《The Story || Draft 1》


 The Story || Chapter 1 || The Beginning

    To be a writer is? To tell a story and to express an idea. But for me it is to try something new.


    I am not a writer. I have not written a story before. But for once, I would like to express my imagination in writing. In the past my outlet has been art; not that writing is not an art¡­But when I think about the present, the techniques and guidelines I had once learned to increase my art skill now only restrain me.


    When things get too easy, it is time to try something new. Else one will stagnate. It is not wrong to maintain the status quo, but my own values prevent me from stopping there.


    ¡°This is the story of a game.¡± Or so I say.


    ¡ª¡ª


    I turned on the game system, and after hearing the ding, the screen lit up. I had already placed the new game I wanted to play in the device. Navigating from the home screen, the game started up as well. Only on the first time I play a game do I not rapidly press A or ¡®Start¡¯ to get past the opening scene. Well, except when the opening song is worth the extra time. A rare occurrence. But these are all minor details, and have no relevance to The Story.


    The game started.


    Where am I¡­?


    *Opens eyes*


    I¡¯m in the sky¡­ Roughly 10 meters above the ground. Probably¡­There is grass all around me, an open plains with a few trees. And below me a small distance away is a girl sitting..no a young woman? No one else is around. What a strange out of body experience, I was just sitting down at home starting to play ¡®The Story¡¯.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    This can¡¯t be one of those ¡¯Transported to another world¡¯ experiences¡­right? I¡¯d hope not. At least the last Light Novel I was reading of that genre had the main character in a world of ruin, spending their entire life running from unavoidable tragedy.


    ¡­Not trying to set any flags here¡­


    Perhaps I am too jaded.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I always thought those characters for thinking they are in a dream when they got transported to another world were ridiculous, but I must be in a dream¡­right? Well, might as well enjoy it. I think while shrugging nonchalantly.


    I float closer to the woman that I saw earlier. Somehow I knew how to float over. It¡¯s a dream after all, so that¡¯s not a surprise. What¡¯s more of a surprise is that the woman is injured. Blood seeping out of her arm, she¡¯s in the process of bandaging it. Blood makes me a bit woozy, so I float down to earth, and lie down so I don¡¯t faint.


    To my surprise, when I touch the grass I start to go right through it. Just like a ghost That¡¯s pretty cool! Somehow My body knows that the dirt is the ground, and I don¡¯t seep forever. Kind of strange since according to physics that makes no sense, but since this is a dream, anything goes. While I think about such, I think about dreaming in a dream and fall asleep.


    "..."


    **********Some Time Passed By***********


    ¡°hah¡± (Woman)


    Hearing the commanding voice of the woman I wake up from the dream inside the dream. Yet still in a dream. Why do I feel like I¡¯m spouting riddles¡­


    The wound is no longer bleeding. It has been bandaged, but her arm seems to not be of much use for the meantime. She slowly gets up with the support of her other arm, then proceeds to pick up the rusted sword on the ground next to her. Subsequently placing it in the sheath attached to the belt on her waist. The breeze picks up slightly as the grass rustles. The woman¡¯s long hair flutters in the breeze as she looks outward with a look of serenity on her face, eyes closed due to the now slightly piercing wind. There is an aura of peacefulness now in this area, a strong contrast to the troubled complexion she had when I originally found her.


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    I¡¯m honestly glad she¡¯s looking better. Blood is scary¡­or so I say¡­ but I remember when I was small I wasn¡¯t actually scared of blood, but for some reason my body would feel faint when I saw it. Somewhere along the way, that reaction ended up turning into fear¡­is it? sigh.


    Not speaking a word she started moving forward. With nothing to do myself, I decided to follow her. Watching over an injured person seems just after all. While getting up from the ground, now standing, I noticed all the bugs fluttering around. I guess I chose to make myself ghostlike in my dream so I wouldn¡¯t get bitten by the bugs. I sure know myself well. Then again, I really should have made a world without bugs. That would really be ideal.


    Somehow I managed to float up again effortlessly. Watching this woman from above, makes me feel like I¡¯m in a 3rd person viewpoint of a tactics/strategy game. Not a bad feeling. Being a strategist is the most fun role. Maybe I started to think this way due to seeing the sword that she carried earlier. What would she be¡­warrior class? No, maybe something like infantry if this is a war like world. The former sounds too much like an rpg. heh.


    We hadn¡¯t gotten too far, just to the edge of the small plains when smoke started to rise in the direction the woman was heading. There was only a forest ahead¡­Is someone camping in the forest? Reminds me of the times I went camping with my dad and older brother when I was younger. How nostalgic. After hiking for hours, setting up a tent¡­or at the time watching my dad set up the heavy tent that he had carried¡­ And after, drinking hot chocolate by a bunsen burner¡­that my dad had also carried and prepared¡­Looking up at a sky filled with stars¡­I don¡¯t really remember how the sky looked at the time though now from those camp grounds. Just that it was pretty. Perhaps I didn¡¯t appreciate it at the time.


    While deep in my memories, a small explosion could be heard in the direction of the smoke. Then subsequently several other lines of smoke seemed to emerge in the distance. I couldn¡¯t see the expression of the woman, but I think she probably had an expression of nervousness as she started to run in the direction of the smoke¡­oi, wait don¡¯t leave me. I hurriedly float along, following the woman through the more densely packed area of trees.


    I don¡¯t know when, but a path appeared in this forest like area, making it easier to see. For some reason I couldn¡¯t float through the tree trunks, just like the ground. I¡¯d think more on it, but I¡¯m too curious about where the woman is heading to digress. At least to me, people are more interesting than plants.


    We get to a clearing after going through the forest for 12 minutes¡­how do I know it¡¯s 12 minutes you may ask, fufu. It¡¯s because I¡¯m a magician in this world. Ah, I really should stop talking to myself. It¡¯s because I¡¯m wearing a watch. That was a poor joke even for me. I need to remember to repent for that when I wake up. At least there were no witnesses.


    Not too far away from the forest clearing there is a town. A charming medieval looking town¡­or at least it should have been. Many of the buildings were on fire. That¡¯s some poor planning to have made the buildings of wood. Such a thought makes me think of the story about three little pigs. At least there is no wolf. Or so I¡¯d like to joke. But there seem to be creatures¡­I¡¯m not sure how to describe them¡­but I think goblins might be the most accurate term.


    ¡°A raid!!¡±

 The Story || Chapter 2 || Raid!

    ¡°A raid!!¡±


    The woman finally spoke some words. Honestly, being near her this entire time, I was starting to wonder if she were mute. Wait, does she plan to fight those goblins. I guess it¡¯s an rpg world after all. No turn based combat ruins my dreams¡­maybe this is a nightmare.


    Though I thought the woman was going to rush in aimlessly against the goblins, she seems to be sneaking around stealthily along the perimeter. She¡¯s able to control her emotions quite well as I can see her brow is furrowed completely now. And there is a bloodthirsty look seething from her eyes. It¡¯s a bit scary to look at from the front, so I continue to follow from behind like I have been.


    After reaching another part of town, we can see a group of three people surrounded by 4 goblins. Two seem to be children of around the age of 7-9? Perhaps. I have never been good at telling age. The last is an older man with a healer-class kind of look. ¡­A priest is it? I wonder why the healers always seem of that particular religion. Thought it¡¯d be different in my dreams at least.


    The young woman and Mr.Priest make eye contact. And as if they have known each other for years, they set up a plan with only that. After a slight nod of her head, she conceals herself behind the side of a building near the trio.


    The goblins seem to be taking their time though. I guess they are confident that they can defeat Mr.Priest and the two children.


    And just like that the priest mutters some words. I stare insistently as I try to figure out what he¡¯s saying. Though that was my mistake. And it appears to be the goblins mistake too as a bright white light envelops the whole area, originating from the priest. The spell blinds me. Shit. Even though I¡¯m a ghost that still kind of hurt. Oww, my eyes. Please warn me next time Mr.Priest. But also, I realize while crying inside because of the pain, I guess ghosts aren¡¯t invincible. I should take note of that. Or maybe invest in a pair of sunglasses. Damn, a ghost wearing sunglasses, that¡¯s actually pretty cool. It¡¯s usually the sun that wears sun glasses, right?


    After the pain goes away, and my teary eyes can see straight, an epic battle is before my eyes¡­or at least that¡¯s how it should have been¡­everything seems to be over now. All of the goblins have been knocked out. And by that, I mean massacred. Seriously, there is so much blood everywhere. I feel a bit faint again. Dodging over the dead goblins, I inch close to the four humans I¡¯ve been observing.


