Both me and Myla ansered at once.


    [Then show me your teamwork.] Calvin answered back.


    Looks like that LV3 is quite bigger and faster than the normal slime.


    We probably couldn''t kill that brown one that Bernard squashed in one attack, but if it''s this frightened green one, we could manage.


    When we come closer to it, we both nodded at each other and then split up to surround it while we wait for it to jump at one of us.


    We could just attack directly, but we want to deal as much of the damage as possible while we preserve as much strength as we can.


    Both of us are already tired as it is...


    As we were circling around the green leader, we realized that it didn''t move an inch. Whats it doing? Did it give up??


    As I was just thinking that, the green leader suddenly jumped.


    Both me and Myla were eagerly awaiting this moment so we attacked without hesitation. This was our mistake.


    Nobody could even guess what happened afterwards...


    Giant green thorns come out of its jelly body,


    making it look like some sea urchin,


    piercing my left shoulder and both of Mylas legs...


    [Ugh...] What is this ? What is this ? What is this ?


    [Shit, get away from it, that''s an "Alpha" !!!] Calvin screamed when he realized what had happened.


    I don''t understand what the hell just happened and don''t even care what Calvin just shouted.


    The moment green leader retraced its thorns back into its body,


    I started running to where Myla was and started dragging her away from that thing.


    She was so shocked that she didn''t even scream when her legs got pierced.


    Good thing we jumped backwards when we realized that something was up,


    we would definitely be a sponge by now if we had continued with our attack.


    I looked behind me while I was still dragging Myla,


    only to see that the green leader had already created long, thin arms and legs and was coming toward us.


    Good thing that not even a second after that, both Calvin and still transformed Bernard jumped between us.


    [Bernard, Kill that thing. I going to take Myla and Arian to safety.] Calvin said with a complicated expression.


    [YES, FATHER!!!] Bernard answered angrily as he started attacking the green leader, but it avoided all of his attacks...


    Calvin took Myla into his arms and started running towards the small grove where we were hiding in the beginning.


    I followed right after them.


    [Fucking Alpha, why was it here so far from the nest ?!] Calvin cursed when we hid behind some tall grass in the grove.


    Myla was starting to panic. Her wounds weren''t light, there are three small holes on her legs and she was bleeding a lot.


    [I have a few Rafle leaves that I picked on our way here and a few bandages...]


    I said, taking them out of my magic bag, good thing I come prepared.


    [Really?! Arian, you''re a lifesaver. Come, help me take her armor off so that we could stop her bleeding.]


    Calvin said, he is sweating buckets. But I''m surprised that Myla stayed this calm even though the pain must be enormous.


    She''s probably still in shock. After all, it happened so suddenly, there was no time to properly react.


    While we were stopping Mylas bleeding, Bernard was still fighting that green leader, but it was still avoiding all of his attacks...


    What the fuck is that thing? How it could be only LV3? What is an Alpha anyways?


    While I was thinking about that, I suddenly feel dizzy...


    [Hey Aryan, are you okay? ...Wait, you''re bleeding too ?!] Calvin started to panic.


    [Oh yeah... I did get hit too, didn''t I...] I answered like it''s was somebody else''s business.


    Even I was surprised by my own words. I probably forgot about it and didn''t feel any pain thanks to the adrenaline.


    [Quickly take off that armor. You''ll bleed out, you idiot !] Calvin shouted in panic.


    ..........


    The Alpha was jumping around Bernard, avoiding all his attacks. Bernard wanted to end this quickly,


    so he impatiently transformed his arms into giant stone blades and was angrily trying to cut down the Alpha.


    (It''s avoiding all my attacks so skillfully, this must be a really old Alpha to be able to do that.


    Whatever it was doing here so far from it''s nest, we are quite unlucky to cross it''s path...)


    The Alpha retraced its thorns and when it managed to come a little bit closer to Bernard, it extended them again, trying to pierce him.


    However, Bernards transformed body is made out of stone, making Alphas attack unable to pierce him.


    Bernard used this chance to also attack, managing to cut off a few of the thorns.


    Sustaining injuries, the Alpha returned to defence, probably waiting for the wounds to regenerate.


    (Dammit, do I really need to use earth magic I learned from mother to defeat it ?


    My MP is low so I need to be careful about the number of spells I could cast. Having my MP reach 0 would be bad. )


    Bernard was getting nervous, this wasn''t an normal Alpha. This one was too skilled.


    Waiting for it to come closer again, Bernard was getting ready to use one of the earth spells he know.


    After regenerating, the Alpha got ready and quickly jumped closer to Bernard, even faster then the last time.


    However, this time Bernard was ready for it.


    [Using the [Terra archive], rise [Earth spikes] !!!]


    Bernard shouted as the large earth spikes emerged from the ground, piercing the Alpha all over its body.


    However, it survived by punching the ground with its long thin arms, launching itself into the air.


    Bernard was already expecting this as he also jumped towards the Alpha, trying to cut it with his large stone blade.


    However, this alpha was full of surprises, it shoot a large stone stake at Bernard,


    forcing him to change his attack into defence. As they both returned to the ground,


    the Alpha suddenly shoot another stone stake at Bernard.


    [Shit, [Terra archive], rise [Earth wall] !] Bernard quickly cast another spell.


    In a second, a giant thick earth wall emerged from the ground, stopping the stone stake.


    (Shit, that was dangerous... This is the worst opponent I could have faced,


    I''m at the huge disadvantage against a fast enemy like this one. What do I... Huh ?)


    While he was thinking that, he suddenly looked behind him, toward the small grove where the others were hiding,


    only to see Arian standing in the open and holding his sword in one hand as its tip was shining in dark red light.


    (I don''t know what he''s planning, but I''m gonna try dealing with this myself.


    I just hope I won''t need to do what I think he wants me to do...)


    ..........


    Looking at Bernard, I see that even he was having a hard time fighting that green leader.


    Calvin just finished patching up my wound, it''s quite bad to be honest. I probably won''t be able to use my left hand for awhile.


    [Hey, hey, what''s an Alpha ?]


    I asked Calvin, who has just calmed down a little. He''s taking care of Myla as she''s starting to feel the pain from her wounds.


    I just hope this won''t leave her with a trauma or something like that.


    Even if this is a harsh world, having to face a life or death situation this young is quite unexpected.


    [I will explain when we come back home. For now, we''ll just wait until Bernard kills it...]


    Calvin answered, looking at Bernards fight. He probably also realised that this won''t be an easy win as he hoped.


    That green leader is both fast and smart. It''s avoiding all of Bernards attacks, he''s too slow to hit it.


    [And they are supposed to be weakest ma.beast of all... Isn''t it weird ?]


    Myla said. Good to know that she is still relatively calm, despite being in this situation.


    No wait, isn''t she a little bit too calm for her age ? Maybe it''s because Calvin is here with us.


    Anyway, we need a plan to deal with that green leader. It''s too fast for a direct attack, so a surprise attack is our only choice.


    But how can you surprise something that can see in all directions? No wait, I can''t be too sure of that...


    [Hey, can slimes see in all directions ? If I''m not mistaken, they can use every part of their body as eyes, right ?]


    I asked. Depending on the answer, I will take action or stay put...


    [What''s this about, Arian? But, your not mistaken. They can see in every direction,


    however, only in one direction at the time. Think about it as a pair of eyes that could be moved all around the body.]


    Calvin answered. He was confused, but still explained it to me.


    Good, so surprise attack could work if done right and I already have an idea.


    I smiled, this plan will only work if Bernard realise what I plan to do.


    Calvin''s expression has turned worried, he probably realised that I am about to do something.


    Myla also becomes worried about me, but shouldn''t you worry about yourself first ?


    And it looks like the pain has stopped. Those Rafle leaves sure are convenient, huh ?


    [Good, then my plan may actually work out. Sorry uncle, but I''m gonna be reckless just one more time.]


    I said with a smile. Based on my use of mana, I think I could make an new mana attack.


    But it will be difficult, as something like that require the use of [Mana Control], which I only have it at LV1.


    But I think I could somehow pull it off. Optimism boys and girls, I still have a little bit of that left in me...


    However, Calvins turned very serious and looked at me in the eyes.


    [Arian, what are you planning to do ?!?] He asked with a angry voice. He is clearly worried about me.


    [Nothing dangerous, hopefully. I''m just gonna stand there on the middle of the plain and ready my sword, that''s all.]


    I answered, leaving Calvin dumbfounded. He probably thought that I was going straight towards Bernard to help him fight.


    Well, I did turn only 5 cycle old just 3 lun ago, kids my age would probably love to play a hero.


    [Well, if it''s only that, then I won''t stop you. But what do you plan to achieve doing that ?


    I see that you can use your mana for something other than magic, so is it something like that ?]


    Calvin said calmly, still looking into my eyes. Looks like he decided to trust me on this one.


    [Yes, I''m about to do something similar to what I did just a while ago.


    However, I don''t know how much mana will I use. So, is there any side-effects if I use it all ?]


    I asked Calvin. Grandma never taught me about this, probably thinking that it won''t happen anytime soon.


    This is something I need to know, as I will definitely use all of my mana in this next attack.


    It would be bad if there are some side-effects to this.


    [You will probably only faint, that''s all. But don''t be surprised if you wake up with an enormous headache.]


    Calvin answered, scratching his head. He probably have no idea what to do in this situation.


    [Got it. There is also a chance that Bernard would manage to deal with that thing and I won''t need to do anything, but..


    Just in case he can''t, we''ll have a plan B.]


    I said that as I stood up, took my sword and started walking out of the grove.


    [Arian, be careful.] Myla said to me.


    [I will.] I answered.


    [I too hope you don''t need to do anything, but be careful...


    Also, wipe off that creepy smile, it''s only ruining that cute face of yours.]


    Calvin said as I was about to get out. Ups, did I really smiled like that ? I need to be careful, I''m getting excited a lot lately.


    Also, what was that about the cute face ?!? I turned around to face Calvin.


    [Who are you calling cute ?]


    He and Myla only smiled...


    Anyway, I need to hurry.


    Looks like Bernard is about to use an magic attack...


    ..........


    I took the stance in the middle of the plain. Bernard is fighting the green leader around 500 meter from me.


    They still didn''t realise that I''m here.


    Good.


    Holding my silver sword downwards, I started pouring mana into it with [Mana Control], specifically at the tip of it.


    Despite it being one-handed sword, I still have trouble holding it in one hand because of my body.


    But I don''t have much of a choice, so please hold up, my right hand.


    This is harder than it looks, pouring a large amount of mana into one point require a large amount of concentration...


    One wrong move and it will all spill out. For now, I manage it somehow.


    The tip of my sword was already dark red when Bernard noticed me.


    At first he showed a confused expression, but then he turned serious as he created two new earth walls around the green leader.


    He probably guessed what I was planning, so he created the earth walls so the green leader couldn''t see me.


    I''m still pouring mana into the sword, getting ready to swing at any time. Now, whatever happens next is up to Bernard.


    ..........


    (I created two more earth walls so the Alpha couldn''t see him. What is father thinking, allowing him to do that.)


    Bernard thought to himself as another stone stake pierced the earth wall he just created.


    (He look like his ready to strike at any time, but how does he plan to do that, wait for me to throw this bastard at him ?!


    Actually, that doesn''t sound like a bad plan, but...)


    Bernard jumped over the earth walls and attacked the Alpha, however, it avoided the attack.


    (But that''s dangerous, this guy is unpredictable. Also, how do I throw this bastard when I can''t even get close to him.)


    Bernard continued to attack but, the Alpha avoided all of his attacks. If this continue, he will run out off stamina.


    After All, he could already feel that he''s out of mana, one more spell and he would faint.


    (I''m more like the shield in the party, training to take a hit rather than hitting myself. Wait...)


    Bernard realised that he couldn''t hit the Alpha because while he was a shield, the alpha was an assassin.


    It''s like a rock is trying to hit the wind.


    He wished that Calvin was in Arians place, but he''s probably taking care of Myla.


    There was no helping it, he will need to rely on Arian.


    (Pathetic, relying on a 5 cycle old kid... But if father let him go, he will probably manage it.


    After all, he and Myla are more capable than I ever wished to be when I was their age.)


    He stopped attacking and took a stance. He was waiting for the Alphas attack.


    Seeing the opening, the Alpha jumped closer to Bernard at incredible speed and extended its thorns, piercing Bernards rock hard skin.


    But, he was waiting for this. Enduring the pain, he grabbed as much thorns as he can and started spinning to get a momentum.


    After a few spins, he throw the Alpha in Arians direction with all his might.


    (I just hope this won''t bite me in the ass later...)


    ..........


    Looks like Bernard couldn''t finish it and decided to throw it in my direction.


    Good, as long as the green leader is looking in Bernards direction thinking that another attack will follow right after,


    I should be fine. Now the it''s up to me. I need to kill it in one attack or I''m done for.


    [Aaaaa~ !!!]


    I screamed as I swing my sword horizontally. From the tip of my sword flew a energy slash in a shape of a dark red crescent moon,


    flying towards the green leader that was flying towards me.


    But before it could cut through it, green leader spotted me and in its desperate attempt to attack,


    it extended one of its thorns, impaling my left leg.


    Before I could even scream in pain, the green leader splitted into two symmetrical halves,


    spilling all of it''s slime goo right at me like a waterfall.


    The only thing I remember after that is the strong smell of cut grass that entered my nostrils,


    before I lost my consciousness.


    ..........


    I suddenly woke up from the pain running through every bone and every muscle in my body.


    My left shoulder and leg are burning so much that I want to scream, but I managed to hold it within me.


    And there goes my earlier remark about how bad it is to overwork your body...


    Looking around, it looks like it''s my room. Calvin and Bernard probably brought me here after I fainted from using all of my mana.


    I wonder how long did I sleep. I should check on the others, but first... [Status]


    Name: Arian Deurius - Damian


    Age: 5


    Race: Half-Elf


    Gender: Male


    Level: 2


    Attribute: none


    Skills: [Appraisal LV2], [Swordsmanship LV2](up), [Mana Clad LV1](new), [Mana Slash LV1](new)


    Abilities: [Concentration LV1], [Mana Control LV2](up), [Pain Tolerance LV1](new)


    Title: none


    Soul tipe: Red


    HP: 86%


    MP: 21%


    Oh wow... I leveled up. I also got a few new skills and abilities, nice.


    Oh, and [Swordsmanship] and [Mana Control] also leveled up...


    However, other than feeling just like shit, I don''t feel any difference... Maybe this is normal, I dont know.


    Slowly standing up from my bed, being careful not to fall, I dressed up my old shirt.


    Probably to tend to my wounds, they took down my shirt so I was shirtless all this time.


    Carefully descending from the staircase, I slowly walk to the kitchen where I could hear a few voices.


    My leg is killing me from pain, good thing I acquired that [Pain Tolerance] or this would be impossible.


    [Good morning Arian, how are you feeling ?]


    Miranda quickly greeted me and guided me to the table. Looks like it''s time for breakfast.


    [Good morning. Other than feeling tired and an enormous headache, I''m feeling normal... as normal as I could feel at the moment.]


    I said as sat on my chair with Miranda''s help.


    [That''s for using all of your mana, not to mention your wounds...] Calvin said with a mirthless smile.


