《Otherworldly Adventures》


 Chapter 0 - Altered Future

    In a vast, dark space that was only illuminated by glimmering stars in every direction, a girl was floating like she belong in her environment.


    No one knew how long she was there, and her sleeping face show comfort comparable to sleeping in a soft bed... until suddenly, she woke up.


    The comfort in her face turned into fear, as she tried to held her breath in reflex. When she thought that she was done for, the fear in her face turned into wonder, for she knew that her biological structure prohibits her kind from surviving her present environment.


    "Oh?! It seems you''ve woke up, Lowell Zvalle!"


    A playful voice of a boy suddenly broke the silence and spoke of the girl''s name.


    Lowell tried to move her head around, but her body wasn''t cooperating with her wishes and remained unmoved. She noticed that she could move is her eyes and mouth.


    She mustered her couraged and spoke while her eyes looked around, looking for the origin of the playful voice.


    "Who are you?! Where am I?!"


    In return, a blinding light emerged, making Lowell close her eyes involuntarily. In a few seconds, the light was replaced by a boy in white robe.


    The most unusual is that the boy had large wings which could cover his whole body easily.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m an Angel of Death.. and you¡¯re here because you¡¯re already dead..¡±


    The angel looks at Lowell with a troubled expression. When Lowell heard that she died, she suddenly remembered the events before waking up in this place.


    "I died in that car crash? No... that isn''t true... No..."


    Lowell was in her car and was in her way to an important meeting to accomplish her promise to his late husband, when everything became blank.


    Despair can be seen in Lowell''s eyes.


    When the playful angel sawi it, its voice turned apologetic instead.


    "It was a set-up made by one of your competitors.. but that event shouldn¡¯t have happened. In the Book of Life, you¡¯re gonna die at the age of 76, but you died too early.¡±


    A trace of anger was evident in her eyes, but calmed down after a few seconds, for she knew she couldn''t do anything in her present situation.


    ¡°How did that happened? Did the God you speak of deliberately let me die?¡±


    The angel shook his head as he gave a reason.


    ¡°An Interference happened.. before we could even react, your destiny was already altered. I think it was from a Higher Being than God.¡±


    A Higher Being above God? How¡¯s that possible?!


    ¡°This talk is getting more and more unbelievable¡­¡±


    ¡°I get your sentiments, Mrs. Lowell. How could an ordinary human like you get their attention.. Ah?!¡±


    The angel looks at the Book of Life while talking. He suddenly stops as if he discovered something.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what it was!!¡±


    Lowell can only give a curious look for she can''t understand anything of what the angel said.


    ¡°Huh? What are you talking about? Please say it in a word I could understand.¡±


    After staring at the Book of Life for a long time, the angel looked at her with shining eyes.


    ¡°I see~ I see~! It isn¡¯t impossible since you are fated to be the one who¡¯ll rule the whole world!


    It surprised Lowell for she never wanted power nor she even thought of needing it.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Eh? How?¡±


    "Lowell Zvalle, Half-French, Half Russian descent. At 27, she became one of the most successful business tycoons of her nation, France. Married with Mihr Slavonia, the heir of Slavonia Kingdom in Croatia and had three children. Her main business is on cutting-edge technologies and development of a new part of Robotics, the popular Artificial Intelligence. Perfected the A.I system at the age of 34 and received Nobel Prize for Physics and Economics.


    After a year, her husband was assassinated by means of a car crash, which was set up by his rivals in business. Before dying, her husband still reached her by phone asked her to build a world where people would never worry of security and reach an understanding. He wasn¡¯t asking a long time utopia, but a spark to motivate the hearts of Human Race as a whole. Now, with the leadership of Lowell, his Mega Corporation ¡®Jinshin¡¯, she started to climb up as the most influential man in the world.


    Afterwards, she received numerous death threats and assassination attempts, but all of them failed and no one stopped her from reaching the top of society. That time, all of her decisions can affect the world market, but she didn¡¯t care about it. She started her grand project - the development war technologies more advanced than the present technologies used by the army. Now that she has the capability to do so, she started to work on it.


    First, she developed a shield that could block the power of a nuclear weapon. It is one of the main reasons she became the World¡¯s First True Ruler. Due to depletion of non-renewable resources, a new war has started. Economies fell, since not every country can adapt the usage of renewable resources. Another Era of Conquest has begun. United Nations failed to diffuse the situation, and it started to fall apart. Afterwards, you know what will happen right?¡±


    After telling me her future, the angel looks at Lowell. Lowell was still trying to digest everything the angel said to her but she still gave an answer.


    ¡°A war of nations... A World War?"


    The angel smiled and his playful personality returned.


    ¡°You¡¯re right~! It started another world war. After smaller countries fall to ruin, First World countries started to act like saviors. Since Capitalism and Socialism have different beliefs, two World Factions started to emerge. The United Earth, headed by U.S.A, and the Socialist Alliance, headed by Russia and China. It started as a cold war, but both countries don¡¯t want to give in. After a certain event, it escalated into a nuclear war. Both factions started to release their hidden super weapons. You, on the other hand, was unaffected since your rivals started to focus on the war.


    After one occasion, a nuclear weapon from the Socialist Alliance was released to exterminate you and your family. It was the start of your main story. Your ¡®Anti-Nuclear Project¡¯ was shown into the public. You created another faction, and started to conquer the world.¡±


    The longer she listens to the angel''s word, the doubt in her mind also increase with it.


    ¡°Is that how simple it is?! I can¡¯t believe such story.¡±


    The angel understood Lowell''s confusion and could only shrug his shoulders.


    ¡°Well, if I tell you more, it¡¯ll take time and we¡¯ll make someone angry..¡±


    He looked troubled, making Lowell look at him curiously.


    ¡°Someone?¡±


    ¡°Well, because of your premature death, We can resurrect you directly to Earth, but another ¡®Higher Being¡¯ wants your help.¡±


    ¡°Help? What kind of help?¡±


    Now, thing are starting to get troublesome - Lowell thought.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details, but my master, ¡®God¡¯ was asked by those ¡®Higher Beings¡¯ to lend you to them. Well, my master can¡¯t refuse, since he¡¯s a step lower than them. Arguing with them wouldn¡¯t be good, either.¡±


    ¡°Is that so.¡±


    Lowell sighed with resignation. She knew that there''s no point in arguing with these people. Even though she still had unfinished things to do in her life, it doesn¡¯t mean anything for someone who can¡¯t go back.. She started to accept her present situation.


    The angel snapped her fingers, which lets Lowell move her body freely. With her movement return, she started to look around the place. A letter emerged out of thin air, which was taken by Lowell instantly.


    ¡°Just open that letter, and poof~! You¡¯ll be sent to their location.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t guide me?¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha~ of course not~! No way~ no way~!¡±


    The angel laughs and starts to disagree with her idea. A hint of fear could be noticed in his voice.


    ¡°You know, those beings are scary~ The message they sent wasn¡¯t a type of request.. It was an order. ¡®Deliver him, or else we¡¯ll gonna destroy your domain¡¯ is what my master received. What a scary bunch~¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll send me to those scary bunch!? What kind of Angel are you?!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any choice! Rather than sacrifice the whole humanity for a person, why not sacrifice that person for the sake of humanity?¡±


    The angel spoke like it was natural.


    ¡°Say, did this kind of event happened before?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. Nothing like this happened before. My master was even surprised to receive that notification. Well, it may be a threat for us, I don¡¯t see any malicious energy inside that would like to harm you. I think they¡¯re too straightforward and just wants to employ your help..¡±


    ¡°I see, that¡¯s good then.¡±


    Lowell let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Oh~ I have to get back to work! See you!¡±


    The Angel starts to disappear.


    Are Angels of Death that carefree?


    She thought.


    ¡°Now, what should I do¡­¡±


    With the letter in her hand, she started to inspect it. In a brief inspection, she thought that it was an ordinary letter. It was encased in an envelope, which doesn¡¯t have any details.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing I could do now.. even if I stay here, nothing¡¯s gonna change. If I open this, at least I have a chance for a better life. Okay, I¡¯ve decided!¡±


    She opened the envelope and started to read the letter. She was surprised that it doesn¡¯t have anything on it.


    ¡°Is this a prank?! If it is this-!¡±


    Before she could complete my sentence, A very bright light surrounded hee and she started to lose her consciousness again.

 Chapter 1 - First Mission

    Being showered by a strong light, Lowell started to lose track of time. In space, no one knew how long - a second or even years - one will spend here.


    ¡°Ooh~ looks like he has arrived~!¡±


    D¨¦j¨¤ vu? That¡¯s the first thing Lowell thought. When she died, the first thing she always heard was that line. She opened her eyes and looked around. Now, instead of an angel, what she saw was a very large number of stars surrounding me. Each of them has a different color. The blue one started to speak. It looks like it¡¯s not the one who said that first line.


    ¡°Che-! She may look a little pretty for a Lower Plane World inhabitant, but look at her stupid face. Hey brat, tell us your name!¡±


    The blue star talks arrogantly. It made Lowell pissed, but that anger was overshadowed by fear - that if she speak wrongly, she would be executed on the spot.


    ¡°Ah?! I-I¡¯m sorry! I-I¡¯m Lowell Zvalle! I¡¯m-!¡±


    Before she could finish my sentence, she was interrupted by another star. It was yellow in color.


    ¡°Guys~! Do ¡®it¡¯.¡±


    She became frightened, thinking she would be executed, but before she could react, the stars that are previously surrounding her starts to vanish. All of them except the Yellow Star reappeared around the Blue Star.


    The Blue Star panicked and starts to speak angrily.


    ¡°Wha-?! What are you doing?! S-Stop-!! Aaaaaaah!!¡±


    The Blue Star disappeared with the other stars. They are like bodyguards of a celebrity who ¡®takes care¡¯ of those who mock their employer. Lowell became pale because of fear as she hear the Blue Star''s voice full of agony.


    The Yellow Star acted as if clearing his throat, trying to get Lowell''s attention.


    ¡°*Cough* Let¡¯s start again. Welcome to our domain, the Middle Magical Plane. ¡®Middle¡¯ because our domain holds Magical Worlds with medium knowledge about Magic. You are from the Lower Technological Plane, since your technology right now is just in the verge of breaking into the ranks of Middle Technology Plane. Without any further ado, we ask for you - the Miracle Maker¡¯s - help.¡±


    ¡°Miracle Maker? How did I received that title?¡±


    ¡°Well, for three valid reasons..¡±


    ¡°Three? ¡°


    ¡°One, you became the first true conqueror among Lower Plane Worlds. The nearest contender is from your world, Ivan Zvalle, your direct descendant. Because after your rule, things start to broke apart. Human¡¯s greed for your throne became rampant and they started quarreling with each other. Most of Humanity became a follower of your systematized rule, ¡®where people who weren¡¯t given the chance to become successful has given a chance, and the people who persevere becomes a people with high standing in the society, and your legacy still continued, but some greedy humans start to create their own factions. Well, they¡¯re still destroyed at the end.


    By the way, your government hold 50% of the shares for all companies in the world, and it was used to hasten the progress of your race. That continues until the day you die, and your race had reach the Middle Technology Plane standards. That¡¯s the start of intergalactic travel. But after another millennium, your life¡¯s effect to humans start to fade and you¡¯ll just become a textbook person, stating that you are the First ¡®True¡¯ World Conqueror and the Forerunner of the New Era¡­ something like that.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Two, you are that world¡¯s first catalyst to breakthrough. As I explained earlier, you helped your race to improve everything, especially Technology.


    Three, A person with a historical background like yours is unlikely to become a World Conqueror. Most of us were astonished when you accomplish it with your guts, intelligence, and dedication.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m a catalyst, why did you removed me from my own World?¡±


    ¡°Because your world is still young. Your existence maybe good, but one world shall follow the laws of nature and universe. These knowledge are still above you kind''s logic, so it would be better not to explain it right now.¡±


    Lowell was still confused, but arguing with them won''t be beneficial, she thought.


    ¡°Is that so.. Well, I¡¯m that great?¡±


    She started to have a high esteem on herself.


    ¡°Well, for Low Plane World, it was incredible.. but here, in the Middle Plane, it was a little lacking. A millennium is just a little time. Our world¡¯s civilizations here existed for hundreds of millions of years. Your world¡¯s civilization just started it¡¯s advancement after what you called ¡®Industrial Revolution¡¯. A millennium is just a speck of sand in that vast time frame. But we didn¡¯t summon you just to brag those things.¡±


    The Yellow Star started to speak as if her achievements are just something normal for them. Lowell tried to change the topic.


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder what are planes, how are they ranked, and what are the different planes.¡±


    The Yellow Star''s voice was calm as she answered her question.


    ¡°Planes places where a civilization is born. They are grouped on how developed they are in their category. There are three types of Planes, a Technological, Magical, and Mysterious Planes. Both Technological and Magical Planes are like what you think. Mysterious Planes, are Planes that can¡¯t be categorized within the other two. A world with both Magical advancement and Technological advancement is categorized on Mysterious Planes.¡±


    ¡°Then why, a person from the Lower Technological Plane, was summoned into the Middle Magical Plane?¡±


    The Yellow Star''s voice became serious.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the point. We¡¯ll give you tasks to complete as we, the Gods of the Middle World, don¡¯t have the ability to meddle with our World¡¯s affairs. We can only use this kind of method when we¡¯re pretty desperate. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll provide you some help, but it is in an indirect way.¡±


    After that, six lights flew around the Yellow Star. It contained various skills which are most non-existent in Lowell''s previous world.


    ¡°You can choose two of the skills in this selection. Before picking anything, I¡¯ll give you some details about the world you¡¯ll gonna be sent off to.¡±


    Several words flew above the Yellow Star. They are written in a language Lowell know.


    World Name: ¡ºTwilight World¡»


    Group: ¡ºMiddle Magical Plane World¡»


    Description:


    A world of swords and magic. Magic in this world is almost inseparable with daily life, making it a necessity. Presently, it is an abandoned world, which doesn¡¯t have any ¡®God¡¯ supervising it. It¡¯s main event is the battle between the Hero and the Demon King, which happens every time they reincarnate.


    Lowell noticed something in the description panel.


    ¡°What is an abandoned world?¡±


    ¡°Abandoned worlds are worlds that aren¡¯t supervised by any ¡®God¡¯. Most of the time, it¡¯s because their previous supervisors became ¡®Dark Gods¡¯ or Gods tainted with dark intentions. You¡¯ll know it later why Twilight World became an abandoned world. So, your present task is¡­¡±


    Another message emerged above him.


    ¡ºLive in Twilight World until you receive your next mission.¡»


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    For all the effort they done, the Gods only asked her to live in that world.


    ¡°Yes. So now, what are the knowledge you¡¯re gonna choose?¡±


    After thinking for a while, Lowell made her final decision.


    ¡°I select Spell Forger and Eye of Investigation.¡±


    She thought that with her basic knowledge from earth and a skill that could peer through world''s secrets could greatly help in her new life in Twilight World.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll start to transfer these skills in your body. I¡¯ll make theskillsnaturally flow into you."


    The Yellow Star continued.


    "Now, as the rule of reincarnation says, I¡¯ll need to remove your previous memories. If we don¡¯t, you¡¯ll suffer an identity crisis and you¡¯ll be another cheat person. No God wants to give people smooth sailing lives, you know. You¡¯ll realize the worth of a thing if you work for it. Well, you yourself should know it."


    It''s okay, I guess.


    Lowell thought because even without her previous knowledge, the skills would still be helpful.


    ¡°Well then, Good luck~! Have fun in your new world~!¡±


    White light starts to encircle her. The previous stars who vanished starts to appear one by one. Each of them starts to change colors, from red to green, from yellow to blue, and so on and so forth. Because of the bright light, Lowell closed my eyes, and she started to fall asleep.

 Chapter 2 - New Life

    In a village outside Blanc City, one of the minor cities before reaching the capital.


    ¡°Uwaaaaaah!!¡±


    The baby¡¯s voice sounded throughout the room.


    In response, the laborer shouted to someone outside the room.


    ¡°Louis! the baby¡¯s out!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    A man entered the room noisily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Go to your wife¡¯s side while we cut this part here and remove the blood from the child.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes!¡±


    He hurriedly knelt near his wife¡¯s side.


    ¡°G-good job, Belle.¡±


    His wife was still weak, but she still spoke with a gentle voice.


    ¡°How¡¯s the child?¡±


    He happily spoke with tears on his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s already okay.¡±


    After hearing her husband''s voice, her body relaxed as she sighed in relief.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad¡­¡±


    The laborer interrupted them as she hand over the child to it''s father.


    ¡°Louis, here¡¯s your child. She¡¯s a girl.¡±


    Louis looked at his daughter and her wife.


    ¡°Good gracious. She looks like you Belle, she has your face¡­ Belle?¡±


    He started to panic. Before he could do anything stupid, the laborer ordered her assistant to get the child from Louis.


    Afterwards, she sent a flying chop towards his head. It came from the laborer.


    ¡°You idiot!! Don¡¯t you see that Belle¡¯s just resting? She¡¯s breathing just as fine!¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Afterwards the laborer pats his shoulder.


    ¡°Congratulations, you¡¯re now a father.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    His smile was still there as he responded.


    ¡°Thank you very much!¡±


    Tears starts to flow from his eyes.


    ¡°So, what name should we register for your daughter?¡±


    Louis wiped his tears, making abrimming smile shine in his face.


    "We decided to name our child ¡®Lowell¡¯ even if she¡¯s a girl or boy. So we¡¯ll still use it!¡±


    ¡°OK, Lowell Zvalle, Birth: 1st year of Hero Raivan Era, Gender: Female.


    <hr>


    Three months passed...


    Their normal days continued until one fateful day.


    Belle was washing the dishes while looking at Lowell crawling around.


    ¡°Little Elle! Don¡¯t move around the house! It¡¯s dangerous!¡±


    Lowell, now three months old, starts to crawl around her house. Now, this time, she became curious of what¡¯s upstairs, so she started to climb the stairs, but she lost her balance when she reached the middle of the stairs.


    ¡°Little Elle! Air Cushion!¡±


    She points her hand towards the spot where Lowell was supposed to land. An invisible wind current softened Lowell¡¯s fall.


    ¡°Little Elle!!¡±


    She stopped on washing the dishes and carried Lowell. Looking at her mother¡¯s angry face, Lowell starts to giggle.


    ¡°One of these days, I¡¯ll really die of worry, you naughty child!¡±


    She starts to preach Lowell.. but now, Lowell started to look at her with her big, beautiful silver eyes.


    ¡°Ah~! Why are you so naughty while being so cute~!! So unfair~!!¡±


    She starts to cuddle Lowell softly. After a while, she noticed Lowell fell asleep.


    ¡°And her sleeping is so beautiful too.. Did she get my aggressive attitude? This is really bad.. To think my daughter would be a beautiful but boyish girl¡­ *Sob*¡±.


    She carried Lowell towards her room. While placing Lowell, a loud sound vibrated throughout the house. It was from the door being slammed too strong. A vein popped out of Belle¡¯s head.


    ¡°Silent step.¡±


    She casted Silent step on herself, making her steps light and fast. She starts to run towards the noise.


    ¡°Wind Hand.¡±


    A hand made of strong current was made. It sprint toward her target much faster than her.


    ¡°I¡¯m ho- Gwak!!¡±


    The wind hand strangled the neck of her target.


    Belle looks towards the person with a murderous smile.


    ¡°Honey, let¡¯s go outside for a bit ?~!¡±


    Louis could only nod. He looks like he¡¯s gonna cry any second.


    Now, Belle starts her regular scolding towards her scatterbrained husband. After five minutes, both of them detected traces of magical power.


    ¡°Whose there?! Wind cutter!¡±


    She shot blades of air towards the source of magic power. She looks towards the source, stupefied. She stopped her spell before it reached her target.


    ¡°W-what is this?!¡±


    Louis also looked stupefied. What they saw is a black hole that looks like a passage. What comes out from the hole made them more surprised.


    Belle was confused while Louis was overjoyed.


    ¡°L-little Elle?! H-how?!¡±


    ¡°G-genius¡­ My daughter is a genius!!¡±


    They saw a crawling Lowell from the hole.


    ¡°To think my daughter has Spatial Attribute, the most mysterious attribute known..¡±


    Belle lifted Lowell while Louis was dancing like an idiot.


    ¡°To be beautiful, and genius. I¡¯m really blessed with my wife and daughter~!¡±


    Louis starts to walk towards the house, but before he could get away, Belle grabbed his shoulder without looking behind. She was smiling, but her expression says otherwise.


    ¡°Honey~? When did I say you¡¯re free to enter our house~?¡±


    ¡°Uhm, It¡¯s bad example for Lowell to see us¡­~¡±


    ¡°Ugh.. really.. you never learn..¡±


    She loosen her grip and carried Lowell.


    ¡°And you, Little Elle! Don¡¯t scare mom, okay?!¡±


    Lowell still looked towards Belle¡¯s eyes..


    ¡°The person who¡¯s sneaking towards the house, go to town right now, and buy a magic regulator for children. make it a bracelet, got it?!¡±


    Louis hurriedly stands tall and salutes towards Belle


    ¡°Sir! Yes, Sir!¡±


    Belle starts to giggle with Lowell as they looked at Louis¡¯ back

 Chapter 3 - Progress Report

    Lowell¡¯s Observational Diary


    (Written by Belle Zvalle)


    Lowell, 3 months old


    Our Little Elle shows signs of being a Spatial Magician. It might be good and bad one at the same time. I hope we could raise her properly. To inhibit her unconscious use of her magic, we used a Magic Regulator that regularly saps mana to normal levels so she can¡¯t use her magic. The absorption also enlarges her mana veins at the same time.


    Little Elle starts to speak little by little! I¡¯m so proud that her first words are ¡®Mama¡¯. Her ¡®Papa¡¯ was so jealous, so he carried her until she cried. I gave him a big scolding afterwards. Don¡¯t be so forceful dear~


    Lowell, 5 months old


    Little Elle¡¯s now learning to speak other words. But when we¡¯re not looking, she goes towards her father¡¯s library and get some basic books. She may not understand it, but I¡¯d like her to stay like that than follow my past occupation as an adventurer. She looks cute too.. Reading a book that¡¯s placed on the floor which is almost same of her size..


    Lowell, 10 months old


    Little Elle starts to walk a little. She stumbles a lot, but it¡¯s a part of learning to walk. It¡¯s just so cute when she stumbles and tries to stand again.. After learning how to walk, she always follow me around. What a very curious daughter.. but I find it cute though..