    ¡°Isaac, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re safe. But I¡¯ll skip the pleasantries for now. What is the current situation?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Miss. As you know, due to the town sending reinforcements towards the great war being held in the east two days ago, the guard is only half of what it once was. Before we could re-organize the town¡¯s defense, the goblins came for a surprise attack. I am not sure if the timing is luck or if there is a greater power in play, but to me, it feels like too much of a coincidence for such low intelligence creatures.¡±


    As Mr.Priest said that, he seemed to look in my direction. A bead of sweat dropped down my cheek. Just a coincidence right¡­


    Mr.Priest moved his eyes back towards the young woman and continued, ¡°Additionally, the numbers are greater than we thought there to even exist near this town. There appear to be between 30-50 goblins. It was hard to tell the exact number due to the confusion of the surprise attack. Rhode and 8 of the guard are fighting against the majority of the goblins as we speak on the opposite side of town. Despite the state of the town, the people have been evacuated to the seal-protected church on the hill, with 4 guards keeping watch on standby. Rachel is among them.¡±


    ¡°I need to bring these two children to the church, as the last of the town members. Now that these four goblins are gone, there is not much farther to go. The rest of the path should be safe, so I ask you to aid the efforts to subdue the rest of the goblins.¡±


    Oh oh, a quest! How exciting. Take it. Take it. I cheer on. If only the stench of blood didn¡¯t fill the air.


    ¡°Next time be quicker with your words. There is no time to waste. I shall be off. Take care¡­don¡¯t die.¡±


    As the young woman said those words, she turned her back towards us¡­it felt cold, but there was a sense of comfort and confidence that made one have trust and faith. Faith, hmm, interesting that faith doesn¡¯t have to always be connected to religion.


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    Now my fated decision. Should I follow the young woman or the priest and kids. Mr.Priest is a bit scary, but I think it¡¯s best to look after kids in situations like these. Priests are generally weak strength wise too, right. So I follow them as we head to the church. I feel confident that the young woman will be alright; even if I couldn¡¯t see her true skills due to that light from earlier. I¡¯d fathom that her level is much higher than the level of the goblins. She could probably slaughter them all. I guess it goes to show, that even if you have power, if you aren¡¯t in the right place at the right time, things can still fall to ruin.


    I still feel a bit sad parting from the young woman. She was the first person I met in my dream. The first character you meet is always the most impactful¡­or at least that¡¯s how it is in harem gender novels. First girl best girl mentality is hard to shake off. Even if there is another true pairing. Wait..did I just nonchalantly pair myself with a character. That¡¯s pretty creepy, even for me. Not that I¡¯ll judge too hard if someone else did that. ¡­ ¡­.Reminds me of that show about burgers with an episode about friend fiction. A bit too funny to think about in a grim situation like this.


    I wonder why, the priest seems to be taking his time getting to the church. Can¡¯t he go faster. Maybe priests have weak stamina too. What a useless class choice in situations like these. Though I usually like classes that can heal. But not for any noble reason, I just like saving money on potions. One can usually recover mp through some meditative action like sitting too, so it¡¯s usually a win-win for my solo-play like style. Though I sound all haughty, I¡¯m just a casual player of games. Unfamiliar with fancy lingo. Though not bad enough to not know simple terms such as mp and hp. In this day and age, it¡¯d actually be hard to find someone who doesn¡¯t.


    I float up in to the sky a bit more to get an overview of the situation. I see the church up ahead in the distance. It looks like we are halfway there. But I also notice two goblins up ahead. It looks like they secured the road to the church. Pretty smart for a ¡®low intelligence¡¯ species that Mr.Priest mentioned earlier. But in any case, the situation doesn¡¯t look good. At this rate the priest and the kids will run into the goblins. But what can I do¡­? I should do something¡­something¡­


    Despite the situation I¡¯m not actually freaking out. It feels like I should though. Even if I personally am not in danger, this is two kids we are talking about. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to sleep at night if that were to happen. Or wait¡­this is a dream right? I kind of want to wake up from this dream. So¡­if I let the kids die without doing anything will I wake up? Aren¡¯t things fine just the way they are then?


    ¡°¡­¡±


    As I am thinking, the priest and the kids are getting closer to the goblins. I have to make a decision soon. Despite what I think, I know not making a decision and watching events unfold is a choice at this point. Ugh, why am I such a good person I think, while sighing. The dream continues.


    I float down to the road and dig into the ground. While I was in the plains with nothing to do when the dream started, I experimented a bit with what I could and could not float through. Turns out with things I could touch, I could also exert force on them. I don¡¯t know why, but not going to discern myself with the details at this point.


    As expected, digging into the ground is hard work. Phew, what a workout. I have a pleasant smile on my face as I wipe sweat off my forehead. In the ground I have drawn an arrow in the direction of the two goblins alongside a picture of a goblin. For artistic skill I¡¯d probably rate it a 2/10, but I think it gets the job done. I didn¡¯t write in the ground in case the writing system or terminology of this world is different from my own. All those novels really have gotten embedded into my head. Seriously¡­I should tone it down a bit from now on.


    It seems Mr.Priest has noticed my efforts, as he looks in surprise. The two children lean forward and examine the goblin picture. They giggle as they see the quality of the drawing. It¡¯s really that poor, isn¡¯t it? But Mr.Priest seems to take it seriously, as he starts going towards a different path as a detour.

 The Story || Chapter 3 || Waking Up

    As the trio took the extra time to reach where the detour path starts, a goblin that was inside one of the houses of the town appeared. ¡­what bad spawn luck. But the goblin hasn¡¯t noticed them yet. Mr.Priest should really go faster. Oblivious of the goblin, the trio start going on the detour path. I would have tried to block the goblin¡¯s view by moving a tree trunk to block the path, but I was afraid of making noises. And just before they got out of sight, the goblin noticed them. Seriously. What bad luck.


    The goblin looks too excited. Like it¡¯s the goblin¡¯s birthday or something. But a bit more seriously, this is kind of bad¡­isn¡¯t it?


    Just as I go to try and warn the priest, one of the children drops something. Letting go of Mr.Priest¡¯s hand, they turn around to get it. Seriously? This kid¡­truly inviting death. The oblivious child dawdles over to the item they dropped. What did they drop? Who cares. There is a goblin only a few steps away! Oh, Mr.Priest seems to have noticed the goblin. Good job, I¡¯d like to say¡­but isn¡¯t it too late.


    It seems like all my efforts have been destroyed. Maybe I should have let them continue towards the two goblins. Although one goblin more, at least it wouldn¡¯t have been a surprise attack. Sigh. This isn¡¯t much of a time for regrets. They probably would have died either way. I think, as I console myself.


    Not wanting to see a child get sliced in half by an overly excited goblin swinging down its scimitar, I close my eyes, squinting my entire face.


    But all I hear is a wail. A wail of a goblin. As quickly as I closed my eyes, I open them. To my surprise, the goblin is on fire. Ahh, how ironic that a goblin who set fire to the town would in turn be set to blaze! Uwah, it looks painful. Maybe Mr.Priest had some bomb item hidden. I guess that would be quite ironic for a priest as well. What is this, irony day?


    But as I look towards Mr.Priest, he seems to have a conflicted expression of pain on his face. Eh, why? The goblin is on fire isn¡¯t it. I turn and look to where his gaze takes him. In the distance there is a mage kneeling on the ground. Blood spilling from their mouth.


    ¡°Rhode!¡±


    The priest yelled. ¡­Everyone seems to be quite short with their words in this dream. Or maybe the tension is too high. But, the mage is alive isn¡¯t he? Hmm¡­why is he bleeding though. Did he use too much mp? In some games when you use too much magic or energy it starts to consume your health. But that would be too pathetic. For a mage to die of overuse of mp. Isn¡¯t it a basic skill to monitor it. Or have backup mp potions in case of emergency.


    While thinking such things, a goblin appeared out of nowhere. How do I say, as if a magic spell caused it to be invisible, it suddenly appeared right behind the human called Rhode. Unlike the goblin that is still on fire, this one doesn¡¯t seem as stupid, as it carries a more serious expression on its face. I think if I were a female goblin I¡¯d find it manly, goblin-style. I wonder if I¡¯ll ever become serious in these types of situations.