    [How long did I slept ?] I asked. It didn''t feel long but better to be sure.


    [Only through the night. I''m surprised you''re still that calm, you got two holes on your body, you know ?] Miranda answered.


    [Yeah, sorry about that. We underestimate the opponent and then BAM, here comes the big fish...]


    I replied. Kinda hard to demonstrate with only one arm, I can''t move my left one at all.


    [No, last sol was my fault. I didn''t check the surroundings properly


    nor did I even considered the possibility that a strong ma.beast may show up.] Calvin answered, lowerng his head.


    [But for an Alpha to show up like that, it''s weird. You got lucky it was just a green one.]


    Miranda said while eating the baked black bread. This sol''s breakfast is the same as the one from last sol. Black bread and eggs.


    [By the way, what is an Alp...] I tried to ask, but...


    [Good morning everybody, nice weather this sol, isn''t it ?]


    Bernard suddenly jumped into the kitchen with some weird lines of dialog.


    He was shirtless like usual, but his body was covered completely by bandages...


    [Geh... What happened to you, got hit by a horse ?!] I asked amazed.


    [Those are my battle scars that I got while fighting.... a slime...]


    Bernard said energetically, but that last part could barely be heard. I tried saying something...


    [Please~ don''t comment on it, my pride is already beaten up enough. Anyway, what''s for breakfast ?]


    [Same as last sol.] I answered.


    [Good, good, I love those eggs, gimmy...] Bernard is already back to normal, good to see that.


    [And so, as I was about to ask, what is this Alpha anyway ?] I finally managed to ask the question.


    [Ha~ how to explain that to you... They are like a big papa of the group, with many, many mama''s...


    The swarm we met must have been a emigration as the old big papa was moving to a new place.]


    Calvin tried to answer as simply as possible so that even an 5 cycle old could understand.


    Sorry, but that sounded just cringy to me...


    [Please, I would understand even if you speak normally, hopefully... Anyway, why was he moving out ?] I asked.


    [Che, your not cute at all...] Calvin said.


    [Probably because a new "big papa" was born and he managed to defeat the old one.


    Because of that, old "big papa" needed to move out of their nest and found a new place to stay.


    We were just unlucky to meet them on their way.]


    Bernard answered as he was chomping down another egg.


    [I see. I get that older is wiser and probably stronger, but... what was that with the thorns, arms and legs ?]


    I asked another question I need answered.


    ["Shape Shifting" ability. Only metal and solnox slimes from iron rank and all slimes from higher ranks have this ability.


    However, there''s an exception. All Alphas also have this ability.] Calvin answered.


    I see, shape shifting... Changing the body at will, quite an unpredictable ability.


    [So that''s why we had so much trouble dealing with it... scary.] I said to myself.


    [Anyway, you''re the one who give it a finishing blow so this should rightfully belong to you.


    Throw it, sell it, it''s for you to decide.]


    Calvin said as he give me a small green orb... Hah ?!


    [What''s this, a candy ?] I asked, looking at the orb.


    [That''s the ma.beast soul core. It''s usually bigger, but you can''t expect much from a slime.]


    Bernard answered. Oh, so this is soul core, huh ? I expected something... different.


    [So, what are you going to do with it ?] Miranda asked.


    [I keep it like the rest of the junk I have in my magic bag. Definitely not gonna absorb this one.]


    I said as I put the soul core into my pocket.


    [Oh, I see... Wait, this one ?] Calvin asked when he realized what I just said.


    [Don''t tell me that you wan''t to absorb a slime soul core ?!] Bernard was also shocked.


    [Calm down, I only gonna absorb metal or that solnox slime soul core if I found them.


    I''m just thinking about the possibilities, I don''t want to absorb something that I regret down the line...]


    I answered, calming them down. Miranda was only smiling from the side. She really do that often.


    [You know, you really gonna give me an heart attack one of this sol''s.] Calvin said.


    [Hahaha, that''s Arian for you... But why slime, If you want that "shape shifting" ability,


    you will not get it if you somehow stop the *softening effect...


    And if you don''t stop it, you basically turn into a slime yourself which is really uncomfortable...]


    Bernard added and asked.


    [I think about that when the time comes, but I have my reasons why. And, did Myla woke up already ?]


    I answered and asked, changing the subject.


    [Yes, I already given her her breakfast. She probably won''t be able to walk for a sabb or two, but she''s fine.]


    Miranda answered worryingly.


    [...and her wounds ?] I asked again.


    [She was lucky, none of her wound are serious so she be up and running in no time.


    She''s also determined to become stronger then ever, she said.] Calvin answered.


    [She probably saw how cool you were when you killed that Alpha, so she wants to be able to do that too.] Bernard added.


    [Hmm. Well, I going to humor her now, she is probably bored to death, being stuck in that room.]


    I joked as I stood up from my seat.


    As I was walking to the Mylas room, I suddenly stopped.


    Is it my imagination or are Calvin and Miranda starting to talk to me the same way they talk to Bernard ?


    Like if somebody else heard them talking with me like that,


    they would think they are crazy for talking to a 5 cycle old child like that...


    Well, who cares. It''s more convenient for me this way.


    Anyway, I need to recover as soon as possible, School starts in just about two sabb.


    I think how fun the sol''s are becoming as I was entering Myla''s room...

 Chapter 7.5: Talk between Calvin and Miranda

    ..... Later that evening .....


    Calvin was sitting at the table, drinking red wine and sharpening his iron dagger.


    He usually uses it to skin ma.beasts and various similar things.


    Next to him, Miranda was playing her harp and remembering her sol''s as an adventurer.


    They usually sit like this in silence every evening if they have free time. It''s the time when they can relax.


    [Hey, isn''t that the melody you composed just for me back then ?]


    Calvin asked when he heard the melody that Miranda started to play.


    [Yes, it is. I''m surprised you still remember it. That was so long ago, wasn''t it ?]


    Miranda answered as she continued to play. It was a melody that she composed for Calvin after they formed a party for a while.


    She composed the melody right after they finished their first task as an party, and then played it to him next morning.


    He was surprised that there was an adventurer that know how to play an instrument.


    [Of course I remember, how could I forget. I hummed it to myself every night during the war... Thinking about you and Bernard...]


    Calvin said, as he remembered his nights at the fort where he was stationed.


    He also remembered one annoying bald man that was always making fun of him for doing that.


    [Oh, while we are on the subject... There''s been news that the tension between our and Minerva kingdom is dying out.]


    Miranda said, as she remembered the news she heard from the old lady Alvarez.


    [I also heard something like that from Kai and Cripin. It sound like a really good news...]


    Calvin answered. It was a most talked news all around Veles village, but if someone took a little bit closer look at the villagers,


    he would see that they didn''t believe even a bit about it.


    [I''m just worried, what if the war really broke out. Will our kids experience the horrors of war just like you did ?


    Will you leave me again ? As if the increase of ma.beast in this era wasn''t enough...]


    Miranda said with a sorrowful voice. She stopped playing her harp to take a deep breath and then started to play it again.


    The appearances of ma.beasts is recorded to have at least doubled at the start of this era, which was around 400 cycles ago.


    If this wasn''t bad enough, conflict between humans and demi-humans was becoming even worse,


    and even conflict between humans themselves was increasing.


    Most citizens of Uruviel kingdom blame the Holy Gaia Empire and their human supremacy mentality for this problem.


    [I just hope that the news is correct.


    But then again, something similar was announced right before the war between Uruviel kingdom and Nox kingdom broke out.


    There''s the possibility that it will happen anyway...]


    Calvin answered as he finished sharpening his dagger and pours another glass of wine.


    [And all this just because our kingdom started fighting the discrimination against demi-humans.


    Like they are any different from the rest of us...]


    Miranda said with an annoyed voice.


    When she was an adventurer, most of her party members were either dwarves or elves or even a devil''s.


    She learned a lot about them and realized that there wasn''t much of a difference between them other than their looks.


    [Yeah, it''s stupid. Instead of trying to get along with us and pursue a common goal,


    they want to wage wars with us just because our kingdom is trying to stop the wars with the demi-humans...


    And then they are going to wonder what did they do wrong, when another Dark era starts...]


    Calvin said as he finished another glass. He was annoyed at their neighborhoods kingdom''s stupidity.


    [The last thing our kingdom needs right now is another war...] Miranda added.


    [I don''t think we could manage...


    The last thing I need is to go to war again, leaving all of you behind... Like I did with Bernard...]


    Calvin said. He could still remember Bernards angry face when he finally came back from the war.


    He was really furious at him for being absent for so long. He still thinks that it''s a miracle that they managed to reconcile.


    And now, they get along with each other perfectly.


    [If I remember correctly, Bernard was barely 4 cycle old when you left.


    And look at him now, just 4 more cycles and he will be able to join the royal guards at the capital.]


    Miranda said when she remembered that Bernards dream is to join the royal guards.


    [Heh, I remember you telling me how at first, he wanted to be "that" heroes apprentice but it didn''t work out.


    So now he wants to try becoming a elite, huh? He sure dream''s it big, doesn''t he ?] Calvis said.


    [Yes, he does. If I remember correctly, he started training with Kai when he was only 6 cycle old.


    He really wanted to become Hero Azuneel''s apprentice.]


    Miranda answered, trying to remember Bernard''s first attempt to wield a sword.


    [Heh, makes Myla and Arian look like monsters by comparison...] Calvin said with a mirthless smile...This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    [Calvin, don''t say it like that.] Miranda replied, but it could be seen on her face that she also thinks that.


    [I mean, I give them an impossible task for their age, yet they still managed to somehow complete it.


    I take them on a first hunt, yet they play around with those slimes, when any normal child would get scared.


    I heard that even Bernard hesitated against his first small slime. What do you think those two did ?


    And how did Arian manage to learn [Mana Control] so soon ? Normally you need at least 4 cycle of training to learn it,


    only Hero Azuneel managed to learn it when he was around 8 cycles old....]


    Calvin said as he chugged down another glass of wine.


    There is a limit of how much you can impress someone before you start creeping them out.


    [You got the point, but didn''t Howard and Lia warned us about Arian''s abnormality ?


    I mean, even his mental maturity is clearly higher than normal.]


    Miranda said. Both Lia and Abbey already told her how Arian was absorbing every information he could come across.


    Truly a curious child.


    [Yeah, yeah... Don''t think too much about it, it will only make your head hurts, right ?


    But what about Myla, isn''t she supposed to be a normal girl with a excellent sword talent ?]


    Calvin asked. While he could understand about Arian who''s a special case, Myla was another story.


    [Well, whether we like it or not, Arian is having a positive effect on both Myla and Bernard.


    Especially on Myla who is always trying to catch up to him.]


    Miranda answered with a smile. While she was also worried about her children abnormality, she didn''t consider it as something bad.


    [Haa~ Is this what my grandpa was talking about in his stories of golden sols of Veles village ?


    Children who could kill a horned bear with their bare hands or use magic that could turn the whole village into the sea of flames?]


    Calvin said as he facepalmed. Are stories from a grumpy old man really going to become reality ?


    [Those feats does sound like Arian, but neither Myla nor Bernard come even close to that... Right ?]


    Miranda answered while wondering about what Calvin just said.


    [You sure ? Mira, maybe Bernard isn''t a child anymore, but he could definitely kill a horned bear with his bare hands.


    Myra isn''t far from being able to do the same and she is around 11 cycles younger than him... That doesn''t sound normal to me.]


    Calvin said to Miranda. While he over exaggerated it a little, he was sure it was only a matter of time.


    [Eeeh, if you put it that way, Myla does sound as absurd as Arian.]


    Miranda replied. She has already become used to Arian''s feats that both Myla and Bernard looks normal to her.


    (Howard my old friend, my wife is using your son as a measurement of absurdity. I hope you''re proud of him...)


    [Well, father Killian did say that Myla will become strong if she train enough and that she has a talent with weapons.


    That''s why he recommended that absurd training with Arian. And now we can see that his advice was on point, eerily so.


    Don''t you think, Mira ?]


    Calvin asked. Father Killian was still young to be considered a proper priest, but ever since he came to the Veles village,


    he got everyone''s respect for his outstanding work and "easy to get along" personality.


    Yet, there was still some kind of distrust towards father Killian and he couldn''t understand why.


    [That is true, he always give everyone the correct advice about this kind of thing...


    But so what, it''s not like it''s hurting anybody. Everybody has some secrets that they don''t want anybody to find out.]


    Miranda answered. She did find father Killian odd at first, but then became friends with him eventually.


    Calvin on the other hand has a problem trusting others, even if he doesn''t show it on the outside.


    Miranda only see him as being overly cautious, which is mostly correct.


    [Yeah, yeah, I guess you''re right. Anyway, before I forget to ask, did you teach Arian about the Rafle leaves ?]


    Calvin asked, as he drank another glass of wine. The wine bottle is nearly empty.


    [Hmm, no I didn''t. I also don''t think he has any books about healing plants, but I could be mistaken. Why do you ask ?]


    Miranda answered confusingly. She know they had used rafle leaves a sol before, but didn''t understand what Arian has to do with that.


    [I didn''t tell you, did I? It was Arian who found and picked them up, so I was wondering if he learned about them from you.]


    Calvin said, as he was stroking his beard.


    [That''s weird, I don''t think Abbey teached him either...]


    Miranda was trying to remember, but nothing comes to mind.


    [Weird, then how did he know how they looked like and what they are called ?]


    Calvin was confused. At first he thought that Arian has a [Status Check] skill,


    because on their first hunt he somehow know which slime was dangerous and which one was just a joke.


    However, now it looks like he also has a [Analyse] skill, a skill that reveals information of plants, minerals and the like...


    Both of those skills could be either inborn or acquired over a certain period of time after going thru a mind numbing training.


    It''s really rare that there is a child who is born with both of those skills, but they exist.


    However, there is another skill that is more powerful than both of them combined. That skill is...


    [Maybe... what if...] Calvin said to himself, as he was thinking about the possibilities.


    [Don''t tell me you think he has that skill ?!] Miranda asked when she realized where was Calvin going with this.


    [The possibilities are there. And it wouldn''t be weird to hide it from others.


    It would be bad if the church or the "Eyes of God" found out about him. He would definitely be taken away...]


    Calvin answered. He was certain that if Arian really have a [Appraisal] skill, he would definitely be instructed to hide it.


    [Now that would explain a lot.... Does that boy even need to go to school ? He could probably enter the Academy at this point...]


    Miranda asked. She was wondering if Arian could manage to be accepted into the Academy as a special case.


    [He does. Not to study, but to interact with others his age.


    It would be really dangerous for him to isolate himself from others, like "her" son did.


    And we all know how that ended up, don''t we ?]


    Calvin answered as he drank the last glass of wine. He was clearly a little drunk.


    [You got the point. That is the last thing I want to happen....]


    Miranda said as she stopped playing the harp. She remembered some very bad memories for a second.


    [Well, we both decided to raise him and do everything in our power to prevent him from becoming like "him".


    We may be his foster parents now, but we are also his observers. That''s why I plan to do everything I can to help him.]


    Calvin said with resolve in his eyes. He may not trust father Killian completely, but at least he trust his judgement.


