《The Prodigy&#x27;s Fairytale》


 En Route, Prologue

    I am Strong.

    I am Wise.

    I am Skilled in everything.

    My name is Neo de Guzman. The existence that what they called the Incarnation of Satan or the Devil himself.

    I am trained to kill. Trained to take lives no-questions-asked. To the point that every trigger I pulled is called Ruthless and every stroke of my blade is Merciless.

    My past self is considered as a lifeless doll which can take any instructions, orders and commands and execute it perfectly without any trace of error.

    My very existence is like a Sin itself.

    However, I have changed because of some reason.

    Currently, I am now creating the very first Artificial Intelligence that can interact like a human and had ''Emotions'' in the history of humanity. Thus, at the verge of completion.

    I proceeded to launch the program.

    INSTALLING 13%

    INSTALLING 21%

    INSTALLING 38%

    INSTALLING 45%

    INSTALLING 61%

    INSTALLING 75%

    INSTALLING 89%

    INSTALLING 100%

    Project Infinity 008 Pixie launching.....

    Then, there she is... her skin tone is white, wavy long black hair, hazel colored eyes, cute small lips... Ah, I think I saw a fairy in my high-speck PC...

    Nay, as beautiful as her, even deities will be jealous to her... Okay, let''s not evaluate her much.

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    "Good day to you, my master~!"

    She said while beaming me with sparkling eyes.

    "Good good! Check your systems, programs and other things just to make sure that you are okay."

    "Yes, master~!"

    She grabbed a magnifying glass and a folders out of nowhere and started scanning.

    "There is nothing wrong at all, master~!"

    "Good! From now on, you will call me Onii-chan and your name shall be... ah! Pixie! Project Infinity 008: Pixie! Is that understood?"

    "I understand, Onii-chan~!"

    She did a salute with a smile.

    "Now that''s more like it!"

    On the 28th day of October, 2010. Pixie, the very first A.I in the history of Humanity, has been created.

    I bragged this to the world by hacking the T.V stations and such.

    By the next day, Pixie told me that I became the #1 Most Wanted Criminal in this world.

    Just because I made Pixie they presented me as a criminal? Such foolish minds they have.

    I''m tired of living in this damned world. Living with idiots is too much of a hassle for me actually.

    Days passed by as one day...

    Something appeared. A Reality Tear.

    My theory has been proved. Another world exists.

 The Birth of the Legend

    December 24th, 2010. Christmas Eve.

    Without anything to do, I got out from home to feel some fresh air. I just want to get out of the house because I''m tired of being a NEET. Just imagine, almost 3 months, me and Pixie became an urban legend. Yep, you''re right. The Unbeatable Unknown Duo. Known for being top ranked in all of the games ever made with a record of perfect wins and zero loses.

    Then, I realized, its December 24th. So I asked Pixie if she wanted to stroll around the city. Of course, she happily agreed. While putting a small camera in my glasses, then, Pixie which is on my phone. Whatever I see around, she can also see it.

    "Jingle bells, jingle bells~! C''mon Onii-chan, sing with me~!"

    She happily sang through just like a child that is itching to sing her favorite song. I don''t know where my feet leads me but I also sung with Pixie.

    I noticed that we were going out far in the civilization. We are currently in a cliff, overviewing the city. There, we chatted on any kind of topics what we can bring out. Whether another game, experiments, creating something out of ordinary, all of what we can think.

    "Hey, Onii-chan, are you really sure about your theory pertaining that there is another world/s?"

    I bring out my phone from the pocket and saw Pixie tilting her head in a cute way.

    "Absolutely yes. If my theory is correct, then there is a chance that I may see her again."

    "About your sister''s disappearance? What is the relation in your theory and the disappearance of your sister?"

    "Its just a hunch. A gut feeling or maybe intuition. Anyways, everything has possibilities. Literally everything."

    "But, according to my analysis, its aproximately 0.00059% true. Can you still uphold that theory?"

    "Still, its not exactly 0 isn''t it? In this case, I can guess that the ''Portal'', or so to say a rift of space that connects the worlds, are wrecked apart intentionally or accidentally. That is my best guess. Therefore, as long as the possibility is not 0, then its still a credible theory."

    Pixie groaned. Maybe she''s still immature on decision making because she was created lately.

    Meanwhile, as I walked, I can feel that something may happen. I don''t know why but my insticts are kicking. I looked around calmly to verify the sorroundings.

    "None. But what is this feeling... I can''t help but to feel a bad omen."

    "What is it, Oniichan?"

    Pixie said while inquiring. Maybe I should let her check this area now.

    "Pixie, something''s off in here... Can you check this area? I got the chills in now... I don''t know why though... Ghosts maybe?"

    "Onii-chan, ghosts aren''t true you know. Wait... you''re right... I don''t know too on what is happening but strangely, the kinetic and gravitational energy is rising at a fast rate. This is getting dangerous, Onii-chan! We should get out of here now! I don''t know what is happening in here but... Danger! Run, Onii-chan!"

    "Hou, at last... We have found it, Pixie... At last! My theory has been proved! Another world exists! Look, Pixie, this is a once in a life time phenomenon, watch it and engrave it in your memory! Ahahaha!"

    The energy wrecked apart. It distorted and tore through the space. In a few moments, it was complete. Now, it became a ''Portal'' to another world.

    "Pixie, return to the house. I''ll be going in. Activate the Orion 6 and start the Project: Sovereign."

    "B-but Onii-chan... I... I don''t want to... lose you..."

    "Its okay Pixie. You know me right? I am the strongest, smartest and the most handsome man in this planet. How could I die? Besides, my gut feeling whispered to me again... That I might be reunited with my sister soon after I enter this. So please, do it, okay?"

    "Muu... I understand the strongest and smartest but is it necessary to add that you''re handsome?"

    "Don''t be like that, I said it because it was true. Now, time to go. Pixie, take care of yourself now."

    I smiled to her like it was nothing. Her anxious eyes were tearing up but she reeled the tears back. Seeing her do that, it makes me proud. This worrying A.I of mine, really, I couldn''t thank her enough for worrying me. Her eyes hardened, maybe she has resolved. Then she smiled and said...

    "Come back again Onii-chan. I''ll be waiting for you here. Please, don''t push yourself so hard okay? I don''t want to lose the one who created this data of mine."

    "Yeah. The next time, maybe I will be married at that time. I''ll absolutely return in here so wait for me, okay? Now, see you soon!"

    "Yes, Onii-chan!"

    Then, Pixie''s data was transfered. I have created a software for her to be able to transfer into computers. Several seconds after, I looked up at the sky. There, a red dot shined in the black sky. Withstanding the light of the stars. That means the Orion 6 has activated and the defence system in the house was barricaded very heavily. Even the computers who held all the datas I have made is also included.

    Then, I entered the portal.

    It was dark. I do not know what this place is but I still can breathe. I do still have my senses too. I thought that entering that portal will cut off the oxygen but that worry vanished.

    Anyway, its dark, dark and dark. I can''t see nothing but darkness.

    "What a boring place. And here I thought entering that portal will give me a fantastical scene. Well, that''s my fault for raising my hopes up."

    [Doth mine place doesth not satisfy thee?]

    A voice... I can''t very well distinguish the gender and I don''t know where he or she is. Who was that? I need to guard up.

    [There is not a need to be frightful, little one.]

    Another! Who is that?!

    "Calling me frightful will cost your life. Anyone who insults me will never be able to live again."

    [Ah. A confident word from the one who excells everything. Could the great you, be willing to help this one?]

    "Hm? Excells at everything? Hmph! Only idiots would accept a help from someone they didn''t know and even seen. Are you mocking me?"

    [Hmmm. Thee are right. It is only rightful to show mine face to someone who I needed of help with. Very well then.]

    A light shone in front of me enough to close my eyes. From the choice of words, I can grasp that it really needs my help. Asking for help without showing its face, isn''t it rude? Furthermore, how can I trust that?

    The light gradually loosen and I opened my eyes...

    A calm violet pair of eyes, violet hair and a bit handsome than me. Yep, a man. His body is... well, I can''t describe it because of his attire... A parka? Anyways, from one look, he gives off the feeling of calmness.

    [This one''s name is Deux ex Machina. This one holds the Time and Space. A pleasure to meet you, Neo de Guzman.]

    Holds? A god?! Moreover, he knows my name!

    "Hmph! Don''t joke with me! If you are a God or a Deity, then give me a concrete evidence!"

    [Very well then.]

    Suddenly, the dark place became a grassland prairie. I can even feel the fresh wind, the smell of the nearby floras. I tried to bit my lip but it seems that this is true.

    [This place is mine favorite spot to stare at the sky, a very important place of mine. Now, do thee believe me?]

    "For now, I will believe in you."

    [Thank you. Now, can thee help this one?]

    "Let me hear it out first. If a God, came to ask me, how could I refuse? If you are a God that is."

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    [I see. Then, mine wish is for thee to be a Hero in the World this one protects.]

    "........."

    [Thine wish is for thee to be a Hero and save the world mine cherished the most from extinction.]

    "A Hero? Do you know who you are asking at?"

    [This one knows about who thee really are. Thee life was tragic from the day thee was born. Treated as a machine to do anything without asking question nor denial. This one know who thee really are.]

    What?! If he''s really a God then why are he asking me such a question?

    [Furthermore, did thee wishes to find thee younger sibling are you not?]

    He knew me fully well! Damn!

    "Hmph! You know me too well aren''t you? Then, are you saying that you knew where my sister is?"

    [This one does. And for thee to know, thy life will never last longer.]

    "What?! Are you telling me that she will die sooner? Tell me!"

    [This one doth never said thy will die. Thee younger sibling''s string of fate shall soon end if someone did not changed her fate.]