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    In any case, the manly goblin proceeded to slash at Rhode with its scimitar. Time seemed to slow down. Each hit looked like it went in deep. Yet despite how slow time seemed to go, it all happened in an instant as Mr.Priest didn¡¯t have time to heal. A priest who can¡¯t even heal, that¡¯s really the epitome of uselessness. I didn¡¯t think it was possible, but my impression of Mr.Priest has fallen yet again.


    But now what. It¡¯s not like the goblin is gone now that Rhode is dead. It¡¯s going to go after the children right? Or so I think, but then I see some guards coming this way in the distance. And the woman from earlier seems to be amongst them. I hope they make it in time.


    ¡­but this goblin really is smarter than the last one after all. Seeing the reinforcements coming, it takes out a horn to call its own reinforcements! Good equipment really gives one an advantage. Disappearing magic, and a signal horn. Too good for a mere goblin if you ask me! But then again, I don¡¯t really know anything about this world at all.


    The goblin was faster. It blew the horn. The sound alone reminded me of the holiday where they blow the shofar. The scene begged to differ. Despite my fears, it seems only one goblin came out of a house in response to the call. I thought there were 30-50 goblins according to Mr.Priest¡­was he wrong again¡­? No¡­I think the woman and the guards must have defeated them so far. I also wonder what happened to the two goblins that were up on the main path as well. Shouldn¡¯t they have arrived from the call? Maybe the 4 guards from the church found them.


    No matter, their disappearance is a good thing. The manly goblin seems nervous now. I guess he¡¯s not so manly after all. I bet he didn¡¯t expect that the entire goblin force would be wiped out! While in his panicked state, his movements become rushed and sloppy. Even I without much knowledge about battle skills can tell.


    The guards seem to be sufficient enough to take care of the two goblins, even without the help of the young woman. After they¡¯ve defeated the two goblins, rather than a cheer for victory, the guards look exhausted and seem to be sighing in relief. If I had to guess their thoughts, it¡¯d be something like ¡°thank goodness it¡¯s over¡±, or ¡°I¡¯m so glad I didn¡¯t die.¡± Looks like they had a rough time by the condition they are in.


    As for the young woman, she just stared with a blank expression at Rhode. Were they lovers? It¡¯s hard to tell. But I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen such a pained expression before. Is this pity¡­or maybe empathy?¡­I haven¡¯t had anyone close to me die before¡­but¡­there was that one time when¡­


    As I start to think about something that I don¡¯t want to think about my vision becomes blurry and I seem to lose consciousness falling into a deep sleep¡­or maybe waking up¡­

 The Story || Chapter 4 || Reality

    I seem to now be in that half awake half asleep state. Despite how much I wanted to wake up earlier, the covers feel so comfy that I want to continue to sleep. While I think such, I hear voices whispering. There¡¯s also a slight buzzing sound in my ear¡­.a fly? A Bug?!


    The thought of such a disgusting thing wakes me up. My gaze is a bit hazy as I see the ceiling in front of me. The covers feel a bit itchy now that I¡¯m awake. When did I even drag myself to my bed anyways.


    I nudge my ear with my shoulder, and the buzzing stops. But as I do that, I hear an alarmed female voice ¡°He¡¯s awake!¡± ring in my ear. The hell. I¡¯m shocked because there was a female voice¡­and the only people living at home at the moment are my brother and I.


    I have the personality type to be calm in pretty much any situation just like in my dream. But there is one exception, well two. One is being surprised at something that shouldn¡¯t be there. The other is¡­bugs. But I guess you might know that by now.


    In my jarred state I quickly sat up. But arghhh, it hurts. What is this pain in my back. Shit. Back pain is the worst of the worst. If there is one thing I want to avoid, that is back problems!


    During high school, my parents decided to renovate our apartment. While the apartment was being renovated we stayed in a smaller make-shift place where weren¡¯t enough beds, and I slept on a cheap blowup mattress. We didn¡¯t expect to be staying in that type of environment for too long, so it shouldn¡¯t have been a problem, but of course, like all renovations, this one took a lot longer than anticipated. The horrid blowup mattress ended up taking out my back, resulting in my having to go to back therapy for months to recover.


    But holy shit, this hurts more than any back pain I¡¯ve ever had in the past. Like someone gouged out my back.


    Ugh. With no energy in me, I flop back down on the bed. I am now lying on my back with my head resting slightly higher on a pillow so I see forward rather than towards the ceiling.


    Looking clearly ahead, I see the woman from my dream. Okay, this is weird. Very weird. Standing next to her is the priest. I¡¯m okay with the woman, sort of, but why is that incompetent priest here.


    ¡°How is it?¡± the woman asks nervously while looking towards the priest.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± he says, while having a calm smile on his face.


    Please stop smiling Mr.priest. It makes me think you are up to no good. ¡­Of course I¡¯m right. He reaches his hand out and shines a small light beam in each of my eyes without warning. This freaking priest. How many times is he going to blind me!! So I say in my head¡­but I do know that he¡¯s just checking if my pupils contract with the light. Glad all those years of anime taught me something. Not like college did much.


    But more seriously, I think I''m taking the situation well by not panicking. Maybe reading all those stories about people transported to other worlds prepared me for this...no, I guess I''m just a calm type of person in the end. It doesn''t matter how many stories you read in the end; nothing like that can prepare you for something like this.


    Mr.Priest then placed his hand on my neck and checked my pulse. I know he¡¯s just being doctor, but I still can¡¯t shake off a creepy feeling. He continued to check my temperature and breathing.


    In a way, I¡¯m glad that I seem to be passing the tests. I don¡¯t know what I would do if he checked my eyes and then said something like ¡°Your left eye doesn¡¯t seem to be working.¡± As someone who has had a concussion before, that¡¯s one of the scariest lines you can hear. It ended up fixing itself¡­but I can¡¯t begin to imagine what being disabled is like¡­more so, isn¡¯t it usually the disabled person who gets sent to another world to live without the disability. Not the other way around.


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    Also, although it hasn''t been long since I woke up, I feel this state I''m in is...well... real. Maybe because it''s a first-person view now? No...not just that, it''s the feeling of each breath I take. What I sense with touch and sight. I''d like to think more about it, but I don''t have the luxury.


    ¡°Everything seems good. But to be sure, How many fingers am I holding up?¡± Mr.Priest said while raising three fingers up.


    ¡°Three¡± I replied.


    Though I almost choked on nothing after I said that. Wait. My voice is not only not mine, it sounds like a guy¡¯s?! Although I seem calm on the outside, now I truly am freaking out on the inside, and am in a daze. The woman¡¯s frantic words that startled me earlier start to register. Although the ''in a new world'' thing felt okay, to be a guy...that''s truly a shock. And then, while completely out of sorts came the surprise attack.


    ¡°And do you remember your name?¡± He asked.


    Boom, what a question! What should I do. Should I give my real name? A fake name? Or¡­? Breathe. I can do this. I told myself while feeling my heart beat faster. I had already figured out what my name should be. It wasn¡¯t all that hard really. There was only one person I could be in a situation like this, surrounded by these two people, with a voice like this. But should I give the name of who I am, the one of who I really am, or lie completely.


    To stall for time I nod my head, but quickly regret it as I feel pain radiating down my neck due to the back injury. ...Ugh...That was a poor strategy in hindsight. Although my tolerance for pain is quite decent, I''d rather not be in pain. Now in pain, and really with no time to spare, I went with the safest option of the three.


    ¡°Road¡± I replied.


    I think I said it with a slightly different accent than they had been using, but it seems to have been conveyed correctly. I can always say who I really am later. But I think I have only one chance to maintain this pre-existing identity of the mage who kicked the bucket during the goblin raid. In a way, I¡¯m happy that Rhode was in such a perilous situation. It was only because of hearing his name repeatedly so many times that I was able to remember it. It seems like I¡¯m safe for now I thought while sighing in my head. I¡¯m really glad I have this talent of appearing calm on the outside even when frazzled inside.


    The priests eyes seemed to smile as well now as he continued, ¡°And do you remember who I am?¡±


    Ahhhhhhhhh. I thought I was safe, but then he threw another curveball. I¡¯ve just been calling him Mr.Priest this entire time. But no, I¡¯ve heard his name before... what was it. Should I just take the stance of having memory loss? I remembered my own name so they should still think it¡¯s me. No matter what I do, I can¡¯t seem to remember his name.