    If Killian has high hopes for Arian, he will too.


    [Yes. We have already decided that from the beginning. I pray that next lun will be peaceful, as this one was.]


    Miranda also answered with resolve.


    They may come to love Arian as their own son, but the fact still stands, he is a red soul type.


    Devil''s with this soul type are normal thing, totally harmless.


    However, for someone from other race to have it...


    If they survive the first 2 cycles, they will be feared as a time-ticking bomb that may or may not explode at any moment...

 Chapter 8: Rodgers introduction

    On a blood covered landscape, stretching as far as eyes can see, Arian was sitting, chained to a throne made from guts and bones.


    All around him were the mountain of corpses in unrecognisable shapes


    of ma.beasts, humans, elves, dwarves, devil''s and even the mighty dragons.


    They were releasing an unbearable stench into the air that could turn anyones stomach upside down.


    This hellish landscape wasn''t unfamiliar to Arian,


    as he would always end up here every time he become sick with unbelievably high fever.


    Of course, it wasn''t this bad at the beginning.


    However, the more times he ended up in this place, it''s scenery would become worse and worse...


    [[Do YoU DeSiRe PoWeR ?!]]


    Very familiar creepy voice echoed throughout the landscape.


    It was a voice Arian has become used to, but he still felt goosebumps all over his body the moment it spoke.


    [Nah. Thanks, but no thanks. Can I go now, pretty please ?]


    [[YoU lItTlE !!! KiLl AnD I wIlL gRaNt YoU tHe PoWeR !!!]]


    Every time Arian ended up in this place,


    the mysterious voice would always say similar things, always babbling about killing and power.


    Arian found it annoying at the beginning, but recently, the mysterious voice has started using more...


    forceful methods of conveying his message...


    It was sooner than normal, but Arian braced himself for what was about to occur next...


    [Ghhh... AAaAAAaAA...!!!]


    Arian started to spasm on the throne of gore as the pain spread through his body


    like a thousand needles repeatingly piercing his skin and flesh...


    He was glad that the [Pain Tolerance] skill was effective, even in this situation...


    (KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,


    KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,


    KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,


    KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,


    KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL,KILL...)


    An endless amount of bloodlust started filling his heart as he screamed,


    trying to break from the chains that were keeping him seated on the throne.


    [[YoU cAn''T eScApE mE, kIlLiNg EvErYtHiNg On YoUr PaTh Is YoUr DeStInY !!!]]


    A very loud and creepy voice echoed throughout the landscape, cold and full of malice.


    It was obvious that the voice was trying to insert fear into Arian, make him scared and weak and easy to control.


    This whole thing is just some kind of brainwashing method...


    (Damn it all (KILL),


    if I got that (KILL) medicine that grandpa Quinn (KILL HIM) have always given me (KILL EVERYONE) when I got this fever (KILL),


    I could have spared myself (KILL) from this nightmare (KILL YOURSELF)...)


    [[FaR tOo MaNy HaVe EsCaPeD mY cAlL, yOu WiLl NoT bE oNe Of ThEm...]]


    The voice said angrily, trying to sound as threatening as possible.


    However, this was its mistake. What it said didn''t make Arian feel despair, but hope.


    If there are others that managed to escape this annoying brainwashing, then he will too.


    Arian managed to smile despite the pain he was feeling.


    There is going to be one last unnecessary gory spectacle, and then this nightmare will be finally over...


    Arian braced himself for the finale.


    [[[[YOU.WILL.KILL]]]]


    A large amount of voices come from behind Arian.


    Not even a second after, a few thin, long, black hands pierced through the throne and Arian''s chest,


    holding his heart in front of his face as it slowly stopped to beat...


    .....


    ......


    .......


    I finally woke up from that nightmare. No matter how many times I have experienced it, there is no way I will get used to it...


    Ugh, I feel sick. I don''t know why but I can still smell the stench of that place...


    Not to mention, I can also still feel the bloodlust in me. It really feels unpleasant.


    After the school start next sabb, I''ll need to go on another hunt to release this bloodlust out of myself.


    I feel that it''s affecting me more and more...


    Haa, while Myla is already being able to move around, here I am bedridden for about two sols straight...


    [Oh, you''re awake. How are you feeling ?]


    Miranda asked when she realized that I was awake.


    She''s been taking care of me ever since my fever has risen up.


    She even sleeps here in my room on some old chair, to be here in case I need something.


    I already told her that she doesn''t need to go that far, but she simply doesn''t listen...


    Looking at her like this, she does look like a worrying overprotective mother, kinda makes me feel nostalgic.


    [Better, now that I''m awake...]


    I said that, but being white as a wall with gigantic bags under my eyes isn''t exactly the definition of "better".


    [See, we told you not to force yourself so much. You need to learn to take care of yourself.]


    She''s right, I did overdid it last sabb. But what''s done is done, there is no point thinking about it.


    But I need to prevent those nightmares from happening again, even if I get this fever again.


    So right after I visit father Killian at the end of this sabb,


    I will go to my family''s treasury in the mansion to get those medicine.


    Luckily, I have the permission from both grandma and grandpa to take anything I need from there.


    It''s only been just two sols and I already wish for just one peaceful sleep more than anything...


    [Yeah, yeah, I learned my lesson. Thanks for the advice, I will take it into consideration. Anyway, what''s for breakfast ?]


    I asked as my stomach growled, looks like I''m pretty hungry.


    [Light soup with those spices you come up with. Also, there should be a few karr''s left from last sol.]


    Miranda said as she stood up and headed to bring me my breakfast. I could go to the kitchen and eat there,


    but everyone insisted that I don''t need to force myself for something like that, so I complied.


    Anyway, the karr''s Miranda mentioned are thick and short yellow vegetable, similar to the cucumbers.


    They are really sour, just like I love them.


    And those spices she mentioned are just dried up and crushed slime''s paradise grass.


    I figured out that they could be useful for something, but it was a challenge to come up with a way to use them.


    First, I cut a few millimeters of it and eat it raw, to see just how bitter it really is...


    Let''s just say that I underestimated what Calvin said and nearly choked to death.


    Now I understand why nobody tried using them for anything...


    The solution I come up with is to dry them up and then crush them as much as possible.


    Calvin helped me with this as he has a fire attribute, so drying the grass was quick.


    Now, using just the right amount of it and a overly salty soup becomes a slightly bitter soup.


    Everyone loved it, so I even plan to sell it when I have the time or I''m not glued to the bed.


    While I was trying to find the use for slime''s paradise, I also had Miranda teach me how to cook.


    While I know a thing or two about cooking from my previous life, that wouldn''t be useful here in this life,


    so this was a must if I want to become an adventurer or something like that.


    While the Deurius family is actually filthy rich, I don''t plan to overly depend on it and try to attain my own wealth.


    I don''t even know how long I can lech on them, to be honest.


    Since my father just up and run away somewhere, my social status should be that of a commoner now...


    Haa, I just turned 5 and I already need to think about this complicated stuff...


    Anyway, other than attending Miranda''s cooking lessons,


    this past 5 sols I also have been training my [Mana control] for about a hour or two every morning.


    Because of my leg injury, physical training was out of the question, so this was a perfect time to train it.


    Learning the mana flow inside my body and the flow of mana outside of my body was surprisingly easy to get a hang on.


    Based on what I heard from grandma Abbey, it takes a few cycles to even get this [Mana Control] skill yet I got it in a few lun.


    But I think that anyone that has memories of their previous life can do this.


    The explanation is quite simple, because in my previous world there wasn''t any mana,


    being suddenly born into this world, the mana in the surroundings is really noticeable.


    To put it simply, when I train [Mana Control], I concentrate and then try to feel the thing that I never felt in my previous life.


    All that is left then is to learn how it flow and how to change that flow.


    While I think I made a good amount of progress, there is a limit how much I can learn on my own.


    Grandma Abbey should be coming to visit us in about a lun, I need to ask her about this then.


    [Here you go, eat it all.]


    While I was lost in thoughts, Miranda has already returned with my breakfast.


    [Mmmm, there is nothing better than a few sour karr''s in the morning.]


    I said as I started munching karr''s first.


    [Heyyy, eat the soup too...]


    Miranda said as she smiled.


    [I will, I will, but karr''s first !]


    I said with a full mouth...


    [Well, good to see you in high spirit again. Anyway, I need to go now, we got a few guests. Do you need something before I go ?]


    Hmm, guests ? They are probably tourist, after all, it''s that time of the cycle again.


    Usually there is barely anyone that come here during the summer or Solis as that is the busiest time of the cycle.


    But it''s incredibly full during Pluvi (autumn) or Vento, which is the name for spring.


    [Can you give me that book over there, I''ve been reading that lately...]


    [Hmm, "Lonely Demon Lord"? Is it any good ?]


    I guess that the title and the illustration on the cover catches her interest.


    On the cover is drawn a crying young man with horns and one wing.


    Because Demon lords are depicted as embodiment of evil in this world, this book surely attracted a lots of curious readers.


    [Yeh, it is. It''s actually written by the same author that wrote father Killians favorite book "Hero and a demon princess".]Stolen story; please report.


    [Hmmmm...]


    Looks like it catched her interest too...


    ..... ..... .....


    On a well maintained road between Volos Mountain and Pixie grove, a few caravans were going from Immitrex city to Veles village.


    They do this trip every other sabb, trading goods between the city and the village.


    While Veles village is well known in the Kingdom for their excellent warriors and "eaters",


    in Immitrex city they are more known for the goods they sell that they obtained from ma.beasts.


    Skalavoger for example, a two-legged reptile and their eggs are considered a delicacy among both nobles and commoners.


    This is because Skalavoger''s can only be found at the edge of Volos mountain which is their natural habitat,


    and are hard to maintain anywhere else.


    Their meat has a unique flavor to it and their eggs are big and full of nutrients.


    Because Veles village is also near the dangerous "Dark Forest",


    they hunt ma.beast in it and then sell the materials for a really good price.


    Together with merchants, there are always some passengers that are going to Veles village as either tourists,


    someone that''s going to visit his friends or family, or simply an adventurer eager to challenge the "Dark Forest".


    Usually these trips are always peaceful and neither ma.beasts nor bandits come even close to this road.


    However, they now face with an... unusual problem...


    [Damn it, how long does it take this junk to get there ?! I can''t even feel my ars anymore !!!]


    Screamed the man at the caravan driver. It was a skinny, tall man with a bald head and a mustache.


    He has piercing deep orange eyes, that are currently blood red from stress.


    There is also a vein popping on his bald head.


    He was wearing an expensive-looking dark pants and red coat.


    Everybody who sees him could guess that he is a noble.


    He is the Earl Ballard Garcia von Lucatero,


    who is currently heading to the Veles village to enroll his second son Rodger Garcia to school.


    He also wished to enroll his first son into this school together with Calvin''s son Bernard,


    but because he is going to inherit his title of a Earl,


    Ballard decided to enroll him to the Royal Academy in the Capital city Durrant.


    [Sir, we will arrive there before the midsol, please be patient...]


    Caravan driver answered Ballard as politely as possible.


    [Father, please lower your voice, I''m trying to read here...]


    Rodger said to his father in a monotone nonchalant voice.


    [Grrrrrr... HMP!!!]


    Ballard backed down. He know there was no point arguing with his child, because it would be meaningless.


    Rodger wasn''t your typical normal child, he was what the others would call a genius.


    He learned how to speak when he was only three,


    then learned how to read when he was just four and by now, he could probably also write in a recognizable writing.


    There are barely any children his age that could do something like that.


    His talent with the spear was also extraordinarily, which made Ballard sure that Rodger''s future was as bright as the midsol sun.


    However, because he was so special, Ballard has given him everything he desired, spoiling him to the core in the process.


    This backfired at Ballard as Rodger started losing interest in everything that required any effort,


    even worse, he started finding his father annoying.


    Ballard tried disciplining him, but to no avail.


    So by enrolling Rodger to Veles village school that is known for being distasteful harsh,


    Ballard hopes that it will repair his son''s bad personality.


    [Heh, even your kid put you in place. But he''s right, we will be there soon.]


    Said the man in cloak that covered nearly his entire face, only a big scar near his lips could be seen.


    As he was sitting next to Ballard, he overheard them.


    [Oh, shut it scarface. Do you even know what it is like to have kids ?!]


    Ballard was irritated at the man that has balls to talk to him yet is scared in showing his face.


    Especially since he seems like a commoner without any kids...


    [Don''t be so stingy old man, I''m just saying...]


    Said the man in cloak half amused, half irritated.


    [Then don''t open that mouth of yours if you never had any children in your life...]


    There was also a few problems with his first son who is currently 16 cycles old, but it wasn''t anything like with Roger.


    [Eeeh, maybe one sol, when I settle down.]


    Said the man in cloak, before he smiled, realizing that him having kids was impossible.


    Ballard didn''t even look at the man, as he was only hoping that they would get to the village as soon as possible.


    They would have arrived there last sol if his own caravan wasn''t attacked by bandits not far from Immitrex city.


    While the bandits were quickly dealt with, his caravan was heavy damage


    so the only option to get to the Veles village was to go with the merchant caravan


    or go back to Immitrex city and rent a new one, which woud take a lot of time.


    .........


    When they finally arrived to the village, the sun could barely be seen from the dark clouds. It will probably rain soon.


    However, the marketplace that was located in the middle of the village was full of people going about their business,


    without caring about the weather.


    In every wealthy village, it''s always lively like this in the marketplace every morning and midsol.


    [Finally, I was starting to wonder if we would ever arrive here!!!]


    Said Ballard as he jumped out of caravan, while Rodger followed after him silently, still reading a book.


    [Looks like the weather got a lot worse while we were traveling...]


    Said the man in cloak as he was paying the traveling expenses to the caravan driver.


    The others that were with them had already paid and were going somewhere.


    Probably to the tavern that is located near the marketplace


    or to the famous inn with the hot springs located a little bit further from the marketplace.


    [Luckily we arrived before it started to pour, or else our journey would be muddy.]


    Said the caravan driver. Although the road from Immitrex city to Veles village was well maintained,


    whenever it rained, it would be quite hard to travel.


    [Father, where are we going now ?]


    [To the inn a little bit further ahead. You will be living there for a while from now on, so get used to it.]


    Ballard replied. He wasn''t too happy going to that place, as he personally know the owner, Calvin Fronto.


    Both of them were assigned to the same fort during the war and they didn''t get along at all.


    As they were walking in the direction of the inn, Ballard realized that the man in cloak was going in the same direction.


    [Oy, don''t tell me you''re also going to the Fronto Inn ?]


    Ballard asked with an surprised and annoyed voice.


    [I only heard stories about those hot springs, of course I''m eager to see them for myself. I heard they can heal even the soul !]


    Man in cloak answered with a smile, as if mocking Ballard.


    He just love going on nobles nerves,who thinks how high and mighty they are while looking down on others.


    He hated people like that.


    Ironically, he wasn''t any different from them in that regard.


    ...........


    After they arrived to the inn, Ballard rented one room for Rodger and immediately paid in advance.


    When Calvin saw him at the the counter, he made a really sour face for a second,


    before he immediately put his business smile on and continued doing his job like nothing happened.


    That irritated Ballard that even his eyebrows twitched, the bastard Calvin is pretending that he doesn''t know him...