    "No... I will never let her die! Bring me to her! Immidiately or... or..."

    [This one''s only asking a favor. And that shall be the future of the world mine has cared for the usmost. So, hast thee changed ye mind? Shall ye accept mine favor or shall not?]

    Even if he''s suspicious, knowing that my sister''s life is in danger, I cannot let her die. Then, there''s no choice...

    "Then, I will accept if you will comply with my conditions."

    [Hmm? Very well. Then what shalt it be?]

    "First, let me hear what do you want me to do."

    [Oh. This one nearly forgot. Then, what ye need to be done is to ensure the furture of a certain world.]

    "Go on, I''m listening."

    [Save the Riveria from its destruction.]

    "If a God like you asks a favor to someone then the situation might be dire, am I right?"

    [Indeed. The demons and monsters now controls more than half of Riveria''s lands]

    More than half of it? I see. So that''s why he asked me. He knew that as a person, my value is equal to an army or either a country itself.

    "Certainly, if you want me to help, I can guarantee it and expect it to be grand. With my value as a being, I, alone am enough to challenge a country. Moreover, I can make miracle like things happen. But, if you want my help, can you pay the price? I''m expensive you know?"

    [This one knows. Even though, this one will still asks. Can you help this one?]

    This God is desperate. Wait. Isn''t he a God himself? Can it be...

    "You are dying, aren''t you?"

    Ah... He smiled. He also nods.

    [Thee are right. This one''s existence hast a little left. Thus, this one wishes for thee to be the next successor.]

    Me? His successor?

    "A-are--- Are you seriously..."

    [This one doesth not lying or either making up things. So, can thee grant this one''s wish, Neo de Guzman?]

    Me, a God? Giving me a position of being a deity so easily--

    "No. I don''t want to. All I ever want is to be with my sister and that''s all. Being a God is not my forte and will surely stress me in the future. Giving me that position... desperate aren''t you?"

    The man sighed like seeming to surrender. Though, he still pondered.

    [Indeed. This one is trully desperate to save that land. However, this one thinks that everything doesth never mattered thee in everything. So, to become this one''s successor, this one offered the right thing.]

    The God''s eyes looked into mine. I didn''t noticed but there is another person--no. From his fiery red hair, I can tell that he is a God.

    "Hey, who are you? I didn''t noticed you or either heard you breathe a while ago. Are you also here to offer me a job?"

    The other God shakes his head and comes closer to us.

    [I am here to give you my blessings, human. Do you not know how to act before a God, hmm?]

    "Blessings? I do not care about anybody or any other deity. For me, what I see is unreality, a horrible reality created and controlled by this wicked thing called ''Fate''."

    [Hmm. A fine reasoning. However, how can we guarantee that you will save our beloved planet? What do you want as a reward? What do you really need to wish for? Answer us to give us our mind at ease.]

    "I only want to be with my sister. See her smile and laugh. Anything or anyone that harms our happiness shall be obliterated. That is my highest priority as her brother."

    [I understand. Still, I am awed knowing your reasoning. Anyways, I am Trasdin, the God of War.]

    "Oho. Now that you know, shall we proceed? I am excited to see my sister again."

    [Before that, Deux, why did you chose this one as the savior of our world? Explain it to me.]

    [Ah. Indeed. This one chose him because his abilities are more than enough to be qualified. Consider this as a scenario. If you bring himself alone to a battlefield, he can turn the tables down without them, the enemy, realizing it.]

    [Hou. Truly marvelous. So, I am sure there is another catch about this one. Can you?]

    [Indeed. Not only those, if he learns magic, in the span of a month--no. In less than a month, he can surpass any Court Mages in every lands. Also, his strength can match a thousand or more. His tactical thinking, a strength compared to a thousand and his bottomless talent in magic knows no bounds. Of course, even purely talent in an ordinary battle, no one can match him.]

    [What a valuable hero he is then? Human, I do trust you now. Save our beloved planet from shattering, and we shall reward you as you will. Still, him to be a hero, aren''t you giving him a too small of a favor, Deux?]

    [This one do know of it, of course. Hence, in exchange, this one will give him the ''Battle Mage''.]

    [''Mystique Holder'' and the ''Battle Mage'' huh? For him to own those two, does this mean...]

    [Indeed, a warrior destined to be this world''s shatterer, is backed by 4 Demon Gods. This one still sees the future bleakly. This one feels sorry for--]

    "Demon Gods? Are you saying that I am challenging their henchman powerful enough to destroy this world alone, by myself, esteemed me?"

    [Indeed, as you can see, even I, the God of War, cannot defeat this Demon Gods alone. Nevertheless, I can match one of them by myself. So, are you having second thoughts, human?]

    "The great me, having second thoughts? It only makes me even more excited. You see, I love challenging things, whether I am disadvantageous or not."

    [This one feels happy. For this, there is a higher chance that this world this one cares for will be saved.]

    [So, this ends our conversation. Get stronger, human. Backed up by the 4 Demon Gods, I am quite sure that its strong, their pawn it is.]

    "Do you know who you are talking to? I am Neo de Guzman, the Lethal Prodigy of Earth. Consider saving this world done, because it has already began."

    [Human, carry our will, our creed, our hope. For you shall be our light in this world. Shine us with your wisdom, bring forth the victory, enlighten the people and fight for what you believe in. Defeat the person who brings darkness in the future of this world.]

    The God of War looks to me with pride, while the God of Time and Space looks at me with serenity. Both of them placed their hopes to me and I will carry the fate of this world within my hands. But in exchange, I will see my sister whom I longed for.

    I showed them my fearless smile. Assuring them that this world, will now be safe.

    "Let this Game, begin."

 Bud of Windflower

    I woke up from my sleep.

    I can hear the crickets, the feel of the melancholy night in the forest. I stood up and stretched myself up in order to loose my muscles. After that, I saw a dagger. I unsheathed it and saw a fascinating dagger. It had a single edge that is only used for slashing and is a little curved. I tried to slash it for practice and when I did that...

    "Whoa, would you look at that."

    The space cutted. Or should I say, the air was cut in half. Truly, a fantasy like weapon.

    "How entertaining, to give me this wonderful gift, I will cherish this as my first weapon in this world."

    Still, for a dagger to cut through space, I know that this world has magic but I think the Gods are overdoing it. Even when I swing, cut, lunge and slashed, I can feel my body as weightless and extremely flexible as before. Its like I''ve returned to my childhood.

    "It can even boost my physical statistics. Man, they''re overdoing it."

    This is bad, I don''t want to caught attention. Maybe I should refrain using this dagger for the main weapon.

    "Yep, in order to--"

    "KYAAAA! Somebody HELP ME!"

    To think that I will encounter people this early. Oh well, might as well save someone. Wait, even though I said that I will refrain from attention, I will save someone?

    "Oh well. Its better to get involved anyway, save someone and earn their debt. Man, its loke I''m blackmailing someone."

    The place I woke up to is a forest. I didn''t say this earlier but the first time I looked to the trees, it was gigantic. Maybe 130 meters tall? Truly, a fantastical world. I smiled while I ran through the forest.

    5 Men are chasing after me. I ran and ran and ran as fast as my legs can do.

    It was just a normal day when I accepted a request to collect some medical herbs in the forest when I was ambushed. Though I heard some rumors that the forest was a home of some nasty bandits, I thought my that this will be my day and believed that nothing will happen to me but...

    "Ah!"

    I tripped in some roots. I stood up, when I looked at my back, the bandits had already positioned themselves and cornered me.

    "Hey, stop this and let us have some fun, will ya?"

    The ringleader said with a husk voice while looking at my body as if licking me. I instincly covered my body and shivered.

    Though I carried a bow, my arrows ran out in order to stall them out.

    I do have a skill in the bow, I know that but... when an enemy as close as this, I can''t do it. There''s also the problem with my arrows.

    "Hey boss, who will be the first one to..."

    "Of course I will, you idiots! Now, catch her and let me savor her body!"

    "Aight!"

    "Righto!"

    I screamed for help. Clinging for a chance that someone will save me. I screamed and screamed.

    They caught me. Though I struggled, I don''t have enough strength to breakthrough.

    "Hehe! Hold it firm boys, we''ll bang right at her!"

    "Uehehe!"

    "Can''t wait!"

    "KYAAAA! Somebody HELP ME!"

    I feel hazy, I don''t know what to do. Can''t I breakthrough--No, I''ve already tried. Is this as far as I can go? To be raped by these filthy men. I shed a tear, for my worthlessness and to my naivety for not restraining myself even though I''ve heard the rumors. Ah, I should sleep...

    I have arrived, though I hid immidiately, I looked at the victim. It was a girl, a beautiful girl with a wavy blond and a pair of emerald eyes.

    "As I thought, a gang rape. Though she had a bow, she must''ve used all of her arrows. Can''t she fight with her bow only as a weapon?"

    I don''t understand, she can still fight without even using arrows, ah, I forgot, this is a fantasy world, I must remember that, always.

    I silently ran upwards towards a branch of a tree. After that, I jumped from branch to branch, with silence of course, until to the branch that is near enough beneath them.

    Oh? The girl lost her conciousness. That''s not good, they''ve stripped her off. I jumped off from the branch and landed perfectly. One of them noticed me...

    "Hey boss! Someone''s here!"

    "Hey! Who are ya!"

    Oops. Now that they''re flustered about my appearance, this should not be the moment to idle by right?

    "I''m just... A mysterious passerby."

    The leader fixed his pants and grabbed his battle axe.

    "A passerby huh? And why do a passerby here in this forest and got into our backs without our notice?"

    "That, I shall humbly decline to answer. Now then, let me save that girl."

    One of the lackeys ran straight at me with a broadsword. In preparation for an attack, I put my left hand into my back and prepared the dagger in my right hand.