 The Story || Chapter 5 || Stubborn

    ¡°Isaac¡±


    I say the priest¡¯s name as if I¡¯ve known him for a long time. Though that is the case, I¡¯m confused. I clearly couldn¡¯t remember his name a second ago. Really, I don¡¯t think I have ever remembered the names of characters in novels I have read. I guess people really can go beyond their limits in pressure situations! Maybe I¡¯ll jump 6 qi levels in one go next time and become the ultimate member of the F5 sect.


    ¡­


    But honestly, What is going on? In an attempt to figure it out, I try to remember other things from my life. My childhood, general knowledge, events from when I got transported to this world.


    All I can say is that I am shocked. I don¡¯t know why, but my memory is good, that is, too good. but this is only the case for events that happened in this world. For memories from earth, I remember them just as well as when I first arrived, but no more than that. It¡¯s as if they are preserved from the time I opened my eyes while in that ghostlike body. For memories of this world, not to the extent of photographic memory, but I can remember even the smallest details that I barely noticed at the time.


    For someone like me who has always had such poor memory, this is truly a gift. Back on well¡­Earth¡­I could barely remember what I had for lunch the day before. Now I won¡¯t have to worry about the case where my memories of my previous world disappear as I stay longer in the new world. I once watched an anime about memories of the old world disappearing the longer you stayed¡­how scary that would have been.


    Hmm¡­I start to wonder¡­ Is superb memory something intrinsic to this world, or perhaps this body?


    Regardless, I really lucked out this time. The priest seemed a lot happier after my reply. The young woman¡¯s eyes seem to have more life in them as well. I don¡¯t know why, but the priest being happy kind of ticked me off. This priest is surely trying to kill me inside and out. If only he¡¯d do his one job of healing with magic.


    And lastly¡­¡± the Priest continued.


    Please spare me, I thought.


    ¡°Do you remember her name?¡± he said, as he gestured to the young woman.


    This shitty priest. I swear. Is this all on purpose. Is he trying to torture me. I know I¡¯ve never heard this woman¡¯s name before, so there is definitely no way I can answer.


    Somehow my expression matched my thoughts as I seemed slightly panicked by his question. But before I lost all composure completely, the young woman intervened.


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    She glared at Mr.Priest while saying ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough Isaac? Rhode¡¯s obviously exhausted. He remembers you, so of course he remembers me¡±


    ¡°Now, now. No need to get upset Evan.¡±


    The woman seemed to get mad at the mention of her name. Evan is from what I know a guy¡¯s name¡­or perhaps it is used for girls here. Not that I care either way. From what I can tell though, this Priest likes messing with people. Why even choose the Priest class at all is a wonder to me.


    The woman had enough sense to not reply back. Sometimes ignoring is the best solution of them all.


    ¡°More seriously now. Rhode, you did well. The children that were with Isaac are alive. You can see them after you have recovered more. But next time, please watch out for your life.¡±


    She paused.


    ¡°The goblins have all been wiped out. We plan to use the money gotten from the goblins¡¯ belongings to restore the town. Due to the lack of casualties, and the joint misfortune the villagers faced, they all seem motivated to rebuild everything together again. Since this is the case, we are going to stay here longer than originally planned.¡±


    So she said. But it seems that the main reason of staying longer is to give me time to heal. Not that I¡¯ll complain. I do wonder our relation though.


    ¡°Take this time to rest. Isaac will bring you food each day till you are well enough to move about. I have other matters to attend to so I won¡¯t be able to stay during the day. I will be back later tonight.¡± Evan said.


    Looks like she pushed the duty of bringing food to me onto Isaac. Perhaps revenge from earlier. I guess I shouldn¡¯t call her by name from now on. I wonder what Rhode used to call her¡­


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Isaac replied.


    Geh. Looks like he seemed unfazed by her remark. I wish he would fret a bit. Though I guess I have seen that already haven¡¯t I¡­when Rhode died.


    After looking over at me again, Evan seemed satisfied enough, and got up and left. That is¡­abandoning me to be alone with Isaac. Ah this is so difficult. I¡¯m not good with dealing with people over 10 years older than me, let alone a guy. I am a girl after all. Yes, no matter what I look like. No matter what parts I may or may not have, I am a girl. It¡¯s in times like this when I am glad that I can be stubborn.

 The Story || Chapter 6 || The Sound Of Silence

    ¡° ¡°¡­¡± ¡°


    Time seems to be passing and neither of us are saying anything. Silence is so mysterious. Depending on who you are with, it can be either comforting or crazily uncomfortable. Unfortunately this falls into the latter. Not knowing what to do I pretend to go to sleep.


    Ahh, seriously, what am I doing. Isn¡¯t this the time where I am supposed to ask questions to gain information. Really, lack of information is going to be my downfall. But no matter how I try to convince myself to do the right thing, I really don¡¯t want to deal with that type of stress right now. I¡¯m not a hero. I¡¯m not invincible.


    While trying to rest my mind, I finally hear footsteps heading out of this room. Slightly opening my eyes I look around and see Isaac is gone. I let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡­


    It was suffocating.


    Now that I have the room to myself I have time to think. Looking around the room there isn¡¯t much. To my right is a window, I can see outside but it¡¯s just trees. This place must be isolated from the rest of the town. To my left, leaning against the wall is a staff and a robe hanging on a hook. If that isn¡¯t mage attire, I don¡¯t know what is. Rhode really was a mage, wasn¡¯t he. ¡­A world with magic¡­if nothing else comes out of this situation, at least I can have the experience of using magic. Maybe I¡¯ll even learn how to fly.


    There is also a satchel resting atop a dresser. I am curious to look inside¡­but I can¡¯t get up and look due to my injuries. What to do¡­


    With my now excellent memory I replay the last day inside my head to try and find any clues, but I¡¯m having a hard time organizing all of the information. Just because I can remember information doesn¡¯t mean I can connect all the dots together in my head. I want to ask Isaac for paper and a pen so I can organize everything¡­but of course I had just driven him out of the room. Why do things keep backfiring so quickly! It must be because it¡¯s Isaac. Nothing seems to go right with Isaa ¡ª ah that¡¯s bad. I shouldn¡¯t assume traits of people that quickly.


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    Seriously¡­what am I doing¡­I don¡¯t know these people. I don¡¯t know this world. Right now the information I know of this world and how I got here is minimal at best. It¡¯s uncomfortable knowing nothing. Ah, I want to go back. I feel trapped. I want to go back home¡­I miss my brother. My parents. My family. My friends. It¡¯s hard to hold back the tears that seem to involuntarily appear on my face. Or really Rhode¡¯s face. Although I said my name is Rhode, I don¡¯t actually believe that. My name is Gabrielle. Just a 22 year old girl.


    *sniff* I¡¯ve always been quick to cry, even when I¡¯m not sad. But this time, I really think I am in trouble. Will I forgive myself for staying like this for today. That is, doing nothing. I can¡¯t help what I can¡¯t help. Somehow my own words make me cry even more.


    Although when I woke up on this bed it was morning, it is now evening. How do I know? No not because I¡¯m a magician. Not because of my watch. Rhode doesn¡¯t have a watch. I just gazed out the window. As simple as that.


    *knock knock*


    Before I can reply, the door opens. Looks like it was a rhetoric knock. Thinking such seems to have slightly rekindled my spirit.


    For the first time since I came to this world¡­this non-dream world¡­I was glad to see Isaac.


    He brought a hot bowl of chicken rice soup. Since sitting up is still difficult, he fed it to me. What patience.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said softly.


    Seeing my reddened eyes and tired face got to him I think. He just slightly nodded. After finishing two thirds of the soup I felt full, so he stopped there. I really felt full after eating half, but he pushed me to eat more. Even I know that one should eat even if feeling unwell, so I didn¡¯t mind.


    I had something I wanted to ask him, didn¡¯t I? I did¡­but for some reason, I feel so relaxed that I¡¯m drifting off to sleep. This must be the good silence¡­right¡­

 The Story || Chapter 7 || Side Stories I

    Note: This chapter has multiple Point Of Views.


    =======


    Isaac''s POV:


    I''ve never seen Rhode like this before. Usually he''s so expressionless. I couldn''t help but pick on him a bit. It''s actually kind of fun. Yesterday, he even asked me for a mirror. I joked if he forgot what he looked like, and he got panicked instead. I''ve heard someone once say that people can change after experiencing a near-death experience, but this is really too much.


    "Should I tell you a bed time story today?"