    He would gladly start arguing with him, but he has better things to do at the moment.


    While rodger headed to his room to unpack, Ballard immediately headed to the school to enroll his son there.


    He plans to stay here in Veles village for about a sabb before heading back to his territory.


    It would be bad for him if his work piled up.


    He wants to be sure that everything would be fine for his son in here, truly a caring father.


    Well, all he wishes is for this village to fix his son''s bad personality...


    ..... One sabb later.....


    And just like that, another sabb has gone by.


    Thankfully I didn''t have any more of those nightmares and even the fever is gone. Hooray!


    I used this time to train my [Mana Control] and just last sol I leveled up.


    I also acquired [Cooking] skill while I was helping Miranda in the kitchen.


    This cycle, the customers started coming sooner than expected, so there was a lot of work around the inn.


    This sol I plan to go to the church to have my level up recorded or something like that


    and then I will probably head to the mansion to get those medicine , just in case I need them.


    After running 5 laps around the village, I head to the kitchen to eat. Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is full of people.


    Last sabb, one of Calvin''s acquaintances has come to the village to enroll his son in the school.


    He''s one cycle older than me and Myla, but it seems like we are going to be in the same class.


    Oh yeah, the school start next sol so I also need to buy something to write on.


    I will definitely found something in the marketplace.


    Anyway, Calvin acquaintance, who I nicknamed "Baldy" because I don''t know his name, is leaving this sol.


    So we are going to have a feast for some reason.


    I don''t know why, but Calvin looks unusually cheerful for some reason,


    it''s kinda creepy...


    [If I could, I would stay here for another sabb. Those hot springs are truly amazing.]


    Baldy said. I''m not even surprised, every time I see him, he''s in the hot spring.


    [Come again when you have the time, your son is staying here after all.]


    Miranda replied. Baldy''s son, Rodger if I heard correctly, will be staying here in the inn until graduation.


    We will be going to school together.


    Apparently, because there aren''t that many children in the village,


    both 5 cycle and 6 cycle old are going to attend classes together.


    There are normal classes that everybody must attend and special classes that only those that wish to learn how to fight can go.


    Special classes are further divided into "fighter" classes and "eater" classes.


    We can choose whether we want to attend only one special class or both, it all depend on our willpower and strength.


    [Haha, I will, I will. You got a really peaceful village over here, perfect for relaxing.]


    Baldy answered. When he first came here, he was really annoying, shouting at everybody and everything.


    But now, he''s kinda... mellow...


    I guess the hot spring really helped him.


    [Glad you liked it here.] Calvin said with a weird smile.


    [Soo... How did you two met, you never really talked about it ?]


    Miranda asked. But at that moment, both Baldy and Calvin looked away from the table in sync, leaving Miranda dumbfounded.


    Ta heck is this ? Now even I''m curious...


    [If I remember correctly, you were stationed at the same fort at the end of the war, right ?]


    Bernard asked, looking at Calvin. Myla too. Even Rodger was looking at Baldy, looks like he was also interested.


    [That''s true. I was appointed as a commander by the Duke,


    while Calvin was voted to be my right hand man by the fort soldiers. And let''s just say that we didn''t get along very well.]


    Baldy said.


    Hmm... Usually, the commander himself appoints that position to his most trusted man, not some random soldiers by vote.


    I''m not even surprised, this Kingdom is weird. Hell, even this whole "aristocrat system" is weird.


    [Why is that ?] Myla asked.


    I never saw Calvin argue with someone, so I''m also wonder why...


    [Well, he never respected my social standing nor my position as a commander,


    even going against my orders sometimes. So disrespectful.]


    Baldy said. Well, as an Earl, of course he wants Calvin who is a commoner to show some respect.


    But for disobeying orders, that''s...


    [Heh, says someone who was lazying all sols in his quarters while I did all the work,


    and those orders were stupid, it was clear that you didn''t even know what you were doing.]


    Calvin said in his self defence. Of course he didn''t know what he was doing, he''s a noble afterall.


    [See, this is why he was always cleaning toilets]


    Baldy said, like he just won the battle.


    Calvin however, just looked away and calmly asked...


    [I wonder from where did that water come from, that I used to make you your morning tea...]


    Hah, nice one Calvin. Baldy just dropped his spoon and dumbfoundedly looked at Calvin.


    Calvin just nonchalantly started whistling.


    [Om my...]


    Miranda said when she realized where this was going. Me, Bernard, Myla and Rodger just continued to eat, enjoying the spectacle.


    Suddenly, Baldy took the fork and take a stance...


    [Come on, i''ll show ya, shit-cleaner !!!]


    [Oh, now you talking in my language. Let''s go, piss-drinker !!!]


    Calvin shouted before they both got out of the kitchen and probably headed to that empty space near the inn.


    Please watch your language, some of us are still eating....


    Or were...


    [We''re going to watch !!!]


    Both Myla and Bernard run after them, leaving behind empty plates... Wait, when did they... ?


    [I''m going too !!!]


    Redger said before also storming out...


    Leaving only me and Miranda in the kitchen...


    She was only smiling.


    [Do you need anything from the marketplace ? I could pick it up on my way from church.]


    I asked, completely ignoring what just happened.


    [Hmm... Well you could pick a few things from lady Alvarez. You''ll manage to come home before the evening, right ?]


    [Probobly...] I said.


    [Good, then here''s the list. It shouldn''t be hard to cary.]


    As I also finished eating, I took the list and headed out.


    Looking toward the empty space near the inn, I could see Bernard, Myla and Rodger watching Baldy''s and Calvin''s spar.


    Calvin was using a sword while Baldy was using a spear. So they are using real weapons, huh ?


    I think they are going a little bit too far for just a spar.


    However, they are fast...


    My eyes can barely keep up with the speed of their attacks.


    I never saw Calvin fight before, so I also wondered how strong he really was.


    While Bernard is mostly using heavy attacks because of his strength


    and I''m mostly using speed attacks to compensate for my lack of strength,


    Calvin is a balanced fighter, using both according to the situation.


    He could probably take that alpha in a minute if he wasn''t preoccupied with taking care of Myla. Truly amazing.


    However, even Baldy isn''t half bad at all.


    He managed to defend against all of Calvins attacks and even attack Calvin a few times.


    It wouldn''t be a lie to say that they are even in both strength and speed... But Calvin has an upper hand.


    Exactly because they are even, this fight now is all about endurance, who has more stamina.


    Which is quite obvious, if you think about it. It''s only a mater of time before Calvins win.


    Oh god, when did I become an expert in this stuff ?!


    I better go, I don''t want to make father Killian wait for too long.


    Myla has already been there last sabb to see her status, but she didn''t level up unfortunately.


    Only her [Swordsmanship] skill has gone up.


    Walking through the marketplace, I head to the church.


    Father Killian was already waiting for me at the entrance.


    [Good Morning] I said.


    [Oh, good morning Arian. Are you ready ?] He greeted me and asked with a smile.


    [Of course, I wouldn''t come here so soon otherwise...] I replied politely.


    [Haha, that''s true. Then come inside, I bought fresh juice not too long ago.]


    [Juice ? Why ?] I asked confusingly...


    [Well, I had a feeling we will have a long talk, so I bought something to drink.]


    Father Killian answered as we entered the church...

 Chapter 9: Currency, magic and attribute affinity

    When we entered the church, there was already a small table with two stools prepared below the statue,


    near the appraisal crystal. I didn''t know until now, but those crystals can be used for a lot of things,


    usually related to magic. Looks like father Killian wasn''t just joking,


    he really plan for this to be a lengthy conversation.


    As I sit on the stool, father Killian headed to the kitchen to bring the juice.


    While the church is just one big room where people gather every morning to pray to whichever god they pray to,


    there is also a small room to the side that is used as a kitchen.


    Because father Killian has his own house next to the church,


    this kitchen room is only used when a guest come to see the priest or


    in some special events like the festival in the ending sols of Gabe,


    as we move from Vento (something like spring) to Solis (something like summer).


    There are also times when travelers come to the village, completely penniless.


    A priest can offer them to rest inside the church and prepare them a meal in kitchen.


    It''s usually only for a night or two, until they get the money to pay for Fronto inn or a local tavern,


    if it isn''t full like this Lun.


    While the priest does not expect any payment for his hospitality as he let them rest inside the church out of his own good will,


    most travelers pay up anyway as thanks when they earn some money.


    Something like a donation to the church, I guess.


    Oh, looks like father Killian has got the juice, he is carrying it in a glass bottle with two cups in his other hand.


    Took him long enough and not to mention, that thing looks expensive...


    With who does he think he is going to have a conversation, a little snotty brat like me or a fucking king ?!


    I regret looking at it with Appraisal, it showed too much information...


    Name: Bottle of Goldberry juice


    Quality: [Very High]


    Detail: Information not available


    Price: 10 Gold coins


    If this doesn''t sound expensive, let''s first talk about the currency of this world. Other than the Old World,


    now called Dragon Continent, every Kingdom in the New World, even Devil''s race Kingdoms use the same type of currency.


    Standard fantasy currency like Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum coins.


    Most commoners that live outside the towns or cities use Copper and Large Copper coins in their sol to sol lives.


    Those that live in towns and cities usually use Silver and Large Silver coins.


    And large merchant companies and nobles use Gold and Large Gold coins.


    Platinum coins don''t have a "Large" variant and are usually used by noble and royal families for purchase of land,


    construction of large buildings and the likes.


    Potions that can only be purchased with Platinum coins are usually called "Miracle potions".


    To put it into perspective, it looks like this:


    10 Copper = 1 Large Copper


    100 Copper / 10 L.Copper = 1 Silver


    10 Silver = 1 Large Silver


    100 Silver / 10 L.Silver = 1 Gold


    10 Gold = 1 Large Gold


    100 Gold / 10 L.Gold = 1 Platinum


    Now in Fronto inn, one night stay is 3 Silver, plus 75 Coppers for the 3 meals,


    another Silver and 50 Coppers for the use of the Hot Spring.


    Let''s round that up to 5 Silver coins a sol, which is quite expensive if you ask me.


    You could live in Fronto inn for nearly 200 sols, nearly a cycle for that money...


    I''m trying my best to ignore this information, while father Killian nonchalantly pour the juice into my cup.


    He started talking when he finally sat on his stool...


    [Sorry for the wait, I was having a hard time melting this ice frozen juice with light magic.


    Remind me not to put any drink inside that "Cooler" thing next time...]


    My eyebrow just twitched. He just sit down and is already throwing bombs in my direction... What ?


    [Eeeer, no problem? What is this "Cooler" you mentioned anyway?]


    [ Well, I learned how to make one from an adventurer I met on my way to the Dwarven Empire.


    It cools and freezes anything you put in it. It''s quite easy to make,


    all you need is a metal box or a chest and engrave a ice magic circle on the inside


    and then activate it with a soul core. Easy, right ?]


    It does sound pretty straightforward and easy, but how the hell I supposed to know what a magic circle is?


    I just finished learning basic magic theory from grandma Abbey...


    [Magic circle? what is that?]


    [Oh? Didn''t Abby teach you that yet?]


    Father Killian was surprised for some reason, but that is his own fault.


    He is expecting a little bit to much from a 5 cycles old kid...


    [No, I just finished learning the basic...]


    [I see... Well no matter, we can start from here. Can you tell me what you learned until now ?


    I can explain it to you if you don''t understand something.]


    Father Killian said with a smile. Well, I''m always for learning some more, but please slow down a little.


    Anyway, where to start. Well, from the start I guess ?


    When using magic, its important to first learn to feel and they control the magical energy that is everywhere around us.


    This is [Mana Control] skill. After that, it''s important to learn what''s the attribute of your soul.


    There exist 7 basic attributes: Water, Earth, Nature, Wind, Fire, Dark and Light, just like the sols in a sabb.


    To use magic, one needs to learn the spells from their respective attributes "Archives".


    And you have to chant to activate the spell, but there are also those that don''t need to chant.


    Apparently, chanting helps you control the magical energy inside your body while activating the spell.


    [... thats everithing I learned so far.]


    I answered to father Killian. I didn''t mention the names of each "archive", but I know them all.


    And while I know the theory how to use magic, there are still things that I just can''t understand.


    [Hmm, I see. Looks like Abby is planning to teach you about magic circles on the next lesson.


    Well, it''s actually easy so I just teach you myself. Now then...]


    According to father Killian, constructing magic circles with magical energy from our body is what we call a spell.


    Most spells require the construction of multiple magic circles intertwined together and this require large concentration.


    So chants are used to help out in this process as it''s easy to construct a magic circle


    if the image we have inside our mind is crystal clear.


    There also exist spells that require so many magic circles that it''s impossible for a single person to construct it alone.


    Ceremony magic falls into this category.


    [I see, so chantless magic is just construction of magic circles without the chant, right ?]


    [That''s right, looks like you already understood this. As expected...]


    Father Killian said that as he drank the juice. He sure enjoys that overly expensive juice...


    [Then about that "Cooler" you mentioned...]


    [That''s right, I just enchanted the metal box with ice enchantment by carving three magic circles inside the box.


    Then I just used ma.beast soul core to keep it activated for an extended amount of time.


    Even you could do it right now if you had an attribute...]


    Father Killian answered as he put a bunch of papers on the table from the bag that was on the ground.


    Hm, hm, hm... Now I get how this world "Magic System" works. The magic circles were a missing piece of the puzzle,


    that''s why I was feeling like something was missing.


    Well, even if the theory behind it is simple, that doesn''t mean that the execution will be so easy...


    Now when I acquire the attribute, I could start learning how to cast spells...... Huh ?


    [Wait, what does attribute have to do with magic circles? No, what does attribute have to do with anything ?!]


    I''m confused... If just creating magic circles with your magical energy is all that is required to cast a spell,


    where does attribute come into the equation ?


    [Oho, looks like you noticed that, as expected. You would probably figured it out on your own by the looks of it.


    But let me explain so you can understand...]


    Looks like magical energy isn''t as simple as I believed until now.


    Apparently, the magical energy that surround us is pure, chaotic and nearly uncontrollable.


    Only Devil''s can use it in this form and the technique they use is called [Raw Mana Technique].


    Apparently, because I lack any attribute, my [Mana Clad] and [Mana Slash] also fall into this category.


    Others can''t use it like that, so they first need to absorb the magical energy in the surroundings into themselves


    and then convert it with their attribute into "mana".


    There also exist something like a negative/corrupted magical energy that only Demons and a few ma.beast species use.


    Some tribes from a Devil race also use it, but there aren''t many.


    This is because it''s a really dangerous magical energy that can harm and corrupt any living thing,


    being able to drive them to insanity... No matter how I look at it, that sound exactly like Miasma.


    As father Killian was explaining it, I started to understand it a little.


    Fumu, It really isn''t complicated at all. This just added one more step before starting the magic circle creation...


    [So to construct a fire magic circle, you need to use refined magical energy (mana) with a fire attribute,


    or it won''t activate. Right ?]


    [Thats right, that is all there is to magic theory. Now as soon as you get a attribute,


    you can start practicing spellcasting...]


    Something''s not right, maybe I''m just overthinking but...


    [Hmm, then why is it, for example, aunt Miranda better with earth magic than light magic?