    Lowell, 1 year old


    Little Elle celebrated her birthday yesterday. We invited people around the village. Seeing how beautiful my daughter is, they started to offer their sons for marriage. Most of the kids were exhausted by my overactive daughter but one kid manages to keep up with her. If I recall, it was Weiss Lear, the third son of the Blanc City¡¯s ruling noble. Weiss and Lowell were also at the same age according to his butler. People say that they play normally, but what I see is that Weiss is being pulled by my daughter according to her whims and wishes. Stay strong, Weiss.


    By the way, most of the gift given to her are dolls, but when she opened one present with a picture book, she gleefully walks around while holding it, making her stumble a lot. My daughter¡¯s love for books doesn¡¯t match her outgoing attitude, I think..If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Lowell, 2 years old


    After a that day of her first birthday, Weiss and his butler frequently visits us. Weiss plays with Little Elle normally now, but sometimes I still see Little Elle teasing Weiss. Maybe I should scold my daughter a little.


    Now, she starts to eat by her self. Her way of eating ruins her beautiful image. My Little Elle, please be more graceful, for you and your mom¡¯s sake.


    Lowell, 3 years old


    We started to hire a tutor for her reading and writing studies.I was against it at first, since most of children learn to read and write at the age of five to seven, but we saw Little Elle¡¯s determination to read because she frequently looks at the language book stored in our private library. Before that, we consulted a magical doctor to check on Little Elle. What he said is: ¡°I think because of early development of her Mana veins, it affected her mental processes, making her comprehension more developed than the children of her age. Since the main factor for harnessing Mana is the brain, it develops faster when its being frequently used.¡±


    Maybe because I let her wear the Magic Regulator too much¡­ It can¡¯t be helped, I¡¯m scared of what would happen if she use that skill unconsciously and goes outside our house again..


    Lowell, 4 years old


    Little Lowell¡¯s progress is terrifying.. She could read after one month we hired her a tutor, and another month for writing. Now, her tutor consulted me that if I wanted, she could also teach her elementary magic. All Fleurs can use the Four Elemental Magic : ¡®Fire¡¯, ¡®Earth¡¯, ¡®Water¡¯, and ¡®Air¡¯. Mysterious Magics like ¡®Spatial¡¯, ¡®Life¡¯, ¡®Light¡¯, and ¡®Darkness¡¯ are still mysterious because only people with inborn talents are the only ones who could use it.


    ¡®Spatial¡¯ is the most mysterious because how it works is still unknown even to some spatial magic users. ¡®Life¡¯ is manipulation of living things. The only restriction for this is if the user¡¯s race is the same as his target and if the mana of the target is higher than the user. ¡®Light¡¯ is manipulation of light. Most light-users are excellent supports because of their ability to blind opponents and make barriers for their allies. Their only weakness is night time. ¡®Darkness¡¯ is manipulation of darkness and shadows. They are exellent assassins with the ability of covert killing during the night. Their weakness is the day.


    I agreed, but I asked her to only teach her three elemental magic: Water, Air, and Earth. Fire could be learn later because it¡¯s the most exhausting and harmful elemental magic. I don¡¯t want Little Elle overexert and hurt herself.


    Lowell, 5 years old


    ¡­..


    Belle was holding a pen and jolting down something in her diary. She stopped midway and pondered.


    ¡°Hmm, what should I write..¡±


    Bu before she could think of it, a loud bang surrounded the house, it was the sound of the door after slammed shut. A happy voice of a little girl and a man sounded afterwards.


    ¡°Mom~! We¡¯re home!¡±


    ¡°Honey, we¡¯re home!¡±


    Now, even Little Elle inherits her father¡¯s bad habit. I need to scold this Father and Daughter duo.. But first..


    Belle closes the diary and walks toward her family. She smiled and said:


    ¡°Welcome back~!¡±

 Chapter 4 - Practical Lesson

    It¡¯s Lowell''s 5th birthday, but her day starts with a daily routine with her Teacher.


    No one knew when it started, but knowledge that even her teacher, Aurel Hixia doesn''t know started to enter her mind. A natural curious child, Lowell asked her teacher like there''s no tomorrow.


    ¡°Teacher Aurel.. What is oxygen? What is hydrogen? What is an atom?¡±


    Good thing is that her teacher isn''t an impatient and close-minded person.


    ¡°Huh? What are those? Even during my years as a clerk of Royal Capital¡¯s Library, I never encounter those words. Where did you encounter those words?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    How mysterious..


    She started pondering, but her cute face will make anyone not take her too seriously.


    ¡°Oh well, rather than that, show me your progress on elemental magic.


    Hearing her teacher''s voice, Lowell returned to her senses and started to get fired up.


    ¡°Yes, Teacher!¡±


    She removed my Magic Regulator bracelet and started to gather my mana. A group of green mana started to accumulate in her hand and started chanting.


    ¡°Wisps of air, form my will, Air Shot!¡±


    A ball made of air hit her target, which is placed hanging on the tree. It burst into pieces, some debris flew. Her teacher made a satisfactory nod, but Lowell''s face was a little off. Aurel noticed it and asked her pupil.


    ¡°Good¡­ What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Teacher¡­I think I could do something better than that¡­¡±


    Her teacher''s face became surprised, but her calm and collected personality returned like nothing happened.


    ¡°Oh~? Then show teacher what your idea.¡±


    ¡°Mhm!!¡±


    Lowell started to gather mana. Now¡­


    ¡°Flatten the top and bottom¡­ Add some edges¡­ circulate¡­ and shoot! Air Shot!¡±


    The ball, no¡­ something like a spinning plate flew towards her target. Instead of making it burst, it was cut into two.


    ¡°For a child like you to have an idea to upgrade a spell. That was Air Cutter just now. It¡¯s a middle-rank air spell. Now, use your Water and Earth Spells. If you have a good idea, just use it rather than the basic spells.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Yes, teacher!¡±


    Lowell started to gather mana again. Now it¡¯s blue lights¡­ After gathering, she modified Water ball into something else.


    ¡°Divide into ten pieces, shape it like spikes.. Spin.. and Shoot!¡±


    Her self-modified spell pierced the tree. After two seconds, the water dissipated.


    Her teacher made a satisfactory nod and commented.


    ¡°Another Middle-rank spell, Water Spikes. If you could divide that water ball into much smaller pieces, it would be a High-tier water spell, Water Needles.¡±


    Lowell realized something. Because of the difficulty of dividing and manipulating each part of water, it becomes a much higher tier.


    Next¡­


    Lowell gather mana again¡­ Now it¡¯s brown lights¡­ Forming the rock, Compress.. Spin.. and Shoot!


    When her teacher knew that she''s done, her teacher clapped showing her approval.


    ¡°Good, my student.. Your mastery for three elemental skills reached the Middle-tier. No wonder you¡¯re labeled ¡®Genius¡¯ by your family. It really is a good description for you¡­ and to be a beautiful child to boot¡­¡±


    ¡± Hmm? What did teacher said?¡±


    Lowell tilted my head. Her voice on the last sentence was so low that she didn¡¯t hear it.


    ¡°Oh, nothing! Now, for your assignment yesterday. Start!¡±


    ¡± Yes! My assignment is to know how magic is categorized according to level. All spells are divided into seven tiers! The higher the tier, the harder it is to control and higher the mana consumption! Most Fleurs can use all four element¡¯s basic skills ,but the person who has high affinity for an element would have easier time to control that certain element. Like Water-affinity fleurs find it easier to handle water spells, but find it hard to control their element counterpart, which is fire. The exception for this rules are Mysterious Magic Users. They have natural high affinity for all elemental magics, due to their main affinity being connected to nature itself.


    For the magic tiers, It is as follows: Basic, Middle, High, Epic, Unique, Legend, and World. Basic, Middle, and High tier magics are available for Apprentices and Practitioners, Epic and Unique Magic are available for Professors and Gaunts, Legend and World Magic are available for Meisters and Magi.


    Fleurs are divided into 6 tiers. Each tier is dived into 3 levels ¨C Low, Middle, High. The Magician tiers are Apprentice, Practitioners, Professor, Gaunt, Meister, and Magus. These tiers indicate their mastery on Mana and their Mana capacity!¡±


    ¡± Good, now for your reward.¡±


    Her teacher approached the back of the practice tree. Behind it, she took a wrapped long stick which is half of Lowell¡¯s size.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, my apprentice. Now, your mother permitted me to teach you fire magic.¡±


    ¡°Thank you teacher! *sob*¡±


    Lowell smiled towards her teacher while tears fall from her eyes. She consider her teacher as her second mother. She really felt glad that she became her teacher.


    ¡°No problem, now let me wipe those tears. You have a birthday celebration to celebrate, right? It would look like I bullied you if you look like that when you enter inside.¡±


    Aurel¡¯s kind smile didn¡¯t erased as she remove the tears from Lowell''s face.


    ¡°Lowell?! Where are you?! Let¡¯s play~!¡±


    Both of them heard Weiss, who have just arrived from my house. It looks like he¡¯s already here to play with Lowell.


    Lowell looked at her teacher with her beautiful eyes that''s filled with happiness.


    ¡°Teacher, may I?¡±


    ¡°Yes. This is your day.¡±


    Aurel entered the house afterwards.


    ¡°Thank you Teacher!¡±


    Lowell bowed towards her teacher¡¯s direction and rushed towards Weiss¡¯ location.


    ¡°Weiss! Look what I got!¡±


    Lowell raised her teacher''s present.


    ¡°Waaah~ a pretty stick! May I borrow?!¡±


    ¡°No~ because it¡¯s my treasure! rather than that, Let¡¯s eat first inside before we play! I¡¯m hungry already!¡±


    ¡°Okay~!¡±


    Two of them held hands as they walked towards Lowell''s house.

 Chapter 5 - Magical Test

    Lowell''s 5th birthday went off without a hitch. Her mom permitted her not to use the Magic Regulator, but Lowell thought it¡¯s cute and re-sizable so she won¡¯t remove it for the meantime. Weiss and her father gave her more books.


    Her dad gave ¡®Basics for Fire-element manipulation¡¯ and Weiss gave her ¡®Book for Basic to Middle Tier Fire Magic¡¯. Lowell thanked them for giving her things that could aid her studies. After the party, her mom told her that her main attribute is Spatial. Now, Lowell realized why her mother insist her to always wear her Magic Regulator¡­ After that, her mom asked her something:


    ¡°What¡¯s your dream, Little Elle?¡±


    Lowell answered with conviction and glittery eyes.


    ¡°To be like an adventurer like Mom! Mom?¡±


    Numerous tears fall from her mom¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong? Does your stomach hurt?¡±


    Belle wiped her tears and returned to usual smile.


    ¡°Nothing, Little Elle. Okay, It¡¯s time to sleep. We¡¯ll go to Blanc City for your Fleur Registration¡­ Goodnight..¡±


    Her mom hurriedly returned to her room.


    It looks like her stomach really hurts, Lowell thought.


    ***


    As Belle entered her room, she slumped on the floor.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use. Little Elle¡¯s dream is to become adventurer¡­ I need to do something¡­¡±


    In Belle¡¯s heart, she decided to block her daughter¡¯s path of becoming an adventurer.


    ***


    Next Day.


    Lowell and her parents were walking around the city


    Waaah~! So big!¡±


    Lowell saw a big building. From what she heard, they said it¡¯s Fleur Association¡¯s Guild House. She and her parents were waiting for her teacher to come out from the building. Her teacher would act as her mentor, it seems..


    When they saw her teacher coming out from the building. She¡¯s wearing a violet robe, complimenting with her violet hair and tall height.


    Lowell waved her hands cutely, making people notice this unnusually cute little girl.


    ¡°Hi Teacher!¡±


    Both of Lowell''s parents bowed as they saw their daughter''s teacher.


    "¡°Good morning, Ms. Aurel.¡±"


    ¡± Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Zvalle.¡±


    After greeting her pupil''s parents, Aurel approached her pupil and smiled.


    ¡°Lowell, are you ready for your attribute assessment?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Teacher!¡±


    ¡°Very well, but first, let¡¯s wait for your co-apprentices.¡±


    ¡°Co-apprentices? I¡¯m not the only one who¡¯ll take the test?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You have two co-apprentice. One¡¯s Weiss and the other is..¡±


    While both of them we¡¯re still talking, a crying ragged child grabbed on Aurel¡¯s clothes. He has an unkempt black hair and ruby eyes. Aurel looks at the child and said:


    ¡°Qazar? Why aren¡¯t you dressed yet? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Dad beat Mom again¡­ *sniff* I tried to protect Mom, but Dad sent me outside. He said that I should never come back¡­ *sniff*¡±


    That good for nothing.. I told your Mom that she should leave that useless man¡­¡±


    ¡°Dad isn¡¯t useless!¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. Sorry.. It¡¯s my mistake.¡±


    Aurel looked towards Belle and Louis.


    ¡°May I trouble you for a minute, Mr. and Mrs. Zvalle? Can you take care of this brat here? I¡¯ll just help my former colleague for a bit..¡±


    Both of Lowell''s parents nodded. Aurel looked at Lowell and said:


    ¡°Teacher¡¯s off to save someone. Wait here obediently and make friends with Qazar, okay?¡±


    Lowell looked towards Qazar, who looks back at her shyly. She returned her gaze to her teacher.


    ¡°Mhm! Take care, Teacher!¡±


    Aurel hastily sprints towards the alley beside the Guild House.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Soooo~~¡±


    By the time she noticed that her teacher''s gone from sight, Lowell jumped towards Qazar. He curled like a squirrel.


    ¡°I¡¯m Lowell Zvalle. Nice to meet you~!¡±


    ¡°Uhm.. I-i¡¯m Q-qazar¡­ A-aquila..?¡±


    Before Qazar could finish his sentence, Lowell grabbed his hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s play over there!¡±


    She pointed on the playground on the other side of the road.


    ¡°E-eh? Eeeeeeeehhhhh?!¡±


    Lowell dashed while holding his hand towards the playground.


    ¡°There they go¡­¡±


    Louis looks at the children¡¯s backs while they¡¯re running towards the playground¡­ rather, Lowell dragging Qazar towards the playground.


    ¡°What ¡®there they go¡¯?!¡±


    Belle smacked her husband''s head lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow them, stay here so that Weiss and his butler can see you.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    Belle follows the children afterwards.


    After five minutes, Weiss and his butler arrived. He wore formal suit, making him stand-out because of his yellow hair and blue eyes. When he saw Lowell and a kid playing, he hurriedly joined them.


    ¡°Lowell, who¡¯s that kid?¡±


    ¡°My Co-apprentice, Qazar Aquila¡­ You¡­ why didn¡¯t you tell me you¡¯re also practicing magic with my Teacher?¡±


    Lowell looked at him with suspicion.


    ¡°Ah.. well.. It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t tell you.. but¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!¡±


    He ran away.. Yeah.. He ran away!


    Lowell: ¡°Why did you run away?!!¡±


    Lowell started to run. She looks like she''s having fun.


    ¡°Don¡¯t follow meee!!!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I said sooo!!¡±


    ¡°Say the reason, then I won¡¯t follow you.¡±


    Weiss suddenly stopped..


    ¡°Because.. if that happens.. won¡¯t we become sparring partners?¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get hurt and I don¡¯t want to hurt you.. So I thought it was better if you didn¡¯t know..¡±


    Lowell poke his sullen face.


    ¡°When did you start learning with Teacher?¡±


    ¡°Last month.¡±


    ¡°I see.. ¡±


    So that means..


    ¡°Teacher didn¡¯t teach you that magic shouldn¡¯t be used to another person except for self-defense?¡±


    ¡°Ah? Ehh¡­ Ehhh??!¡±


    Lowell''s revelation left Weiss dumbfounded.


    ¡°We could practice together, but not as sparring partners. It¡¯s lonely to practice with Teacher alone, you know.


    A smile beamed on Weiss¡¯ face.


    ¡°Then¡­ Then let¡¯s practice together!¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    ¡°By the way¡­ Why did you hold Qazar¡¯s hand while running?¡±


    Weiss looked towards Lowell''s right hand. There, she saw Qazar muttering ¡®I see stars¡¯. She knew that she overdid it.


    ¡°Ah. Ahahaha~¡­¡±


    After fifteen minutes, their teacher returned. She called on Qazar and returned to his house to dress him up. Lowell''s mom used a spell that removes dirt from their clothes, but Qazar''s body was all dirty so he needs to take a bath. After another ten minutes, they returned. Qazar now looks neat.


    Aurel bowed in apology.


    ¡°Sorry for the wait!¡±


    The adults told her it¡¯s nothing but Aurel keeps apologizing.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s enter the guild!¡±


    In response, her pupils responded with joyful voices.


    ¡°Yes, Teacher!¡±


    Fleur Association¡¯s Guild House is a large institution. When they entered the building, they saw the front desk full of people. It was mostly violet-robed Fleurs, but there are some blue and Green-robed Fleurs.


    The first one to notice was Lowell.


    "Why are there different colors of robes being worn here, Teacher?¡±


    ¡°Good you¡¯ve noticed. Our robe¡¯s color depends on our Fleur ranks. Purple are at Practitioner Tier, Green are for Professors and Blue are for Gaunts. You seldom see higher than that in our guild except for the leader, who wears Black ¨C which is reserved for Meisters. I never seen a White-robed Fleur, which is a Magus, outside our country¡¯s main capital. It¡¯s the Main Librarian of Royal Library I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    More questions popped out of Lowell''s mind.


    ¡°Then, what does apprentices use?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, because the minimum requirement to join is being at Practitioner Stage or master 3 middle-tier skills.. So.. after your attribute test, we¡¯ll register you for a guild membership.¡±


    ¡°Yay! Not only I¡¯m gonna be a registered Fleur, I¡¯ll be a registered guild member too! My adventurer days are near!"


    Belle''s face twitched as she heard her daughter. Aurel noticed it.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mrs. Zvalle?¡±


    ¡°Eh? Err¡­ Isn¡¯t it too early for Little Elle to be registered as a Practitioner?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I have any choice. For her to demonstrate three middle-tier skills without breaking a sweat, and even different elements at that, no wonder her attribute test would detect her mana levels has already reached Practitioner stage. It¡¯s good either way, because practitioners receive a monthly salary of Five gold.¡±


    ¡°Five gold?!¡±


    In otheir country, Five gold is a good sum. Currency are copper, silver, gold, platinum, and mithril. Ten copper coins is equal to one silver coin, one hundred silver coins is equal to one gold coin, one thousand gold coins is equal to one platinum coin, and ten thousand platinum coins is equal to one mithril coins.


    Mithril coins are only found on royal palace¡¯s treasury and other higher nobles'' treasury. Coins are hard to copy because it was sealed with a magic formation made by an ancient kingdom, which is now at the hands of the present royal family. Mithril coins can¡¯t be reproduced because of its rarity and the seal would be absorbed by it immediately. When mana is injected, mithril would glow a bright green color, making it hard to counterfeit.


    Their teacher continued toexplain the benefits of being a practitioner.


    ¡°Yes, since it is already a petty sum for Practitioners. They need to buy books, the cheapest costs two or three gold. You¡¯ll also need accessories to aid your magic practices, like dummies, barriers, etc.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, because your parents are the ones providing it¡­¡±


    Lowell looked on both her mom and dad. They avoided her gaze. Her dad was scratching his hair while her mom was scratching her face.


    ¡°I want to join!¡±


    ¡°Eh?! Don¡¯t rush it, Little Elle. It¡¯s our duty to provide you these things, you know.¡±


    Her dad nods his head on agreement.


    ¡°But.. I want to help Mom and Dad¡­ *sniff*¡±


    Lowell started to sob. She knew she mustn¡¯t sob.. but tears starts to fall involuntarily. Now, both her mom and dad panicked.


    ¡°Ah?! Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry¡­¡±


    ¡°Why not compromise like this?¡±


    Her dad gave a condition.


    ¡°You may join the guild, but you¡¯ll only give half of what you earn to us. The rest is your pocket money. You could buy anything you want from your money, but we¡¯ll still provide you of your educational needs, is it okay?¡±


    Her dad looks at her with a kind smile.


    ¡°Yes, Dad!¡±


    Lowell smiled and hugged both of her mom and Ddad¡¯s legs. Her teacher Aurel was touched while watching in the sidelines while Weiss an Qazar had smiles on their faces. The butler remained emotionless, though


    ¡°Really, what a good child you have there, Mr. and Mrs. Zvalle.¡±


    Both Lowell''s mom and dad smiled towards Aurel.


    After walking for a while, they arrived in front of a room with the name: ¡®Blanc City Fleur¡¯s Aptitude and Attribute Test Site¡¯ posted on it. Aurel started to speak.


    ¡°Mr. Wislett? Are you there?¡±


    A grumpy voice belonging to an old man responded to her voice.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    ¡°Practitioner Aurel Hixia, I reserved three seats for aptitude and attribute testing today.


    ¡°Testee number?¡±


    ¡°#12, #13, and #14.¡±


    The grumpy voice stopped for a minute unti it spoke again.


    ¡°Make the kids enter.¡±


    Aurel: ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Their teacher looks towards them and gave them a warning.


    ¡°Enter the room and stay obedient, okay? You won¡¯t like it if you make him angry.¡±


    They all replied in a tensed voice.


    ¡°Y-Yes!"


    Looks like their tester is a scary person.

 Chapter 6 - Full Examination

    As Lowell, Weiss, and Qazar entered the dark room filled with curtains, they noticed a Crystal Ball in the middle and it was placed on a table with black mantle. Beside it was a piece of thin metal and it was glowing like the ball.


    Suddenly, a voice echoed inside the dark room. It was a grumpy and cold voice, combined with the creepy atmosphere. This situation will make one feel a chill in their spines.


    ¡±Oh?! It look¡¯s like we have two exceptional fleurs out here¡­¡±


    The three of them turned pale in fright when they saw the scene unfold. Only Weiss was the one who uttered a sound.


    ¡°Hiii! A ghost!!¡±


    Weiss pointed his hand towards the back of the crystal ball. A face emerged out of thin air.


    ¡°How rude! I¡¯m not a ghost! This is a epic-tier air magic, Wind Projection. Don¡¯t you see its greatness?!¡±


    The face became angry.


    ¡°Hiiiiiii!!!! I-I¡¯m sorry!!¡±


    Weiss hastily apologized while Lowell and Qazar stood still, dumbfounded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Hahaha! I¡¯m born with this face.¡±


    The face floats around.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I saw a Spatial Fleur.. and a strong one at that.


    The face enlarged as it approached Lowell.


    Lowell''s fear was overshadowed by her curiousity.


    ¡°Uhmmm¡­ Honorable mister, how did you know I¡¯m a spatial magic user?


    The face smiled creepily, like he was puffing his chest as this moment.