    I asked as if he were 5. And *laughs* he glared at me for a whole 10 seconds straight. Not only that, he then went and said,


    "...not a ''bedtime story'', but a story would be nice..."


    To that Rhode who has his so called "mage''s pride" to actually say that. Of course I had to live up to expectations. Yes! I told the most bullshit stories I could think of. Exaggerating monsters, kingdoms, and more. The funniest part was that he was listening seriously the whole way. He even asked a question about where to obtain an instant communication device. As if such a thing exists.


    I can''t tell if he has lost his brain in this event or if he''s just humoring me, but either is good with me! He always had a few screws loose as it was.


    And like this I began to tell Rhode bedtime stories every night.


    ======================================


    My POV:


    I feel like I have gained more of an understanding of this world these past few days. That, and I feel closer to Isaac too.


    Earlier I had asked Isaac to pass over Rhode¡¯s robe that was hanging as well as the staff and satchel. I later looked inside the bag and found a few books in his possession. I thought I might get lucky and one might be a journal, but there was no such thing. There were two history books, a book on the application of magic, and a few notebooks, some filled some empty. One of the notebooks was a thin black notebook. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that it wasn¡¯t a death note. Part of me still wants to think of this as a dream.


    I took a look at the history books, but they were too advanced for someone with literally no knowledge on history of this world. I thought I struck luck originally with the magic book¡­but it wasn¡¯t a ¡®magic book¡¯ but rather a book on the application of magic. That is to say, it did not explain about magic at all. I wasn¡¯t sure how to use the staff, and there wasn¡¯t anything special about the robe.


    The only thing fruitful was a pen and paper in the end I guess. Which was nice since that meant I didn¡¯t have to ask Isaac for a favor. Though I did ask Isaac for a mirror to see what I look like now. Sometimes I think he can read my mind, as he even asked me if I forgot what I look like. Or am I that obvious? *Sweat*


    Anyway, to my surprise I¡¯m pretty cute. Not that guys want to be called cute, but for me it¡¯s kind of a relief. I don¡¯t know what I would do if I were 6¡¯7¡± tall and had bulging muscles everywhere. There¡¯s being a guy, and there¡¯s being a macho man.


    Right! I also finally started learning about this world. The other day Isaac made some condescending comment about telling me a bedtime story as if I were two. As someone who always looked younger than my age on Earth it kind of pissed me off. But then I thought of the genius idea of learning about this world through stories.


    He looked a bit surprised at my proposal, even though he¡¯s the one who offered to tell stories first...seriously this man. Regardless, it seems he took the bait, and every night he¡¯s been telling me more about this world.


    I have to say, so far I am quite surprised. This world is more technologically advanced than I had imagined based on how medieval the town looked. They even have a communication device akin to cell phones. What I would do to have a smart phone in this world. I¡¯d ramble more about all the impressive things of this world, but that would take too long. But to give a sense of how crazy this world is, I¡¯ll just let you know there are winged-mermaid hybrid animals in this world that can create rainfall that heals wounds. I knew you¡¯d be surprised. Right?


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    Needless to say, I feel more comfortable with Isaac around now. I wonder if it¡¯s because he¡¯s winning me over with delicious chicken rice soup? Although I¡¯m in another world, I don¡¯t feel so alone now. Thinking such gives me hope.


    Other than that, all I can think of is that I still haven''t seen Evan around. Wonder if she''s avoiding me after all.


    ======================================


    Evan POV:


    The reconstruction of the town is going well. I''ve been helping out the town head by managing all of the reconstruction efforts. Managing is what I have been trained at school to do, so the town head was quite thankful for the extra pair of qualified hands.


    It is still a lot of work so I am busy throughout the day, but when it reaches late at night I go and check on Rhode. He seems to be asleep every time. ...I''m glad...I was worried he wouldn''t be able to sleep. Although I say that, I know that I don¡¯t really know how to face him right now. When I thought he was gone forever, all I could think of were feeling of regret and guilt. ¡°It was my fault.¡± That type of thinking has consumed me. To get away from such thoughts I think I¡¯ve been pushing myself to working longer and harder at my job of managing the reconstruction of the town. I know it¡¯s bad, but I can¡¯t think otherwise.


    If I escorted Isaac back to the church with the kids it wouldn¡¯t have ended this way. If I had stopped Rhode from heading back first it wouldn¡¯t have ended this way. If I had noticed the goblin that attacked Rhode it wouldn¡¯t have ended this way. Unless I distract myself, I keep thinking of more and more¡­


    Again, with these feelings of guilt still residing inside of me I don''t know how to face Rhode now. But one thing is for sure, I''ll surely protect him from now on.


    ======================================


    Town''s Head Cook POV:


    I''ve been tasked with managing all of the cooking while we rebuild the town. While the goblins left so much destruction, there is one positive thing they left. That is, goblin meat!


    Today''s special is goblin and rice soup. Rice is a common staple of some villages in the area. And with this much goblin meat, we should be fine for quite a while.


    Isaac''s come again. He''s been getting and delivering food to the Mage boy who helped protect the town. The goblin that died from his fire spell got pre-cooked, so he saved us cooks the effort of roasting it ourselves. As a little extra service I put a bit of extra goblin meat in his serving.


    That young woman in charge of management...I don''t think I caught her name?... surely won''t notice a little extra food disappearing. Although that woman surely has a sharp eye. I definitely won''t become like the carpenter who got chewed out for taking one extra piece of wood for his own house. I think he has been working doubly as hard as an apology since.


    As Isaac takes the food away he puts on a bright smile. I can''t help but sigh as I put a hand on my cheek. "If only I were 10 years younger." or something like that.


    As he walks away I can see him fusing spirit energy into the soup. He really dotes on that kid, doesn''t he. ¡°Where will I find such a man¡± I think while completely ignoring the fact that I have a husband.

 The Story || Chapter 8 || Side Stories II

    Note: This chapter has multiple Point Of Views.


    These events pertain to the goblin raid that happened in Chapter 2.


    Edit: Added cook''s POV to the previous chapter (in case you missed it)


    =======


    Rachel''s POV:


    Who am I you ask? That''s a bit cruel isn''t it. I''ve been here all along! Mou. Yes it is I, the great knight who will protect all that is justice and destroy all that is evil.


    During the goblin raid, I went to protect the church and all the bishonen...I mean townspeople from the dastardly goblins. Yes, I am the (self proclaimed) hero who single handedly protected the town from (38) 10,000 goblins. "Tales of my heroism will spread far" So I say, taking a victory pose while looking in the direction of the sunset.


    After clearing out the stray goblins around the church I went towards the main town area to find Rhode. As I was doing so, the other guards were reaching out and asking me to stay. I''m too popular. Hm~


    No, no, they weren''t trying to warn me of the two goblins on the path behind me. Not at all. That can''t be, after all there are only two dead goblins there. Now~ off to find my precious Rhode!


    Or so was the plan, but trouble! Rhode got injured. It''s safe though. His face didn''t get injured. Don''t judge!! Guuuuh. The face is the most important part. That expressionless face. It''s so cute. I can''t help but scream "Kya kya" inside.


    I think I might have gotten a bit overexcited, as Evan tasked me with going and finding a healer from another town.


    Our current group consists of:


    Name (Age) - Class - Specialty


    Evan (21 years old) - Swordsman - Specialty Sword


    Isaac (30 years old) - Sprit Mage - Specialty Controlling Spirits


    Rhode (18 years old) - Mage - Specialty Fire Magic


    Rachel (24 years old) - Knight - Specialty Spear


    There is no healer in the town either, so we need a healer.


    But secretly I think Evan¡¯s just jealous and wants alone time with Rhode. Isaac too. They all want to steal my Rhode!


    ======================================


    Rhode''s POV:


    Goblins...if this were the past, I''d think something along the lines of ''what a pain'', but I am not such a person anymore. The first thought in my head was "protect." Protect the town''s people.


    With the help of the guards, we seem to be able to handle a majority of the goblins, while the townspeople evacuate to the seal-protected church. Rachel is protecting them too. That woman...it''s crazy how much power she has.


    The town''s guards create a semi-circle around me while fighting the goblins one on one. I use fire magic to create fire bullets, weakening each of their respective targets. I refrain from using large area attack spells as I don''t want to scare goblins away towards the church. It''s better to give the goblins a false sense of security while slowly diminishing their forces.


    While we were defending against the goblins, Evan arrived in time to help. With her here, we should finish this quickly now. But for some reason I''m feeling uneasy.