    She said that she trained both of them equally ?]


    Yes, there is still a piece of puzzle missing... Is it talent or...


    [Hahahaha, Miranda did say that you are very observant, but this is really surprising.


    Not many people notice this and even if they did, they just don''t care. Talent they say, or that''s not important.


    Yet, the answer is really simple. It''s all about the "Attribute affinity".]


    [Affinity ? So then aunt has higher affinity with earth attribute than light attribute ? That''s such a simple explanation,


    I''m surprised I never heard the term "Attribute affinity" until now... Even when I read so many books...]


    Well, it would be easy to misunderstand such a simple concept for a talent, but that would mean that normally,


    there is no way to found out about it in the first place... Just how did father Killian found this information ?


    [Even I didn''t know about it until I bought this prototype Lv10 Appraisal crystal


    from the skilled Crystalsmith in the Dwarven Empire.


    Normal appraisal crystals in this kingdom go only up to Lv5 so it''s no wonder nobody hasn''t realized about it, yet.


    Maybe the church and "Eyes of god" organisation know about it,


    but they usually keep any information like that to themselves.]


    Wait, this thing here is Lv 10 ? Amazing. And also what''s this Crystalsmith ?


    Someone who specializes in creating those crystals probably...


    They are quite useful, from light sources and bombs to sound and voice recordings,


    those crystals can be made to do a lot of things.


    However, not only are they really expensive, most affordable ones are low quality and only a one-use items.


    I guess I shouldn''t be surprised, since that sound like a profitable craft just like blacksmith and whitesmith.


    I was surprised at first at just how advanced metallurgy is in this world,


    but then I found out that most of those advancements were made by Dwarven race.


    Apparently, all the metal processing is Dwarven Empires closely guarded secret.


    So outside of the empire, metal processing is similar to that of the Middle ages.


    I''m suprised that father Killian managed to get something amazing as this crystal from dwarfs,


    since they hate most humans, especialy those that are affiliated with any religious organisation like the church.


    Also, what is that "Eyes of god" organisation ?


    [Ah, how do you know our affinities if it never showed up in our status ? Also whats "Eyes of god" ?]


    [That''s because I set the crystal to show only me the real result of the appraisal,


    everyone else will see only what a standard Lv5 appraisal crystal would show.


    As for those "Eyes of god" folks, they are like a cult of people with [Appraisal] skill,


    stationed in the capital town Durrant.


    They have a lot of powerful connections like the church and the king, since they use the [Appraisal] to study the world.


    That''s why we instructed you to hide it, because they could easily take you away and forced you into the organisation...]


    Ugh, that sound awful. I know that appraisal is convenient,


    but even at Lv2 I still can''t see anyone''s status other than their name and level...


    Not to mention, this much information dump isn''t really comprehensible for a normal child my age.


    Well, it''s convenient for me, but I fear that this may cause a few problems in the future...


    [Why are you telling me all of this in such a detail ?]


    I asked as I tilted my head to the side... This man, he is quite crafty for a priest,


    I''m starting to think that he''s more than that.


    [Even if you don''t understand half of what we just talked, you will probably understand it sooner or later.


    You are smart, observant and have an amazing memory, not to mention your other talents.


    Its important for you to understand just how different you are from other kids, or things could get dangerous.


    I''m going to show you your real status this sol, so be prepered for that...]


    Father Killian explained with a really serious expression,


    making it look like his previous smiley expression never existed.


    It was so sudden that it took me by surprise. Better for me to continue smiling,


    pretending to be ignorant of this heavy atmosphere...


    [I understand, then are we going to start the [status check] now ?]


    [Yes, but before that, there are a few question I have for you. This is very important so answer honestly.]


    This situation turned weird for some reason... Just a second ago we were talking like teacher and student,


    but now it feels like an interrogation...


    This change of atmosphere was probably intentional, I wonder for what reason...


    [Of course, ask away...]


    I asked confusingly. I wonder what kind of bomb will he throw at me this time...


    [Then, I''m going to ask you questions about those nightmares you started having recently.]


    Father Killian said that with a stone cold face that doesn''t look good on him.


    This atmosphere is really heavy, but now I understand why.


    I did mention to aunt Miranda that I was having them when I was sick last sabb.


    I looked into his eyes blankly, before I started smiling. It''s the same grin I have when i''m too excited.


    Hahaha, I did suspect that those nightmares were connected to me being a red soul type,


    but I didn''t think someone would start talking about this subject so soon.


    After all, everybody is hiding this from me. That''s why I never asked them about it.


    It''s true that I don''t think about playing and just train and study all the time,


    but isn''t it weird that nobody has ever tried to invite me to play with them ?


    And while most of the villagers are friendly with me, there are still those that are wary of me.


    Not to mention the looks of pity from the travelers that I sometime get,


    like some kind of caged beast that will be put down soon.


    At first I didn''t mind it, but over time I started to ask why ? why ? WHY ?!


    Why did that maid avoid me, why did my parents cry on my 3 birthsol when that maid mentioned how lucky I was.


    I know that I''m weird, father Killian said it himself just now,


    after all, you cant expect from a grown man to act like a child. Especially an impatient one.


    But why are so many people looking at me with those eyes ?


    But even before I started asking questions, I unexpectedly found the answers.


    In a book, deeply hidden inside grandmas library.


    Unfortunately, it was written in the ancient devil''s language,


    but there was a few translated notes that helped me understand what that book was about.


    It was about individuals with the red soul type that weren''t from devil race.


    And what I learned from it was more unpleasant than the price of this goldberry juice.


    Most children born with this soul type die in the first 20 lun, about 1.5 cycles, which would be fine if that was all.


    As they grow older, most of them start to develop, eer, weird hobbies.


    They start to become irritated and easily burst into the fit of anger.


    Did I mention that they happily start killing animals ?


    That would also be fine, those things could somehow be corrected with a good education.


    Most people with red soul type are put into church for this reason.


    However, there is a chance that the will suddenly just, lose control. Go berserk.


    They are like a timebomb, waiting to explode.


    Those questions father Killian is going to ask me is probably to determine how far did I fallen inside the rabbit hole.


    Then, there is no reason to pretend to be an idiot and answer honestly.


    [Ask away, I''m prepared...]


    I stopped smiling and answered seriously.


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


    [Then, can you describe me the scenes you see in those nightmares ?]


    Father Killian asked, still having that stone cold face... Is he forcing himself to look that serious ?


    [Disgusting]


    Short and simple, that''s the best answer.


    Father Killian blinked a few times in surprise, but he continued right away.


    [How do you feel about those nightmares ?]


    [Annoying]


    I answered right away, again with a simple answer.


    Looks like father Killians stone cold face is starting to slowly crumble.


    [cough, cough, have you ever thought of killing somebody ?]


    What do you mean by that ? I starting to think that this test is not for kids this young.


    But, well, in this world most children learn what killing is really early, so I guess that this is normal ?


    [YES, the bastard that is making me have those nightmares...]


    Father Killian started to smile when he heard me saying that calmly.


    Well, it''s true. There is definitely someone behind those nightmares because they felt strangely artificial.


    Like a brainwashing or a hypnosis.


    [Ok, final question. How do you feel like when you wake up ?]


    Probably the same as grandpa if somebody pissed in his evening tea.


    [I''m exhausted and in pain, with my bloodlust rising up. So, are you satisfied ?]


    It''s not like I trust father Killian completely, but it will be good to have his complete trust in me.


    After all, he know more then me right now.


    [Hahaha, I didn''t expect this to turn out like this, you just continue to amaze me. Yes, "we" are satisfied.]


    Father Killian said with a bright smile. Yep, that earlier was just an act.


    Also, whose "we" ? There are only two of us in here, right ?


    Well, looks like I passed this test, so who cares...


    [Really, are you really just 5 cycles old ?


    Well anyway, let''s get this status check out of the way so we can finally finish this formal meeting.


    I''m already this tired yet we still have a few things to talk about...]


    Father Killian said as he finished writing something on one of the papers and then put it inside the bag.


    [Well, I did bring that book that I mentioned last time, soo...]


    I said that as I drank that over expensive juice. Soooo sweet, with a hint of sourness on the tong and


    the taste between orange and a lemon. It''s hard to describe.


    Slowly I stood up and walked near the appraisal crystal.


    I wonder what will I see, I getting both nervous and excited.


    Father Killian lifted me up so I could reach the appraisal crystal with my hand. Damn, I''m still too short...


    Touching the crystal, I invoke [Status Check] inside my mind.


    Name: Arian Deurius - Damian


    Age: 5


    Race: Half-Elf


    Gender: Male


    Level: 2


    Status Effect: none


    Attribute: none


    Attribute Affinity: [Water(Normal)], [Earth(Normal)], [Nature(Average)], [Wind(Normal)], [Fire(High)],


    [Dark(Master)], [Light(High)]


    Skills: [Appraisal LV2], [Swordsmanship LV2], [Mana Clad LV1], [Mana Slash LV1], [Cooking Lv1](new)


    Abilities: [Concentration LV1], [Mana Control LV2], [Pain Tolerance LV1]


    Title: none


    Hidden Title: [Divine blessing of Gaia], [Blessing of magic goddess Maya], [Demon soul]


    Soul type: Red


    Hmm, Is that all ?


    I can see status effect, attribute affinity and hidden title ? What''s are hidden titles ?


    I mean, isn''t this a Lv10 appraisal crystal ? It should show a little bit more information about a person than this...


    Haaaa... This was a disappointment....


    After father Killian put me down,


    we again returned to our seats still looking at the hologram-like projection in front of us.


    Father Killian started writing something on the remaining papers in front of him while calmly drinking the juice.


    That''s his third cup...


    [Please wait just a moment, this won''t take long...]


    [Hmm, what''s that for ?]


    I asked, also drinking the juice, slowly. Mmm, it''s very refreshing.


    [Just some paperwork to send to church. Priest do this every time they do the status check.


    Of course, your soul type is reported as orange and we didn''t mention the [Appraisal] skill.]


    Heeh, it''s really convenient having someone you know inside the church.


    With this, both me and my grandparents escaped from a major headache...


    [There, done. Now I can continue with the explanation...]


    Father Killian said as he put those papers back in the bag.


    By the way, that is the real paper. I don''t know how they ware made, but they are quite expensive so only nobles use them.


    Normally, commoners will use parchments, stone tablets and the likes to write.


    [Then let me explain about the affinities.


    They can be [Very Low], [Low], [Average], [Normal], [High], [Very High] and [Master].


    Usually, normal people have around 2 to 3 affinities between [Low] and [Normal],


    even if they are born without an attribute.


    Late hero Azuneel that suddenly disappeared during the final battle in the war against Nox Kingdom,


    had also all attribute affinities just like you.


    The only difference was that he had [Light(Master)] and [Dark(Average)], others were more or less the same.]


    Wow, so I have the affinity similar to that hero that both Bernard and father Killian keep mentioning all the time.


    Is this the reason that father Killian started babbling about heroes on my first status check ?


    [But why are we so similar? Is it maybe because of those hidden titles ?]


    [Well yeah, about that...]


    According to father Killian, hidden titles are just titles that I could hide whenever I wish.


    But because I didn''t even know about them, it was probably goddess that hidden them for some reason...


    Well, I have three of them. [Demon soul] is clearly because I''m a red soul type.


    It''s probably the reason why my affinity with dark attribute is max.


    [Blessing of magic goddess Maya] is definitely the reason why I have affinity with every attribute.


    After all, Maya is the goddess of Magic.


    Well that only leaves [Divine blessing of Gaia], which even father Killian doesn''t have any idea what goddess that is.


    There is that "Holy Gaia Empire", but people over there are human supremacist,


    not to mention that they banish everyone that has a [Dark] attribute...


    Why would a goddess, who is worshiped by those kinds of people, give someone like me, a red soul type, her blessing ?


    Well, one thing''s for certain. I mustn''t let anyone else found out about this title,


    or else I will have an entire Empire of religious fanatics after my head...


    And I wish I was joking about this....


    [Wait, wouldn''t my race also affect my status ?]


    [I don''t know anything about that, but it''s mostly unlikely.


    Your [Nature] affinity is the lowest, yet elves should be skilled with nature magic...]


    Eeeh, that is kinda sad to say to an elf, a forest dweller.


    Even if I''m just a half-elf...


    [Anyway, there''s a little trick that I found out that I want to show you, before we start our last topic...]


    Saying that, father Killian placed his finger about 5 cm above the table and started concentrating.


    I could feel the flow of magical energy near us moving towards Killians finger.


    Before long, a small ball of condensed magical energy gathered below his finger


    and suddenly changed into a drop of water that dropped on the table...


    Imposible, his own magical energy (mana) barely moved, so how could he create that drop of water ?


    [Surprised. Well, I don''t have an water attribute, so how could I create this drop of water then, right ?]


    I was more looking at the flow of magical energy, not whenever he have water attribute or not...


    But the question is still the same, how did he create it...


    [Does the attribute affinity have anything to do with this ?]


    [Bingo !]


    Basically he used his mana to move the magical energy in the surroundings


    and then gather all magical energy that has an attribute of water below his finger.


    He needed to have an affinity with water attribute to be able to do this,


    but simply said, he used the magical energy found in the moisture in the air to create a drop of water.


    It does sound like a useless trick used for entertaining,


    but you can use this to also create magic circles that require an attribute you don''t have.


    It does take a lot of concentration and time to even create an simple magic circle,


    so this is only usable when you want to create something like that father Killian''s "cooler".


    [... I only have an [Dark], [Light] and a [Wind] attribute,


    so it would be impossible for me to create it if I didn''t have a [Water] affinity.]


    Creating an Ice magic circle require 2 magic circles intertwined together. Wind and Water.


    And to make a "cooler", you need another magic circle in which you place a soul core witch will act like a battery.


    Quite an interesting trick.


    [Now then, with all that said and done, can you guess our final topic ?]


    Eeee, I can''t think of anything. I think we covered everything concerning magic and attribute affinity.


    [No, no idea. Aren''t we finished ?]


    [You''re just like your grandpa Quinn, completly forgeting where you''re living all the time...


    Up until now, we discussed the importance of affinities to normal people. But what about "eaters" ?]


    Father Killian said that as he drank another cup of that juice...


    [AAAAAHHH...]


    Now I get it.


    What we talked about was the usefulness of affinities to the people that have only one or no attributes at all.


    Devil''s race and I have it easy because we can use magical energy even without an attribute, but others are different...


    But what does affinity means to an "eater" ?


    Eaters absorbe ma.beasts soul cores to gain properties of that ma.beast and also gain the ability to transform.


    Absorbing two soul cores of those ma.beasts will result in their properties fusing together


    and creating the basic transformation.


    And when we say ma.beasts properties, we mean their abilities and... their attributes.


    This is the reason why more and more magicians and wizards are becoming "eaters", to gain more and more attributes.


    However, because most ma.beast have only one or two attributes, by the time they finish their basic transformation,


    they could gain around three to four new attributes. And that is if they are lucky, if not only two.


    Add to that that you may already have some of those attribute in the first place,


    it''s really hard finding ma.beasts that have completely different attributes than you.