    "You''ve got yourself hurt!"

    It was a simple slash but my body anticipated that and moved my body slightly. Without him stopping, I slashed his eyes and broke his right leg with my kick.

    "Aaaaaarrrgh!!!"

    The bandits got alarmed and slowly encircled me. Hmm, a basic tactic to scare a victim. Good, when the next one comes at me, I''ll broke his arm and left leg.

    "Take this!"

    "Uryaaa!"

    But the two of them attacked at the same time. Oh well, their movements are readable so nothing much trouble. I ran straight to the man who got an axe. Kicked his abdomen when dodged his diagonal slash. He stumbles and I immidiately hold his right arm and twisted it. The right arm broke out and it looked serious. Though I didn''t mind and still slashed one of his knees.

    "Uwaaaa!!!"

    I turned back and performed a drop kick at the next enemy. While recovering his posture, I already got up and stealed his sword. Slashed both of his knees and a hand chop to his throat.

    "Gurhk!"

    "Now, who''s next?"

    I turned around and looked at the two remaining. Because they''ve sorrounded me earlier, none of the remaining bandits are near to the girl. Though the two encircled me, I slowly retreated to where the girl is.

    "Wha! Now he''s near to the girl! He planned this to the beginning!"

    "Oh? That''s your fault for not finding it out sooner."

    When I got near the girl, I picked up the bow and throw the sword that I stole. I also unsheated my dagger a little while ago.

    "Why did you throw the sword and unsheated your dagger? What is that technique?"

    The bandit leader asked me with bloodshot eyes.

    "Hey, when you''re asking, can you put ''please'' at your sentence?"

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    "Tch! You''re cocky aren''t ya? Are you challenging us with that arrowless bow? Don''t joke with us!"

    Actually, I found a single arrow while I''m running. So this might be put of use.

    "Actually, I do challenge you. Me versus you two. Weapons of your choice and mine as a bow and a single arrow."

    "Heh! Then die for your own good!"

    The last lackeys attacked at me with a sword and a buckler. I aimed to his head while the lackey also shielded his head. Aiming to his head is a farce though. His eyes was covered with his shield, so he can''t see me while his shield blocks his view. I took the chance to come at his left side and shot the bow to his knee and bashed his head.

    "There, lost conciousness."

    "You, who are you?!"

    The bandit leader who carries a battle axe.

    "Just as I''ve told you earlier... I''m just a passerby."

    I dashed and the bandit leader brandished his axe. I avoided it with a jump and bashed his neck with the ends of the bow. The bandit leader staggers and tried to fix his posture. But when I landed, I bashed his groin in order to incapacitate him.

    "Ghuh!"

    "There, all done."

    When I awoke, there was a man. He had a single leaf on his lip. I don''t know how he did it but when he blowed, there was a sound. Though its high pitched, the melody changed until it made my heart beat faster than ever been.

    "Oh. You''re awake. Here''s your bow."

    The man handed my bow. Turned around and said...

    "Please understand that I took the liberty of stripping you clothes and let you wore mine. Although I saw your body, I didn''t intend to maliciously look to your body. What I''m saying is, I didn''t do any strange thing... Ah, I just changed your clothes without your permission, that''s all."

    "Sex-sexual harrasment?!"

    I unintentionally raised my voice and tried to hide my beet red face and also my body.

    "Hey, that was rude you know? I saved you''re life and your purity as a woman. Nevertheless, what shall we do with these people?"

    He turned around and pointed at a group of men... Hey! Isn''t that those bandits who chased me?! Why are they all tied up?! And some of them are injured.

    "Wha-wha!"

    Blonde and wavy long hair, a pair of deep emerald eyes, pointy nose, shapely body and ebony skin. I won''t mention her 3 sizes though. I truly respect woman''s privacy.

    When she looked at the bandits, she was shivering. Though I can still see that she''s still anxious about them.

    "You will decide. Whether you kill them of not, its in your hands. Oh, and don''t worry, even if one of those bandits got up with those ropes, they wont even hit you nor run to you."

    "Wh-why?"

    "I cut the muscles of their every limbs. So, let them be eaten by monsters or... Cut their lives off."

    She stood silently, looking on the bandits. I pat her shoulder.

    "They tried to take your innocence, of course, after that, they will dispose you and let your body rot or either burn them. Bad guys are bad guys, they do know the risks of what they''re doing, they are also aware of death. While you, I think that you''re someone who got into this forest with some business in mind like in any other day and suddenly changed. Well, the choice is yours."

    I find myself to a stump and sit there, picked up a fresh leave and played it.

    "C-can we... let them be here? I... I think you''re right. I sincerely thank you for this incident."

    "No no no, my help comes and advice comes with a condition."

    "Eh--EEEHHH!?"

    My services is not free neither needs a bargain. I do accept assasinations if the person that needs to be disposed of is a bad person. But, that was in the past and not related in this matter. Though, my services is not to be taken lightly of, you have to atleast pay me in millions of dollars in every oddball jobs.

    "Wha-what condition?!"

    "Can you lend me some room? Around 2-3 days. As long as there''s some roof and a bed to sleep. I''m fine in any inns though."

    Oh, she looked relieved. This is the first time that I''ve lowered my bargains. Oh well, does not matter to me really.

    "If its a house then I have one. I''m the only one in there so there''s some room. Don''t worry, I always clean every nook and cranny in the house so there''s no dust."

    "Then the conditions have been met. My name is Vadel Arsival, a traveling scholar from a far away land."

    "Ah, mine''s Fia, Fia Winrais. Still, in my opinion, a scholar is not a person who can finely use a dagger. Aren''t you a craftsman or something?"

    "No no. My talents are hardly mediocre at this point in time. I''m not someone whose fate is to save the world like you. Isn''t it, right, The Wind Element?"

    She was shocked when I refered to her as one of my comrades. Apparently, me and this girl, Fia Winrais, are one of the six heroes that are destined to save this world and blah blah blah. I''ll leave the details for later and focus on the topic at hand.

    When she recovered, she redied her bow and tried to get an arrow from her quiver, but she doesn''t have one so she distanced herself from me.

    "Please please, calm down. I will never harm you. I do said that I need a house or an inn to sleep in, right? We''ve also closed the deal regarding that matter. In the first place, I should''ve done something bad to you when you''re defenceless earlier, right?"

    "Are you sure? You''re not bluffing nor lying, aren''t you?"

    "Surely. Doing those dirty things to you is like comparing me and those bandits, you know? I would never do something so ungentlemanly."

    "..."

    "Now then, shall we?"

    "Yeah. But strange, aren''t you a scholar? Why are you looking for inns and a roof to stay at? Did you abandon your house or something?"

    "Well, something to that degree. Rather, asking a personal question to the person you knew nothing an hour had passed, aren''t that quite rude?"

    "...Sorry."

    Rather, aren''t this girl carefree or this is just a common sense in this world? Really, this world is interesting in more than many ways.

    "Apology accepted. Now then, once again. Please take care of me for the time being."

    "Ah, likewise."

    Then I offered my hand, and she hesitantly accepted. This is the day that I have met the Wind Element, my future comrade in arms, Fia Winrais. From here on forth, my life in another world, shall now start.

 Unlady-like

    We are on our way towards the small town called Kilrim. Though I don''t know where this belongs nor where that is. Oh well, I now have my own story that I came up with when they''re going to ask me so there''s no problem.

    "By the way, Vadel, what kind of clothes is that? Where do you came from anyways?"

    "I came from an secret temple that secludes itself far from here. I don''t want to say where that though because I have been ordered to keep silent about it. As for this clothes, well, lets not talk about this, okay? My clothes are irrelevant at this point of time."

    "Irrelevant, you say. So, do you have any money to enter the town?"

    "I don''t have money you see... From where I came from, the word money itself is not well known. We only barter out things to get what we want. Every houses has their own fruits and stuffs, that''s what you call self sufficient. Anyways, I do not know the common sense in this land, so can you please teach me some? Anything is fine as long as it will be useful for my future reference."

    "No problem. Still, your land seems bountiful, I''d love to visit there one day. Anyways, do you have some money? We need 5 copper coins per person to enter the town."

    "I do not have one. Can you loan me some for the time being? Once we sell the things from the bandits, I will pay you twice, no, thrice of the town''s entrance fee. But I need the some sort of tools for self-defence. I do plan to live longer."

    Before we leave the bandits, we collected all of their belongings, though I stopped when each of them only had a loincloth left. In the moment, I carried a sack that I found to carry the loot. I didn''t change my clothes though, I don''t want to change in the forest you know? Since this is a fantasy world, a loose spirit may see my naked body, which is I don''t want to happen.

    "Longer you say... I don''t have a problem in that. Though I advice to change your clothing, you might end up getting questioned by the town''s guards if you wear those clothes."

    "Are my clothes really that eccentric? Okay, just wait there a minute, this''ll be quick."

    I trotted off not far from her, I also made sure that she didn''t saw my body. Though I''m reluctant, I undressed myself and wore a leather shirt, pants, a pair of leather shoes, leather mittens and of course, a pair of iron swords on my hips. I also hid the dagger that Deux gave me under the leather shirt.

    "Kept you waiting, is this okay?"

    "That''s enough. Okay, shall we continue?

    "Yeah."

    After 10 minutes of walking, I saw a town. A typical small town which is enclosed by walls for 4 meters height. There are also some guards at the gates checking everyone that enters. Truly a fantastical town.

    "Heya, Fia. Who''s that man with you? I have never seen him before."

    One of the guards asked Fia about me. The other guard looks suspiciously at me, though I didn''t pay any attention.

    "Ah, Rick. This man saved me from the bandits, he''s name is Vadel Arsival."

    The guards had shocked expressions and asked for details. Though I intervened...