    ¡±I¡¯m a High Ranked Professor, Wislett Accordia, a Wind-elemental Fleur. Only people of Professor-rank and higher knows this, but I shall share it on the three of you here since you look like friends. If I ever heard you make this a gossip¡­ Heheheheh¡­ but you don¡¯t want to make me angry, right?¡±


    Wislett made a scary face.


    The three of them broke into cold sweat. They responded hastily because of this.


    "¡°Sir, yes Sir!¡±"


    Wislett''s face returned to his normal grumpy face and laughed.


    ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t be so nervous. Just follow my instructions, and nothing bad¡¯s gonna happen to you.¡±


    The three of them nod hastily.


    We don¡¯t want to get the bad side of this person.


    They thought.


    ¡±A person who has either Silver hair or silver eyes is a candidate for being a Spatial Fleur. The only difference from other normal people is that their silver part is glowing because of tremendous mana.


    Practitioners and below doesn¡¯t see this, but mana-sensitive people like Professors and above can see it. If it is eyes, we call it minor Spatial Fleur. If it is hair, we call it major Spatial Fleur. But in your case, both eyes and hair is silver-colored.. and both of them are glowing with mana, making you a full Spatial Fleur.


    Unlike those previous two, magic control of a full spatial is comparable to a Low-ranked Practitioner at their Apprentice Tier. You can summon even living things, which minor and major Spatial Fleurs couldn¡¯t do. A Tamer or a Summoner might be good, but you¡¯re still too young.. ¡±


    Wislett looks at Lowellwith affirmation.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.¡°By the way, you look too beautiful with that silver hair and eyes.. maybe those guys are lovers?¡±


    Lowell looks towards Qazar and Weiss at her back. Both of them looked downward, avoiding her gaze.


    ¡°No, they¡¯re my friends¡­. sir, what is a lover?¡±


    Lover? I don¡¯t know what lover is¡­ Is it a special friend?


    Wislett burst into a loud laughter. It was the loudest one he did since they met.


    ¡°Hahaha! That struck hard! Do your best, gentlemen!¡±


    Both Qazar and Weiss¡¯ face reddened. Did they became sick? Lowell stuck her hand towards their heads and puts her head on the other side of her hand. Her mom did this to her when she''s sick.


    ¡°Are you both sick? What part does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°Oi, oi. If you do that, you¡¯ll make them more sick.. in both bad and good way..¡±


    When Lowell looked at their faces, they¡¯re already red all over.


    It looks like I¡¯m the reason of their sickness.


    She thought of that.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    She bowed while apologizing.


    ¡°I-it¡¯s nothing worth apologizing. Right, Qazar?¡±


    ¡°Ah?! Eh¡­ Right!¡±


    Wislett coughed as if trying to get the three''s attention.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop this and proceed with the test. #12, Lowell Zvalle, stand on the stool and place your hand on top of the ball.¡±


    Wislett looks at them in a bored manner.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Lowell placed her hand on top of the ball. The thin piece of metal shone brilliantly. After a few seconds, the light subsided.


    The thin metal produced a card. The card flew around and suddenly stopped in front of Lowell.


    ¡°Get that card and move on.¡±


    Lowell took the card, only to see that it was blank.


    ¡°Sir, what is this card?¡±


    She asked as she flip the card all over curiously.


    ¡°A Identification Card. Most of your personal details are in this card. Use mana to make the engraved words appear.¡±


    Lowell listened to him and started to input mana. One by one, words appeared on the surface of the Identification Card.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Age: 5 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    Aptitude: Low Rank ¨C Practicioner Tier Fleur


    ¡ñ Title: ¡ª¡ª


    ¡ñ Job: ¡ª¡ª


    ¡ñ Attributes: Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, Spatial


    ¡ñ Special Skill: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    Something unfamiliar popped out of her assessment.


    ¡°What¡¯s a special skill?¡±


    ¡°Oh? You have one?- Ah don¡¯t answer that. It would be bad for my reputation to inquire a testee if he has a skill or not.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because.. you know! It¡¯s a special skill! Only you can use it! People dreamt to have one! May it be a life-saver skill or anything, if you have a skill only you can use, aren¡¯t you gonna be proud of it?¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    Of course I¡¯d be proud. It would make me unique.


    She thought as she ponder the effect of her skills.


    She already used the skill ''Spell Forger'', but the other, ''Eye of Investigation'' is very unfamilliar to her.


    ¡°How should I use this?¡±


    Lowell cutely tilted her head like a lost child. Wislett asked her with his usual bored and grumpy face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ask you about the main details, but what body part does your skill need to be used?¡±


    Since it says ''Eyes of Investigation'', Lowell instantly thought of her eyes.


    ¡°Eyes.¡±


    ¡°Just focus your mana on the body part it uses, and voila~! It would take effect.. Oi,oi? What are you doing? Don¡¯t use it on me! Use it outside later!¡±


    Wislett noticed the mana concentration in Lowell''s eyes are getting higher.


    Lowellstopped gathering mana. Wislett let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Whew.. what an impatient child. Now, for the finishing touches, do you see those big dots before each detail? Insert your mana inside. It¡¯s the only way for Fleurs to hide their critical information. We don¡¯t want to get controlled by higher-ups or nobles because of them, right? Don¡¯t worry, even the guild can¡¯t acquire those details. That plate only identifies the mana of the owner. After that, Place it on that table.¡±


    After saying that last line, a table beside us appeared. It must be because it¡¯s too dark we didn¡¯t notice it at all. In the middle of it, a rectangular hole is visible. It looks like the Identification Card would fit perfectly on it.


    Lowell followed Wislett¡¯s instructions and finished the test.


    ¡°Now, #13, Qazar Aquila, you¡¯re next. Looking at you, I suspect you¡¯re a Major Darkness Fleur. Oh, well. Let¡¯s confirm my suspicion. You know the procedure, right?¡±


    After Qazar, Weiss followed. The three thanked Wislett and left the room. There, they saw Belle, Louis, Aurel, and Weiss¡¯ butler outside the room.

 Chapter 7 - Fleur Registration

    After leaving the examination room, Their teacher asked them what happened inside.


    ¡°So, what do you think of Mr. Wislett?¡±


    The first one to answer was Lowell.


    ¡°He¡¯s strict¡­ but kind. He¡¯s powerful, using epic skill ¡®Wind Projection¡¯ to guide us from start to end..¡±


    Qazar nods and spoke.


    ¡°I agree with Lowell.¡±


    The only one who had different reaction was Weiss, who remembered the ghastly face.


    ¡°He¡¯s scary!!¡±


    Looks like Mr. Wislett¡¯s warning was embedded on Weiss¡¯ head.


    ¡°Hahaha! Is that so? But.. He really isn¡¯t around¡­ *Sigh*¡±


    Lowell noticed her teacher¡¯s tired sigh.


    ¡°Teacher.. Are you tired?¡±


    ¡°No.. It¡¯s just that¡­ He¡¯s my lover¡¯s father. You know that I¡¯m from the capital, right? My lover decided to make me meet his father, but when we arrived, he¡¯s nowhere to be found..¡±


    Lover¡­ it¡¯s like what Mr. Wislett said..


    Lowell pondered and asked her teacher like it was normal.


    ¡°Teacher, what is a lover? Mr. Wislett said Qazar and Weiss are my lovers.¡±


    Her mom and dad, who was walking while holding my hands, stopped immediately. The smiles on their faces froze. Lowell looked towards the back. She saw Weiss¡¯s butler didn¡¯t change his expression, but Weiss, Qazar, and Teacher are in panic. The first one to speak was her teacher.


    ¡°Ah?! Eh?! Hmm¡­ how should I put it¡­. ¡±


    Aurelstarts to avert her gaze away from her pupil.


    ¡°Please, teach-¡±


    Before she could continue, her dad carried her on his arm. Her mom covered her teachers lips with a handkerchief. Louis smiled as he answered her daughter.


    ¡°If you became an adult, you¡¯ll know what ¡®lover¡¯ means. By the meantime, let¡¯s go towards the Recruitment Room, okay?¡±


    She noticed her father''s usual smile lost it''s sparkle. It was the same as her mom''s expression. She can only nod in turn.


    ¡°Okay..¡±


    After walking five minutes, They reached their destination.


    ¡°Normally, only the recruit can enter here¡­ but in our case, the mentor and the apprentice can enter. Lowell, follow me.¡±


    Aurel opened the door. It was a spacious room and bustling with people. Most of them are ten to fifteen years old. All their eyes are focused on Lowell and her teacher.


    Gossips started to circulate as they walked.


    ¡°Look, a pretty instructor has entered.¡±


    ¡°But wait, look at that kid behind her.¡±


    ¡°Beautiful¡­¡±


    ¡°She looks like a doll at that lavender dress¡­¡±


    ¡°I need to know her name¡­ the name of that goddess¡­.¡±


    Lowell felt stares around her. She grabbed her teacher¡¯s robe tightly while looking downwards.


    ¡°U-uhm!?¡±


    A kid who looks like seven to eight years old approached her.


    ¡°I¡¯m Sirion Folmar. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Lowell isn''t naturally afraid of people, but having all eyes on her makes her nervous.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m Lowell Zvalle.¡±


    Lowell nervously introduced herself to the boy..


    ¡°Waahhh~ she spoke..¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s introduce ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m -!¡±


    Her teacher noticed Lowell was frozen in place and helped her.


    ¡°Please restrain yourselves. Look, my apprentice looks scared.¡±


    ¡°W-we¡¯re sorry!¡±


    All of them backed off..


    Her teacher giggled.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re weak of too much attention.. It looks like you¡¯ll have a hard time with being an adventurer you¡¯re dreaming of.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll try to change!¡±


    ¡°But having a flaw itself is wonderful, you know.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it reminds people you¡¯re still human.¡±


    Her teacher smiled and continued to guide her towards the Main Desk to get a list number. Lowell gave her newly-made Identification Card to receptionist. After getting a list number, both the teacher and pupil took a seat in the middle.


    The room has five rows of seats. These seats are facing the main desk. While waiting, the stares didn¡¯t lessened. In fact, people who just entered the room looks towards her.. And doesn¡¯t retract their gaze. Shehear voices like ¡®She¡¯s a five year old?!¡¯ coming from the Main Desk.. It intensified the previous stares. Now, they are like those merchants selling stuff outside. She saw the merchant''s face while selling something to a young man. His facial expression is the same as these people here. It¡¯s what she''s feeling right now¡­


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Ugh¡­.¡±


    Lowell''s head starts to spin. After her third birthday, words start to pop out of her head. The first words are ¡®Chemistry¡¯ and ¡®Physics¡¯. Her teacherknew Chemistry, but not Physics¡­ Chemistry in her teacher''s definition is just a little piece of Chemistry definition that popped out of her head. Her definition is ¡®Brewing of Herbs, Parts of living things, and their practical uses¡¯ but the definition in Lowell''s head was ¡®a study that deals with composition, structures, and properties they undergo¡¯.


    After three months, Lowell noticed that the first words that popped out of her head was just the start. She learned Matter and it¡¯s phases for Chemistry and One-dimensional Kinematics(Vector, Scalar, Coordinates, etc.) for Physics. That¡¯s when she noticed these two are compiled into books. The writing form is different, but she noticed that she could read it properly. Yesterday, a big collection of ¡®Elements¡¯ popped out of her head. That¡¯s when she noticed that this knowledge isn¡¯t from her country or even the other countries¡­


    Then where did these knowledge came from?


    She pondered while holding her head, trying to ease the pain.


    ¡°Lowell, are you alright? Another headache?¡±


    Her teacher looks worried. Lowell tried to assure her teacher that she''s alright.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, teacher.. It¡¯s just one of those regular headaches..¡±


    Her teacher was slightly angered.


    ¡°You idiot apprentice. No normal person could say ¡®just one of those regular headaches¡¯ at the first place!¡±


    Lowell apologized.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry teacher, but please believe me.. Don¡¯t worry.. It¡¯s nothing harmful.¡±


    Her teacher sighed.


    Suddenly, a voice spoke loudly that it could be heard throughout the room.


    ¡°Number 54, Lowell Zvalle. Please proceed towards the Main desk.¡±


    Aurel noticed it and spoke to Lowell.


    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s your turn. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Lowell nodded and both of themproceeded towards the receptionist.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your Fleur badge. You can use it to withdraw or deposit from our banks. We¡¯ll also return your Identification Card. For your robe, please follow him.¡±


    The receptionist pointed at the man on the back. He looks like he¡¯s on his 20¡¯s. Aurel returned to her seat. It looks like only the applicant can follow him.


    Lowell looked towards other applicants. She noticed that others immediately received their robes.


    Lowell asked the man curiously.


    ¡°Sir, may I ask why am I going to go somewhere to get my robe while others get theirs immediately?¡±


    The man smiled and answered thoughtfully.


    ¡°Call me Jess, little miss. It¡¯s because we don¡¯t have a stock for your size. Most applicants are ten to fifteen years old already.. Those robes are too big for you. Robes will adjust as you grow, and changes color when they detected your magic capacity made a breakthrough, but they weren¡¯t designed to shrink.That¡¯s why I¡¯ll lead you towards our robe tailor.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Jess leads her towards a small room. The tailor took Lowell''s sizes and starts tailoring her robe. After ten minutes, she received her newly-made robe. She and Jess returned to the Main Desk where she was greeted by her teacher.


    ¡°It looks good on you, Lowell.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher!¡±


    Ehehe~ I was praised by Teacher~


    But Aurel suddenly made a complex expression.


    ¡°But what is this feeling¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Lowelltilted her headcutely.


    ¡°I feel conflicted. I¡¯m happy that Lowell became a Practitioner, but sad because.. me and my apprentice wears the same robe.. Looks like I need to breakthrough immediately¡­ for my pride as her Teacher.¡±


    Her teacher starts to mutter inaudible words.


    ¡°What did you say, Teacher?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.. Well then, let¡¯s go and return to your parents.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    They exitthe room and returned to the group.


    Lowell starts to flaunt her newly-acquired robe to her parents.


    ¡°Look at my violet robe, mom!¡±


    ¡°Looks good on you, Little Elle..¡±


    Her mom complimented her, but she had a complicated expression while saying that.


    ¡°As expected of my daughter. You really look good on anything you.¡±


    Her dad¡¯s sentence makes my violet robe look ordinary.


    ¡°Mhm. Looks good.¡±


    Qazar looks with a stoic face.


    ¡°Waaaah~! It¡¯s same as Teacher¡¯s robe! ¡±


    Weiss looks with an excited face, but Aurelbents to a weird way, it looks like she¡¯s hit by something. Like usual, the first one to notice was Lowell.


    ¡°Teacher, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s nothing¡­¡±


    But she looks like she¡¯s going to cry.


    Aurel recovered after a few seconds and spoke.


    ¡°Well then, remove your robe and take it. You shall depart now, since it¡¯s gonna be dark by the time you arrive to your house.¡±


    Weiss and his butler starts to break up with the group and bade goodbye.


    ¡°Bye Lowell!! See you again tomorrow!¡±


    Lowell returned Weiss'' goodbye.


    ¡°Bye Bye!¡±


    She waved intensely until she cannot see him.


    Now, it''s time for Qazar and her teacher to bid goodbye.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s goodbye. Will I see you again?¡±


    ¡°Of course! We¡¯re friends, remember?¡±


    I smiled towards Qazar.


    ¡°It¡¯s true.. Mhm! See you again!!¡±


    He looks sad at first, but he smiled again.


    ¡°Bye bye!!¡±


    Lowell bade goodbye to her teacher and Qazar.


    Her mom smiled sweetly and asked.


    ¡°Did you enjoy today, Little Elle?¡±


    In return, Lowell created a very brilliant smile.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    After seeing her daughter''s expression, Belle gave a satisfied nod.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s return, to our house.¡±


    Her husband Louis agreed.


    ¡°It¡¯s as you say.¡±


    Louis carries her daughter in his shoulders as he hold Belle¡¯s hand. They started to return home with happy faces.

 Chapter 8 - Escape Danger

    After that day on Lowell''s Fleur registration, she started to study her special abilities. She started with ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯. At first, She used it on inanimate objects. A message popped inside her head.


    ¡º


    Name: Oakwood Wand


    Durability: 100/100


    Effect: Mana +5 , Magic Power +10


    Details: A common and lightweight wand. Can be sold for a good price


    ¡»


    Then she tried it on insects, until she used farm animals and domestic animals.


    Lowell began to wonder.


    ¡°Could it be used on oneself?¡±


    She tried using it on myself by using a mirror.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 7


    Title: ¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª-


    Age: 5 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 130/130


    Mana: 70/65 (65+5)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 10


    Magic Power: 60 (50+10)


    Speed: 15


    Constitution: 4


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    She was surprised, since her special skill has a much better effect than the magic item the Fleur Guild uses. The only weakness of this spell is that, she noticed the change of her eye color. When she used it on the mirror, her silver eyes became gold. She thought it was too risky to use in battles since it would make people notice that she''s using an ocular skill.


    When she dropped her staff, all bonus stats are removed. She instantly knew that items need to have a body contact so that the additional effects can be added.


    Afterwards, She tried to use Skill Forger.. but I don¡¯t know which body part to use.. So she gave up on knowing its effect for the meantime.


    Weiss, and sometimes Qazar, comes to visit Lowell''s house. Qazar, for the meantime, was staying at her Teacher Aurel¡¯s home. Whenever the both of them visit Lowell, they practice together and play around together. After a month, Weiss¡¯ number of visitation lessened. It was after he declared ¡®If we¡¯re all Fleurs, who¡¯ll become the frontline?¡¯ but Qazar said he¡¯s already practicing Sword Arts six months ago so it¡¯s okay but Weiss still refused to listen.


    Also, Teacher Aurelstarted to teach Lowell Fire-Attributed magic. Lowell found it hard at first, since each element needs different mindset. Serenity for Air, Stillness for Earth, and Fluidity for Water. For Fire, it is Fervor.


    Her teacher starts to tease her again.


    ¡°Fire should complement you the most, based on your personality.. but why are you having difficulties on mastering the basics?¡±


    Lowell was clueless of her teacher''s teasing and was upset of her inability to use fire.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either, Teacher¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh well, don¡¯t sulk.. Maybe it¡¯s because ¡®Magic is peaceful¡¯ mindset was too ingrained in your head, mastering a violent element is hard for you. Remember, there¡¯s always two sides in everything. Good and Bad, Life and Death, Strength and Weakness. In this case, it¡¯s Peace and Violence. Magic can¡¯t only bring Peace, but also Violence.¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    After six months, Lowell caught the flow of basics. On her sixth birthday, she started to apply some basic knowledge from the Chemistry and Physics books.


    ¡°If high temperature of Fire is applied on water.. It would form a smoke named ¡®Steam¡¯.. When using Rock Bullet, add wind for greater acceleration¡­¡±


    Lowell tried the first one, but all she created was hot water. She thought she needed more magic power but when I tried the second one..


    ¡°Rock Bullet! Air Shot!¡±


    Because of momentum, the usual Rock Bullet spell which only makes a deep hole in the tree, now it pierced through it. There was also a big circle, a side-effect because Air Shot was bigger than the Rock Bullet.


    ¡°It looks like I need to adjust the size of Air Shot.. making it the same size as the Rock Bullet¡­¡±


    Now she started to wonder how to make Lightning and Ice¡­ but she can¡¯t adjust the temperatures of her spell to reach extreme heat or extreme cold. She tried to ask her teacher.


    ¡°Extreme hot? Extreme Cold? Of course not.. We can only modify our spell¡¯s physical form, but not their main properties.. Unless you have mana to compensate those changes¡­ and the mana needed isn¡¯t small either.¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Lowell dropped the idea of using the two for the meantime..


    After another year, she reached Middle-Rank Practitioner Tier while her teacher reached Low-Rank Professor Tier.


    ¡°Teacher looks¡­ weird.¡±


    When Lowell saw her robe changed colors, she accidentally muttered. Lowell knew that she''s in trouble.. because she remembered that when a Fleur is switching tiers, they would undergo an emotional breakdown. They couldn¡¯t control their emotions because of their sudden multiplication of Mana. They call this phenomena ¡®Outbreak¡¯.


    ¡°Huuhh? What did you say, brat?¡±


    ¡°Hiiiii!!!¡±


    Lowell started to run away. She started to panic since it''s the first time she saw her teacher''s scary face.


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape, you brat!! Earth Prison!¡±


    Lowell was instantly trapped inside big boulders made of earth.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!!¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll forgive you.. you¡¯re my cute, cute apprentice¡­¡±


    Lowell let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°A bone or ten would do.¡±


    ¡°EEEEH?!!!¡±


    Lowell started to panic again. She decided to escape.


    ¡°Air Spring!¡±


    Lowell used a Low-tier Air spell, Air Spring. It propels her upward for a small amount of time. It¡¯s a spell developed to clear labyrinth dungeons.


    ¡°Hahaha! Struggle! Wind Cage!¡±


    Now, Lowell was imprisoned on a cylindrical cage with invisible bars mid-air.


    ¡°Hahaha! Resign to your fate, brat!!¡±


    Her teacher starts to walk forward.


    She acts really scary because she laughs hoarsely. It looks like I have no choice..


    Lowell started to focus and gather silver-colored mana.


    ¡°Spatial Hole!¡±


    She created a hole inside the Wind Cage. The only drawback of this spell is that.. it¡¯s uncertain where the other side leads to.


    If only I could control it, I could go and visit Weiss and Qazar frequently¡­


    Lowell thought of that as she entered the hole, but what¡¯s on the other side shocked her.


    In a wide plain, two animals.. no, Magical beast are fighting each other. It was a boar and a monkey. The boar¡¯s blue body was full of white gemstones and the monkey¡¯s green body was very flexible and has eight arms. Lowell recalled, the boar is a High-tier beast known as the ¡®Mineral Boar¡¯ and the monkey is also a High-tier beast known as ¡®Green Spider-Monkey¡¯. The monkey¡¯s diet isn¡¯t boar¡¯s meat, so it looks like it¡¯s a fight for turf.


    Beasts are also rated by tiers. Same with the tiers of magic spells, from Low Tier to World Tier. They are grouped that way because only spell with same tier can inflict damage or kill these beasts.


    When Lowell popped out, both of them stopped fighting and looked towards her. The most troublesome part is.. while Magical Beasts are selfish and fights other beast, when a human joins the fight, they¡¯ll cooperate and kill the human.


    I need to move first!


    Lowell thought of that and started by chanting a spell.


    ¡°Earth Boulder!¡±


    Lowell started by elevating my foothold. It would be dangerous for a fleur without combat knowledge to fight head-on.


    The monkey started to climb the boulder while the boar starts to demolish it. Not good!


    ¡°Earth Spikes!¡±


    Lowell created spikes on the boulder. The monkey retreated while the boar was hit. The boar didn¡¯t even falter and resumes ramming the boulder.