    Appraisal is a rare skill and appraisal crystal are not only expensive,


    but those that have them ask a bizarrely big price for a status check.


    The only reason it''s free in our village is because of the king...


    Because of this, there are a lot of people that have no idea what their attribute is,


    so they play a guess game. Knowing what you''re attribute and affinity are is really a cheat.


    Now I understand why organization like "Eyes of god" exist...


    I don''t know if this is something that skeletal lady had her hands in, but ever since I was born,


    I had it easy, having everything served to me on a silver plate (literally)...


    Is she maybe that Gaia goddess ?


    [If they know their affinities, they could easily found the ma.beast with the attribute they need.]


    I replied, however, the problem about appraisal still stand...


    [That''s right, with that information their strength could be doubled or even tripled.


    You are extremely lucky to have an appraisal skill,


    and with this knowledge now you can easily found the ma.beast you need. By the way, do you want another cup ?]


    Father Killian asked when he realised that my cup was empty.


    [Ah, yes please. To continue, because appraisal is rare and appraisal crystals are few in numbers and expensive,


    isn''t it hard to get this information ?]


    I said while father Killian poured me juice into my cup.


    [Yes, that is unfortunately true at this time, however, progress is being made every sol.


    Not only are there more and more children born with the appraisal skill,


    but organisations like "eyes of god" are also finding the way to learn it.


    And while only dwarves know how to make an appraisal crystal, or any crystal for that matter,


    they are slowly but surely spreading through the world.]


    [I seeee, that''s amazing...]


    So its only a matter of time when the attribute affinity is revealed to other people.


    [Well, the concept of skills didn''t exist until around 400 cycles ago,


    so it''s no wonder there are lot of things we still don''t know about.]


    Hmm... So that''s how it is. If I think about it,


    I was sent to this world to somehow test this worlds "Prototype World System"


    so maybe it was only implemented 400 cycles ago ?


    [By the way, aren''t you gonna ask why did I ask you those questions,


    or why did I even know about those nightmares in the first place ?]


    Ah... I forgot... Well, I don''t think it was really that important anyway.


    [Isn''t it because I''m a red soul type ?]


    [Eh, Where did you learn about that ?]


    Eh? Did he seriously thought that I wouldn''t notice those stares ?


    Looks like he don''t know that children are very sensitive to those kinds of stuff.


    Well, not like I''m really a normal child...


    [I learned about it in a book inside grandmas library. Also, some travelers look at me funny.]


    That''s definitely not because I look like a girl... ugh...


    [Hahaha, well you really are observant... But that book... It''s probably hers, after he was born...]


    Father Killian laughed and said. But that last part sounded more like a quiet mumble then a sentence.


    So... Who''s she and who''s he ?


    [Well, no matter. That was just a small test, nothing more. But as you may have noticed,


    being a red soul type is bad news so expect some people to be wary of you.


    Especially when you get out of the village. After all, people here just don''t care about those kind of staff.


    At least, most of them don''t.]


    Father Killian explained. Yeah, thanks for the advice, but I already figured that out myself...


    [ Well, after this I''m going to the mansion to get those medicine grandpa has bought for me,


    so those nightmares should be dealt with.]


    I said. This talk had ended being this long already and still have a few things to take care off this sol


    and I don''t want to be late to baldy''s departure.


    [At, those potions huh... I did say that they were unneeded, but since marquess bought them,


    better to put them to good use. Also, didn''t you mention that you brought a book for me ?]


    Father Killian asked excitedly. Yes, I did brought a book for him.


    I can''t wait to see his reaction when he reads it...


    [Yes, here you go, it''s called "Lonely Demon Lord", you will like it for sure.]


    I said as I handed the book to him.


    [Hmm, that''s an interesting name... Wait, isn''t this author...]


    [...The same as the one that wrote your favorite book, right ?]


    I replied happily. I had a lot of fun reading it.


    [Hahaha, I can''t wait to start. So then, are you going ? Even I didn''t expect for this talk to end up so long...]


    Father Killian said as he scratched his head.


    Well, he did teach me some important things so I consider this time spent well.


    [Well yeah, I also have to pick a few things from that granny Alvarez for aunt, so I need to hurry.]


    I said as I headed outside, father Killian walking right behind me.


    [Well then, be careful on your way and come again if you want another book.]


    Father Killian said while standing at the entrance, waving his hand.


    [Of course, goodbye !]


    As I said that, I started running toward the mansion, it''s not that far from the church.


    I wonder if there will be a lot of food for Baldy''s departure...


    ......


    After Arian headed toward the mansion, Killian returned to the kitchen and took a small barrel of beer from the "cooler".


    Realising that it''s completely frozen just like the juice, he started melting it with light magic.


    However, it took awhile to melt it, Killian has a really bad affinity with [Light]...


    After he sat down on the stool, he poured the beer into his cup and drank it in one gulp.


    (Haaa, it''s really exhausting talking to him for so long, one second he talks like a normal child,


    than another like a scholar... I wonder what the future has in store for him...)


    Killian exhaled deeply... Noticing another presence inside the church, Killian stood up and turned behind.


    From the shadow emerged a person he was expecting.


    [Your majesty...]


    Killian said that and then knelt down.


    In front of his was the king of Uruviel Kingdom,


    Alastair Durrant Von Uruviel.

 Chapter 10: Fetch Quests

    Veles village may be a small village (in Marquess Immitrex territory it is considered to be quite large, actually),


    but its still really easy for someone who doesn''t know their way around to get lost,


    especially since it was built without any plan, so there are many weird roads.


    Between the south entrance that leads to the rest of the Kingdom and north entrance that leads into the abandoned farms


    and forgotten valley is a part of the village with lots of stores and workshops refered as "the marketplace".


    Near the north entrance is also the small school building with a decently sized training court.


    School building has its walls made of stone and with its roof made of wood.


    While it was big enough for a village like Veles, after the war,


    it was mostly more than half empty since there wasn''t enough children.


    And while in the last few cycles that was starting to change, there still wasn''t enough children,


    so now every second generation starts going to school one cycle sooner.


    In the past, those that could afford it send their children to school when they turned five cycle old,


    however, this was over time changed to six.


    But, if there aren''t that many children in a generation, children that are five cycles old go to school one cycle earlier,


    and then the next cycle there is no new children that start going to school.


    They then go to school for 3-4 cycles depending on the classes they take, after that is 1-2 cycles free time


    before they can start going to one of the academies in the bigger towns when they turn 10-11 cycles old.


    While there are some differences between villages and towns, this school system is mostly identical.


    The rest of the village expands west from the marketplace towards the small hill where Marquess Deurius mansion is located.


    Most of the houses are made of wood with straw roof, but there are a few ones made of stone with wooden roofs.


    As with every settlement in Uruviel Kingdom,


    Veles village is surrounded by two meter tall wooden wall to protect it from stray ma.beasts and bandits.


    While from the north entrance there are countless abondened farms that coudn''t be protected from ma.beasts


    that escaped from the dark forest since Veles village was lacking in manpower at the start of the war,


    from the south entrance stretches out a few big farmlands


    that could even be seen from the hill that the Deurius mansion is located.


    Other than cotton, Veles village also cultivates wheat and rye crop for food.


    Since wheat seed is somewhat expensive, rye is cultivated about 15-20 % more than wheat.


    Other than that, Veles village get their food by hunting in the dark forest, and harvesting rare plants that grow there.


    ..........


    In contrast to the other mansions in Uruviel Kingdom, Deurius mansion could be considered small, or better said, modest.


    The mansion is surrounded by tall stone brick walls that is also connected to the villages wooden wall.


    Arian was standing in front of a beautifully decorated iron gate that was also apparently reinforced with magic.


    Behind the gate, Arian could see the large inner garden with neatly cut grass


    and symmetrically planted trees whose leaves has started to turn yellow and fall off.


    Next sol is the first sol of Sert, the first Lun in Pluvi (something like autumn) after all.


    Across the garden, Arian could see large white two-story building that was connected


    to the two rectangular shaped one-story buildings on both sides.


    The main building was used for buisniss, visits and the like.


    The building on the left side is where the servants quarters are located, with their own bathroom and kitchen,


    while the building on the right side is where the residential quarters are located, Abbey''s library is also located here.


    ..........


    Walking across the garden, Arian was remembering how he played in it


    when he managed to sneak out without anyone noticing him.


    His mother Lia was too overprotective because of his constant high fevers,


    so she nearly never let him go outside to play...


    He thought to himself how funny it is for him to wish for them to return.


    Even if they weren''t with him for long, it was enough for him to get attached to them.


    Especially since they showed him love which he never even imagined to receive, even in this second life.


    As someone who cut all his ties with his family and friends the moment he finished college,


    fed up with all the pity he received after the accident in high school, he wanted to have a fresh start.


    Moving far, far away from the place he lived, he never expected to experience honest parental love again.


    So he still have fond memories of them, even if they left his so abruptly...


    Opening the large front door made from some kind of sturdy wood, he slowly entered the main building.


    Arian was happy that he at least was tall enough to open that door, since he was quite short for his age.


    Comparing himself with the children his age, even some of the girls were taller than him and this greatly depressed him...


    Just as his feminine look, this was probably a trait be inherited from his mother Lia, an elf.


    Elves are quite shorter than humans,


    with even an average adult male elf being barely the height of an average human female, which is around 160cm.


    Arian was currently standing in a large entrance hall filled with statues


    (from which he could feel some kind of strange magical energy), pictures and other such decorations.


    In front of him was a large staircase leading to the second floor where Quinn''s study was located.


    On the right was a door leading into the residential quarters and on te left was a door leading into the servants quarters.


    Arian looked around the entrance hall and thought how pointlessly big and empty it felt.


    He was also surprised how clean it all looked even though there was nobody staying at this mansion at this moment


    since his grandparents were staying in Immitrex city.


    Arian headed behind the large staircase, there were another stairs leading down into the treasury.


    While he know this mansion like the back of his hands, he never was actually allowed to go near the treasury,


    so he was a little bit curious why...


    All he know was that there was supposedly some kind of guardian spirit guarding the entrance into the treasury.


    Taking a deep breath, Arian headed downstairs...


    ..........


    After heading downstairs, I arrived into a small hallway with stone walls that leads to a metal-looking door.


    They look impossible to open normally, but thats not the problem right now.


    The problem I''m about to face is a little bit more terrifying... Black as the night itself,


    with four muscular arms and large white goat-like horns on top of its head, with long wavy black hair and blood red eyes,


    at least two meter tall, it was our treasury guardian, a Demon spirit.


    If that wasn''t terrifying enough, it was wearing bright pink magical girl-like dress...


    What''s up with that out of place getup !!!


    If it wasn''t for the two enormous funbags, you would mistake it for a male and if that was the case,


    I would dash away without looking back, like a wind !!!


    But still...


    [... for someone so terrifying looking, you sure have some very girly hobby...]


    Hearing me say that, the black demon spirit just smirked and answered in a unbelievably girly voice.


    [Oh, come on "brother", don''t be so rude to an lady...]


    Lady my ass, don''t even pretend you macho woman! Also, what''s up with that voice, it doesn''t suit you at all...


    [Ya, ya... I have many questions, but first what''s up with that "brother" thing anyway ?]


    [Mou, of course brother is brother, we demons are all brothers and sisters, like a family...


    Is this the first time you met a demon? Anyway, what business you have here ?]


    Oh, I see. I have no idea what the hell is she on about...


    It''s good that she is going straight to the point, but first...


    [Yeah, this is the first time I met a demon. However, by that logic,


    wouldn''t the whole Devil race be considered a part of that family as well ?]


    [Yes, of course... Well how do I explain this...]


    Apparently, for a demon to escape from the "Demon realm" they must either form a contract with a mortal like her


    and keep all of their memories intact or reincarnate into a Devil and have all of their memories eresed...


    So those from a Devil race are just demon spirits with a mortal body. I see...


    I always wondered about that, because Devils are completely different from other races.


    First, there are countless Devil tribes and each tribe have a different appearance from each others,


    like for example the Beastmen tribe.


    Beastmen tribe is split between countless clans and each clan have an appearance that resemble one or more animals.


    Some may consider them a completely different race, but because of their soul type and usage of magical energy,


    they are considered part of a Devil race.


    Then, there is a Vampire tribe. While they look mostly human,


    they are actually the longest living tribe that even rivals the lifespan of a dragon.


    While they are really strong, they are really weak to sunlight


    and need to drink blood of other races or their strength will drop even more (They can eat normal food).


    Again, they could be considered a subspecies of humans, yet they are still considered a Devil race.


    Then, there is a Shadow tribe. they are a tribe that are similar to fairies


    so much that you could consider them their dark counterpart...


    Yet, they are also considered a Devil race.


    And the list goes on and on...


    Interestingly enough, Devil''s can mate between tribes or even other races.


    If their partner isn''t a Demon type soul (Red, dark red and black),


    there is 50% chance that their child will also be a Demon soul type.


    Also, when they die, their soul won''t reincarnate, but be thrown into a Demon realm again...


    Uah, don''t I also fall into that category ?!


    [... so that about sums it up. Understand? Anyway, can we go back to business ?]


    Yeah, now I know more about the Devil race, but still, I have no idea how that make us all a family... Well, who cares...


    [Yeah. First of, my name is Arian Deurius. I come to the treasury to pick up a few potions.]


    I answered. I would like to chat more, but I don''t think I have enough time right now.


    [Oh I see. Here you go... Anyway, brother sure is lucky to get such a cute mortal body, I''m a little bit envious...]


    Yeah, I don''t doubt that YOU are envious about my looks, but as a guy, I''m not that much thrilled about it...


    Anyway, why did she give me a needle ?


    Realising that I was dumbfounded when she given me the needle, she explained.


    [You need to put a drop of blood filled with your mana on the door. If you are really Deurius, they will open.]


    Oh, so the key is my bloodline? I wonder how can the door recognizes that...


    However, I can''t understand that "putting my mana into it" part...


    As far as I learned until now, every single person has a unique mana.


    Soul type, attribute, curses and blessings all contribute to the uniqueness of ones mana.


    After all, mana is just a refined magical energy, so how can it be determined whose mana it is ?


    Hmmm, is there some kind of pattern that those of the same blood share ? If so, this could be really useful for something...


    [Oh, I see. By the way, what will you do if I end up not being from the Deurius family ?]


    I asked just in case. If mana doesn''t have anything to do with identification,


    anybody could open this door as long as they have a drop of our blood.


    Putting being a red soul type aside, I''m also a rare halfling, so that may also hinder this identification.


    [To prevent any problems, you need to use your own fresh blood and the door will do the trick.


    If the door doesn''t open, for whichever reason, you will kindly leave or I will give you a big hug.]


    She explained, as she was showing her massive arm muscles...


    Please no hugs, that would be really embarrassing way to die...


    [I see. Well then, here I go... By the way, what''s your name ?]


    I asked for her name, while I pierced the skin on my thumb with the needle and a drop of blood started to form.


    Thanks to the skill [Pain Tolerance], I barely even felt it.


    [Samigina the name. However, it''s really rare for someone to ask a demon their name.]


    [Oh, and why is that ?]


    I started pouring my mana into the drop of blood.


    [Well, it''s not like they will give it to them just like that.