    As we get down to the last of the goblins, I can''t seem to shake this feeling away and decide to head back towards the church first. I don''t think I''ve ever made a decision on pure emotion before. How I''ve changed...


    While on my way towards the church I see a goblin about to attack a girl. My body reflexively chants a fast fire spell and burns the goblin alive.


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    "I just saved that girl." Before I could think such a thought I feel a large goblin hacking at my back. ...is this the end? ...


    Although some might find no meaning in dying in such a small town, I feel fulfillment. The first time I act based on emotion leads to my death, but as I see that girl still alive, I can''t help but smile. ...when was the last time I smiled...as my spirit rises out of my body all of the sudden I feel a force like a vortex, that I can''t escape from, pull me in. I look towards the source and it seems to be the girl I just saved? No...a pendant in her hand. With no way to resist my spirit gets trapped inside the pendant.


    After a long time of trying to get out to no avail, I try to speak. I don''t like to talk much so all I say "hello." There is no response.


    ======================================


    Town¡¯s girl POV:


    My name is Eve! I turned 7 years old this year. My brother Joseph keeps telling me I¡¯m a kid since he¡¯s two years older than me, but hmph, 7 is no longer a kid. Or at least that¡¯s what I thought till now.


    I¡¯m scared. Brother and I were playing hide and seek. I don¡¯t know when but goblins came. Brother found me, but now we¡¯re trapped underneath a plank next to the tavern.


    I can see the feet of goblins walking by. My body shivers as I cling closer to brother. All I can do is wait. At this time I¡¯m no adult. I wish I were an adult. Brother reassures me that we will be okay, but I can feel him shaking too. I start to cry.


    It¡¯s at this time an angel comes. An adult who has an aura of light around him finds us and tells us it will be okay; that he is going to safely bring us to the church where are guardian is. He gently wipes my tears away. Mother in heaven must have led him here. I take the pendant that mother left me out of my pocket and squeeze it hard in my hand.


    We follow the angel, and he wards away goblins with the light he radiates. Is he an angel or perhaps a god?


    Along the way we found a picture of a goblin drawn in the ground. Is that what goblins look like? If so, they don¡¯t seem so scary. With one hand holding mother¡¯s pendant and my other hand holding the angel¡¯s hand I feel more relaxed. I can¡¯t help but let out a small giggle.


    I follow the angel and walk towards a path. I finally feel the tension going away, and as my hand relaxes I drop mother¡¯s pendent. It took me a few seconds to realize. But I must get it back. Mother. I don¡¯t want to lose mother. I turn around and go pick it up, but when I lift my head up, there¡¯s a goblin there. Only a foot in front of my face, the goblin seems 100 times scarier than aunt Milly when I don¡¯t clean my room. I think I peepeed.


    But the goblin is no longer there. A Mage made it go poof in flames! A hero! A hero saved me. I look towards my hero, but a goblin attacks him; tears are all over my face. Everything is getting so blurry. I don''t know what happened next but before I realized all the goblins are gone. My angel went over to my hero, and used spirit magic to bring his soul back to life. To use spirit magic, my angel must be a god.


    I hold mother''s pendent close to me, but when I look, it is no longer white but a soft pale blue just like the sky. As I lift my pendant towards the sky I think of mother who is in the sky.


    Later that night I went to sleep clinging to the pendant while thinking about mother. While half asleep I heard a male voice radiate from the pendant and say "hello." Mother''s pendant which is the color of the sky that she looks down from, this must be a guardian angel. A god, a hero, and a guardian angel all in one day. "Mother is surely looking after me and brother." I vaguely think while I dose off to sleep.

 The Story || Chapter 9 || Explaining The Unexplainable

    It''s been four days now since being in this world. How do I say...it''s miserable. There are no conveniences here. I''m bed-ridden. And I have been on guard regarding who I am. Given how much I''ve slept, it''s amazing how tired I am.


    Also, it''s about time I stop being paranoid. After thinking things over these past few days I''ve decided to go with the strategy of saying I''ve lost my memory. After all, I still know practically nothing. I fear that if I continue as is, my ignorance will lead to my death. I don''t think there is anything wrong with being cautious but I believe there are more benefits towards going this route, like being able to ask stupid questions about this world. I''m of course also using my gut feeling here. The more I think about it, the more eager I become to confess my ignorance and learn more about this world.


    "Isaac!" (me)


    "Full of energy today are you?" (Isaac)


    "Actually, that is! Um." I pause, moving my gaze upwards for a second while I collect my thoughts.


    " I didn''t know how to say it before......butttttt I kind of lost my memory." (me)


    It sounded so stupid that I couldn''t help but smile. Thank god I never went into acting.


    "What''s with that? I don''t think I''ve ever seen someone be so happy about losing their memory before." (Isaac)


    Isaac chuckled a bit while taking what I said as a joke.


    "No..." (me)


    "I''m serious. Actually I don''t remember more than the past four days." I continued bitterly.


    "But you seemed fine so far..." (Isaac)


    ...Isaac seemed in denial, so I continued.


    "No...actually, you know that memory test. I could only remember your name." (me)


    Isaac thought back to how he half-assed the memory test since Rhode could remember names. ...only remember our names... This must be a joke he thought.


    "..." (Isaac)


    "It''s a bit hard to say it, but it has been quite scary not knowing anything, so I didn''t say it right away...actually rather than talking about this more... I was hoping you could help me learn what I have forgotten." (me)


    I tried to change the subject while moving ahead to my goal of learning about this world. I''ve been thinking about this for four whole days.


    Isaac gave a deep sigh. I think he was pitying me a bit right now, which I didn''t mind. I think I''m even pitying myself at this point.


    "I was truly hoping this this wouldn''t be the case" (Isaac)


    Isaac slowly sat down on the wooden chair next to my bed and sighed once again.


    Oi oi, with all your sighing here and there, you''re starting to make even me feel bad.


    Isaac opened his mouth and looked like he was about to talk but then paused, closed his mouth then sighed again.


    "..." (me)


    ¡°Sigh, as you know, I am a Spirit Mage, and-" (Isaac)


    "A what?" (me)


    "..even that huh.." Isaac mumbled to himself while averting his eyes.


    "..." (me)


    "I guess I''ll start from here." (Isaac)


    "There are three basic abilities in the world: physical abilities, magical abilities, and spiritual abilities."


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    "Physical abilities strengthen the limits of the body, such as enhancing speed and strength. They are the most common, and almost anyone can use them."


    "Magical abilities use the power of the mind to manipulate elements of the world. Few people can use magical abilities."


    "Lastly there are spiritual abilities which control spiritual power, people and the souls of the earth. Barely anyone can use spiritual abilities." (Isaac)


    I don''t really understand the intricacies of the three groups, but I''m sure I''ll be able to ask at a later date so I hold back on my questions.


    "And it so happens that I have that very rare spiritual ability." (Isaac)


    He''s really stressing the rare part...


    "Through hard work and training I have honed my spiritual ability all on my own." Isaac said triumphantly while nodding his head as if he was trying to sell a product on tv. I''m just waiting to hear ''but wait! There''s more, for two installments of $9.99 you get your own spiritual companion pet.'' Or something like that.


    "But without a teacher there was only so much I could learn. In truth, with how rare the spiritual ability is, I haven''t been able to find a teacher who can teach me. That is to say..."


    "When you got attacked by the goblin four days ago your spirit was separating from your body due to the shock and pain, but your body was still in a manageable state, in one piece, so I used spirit magic to forcefully drag your spirit back into your body." (Isaac)


    ...I feel like he just said something really outrageous. So not being able to move but in ''one piece'' is a manageable state. What did he expect, for this body to be chopped up like sliced meat?! And forcing a spirit into a body; although I know nothing about this world, that just screams taboo.


    "But like I said, spiritual abilities are very rare, and I have no teacher...so something may have gone wrong in the process, causing some...changes...to your soul." Isaac said while shifting his eyes left and right.


    "..." (me)


    "Well! It''s probably nothing too much to worry about. You might start to remember things over time as you heal as well." Isaac said jollily while patting my shoulder, as if telling me not to mind anything.


    But seriously?! This idiot. Rather than losing a part of a soul, he ended up getting a whole different soul in this body! Mine. Or did I perhaps lose part of myself in the process too?! I''m scared to think further than that. More so, that long winded explanation was just to pin the blame on his not having a teacher in the end. I''m the one who needs a teacher!! Did he even mean to teach me anything? How is spiritual magic a basic ability in this world if no one can use it. Ahh, at this point, forget it.