    ¡°I can¡¯t use Quicksand¡­ my foothold¡¯s foundation will get weaker¡­ What should I do¡­.¡±


    She started to panic. She looked downward and saw the monkey swinging around the spikes.


    ¡°Swinging.. spikes.. Fire! I¡¯ll use fire! Fire ball!¡±


    She started to use Fireball on the spikes. The spikes became too hot for the hands of the monkey. The boar stopped because its weakness is fire.


    ¡°Do I need to use Spatial Hole again? I was lucky on my first usage, but this is just the second attempt. I can only gamble on the third attempt. If I don¡¯t use it here, only death would be my outcome.¡±


    Lowell took a deep breath.


    ¡°Here it goes! Spa-! Waaaaaaaaaah!!¡±


    She didn¡¯t notice, but the boar starts to ram the boulder again. It used a strong force to demolish the boulder. Lowell started to fall from a high ground.


    Is this the end? Is my dream to become an adventurer like Mom gonna end here? Ah. Even I could survive the fall, I¡¯ll be killed by these monsters. I can even use skills because of spell interruption¡­


    She remembered her Mom and Dad¡¯s smiling face while walking home after her Fleur Registration. Weiss¡¯ smiling face while waving goodbye.. Her promise to Qazar.. and her teacher¡¯s kind smile..


    Tears starts to drop from her eyes.


    I don¡¯t wanna die.. I don¡¯t wanna die¡­ I don¡¯t wanna die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    ¡°Anyone, save me!!!!¡±


    She screamed through my lungs, asking for help. She knew it¡¯s impossible, but she''s still hoping for someone to save her.


    After that, she resigned to her fate.

 Chapter 9 – Madman Savior

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll save you. My cute, adorable Little Princess.¡±


    Lowell heard a voice. It was a very familiar voice.. It¡¯s the voice of a person she''s living with.. but


    ¡°Silver Hair¡­ Silver Eyes¡­?¡±


    She stared at her savior with a dumbfounded face.


    ¡°Oh? Ahaha¡­ My natural appearance was busted.. Teehee~ <3¡±


    The person said in a playful voice.


    ¡°Honey, is she safe?! Is Little Elle safe?!¡±


    She heard her mom¡¯s voice come out of nowhere.


    ¡°Ah, yes! Looks like she teleported somewhere distant¡­ About 129 Kilometers away?¡±


    Lowell looked around. They were floating midair. Then, she see a big, black circle on her savior''s foot and another one on their side.


    ¡°Guess my name, and I¡¯ll give you some pointers on Spatial magic.¡±


    Of course, she know him.. This voice, this attitude..


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry¡­. *sob*¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, my princess. It¡¯s only normal for princesses to be saved by knights, you know.¡±


    Her dad looks at her with a playful, but kind face.


    ¡°Aaaand! the MOooonsters who bullies the princess, should vanish! Spatial Step!¡±


    Her dad used a Middle-Tier Spatial skill, Spatial Step. It was a black, flat circle floating midair. Lowell was placed by her dad there.


    ¡°Stay put there, okay?¡±


    ¡°Mhm¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, It¡¯s slaughter time! Wahahaha!¡±


    Louis laughed like a madman.


    It look like he¡¯s enjoying it.


    Lowell thought as the previous voice started to speak.


    ¡°Are you alright, Little Elle? Any injuries?¡±


    Her mom started to ask with worry.


    ¡°No, Mom. I¡¯m okay..


    She gave off a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad¡­¡±


    Lowell suddenly remembered her teacher, who was in the middle of an Outbreak.


    ¡°Teacher.. what happened to Teacher?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s already resting. When her target, which is you, vanished, her ¡®Outbreak¡¯ already stopped. She¡¯s already sobbing when we saw her. After saying what happened, she already collapsed. Good thing she gave us your location before she passed out..¡±


    ¡°Gave my location? How?¡±


    ¡°It was a function of Identification Card. If you¡¯re registered with a mentor, your mentor can locate you by using her Identification Card.¡±


    So that¡¯s how it works..


    ¡°Look here, my daughter! This is how you should use your Spatial skill! Spatial Glide!¡±


    Louis startedmoving around by using the black disk on his feet.


    He¡¯s really enjoying this..The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Come, little puppies! Give me entertainment!!¡±


    Her dad¡¯s gliding around while using Middle-Tier Element skills on the escaping Magical Beasts.


    How did my timid father became a person like this?


    ¡°Look how I properly use a Spatial Hole! Spatial Hole!¡±


    Her dad created a hole fifteen meters in front of the Monkey. He jumped on the black disk he¡¯s standing on and pops out on the hole he created earlier.


    ¡°Good day, Sir Monkey. It¡¯s time to die! Hahaha!¡±


    Her dad created a small,black ball out of thin air. After that, he flicked it towards the speeding Monkey.


    ¡°Gravity Ball.¡±


    The Monkey tried to dodge it, but it enlarged until the monkey was covered all over.


    The ball compressed tightly, and vanished in thin air.


    The boar, who saw it, starts to run to the opposite side. Dad didn¡¯t even move.


    ¡°Look, my daughter. This is why Spatial Attribute is the most mysterious among Mysterious Attributes!¡±


    He chants a long spell. Lowell knew that most of spells aren¡¯t needed to be chanted, but some of those who needs concentration and very high amount of mana needed to be chanted.


    Louis: ¡°Chaos, Chronos, Moros, Astraeus!! Befall never ending misfortune to my enemies!! Meteor Shower!!¡±


    Numerous black disk appeared at the top of the Boar. One by one, Stones that looks like not from this world starts to fall onto it. After fifteen minutes, the rocks stopped falling, but a big, black disk emerged in exchange of those numerous disks. A really gigantic stone appeared, which looks like a very large piece of land and pierced the location of the boar. After that, all the debris disappeared, only leaving the dead body of the boar behind.


    It left Lowell dumbfounded.


    ¡°The stones.. are made of Mana?!¡±


    Fleurs only borrow power of the elements, which are already present from the time this world was created. It was the law of equal exchange. What happened here is that a Fleur created something out of nothing. In this case, it was a group of stones , which can¡¯t be categorized as a part of Earth element. Just a lump of mana.


    ¡°Hahaha! As expected of my genius daughter! It¡¯s why Spatial Skill is the most mysterious one.. we create something.. out of nothing!! But in expense of very high mana..¡±


    Her dad starts to quiver.. He guided the black disk Lowell was standing on towards him. Lowell tried to use Eye of Inspection on him.


    ¡º


    Name: Louis Zvalle


    Level: 53


    Title: The Silver Adventurer


    Job: Civil Worker , A-rank Adventurer


    Status: Weakened


    Age: 32 years old


    Birthplace: Royal Capital City


    HP: 5600/6000


    Mana: 345/2990


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 240


    Magic Power: 920


    Speed: 469


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: 80


    Aptitude: Mid-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???, ???


    ¡»


    ¡°Oh? what a convenient skill, you have there, my daughter..¡±


    Her dad jokes weakly.


    ¡°How did you know, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.. you can¡¯t deceive your awesome father. Let¡¯s go back then.. That last skill I unleashed has a horrible backlash..¡±


    So that¡¯s why he has ¡®Weakened¡¯ on his status..


    ¡°This is my last lesson for today¡­ For long distant teleportation, don¡¯t use Spatial Hole.. It¡¯s unstable.. and hard to control. You need to use this!¡±


    He took a stick out of nowhere and started to drew a big circle.


    ¡°Hold on my hand, my little princess.¡±


    Her dad reaches out his hand.


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    Lowell grabbed it and both of them started to vanish from the area.

 Chapter 10 - Dad & Mom

    When they arrived, Her mom didn¡¯t scold her, but she hugged Lowell tightly instead. Lowell also hugged her mom and noticed she¡¯s trembling. Lowell started to cry because she knew how worried her mom was.


    Lowell asked her teacher¡¯s location. Her mom Belle guided her towards a vacant room. There, she saw her teacher who was crying in her sleep. Lowell held her hand and she woke up. She also held my hand while apologizing.


    After her teacher gave an apology, Lowell let her rest since ranking up has a large strain in one¡¯s body. She returned towards her dad who still had his Silver hair and eyes. After taking a deep breath, his Brown, long hair and brown eyes returned.


    ¡°*Sigh*.. Looks like I did it again.. My body¡¯s aching all over..¡±


    ¡°Dad¡­ How did you do it? Changing your hair color and eyes in just a second?¡±


    ¡°Oh that? It¡¯s because of this.¡±


    He brought out a pendant with a brown jewel embedded on it that he¡¯s wearing inside his clothes.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Dye Jewel. Since we, Spatial users are incredibly rare, I need to use this thing here. It gives me brown eyes and hair, as you see, as long as I inject my mana into it. ¡±


    He starts to mutter things by himself.


    ¡°It¡¯s also used for dyeing one¡¯s heart. It¡¯s good that it could restrain my impulsive self.. but it¡¯s useless when I¡¯m using magic.. and that personality really goes all out whenever he gets a chance.. aha aha ahaha..¡±


    Now, he laughs while his expression is in despair.


    ¡°So that¡¯s really your real personality, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Ugh-!¡±


    Looks like I inflicted high damage..


    He knelt on the ground.. After a few seconds, he starts to crawl towards Lowell. He grabs her hand and starts to plead.


    ¡°Lowell, do you hate Dad who¡¯s like that? Please don¡¯t hate me¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate Dad.. rather¡­ I find him cool..¡±


    He looks like a prince at that time.. If you remove his madman tendencies..


    Smile has built up in his face. He looks like the sun after a rainy day.


    But when Lowell remember his impulsive self, she thought of how much stress her father was building up¡­ when he¡¯s directing all of his grudge towards the Magical Beasts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll also tell Mom¡­ to be kinder to Dad.¡±


    Lowell muttered the last line silently while fidgeting.


    ¡°Aaaaaah! LOWELL-SAMA!!¡±


    Louisclings at her intensely.


    ¡°Sama?! W-wait! Dad.. I-It hurts¡­¡±


    His hug starts to hurt Lowell.


    ¡°Ah-! Sorry, Lowell..¡±


    ¡°By the way, why are you calling me a genius, while you are using Spatial Magic proficiently?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    Louistold her that Lowell showed signs of having Full Spatial Magic at the age of 3 months old while he showed it at age of 5 years old. That¡¯s why Spatial Magic Fleurs are already in Practitioner stage when they unlock it.


    ¡°So I¡¯m already at Pracitioner stage since three months old?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the case. The hole you created was passable for an Low Rank Apprentice Tier during that time.. What¡¯s abnormal is.. your understanding towards the unknown.¡±


    ¡°Understanding.. towards the unknown?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Unlike other element and mysterious magic, Spatial¡¯s origin.. is unknown. When I unlocked mine, I examined a book for spatial magic¡­ In the introduction, it has the words ¡®Space is everywhere, Space is infinite¡¯.. I tried to understand it.. then ¡®poof!¡¯ I could see silver lights. I tried to gather it, and used it towards a practice target.


    Instead of being destroyed like other elements would do, a big circle emerged out of nowhere. That¡¯s when I started to research it. In some turn of events, I became a known adventurer because of that.¡±


    ¡°Dad didn¡¯t seek advice from other Spatial users?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, we¡¯re very rare. This magic isn¡¯t passed via bloodline. When I saw you having this magic, I was very happy that I shed tears.¡±


    ¡°Tears because you escaped my punishment. Right, honey?¡±


    Her mom, who was tending her teacher inside, joins into the conversation.


    ¡°Well, There¡¯s also that part . Aha aha ahaha.¡±


    Her dad laughs forcefully.


    ¡± Come inside, It¡¯s time to eat supper. Your Teacher will eat with us. Honey, if you could please send Ms. Aurel back home later?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    Looks like Dad is back to his usual self.


    He started to dash towards the house, leaving Lowell and Belle behind.


    ¡°Really, that man¡­¡±


    Now, a question from Lowell came out of nowhere.


    ¡°Mom, how did you and Dad meet?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Now Little Elle¡¯s interested with our story?¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    Bellesat on the grass. Her Yellow hair sway prettily because of wind blowing towards her back, while her blue eyes shine like the stars in the dawning sky.


    ¡°I met your Dad during a bandit subjugation quest in our area.¡±


    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re a bandit?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, of course not! I¡¯m one of the leaders of the quest. Your Dad was the other one. Silver-Haired Silver Eyes, he was called the Silver Adventurer. Since most adventurers wants to get his favor, I think he¡¯s a strong one. But during that time, I was set on my goal¡­¡±


    ¡°Goal?¡±


    ¡°To kill a dragon.¡±


    Lowell was shocked. According to her teacher''s lessons, dragons are existences that was likened to Gods ¨C or Disasters. A dragon that didn¡¯t even reach adulthood can reach Unique Rank. A full pledged adult Dragon are on Legend Rank, depending on what type of Element it was. Only Mystery Magic Attributed Dragons can reach World Rank.


    ¡°It is said that when a Dragon assaults an area, it¡¯s sure that its inhabitants, may it be human or animals, would die because of it¡¯s viciousness. My village was one of those who was razed.. by a young Life Dragon..¡±


    Little by little, teardrops appeared in front of her mom¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°That young dragon escaped from an operation made by 6 High-Rank Meister Tier Fleurs. They were tasked to annihilate a Dragon¡¯s Nest¡­ because it prohibits transportation around it¡¯s nest, affecting our economy. One of the supposedly killed young dragons escaped while the Meisters battle the adult dragon.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Our village, which is only 15 kilometers away from the battle, wasn¡¯t informed of that event. When we received the message, it was too late. The dragon already arrived on our village. Our village is a small one, the only strongest ones are my father and mother, which are High-Tier Professors during that time. At that time, we believed we could even repel that dragon. Me, being 8 years old, wasn¡¯t any help even if I join the battle.. so I joined the children and the elderly to evacuate from the area.


    My world broke when I received a news that both Mom and Dad died during the battle.. It wasn¡¯t because the dragon was strong.. but because Father changed tiers during the battle. You know how much strain changing tiers could give to the body, right? Because of that, only Mom was fit to battle. Now, she¡¯s fighting the Dragon while defending herself from father without hurting him, and defending father from the dragon. One by one, all of their comrades died on the hands of the dragon.. That¡¯s when the battle goes much harder¡­¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s a Life Dragon. It has an innate ability to manipulate living things as long as it¡¯s target has a lower mana capacity than it and different from it¡¯s race. Beforehand, mother and father can interrupt the dragon¡¯s controlling by unleashing spells while the others support them at the side.. but when Father entered the ¡®Outbreak¡¯, only mother can interrupt the dragon. The villagers who act as support starts to panic and tries to flee.


    That¡¯s when they were controlled one by one. The dragon controlled them and commanded the villagers to get closer to it. A slaughter happened until only mother and father ¨C who was still at his ¡®Outbreak¡¯- are left. Mom tried her best to interrupt the dragon, but she also fell into it¡¯s control. That¡¯s only when father returned to his senses. He saw mother being eaten by the dragon.


    He tried to retaliate even the backslash still persist, but he too, became a prey of the dragon. Those bastards of Empire Capitaldoesn¡¯t care a bit as long as they aren¡¯t affected by the dragon¡¯s rampage.¡±


    Belletried to wipe her tears but it was coming out non-stop. All Lowell could do was hug her.


    ¡°That¡¯s when I vowed to kill that dragon. I worked during the day, and practiced the sword and magic during the night. I became an adventurer at the age of 13. I started as a baggage carrier of other adventurers. I absorbed all the knowledge I could get while working until I could start up my own party.


    Most of my first members are the orphans of my village.. but one by one, they left saying ¡®It¡¯s impossible to defeat the dragon¡¯ and lived their lives peacefully. I didn¡¯t care, I only thought of killing that dragon. I became an A rank Adventurer at the age of 20, but I don¡¯t have anything that I could call ¡®Allies¡¯ by my side. One day, I discovered that one bandit group had obtained the sword ¡®Krakkein¡¯, a famous dragon-slaying sword that has been lost after a war. I tried my luck to obtain it since the guild issued a subjugation quest.. and the guild doesn¡¯t prohibit adventurers taking the loot.


    That¡¯s when I met your father. He¡¯s also looking for an item.. If I could remember.. it was a book¡­ but he didn¡¯t mention it¡¯s name. Your Dad was an annoying one. During the bandit subjugation, I hid my face by a cloak, but during a certain encounter with a Magical Beast along the way, it was ripped, showing my face to everyone. After that incident, he started to bug me with words ¡®Please be my wife¡¯, or ¡®Please Marry Me¡¯. I always beat him up, but he doesn¡¯t even retaliate.


    After finishing the subjugation quest, most of the adventurers looked at me with malicious eyes but they didn¡¯t even try to fight me because of their fear of your Dad. So after that day, I tried to escape with all my might with ¡®Krakkein¡¯ on tow. I didn¡¯t know that those malicious adventurers already secured the area. It was twelve on one fight. I killed five of them but I made a mistake and was overpowered by the remaining adventurers. When I was on the verge of death¡­ I didn¡¯t feel scared.. but comfort.. But your Dad arrived on the area.. holding a head of a young Life Dragon.


    His first lines were ¡®My wife, where are you? Your husband has a present for you! I uphold my promise, so Marry Me!¡¯. All of us in the area were stunned, especially me. That¡¯s when I remembered I made a drunk person¡¯s promise.¡±


    Bellegiggled while wiping her tears.


    ¡°He asked me of what he should do so that I would marry him. Because I was drunk at that time, I said he should defeat the Life dragon occupying my previous village, and I¡¯ll be his wife. I was too drunk at that time, but he took it seriously.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s when I thought of myself ¨C ¡®Now, what should I fight for?¡¯ and ¡®What¡¯s the purpose of my struggle?¡¯. After that, I felt towards your Dad was deep hatred. I thought ¡®I would marry this man and torture him for the rest of his life¡¯. During our early days of being married, I tried all of torture to make him hate me.


    But slowly.. months after he killed the dragon, what I felt is happiness. Happiness because I felt the burden of killing the dragon was removed from me.. but I was too stubborn. I still hated your Dad, but as I know him much better, I knew he was a much more complicated person than I thought. I thought he killed the dragon because of his selfishness, but he wants to remove the chains of past that were binding me to move forward. He acts as the fool, but he just wants me to see me happy.


    Even though I feel it, my selfishness and ego was the one inhibits his affection to reach my heart. I saw him gave up everything, his life as an adventurer, became a civil clerk for a noble even though he could do better, and making us live in a house full of warmth and happiness. That¡¯s why I¡¯m really grateful that I met your Dad. He¡¯s the one who guided me away from that darkness.¡±


    Her mom smiles while tears fall again on her face. These were tears of happiness.


    ¡°Uhmm¡­ Honey? Let¡¯s eat? I thought you¡¯re in a hurry?¡±


    Lowell''s dad shouted from the door of their house. Both Lowell and Belle replied simultaneously.


    "¡°We¡¯re coming!¡±"


    Bothwalked silently towards the house.


    Belle wipes her face full of tears.


    ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    Louis looks at her daughter and wife foolishly.


    ¡°Nothing~ Right, Little Elle~?¡±


    ¡°Mhm~ Nothing, Nothing~¡±


    Both of them laughed while Louis was figuring out what happened.

 Chapter 11 - True Friend

    ¡°Dad! Teach me Spatial Magic!¡±


    Lowell tried to persuade her Dad to teach her Spatial Magic.


    ¡°Ask your Mom for permission first.¡±


    As expected, the decision comes from Mom.


    Her mom said that she can''t practice Spatial Magic before reaching eight years old or reaching Middle-Rank Practitioner Tier first, but Lowell was already near the bottleneck of Low Rank Practitioner Tier and its also three months more before she reach her eight birthday.


    Lowell used ''Eye of Investigation'' on herself.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 12


    Title: ¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª-


    Age: 7 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 210/210


    Mana: 78/73 (73+5)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 18


    Magic Power: 95 (85+10)


    Speed: 23


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    Lowell noticed she made a little progress since the day she last used the Eye of Investigation on myself. Whenever she leveled up, it only gives her one or two points in mana. Even the mana control accessory isn¡¯t helping anymore. Lowell asked her dad how to increase her mana faster, but all he said was:


    ¡°Hmmm, why don¡¯t you try to absorb those mana you percieve? It can help you enlarge your Mana Veins.


    Lowell tried it, but she found Mana absorption really hard to do. Unlike gathering it on your hands or body parts, making it enter your body makes more than 90% of it disappear.


    Mana handling for lower ranks is really hard¡­


    By the way, her constitution increased by one.. When She looked on her dad¡¯s stats, he¡¯s at seven. It looks like it indicates body size..


    ¡°Lowell, don¡¯t bother Mr. Zvalle. He needs to depart soon.¡±


    That voice came from her teacher. Three days after that incident, she starts teaching Lowell again. But she became a little cautious when it comes to teaching her Magic. Lowell said it¡¯s alright, but she still insist that let her do it that way..


    ¡°Teacher, Good Morning.. Teacher, where¡¯s Qazar and Weiss?¡±


    ¡°Qazar¡¯s back to his house. Their father left him so he said he¡¯s not gonna go for today. About Weiss, he¡¯s practicing the sword for today.¡±


    ¡°I see.. Teacher, can I visit Qazar?¡±


    ¡°Ask your Mom first.¡±


    Now, I can declare, that Mom¡¯s the law of our house.


    ¡°Yes~!¡±


    Lowell asked her mom¡¯s permission, and luckily, she agreed.


    ¡°You can only go when you¡¯re with your Teacher, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay~!¡±


    After getting her mom¡¯s approval, Lowell started to practice Magic for a few hours and then accompanied by her teacher, traveled towards Blanc City after eating lunch.


    They reached the house by 1 AM. As get near the house, A woman that looks like in her late 20¡¯s opened the house¡¯s door and ran away opposite their direction. When my teacher saw this she starts to follow the woman.


    ¡°Go inside the house and look for Qazar, Lowell. It looks like he needs your help.¡±


    Lowellobeyed her teacher¡¯s words and enter the house.


    ¡°E-excuse me¡­¡±


    As Lowell entered the house, she saw a coiled Qazar was lying on the floor. He¡¯s sweating too much as he holds his right hand very tightly. His expression is one that looks in pain.


    ¡°Qazar? Qazar?! What¡¯s wrong? Are you alright? What happened?¡±


    Lowell started to panic. When Qazar looked towards her, he smiled momentarily and fainted. When Lowell saw his right hand, she had this complicated feeling.. It was both fear and confusion.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡­ the Demon Lord¡¯s Mark?! So, Qazar is the next Demon Lord of the Legends?!¡±


    Whenever she couldn¡¯t fall asleep or disobey Mom, she always use the ¡®Demon Lord¡¯ as a warning for her misbehavior. Once, her mom told her the origin story of the Demon King.