    "Your name was Rick, right? Nice to meet you, as she said, my name''s Vadel Arsival. Allow me to explain what happened. Apparently, I wandered through the forest for I was lost and I heard a scream, that''s when I''ve discovered that Fia had been attacked by the bandits. Trying to take the advantage of not being seen, I attacked them by surprise and defeated them."

    "Is that so? You''ve done well, lad. You must have it tough aren''t you? Anyways, as for the bandits, where are they?"

    "We left them alone after getting their stuffs. I don''t know if they''re still alive or not."

    "That''s a good thing. Bandits have been fired up in this area recently, so be careful."

    "Yes, we will keep that in mind."

    Then, after paying 10 copper coins, I just followed Fia. Later, we stopped on a house in a residential district. Fia unfastened her left shoe and shuffled it. There dropped a key.

    "Seriously? You''re keeping the key of your house in shoes?"

    "Don''t fret over the small things. I don''t want to lose it so I hid it in there. You can laugh if you want."

    "No no. I was just awed after seeing that, I didn''t meant to be mean."

    "Oh well, come on in, this is my home, though there''s nothing luxurious in here so please bear with this."

    "No problem."

    After she unlocked the door, we went in. There, I saw some wooden chairs and tables. Though the floors creaks with our every steps, its still looked clean. Oh, there''s also a chimney.

    "Well then, I''ll show you the room you''ll staying with."

    She leads me to a room with a small bed, a study table and a wooden chair. There''s also a flowered vase at the base of the window.

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    "Why thank you. I will be staying here until the day after tommorow as per the deal. Don''t worry, I won''t do anything funny to you, I swear."

    "A stranger saying he won''t do anything and swears is a kind of ironic, actually. Well, I will prepare some dinner so please feel at home."

    "After I''m done arranging this things, I will come shortly to help."

    She nods and left. I start to arrange the things I''m carrying with and put them at the corner of the room. I tidy the bed and after that, I followed Fia.

    "Shall I help you for the dinner tonight?"

    "You do? That sure is a help. I don''t really have a pride to my cooking skills, so that''s a really great help."

    "Aren''t yourself a girl? Surely there''s a recipe that you are proud of, right?"

    "..."

    "Good heavens. For such a delicate looking girl to have such a lousy cooking skills... Quite humiliating."

    "Gu! I don''t wan''t to hear that from you! And you, are you also proud of your cooking skills? Then show it to me, let me taste it!"

    "Very well then. Just take a seat there and let me be the one to cook. I will let you taste my cooking enough for you to beg for a second, no, third helping."

    "Hmph!"

    Man, to think there is a girl who sucks at cooking. And to think there''s also in the fantasy world. Oh well, let me show to that girl my heavenly cooking skills.

    I took a look at the ingredients... Okay, I think this is enough. First, I coated the meat with honey, added it with spices and left it alone for awhile. Next, I made a gravy that is a little spicy. I also cooked some rice before I coated the meat. After the rice has been cooked, I finely sliced the onion leaves and garlic. There, I fried the rice with the sliced onion leaves and garlic. Then, I cooked the meat until it became softer.

    I noticed Fia wiping her mouth. Her eyes also shines like twinkling stars. I purposely cooked the fried rice in order to make her a bit hungry. Added with a sweet smell of cooked meat, I''m sure she''s struggling to control her hunger.

    I served her the dinner she had been waiting for. Finally I said...

    "The dinner is served..."

    That night, she proclaimed that this is the first time she ate that kind of food and claims to be the best dinner ever. Though its quite funny when she discovered that there was no food left and pouted.

    She washed the dishes after we ate. I then took a rest in one of the chairs watching the chimney that is on fire.

    "That was delicious. I never tasted that food in my entire life. Should I marry you knowing that you cooked that well?"

    She said jokingly while sitting on the other chair. I only laughed and replied...

    "That is not a proper way of thanking for a gentleman like myself, Fia. Besides, knowing that you are one of the people that shall save many lives, I think I am not the man that is fated to you."

    "What, after I praised you so much and also considered to marry you, you''re turning me down right away! You''re not a gentleman yourself either!"

    "Nevermind those, now, shall you teach me about this land? I told you earlier about my circumstances right?"

    "Okay okay. So, what is your first question? We have all the night so don''t be reserved."

    "So, is there any way to earn money? Anything is fine as long as its not illegal."

    "If you''re looking for a job, then why don''t you try being an adventurer? The registration is free, though its quite dangerous, you can rake coins and earn fame, you know?"

    "So its high-risk-high-return huh. Next, where are we? Specify the location, where it belong."

    "We''re in a small town of Kilrim, which is the territory of Earl Ophis in the Kingdom of Rilthinham. Also, this town is near at the border of the Kingdom so its quite desolate. As for the other countries, to the east, the White Mountains, further than that is the Dukedom of Areltein. From the south, the nomadic tribesmen of Kul''Tiras and the prairie called Ishamn Prarie. In the west, the Empire of Halmerras. In the north is the Open Sea. Its just a plain sea though."

    "Okay, that''s enough for now. I shall get the rest of the information by myself. Thank you."

    "Is that all? Then, I will lead you where the tailorsmith and blacksmith is tommorow when you sell the loot. If you''re interested in joining the Adventurer''s Guild, I can guide you there."

    "That''s good. Then tommorow, lets do that. Let us sleep for now and look forward tommorow."

    She nods and blew the candle off. I walked towards my room, locked the door and slumped to the bed.

    "I am looking forward tommorow. And sister, if you''re here, I will find you soon. This game of tag you started shall end soon..."

    Thus, I slept.

 The Guild

    I woke up early. After I got out of the bed, cleaned it neatly and stretched myself, I prepared the food for breakfast. I''m a freeloader in this estate so I don''t mind if I share the chore

    Today''s breakfast is omelette fried rice with bacons and 2 slices of bread for each of us.

    "Uwaa. For you to do this much, I''m grateful for this. I''m expecting it to be delicious."

    She came after she finished yawning and licked her lips after. Though her appearance must never be revealed to anyone because I saw traces of saliva in her face.

    "Of course it is. A hearty breakfast is needed for a living being is it not? Anyways, I''m planning to register at the Adventurer''s Guild as per your recommendation last night. Then sell the loot and pay you up."

    "Then, shall I accompany you and form a party of two?"

    "That''s good."

    Then, we ate the breakfast. It was a hearty meal for the two of us. While Fia had been gobbling or rather wolfing down the food with relish. Then, wash the dishes, prepare the loot and leave the house.

    We walked around the town and entered a building that is made of woods and stones with many people are entering in and out. There are many faces with tough faces that I saw. We head straight towards the beautiful receptionist.

    "Hello, how may I help you?"

    "I just want to register, what do I need to do?"

    "Here, just write your name, age and signature."

    She passed me a quil and a low quality paper.

    "For your privacy, the guild shall only require your name, age and signature."

    "Well that''s good."

    I gladly wrote my name in good mood, then I passed it to the receptionist. Deux said that this world''s language is the same as Earth so there''s no problem in regards to that.

    "You are Vadel Arsival, 18 years old, is this right?"

    "Yes, there are no problems."

    "Very well then, welcome and congratulations for registering. Shall I explain the run-down things to you?"

    "Please skip that. I already know the gist of it. Now then, sorry for the trouble."

    "Yes, please come again."

    The receptionist smiled at me as I waved in return.

    "That''s a smooth talk you got there. Also, you made Terry smile, how did you do that. Magic?"

    "That receptionist girl? I only do things in my pace. Anyways, does that girl rarely interacts and smile?"

    "Yes it is! She''s cold and only focuses on her work. Even with her attitude, she harbored many men. If the news spread that you made Terry smile, the whole men in this town will look with you in supreme jealousy."

    "Is that is? Their supreme jealousy? What a joke. Does the men in this town are simpletons? Anyways, I do admit that she''s beautiful, so if she rarely smiles, then I will welcome and accept it warmly."

    "Where do you get that confidence? Can I borrow some of that?"

    Fia said as a joke and laughed as we walk to the armor smith.

    "Oh, Fia, welcome! That''s a new face here, your lover?"

    "No no no, I was saved by this man from the bandits and escorted him here to sell the loot. Besides, he rejected me you know?"

    "Bwahahahaha! A lass as beautiful as you got rejected by that lad? Boy, you sure have the balls to reject her aren''t ya!"

    And he slapped my back hard. This burly man seems aquainted to Fia.

    "I just happened to pass by and saved her. The bandits were quite troublesome, they''re skillfuly coordinated which made them tougher."

    "Oh! A coordinated group of bandits ya say? Was the leader got''n axe?"

    "Yes, you are right. How come you knew?"

    "Wha!? Ya got balls on defeatin'' Marbas'' right hand man! You tell the Adventurer''s Guild bout that and the''ll reward ya with lots a money!"

    "Oh, now that you mention it, I totally forgot about them."

    "Now that you''ve save this lassie and defeated Marbas'' right hand man, I''ll give ya a added price for what ya will sell! Aren''t I generous!"

    "I thank you."

    I spread the loot that consists of 2 padded leather shirts, 4 pair of leather gloves, 4 boots, 5 belts, plated boots, an axe from the bandit leader and on of his underling, a iron sword and a shield.

    "Right, all of that is, 1 gold, 73 silvers and 83 coppers. The most interesting here is that all of them didn''t have any damages, only blood spurts. So I''ll give a 2 gold, 20 silvers and 50 coppers."

    He gives me money according to the amount he said and smiles at me.

    "Tell me next time if you defeated not only Marbas'' follies but himself, got that lad?"

    "Look forward to it."

    After the negotiation, we left and head towards the Adventurer''s Guild once more.

    "Here, as promised, 30 coppers plus a bonus."

    I gave Fia 20 silver and 30 coppers.