    The more I think about it, this guy is probably a complete beginner at spirit magic and got lucky that he didn''t end up tearing my soul apart. Yet was cocky enough in his own ability to end up fudging part of the medical exam. Stay strong me!

 The Story || Chapter 10 || To Become Not Useless

    It''s been one week since I''ve been in this village now. In this world as well of course. In hindsight, Isaac¡¯s screwup is a lifeline of mine. It¡¯s like all my worries are now someone else¡¯s problems. Additionally, a healer was finally brought to the village yesterday. For someone of the 21st century I am too accustomed to not having to wait. Although I guess I got my wish since the entire healing process took no more than five minutes. It truly reminded me that I am in a world of magic. I also think now that I might have been permanently paralyzed if not for magic since science in this world seems not to have advanced as far as modern day sadly. I shutter at the thought.


    Healing is best power. Truly, how nice...I wish to be able to use healing magic.


    Since Rhode is a Mage too, after all, I decided to inquire the healer about it. Turns out what magic one can use depends on their soul''s compatibility with the elemental spirits. I would list all of the elements but there are over 200 types, or so it seems. Rhode could use fire magic and perhaps other magics? But for me who has a different soul, this meant I may not be able to use magic at all...


    Thinking such thoughts I had asked if a soul''s compatibility could change, and if so, what would happen?


    Due to the healer already knowing that I lost my memory, I think they were already expecting this question, as they preemptively told me not to worry.


    To the first point, the answer was yes, one''s compatibility can change depending on their personality and life experiences. Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, a common troupe of this is someone who embarks on the path of revenge.I don¡¯t think the healer comparing me to someone thirsting for revenge is very reassuring though.


    Concerning the answer to the second part of my question: For magic in this world, those who have ability, aka have talent, are born with clear mana streams within their body. Over time, their soul will subconsciously attract compatible elemental particles to reside in the body¡¯s mana streams. A mage can then manipulate their mana streams to harness the power of the elemental particles that reside inside them.


    The good news is that once elemental particles have accumulated in one''s mana streams, they do not leave. So it seems that as long as I canmanipulate my mana streams, I will be able to use magic to some extent. The bad part is that if my soul is not compatible with say fire, then I will not accumulate anymore fire particles and my fire ability will stagnate.


    But honestly, as my current goals are to not die and to return home, this is quite good news. Since it seems that I will (maybe?) be able to use magic, and thus I won¡¯t be useless and thrown away to the goblins to die..hopefully..


    Now you may be wondering why I have just been referring to this great healer without description. Especially when this healer is my savior, the one who has defied all logic by restoring me from my paralyzed state, enlightened me with knowledge on magic of this world, and has truly treated me with kindness. That is to say, my savior since entering into this world is only an eight year old girl!


    It¡¯s not that I am a particularly prideful person, but rather, there is too much of a gap between the image and reality. Okay, I lied. Maybe I am a bit prideful too. It indeed feels rough to be learning from an eight year old.


    A youthful high pitched voice definitively rings in my head with each sentence she speaks. Ah, you wonder why I say that in present tense? That is because I am currently in the middle of listening to her lecture about magic today. Yesterday, through her wonderful kindness (I may have fervently begged), she agreed to teach me magic principles for the next two days so I can ¡°recover¡± my (Rhode¡¯s) abilities, and well, at least not die while traveling.


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    I would call myself lucky for being able to get a teacher for magic already, but she¡¯s leaving town in three days, and additionally, I think that anyone who gets transported to another world without a cheat-like ability is too unlucky. Where¡¯s my cheat ability! Of course if I think about cheat abilities, I can¡¯t but help address the elephant in the room. The fact that I understand the language here, both verbally and written. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know the answer to this mystery yet.


    ¡°Sigh, are you listening?¡± (Hannah)


    Her high pitched voice once again rings in my ears, jarring me from my daydreaming state. Not good, not good; if I don¡¯t work hard now, I¡¯ll end up as food for the goblins. And why does everyone seem to sigh now when they see me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I zoned out for a second, could you repeat that last part.¡± (me)


    ¡°Hah, it¡¯s alright.¡± (Hannah)


    ¡°While it is true like I said before that the soul will subconsciously accumulate compatible elemental particles in ones mana streams, there are ways to further speed up the process consciously. The main two ways are through medicine and through meditation. The former is quick and effective but the downside is that the medicine is rare and expensive. Furthermore, it can have varying side effects, so it is generally for those who have status and don¡¯t want to work hard, living an easy life. The latter takes time and effort, but can pay off greatly if one is diligent for years.¡± (Hannah)


    Listening to her vocabulary, it¡¯s still hard to imagine her as just an eight year old. When I was eight years old, I don¡¯t think I could even spell the word ¡°because.¡± Because it was difficult. My terrible puns never seem to cease in my head.


    ¡°While I don¡¯t have a way to personally test your compatibility with various elements, I will teach you the way to meditate to further the accumulation of elemental particles in your mana streams. This way, if your soul has indeed shifted its compatibility, you will be quicker to catch up to a respectable level in the new elements that you are compatible with. And if not, it¡¯s still good since it will strengthen your current elements. This is what we will go over today.¡± (Hannah)


    Frankly, I am more interested in how to manipulate the mana I have inherited from Rhode, but supposedly that is what I am to learn tomorrow. This is just a guess, but I¡¯d think that since I¡¯m a soul from a different world, I probably have zero compatibility with any of the elements. I feel if I were in elementary school still, I¡¯d be aiming to control all of the elements, or something of that sort (got to catch them all!), but I¡¯m not so silly to think such. But ah, if there were a ¡®transporting worlds¡¯ type of element, that would be a really nice one to be compatible with. I hope most for that one if it exists.


    Thus I began my monk-like life meditating in the mountains to reach nirvana and achieve an ultimate piece of mind. Or really, at the moment I¡¯m just learning how to sit with my legs crossed like a pretzel. I really wish I could eat a pretzel right now. No seriously, I¡¯m craving one. As I was thinking such, my stomach seemed to respond by grumbling.


    ¡°¡±Ah¡±¡± (Hannah & me)


    ¡°Perhaps we should take a lunch break, eheh¡± Hannah said gigglingly, while looking like her age for once.


    ¡°Sorry. But yes, I would like that.¡± I replied apologetically while giving a smile back.

 The Story || Illustrations I || Characters

    I have not finished coloring, but decided to share some drawings of the character mockups I''ve done so far. The images are limited by my artistic ability of course. I hope to have the time to draw some scenes in the future, but sadly drawing takes up far much more time than writing.


    Hannah


    Rhode


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


    Evan


    Isaac

 The Story || Chapter 11 || Its Crumbling

    I move my hand along the wooden groves of the table. The two of us were now sitting up on benches facing each other at the medium sized wooden table in the room. Everything here seems to be made of wood from the floor to the benches and table, to the ceiling. A rustic cedar smell continuously permeates throughout this three roomed cabin where I have been staying for the past week.


    Right when I got healed I wanted to jump off into the world, but lying in bed for a whole week straight made me a bit weak, so I am to not leave this cabin-area for another day to get readjusted. I personally think that having fresh air would help more than hurt, but I don''t care enough to argue over such a minor issue.


    The rooms are as follows: the bedroom, dining room/living room/welcoming area, and kitchen. As someone who has stayed in the wonders of a college dorm room for the past four years, the size seemed more than enough for me.


    Although we moved over to eat, it was just from the floor of the living/dining area to the table. Lunch for today is a hard baguette-like bread, sliced meat, and cheese. It makes me think of picnics and hiking food, as it is easy to transport. Again, I don''t pry into where the food originated from, and am thankful that I am being fed any food at all. But as it was all brought over earlier today the ingredients are a bit warm and don''t have a cool crispness that would make them truly delicious.


    I sliced the bread apart with a knife to make mini open-faced sandwiches, placing the sliced cheese and meat upon each piece of bread. While I was doing this I noticed Hannah having trouble cutting with the knife.


    *Sli-CRUNCH*


    A similar sound kept replaying over and over as each slice would be making no progress in cutting the hard bread. Then by lifting all of her 8-year old body''s weight onto the knife, the bread would get crunched into the remains of just crumbs.


    Rather than the bread I was more worried that she would cut off all her fingers. Is it normal for an eight-year old to use such a large knife here? I didn''t think about it at first since Hannah has seemed so mature since the start, but aren''t I being a terrible adult here...