    ¡°Little Elle, the Demon King is a very scary person. Each Demon Lord of the history¡¯s ambition is to conquer the whole world. The only person who could defeat him is the Hero. They are both like oil and water. They never agreed with each other¡¯s ideals. Every time the Demon King was defeated, a new Demon King would be born in his stead. Some say he has the power to destroy our world, but Demon Kings never reach their full power before they are slain by the Heroes.


    Our Kingdom¡¯s ruler right now is the son of the Previous Hero, Lucian Grandforth. The whole kingdom rejoiced when his son, the newborn Francis Grandforth, showed signs of having the Hero¡¯s Brand. This way, the new Hero can be trained before the next Demon King would emerge. The little hero is three years older than you, I think.¡±


    ¡°So, how would you identify the Demon King and the Hero??¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a story, that when Demon Kings awaken, their right hand creates a red, strange symbol called ¡®Demon Lord¡¯s Mark¡¯. In contrast, the Hero forms a blue, beautiful symbol called ¡®Hero¡¯s Brand¡¯. It is said that whoever saw the Demon Lord¡¯s Mark would feel fear that could dominate you, and if you see the Hero¡¯s Brand, you¡¯ll feel comfort and safety.¡±


    ¡°So, what kind of person is the Demon King?¡±


    ¡±A man of ambition ¨C even the cost of it is death and cruelty towards his subjects. He uses violence in ruling and death towards the people who disobeys him. Beware, Little Elle. People¡¯s hatred would be directed towards the people who associate themselves with the Demon King..¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Lowell remembered that line ¡®People¡¯s hated would be directed towards the people who associate themselves with the Demon King..¡¯


    She trembled with fear because of that.


    For the meantime, she used her ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ on Qazar.


    ¡º


    Name: Qazar Aquila


    Level: 15


    Title: (Demon King¡¯s Successor ¨C Hidden)


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: ????


    HP: 232/440


    Mana: 20/23


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 50


    Magic Power: 64


    Speed: 60


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 89


    Aptitude: High-Rank Apprentice Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Darkness(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???, ???, ???


    ¡»


    His physical stats are mostly high because of his practice. But that title ¡®Demon Lord¡¯s Successor¡¯ bugs her.


    Isn¡¯t it supposed to be ¡®Demon Lord¡¯ instead of ¡®Demon Lord¡¯s Successor¡¯? It mean he¡¯s not a true Demon King right now?


    Now, choices starts to pop out of her brain.


    Shall I tell this to Teacher? Shall I keep it a secret?


    She didn¡¯t know what to do¡­.


    Lowelldecided what to do until¡­


    Lowell remembered her promise, 3 years ago..


    *


    Qazar: ¡°Looks like it¡¯s goodbye. Will I see you again?¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Of course! We¡¯re friends, remember?¡±


    *


    Ah, I see¡­


    We¡¯re friends.


    Qazar, whose abandoned by his Father, and maybe.. her Mother..


    A very gentle person who defended his Father even though he¡¯s at wrong..


    A person who gets sad because of goodbyes..


    A person who only has Teacher as his family..


    and A person whom I could call a true friend..


    What kind of friend am I, to forsake him?


    Hahaha.. It looks like my feeling of friendship towards him is this shallow¡­ To doubt this person in front of me..


    Okay! I¡¯ve decided!


    Lowell started to carry Qazar little by little, towards the wooden chair.


    She made him sit on it.


    When her teacher returned, she had an ugly expression on her face. She stamped the table so hard, it almost got destroyed.


    ¡°That IDIOTT!! Arghhh!!¡±


    Aurelstarts to trash the house. After a few minutes, she stopped and starts to cry.


    ¡°Since when did you became this stupid, Elder Sister? To take you own life because a man left you.. What about your son whom you left behind! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Waaaaaaaah!!!¡±


    Aurelstarts to cry loudly. Lowell tried to console her, but to no avail. She only stopped crying when she saw Qazar waking up.


    ¡°U-uhhm¡­¡±


    He starts to wake up. When he opened his eyes, he noticed them.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Teacher, Lowell.. What are you doing here¡­? Where¡¯s mother?¡±


    After looking towards Aurel¡¯s face, it looks like he got some sort of idea of what¡¯s happening right now..


    ¡°It isn¡¯t true right? Mother wouldn¡¯t leave me behind, right? I-I see! Mother bought our dinner! She¡¯s coming back after buying dinner¡­ I need to go out¡­ I need to follow mother¡­ She¡¯s no good when it comes to buying our dinner.. She¡¯ll forget what to buy.. My mother¡¯s an airhead so.. ¡±


    Before he could reach the door, he was hugged by Aurelfrom the back.


    ¡°What are you doing, Teacher? I¡¯ll just follow mother.. I need to *hick* help her in buying *hick* our dinner.. Mother¡¯s *hick* coming back.. She *hick* won¡¯t leave me.. Mother¡­. Mother¡­.¡±


    Qazar starts to struggle weakly. He knew himself that her mother might not come back anymore.


    I need to console him..


    ¡°Q-qazar.. Wah!¡±


    Lowell tried to hold his hand, but he slapped her hands away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡­ Ah-! Lowell, I¡¯m sorry¡­ Please leave me be for today..¡±


    Lowell looked towards Teacher, and she responds with a nod.


    Aurel asked the neighbor to send her towards Weiss¡¯ mansion and asks help to send Lowell home. Lowell saw Weiss in their garden, but she''s not in the mood to talk with him.. Weiss¡¯ butler guided her towards her home.


    When Lowell arrived, her mom was done hanging the clothes at the backyard. She noticed Lowell''s gloomy expression.


    ¡°What happened to your tour on Blanc City? It looks like something bad happened?¡±


    ¡°Mom, if you have a friend which is accused of people on something he didn¡¯t do, will you stay by his side, or leave him to save yourself?¡±


    Her mom starts to get angry at her.


    ¡°The person who left his friend is the worst. If it was me, I¡¯ll stick with him until the people accepts him. People needs someone to cling on. Even if it¡¯s just a single person.. The friend being accused still won¡¯t lose hope in living.¡±


    I see.. It looks like my decision was correct.


    ¡°Mom, well¡­¡±


    Lowell started to tell what happened except the part where she discovered Qazar was a ¡®Demon King¡¯s Successor¡¯.


    ¡°Mom, do you know why Teacher called Qazar¡¯s mother her ¡®Elder Sister¡¯? Are they blood related?¡±


    Her mom smiles at her and ruffles Lowell''s hair softly.


    ¡°You silly Little Elle. Didn¡¯t she said that they¡¯re colleagues? She told me that they¡¯re both from the Royal Library and shared a close relationship there.¡±


    ¡°I-is that so..¡±


    Her mom started to look gloomy.


    ¡°Poor Qazar.. for him to be left by his family at a young age..¡±


    ¡°Ah-!¡±


    Lowell remembered¡­ Her mom¡¯s circumstances maybe different, but she also lost her parents at a tender age.


    When suddenly, a sudden announcement made by her mom shocked Lowell.


    ¡°Yosh~! We¡¯ll adopt Qazar!¡±


    ¡°E-eh?? Aren¡¯t you being rash, Mom? We need to tell this to Dad beforehand, right?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want him to be your brother?¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s not the point¡­ Dad might not like it¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t do anything against your Mom.¡±


    A voice came from Lowell''s back.


    Her dad¡¯s home already, listening at their conversation.


    Her mom clapped her hands, as if she had finalized a decision.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s decided!¡±


    Lowell was still confused with the sudden decision.


    ¡°E-eh?!¡±


    That day, She became the sister of the potential Future Demon King.

 Chapter 12 - New Ambition

    The next day¡­


    ¡°Mom, are you really, really serious?¡±


    Lowell asked her mother again for the umpteenth time.


    Lowell and her parents were walking together towards Blanc City, with their destination being Qazar''s home.


    ¡°Little Elle, how many time did you asked that? My answer¡¯s still yes. It looks like you¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t want that.. Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Her momlooks at her suspiciously.


    ¡°Ah-?! E-eh?! No! It isn¡¯t the case¡­¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t ask anymore..¡±


    Bellestarts to hum happily.


    It¡¯s not the case.. but looking at you while telling the story of Hero and Demon King, I could see your hatred towards the Demon King¡­ But I can¡¯t tell that the person she wants to adopt is the Demon King¡¯s successor..


    She thought of that as she ponder for other ways to help Qazar rather than letting her mom adapt him.


    Asking Dad¡­ is isn¡¯t a choice.. He¡¯s a slave of Mom¡­


    Lowell was still thinking until she remembered something.


    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s teacher¡¯s decision about the matter?¡±


    ¡°Well, she wants to take Qazar.. but his fiance didn¡¯t agree.. So she thought it was a blessing that we wanted to take care of Qazar.¡±


    ¡°I-I see..¡±


    ¡°Your Teacher¡¯s wedding is gonna be celebrated three months from now.. So they wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of Qazar.¡±


    ¡°Wedding?!!¡±


    Lowell''s eyes widened.


    Wedding? My Teacher¡¯s getting married?


    ¡°Eh-?! Ah, yes.. I didn¡¯t tell you, but your Teacher invited us a month ago to her wedding ceremony. So for this to happen¡­ it¡¯s just the worst wedding gift¡­¡±


    Her colleague¡¯s death is what Mom¡¯s talking about.


    Lowell knew and didn''t ask about it anymore.


    But¡­ I may have resolved myself to be Qazar¡¯s ally until the end.. but will Mom and Dad do the same?


    When they arrived at Qazar¡¯s home, the doors and windows are closed.


    It looks like he shutted himself in his house.


    Lowell thought as she and her parents approached the house.


    The first one who called out was her mom, Belle.


    ¡°Qazar? Are you there?¡±


    There¡¯s no response..


    Lowell started to call out too.


    ¡°Qazar, It¡¯s me, Lowell¡­ Please respond if you¡¯re there.¡±


    A small movement was heard from the house.


    ¡°Look¡¯s like he¡¯s inside..¡±


    Louis starts to gather mana but Lowell stopped her dad.


    ¡°Dad~! No magic!¡±


    ¡°Ah~ Yes! Yes! Sorry, Lowell-sama~¡±


    Lowell''s dad starts to speak like that after the ¡®Outbreak¡¯ incident¡­


    She also noticed her mom became a little kinder towards Dad.. but that¡¯s not the issue here¡­


    Her mombecame more forceful.


    ¡°Qazar, Please respond, or we¡¯ll enter the house.¡±


    A weak voice came from the house. It belonged to Qazar.


    ¡°W-what do you want? I-if it¡¯s because I slapped Lowell¡¯s hand¡­ Please forgive me.. but Please, Leave me alone! I will wait for Mother and Father¡¯s return¡­¡±


    Lowell''sheart shook.


    I may have some worry about him being the Demon King.. but I don¡¯t want to see my friend like this..


    That¡¯s when she noticed¡­


    Her parents startedlooks at each other, they both smiled as if they reached an agreement.


    Her dad was the one whostarted to speak first.


    ¡°Is that so? If my memory is right, you we¡¯re abandoned by your Mother and Father.. Hahaha! what a poor fellow!¡±


    Louis started to laugh hysterically.


    Lowelltried to stop her dad, but her mom held her.


    Lowell looked towards her mom but Bellesmiled while signaled that Lowell shouldn¡¯t interfere.


    ¡°No! Mother and Father didn¡¯t abandoned me! They¡¯ll be back!¡±


    A loud voice was heard from inside the house.


    ¡°Ah~?! Is That SO~?! Well, I think they won¡¯t come back though~ ¡±


    A loud bang sounded. It was from the door being forcefully opened. The one who did that is Qazar.


    Now, his face has big circles underneath her very red eyes. It looks like he didn¡¯t sleep and cried all night.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°I said they¡¯re coming ba-!¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, Belle hugged him tightly.


    Lowell didn¡¯t notice her move at all.


    ¡°Little Qaz, Get~!¡±


    Wait, even his nickname was already decided!?


    ¡°Wha-! Let me go! Please let me go!¡±


    He starts to struggle strongly. But because of lack of sleep, his struggle looks very weak.


    ¡°We know.. you don¡¯t want to accept it.. but you know yourself that they won¡¯t come back, right?¡±


    ¡°N-no.. They¡¯ll be back¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, don¡¯t lie to yourself.. Is it really what you want? To wait for someone whose not coming back?¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ what should I do now?.. No one wanted me.. Teacher doesn¡¯t want me either.. I don¡¯t have anything I could call ¡®Mine¡¯ left¡­¡±


    Belle didn¡¯t stop hugging Qazar.


    Qazarlooks towards the ground while crying.


    So that¡¯s why..


    Lowellremembered her mom¡¯s words ¨C ¡®Demon Kings want to conquer the world¡¯. If it was the case, I think it¡¯s a common trait for Demon Kings to want something he could call ¡®Mine¡¯.


    If all Demon Kings have experienced Qazar¡¯s experience, and no one supported them.. It isn¡¯t strange for them to want everything that the world has to offer. They would want to overturn the world, having ¡®Nothing¡¯ from start, but gained ¡®Everything¡¯ in the end. It is a noble ambition, if the way of conquering everything wasn¡¯t as twisted as those noted in history.


    But of course, it¡¯s already decided from the time I resolved myself to help him.


    I¡¯ll start by him having a Family he could call ¡®Mine¡¯.


    Lowell decided as she started to speak with conviction.


    ¡°Then¡­ Stay with us!¡±


    ¡°But¡­ won¡¯t I be a bother instead?¡±


    Qazar was still having second thoughts, but Lowell didn''t hesitate anymore.


    ¡°You won¡¯t. But if ever you became one, don¡¯t hesitate. We¡¯re family..¡±


    Louislooks at his daughter with a smile. He looks at Qazar and said:


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I¡¯ve said earlier.. so have you decided?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be in your care.. Sir Louis.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t be so uptight. Just call me Father. We¡¯re family now, remember?¡±


    Qazar looks towards Louis'' face, which gave him a smile in return.


    ¡°Y-yes, F-father!¡±


    ¡°Then call me Mother too.¡±


    Bellestarts to speak while hugging Qazar.


    ¡°Thank you.. M-mother..¡±


    ¡°Mhm~ ¡±


    After that, Zvalle family gathered Qazar¡¯s things and returned towards their home.


    All of them arrived before dinner time.


    Bellecooked one of the chickens she was raising. She used it to cook a chicken stew. Lowell talked with Qazar while eating until some tears fall from his eyes. Belle, who was beside him, wiped it and starts giggling.


    Our house just added another family member.


    Lowell thought of that as she feel the warmth of her family.


    Bellemade Qazar sleep on Lowell''s room since the room he should be usingwasn¡¯t cleaned yet.


    Before they slept, Lowellstarted another conversation with Qazar.


    ¡°Say.. How are you feeling right now, Qazar?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still sad because my real Mother and Father left me.. but..¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°Even though it isn¡¯t my true family, I experienced a meal that I could say¡­ a real family does¡­¡±


    He continued.


    ¡°Father goes out in the morning¡­ and always comes home drunk. He abuses mother whenever he¡¯s in a bad mood¡­ Mother didn¡¯t bother to take care of herself¡­ It was my family¡¯s daily scenery.. I dreamed of my family having a happy meal together.. Until that day when father left us, five months after we¡¯ve first met.. We waited weeks but he didn¡¯t came back..


    Mom, who was deeply in love with father, saddened when father left. That¡¯s when I started to realize that my dream would never become a reality. I supported my mother, who my only family member left. Teacher frequently visits us, but because of her fiance, her visitations lessened until the time she only visits us once every two weeks.


    I tried my best to support Mother by my own hands, but her health still deteriorated because of her sadness. Until that day you and teacher visited our house. I felt sudden pain in my hand, and Mom shrieked suddenly. The last thing I saw was her running away and you entering our house.¡±


    It looks like he didn¡¯t know he¡¯s the Demon King himself..


    ¡°When I was took by your family, I was happy, but I can¡¯t put myself to bother your family. I insist that I shall stay waiting for a family I knew that wouldn¡¯t be complete¡­ and if ever it became complete again, it would return to those days full of pain and sadness.¡±


    Qazar started to look sad, but Lowell noticed it and pinched his face.


    ¡°O-ow?! Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s forbidden! Being sad is forbidden!¡±


    Lowell cutely humphed as she scold Qazar.


    ¡°I-I see..¡±


    Qazar starts to smile again.


    ¡°So.. shall I call you Big Brother then?..¡±


    ¡°E-eh? Just call me by my name¡­¡±


    ¡°Since we¡¯re brothers and sisters now, I shall call you big brother, and you call me little sister!¡±


    ¡°W-what? you really want that?¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    I thought having a Big Brother was cool.


    Lowell thought as she smiled.


    ¡°Then.. Little Sister¡­¡±


    Qazar''s voice was weak, but he already tried his best before getting embarrassed.


    ¡°What is it, Big Brother?¡±


    Lowell responded without breaking her smile.


    Qazar: ¡°N-nothing..¡±


    Lowell''s eyes brightened as she gained another idea.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re the Big Brother now, you should be cool and reliable!¡±


    ¡°Eh? isn¡¯t that too unreasonable? I might not reach your expectations..¡±


    Qazar became nervous after hearing Lowell''s criteria for a brother.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­¡±


    My plan¡¯s perfect.


    Lowellhugged his Big Brother.


    ¡°W-w-w-whaa-?!¡±


    In response to her hug, Qazar''s face became beet red and his voice started to stutter.


    ¡°While we practice under Teacher, I¡¯ll make you the coolest brother in the world!¡±


    Lowellmade her final declaration.

 Chapter 13 - Magic Lesson

    A week after adopting Qazar.


    Hefinally starts to fit in Zvalle family. He joins Lowell whenever they have classes, but he frequently wakes up earlier that Lowell.


    He says he should do his daily training or his skill would rust.


    That was his reason whenever Lowell ask him to stay longer in bed.


    Even her mom Belle wants Lowell to follow Qazar''s example.


    Weiss, who was frequently absent on Teacher¡¯s tutorials, attends Teacher¡¯s tutorial diligently.


    Whenever Lowell wasn¡¯t around, Qazarand Weiss starts to argue.


    Every time Lowell sees them fighting, Weiss starts to say ¡®I won¡¯t lose¡¯.


    I think it¡¯s much better to be friends, though..


    She thought as she was the one usually stop their fights.


    After another week, Lowell reached Middle Rank Practitioner Tier. When she changed ranks, most of her stats increased by five or ten.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 13


    Title: ¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª-


    Age: 7 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 230/230


    Mana: 85/80 (80+5)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 23


    Magic Power: 105 (95+10)


    Speed: 28


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: Middle-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    Lowellasked her mom to let her dad teach her Spatial Magic and she reluctantly accepted. Her dad Louis, who was very eager to teach her, started on the basic of spatial magic.


    Today, her teacher Aureltook Weiss and Qazartowards the Fleur Guild because they reached Practitioner Tier. Their ¡®Outbreak¡¯ weren¡¯t as severe as Teacher, because there¡¯s only a little mana difference between High Rank Apprentice Tier and Low Rank Practitioner Tier. They only experienced severe headache.


    Louistook over the lesson for today because he doesn¡¯t have work today.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s start with portals! Focus your mind and gather mana in both of your hands.¡±


    Lowell obeyed his dad and gathered silver-colored mana.


    ¡°Make both of them even. ¡±


    Lowell tried to make her mana even on both hands.


    ¡°Then throw one of them in the ground and another one towards the sky.¡±


    Lowell followed and throwed the mana she gathered on her right hand to the ground and the left hand to the sky.


    ¡°Close your left hand this instant.¡±


    In her father''s instructions, Lowell closed it.


    The mana she threw in the sky suspended there.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we can call a basic ¡®Spatial Hole¡¯. It needs two Spatial circles to work properly. If you use it by making only one entrance and no exit.. Poof! you¡¯ll enter a random place.¡±


    That¡¯s why I was transported somewhere distant when I used it when I tried to escape from Teacher.


    She took note while pondering her previous error.


    ¡°But how did you use a long range teleportation skill without using Spatial Hole? I remembered you drew a big circle..¡±


    ¡°Oh, that? It wasn¡¯t Spatial Hole I used. As I said before, Spatial Hole is unstable when your target isn¡¯t reached by your vision. Even if you have good vision, the distance to be traveled by mana could be an affecting factor. It wasn¡¯t impossible, but it¡¯s really hard to accurately guess. If your present location¡¯s mana concentration is different from your target location, it might carry excess mana, which would make the magic fail. What I used is this.¡±


    Louis showed her an ordinary looking gemstone.


    ¡°This gemstone is the ¡®Tracking stone¡¯. The fleur guild¡¯s Identification Card has some traces of this stone inside it. I used three years to develop this type of magic. Look.¡±


    He started to inject silver-colored mana on the stone. After that, he threw the stone towards the farmhouse and he created a Spatial Hole in front of him.


    ¡°Look, this is my original magic, Spatial Return.¡±


    Louisentered the Spatial Hole.


    A Spatial Hole appeared on the top of the stone. After a few seconds, Louis emerged out of the hole like he was being elevated upwards. The stone was destroyed.


    ¡°See? That¡¯s how I teleported towards you and back to our house. I draw a circle because it¡¯s hard to transport two at the time. I don¡¯t have full control in this magic except when it¡¯s only me being transported..¡±


    He starts to walk back towards his previous location.


    ¡°Towards me? I thought only Teacher knew my location.. and you can¡¯t use Spatial Hole for long distance travel..¡±


    Louislaughed slyly while looking at her daughter''s confused face.


    ¡°I have a way to reach you, but I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re in crisis or not. I instructed your Mom to break one of my ¡®Tracking Stones¡¯ to give me a warning that something bad happened to you or to her. When I received the message, of course I would teleport towards our house first. Then I¡¯ll tell you a secret then..¡±


    He points at my bracelet.


    ¡°Look at the square bead of your bracelet.¡±


    My bracelet has different shapes ¨C star, rectangle, circle, square, triangle. The difference is that all of the shapes have two, but there is only a square.. and a bigger one at it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you the contents of your bracelet. The circle shaped stones are the mana regulator stones, or anti-mana stones. The star ones are the size adjuster, or rubber stones. The triangles serves as locks, if you ever want to remove it.. the rectangle are just ordinary stones and the square one¡­. Give me your hand..¡±


    Lowell lendedher hand to Louis. He held her hand and touched the square-shaped bead. He injected a little mana and it was cut into half. A considerable amount of sand gushed out of the bead.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who placed that bead. I made a hole inside it by using fire magic, and attached it into your bracelet. That sand was previously a ¡®Tracking Stone¡¯. Of course I won¡¯t let my Little Princess¡¯ safety be dependent on the Magic Regulator.. If it failed to maintain your mana or becomes defective, at least I¡¯ll have a back-up plan~ I¡¯m a genius, right~?¡±


    Dad thought of that¡­


    ¡°Dad¡¯s a real genius!¡±


    ¡°I agree! hahaha!¡±


    His madman personality returned after using Spatial Return. His silver eyes and hair showed.