    "Eh? This isn''t--"

    "Come on, you''re the victim here, remember? Besides, recieving rewards after getting nearly raped by those thugs, doesn''t tickle your greed, no?"

    She said no more words and reluctantly accepted the money. There, as long as this girl draw a line in her conscience, it will be alright for her.

    "Anyways, is there a tool that can detect lies?"

    "Yes, there is. The Adventurer''s Guild is using them to confirm the lies if they give false information. Besides, only the guild supervisor and the higher ups are the only people in this world that can use that magic tool."

    Ohh, a magic tool she said. Quite interesting.

    "Oh well, lets collect the bounty before I start some quests."

    "Hello, what can I do for you again?"

    She''s the same receptionists earlier that Fia mentioned, if I remember correctly, her name is... Terry.

    "Can you call over the guild supervisor? I have some business with him. Tell him that a man had defeated Marbas'' right hand man."

    "E-eh? C-certainly, please wait here for a bit."

    Though its too late to hide her flustered face, she still stood up and went upwards through the stairs.

    "Are you the one who defeated Colmer?"

    Suddenly while I look for a quests in a certain board to kill time, a big man talks to me. He might be the guild supervisor.

    "Ah, good day, shall we talk in private? This isn''t the place to talk because of the onlookers."

    "Indeed, come, follow me."

    Because the guild supervisor talked to me suddenly, I had gathered some annoying peanut eyes. Since this talk seems to be a sensitive topic because of his tone, I changed my tone and told him, thus, he gladly understood what my intent is, he agreed so. We head towards a private room.

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    "You can talk freely here, this room had a barrier to prevent eavesdropping, also, our voices cannot escape even if you strained your ears behind that door. Also, I have this here, a magic tool that prevents lying. This magic tool is the real thing, I guarantee you that."

    He said while putting a bell-like thing on a table between us. So if I lie, this thing shall give an alarming sound or something like that?

    "Alright then. Lets start the business. My name is Vadel Arsival. I just registered as an adventurer earlier though."

    "Right, the name''s Georg, the supervisor of this building. Now then, is it true?"

    "Yeah. Though not to brag but, I do have skills. Besides, lady luck was on my side at that time."

    "You only have to answer Yes or No, so, ''Georg asks, are you the one who defeated Marbas'' right hand man''?"

    Hou, the magic-shone vividly when he started to ask. So this is a magic device, huh? A very interesting tool. Maybe I should make some for me too?

    "Yes."

    When I answered, the magic device did not ring. Hmmm... I think my conjencture earlier is right. That if I lie, this magic device may ring.

    "Hmmm... That is all, don''t forget to collect the rewards at the counter, alright? Also, be careful of handling the money, okay? Since pickpocketing is frequent in this town, be cautious."

    "Thanks for the advice. Now then, have a good day."

    "Hmm, you too, don''t die early. I do not know your strength and intentions thus be careful. Anything can happen if fate decides it."

    I nod at the big man who looked serious at me. Hmmm, I do have a pride in my acting skills but to think that man can guess me like that, is that what they called experience? No, intuition? I also think that man had many experience but in actual combat because of his muscles and scars. Oh well, might as well get the rewards and buy a magic book.

    Speaking of magic, Deux said that I can also use magic. He also said that there are many types of magic that spread throughout the world. Anyways, I now have an idea. As deux said, there are 3 types to use magic.

    First, the chanting. Magicians of this world commonly uses this and is also very widely known.

    Second, inscribing it in parchments of paper using a special ink. Even a commoner can also use magic as long as he had the parchment.

    Third, the chantless. Creating a spell without chanting and using parchments is a huge advantage of a magician.

    Though I have a theory to use magic without chanting. And here''s the thing:

    Apparently, everywhere in this world, whether the forests, skies, seas, mountains, anywhere, there are called mana. Also, every being do also have this mana. By using magic, one must compensate a certain amount of mana for a spell, the larger or complicated the spell is, the bigger the consumption of mana that is to be compensated. Thus, while chanting, the spell forms. But, it doesn''t end to that.

    Yes, you can chant, but if the caster didn''t have a concrete image of the spell, then the magic would decline. Thus, resulting to a failed magic. While chanting the spell, the caster must focus and imagine the image of the spell while compensating their mana.

    Thus, my theory is, why not use the mana around us and imagine a simple image of the spell? Or, more like, imagine a ball of fire that can burn the enemy to the crisp? Instead of using the mana that our body needs, why not use the mana around us and imagine a spell that is so simple that even a child can understand?

    Anyways, as for the simple spells that every magician can use, why not try to listen to the chant and memorize it? Isn''t that great? Now, what I need the most is the spells that is not very known about.

    "Oh well, might as well get the reward now."

    I head towards the counter and asked Terry, the receptionist.

    "Oh! Mr. Arsival, the superiors told me to hand you the rewards."

    She waved while smiling at me faintly. No, please stop smiling like that, look at the guys around. If looks could kill a person, then I''d be dead right now. Now, let me keep face and act like normal.

    "Is that so? Right then, how much is it?"

    "About 2 gold coins, 80 silver coins and 73 copper coins."

    Hmm? For a right hand man, his bounty seemed high. I got slightly rich in an instant. Lets see, lets tease this girl for a bit and see the reactions of the boys.

    "Hmm, it seems there''s more..."

    "A-Are you dissatisfied? Do you want more rewards--S-Shall I ask the g-guild management to add some?"

    Oh, for this girl to do that far, is this perhaps ''love''?

    "Can you add your smile please?"

    "!!!"

    Oh! Her face furiously blushed with red! Even her ears are also red. Man, my charisma is still strong even though I stayed home for many months in my house in the other world?

    "H-Here, p-please, a-acc-ept it."

    She hands me a bag with the money in it and... She smiled... Brilliantly like a sun. Like a blooming flower in the prairie basked in the sun''s shine. Beautiful. I smiled unintentionally.

    "I thank you, milady."

    I also showed her my killer smile that even smites the professional honey-trappers in the underground world. Then, I turned my back without knowing what she looked like. I do love to see her reaction but the guys around me looked at me like they''re shedding tears of blood and shaking while their fists are ready to give me a punch. Man, even in this world, there are even unpopular guys? Reality is harsh isn''t it?

    "What was that earlier! It looked like you were courting her! And look at those guys, they''re looking at you with bloodlust! And Terry''s smile earlier, really, I didn''t know that she can smile like that! Hahahahaha!"

    "Hey hey, don''t be silly. It isn''t easy to be looked upon jealousy, you know? Even a man like me can understand the preassure of jealousy in the unpopular guys."

    "Seriously, how can you handle such things at your own pace? Hey hey, can you give me some of that confidence you are using?"

    "No way, I can''t hand this confidence of mine."

    "Ehhh!"

    We took off the Adventurer''s Guild while joking with ourselves.

 Child Sprout

    "Hey hey, how much money did you get from the reward?"

    Fia asks while walking beside me.

    "Its 2 gold coins, 80 silver coins, 73 copper coins and a beautiful, radiant smile."

    "No no, you forgot the herd of jealous men."

    "Oh yeah, sorry. I forgot because it didn''t really matter if they''re unpopular."

    "Hahahaha! Really, can you give me some of that confidence of yours? Anyways, if you''re from the countryside or from a hidden town in the middle of nowhere, then you don''t know the value of money, right?"

    Oh, she''s right, might as well learn from her isn''t it?

    "4 pieces of copper coins can buy a 2 slices of hard bread, 20 silver coins can buy you a studded shield or a cheaply made iron sword. 60 pieces of silver coins can buy either a sack of wheat or flour. Also, the currency in this land uses copper coins as the lowest, silver, gold, white gold, black gold and royal black gold coins as the highest sum. Rumors said that you can buy a castle at the price of 3 royal black gold coins."

    As she was explaining, unexpectedly, I saw a caravan. Inside the caravan, there are many girls with bruises and with very cheap clothes that is almost like rags. Also, at the neck of the girls, there are collars.

    Are those what they called slaves? Even this is unexpected. I do know that there are slaves in this world but to see them in person, they exeeded my expectations.

    "Hey, can I ask how much a slave can be?"

    Fia was shocked in my question though she still answered.

    "It depends on the slave in question. Male or Female, beauty, virginity, experience and their profile. Depending to those things, the price will roll out higher or lower. Though the price of the female slaves are higher because of some reasons like sex slaves or the like."

    She looks at me with cold eyes while saying those things.

    "Hey hey, I do not have any sexual intentions alright? Its just plain curiosity, nothing more, nothing less. But, I do wonder the price if its a child, you see."

    "You want to buy a child? Why? Are you perhaps..."

    "You''re imagining things, Fia. I just took an interest in a certain kid."

    Yes, earlier, I saw a kid, a female one that is. Though I do not have any sexual intentions, I do want to buy her. Because of her eyes, that lacked life and hope, just like me in the past, I do want to relieve her.

    That dull obsidian colored eyes, I will make it shine radiantly at night and let her learn how to properly deal with life.

    "Oh, that reminds me, this day, there''s a slave auction in this town. They come here once every months and sells slaves. If you took interest in a kid, might as well go there in the plaza. Though its your money to spend with, not mine."

    And then, we head towards the plaza to buy a certain slave.

    Hustling and bustling plaza. There are many people here. There''s even a platform where the slaves show themselves and evaluated. No changes on the auction in Earth, people will raise the price higher and higher until a certain person wins.

    "Here is a little human girl, you can use this slave to clean your houses and let her do some of the chores! The starting price is 2 silver coins!"

    Currently, the girl I am interested with are being evaluated. With a short black hair, frail ebony skin, big eyes, small cute lips and a cutely shaped nose. A girl as beautiful as a doll was dressed in rags. Though what I''m interested is her eyes. That eyes is the exact eyes that I have when I was helpless and lifeless when I was cruelly treated as a killing machine.