    After all, you need to know demons name if you want to form a contract with them.


    Not to mention that most mortals don''t care about our names...]


    [Is that so...]


    I learned another interesting thing...


    I placed my thumb on the door and they suddenly started to shine, slowly sinking into the ground.


    Looks like they opened without any problem.


    I entered the treasury, it''s a small room filled with chests, shelves filled with expensive-looking junk,


    weapons and armor pieces all over the place. Looking a little bit more, I found the shelf filled with potions.


    Ok, let''s use appraisal to find the ones I need...


    Let''s see...


    Health potions,


    Mana potions,


    Stamina potions,


    various Status Boost potions,


    various Disinfection oils,


    Antidotes,


    various Cure potions like:


    cures for Paralysis,


    cures for Sleep,


    cures for Petrification


    and so on...


    Oh, here they are...


    Name: Soul Strengthening potion


    Quality: Very High


    Effect: Information not available


    Detail: Information not available


    Price: 5 Platinum coins


    Name: Complete Recovery potion


    Quality: Very High


    Effect: Information not available


    Detail: Information not available


    Price: 5 Platinum coins


    4 Soul Strengthening and 7 Complete Recovery "miracle potions" left ...


    Just how much did grandpa pay to get so many of them?! Not to mention their price, it''s completely unreasonable...


    I only take 2 Soul Strengthening potions, since they are probably the ones I need the most,


    any more and I won''t be able to sleep at night...


    Haaa, and here I thought that Goldberry juice was expensive...


    Anyway, I put them in my magic bag which I started bringing anywhere I go, since it''s so convenient.


    It''s not really that big and you can store a lot of stuff in it.


    Based on what I learned from father Killian this sol,


    I guess that this magic bag was created by enchanting it with Space type magic circle or something to that extend...


    Appraisal also says that its price is 55 gold coins. Expensive !!!


    Anyway, with this I only have to pick up that package from granny Alvarez and that''s it...


    Or maybe I also go and visit blacksmith shop to pick up my sword and armor.


    Calvin has sent them for maintenance last Sabb. While it''s not urgent to pick them up,


    since it''s on the way, I guess I can quickly do it.


    Well, since I already here in the treasury, I guess I have enough time to look around...


    Let''s see, other than potions which price does not go above 5 gold coins,


    there are a lot of fanci weapons and a few armor sets.


    Since I can''t appraise them, they are probably absurdly expensive and extremely useful...


    I can''t even figure out from what material they are made of, ma.beast materials maybe ?


    Looking inside the chest, they are filled with gold and platinum coins.


    I see that Deurius household is still far from being broke...


    Other than that, there are countless other expensive-looking junk,


    like cups, plates, vases, rings, necklaces, earrings and amulets.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.A few of them have some kind of enchantments on them,


    but since even I could see them with my low [Appraisal] skill, there are nothing impressive...


    Oh and here''s a big mirror, probably around 2 meter tall.


    I didn''t even notice it since it''s completely covered in dust and behind other junk.


    Now that I think about it, I never really had a chance to clearly see my own reflection other then on a water surface,


    so I''m a little curious.


    I take a small rag out of my magic bag and clear the mirror a little.


    Hmm, the Appraisal says that it''s a magic mirror but since the other info is not available, It''s useless to me.


    Now that it''s clean a little, I can finally see my face clearly...


    Geh, I look like a ghost !!!


    Girly my ass, I look too pale that someone would think that I sick or something (well, that''s not entirely untrue...)


    and I still have those bags under my eyes...


    I thought that they disappeared since I didn''t have those dreams since last Sabb, but looks like I was mistaken...


    And because I''m a red soul type, my iris are also red...


    Truly like a ghost...


    Hmm, my hair is already this long? It''s already past my shoulders, so maybe I should cut it down a little ?


    There is no mistake that my long silver hair is making me look more feminine than it should


    and since I''m starting school next sol, Its would be good to cut it shorter.


    Well, since in my previous life I wasn''t exactly attractive, having this kind of face isn''t that bad, to be honest.


    I just need to fix those bags under my eyes...


    Well, enough of examining my face, I should get going already...


    [I got what I came here for, so I be going now !]


    I said that with a higher tone, since I can''t see Samigina anywhere.


    And then all of a sudden she jumped in front of me with a notebook while wearing glasses... Does she enjoy cosplaying ?


    [Two Soul Strengthening positions taken by Arian Deurius, right? Also, is that all? ]


    Hee, so she also keeps track of all the items here taken and stored? What a hardworker...


    [That is correct and yes, that is all. So then I''ll be goi... Huh ?!]


    As I was leaving,I stepped on something... Taking a look at what it is, I can see a small black ring.


    No wonder I couldn''t see it, since the floor is also made of black stone, it camouflaged completely...


    Let''s see, [Appraisal]...


    Name: -?-


    Quality: -?-


    Effect: Information not available


    Info: Information not available


    Price: -?-


    Huh... Wait, what ?!


    [Hey Samigina, what''s that ring ?]


    After I pointed at the black ring, she picked it up and started inspecting it.


    [Ah, I remember this ring, Merlin used to wear it all the time.


    I don''t know from what it''s made of, but it''s just a normal ring...]


    She answered, still inspecting it. No, there is no way that''s just a normal ring.


    My appraisal never showed something like -?- up until now, even when I appraised weapon and armor here.


    When there is something that I can''t see even its name, my appraisal will fail and just show [Appraisal in impossible].


    Is it a cursed item? It should not be, I don''t sense any magical energy from it...


    [Merlin?! Who''s Merlin? ]


    I asked. I never even heard that name before...


    [Ah, that''s Quinn''s great-grandfather, the one I made contract with.]


    Oh, I see. But what is his ring doing on the ground? Did it fall from the shelf ?


    [So you can say that he''s my ancestor or something ?]


    [Yeah, something like that. Anyway, here, you can take it. Although I don''t know from what its made of,


    it''s just a ordinary ring. It doesn''t even have any magical energy in it, nor are there any magic circles engraved in it.


    Well, it''s not even on the list, so who cares, right ?]


    Don''t you "right" me, this ring is anything but normal!


    Well, if even a demon says that it''s safe, I guess it''s not cursed, at least...


    I put it on my finger, but its too big for me...


    [Well, it''s too big for me, so I don''t need it...]


    [Try putting a little bit of mana into it, as a high class item, it should have a function to adjust its size to its owner]


    Heeh, so high quality items have that kind of function. How convenient...


    [I''ll try...]


    Putting a little bit of mana into the ring, it glittered a little with red light, but that was it...


    This sol I didn''t use any mana other than opening that door so my Mp should be still around 100%.


    If that''s the case,then... I start pouring my mana into the ring without holding back, as it glitter more and more.


    And then suddenly, it started shrinking to the size that fits me perfectly...


    Eh, wait... How do I take it off now ?!


    Not to mention, my Mp has fallen to 47%... Isn''t that a little bit too much ?


    [Oi, how can I make it returned to its original size ?!]


    [No idea, I don''t wear jewelry...]


    Oh, now I get it... This demon just made me do something incredibly stupid, didn''t she...


    I just hope it isn''t really a cursed item just as I have feared...


    [And it even took half of my mana just to make it shrink...]


    [Eh, HALF ?! It should have taken just 1-5 Mp to make it shrink no matter the size!


    The only thing that could add the number is the quality of the material... Boy, how much is your maximum Mp ?!]


    Eh, wait, she really didn''t know that it would take so much of my mana ?


    And what does she mean "how much is my maximum Mp"? Isn''t it 100% ?


    [Err, 100% ?]


    [Yes, yes, isn''t that just common sense. I asking how much in numbers, numerical, not percent...]


    [ I~ don''t think we are on the same page, I can only see my Mp in %]


    Can she perhaps see the exact number of her Mp ? If so,


    maybe I will be also able to see it when my [Appraisal] levels up a little.


    [Oh, I see. Well at average, someone your age has about 50-100 Mp.


    So that ring require you to use half of that for something that should require only 1-5 Mp...


    Ehh, I just wanted to joke around, because you can''t take off a ring so easily once it adjusted to you...


    Well, I didn''t see anything that could harm you so it should be fine... Probably...]


    Wait, so you did this on purpose ?! And it can''t be taken off easily ?!


    Haaa, never trust a demon, even the one that is under your family''s contract...


    [So how do you take it off normally ?]


    [Normally you just wait until the mana in it disappear and it should fall off on its own.


    However this should take 1-5 lun normally...


    Now do the math, and you can realize it yourself that this will take a lot longer for you.


    Other method is to use a spell [Mana Drain] from [Ater Archive], but can you even use magic ?]


    In other words, this ring isn''t going anywhere and will stay on my finger for a while, got it.


    And magic is completely out of the questions until I absorb at least one soul core....


    [No, I don''t have any attribute, so I can''t use any magic other than something called [Raw Mana technique]... ]


    [Eh, that''s kinda rare, isn''t it? And as an apology, you can come anytime and I will teach you that [Raw Mana technique].


    I am a demon spirit, after all...]


    Oh ? Looks like I have another teacher to teach me something. With that, you are forgiven...


    But still, from what mysterious material is this ring made of to require so much mana ?


    I probably learn about it in time, it is my ancestors ring after all.


    [Well, if you insist, I gladly take on that offer. Now then, I should get going...]


    This whole thing with this ring took more than needed... Haah, I''m hungry...


    [See ya around!!! ]


    I get out of the treasury, as Samigina said goodbye.


    Now then, with this done, now I should hurry to the blacksmiths shop and then pick up a package from granny Alvarez...


    Ugh, this has started to feel like a pointless fetch quest, pick this up, pick that up, go and bring me that...


    ..........


    Veles village only has two blacksmiths, but they produce excellent weapons and armor sets.


    However, only one of them is officially the village blacksmith, other one is doing it as a hobby or pastime,


    since he is already old. That is where I heading...


    His shop should be right next to the marketplace.


    After I come to my destination, I headed inside the shop. It was filled with various equipment,


    however, rather than weapons and armor, it was mostly filled with everyday necessities made out of iron.


    Near the counter, I immediately spot the owner of this shop who was currently talking with a man


    hiding his face with a cloak, only a large scar near his lips could be seen.


    [Good evening uncle Gobban and hello there Scarface.]


    I greeted the two who were still talking. Uncle Gobban is a Dwarf from the Dwarven Empire that immigrated here,


    so he could spend the rest of his sol''s in peace.


    He planned to left his blacksmiths sols behind and earn money by helping around on the farms,


    however, old habits die hard and in the end, he ended up opening this store.


    The other man is a tourist that is staying in Frontos inn. He come to this village at the same time as Baldy,


    but is staying a lot longer. Because he never showed his face, even when he is using the hot spring,


    everybody in the inn nicknamed him "Scarface".


    [Hello Arian, did you come for your sword and armor ?]


    Uncle Gobban asked, his voice was deep and rugged.


    Dwarves in this world are completely different from the standard fantasy dwarves I remember reading in my previous life,


    the only similarity was that they are short.


    They are a between 130-140 cm tall, have either brown, red or black skin and they have small pointy ears, similar to me.


    Most of them don''t grow a beard, rather they become bald by the age of 20.


    The only ones that do grow a beard are warriors, adventurers, guards or those that love to fight.


    Because not many from their race have a talent in magic, Dwarves mostly use other means to fight.


    That''s why their metallurgy is so advanced. Actually, their whole culture could be summarized as a steampunk.


    Their vehicles are powered by steam.


    [Yes, but I''m in a hurry, so I would be really thankful if you could give me right now...]


    Uncle Gobban is around 120-130 cm tall red dwarf. Probably as old as grandpa Quinn,


    completely bald and has a short, snow white beard. He still looks quite fit for his age.


    He also has dark blue eyes, which he is quite proud of.


    [Of course, just wait a moment so I can finish things with this gentleman first.]


    Uncle Gobban said and then headed toward the workshop. Loud noises could be heard behind the door,


    looks like he is searching for something.


    [So where were you running around all sol, Arian ? I also seen you going to church this morning...]


    Scarface asked me. Since he is staying at the inn, its normal that we met a couple of times.


    However, we never really talked, only a small talk when we were in the hot spring at the same time.


    [Yeah, I was going for a "Status Check", but ended up talking with the priest there for quite a while.]


    I responded, I don''t think he met father Killian yet.


    [I see.... Wait, "Status Check" ?! Does that mean you leveled up already ?]


    Scarface was surprised. Well, I don''t think there are many children that leveled up at the age of 5...


    [Yes, apparently...]


    [Haha, that''s impressive. Congratulation...]


    As we were having a small talk like this, uncle Gobban returned from the workshop.


    [Here you go, enhanced iron Flamberges. And since you paid in advance, my job here is done.]


    Uncle Gobban handed a big greatsword to Scarface. It has a serrated-like edges and a big red stone near the handle.


    I look at it with appraisal:


    Name: Flame Flamberges


    Quality: [Normal]


    Enchantment: Information not available


    Info: Information not available


    Price: 17 gold, 60 silver coins


    Hooo, that looks like an interesting two-handed sword.


    I just don''t understand what''s the point of hiding its enchantment when it''s right in it''s name...


    Or does it have more than one enchantments ?


    [Thanks old man, than I''ll be going now.]


    Scarface thanked uncle Gobban and headed outside.


    [Also, here you go. Since the damage wasn''t hard to fix, this time it will be free,


    but next time you will need to pay, understand ?]


    Uncle Gobban give me my equipment and warned me. He probably already heard what happened from Calvin.


    I put both the silver sword and black leather armor into the magic bag... So convenient!


    [Yes, I understand and thank you for everything.


    Also, do you know where can I buy something to write with and something to write in ?]


    While I''m at it, I also asked where I can buy staff for school...


    [Hmm, I think lady Alvarez has something like that at her stall.]


    Uncle Gobban answered after thinking for a second.


    [I also need to pick up a package from her for aunt, so I''ll be going there right now...]


    I said that and slowly headed outside.


    [Oh, and when will you start coming for those lessons again ?]


    Uncle Gobban asked. Since I can skip normal classes, I plan to learn from him about weapon and armor maintenance.


    [I still don''t know when which classes will I have, so I still can''t say for sure...]


    Well, I sure that I will learn by the start of next sabb, so no problem there.


    [I see. Well I have a lot of free time, so it doesn''t matter to me, just tell me in advance...]


    [I will. Then, goodbye.]


    [Say hi to Calvin and Miranda for me !!!]


    ..........


    Well, another fetch quest is finished. One left.


    If I remember correctly, granny Alvarez is a old lady from who we always buy salt and other seasonings.


    She should still be in the marketplace at her stall with her husband.


    Errr, I can''t find them, there are just too many people here. Is it because it''s the last sol of this sabb ?


    This is where my appraisal shines. Let the search begin!!!


    15 min later...


    [Good evening, I come to pick the package for aunt Miranda...]


    I greeted granny Alvarez after finally finding her, looks like she has a lot of customers this sol.


    She run a general store with her husband, but they usually set up a stall in the marketplace. I don''t know why...


    [Oh, good evening Arian. I thought that you will come a little bit earlier. Anyway, here you go...]


    As she handed me a giant package that I will not be able to store inside my magic bag, I noticed something strange...