    ¡°After low-level utility spells, I¡¯ll teach attack spells! Ahahaha!¡±


    The image of a timid father starts to crumble inside Lowell''s head.


    ¡°Spatial attack spells?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Spatial Magic is mostly known for utility and combination, but we also have attack spells! Like this!¡±


    He pointed towards a large rock near the tree.


    ¡°First, gather silver-colored mana in your index finger. Compress it, then make it swirl!¡±


    ¡°Eh?! Swirl?!¡±


    Lowell knew how to gather mana and compress it¡­ but to swirl it.. is still out of her reach. She could spin Element spells by using mana, but swirling is different from spinning. The difficulty is much higher because of that.


    ¡°Eh? You don¡¯t know how to swirl it? I guess I don¡¯t have a choice. Look closely.¡±


    He continued to gather and compress silver-colored mana. After that, he used some mana from inside his body to swirl it.


    ¡°This is why our main attacks are exhausting. We make use of the mana reserves inside our body a lot. Now, I¡¯m done swirling it. Look how amazing your Dad is, Little Princess! Gravity Ball!¡±


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


    It was the same skill he used on the Green Spider-Monkey. It sucked the Monkey inside and vanished into nowhere.


    When it hit the rock, the rock made a circle void, only the bottom part remained, as if it was eaten away by a circle-mouthed entity.


    After using Gravity Ball, he starts to calm down. His brown eyes and hair returned.


    ¡°Did you see that? Even though I¡¯m in trance, I¡¯m still a genius, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but also a madman¡­¡±


    Louis''body twisted in a weird angle.


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re getting your Mom¡¯s habit of being an S¡­¡±


    ¡°S? What¡¯s that?¡±


    Lowell confusedly looked towards her dad while tilting her head cutely. Her innocent face shows her pure curiousity.


    ¡°It¡¯ being sa-¡±


    Before he could finish his line, a hand grabbed his shoulder from his back.


    Lowell saw her mom who had the half of her face hidden by her hair and the other side¡¯s eyes were purely red. Her smile was also scary..


    Her momstarts to speak in a ghastly manner.


    ¡°Honey¡­ Who¡¯s the ¡®S¡¯ you¡¯re talking about¡­..?¡±


    Her dad froze in his spot while having a smile on his face with both eyes closed.


    ¡°When did Honey started to listen on our conversation?¡±


    ¡°After you destroyed that rock there¡­ Didn¡¯t I tell you don¡¯t destroy that¡­ I use that as a Prayer Tombstone for Mama and Papa¡­.¡±


    Now, Louis¡¯ face paled. He started to speak without looking at his back.


    ¡°Ah-ah-ahaha! I-I forgot! I-It¡¯s okay! I¡¯ll find another one!¡±


    Now, Belle¡¯s grip hardened.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll have you look for another one.. But to call me an ¡®S¡¯ in front of Little Elle¡­ You¡¯ve got the nerve huh¡­ Honey¡­¡±


    Her grip intensifies bit by bit. Belle starts to drag her ''beloved'' husband towards the house.


    ¡°Ow ow ow!! I¡¯m sorry!! My goddess wife!! Please forgive meeee!!¡±


    That morning until noon, sounds of anguish was heard from the house.


    It was already afternoon when Lowell''s teacher Aureland Qazarreturned.


    Qazarhad his robe and his Fleur badge. Lowell tried to use her ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ when he¡¯s not looking.


    ¡º


    Name: Qazar Aquila


    Level: 16


    Title: (Demon King¡¯s Successor ¨C Hidden)


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: ????


    HP: 450/450


    Mana: 52/52


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 75


    Magic Power: 75


    Speed: 67


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 89


    Aptitude: High-Rank Apprentice Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Darkness(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???, ???, ???


    ¡»


    Most of his stats increased.. especially his Physical Power stat, which only 50 previously.. Is it because of him being a Demon King Successor?


    Her teacherdeparted after sending Qazarhome. Lowellasked her to eat some snacks, but she refused, telling that she needs to be home before night.


    Her wedding¡¯s getting near, so we expected that it must be because of it.


    Lowell thought of that for she remembered her teacher''s special day was getting near day by day.


    By the way, after another month, Lowell''s frequent headaches stopped.


    After learning Chemical Kinematics for Chemistry and Particle Physics for Physics. Lowell found them too complex andweren¡¯t of any use for now, so she tried to suspend her experiments on how to use them.


    I shall hold this knowledge so that I could use it if ever I needed it. I also got the grasp of using Spell Forger.


    Lowell learned how to trigger her ''Spell Forger'' skill by accident, when she was tried to use different type of magic in each of her hands, being wind on the left and earth on the right. Both hands formed another color of mana instead of two different element mana. It turned into a light-green colored mana that formed a thin vine. It was a new form of magic.


    ¡°So by combining red-colored mana which is fire and green-colored mana which is air¡­ I create¡­ yellow-


    colored mana¡­ which is not identified within elemental skills¡­ What type does this do¡­ ¡±


    Lowell concentrated on creating yellow-colored mana, but she only created a small portion of it until she reached my limit.


    ¡°So little! I wasted most of my mana for such a little amount? I shall try this..¡±


    She threw it towards the tree target in their backyard.


    What happened next shocked even her.


    A fast moving material was created from the mana Lowell created. The skill made a little scorched mark around the center but the middle mark was pierced..


    It was lightning!


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t this be called Element forger¡­ but no.. Elements are already independent entities of nature.. My ability has the power to make a sub-element but it was still a pseudo-element.. Spell forger is still an appropriate name for it..¡±


    Making a skill by combining two or probably more elements. Spell Forger lives up with its name.. but..


    ¡°Mana consumption for creating a little spark is already high.. I should assume that this skill¡¯s gonna be useless as long as my mana capacity¡¯s still low¡­


    I can only use this skill on emergencies¡­


    Lowell hid the fact that she was practicing this skill by myself.. but she thought that her dad already knew what she''s doing.. since he also knew that she have an ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ skill.


    Now, Lowell''s daily schedule is as follows:


    Morning, Learning Elemental Magic and Academics her teacher.


    Afternoon, Learning Spatial Magic with Dad or Practicing Magic with herselfor with Qazar.


    Even with her daily schedule, Lowell''s progress was normal in both magic studies. Her academic study is almost done since her mom and teacher¡¯s agreement was Reading, Writing, Language, and Arithmetic. Other field like History or Science aren¡¯t taught since most of the topics there aren¡¯t needed on their daily lives. These two are usually thought in an academy.


    Her teacheralso started teaching her High-ranked magic. Since Epic tier wasn¡¯t available to public, she can only obtain High Tier spells. In their surrounding area, High Tier spells can already guarantee one''s safety.


    ¡°For a High Tier Water Magic, the basic one is to divide the spikes into smaller pieces.. Which is Water Needles. I¡¯ll demonstrate it.¡±


    Her teacher started to gather blue-colored mana. After gathering it, the mana formed into a Water Ball skill. She made big spikes out of the Water Ball skill, which is now Water Spikes skill. she used the Water Spikes and created Water Needles, which are just the size of metal needles. It was little, but it was still numerous.


    ¡°Water Needle!¡±


    ¡°The skill sprayed needles by groups towards the tree practice target. It didn¡¯t destroy the tree since now, we¡¯re using a barrier item. But still, the power of a High Level skill is really a level higher than Middle Tier skills.


    Aurel: ¡°In other elements, Air Chakram, Flame Shower, and Rock Explosion are the basic High Tier attack skills. In high tier, most of elements obtain restriction skills.¡±


    Her teacher explained as she demonstrate her skills in using High Tier skills.


    ¡°Like Earth Prison and Wind Cage?¡±


    Aurel¡¯s face looks pale.


    ¡°Do you still have hatred on me?¡±


    ¡°Eh? Ah-! Sorry Teacher.. but its only the restriction skills I knew..¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry too.. I just overreacted¡­ ¡±


    Her teacherlightly coughs and starts explaining.


    ¡°Yes, like Earth Prison and Wind Cage, those are restrictive skills which are used for inhibiting movement. For fire and water restriction skills, it follows the Flame Wall and Water Sphere forms of restriction. These skills are mostly used when capturing or taming Magical Beasts.¡±


    ¡°Taming Magical Beasts?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Do you think that those transportation animals are normal animals? Those are tamed Magical Beasts.¡±


    Because my knowledge on Magical Beasts are from High Tier Magical Beasts and above, I didn¡¯t know about Low Tier Magical Beasts.


    ¡°Nowadays, anyone could be a Tamer. But there¡¯s still a difference if someone has an innate talent for taming. The best tamed Magical Beast right now is a child Life Dragon owned by the Young Hero.¡±


    ¡°He tamed it?!¡±


    ¡°No, but it was an egg when presented to him. Dragons are loyal to the one whom they seen first after being born.¡±


    ¡°I see..¡±


    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s already noon. I shall end this class now.¡±


    Her teacher looks at her with a satisfied face.


    ¡°Oh, Before I forgot, It¡¯s your birthday next month, before my wedding right? What present do you want?¡±


    ¡°I want a Taming book!¡±


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve got some sort of interest into Taming.. But I¡¯ll remind you.. don¡¯t be rash and reckless in Taming monsters, alright? Its still good to practice on Low Tier child Magical Beasts, but not on High Tier adult Magical Beast, alright?!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    After that, her teacher bade goodbye towards Belle and Louis.


    Taming, here I come!

 Chapter 14 - Birthday Present

    ¡°Happy Birthday, Lowell!!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, everyone¡­¡±


    This day, Lowell iscelebrating her eight birthday.


    Like her previous birthdays Weiss, her Teacher Aurel, and some of her Mom and Dad¡¯s close acquaintances are invited.


    ¡°Happy birthday Little Elle.. This is our present for you!¡±


    Her Mom and Dad hands her a wand.


    Because Lowellused her wand everyday, it¡¯s durability decreased to almost zero.


    Since it¡¯s much cheaper to buy one than repair it, her Mom and Dad bought her a new one instead.


    Lowell''s first wand is now being stored as decoration.


    Since they noticed she didn¡¯t have a wand anymore, they bought her one.


    ¡°Thank you, Mom, Dad!¡±


    Lowell hugged her Mom and Dad.


    After that, Teacher Aurel presented her present.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my present this time.. Well, it¡¯s the Taming Book you wanted.¡±


    Teacher Aurel hands her the Taming Book she wanted.


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher!¡±


    Lowell hugged the taming book while thanking her teacher.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    After seeing Teacher Aurel give her present to Lowell, Weiss starts to butt in.


    ¡°My turn, my turn! Here Lowell!¡±


    Weisshands her an expensive-looking pendant.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Lowell looked at the pendant curiously.


    ¡°I dunno.. but Dad wants me to give this to you¡­¡±


    Weiss¡¯ butler, who rarely makes a move, starts to speak.


    ¡°Our master wants you to accept this gift. Its a gift for being good friends with our young master.¡±


    ¡°I-I see¡­¡±


    Lowell accepted the pendant with reluctance.


    Now, it''s her Big Brother turn to give her apresent.


    ¡°This is¡­ my gift for you..¡±


    He handed a violet pointy hat, which he hid by his back. When Lowell saw it, she immediately liked it.


    ¡°Its not much, but please accept it..¡±


    ¡°Gladly!¡±


    When her Big Brother handed her the hat, she instantly wore it happily.


    The hat¡¯s slightly bigger than her head, but she think it¡¯s good since it can wear it even if she grew bigger.


    ¡°It¡¯s made of the same material used on our robes, so it¡¯s a little expensive, but I can¡¯t find a size appropriate for you.. Please bear with it..¡±


    ¡°No, Big Brother. It¡¯s the best present I received! Thank you brother!! You¡¯re the best!!¡±


    Lowell started to hug her Big Brother gleefully, makinghis face flush red.


    Lowellthought his facial expression was cute.


    ¡°Wawawawa!¡±


    ¡°Wawawawa!¡±


    Both her Big Brother and Weiss is in panic.


    Why does this frequently happen nowadays?¡­


    Lowell thought as she asked Weiss.


    ¡°What happened, Weiss?¡±


    Lowell started to look at Weiss with confusion.


    ¡°T-this isn¡¯t fair! Qazar!Let¡¯s fighttttt!!¡±


    Weissstarted to shout, but it¡¯s a frequent occurrence, so Lowell didn¡¯t mind it.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you misunderstanding something?!!!!¡±


    Qazar starts to run outside while Weiss was chasing him.


    When they came back after a few minutes, both of them are running out of breath.


    After eating, most of the guests departed.


    Only her Teacher and Weiss are around.


    Lowellstarted to ask Teacher about her wedding.


    ¡°Teacher, what day next month is your wedding day?¡±


    ¡°Oh? I thought you were notified? I made you my ring-bearer for my wedding..¡±


    ¡°Ring bearer? What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Its the one who holds the rings that would be used for the wedding vow. It would be a good experience for you to be one.¡±


    ¡°A good experience..¡±


    Lowell tried to think of any reason, but in the end she gave up.


    Since it would make Teacher happy on her wedding day, it¡¯s not a bad thing to do it.


    When her Teacher and Weiss left, she started to open the other gifts.


    Most of them were dolls, clothes, and a few books.


    Lowell isreally grateful since some of her received gifts are usable in her studies.


    Lowell''salready sleepy, so she bade goodnight to her Mom and Dad since they said they¡¯ll finish cleaning the dining room first before they go to sleep.


    Lowell also bade goodnight to her Big Brother since he started to sleep on a different room.


    She asked him to sleep with her because Lowell felt comfortable sleeping with him, but he strongly insisted to stay on the other room Belleand Louisgave to him.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    After that day, her Mom and Dad lets her go wherever she wanted.


    Both of them decided that Lowell should get a change of pace since all she do was study.


    Since both her parents and Teacher Aurel agreed, she walked around her village with Big Brother.


    Weiss, who heard Lowell had a day off, asked her to play with him.


    But after he arrived and saw Qazar, he started to look at him as if irritated.


    Her Big Brother, in return, tried to avoid his gaze.


    What really happened between both of them to made their relationship like this.


    Lowellthought she should make them friends again by using this day..


    When the three started strolling around the village, most of the people¡¯s attention was directed on them.


    Lowellpositioned herself behind both Big Brother and Weiss so she could avoid most of the attention.


    Having a silver hair is rare in their country, but Weiss¡¯ position as a noble was the main thing that attracted their gaze.


    The person in question was¡­ having a battle of toungeswith Big Brother in front of me. He was staring strongly at Big Brother¡¯s face while Big Brother looks at the other direction, avoiding his gaze.


    Her Big Brother Qazar starts to speak weakly.


    ¡°Why are you here, Qazar? It¡¯s Lowell who¡¯s having her break today, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Weiss replied sarcastically.


    ¡°Well, Mother and Father asked me to accompany Lowell¡­ and even Teacher agreed..¡±


    Soon, Weiss starts to mutter some inaudible words.


    ¡°Teacher, you traitor¡­.¡±


    Qazarignored Weiss and noticedLowell.


    ¡°Lowell, what are you doing at our back?¡±


    ¡°Ah-?! N-Nothing!¡±


    Lowell felt some unfamiliar gazes directed on her.


    Weiss also noticed.


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lowell started to hear some whispers like ¡°Isn¡¯t that Louis and Belle¡¯s daughter?¡±, ¡°So she¡¯s friends with the noble¡¯s child¡±, ¡°She celebrated her birthday yesterday¡±.


    Now, most of the attention was directed towards her.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s nothing!!¡±


    Lowell hid her face with her hat and started to charge forward without looking at her way.


    Both Qazar and Weiss followed her.


    It wasn''t long until Lowell hit something.


    ¡°Waah-!¡±


    Shebumped into a person, making herslump to the ground.


    Since her hat was still covering her sight, she didn¡¯t get a good look on the person¡¯s face.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    The man grabbed Lowell''s hand and lifted her up.


    Lowell tried to look at his face, but the rim of her huge hat blocks the view so she only saw his smile.


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    After hearing her response, the man nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Well, then. I shall go off now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you sir!¡±


    Lowell removed her hat to bow and see his face, but she was one step late and only got a glimpse on his back.


    He had red hair and the words ¡®K.F.E¡¯ was embedded in his shirt''s back.


    He had two swords which is placed on both of sides of his waist.


    Both her Big Brother and Weiss, who was following Lowell from behind, was sweating profusely and had a frightened expressions on their faces.


    Lowell saw at and became curious.


    ¡°Why are both of you sweating so much? I only ran a little distance, right? With your stamina, you shouldn¡¯t sweat that much, right?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know that person you just bumped?¡±


    Weiss, who was like a fierce tiger bickering with her Big Brother a while ago, said it on a trembling voice.


    She became more and more confused.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I think he¡¯s a good person.¡±


    Her big Brother, who was just as frightened as Weiss, starts to speak.


    ¡°Next time you see a person with ¡®K.F.E¡¯ on their clothing, please avoid them at all cost.¡±


    ¡°Eh? why?¡±


    ¡°¡®K.F.E¡¯, or also known as ¡®Kingdom¡¯s Free Enforcer¡¯ are elite warriors within the Kingdom who pledge their alliance towards our Kingdom. These elites are unrestrained people who allied themselves to our Kingdom for protection. Because they¡¯re unrestrained, they are allowed to kill whoever they want as long as that person made a blunder towards them. Most of them were vicious criminals who moves at the sidelines. Since you spent most of your time on our home, you didn¡¯t encounter any of them. In Blanc City, the only known ¡®K.F.E¡¯ was ¡­ huh?¡±


    After thinking awhile, he starts to mutter some words.


    ¡°¡®K.F.E.¡¯, Blanc City.. I see¡­ it must be it..¡±


    Lowell and Weiss noticed his face which shows that he discovered something.


    ¡°What is it, Big Brother?¡±


    Weiss became impatient as he spoke angrily.


    ¡°Spill it out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really. I just thought of a possibility.¡±


    ¡°Possibility?¡±


    ¡°That the bride¡¯s groom was visiting her future wife¡¯s employer.¡±


    Both Lowelland Weiss looks on Qazar, confused.


    ¡°Just get to the point, Qazar!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Lowell agreed with the impatient Weiss.


    Whose groom would¡­ Groom?


    Lowell had realized what her Big Brother wants to say.


    ¡°It¡¯s Teacher¡¯s future husband!?¡±


    ¡°Eh?!¡±


    ¡°I know that Lowell might not know it, but also you Weiss?¡±


    Her Big brother¡¯s starting to look at Weiss with disdain.


    It looks like he¡¯s trying to return the favor of Weiss being annoying earlier..


    ¡°Eh?! It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t know that there¡¯s an Enforcer around.. it¡¯s just I don¡¯t have any interest on them..¡±


    Weiss starts to mumble weakly, accepting his defeat.


    ¡°Shall we return?¡±


    Lowellasked both of them since the man¡¯s destination might be their house.


    It would also give us some knowledge about this person.


    ¡°No, let adults talk first.. We¡¯ll have our chance later. Since it¡¯s your break, let go stroll some more¡­ but please don¡¯t run again. You might get us in trouble next time¡­¡±


    Qazarstarts to look at Lowell with worry.


    ¡°Okay~!¡±


    Since there¡¯s no more people around them because of the man¡¯s passage, they walked around leisurely.


    After walking for a while, Weiss spoke again.


    ¡°Hey, Lowell¡­ are we gonna walk around aimlessly? Where do you really want to go?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    Lowellstarted to tell them her intention.

 Chapter 15 - Tamed Pet

    When they reached their destination, both her Big brother and Weiss got confused.


    ¡°Lowell, sometimes¡­ I dunno what¡¯s happening in your head..¡±


    ¡°I second that.. We could just go on our neighbor¡¯s house if you want to do this¡­¡±


    Both of them looks at her weirdly.


    ¡°Both of you, please stop that! Teacher said that, if I want to do this, I should find a suitable one¡­.¡±


    Lowell started to touch it.


    Qazar strongly reacted to her actions.


    ¡°Ah-?! Don¡¯t do that!¡±


    In return, Lowell tilted her head cutely.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Qazar stated things like it were facts.


    ¡°It might bite you?¡±


    ¡°Bite? Ah-?!¡±


    ¡°See? I told you so.¡±


    Lowell looked for another one.


    When she touched it, it purred as it licked her hands.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me earlier that you want to do this..¡±


    Weiss, who was looking at the blissful face of Lowell, muttered some words.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Lowell started to massage it, which becamecomfortable with her massage.


    ¡°So I could have prepared one of these.¡±


    Weiss starts to hold a Jade Kitten upwards.


    Jade Kittens are child of Jade Cats, a Low-ranked Magical Beast.


    Since her Teacher advised her to start on domesticated Low-ranked beasts, she decided to approacha pet shop, which offers a wide range of domestic pets.


    After her Teacher Aurel gave her a Taming Book, she studied it immediately.


    Lowelllearned that it is basic for Taming is by touch.


    A Magical Beast is very sensitive to mana, so they would know if the person who wants to tame them was compatible to them by touch.


    Other ways are fighting it and make it submit, or by making a deal, which is frequent for taming high-level magical beasts.


    Weiss returned the Jade Cat to its previous place.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me earlier. I could¡¯ve prepared an infant Low-Ranked Magical Beast for you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say it earlier, but Weiss¡­ I didn¡¯t befriend you because of your money, you know. I just wanted us to be friends.. But I really appreciate the thought..¡±


    ¡°Ah.. You¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯m sorry Lowell..¡±


    Weiss looks at Lowell dejectedly. She looked towards her Big Brother, but he¡¯s too enamored on playing with the kittens.


    Look who was saying I was weird earlier¡­


    Lowell also held up the Jade Kitten she was massaging and held it in front of Weiss.


    Shestarted to start to move both of its front pawswhile supporting its body with her arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Master. Look at me. I¡¯m happy!!¡±


    ¡°Meow~!¡±


    The kitten starts to struggle free and after breaking free, it climbed Lowell''s shoulder.


    ¡°Ah-?!¡±


    Lowell became surprised, and Weiss took this opportunity to tease her.


    ¡°You look perfect with that kitten. You look like a miniature version of those witches of the legends. Just make that kitten black instead of jade. Hahaha!¡±


    Weissbecame to get cheerful again, but Lowell pouted cutely.