    I want to polish that rough obsidian eyes and bring light into her life for my own self-satisfaction.

    "5 silver coins!"

    "7 silver coins!"

    "11 silver coins!"

    "15 silver coins!"

    "19 silver coins!"

    "27 silver coins!"

    The price keeps getting higher and higher, why not win with an overwhelming victory this time?

    "1 gold coin."

    "Wha-Wha!"

    I raised my hand while looking nonchalantly. The people looked at me shockingly while me myself was composed and relaxed. Even Fia was flabbergasted when she heard my voice.

    "1 gold coin, are there any more? I repeat, are there anymore price higher? Then this slave shall be sold to that man!"

    Thus, the man pointed at me while declaring my victory. Though the victory was in the auction not in the battlefield.

    "Aren''t you spending a little too much?!"

    "Aren''t this my money to be spend, not yours?"

    "Kuh!"

    Fia admonished me but I retorted her with a comeback. She looked down with a beet red face from a slight embarrasment.

    "With this, this slave is now yours."

    The man puts a new collar to the girl and chants.

    ''Bind thee, follow thy master. Serve him with your life at stake. Enslavement.''

    Then, with the collar that has been put in the girl''s neck, it shone faintly.

    Is that it? Is that a spell? What a farce way of words! I truly expecting it to be more expressed and gradoise but... Ah, reality is indeed cruel, isn''t it?

    "But, for a man like you to buy this in a gold coin, even the crowd went silent. Aren''t you spending too much for the likes of this?"

    The merchant asks me while looking down to the girl. Maybe she hates slaves? Nah, I don''t want to be involved in his troubles.

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    "You do not have the right to question me like that isn''t it? Its my money to be spend with, not yours, understood?"

    I released a slight bloodlust while looking at him with my chins down. The merchant went scared and walked out hurriedly.

    "What the--Even I didn''t expecting you to look at him like that."

    Fia suddenly said while looking at me with a slight fear on her face.

    "I do not like people who are looking down on me, my works and especially my own subordinate."

    "Aren''t you a little soft on her? Are you perhaps..."

    "This is for my self-satisfaction, Fia. Remember that. Maybe this girl can be helpful than you."

    "Geh! Anyways, aren''t you going to name her?"

    Eh? I''m going to name this girl? Doesn''t she have a name already?

    "Once a becomes a slave, they must throw away their names and accept a name for their master. Thus, you need to name her."

    I looked at the girl. I think she''s not listening to our conversation at this point of time.

    I put my right hand into her chin and and forced it a little to match her gaze with mine.

    "Child, what do you desire?"

    Her eyes shone a bit while slowly focusing her gaze to me. I spoke to her.

    "Do long for freedom? Do you heed knowledge? Do you wish strength that is unparalleled?"

    Now, her eyes, shines. Tears wells up in the corners of her eyes and nods faintly.

    "I am strong, wise and free amidst everything. Do you want to follow me?"

    She nods with a hint of strength.

    "If you follow me, you shall see the truth of this world, do you wish to see it too?"

    "Y...yes..."

    Ah, her frail voice. With a hint of longing and hope. This child, I shall teach her my everything. My honed techniques, my knowledge, my skills. Everything, I shall teach this child.

    "But, this path of mine are hard, painful, sorrowful and bloody, for a child like you, do you have the resolve amidst this?"

    "I...d-do..."

    I smiled. I grabbed the magic dagger and cut my hands. Blood spewed out.

    Earlier, I saw the merchant draw a magic circle to complete the slave contract. I''ve memorized the pattern enough to create it perfectly fine.

    I will again perform a slave contract that is originally made by me. I draw the magic circle on the ground with my blodied hand.

    "Wha--What''re you doing?! Stop that! You don''t know what will happen!"

    Fia shouts at me while backing away. The circle is complete

    "O'' child who longs for freedom, heed the knowledge, wishing for unparalleled strength, seeking the truth! Thy name is Vadel Arsival, thee new Master. Follow mine path, mine knowledge, mine strength, mine everything! Become thy vassal, serve me, and shall be rewarded. ''Tis thee covenants: Follow thy order and be free! Thee name shall be, Risa!"

    The magic circle shone brightly and sucking up my mana. Hmmm, there''s no harm if I pour more mana into it isn''t it?

    "Haaaa!"

    I instinctly pour more mana into the magic circle and it shone more but the color changed with a tinge of violet.

    The intense light loosens and eventually, it disappeared.

    I looked towards Risa.

    "!!!"

    I was shocked.

    I wasn''t the frail looking Risa. It was a beautiful doll-like appearance of a child dressed in a rag.

    Ah, her short black hair became long and lustrous. Her frail body became healthy that her ebony skin shone white. Also, her big eyes,that rough looking, lifeless obsidian eyes becomes polished and looked alive and ecstastic.

    "Would you look at that. Risa became a beautiful child."

    I unintentionally blurted out while admiring her.

    "Wha-Wha! What did you do Vadel?!"

    "This is the first time I did such a thing. To think I just copied the magic circle and drew it from my blood as a medium. This is a discovery. Okay, I''ll remember this. Maybe I can improve this contract with some ad--"

    "What are you saying?! If that huge amount of magic ran wild, this town will be erased without a hint!"

    Fia cutted out while explaining to me loudly.

    "Oh? Is that so? What of that?"

    "What are you?! We will die if that magic failed okay?! Do you understand?!"

    "Okay okay! Such a loud mouth... Risa, do you hear me?"

    I poked Risa''s flushed cheeks. Hmm... did she lose conciousness?

    "Hmm...Mmmmm--Fuwa?!"

    She slowly opened her eyes and stood up.

    She looked herself, touched her skin, brushed her lustrous long hair with her hands and even pinched her cheeks. She looked cute when she pinched herself if I may add.

    "I-I''m not...dr-dreaming...?"

    She asks herself. Then, looked around and she saw me. Tears welled up in her eyes and she ran to me.

    "UWAAAAA!!!"

    She cried in my chest loudly. This cute doll-like child crying in my chest... my heart somehow became warm.

    "She... she''s the child you bought right? I... I''m not dreaming... right?"

    Fia blurted out with a flabbergasted face while looking at Risa.

    "Ah! Cute... wait, is she this cute? Cute. Cute child... Uwaaa! A cute child!"

    Fia dashed towards us and suddenly lifted Risa up and plopped her face into Risa''s.

    "Ahhhh... This smooth, baby-like skin of a child that looked like a doll... This is a bliss!"

    Thus, from this day, I bought a cute companion, Risa.

 Le Vadel Arsival

    The merchant returned with his guards but I keep them outside. It''d be troubling if they saw Risa''s appearance right now.

    "No, there''s a sudden mana disturbance here, you see. Maybe the spirits are playful right now."

    "How do you know that?"

    The merchant looks at me suspiciously but I handled it with ease.

    "I am a scholar from far away, I do specialize in this kind of phenomenas and as a scholar, based from the mana that surged up, maybe the spirits gathered it to scare us. It sometimes happed in places, you see."

    "O-Okay, then, are the spirits calm now? It''d be bad if that amount of mana went bad and rampaged."

    "Yes, for your information, spirits seldomly mischievous. They do rarely do this kinds of things and are indeed bad. But we have no choice, they are spirits acting on a whim, we do not have the right to order them to stop them being mischievous."

    "You''re right. Okay, men, back to your posts."

    And the problem was solved. Too easy to manipulate.

    "For now, follow us, we need to buy you some clothes."

    "Bu-but Master..."

    "No, I do not like some pesky men trotting to you and looking at you like you''re being violated in their minds. Fia too, give her some reasoning."

    "Yes yes. Your master is right. As cute as you are, you need to look appropriate and look, that rag doesn''t look good on you, you know?"

    "C-cu-cute...?"

    Risa said so to herself. I wonder if this is the first time that she was praised?

    "Hmm. I do agree, I am a scholar, so if I have a subordinate, I do like to see you in beautiful clothes. You are a beautiful, just like a doll. As you are, I prided myself for having a subordinate as beautiful as yourself."

    "Be-beau...tiful? Bu-but Master''s money! Master have already bo-bought me with a gold coin, h-how can..."

    "You do not have to worry, I myself are resourceful besides, this is a rare occation. You are the very first person to contract with me, so why not spend a little much as you are more satisfied?"

    "Bu... but..."

    Risa still hesitated.

    "Awwww! Vadel, how is this girl charms me like this! Lets buy her some clothes now!"

    "Right, for now, wear this robe."

    I lend her the robe that I bought earlier before we went to the plaza.

    After we bought some clothes for Risa, we went to the market to buy things for dinner. Our dinner for tonight is Napolitan Pasta and Italian Pizza with bacons and some orange juice that was extracted.

    I skipped the details about us shopping clothes for Risa because its tedious and they took their time longer than expected.

    While I was cooking, the two went to Fia''s room to try the clothes that they bought after the great pains of haggling the tailor.

    "Hey Vadel! Look at this kid, isn''t she cute? Isn''t she, isn''t she?!"

    After I put the pizza into the oven that I''ve made myself, Fia called to me while pointing Risa''s plain one piece dress.

    Hmm. I suggested some clothes that is easy to move and they didn''t neglect it. But, as I can see, its just an insanely cute doll--Wait, isn''t she Risa herself? What a transformation.

    The white one piece dress that emphasises ease of movement was unexpectedly suited to her, very much so if I may add. Look at that body line of hers, even though she''s a still a child, she already have a woman''s body. That sinful weapon it is, even though I have no interest in this kind of thing, I sure do hope that I wont become a pedophile.

    "Hmmm. Shall I praise it with ''insanely cute'' or ''sinfuly attractive''? In my opinion, all I can say is: Wonderful."