    Name: Annet Alvarez


    Age: 67


    Race: Human


    Gender: Female


    Level: 11


    Attribute: Information not available


    Skills: Information not available


    Abilities: Information not available


    Title: Information not available


    Name: Rufus Alvarez


    Age: 82


    Race: Human


    Gender: Male


    Level: 18


    Attribute: Information not available


    Skills: Information not available


    Abilities: Information not available


    Title: Information not available


    My [Appraisal] skill has finnaly leveled up...

 Chapter 11: The King and the Priest

    ..... A few minutes after Arian left the church......


    [Your majesty...]


    In front of Killian stood an old man in black cloak and black leather armor


    and looked like he was merging with the shadows around him.


    This was Uruviel Kingdoms king...


    Alastair Durrant Von Uruviel.


    Alastair is 88 cycles old, just like Quinn.


    He has a large muscular build, yellow eyes and his long wavy hair is already snow white.


    [Stend up Mr.Potus, no need for formalities, it''s annoying...]


    Alastair hurried Killian to stand up. Father Killian wasn''t really surprised by this visit,


    he already detected king''s presence during his conversation with Arian.


    [Ha... Please, this way...]


    Killian nervously showed the king into the kitchen where he could sit down on a proper chair,


    in the main hall there are only benches and two stools after all...


    [ ...So that was old Quinn''s grandson, huh ?


    I thought for a second that it was actually an granddaughter, but I guess you never know with those elves...]


    Killian was surprised. It wouldn''t be strange if the king knew Quinn personally,


    since he was a regular member of the "Senate", but that should be it. He shouldn''t know who Arian was...


    Arian is a child of a man that throw away his nobility,


    so nobody in a higher position should even be remotely aware of his existence...


    Killian wondered why did the king know about him...


    [What brings you here, your majesty? If I remember correctly, you didn''t plan to come here this and next cycle...]


    Killian asked nervously...


    [No, I will probably only come in 3-4 cycles. The new generations are disappointing...


    In 4 cycles, I will stop sending funds to schools like this, so I will only come at that time.


    Well, I''m looking forward to that small tournament at that time...]


    Alastair answered honestly. He had great hopes for this village,


    but most children born here don''t attend combat oriented classes and chose to be farmers or something similar...


    It couldn''t be helped, since the village needs manpower to restore itself how it was before the war.


    However, because of that, there aren''t much children attending ''fighter'' classes, much less ''eater'' classes...


    [Ha...]


    Killian understand what the king was saying. Most graduates from Veles school weren''t really that bad,


    but they weren''t anything special either...


    Having more competent soldiers was a good thing, but the king wasn''t looking for something like that.


    Many outstanding individuals that leaded those soldiers died or have gone missing during the war.


    And that wasn''t just an over exaggeration, even their hero Azuneel


    and his companions has gone missing during the last battle near Raka city...


    With the possibilities of another war, Alastair was looking for new outstanding individuals in every part of the Kingdom


    and in Veles village there was none until now...


    [Well, this sol I''m just sightseeing, since I got bored in the capital...]


    Alastair said nonchalantly...


    [Ha...ah? S...Sightseeing? I don''t think there are many interesting things in this village...]


    Killian was surprised by the king''s words and answered without thinking.


    [Hahaha, you jest Mr.Potus. Didn''t I see something interesting just a moment ago ?]


    Alastair answered jokingly, but his eyes weren''t laughing...


    Killian get nervous again. The king shouldn''t know about Arian, but he somehow find out...


    Since there were many tourist and travelers coming to the Veles village,


    it wouldn''t be strange for a rumor to spread that there lives a red soul child...


    However, even the king wouldn''t look into it, if he didn''t know who it was beforehand...


    Then, there is a big chance that the king didn''t know that Arian has a red soul


    and only know that he was Quinn''s grandson and for some reason decided to come and see him himself...


    A little bit of a stretch, but at least more believable than the king looking into rumors himself...


    Coming into this conclusion, when he felt king''s presence in the church during his conversation with Arian,


    he quickly tried giving him a test to determine if he is dangerous of not.


    If the king already know about Arian, all that Killian could do is put Arian to an test.


    However, luckily, Arians answers were more humorous than serious...


    With Arian safe for now, Killian needs to save his own hide for not reporting about Arian''s existence to the king...


    He didn''t want his existence to be known so soon, but...


    [I''m terribly sorry, your majesty...]


    Killian apologised and kneeled down again...


    [You''re sorry? For what? Because you didn''t report to me about that child ?!]


    [Ha...]


    Alastair was agitated a little, but he soon became composed again...


    That''s right. Killian Potus is working directly under the king as one of his personal spies.


    ..........


    Killian was never destined to become a priest and follow his dreams.


    His family is a large merchant company, one of the biggest in the Uruviel Kingdom.


    Potions, weapons, armor, scrolls, grimoires, everything that soldiers, mages


    and adventurer''s would need in their sol to sol life.


    As a second son of such family, he was supposed to support his older brother when he inherit the company.


    However, Killian wasn''t interested in being a merchant, supporting his brother from the shadows.


    Because of one small encounter with the hero Azuneel,


    Killian wanted to become a priest that helps and support people in need.


    His family was obviously against Killian becoming a priest.


    For generations, the first son of Potus family would always inherit the company


    and the second son would support him and if something unfortunate happened to the first son, second son would replace him.


    This could provide to be a little problematic if the second son was unhappy with his position


    and wanted to get rid off his older brother and take over the company, but because of the way they were raised,


    this never occurred.


    Even if it did, it was done so well that no one noticed it...


    Killian''s whole future has already been decided for him from the moment he was born, his wishes didn''t matter to his family...


    However, even if he wanted to protest, there were other problems....


    As if fate was playing with him, Killian was completely hopeless when it comes to light magic,


    something everybody who wants to become a priest must be at least competent at.


    Even worse, he was incredibly talented with dark magic, something that was indisairble for priests...


    Because of this, his fate was sealed, he would normally never become a part of the church...


    Not normally...


    After many disputes with his father and brother, numerous failed attempts to improve in using light magic,


    Killian finally run away from home when he turned 14 cycle old.


    Escaping those that were sent after him to bring him back,


    he survived the journey and somehow reached the capital city Durrant.


    Around this time, Killian''s father already had enough and declared him dead,


    replacing Killian''s position with his younger sister who was about to be married to a noble family anyway...


    With this, Killian was only a Potus in name, now without a place to return to, he needed to found a new place to stay.


    Luckily, he found a shelter in a small church in Durrant''s relatively poorer area where somehow,


    he become an apprentice of a old priest working there.


    Because no other priest was thrilled to work in such a round down church,


    they welcomed any help they could get and Killian showed to be perfectly fine with even small tedious tasks.


    However, even when things started looking bright for Killian, he was still completely helpless when it comes to light magic.


    Since at that time he didn''t know the concept of attribute affinity,


    he never realized that his affinity with light attribute was [Very Low], nearly nonexistent.


    But, as a generally liked individual and because of his undying determination,


    the old priest stick around him and tried to teach him light magic.


    And slowly but surely, Killian started to show results. His usage of light magic was slowly improved, one step at the time.


    However, when Killian turned 19 cycles old, he hit a wall that he couldn''t overcome.


    Even if he studied hard and was helpful around the church, he stopped improving in using light magic completely...


    Because of this, he would never become a priest, he could only work in the church as a assistant at best.


    Each attribute has their own "Archive" and light attribute has "Lumen Archive".


    Most "Lumen Archive" spells are support and protection spells, with only a few attack spells.


    And the most important support spells were "Healing" spells like:


    [Light Cure], [Cure], [Cure All], [Cure Area], [Heal], [High Heal], [Area Heal], [High Area Heal] and [Heal All].


    [Cure] is used when the patient has an illness, while [Heal] is used when a patient is physically hurt.


    The more powerful spell is, more mana is required to successfully cast it and the lower the affinity is,


    more skills and concentration is required to create the magic circle.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.Because of this, those with lower affinity have a harder time casting more powerful spells.


    At the age of 19, Killian could barely use [Light Cure], [Cure] and [Heal] healing spells,


    not to mention a limited number of times.


    This would be enough for a Yellow or Red class adventurers, but not for priests working for the church.


    And just like this, Killian was again stuck, unable to move forward...


    Even the old priest that has made him his apprentice slowly started to give up on him.


    And when even he himself has started to give up on his dream of becoming a priest,


    for which he even thrown his own family for...


    King Alastair accidentally found him while going on his usual secret stroll around the capital.


    Alastair was an adventurer in his younger sols, before he was put on the throne because of some unfortunate circumstances,


    so he hates being holed up inside the royal castle.


    And as a skilled dark magician, his skills to hide his presence and his speed,


    he usually run away from the royal castle to go on a night strolls.


    King Alastair met Killian on one of such night strolls...


    At that time, he was looking for a way to implant a spy inside the church,


    but because everyone who is a part of the church is either a faithful devotee or a crazy fanatic,


    that has proven to be a really hard task. Luckily, peoples like Killian weren''t rare,


    but still hard to find, that''s why Alastair was going on his night strolls more often than usual.


    And that night stroll proved to be quite fruitful as he found Killian, a troubled wannabe priest.


    A perfect candidate for a spy. With Killian''s agreement,


    Alastair has somehow managed to make the church acknowledge him as a priest.


    When someone become a priest in Uruviel kingdom, they are expected to go on a pilgrimage, seeing the world,


    learning new things and helping those in need along the way.


    After they return from their pilgrimage, they are assigned to manage a church in one of the villages,


    assist an already assigned priest, or similar tasks where their help is needed.


    After becoming one of king''s eyes and ears,


    Killian has gone on his 5 cycle long pilgrimage where he visited other Kingdoms and Empires.


    After he returned, he was assigned to become a head Priest in Veles village which he happily accepted.


    Using this chance, the king has given him the task of keeping track of children in the village


    and reporting to him if any of them had a potential through secret magic art [Message].


    Killian did his task perfectly, reporting about promising children and their growth,


    but unfortunately most of them weren''t what the king was hoping for.


    That is, he never reported about Arian to the king, wanting to keep his existence a secret, at least as long as possible.


    ..........


    [Haaah, stand up Mr.Potus. I can imagine why you would hide him, but he passed the test didn''t he ?]


    Alastair hurried Killian to stand up again...


    [Ha...]


    However, Killian was still nervous about what he will do about Arian,


    usually every child born with red soul is sent to the church until they turn 15 cycles old and are considered an adult.


    Many parents don''t do that, but they must still report it to the church.


    Arians parents and Killian decided not to do that either, since last time was a disaster when they got involved....


    [Then there is no need to be so nervous, it''s not like I''m going to send him to the church....]


    Killian finally relaxed after king told him that he was not going to send Arian to the church.


    If that happened, he would either become a priest like himself or a holy knight,


    or they would send him to the "eyes of god", where he would spend the rest of his life in front of a book...


    [Ha, I understand... But, if I may ask, how did you know that Arian is Marques Quinn''s grandson?


    Do you know him personally perchance?]


    This is what''s been bothering him for a while now, how did the king know that Arian was Quinn''s grandson...


    Marquess Derrius influence as a noble house has been in decline for a long time now,


    and if Quinn''s second son doesn''t return to succeed him, this may be their end.


    So it''s weird for him to know about Arian, unless he knows Quinn personally...


    [Hahahaha, do I know him ? Boy, he was my best friend back in the sols, he even took my little sister as his first wife...


    But I guess youngsters these sols don''t know about such things that happened so long ago....]


    Killian opened his eyes so wide you may think they would fall off from his eye sockets....


    (Old Quinn took kings younger sister as his first wife? But wasn''t Abbey his first and only wife?


    Not to mention, king Alastair''s older brother and younger sister died long time ago


    due to a sudden disease that spread throughout the whole Kingdom at that time...


    King''s sister supposedly never married...)


    [Wha...]


    Alastair smirked, of course Killian didn''t know about something like that. Not many know about it.


    (So not even "The Dark Priest" Killian Potus, who is known to investigate everything so thoughtfully, didn''t know about it...


    Well, thats just a old history at this point...)


    [Well, we are from the same generation and were in the same class in royal academy, so of course we know each other.


    We are still in contact, so of course I know that he has a grandson...]


    Quinn sent him a [Message] that his son Howard was blessed with a son, he also mentioned that it was quite an unusual child.


    Thats why he come here personally to see him, since Killian never mentioned him in his reports.


    He never expected him to be so unique. But still, a red soul ?


    This would be a second one in such a small time...


    [Haa... I understand.]


    Killian answered. King''s answer was quite a surprise, but with this, he is sure that he is more or less on Arian''s side...


    [So how are the other children ? The last generation isn''t anything special, but what about the new one,


    they should start school right next sol if I''m not mistaken ?]


    Up until now, there were a lot of talented individuals that graduated from Veles village school this past 6 cycles,


    but not many of them was what the king was hoping for...


    [Yes, there are a few that could become exactly what you''re hoping for.


    First one is "Nora Sabala", a dark elf with a dragon soul type,


    second one is "Baldwin Marinus", he''s a yellow soul type but he shows a lot of potential for his age.


    The last one just come to this village recently, Earl Ballard Garcia''s second son "Rodger Garcia".


    Those three are the most unique ones among the rest...]


    Killian exhaled after finishing his report.


    Myla should also be among them but because she isn''t going to become an "eater", she is excluded...


    [Hmm, I see. I look forward listening about their growth from you.


    Now then, maybe I should go visit that bag of bones Quinn ?]


    [Wait, your majesty! Shouldn''t you return to the Capital ?]


    Killian hasty stopped the king from leaving.


    He shouldn''t even be here in the first place, there''s probably an uproar in the royal castle...


    [Don''t worry, that new homunculus doppelganger is doing its job perfectly impersonating me...]


    Alastair answered and disappeared like a smoke, before Killian could do anything.


    Completely exhausted from a sudden visit, he returned to the statue,


    sit down on the stool he was sitting previously and started drinking already warm beer...


    [Haaa... That king is as unpredictable as ever...]


    He deeply exhaled...


    ..........


    Arian was sitting on his bad, he just finished preparing things for school he bought from old granny Alvarez.


    He also bought a crayon and a parchment for Myla so she can write important details in school next sol.


    There was also pencils and normal paper but they were insanely expensive,


    so he only bought crayons and parchments since they were quite cheap.


    .........


    When I returned to the inn, the party has already started but Baldy decided to stay for one more night


    since he wanted to bath in the hot spring one more time. I think he got addicted to it....


    Well, not that I care...


    I am quite exhausted, so I should go to bed early...


    Surprisingly my [Appraisal] leveled up before I noticed,


    so I can''t wait to see what else has changed other than seeing more information when appraising a person.


    During the late dinner, I heard the the duel between Calvin and Baldy ended up as a draw surprisingly.


    Apparently, they were only playing around and when I headed to the church,


    they suddenly got serious and nobody was able to follow their movements.


    Myla and Rodger were babbling non stop about it during the late dinner.


    Bernard just said: [As expected of father...] and that was it.


    I think he became even more fired up about his training...


    I won''t be surprised if he end up going on morning jogs with me from now on...


    Well, next sabb in probably going to be busy, so I better rest now while I can.


    I thing that I been pushing myself a little bit more than necessary, but of well...