    ¡°What did you say!!!¡±


    ¡°Meow~!!¡±


    The kitten jumps from Lowell''s shoulder into Weiss shoulder.


    It looks like it liked Weiss too¡­


    ¡°I shall take it.. it¡¯s just 40 silver coins.¡±


    Lowell still have twenty-one gold coins in her pocket.


    Since her Mom and Dad told her that she can spend it whatever and wherever she wanted, she can use her mony anytime.. but because she didn¡¯t have anything she want to buy nor anything she need since her parents provided all of it beforehand.


    She also didn¡¯t have time to stroll around the village so naturally, the gold in her pockets piled up.


    Weiss held the cat while Lowell proceed towards the register.


    ¡°Sir, I want to purchase that kitten.¡±


    The owner looks at Lowell with an uninterested face, and started to speak.


    ¡°Only people who have knowledge in Taming can tame those¡­¡±


    Then he looks at the kitten.


    The kitten was very obedient and climbed Lowell''s shoulder again.


    The owner¡¯s face changed and looks at her with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Little Miss, are you the one who tamed it?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°I really thought that one¡¯s untameable. Fourteen customers already tried to tame it, but to no avail. Since you tamed it, I¡¯ll give it to you for the half price. 20 silver for that kitten.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Thank you!¡±


    Lowellgave a gold coin happily.


    The owner gave 80 silver coins as change.


    Both Lowell and Weisswere already outside when she noticed something.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Look¡¯s like we¡¯re forgetting something.¡±


    Weiss, who was holding the kitten, looks at me innocently.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about..¡±


    ¡°Meow~?¡±


    Lowell started to think again.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ ¨C Ah?! Big Brother!¡±


    Lowell saw her Big Brother, still playing with the kittens.


    His hands were already full of scratches, but it looks like he¡¯s living in his own world.


    ¡°Big Brother! Let¡¯s go! We need to go!¡±


    Lowellstarted to grab his sleeves.


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t want to go!! I want to stay here!!¡±


    Her Big Brother starts to hug the kittens.


    Most of them scratched his face.


    It looks like I don¡¯t have any choice.


    Lowell started to act like natural and smiled.


    ¡°Look, Big Brother. Mom¡¯s outside. She said why are we aren¡¯t home yet. You don¡¯t want to anger Mom, don¡¯t you?¡±


    After hearing that his Mom¡¯s angry, Qazar''ssmile started to pale.


    He placed the kittens back and obediently starts to walk towards the door.


    He acquired a fear to his Mom since he saw a time when Mom was angry at Dad.


    Lowellonce mentioned the words ¡®Mom¡¯ and ¡®angry¡¯ at the same time and his face just turned pale white.


    After getting outside, he learned that what Lowell said ago was a lie, but she dragged him before he could go back inside.


    It was quite a struggle since his physical power was higher than Lowell''s, but he gave up in the end.


    It was already noon when they finished strolling around.


    Lowell''s Mom said they could eat outside and gave her Big Brother their lunch money, but Lowell think it is unnecessary since the food in the restaurants are cheap.


    They started to search a restaurant.


    Theysaw one, which is inside the Market. The distance between the Pet Shop and the restaurant was near, so it only took them ten minutes before they reached it.


    After eating, the trio rested for an hour then returned to roaming around the village, but before they could start roaming, her Big Brother pointed out something.


    ¡°I forgot to mention this.. but did you buy food for your Jade Kitten?¡±


    ¡°Ah-!¡±


    Lowell and Weiss forgot.


    The kitten wasn¡¯t acting up right now, but if it gets hungry, it might be bad news.


    The kitten in question was still sleeping in Weiss¡¯ arms.


    Her Big Brother wants to hold it, but the kitten hates him.


    Lowell stood up and looked at the two boys.


    ¡°Can you guys wait here? Since its near, I¡¯ll buy it myself.¡±


    Qazar also stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll join you, since it might be heavy for you to carry¡­¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll only buy its food for three days. I¡¯ll ask for father¡¯s help later so that I could buy food stock for a month.¡±


    I will also have problems if you get near that pet shop.


    ¡°I-I see. Take care then.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Lowellstarted to walk towards the Pet Shop.


    Before reaching it, Lowell saw a group of children with ages four and five ganging up on something, and when she approach them, what she saw was a very little serpent-like animal.


    It was only four inches in height and two inches in width. It¡¯s difference from snakes is.. It has two hind legs and can stand by using it. It was full of bruises and blood, as a result from stones thrown by the kids.


    Lowell angrily stomped her feet, but it was cute nonetheless.


    ¡°Hey! What are you guys doing!!¡±


    The kids didn''t notice her anger and smiled happily like it was natural.


    ¡°Beautiful Sister! We¡¯re punishing evil!¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s that little thing evil?¡±


    One of the children answered her, which looked like the leader of the group.


    ¡°Because it looked like a snake! Snakes are evil! They bite and kill people!¡±


    The children surrounded her, and the serpent tries to run away, but it was too weak to escape faster.


    It wasn¡¯t walking in it¡¯s two legs anymore.


    It tried to escape by crawling into a nearby bush.


    ¡°Ah-?! The evil is trying to escape!!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s kill it!!¡±


    ¡°Stoop!!¡±


    Lowell walked in between the children and the serpent.


    ¡°Good children doesn¡¯t kill any living being!¡±


    ¡°Even if it wants to kill us?¡±


    ¡°Do you think that one wants to kill you? It¡¯s trying to escape to survive. Let him be.¡±


    ¡°Okay~! If Big Sister says so!¡±


    The children obediently replied as they left the serpent alone.


    After talking with Lowell for a while, the children left one by one.


    When Lowell was preparing to walk towards the Pet Shop, she noticed that the serpent didn¡¯t escape, but it crawled closer to her instead.


    ¡°Oh? What is it, poor little guy?¡±


    Lowell looked at it with pity, but didn¡¯t try to hold it since it might bite her.


    Even if it¡¯s injured, Lowell knew that it still could bite and inject her with venom.


    She might have some ideas of creating an anti-venom because of her Chemistry knowledge, but she don¡¯t have the ability because she lacked the apparatus to do so.


    The little serpent jumps with it¡¯s full strength towards her.


    Lowell got frightened because of that, so she distanced herself away from it.


    After doing so, it crawls again towards her, as if it wants Lowell to take it.


    It¡¯s pitiful, but I must remain my¡­


    ¡°Mew!!¡±


    It spoke as if it was angry, but it¡¯s too weak because it was very injured. But.


    ¡°Huh?! It mew¡¯d? Isn¡¯t snakes and serpents make ¡®hiss¡¯ sound instead?¡±


    Lowelllooked towards the serpent with confusion. The serpent looks at her in return.


    If I disregard it¡¯s present condition, it is beautiful because of its mixed honey-brown and dark-brown skin which looks like an Axenite gem. I don¡¯t know why I could imagine it.. but It has a resolute expression on its face¡­


    ¡°What should I do¡­ ¡±


    Lowell feltconflicted.


    When she was still deep in thought and wasn¡¯t paying attention, it jumped again.


    Now, because of reflexes, Lowell stretched out her hand to catch it because she thought it might get hurt the next time she don¡¯t catch it.


    ¡°W-woah?!¡±


    Now, Lowell''s hands were full of the serpent¡¯s blood. After it stabilized it¡¯s footing, the serpent looks at Lowell with a strong will and conviction which only brave men could give.


    ¡°Hmm? -Ouch!¡±


    It bit me. It suddenly bit me.


    Lowell felt her hand was pricked by a needle.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s happening?¡±


    Lowell started to get dizzy. Instead of being poisoned¡­ what she''s experiencing is¡­


    ¡°My Mana¡¯s being drained¡­ Please stop¡­¡±


    If this continues¡­ I¡¯ll faint¡­.from mana exhaustion¡­


    ¡°Ugh-!¡±


    As Lowell fell unconscious, a warm feeling enveloped her whole body.


    The last thing she saw was that the serpent was rubbing its head on her cheeks as if it wants to comfort her.

 Chapter 16 - Meeting Again

    Lowell woke up in a strange place.


    It was dark, but several lights illuminated the place which move around as if they had life.


    Lowell tried to speak, but nothing came out of her lips.


    Sheknew she was dreaming because Lowell knew this place is weird from the start.


    ¡°It looks like he came back momentarily.¡±


    The lights spoke and looked at her curiously.


    The place became too bright for Lowell''s eyes so she closed them shut.


    A group of voices started to bicker with each other.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it supposed to be she?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you messed up with the modifications! We should have made him a boy instead! This would bring us more trouble instead!¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°One of the dark gods is hiding at Twilight World! When we ¡­ him, it looks like the dark god slipped with him. This is bad news! !@#^!$%@¡±


    One spoke in a weird language after that. It¡¯s a language even Lowell didn¡¯t know¡­


    After a certain period of time, one of them approached her.


    ¡°We met again, Human.¡±


    Lowell trembled with fear.


    She thought they didn¡¯t notice her presence, but it looks like they just deliberately ignored it awhile ago.


    Again? What does that supposed to mean?


    After that, she noticed that her voice came back.


    It looks like they controlled my own voice.


    ¡°Well, we know you might come back someday, but it looks like you¡¯re back too soon. Oh, it¡¯s not you¡¯re dead again, but It¡¯s just you¡¯re in the state of Mana Depletion.


    Lowell opened her eyes, just to see a Yellow Star floating in front of her.


    ¡°W-who are you?¡±


    ¡°Well, I could tell you, but you¡¯ll probably forget it after waking up. This is a good timing, so we¡¯ll add a very important memory. You may find this a burden, but we¡¯ll also give your second Mission.¡±


    ¡°Mission?¡±


    ¡°Because we can¡¯t meddle with mortal affairs, we can only help you by giving you our blessings. Since you arrived here before being reincarnated, your present body got influenced by Space, or the Spatial attribute. We¡¯ll give you a little gift, but you can only use it when you reach¡­ hey guys, what tier of that world can use ****?¡±


    When the Yellow Star asked the other stars,their color turnedinto red, as if mocking the one talking to Lowell.


    ¡°High Rank Professor Tier, you idiot.¡±


    But the Star didn¡¯t mind it.


    ¡°I see, I see.¡±


    ¡°Sir, what is this skill your talking about?¡±


    ¡°Oh that? Just a sub-skill derived fromyour spatial element. We can¡¯t change your destiny, but we could only help you create and lead a good one.¡±


    ¡°Okay..¡±


    ¡°Now, for the major memory¡­ I can¡¯t say it now, but you¡¯ll realize it later on. For your new mission mission, it''s still stay alive, but now we¡¯ll add ¨C beware of the evil god Gladius.¡±


    ¡°Gladius?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an evil god, named after his demon sword Gladius.¡±


    ¡°Evil God, is that different from Demon King?¡±


    ¡°Actually, unlike the Demon King who was a native of that Planet, the Evil Gods are previously normal Gods which defected from our Primordial Oath.¡±


    ¡°Primordial Oath?¡±


    ¡°Well, hearing it right now isn¡¯t a good idea. It¡¯s just as vast as the Akashic Records.


    ¡°Akashic Records?¡±


    Lowell''s curiousity started to increase as new information unfold in front of her.


    ¡°It is all the knowledge of the universe stored in a single plane, which is the astral plane. I wouldn¡¯t go deeper, but both of them are created by an Omnipotent Being.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    Lowell can only agree because just hearing the words Akashic Records and Primordial Oath made her head hurt.


    ¡°Now, for the main characteristics of Evil God Gladius! Actually.. He¡¯s a battle-maniac and a ruthless individual. He is a master of sword, and his main point and greatest advantage is that¡­ He¡¯s unaffected by any type of skill that uses mana.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­¡±


    ¡°Unfair? Yes, it¡¯s unfair, especially for a person who excel on using mana to protect themselves. That¡¯s why we said if you encounter him, escape at all cost. Be careful, since he slipped through our divine barrier which we deployed around Twilight Planet when we let you pass through it and reincarnate. His main objective now is¡­.¡±


    ¡°Is?¡±


    ¡°If you were a boy, it¡¯s pretty impossible.. but now, it was pretty bad..¡±


    ¡°Boy? Pretty bad? What?¡±


    Lowell became confused upon hearing that line.


    I should''ve been born boy? it¡¯s pretty bad now that I¡¯m a girl? What?¡±


    ¡°Well, his objective also changed¡­ it¡¯s now¡­ make you¡­¡±


    Before Lowell could hear the Star¡¯s last words, she started to vanish from the place.


    ***


    ¡°Lowell!.. my Daughter!!¡±


    My vision¡¯s dark, but I heard a woman¡¯s voice. It was weak, but kind. I tried to speak, but to no avail. The whole place was surrounded by sound of raindrops.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry¡­ it was because of me¡­ Dad left us¡­¡±


    The one who responded was a voice of a little girl. She was sobbing while clinging to her Mom''s shoulders.


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


    ¡°Did you fight with them again?¡±


    The voice of the woman sounds worried.


    A big splash was heard.


    She knelt on the ground to console her child.


    ¡°Because.. they said Mom was a prostitute¡­ and she bewitched Dad¡­ so Dad left us¡­but isn¡¯t it because of me? He left us because I was born..¡±


    The woman hugged tightly the girl who was condemning herself.


    And the dark world in Lowell''s vision became a monochrome world, a world that lacked sound.


    Just the two of them hugging each other in the rain.


    ***


    ¡°Lowell, Lowell!¡±


    Lowell heard a voice of someone familliar to her.


    I think it was Weiss¡­


    ¡°Ugh¡­.¡±


    She started to wake up.


    ¡°Lowell?! I¡¯m glad you woke up¡­ What are you doing there, lying on the roadside??¡±


    Weiss sighed as he asked her.


    He looks like he¡¯s gonna cry any time now.


    Lowellnoticed she was now sitting on a bench.


    As she look around, she saw her Big Brother and Weiss having a worried look on their faces.


    Shealso noticed that the Kitten was sitting on her lap.


    Lowell tried to look for the serpent, but it wasn¡¯t around anymore.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Both of them asked Lowell, but she can¡¯t tell them what happened because she thought it was too weird to explain.


    ¡°I just felt dizzy¡­ How long did I stay unconscious?¡±


    After asking, her Big Brother answered her inquiry.


    ¡°We decided to follow you since you might get into trouble, so it¡¯s just a few minutes.¡±


    Just a few minutes.. but I felt it was more than an hour or so.


    Lowell had troubles remembering what she dreamt, but she knew it was a very sad one.


    Whenever she tried to remember it, a piercing feeling pricks her heart.


    ¡°Ah-?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm?


    Weiss starts to remember something and looks at her with deep suspicion.


    ¡°H-hey, Lowell¡­ W-who¡¯s this G-gladius you¡¯re dreaming o-of?!¡±


    ¡°Gladius?¡±


    When Lowell heard the name ¡®Gladius¡¯, she felt a deep fear towards it.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been repeating ¡®Gladius¡¯, ¡®Gladius¡¯ in your sleep. With that expression, it looks like you know something!¡±


    Lowell think Weiis misunderstood her fear into something else.


    I couldn¡¯t think why..


    ¡°Ah? Oh?! Look! We need to hurry!¡±


    Lowell pointed towards their shadows. Maybe because of her knowledge in Physics, she reflexively pointed at their shadows to express what time is it.


    Lowellthink it works here too, since she observed that the movement of the sun here is the same as the origin of the two books.


    ¡°Hah?!¡±


    Qazar and Weiss, who didn''t have the knowledge she had,looked at her weirdly.


    ¡°I-I read on a book that shadow¡¯s location can tell the time. Since your shadow was long, I think it¡¯s gonna be sunset pretty soon¡­¡±


    Lowell tried to fool them.


    I¡¯m sorry, Big Brother and Weiss.


    Her Big Brother still looks at her with suspicion but Weiss looks at her with astonishment.


    He held her hands and gazed with a sparkling eyes.


    Lowell became surprised and became nervous.


    ¡°W-what is it, Weiss?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really smart, Lowell!¡±


    ¡°Hah.. I-I see¡­¡±


    It looks like I averted the situation..


    ¡°¡®It looks like I averted the situation.. ¡® I see.¡±


    Lowell heard her Big Brother speak without any feeling on it.


    Shefelt she was poured with cold water when she heard it and puts on an awkward smile.


    ¡°B-big brother?¡±


    ¡°What is it, my Little Sister?¡±


    He¡¯s smiling¡­ but I knew he¡¯s already mad¡­ He never call me that way normally.. I couldn¡¯t think of any way to escape this..


    ¡°H-how did you know?¡±


    ¡°Oh? I just ¡®Accidentally¡¯ used a skill..¡±


    A smile was still on his face.


    ¡°What is this ¡®situation¡¯ you¡¯ll need to explain to us?¡±


    Lowell tried to avert the situation again by telling her Big Brother something that she thought he couldn''t resist.


    ¡°W-we need to buy food for the Kitten¡­¡±


    Lowell tried to stand but her Big Brother held both of her shoulders.


    Lowell was locked on the bench.


    This is bad!!


    ¡°My Dearest Big Brother, W-what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Nothing~¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t mad about earlier right¡­?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no point to be angry right? It was ¡®my¡¯ fault to begin with~¡±


    He talks nonchalantly.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!!¡±


    Lowell can only apologize.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry~ Just tell us whose this ¡®Gladius¡¯ is and I¡¯ll let you go~¡±


    ¡°E-eh?! I-I don¡¯t know!! Ah! It''s a sword! I saw a sword a while ago and the merchant...¡±


    I don¡¯t want to make them worry..


    ¡°You made us worry already, though.¡±


    ¡°Please stop reading my mind, Big Brother!!¡±


    When did my Big Brother learned to bully people¡­ but..


    ¡°S-say, brother¡­ when did you develop your ability?¡±


    ¡°Oh? This? Just a few moments ago, when I saw you lose consciousness.¡±


    He continued.


    ¡°I was sooo stressed what would I do, so I tried to clear my mind.. Strange, but I didn¡¯t unlock it before I was left by my real Mother and Father¡­ If only¡­¡±


    He thinks of using it to rebuild his true family¡­ I think he didn¡¯t unlock it earlier since he still didn¡¯t show signs of being a Demon King Successor..


    ¡°S-sorry!¡±


    Lowell apologized because she made him remember a traumatic past¡­


    Traumatic? I think my dream is a traumatic story.. but I don¡¯t remember the whole details¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry.. but.. I think I overused it.. Now, my head¡¯s getting dizzy¡­¡±


    ¡°Eh?!¡±


    Her Big Brother, who was holding Lowell''s shoulders, had his head fall into her shoulders instead.


    It looks like his ability has reached its limits.. Lowell didn¡¯t know what happened, but she''s glad she escaped the interrogation of her Big Brother.¡±


    ¡°Weiss, can you wait for me here? I¡¯ll buy Pet food for the Kitten. I¡¯ll leave Big Brother and the Kitten with you..¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright?


    Weiss looks at her with worry.


    ¡°The shop¡¯s already there, so don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    ¡°O-okay..


    Lowell enteredthe store.


    She bought what she needed, and left the place.


    When she returned, her Big Brother was already conscious, but is having a hard time walking straight.


    ¡°Let¡¯s return home.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qazar responded weakly while Weiss responded like normal.


    Weiss and Lowell supported Qazarwhile walking.


    The kitten was on Weiss¡¯ shoulder while Lowell carried the pet food on her other hand.


    When they''re almost halfway from their home, her Big Brother walked by himself.


    They reached their home before sunset.

 Chapter 17 - Sparring Confrontation

    By the time the three of the reached Zvalle house, it was already sunset.


    Before they could enter the house, the trio heard a very loud noise from a plain behind the house. The three rushed towards the noise and saw an incredible scene unfold.


    There was a man and a woman fighting. The man was the person Lowell bumped into earlier at the village while the other one.. was her Mom.


    They were still far from the battle''s location, but they saw the land around was terribly devastated.


    A lot of holes formed here and there, and huge rocks are seen around the area. It only shows how high-leveled the battle is.


    The present condition of the man wasn¡¯t that good, but was her Mom¡¯s standing still and unscathed.


    The man smiled and spoke with excitement.


    ¡°As expected of the one called ¡°Windwalker¡±. My skill isn¡¯t efficient enough to defeat you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still young, Maxwell. For you to reach that level is enough to call you a talented person.¡±


    The man named Maxwell bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Thank you for your compliment.¡±


    ¡°Well, we should finish this soon.. I need to prepare for my family¡¯s dinner.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just as you said.. Aurel might be waiting for me already.¡±


    He brandished his weapons and starts to charge towards Belle. Belle, who had daggers in both hands, stood calmly without leaving her position.


    When Maxwell got near, she starts to dodge all his attacks flexibly. She tumbled, flipped, ducked, spun.. as if she¡¯s dancing with Mr. Maxwell¡¯s swords.


    Maxwell thrusts his weapon, she front-flipped and stood on Maxwell¡¯s sword. Maxwell tried to spin while holding his other sword in a reverse hold like a dagger.


    He tried to destroy Belle''s balance, but Belle hastily dodged it by making a back flip while using the sword she¡¯s standing on as a foothold. After several flips to recover her balance, she started to chant a spell. It was a epic-tier magic.


    ¡°Wind who held the sky, bind into my will! Wind Daggers!¡±


    Around fifty daggers flew above her. They were circling, as if brewing a storm.


    Maxwell struck his swords into the ground and starts to chant his own spell.


    ¡°Land that is indestructible, bind into my will! Earth Fortress!¡±


    A huge, half complete, dome of earth rose two meters away from him and defendedMaxwell.


    ¡°This won¡¯t penetrate that.. I need to use binding property..¡±


    Belle placed one of her daggers on it¡¯s sheath.


    She held her hand upwards, and chanted a skill.


    ¡°Wind who held the sky, bind into my will! Wind Dagger Bind #2! Wind Javelin!¡±


    The spinning daggers on her head starts to group themselves and formed into a javelin.


    Lowell saw her Mom¡¯s body release a considerable amount of mana.


    ¡°This is the end! Pierce!¡±


    She launched her spell towards the Earth Fortress.


    When the spell hit the Fortress, a visible crack was made on its surface.


    The Wind Javelin pierced the Earth Fortress, making it crumble.


    Maxwell became visible and could be seen preparing himself to deflect the Wind Javelin.


    When the Javelin hit the Earth Fortress, most of its force was lost, making it much weaker before it reached Maxwell.


    Before the skill could hit him, Maxwell cross-slashed the tip of the Javelin. It made it lose it¡¯s binding properties, and..


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Maxwell was caught unprepared because he thought the wind spell will dissipate, but it did otherwise.


    Numerous daggers which was bonded previously.. flew towards random direction.


    Some launched towards Maxwell, who was very near, while some flew towards Belle, who was the caster of the spell.