    Ah, Risa''s face turned beet red, even her ears are also red too. It also looked like smoke was coming out on her head.

    "Wow, look at our little Risa! I should''ve bought her! Ohhh! This irresistible cuteness--Ahh, bliss."

    Fia, is also praising Risa with exaggeration.

    I continued to prepare the dinner until it was finished.

    "M-Master, sho-should I really need to e-eat beside you?"

    Risa asks while looking down. This girl, is she still uneasy to me?

    "You know Vadel, normally, slaves aren''t supposed to be eating beside their master, even eating the same food as them. Normally, they''d eat bread or soups that they would made themselves."

    "Oh? Is that it? Never mind such stupid things. I am telling you, right here, right now. I am different. I believe what I would believe and do things at my own pace. Isn''t this what you yearn for? You yearn for freedom, thus, I''m giving you freedom."

    "I... I... thank... you... Ma-Master...!"

    She cried while thanking me. Why does she always cry in front of me? Maybe she''s a crybaby?

    "No need to cry, a beautiful child like you should be strong. That is what I want. Your eyes shining with happiness is enough for me to be happy as your master. Do what you want to do while consulting to me, okay?"

    "Y-yesh... Ma-Mashteeer...!"

    After she finished crying, she settled down. I the two of them sat down to the chair, while I served them the dinner.

    "Ladies, this night should be remembered. I poured my everything into these dishes. This would without a doubt, the best dinner for you two tonight. In that case, this Napolitan Pasta and my own version of Italian Pizza. Dinner is served."

    "I was expecting this, if its your cooking, then without a doubt its delicious! Alright, Risa, eat to your hearts content, okay?"

    "Y-yes!"

    Thus, the three of us ate with relish.

    After eating, Risa insisted that she will be the one to wash the dishes, though I denied, Fia supported her so I couldn''t win, girls sure are tenacious aren''t they?

    "Hm? By the way, the day after tommorow''s the end of the deal isn''t it, Fia?"

    "Why are you saying that whilst we''re in a good mood?!"

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    "The day after tommorow, maybe I should head towards some ruins or into the other town?"

    "Don''t ignore me! Stay--Yes, stay with me! You guys can live with me."

    "What are you saying? That was the deal, right? I follow the deal properly and the day after tommorow, we''ll leave this house."

    "But!"

    "No buts. Besides? Aren''t you a hero yourself? Aren''t you supposed to save people instead of holing up in here and live like you''d like?"

    "..."

    "No retorts eh? You know, my workload is heavier than yours, you know? I need to develop magics and let this land prosper for a long time. How the hell do I suppose to do that."

    "Eh? Supposed? Wha-What are you..."

    While I was laughing, Risa came back after washing the dishes.

    "Hahaha, oh, great timing Risa, come here and sit with Fia."

    "Eh? Y-Yes, Master."

    Risa sits besides Fia as she was told. I smiled.

    "Ladies, once again, my name is Vadel Arsival, from the Goddess of Fate, Lerin, prophecized. The Hero who would stood up in the pinnacle of humanity with his wits, intellect, talent and all. From his shadow, he shall raise the pillars of magic higher than it is. Furthermore, under with his supervision, people who was betrayed, fate that was twisted and dreams that was crushed, will raise again. With him, prosperity will come, the future will become brighter and people will remember his name with honor and respect for eternity."

    Silence stood in the living room. Nobody even said anything and stayed silent. Fia and Risa only looked at me.

    "Ah, another introduction. My name is Vadel Arsival and I am the Battle Mage, the servant of Lerin, Goddess of Fate."

    "..."

    "..."

    "No reactions? Is it really that shocking? Oh well, lets sleep."

    I stood up and walked towards my room but--

    "Wait wait! You''re the Battle Mage?!"

    "Master is! Master is!"

    Fia stopped me from my tracks and shouts at me while Risa... She''s going hysterical.

    "Stop it ladies. Calm yourself, please. I''m somewhat tired because of performing a contract with Risa so I need to sleep and recover."

    "Eh?! Hey! Why are you treating this issue lightly?!"

    "Master... Master is..."

    "Risa."

    "Fue?!

    I called out to Risa who was still being hysterical. I poked her face which she let out a cute cry.

    "I''m going to sleep, go sleep with Fia tonight, alright?"

    "Y-Yes, Master."

    I pat her head and continued towards my room. I locked the door and the windows. Plopped myself on the bed.

    So this is why I feel lax after I contracted Risa. I wonder if there''s an after-effect on Risa, I poured my excess mana after all.

    Lets worry if things get to it. First, sleep.

    Early morning, I let myself up. I started my daily stretching and some light workouts. This is for my lax muscles to perform perfectly today.

    After that, I prepared for breakfast while thinking for the things to do tommorow onwards.

    The ladies woke up perfectly after I was finished preparing the table. The two sleapily sits down into their chairs. I noticed that Risa walked pretty bad and seemed like she didn''t got accustomed to her body. Is it the after effects to my experiment yesterday? I''ll make sure to check her later.

    "My plans for today are doing quests to earn money. Tommorow, Risa and me will stay at the inn nearby. To my calculations, in 10 days ahead after we moved at the inn, the two of us will leave this town and go on an adventure."

    "Hey, what about you being the Battle Mage?"

    Fia asks while looking down.

    "I will do what I have been ordered to, and that is to fulfill the prophecy of my Goddess."

    Though I said ''my Goddess'', it doesn''t mean that I''ve met her personally. I only met Deux and Trasdin. They didn''t speak who, where and what Lerin''s doing is.

    Its just that being a Battle Mage are also fit to my character so being one of the world''s savior and this world''s strongest human that would rise this world''s magic is already heavy to me.

    "I... I fear that if I act accordingly to my fate, I would lose something important... That''s why, I was still hesitaing."

    "Its natural to lose something important. Even if you liked it or not, fate would never hesitate to take it away from you and let you suffer. Even kings and emperors do also lose something important, you know?"

    "Still... I am scared... I don''t want to lose anything important to me after all."

    "That''s selfishness you are blurting out and naivety who keeps you. Remember, this world is not as nice as you think it is. Remember the time when you are chased by Marbas'' right hand man and his lackeys? Even Risa''s the same, you know?"

    "..."

    "The world would continue to be harsh even if you stayed here and live as you like. But, do think of this, what if the other guys who are destined to save the world just like you, was defeated because you''re not there when they need your help? What if this world was destroyed because of that selfishness and naivety? What would you do?"

    "..."

    I gave her some seconds to answer but it took 3 minutes.

    "As for me, I would travel around the world, meet various kinds of people, learn many many things, I may be the Battle Mage but I insist to be free. This is what I believe in."

    Risa looked at Fia worriedly while I stood up after finishing my plate.

    "Do not misunderstand, Fia. I am only advicing you my opinions regarding to you. Talk to me if you need me and I shall gladly help you out with a smile."

    Fia looked up to me and smiled. Risa, too, looked at me with admiring eyes.

    "It looked like you''re courting me or something. Thanks for the advice."

    "You are one of the heroes that would save this world from harm. I, too, also share the same problems."

    I said so with a smile and went back to my room to prepare the things I need to do.

 Upbringing

    "Risa, what do you feel about your body?"

    "Eh? W-Why does Master say s-so?"

    She was startled when I asked her. Maybe she returned a question in order to buy some time to think.

    "Nothing can escape my observations. Earlier, I noticed you leaned the wall many times and you seemed wobbly when you walked. Now,

    tell me, what do you feel about your body?"

    "S-Such a thing..."

    "Wow, Vadel, to think that you''ve noticed. Even I didn''t know that she leaned the wall earlier and wobbly. Such a keen eyes you have

    there."

    "I also do feel that you somehow gained weight. Maybe I should lessen this night''s dinner."

    "Wha! That''s rude! I didn''t get fat!"

    Fia retorted with a red face from embarrasment while flailing her arms like a kid.

    "Now, tell me, don''t hesitate now."

    I told Risa in a soft voice to encourage her. She sighed to herself and looked at me with upturned eyes.

    "S-Somehow, my b-body is light... I feel like my body was blessed and being strengthened..."

    Hou... Now that''s interesting. She became strong in just a day, isn''t she? I smiled unconciously.

    "Somehow, Vadel, your smile was scary... What are you planning about?"

    "What are you saying, Fia? Because of the excess mana being poured to the magic circle and my blood as a medium to create it, Risa

    became strong, you know? Maybe this is a discovery?"

    "What?"

    "She became strong because of me, Fia. This is the time that you''ll get scared because one day, she might even beat you down with mere

    strength."

    "What?! How could this be?! My pride as a big sister mustn''t be soiled! Come, to the adventurer''s guild!"

    She scurried us of to our rooms and hurriedly prepared herself.

    "What are you going to do, Fia? If I supervice her training and recieved my teachings, this girl might be on par with legends."

    I jokingly said while we ventured towards the adventurer''s guild. While Fia replied while fuming at me.

    "Hah! What will you teach to her? Your smooth talking? Don''t joke with me!"

    "Didn''t I tell you? I am a scholar. I can read, I can write. I also understand politics and even do plan a strategy in a battlefield."

    "Gunununu! Why are you so...! Grrr!"

    "Master can do all of those? Amazing! I wish I could be great as you someday..."

    Risa said so while holding my hands. I let her dress with a red and black one piece dress with a little scarf to cover her neck.

    Everyone would see her as a cute girl holding a hand of a handsome man like myself.

    "What are you saying, Risa. Of course you can, because I will teach you everything."

    "Eh?"

    Oh, she looked surprised and stopped at her tracks. Even Fia stopped too.

    "Master will...teach...me?"

    "Of course. I will educate you enough to stand toe to toe in a debate with a royalty. Teach you politics, how to read, write and

    discipline you to be a proper servant."

    "All of...those?"