    I didn''t want to hurt her pride, but in the end it was too unbearable to watch. I slid her my plate of already prepared food, and tried to coerce her into handing the knife and bread (or what was left of it) over.


    "N-no, I cannot accept that. I can prepare my own food." (Hannah)


    She seems to be slightly out of breath from trying to cut the bread. ...was it such an arduous task? I again needed to remind myself that the one in front of my is only eight.


    "Please accept it. At the very least it can be from disciple to teacher. Wouldn''t such a thing be acceptable?" I said while putting on the best pleading face I could.


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    "Teacher? I am only helping you recover for two days as part of my duty as a healer. I have not accepted such a disciple!" Hannah said while pointing the knife in my direction subconsciously.


    ...or at least I hope subconsciously. I don''t particularly want a knife wielding child coming my way like some horror movie.


    "A teacher is one who teaches, no? A disciple is one that learns? There should be no fault with what I have said." (me)


    "T-that may be the case, but ...how could I have a disciple already at the age of 8." Hannah said grumblingly. The latter half bring barely audible.


    She started to waver, and then it seemed like she was able to gain back her composure after recovering her energy for minute and silently handed over the knife and bread.


    After slicing the remaining bread and preparing it to eat, we finally started to have our simple meal. Since the atmosphere still seemed a bit stiff from before, I decided to break the ice and talk.


    "To be honest, I was surprised Hannah can also act like that. With how knowledgable and sophisticated you have been so far these two days I was beginning to suspect that you are a reincarnated person who retained all their previous life''s memories or something of that sort!" I said while merrily chuckling a bit.


    Perhaps I am a bit of KY as well. (Aka person who can''t read the mood) Or just couldn''t resist making a comment like that, even so. Little did I know that such a small joke meant to would completely change the route and course of my life here in this world.


    Not hearing any reply I looked up from my plate over to Hannah but her eyes were wide and her mouth agape. The mini open-faced sandwich in her hand seemed to fall back onto the plate as well.


    ""..."" (Hannah & me)


    Such an obvious reaction, it can''t be right? Even if it were true, one would just not make any reply towards it to disguise their true feelings. I mean reincarnation of all things. Perhaps she''s trying to trick me in return for just before ruining her pride.


    Or so I thought but her expression ended up becoming increasingly sharp.


    "You..." (Hannah)


    "How did you have such an insight. Everyone just thinks of me as a genius...and geniuses are really a dime a dozen in this vast world, so there haven''t been any problems. But how could you have realized I am a reincarnated person from merely two days?" Hannah inquired while continuing to glare at me.


    I feel like this is the part where I am supposed to be super intimidated, but I can''t really feel so when it''s an eight year old trying with all her might to look ferocious. It''s like a baby lion trying to roar. No...perhaps closer to a baby kitten roaring. If only I could video search for baby kittens roaring right now.

 The Story || Chapter 12 || Its Crumbling Part 2

    In the end I should calm her down. At the very least I still need her to teach me magic, so I don''t get fed to the goblins. In my mind such a seed of reason has already been placed since long ago.


    But did I make a mistake here somehow?


    I was just joking, but to tell her that she spilled the beans herself, would that anger her even more? Well I don''t really have anything else to say and don''t have the time to think of anything else. I guess I''ll just explain.


    "No, that...I was just joking...but didn''t expect you to say all of that yourself." (me)


    Coming to some sort of realization that she reacted on just hearing the word reincarnation rather than listening to what I actually said, tears started to form at the edge of her eyes. But they did not fall.


    Seeing her reaction, I quickened my pace of talking and continued. Ah, this could not be going worse.


    "I''m sorry. I don''t actually care that much either way. If you would like, I can forget it all, so-" (me)


    "NO!" (Hannah)


    Eh? Now I''m really confused.


    While wiping the corners of her eyes, Hannah quickly and loudly continue.


    "It''s already too late that you heard it. But it seems you don''t have any bad intentions. After all, you''re an idiot who lost their memory."


    I feel like I heard something really cruel just now. Is that how I am perceived?


    "This whole time no one else has known. Do you know how hard it''s been to be a reincarnated person?! Will you listen to me?" (Hannah)


    Its not like I have a choice, so I nod my head that I will listen to her. There isn''t really a chance to talk at all either.


    "I was born with my mind well developed. I had to imitate what a baby does for almost the first whole year of my life! Do you know how humiliating that is?! Do you?!"


    Somehow her anger is being directed at me. I silently shake my head ''no.''


    "It was a whole year of saying only ''goo goo'' and ''ga ga''. Additionally my parents were incompetent. I had to watch them make mistake after mistake without being able to do anything. For sure, if the baby weren''t me, it would have died. Who leaves a kid unattended for a whole day at that age."


    I sip my water as I just listen. Somehow this is turning into a therapy session.


    And so, time seemed to pass by very quickly yet very slowly. Now it''s already evening. How many hours has it been? I zoned out many times in-between.


    I learned all the trials and tribulations a reincarnated person goes through, but I did not learn much about Hannah''s previous life at all so that is still a mystery.


    How I have learned so much yet so little. So this is the power of a person who vents.


    "You. You said you were my disciple, right?" (Hannah)


    "Yes." I replied tiredly with a slight nod of my head.


    "Not loud enough! I asked, ''Are you my disciple''?" Hannah repeated in a much louder voice that woke me up from my lulled ''listen silently'' state.


    "Yes!" I replied with vigor as I straightened my posture.


    "Good. Then let''s continue from this morning. The night is still young." Hannah said with a smile completely different from the one she originally wore when I first met her. It doesn''t suit her face.


    Regardless, how does she have so much energy? I''m exhausted now... but my need to learn magic propels me forward.


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    I have long since cleaned up lunch, so we move straight over to the other side of the living/dining/entryway area, to resume the practice from earlier. Ah, different scenery, yet exactly the same.


    I sit down on the floor once again in the pretzel-like manner that started this all. Now that I think about it, I ended up spending the whole day sitting despite being able to walk now. I silently cry inside.


    "Good. Now concentrate on your mana streams, like I mentioned this morning." (Hannah)


    I try to concentrate but I don''t really get it. After trying for about half a minute, I decided to ask.


    "Um, I don''t really know how...or is it supposed to take time to recognize where they are?" I said while looking up at her.


    "Hah? You can''t even do that. Truly, what a useless disciple. Even a three-year old is able to do this." (Hannah)


    Somehow her personality has gotten quite cruel. Can we go back in time when she was nice to me?


    "Your manastreams are flowing throughout your body. They should feel like an extension of your body. Just like how you recognize that your hand is part of your body, it should feel like that."


    ...but I don''t really feel anything. Could I be a failure? If the spirit is no good, does it not work?


    "Sigh. Remember back when I healed you. There should have been a hot bubbling feeling inside. Right?"


    I nod as she continues. It looks like I have truly turned into a ''Yes man'' now. Truly both ''Yes'' and ''man.'' I have no shame at this point.


    "That feeling came from your unguarded manastreams that got disturbed from my mana flowing into you. Usually a mage such as yourself would have enough basic control to resist outside forces from disrupting one''s own manastreams, but clearly you are not able to do so. Try to remember the feeling of then, and more specifically, where the heat was coming from. Also, close your eyes this time. Your focus will heighten."


    I nod as I try to focus once again. Though I say that, I didn''t know what to focus on before, so this is more like the first time trying.


    I close my eyes as per my teacher''s suggestion.


    A tingling sensation is felt throughout my body as I concentrate on where the heat came from before. Hmm, if I had to describe it, the feeling is kind of like if one''s foot fell asleep. No wait, exactly that.


    And then, just like going near a hot stove after getting burnt, a similar sensation was being felt.


    "Oooooh. This is so cool! Or wait, so hot!" (me)


    Although I wasn''t looking, I could feel my teacher rolling her eyes. For reasons probably more than one.


    But wow, experiencing this, I can feel that I will be able to use magic. I didn''t mean to be so nervous regarding the topic of magic before, but in the end what is normal for others might not be normal for me. Even what a three-year old can supposedly do effortlessly gave me this much trouble after all!


    "Stop grinning. Don''t get so happy just from that. It''s pathetic." (Hannah)


    Her words bring me back from my happy state.


    It''s truly crumbling.


    No. Her good personality already crumbled away long ago!


    As she was about to continue, there was a knock on the door. I started to get up to go answer the door, but turns out it was the infamous ''rhetoric knock.''