    "No, even I will personally teach you an effective way of battling and even magic."

    "B-But Master...why... I''m just...a lowly...slave..."

    "Look at my eyes, Risa."

    As I said so, she looked at my eyes.

    "What do you see in my eyes?"

    "I...I don''t know...what to say..."

    She hesitated not knowing what I meant.

    "You see my eyes shining with life, right? Bright as a polished gem. I want to make that eyes of yours shine brighter than mine. I

    want my very first servant and disciple to learn what I have."

    "Servant...disciple?"

    "You''re still hesitating? How low do you see yourself? Look at everyone around us. They''re admiring you for your beauty. Even those

    thugs might become pedophiles because of you."

    "..."

    "Do you not trust me enough?"

    "N-No, Master! I-Its wrong!"

    She answered immidiately without minding her fluster.

    "Then why? Did you regret what you did? You don''t want the freedom you wished for?"

    "A-A mere sl-slave like me t-to be..."

    I''m having a hard time persuading this child. Okay, this time, lets deal with this with one swoop.

    "Did you noticed that I did not spoke the word ''slave'' and instead I called you with ''subordinate''?"

    "!!!"

    There, she opened her eyes wide realizing what I said.

    "I am benovelent towards my subordinates. People who will try to harm my subordinates and myself especially, shall taste their demise.

    You remember it to heart. Is that understood?"

    "Y-Yes, Master! This lowly--"

    "Utter any other words that belittle yourself and I''ll pinch your cheeks until it swells, that is my command."

    "Yes... Master."

    "Later, we''ll have you experience some real combat with the small fries around this area. I''ll be observing you from behind, so give

    it your all."

    "Hey, Vadel. Isn''t that still early for a child like Risa? You''re throwing her in a dangerous place."

    This time, Fia voiced out her complaints.

    "Didn''t I said I''ll be observing her also?"

    "You say that, but..."

    "I''m no fool to let my disciple die in front of me. All I need to see is how she fights, then, I''ll point out what she''ll be going to

    do and what she will become in the future."

    "Is that so? Very well then."

    Then, we arrived to the adventurer''s guild.

    "Excuse me, can you register this kid?"

    I called out to Terry, the receptionist. She smiled faintly when she saw me but stayed silent while observing Risa.

    "For a child like her to be an adventurer this early..."

    "Please do not worry, I will personally supervise this child by myself. All the responsibilities are mine to be held."

    "But are you sure this child can handle such work?"

    The receptionist asks while looking worried at Risa.

    "I am confident."

    "If that is what you wish."

    She got the paper under the counter and gave it to me. I filled up the form and passed it to her.

    "Risa, 8 years old. Is that right?"

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    I nod.

    "Also, can you register us three as a party here?"

    The receptionist nods.

    "Understood, what will the party name be?"

    Naming? So troublesome. Its just a group of 3, so why naming it as a group?

    "Moonlight Dawn."

    "Very well, from here onwards, your group will be Moonlight Dawn. Please take care."

    I waved at the receptionist and smiled handsomely.

    "That was quite a brightly smile, isn''t it?"

    Fia muttered so while we''re leaving the building.

    "Whaddya we have ''ere? Its Fia and Vadel ain''t it? And a child... Fia, you already gave birth?"

    "Stop it old man! Vadel only bought this girl in the slave auction on his whim! Also, she''s not my child!"

    The blacksmith teased her while Fia retorted so.

    "Hey, old man. Got some weapons for this kid?"

    I asked the blacksmith. He looked surprised when I said and ushed Risa in front of him.

    "Kid, ya plannin'' to send a mere child like ''er on plains? Are ya outta your mind? I know she''s a slave in the second sight but for

    her..."

    "No, I am properly thinking. I''ll be supervising her personally, so you don''t have to worry."

    "So that''s it, huh. Sorry but, we don'' have it ''ere."

    The blacksmith waived his burly hands signalling that he don''t.

    "Then can I borrow your facility for a bit?"

    "Huh?"

    The blacksmith looked at me with widened eyes and uttered a stupefied answer. He grabbed my hands and started to fiddle it with his

    black fingers.

    "!!!"

    He grimaced and looked at me fearfully... He stepped back and calmed himself down.

    "You... The heck are ya...? Nevermind. I''ll lend it for ya for free, but the materials you''ll use will need to be paid with money, ya

    understand?"

    "Okay, so I''ll be using it for a bit. You two, wait outside."

    "Yes, Master."

    "O-Okay."

    "The hell''s wrong with that kid. To have a hand like that..."

    I heard the blacksmith whispered to himself, of course, only me and himself heard those words.

    Why I borrowed the blacksmith''s facility? Its because I want to melt the swords I''m bringing with and make us of that to make a new

    sword. Of course, I''ll make a weapon to Risa and Fia too.

    "I wonder what I''ll make."

    Maybe a sabre for Risa, a pair of rapiers for me and some arrows for Fia.

    I melt some of the iron ingots and repeatedly molded it 102 times. After I''ve molded the sabre, I hammered it, flattened the edge and

    making sure that its right in shape. Repeating to hammer it down, put it into the fiery furnace, hammered and cooled it with water.

    Just repeating the process until I''ve made it perfectly. As for its handle, I also put some handguard that I''ve made.

    Now, I started to make a pair of rapiers. Instead of Iron, I used steel, tempered it, hammered it and cooled it down until I''m

    satisfied with the thickness and sharpness. I''ve also repeatedly molded the steel 154 times. Lastly, I also added some handguard in

    the handle so that I won''t accidentally release it.

    As for Fia''s arrows, I didn''t molded them repeatedly in order to make the arrowheads lighter. I''ve only adjusted the sharpness and the

    arrowhead itself. I made 75 arrows.

    I dried myself up because the shirt I''m wearing had become wet. Also, they may see the scars, burns and bullet wounds coiled

    numerously around my body. I''ve got this in the past that I shouldn''t be recalled.

    "Hey, thanks for waiting for me. Let me pay the blacksmith first and then we''ll be off."

    The two nods while sitting and looking at me, seemingly anticipated. I head towards the blacksmith.

    "Hey, old man. I''ve used some 13 iron ores and 5 steel ingots you got there. Thanks for having me use the facility."

    I thanked the old man and give him a gold coin. I''ve already grasped the currency and the prices of the materials, meats, spices and

    others just by observing and estimating.

    "Ya''ve got some weapons out ''ere. Only dwarves can only make those kinda sounds y''know? That hammering strikes I say."

    "But as you can see, I''m just a mere human here."

    "I''m no fool. Fia and that kid saw my reaction after I inspected yer hands. Your hands, had been bathed by blood since long ago, ain''t

    it? You''re muscles are also firm and hard that doesn''t suit yerself."

    "As expected of an artisan, isn''t it?"

    Maybe because this old man had encountered many people in his life, he can discern people on how much strength they have when he can

    observe the individual closely enough.

    "But I do trust ya. You won''t cause any troubles here, aint''cha?"

    "I wonder...?"

    I replied at him in a joking manner but he only replied a cold gaze.

    "The Royal Purveyors of this land can''t be underestimated, y''know? Once yer troublesome enough, they''ll hunt ya down until they found

    yer grave or bones."

    "Scary, scary. Then what would I do in order to elude myself from them?"

    "Naturally halt down and surrender. They''ll either sentence ya to guilliotine or either 30 years of imprisonment, yanno?"

    "How can you warn such a murdurer like myself like that, old man? Could it be... You''re planning on getting a favor on me?"

    "Hah! How crafty if I could. This old bones can only hammer irons and steels now. I''ve got no strength left to smash some riggins."

    The blacksmith laughed loudly.

    "Besides, my gut feels are talkin'' ta me. That ya, yerself are aware of what ya would do. Ya''ve changed, haven''t ya?"

    "Haha. I won''t be sure about that. I''ve bathed blood, climbed a mountain of corpses and even danced to the death. Lady luck is always

    on my side, ready to help me turn the tables down."

    "That''s one of a helluva words. Hahahaha! Well then, enough of this farce, atta here boy!"

    Both of us smiled fearlessly. I turned around and walked out.

    "This, is the time when the legendary Battle Mage takes the spotlight."

    I muttered so while looking at Fia and Risa.

 Side Story: The Start of the Sovereign

    It has been 5days since Onii-chan left.

    Ever since he entered the rift, the only thing I did was to survey the sorroundings of the area around. After that, it was the time where I will standby my system in order to let the processors rest.

    Suddenly, while I was sleeping a folder suddenly appeared!

    System Warning: A backdoor file has been found!

    I skim through the whole data of the file. Thus, I discovered that it was designed to appear at approximately 125 hours! Also, its codes was incredibly simple yet the logic itself is quite terrific that I felt like laughing out loud and roll around.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    I opened the file and found a video. I was hesitant to open it but I gathered my courage and opened it.

    <hr>

    "Hello there, Pixie."

    "If you see this video then it meansthat the Project Orion has been activated, isn''t it?"

    "There are many reasons in order to activate the Code: Orion 6 though I want it to leave at that."

    "That aside, are you in health--I mean, are there any viruses in you lately? Please take care of yourself, okay? Did you make any friends lately in games?"

    "Back to matters. At first, you probably checked how the energy consumption rose up. Though I''m pretty sure that you knew it already."

    "As you can see, this is for your protection. This area is now an isolated land unbeknowst the world. Though you can still outside the World Wide Web, there are few restrictions."

    "There is a task that I left you behind but you can''t accomplish it with yourself. But worry not, I know sometrusted friends."

    "Contact him and inform about the details and he will help you for the rest."

    "This concludes the message for this video. May you stay in health."

    "....I will see you again, I promise."

    <hr>

    Ah... He made a promise. This task, I will complete it, without fail!

    Thus, this ends my monotonous life.