    Some even flew towards the trio, so Lowell grabbed the stupefied Weiss and Qazar downward to dodge the Wind Daggers.


    Maxwell braced himself from the Wind Daggers by shielding his face with both arms.


    Belle, on the other hand¡­


    ¡°Mom¡¯s¡­ sprinting towards the daggers?¡±


    Belle charged towards Maxwell and the Wind Daggers. She didn¡¯t control the Wind Daggers, but she¡­ passed through them.. as if she¡¯s an ethereal¡­


    She sprints towards Maxwell, but she also passed through him like a spirit.


    When the Wind Daggers start to dissipate, she¡¯s already pointing one of her daggers on Maxwell¡¯s nape.


    ¡°My win.¡±


    ¡°I lost¡­ but may I ask Mrs. Zvalle¡­ why didn¡¯t you use that skill on me earlier in our battle? It should¡¯ve finished this battle faster..¡±


    ¡°Because my skill isn¡¯t that convenient to use. Let¡¯s just say it''s like that.¡±


    Belle returned her dagger to it¡¯s sheath.


    ¡°I see..¡±


    Maxwell followed and sheathed both of his swords.


    He looks towards Belle and starts to bow.


    ¡°Thank your for your guidance.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I should also thank you¡­ I never had a chance to lose steam since my Little Elle was born. Well, not that I said that it¡¯s her fault though.. I¡¯m still making her as my first priority. Well, good luck to your marriage.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Lowell used ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ on her Mom.


    ¡º


    Name: Belle Zvalle


    Level: 51


    Title: Windwalker


    Job: A-rank Adventurer


    Status: Slowed


    Age: 29 years old


    Birthplace: Bevare Village


    HP: 5000/5200


    Mana: 560/2290


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 440 (+140)


    Magic Power: 760


    Speed: 660 (+120)


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: 89


    Aptitude: Mid-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Wind(Main), Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Dodge(High)


    Her Mom¡¯s base stats were higher than her Dad when it comes to Physical Power, Speed, and Luck.. but her Dad still has higher Magic Power, HP, and Mana than her Mom.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    *What¡¯s this Dodge(High)? There¡¯s also a ranking on special skills?*


    She also used another ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ skill on Maxwell.


    ¡º


    Name: Maxwell Accordia


    Level: 44


    Title: Dymacherus*


    Job: B-rank Adventurer, Kindom¡¯s Free Enforcer


    Status: Weakened


    Age: 29 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 1290/5000 (+250)


    Mana: 321/2200 (+90)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 410 (+170)


    Magic Power: 697 (+50)


    Speed: 660 (+120)


    Constitution: 8


    Luck: 67


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Earth(Main), Fire, Water,Wind


    Special Skills: Dual-weilding Mastery(High)


    ¡»


    Maxwell¡¯s stats were comparable to her Mom because he was wearing a full battle gear while her Mom only has her two jade knives in her disposal.


    This really shows that Innate stats beat Bonus stats even though they are evenly matched..


    Maxwell starts to bid farewell and both of them starts to walk towards our side.


    Maxwell noticed the trio especially Lowell, who was still lying on the grass.


    ¡°Oh? Aren¡¯t you¡­¡±


    Belle also noticed them and spoke.


    ¡°Little Elle? Oh.. it¡¯s already near sunset.. I need to prepare for dinner! See you later, Mr. Maxwell.¡±


    ¡°Ah-? Okay. See you.¡±


    Before her mom could return to the house, she stopped and looked towards the trio again, specifically at Weiss.


    ¡°Ah. Weiss, your butler said that you can stay here for tonight.. your father already agreed.¡±


    ¡°I-I see. Then I¡¯ll be on your care, Mrs. Zvalle.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±


    After Belleleft them, Maxwell spoke and observed the three.


    His eyes became focused to Lowell, who is in the middle of the two boys.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re Aurel¡¯s most precious student¡­ and these two are also her apprentices.¡±


    The three of them froze.


    He''s inspecting us from head to toe¡­


    ¡°I heard the little girl had trouble while Aurel¡¯s having an ¡®Outbreak¡¯. Sorry about that..¡±


    He immediately apologized.


    ¡°Ah. Don¡¯t worry, Sir.. I got over it already.. It¡¯s just an accident, really..¡±


    Lowell stuttered as she didn''t know how what to do after Maxwell apologized.


    ¡°Call me Maxwell. It was still under my own carelessness.. I shouldn¡¯t have permitted her to teach you that day.. I see signs of her breakthrough, but I dismissed it as a false alarm¡­ I¡¯m deeply sorry.¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s really fine.. She took care of me since three years old so I regard Teacher as a family already..¡±


    Then, Maxwell took an item from his pocket.


    It was small enough to fit inside without inhibiting his movements while fighting, so Lowell became curious of the item.


    ¡°Then please accept this. I wouldn¡¯t calm down if you won¡¯t accept this as compensation for the trouble I caused you..¡±


    Maxwell held out the item, which is a crystal that looks like a diamond shard.


    I feel presence of mana inside of it.


    Lowell receivedit without removing her curious look.


    ¡°Please try to absorb its mana.¡±


    After hearing Maxwell''s instructions,Lowell nodded and followed.


    Sheabsorbed the mana inside of it.


    ¡°It¡¯s entering my mana veins?¡±


    Instead of circulating around the tip of her palms, it entered her mana veins.


    Afterwards, the shard turned into dust, losing the mana that''s binding the whole thing together.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s this feeling?¡±


    Lowellfelt hermana veins was expanding little by little.


    It wasn¡¯t a sudden burst of increase in capacity, so she felt it was really comfortable.


    ¡°That was a magicite. It is a rare ore that contains mana which could be absorbed into one¡¯s mana veins. Since the size is small, those who are in Practitioner Stage and below can benefit the most on using it. It won¡¯t have that much effect if I were to use it, so I¡¯ve given it to you. It wasn¡¯t much ¡­ so sorry..¡±


    ¡°No, Sir Maxwell. It¡¯s already a huge help for my mana cultivation. Thank you very much.¡±


    After that, Maxwell looked towards her Big Brother and Weiss.


    ¡°So, little lady, who¡¯s the lucky guy?¡±


    ¡°Lucky guy? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Your-¡±


    ¡°WAWAWAWA¡ª!!!!¡±


    Both Weiss and her Big Brother panicked.


    Her Big Brother closed her ears while Weiss starts to speak with Maxwell.


    Aren¡¯t you afraid of him awhile ago? Where did your courage came from?


    Lowellstarts to struggle away from Big Brother¡¯s hands and starts to ask Maxwell.


    Lowell started to pout angrily at the two boys.


    ¡°Both of you.. You¡¯re being rude!¡±


    ¡°Eh?.. We¡¯re sorry!¡±


    Both of them bowed towards Mr. Maxwell.


    ¡°Hahaha! It¡¯s nothing! It must have been hard for you two. My fiance was like that at first..¡±


    Mr. Maxwell starts to tell them a story.


    Both of the boys listened eagerly, but Lowell didn''t found it interesting, so she bade farewell towards Maxwell.


    After Maxwell departed, both Weiss and her Big Brother looked as if they¡¯re both enlightened.


    What did just happen awhile ago?


    Before Lowell ate lunch, she tried to use ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ in herself, checking the effects of the magicite in her body.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 15


    Title: ¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª-


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 330/330 (+10)


    Mana: 125/125 (+15)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 38


    Magic Power: 124 (104+20)


    Speed: 42


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: High-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    I didn¡¯t notice it, but I made a huge leap ¨C I became a High Rank Practitioner Tier.. but I was only a Mid Rank Practitioner last week.


    Lowell felt that the effect of magicite is really incredible.


    She''snow at the brink of breaking through Practitioner Tier.


    I think it would still take me one or two months to change Tiers...


    Mom and Mr. Maxwell¡¯s Special skills have ranks, but mine don¡¯t? What does this mean?


    Lowell''s gettingconfused as she ponder it.


    Lowell thought that she need to know more about special skills.


    Lowelltried to use ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ on both Weiss and her Big Brother.


    I think they won¡¯t mind, do they?


    ¡º


    Name: Qazar Aquila


    Level: 16


    Title: (Demon King¡¯s Successor ¨C Hidden)


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: ????


    HP: 120/443


    Mana: 52/52


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 67


    Magic Power: 79


    Speed: 66


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 89


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Darkness(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Mind Reading, ???, ???


    ¡»


    It¡¯s the same as Big Brother.


    Lowell noticed that her ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ can identify Special skill which is eternally active(Like Dual Weilding) and skill that she see being used(Like Dodge and Mind Read).


    If she didn¡¯t see it, it would stay ¡®???¡¯ until she sees it.


    ¡º


    Name: Weiss Lear


    Level: 14


    Title: ¡ª¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 450/450


    Mana: 50/50


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 68


    Magic Power: 76


    Speed: 64


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 42


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Wind, Fire(Main), Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???,???


    ¡»


    Weiss¡¯ and her Big Brother''s stats aren¡¯t that far from each other.


    Both of them were training to be front-line fighters, so their Physical Stats are definitely higher than Lowell.


    After eating dinner, Lowell retreated to her room with the Jade Kitten.


    It started hiding inside her hat during the fight because of its fear towards Maxwell and Mom¡¯s sparring session.


    Lowell tried to ask Weiss to sleep with her, but both Weiss and Big Brother vehemently rejected her proposal.


    Lowell still hear their bickering voices inside her room, since Weiss was decided to stay with her Big Brother.


    It stopped when she heard her Mom enter their room.


    Lowell picked her sleeping clothes and prepared to change when she noticed something..


    Before she removed her hat, Lowell noticed that it was a little bit heavy.


    Now that she remember it, it wasn¡¯t that heavy before their excursion around the town.


    She didn''t notice it until now because the weight only increased by a few grams.


    When she removed it, the kitten rushed outside and hissed towards the hat.


    When she looked what¡¯s inside the hat, there she saw..


    The serpent, which Lowell thought ran away after sucking her mana, was clinging on the leather inside her hat like a sleeping bat.


    It was trembling with fear, evidently shows thatit was afraid of the kitten.


    Lowell noticed that most of its injuries are already healed and when it noticed her gaze, it leapt towards her chest as if asking for help.


    ¡°Mew! Mew! Mew!¡±


    The serpentspoke as if it wants Lowell to defendit.


    Lowellplaced her hat on a desk nearby and held the serpent in her arms.


    Lowell was still tryingto know what type of Magical Beast it was.


    ¡º


    Name: (Available for Naming)


    Level: 1


    Monster Type: Land Serpent


    Master: Lowell Zvalle


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Gender: Female


    Age: 5 days old


    Birthplace: ???


    HP: 100/100


    Mana: 10/10


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 15


    Magic Power: 25


    Speed: 14


    Constitution: 1


    Luck: 16


    Attributes: Earth


    Special Skills: ???,???,???


    ¡»


    When Lowell looked at its stats, she became suprised.


    It was just born five days ago? I also noticed that it has three special skills. I wonder what are those.. Oh well, I¡¯ll know it later since I¡¯m its master so I don¡¯t need to rush it.


    Lowell also used ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ on the kitten.


    ¡º


    Name: (Available for Naming)


    Level: 2


    Monster Type: Jade Cat


    Master: Lowell Zvalle


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Gender: Female


    Age: 1 month old


    Birthplace: ???


    HP: 140/140


    Mana: 7/7


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 25


    Magic Power: 19


    Speed: 25


    Constitution: 1


    Luck: 99


    Attributes: Wind


    Special Skills: ???,???,???


    ¡»


    So it¡¯s pretty normal to have three skills for Magical Beast? As she thinkmore, she felt her head hurt.


    So this is my Eye of Investigation¡¯s present limit.. Five times per day and I¡¯ll start to have a headache..


    Lowell placed the serpent in the bed and the kitten on the top of the desk beside the hat.


    It was still hissing at the serpent, which hid beside Lowell''s pillow.


    Lowell changed into her sleeping clothes and sat on the bed.


    She held the Kitten, and thought of a name for it.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re a Jade Cat¡­ Hmm.. Jade is too plain.. Jadeite is too long.. so is Lapis Nephriticus.. Ah-?! I¡¯ll name you Nephy~!¡±


    She held Nephy up high and it meowed as if it agrees with its new name.


    Lowell placed it on her lap and the kitten snuggled itself on it and starts to fall asleep.


    Lowellstarted to pet it softly, then she noticed the serpent grabbed her sleeves as if it wants Lowell to name it.


    ¡°Since your color looks like an Axinite Gem, I¡¯ll name you. Axie!


    The serpent, who Lowell called Axie, jumped on her lap and disturbed the sleeping Nephy.


    Before they start to fight again, Lowell placed the them on alternate sides of her bed and started to sleep.

 Chapter 18 - Live Combat

    ¡°Wake up, Little Elle. Breakfast is ready.¡±


    Like her usual mornings, Lowell''s mom starts to knock on her room¡¯s door.


    When Lowell woke up, she felt really an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.


    She opened her eyes just to find out.


    ¡°Meoooww¡­¡±


    ¡°Mewwww¡­¡±


    Both Axie and Nephy was sitting on her chest, glaring at each other.


    Lowellthought that both of them wants to sleep on her chest, but no one wants to give in.


    Shenoticed that they both lack energy to fight, probably they stayed that way the whole night.


    ¡°You two naughty kids.. Don¡¯t fight for who goes to sleep on my chest.. It¡¯s making me uncomfortable..¡±


    ¡°Meow?¡±


    ¡°Mew?¡±


    Both of them stopped fighting and looked towards Lowell with pleading eyes.


    Even you do that, I won¡¯t give in.


    ¡°Go to sleep, both of you. It looks like both of you didn¡¯t slept all night.¡±


    When Lowellrose up from her bed, Nephy occupied Lowell''s pillow and fell asleep.


    Axie, on the other hand, slept on the bed and covered itself with Lowell''s blanket .


    Lowell started to prepare herself because herTeacher Aurel¡¯s classes starts after eating breakfast.


    She saw Weiss and her Big Brother eating their own food, so she also started to eat.


    When the three were done eating their fill, they getoutside for theirTeacher¡¯s lesson.


    The three greeted Teacher Aurel and she started the lesson.


    ¡°Qazar and Weiss, did you take your weapons?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Teacher¡±


    Both of them had their own weapons.


    A two-handed sword for Qazarand an one-handed sword and shield for Weiss.


    Lowell didn¡¯t know why, but she thought that they''re going for a battle.


    ¡°Then for our final Lesson..¡±


    The three of them were stupefied.


    Last Lesson? Teacher won¡¯t teach us anymore?


    The first one to react was Weiss.


    ¡°Teacher won¡¯t teach us anymore?¡±


    ¡°Well, I already taught you all I know. It¡¯s no use to be your Teacher anymore. The three of you are excellent students so..¡±


    ¡°No¡­ NO!¡±


    I can¡¯t accept this..


    Doesn¡¯t that mean I wouldn¡¯t see Teacher again?


    Lowell ran away from Weiss, her Big Brother and Teacher Aurel.


    She tried to ran towards the house, but was caught by her Teacher.


    ¡°Lowell¡­ My dear Apprentice.. You should understand. You won¡¯t reach greater heights if I remain as your Teacher. Please remember what your dream is.¡±


    My dream is to be an Adventurer like Mom and Dad, but¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.. Why do you have to leave us..¡±


    Hearing Lowell''s thoughts, Teacher Aurel smiled and flicked her student''s forehead.


    ¡°Silly girl. I won¡¯t leave you.. I¡¯ll still visit you now and then. But please understand.. This is the limit of the knowledge I could teach you.. Let me tell you something about myself..¡±


    Lowelllistened to her Teacher while wiping her tears.


    ¡°Teacher took the job on the Royal City Library.. because I don¡¯t have any choice.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t have any choice?¡±


    ¡°Yes.. like you, I dreamt to be an adventurer. But because my performance as a Fleur is mediocre, most high-leveled adventuring parties rejected me. When I heard that the Royal City Library is in need of staff, I tried to took the job. The only thing your Teacher could be proud of is my love for books. Whenever I read books, I felt like I entered a new world that I didn¡¯t know before. It was a refreshing feeling. That¡¯s where I met my fiance.¡±


    ¡°Sir Maxwell?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He wants to obtain knowledge about a Monster his party wants to hunt. When I saw him, I felt so inferior that time, since he was already a C-ranked Adventurer. I¡¯m the one who assisted him for finding the book he needs. Before I noticed it, he frequently visits the library. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s a fool or what during that time since the entrance fee was 10 gold.¡±


    Her Teacher starts to giggle.


    ¡°After one day, He asked me to be his lover. I didn¡¯t notice that his frequent visitations are for me. I agreed, since I thought I could give him a chance since he¡¯s a good man. We started to go on dates, he let me meet his acquaintances, I had a glimpse on the world he was living in¡­ and I know that it was out of my reach. I tried to broke up with him, telling him that our worlds are too far apart. I, who was mediocre person, and him, who was an excellent adventurer, was never destined together¡­ but what he said is: ¡®I didn¡¯t loved you because of your status, aptitude, or anything. I loved you since the day I saw your smile. Whenever you talk about books, I told myself ¨C when would be the day that I¡¯m the cause of that smile instead? ¨C that¡¯s when I started to look at you. The pureness of that smile that soothes my heart after a stressing day.. The ten gold entrance fee of the library was worth it.¡¯ ¡±


    Teacher Aurel laughed while smiling. It was tears of joy..


    ¡°That¡¯s when I thought.. ¡®This person is an idiot¡¯ but ¡®I started to love him because of -how stupid he is-¡®. That¡¯s when I noticed that I was escaping from him. I was afraid of leaving my comfort zone. The books, who won¡¯t condemn me for being mediocre.. and the outside world which would condemn me for being mediocre.. It was him who let me out of that place. I started to dream a life with him. Before I knew it, I already couldn¡¯t live without him. When he asked my hand for marriage, I accepted it gladly.¡±


    ¡°He persuaded my parents, and my parent gave their approval. After that, he told me that he wants me to meet his parents and get married.. after that, we¡¯ll make a journey around the world. That¡¯s when I made a very important choice.¡±


    ¡°Choice?¡±


    ¡°To give up my job on the Royal City Library.. because Blanc City is distant from the Royal City, and we¡¯ll travel around the world, I can¡¯t continue working at the Royal City Library. I was reluctant at first.. since I already regard it as my second home. The home who accepted who I am, even though I am a mediocre person.¡±


    Lowell became fed up of her Teacher calling herself mediocre so she shouted:


    ¡°Mediocre this, Mediocre that.. Teacher isn¡¯t mediocre!¡±


    In return, her Teacher smiled and petted her silver hair.


    ¡°Lowell, in our world, my talent in magic is far from average. I was already twenty-one years old when I reached Professor Tier. My fiance, who is now twenty-four, was already a Low Gaunt. He is already High Professor when he was at my age. If I also consider your talent, you¡¯ll surpass me in two or three years. At this rate, you can even reach Low Gaunt Tier at sixteen or eighteen years old. I knew you¡¯re still in Mid Practitioner, but for your age, you could already called a genius.¡±


    I see.. so Teacher didn¡¯t know that I became a High Practitioner yesterday. Mr. Maxwell made it a secret when he gave me that magicite.


    ¡°Returning to my story.. I was forced to pick one.. like you right now. To stay stagnant forever and stay on the library.. or follow him and explore the gifts of this world. I was afraid first, but I knew I need to believe in Maxwell. He, who gave me an opportunity to realize my own dream, which is to become an adventurer. I knew I would be a burden for him, but I thought it would be okay as long as we¡¯re together.¡±


    ¡°In your situation, if I still remain as your Teacher, your abilities would be stagnant. I want you to learn to move towards your goal, not to stay under my wings. Even little birds need to leave their nests to explore the world. Like you guys. You have the potential to become someone great, so don¡¯t waste that chance given upon you. Okay? I¡¯m already proud that I became your Teacher, so make me more proud of you.¡±


    Teacher Aurel smiled at Lowell.


    Lowell turned around and hugged her.


    ¡°Yes, Teacher!¡±


    Afterwards, both of them returned to thestudy area, where Weiss and Qazar were waiting.


    Teacher Aurel returned to her previous location and starts her lesson.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Ahem! Now, our final lesson is.. Live Combat.¡±


    ""¡°Live Combat?¡±""


    Lowell, Weiss, and Qazar replied in unison.


    ¡°Yes, all of you¡¯ll going to fight me. If you defeat me, you¡¯re can pick any souvenir you choose later on our trip to Blanc City.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Why are we going to Blanc City?¡±


    ¡°Because we¡¯ll go to the Fleur guild and remove your Apprenticeship status. That way, the three of you¡¯ll going to be regarded as True Fleurs, not as Trainees anymore.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair? Three on one it is..¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re underestimating your Teacher too much, Lowell. I may be mediocre, but since I entered Professor Tier, I started to learn Epic Tier Magic. Also, take these.¡±


    Their Teacher Aurel handed each of the three a talisman necklace.


    It has a barrier magic placed on it.


    ¡°Those necklace would serve as your lives. If your necklace gets broken, you¡¯re disqualified. If I win, I¡¯ll give you no souviners, but you¡¯ll still graduate.¡±


    Their Teacher distanced herself by ten meters before she starts talking again.


    ¡°You guys ready?¡±


    ""¡°Yes, Teacher!¡±""


    ¡°Then let us start the Live Battle!¡±


    The three starts to organize their roles.


    Lowell became the support, while her Big Brother and Weiss became the vanguard.


    After setting up their roles, Teacher Aurel took out her weapon.. which is a book.


    ¡°Well then, let us start the battle! Come at me, my apprentices!¡±


    ""¡°Yes!¡±""


    ¡°Silent Step!¡±


    Weiss started with ¡®Silent Step¡¯ Wind magic.


    The three got affected ¡®Silent Step¡¯ skill.


    Her Big Brother started his spell next.


    ¡°Hardened Endurance.¡±


    Qazar casted an Earth Magic, Hardened Endurance.


    It gave the three traces of non-harmful elements like Iron and Calcium to raise their endurance.


    ¡°Body Conditioning.¡±


    Lowell used Body Conditioning, or other words, a spell for warm-up.


    It is a Fire Magic that imitates the conditioning of bones, muscles, and joints in one¡¯s body.


    This is the first fire magic her Teacher taught her since it wasn¡¯t as harmful as other fire magic.


    After enhancing their stats, her Big Brother and Weiss starts to sprint towards Teacher Aurel.


    Lowellused ¡®Eye of Investigation¡¯ on Teacher Aurel so that she could discoverher main weakness.


    ¡º


    Name: Aurel Hixia


    Level: 29


    Title: ¡ª¨C


    Job: Magic Instructor, Academic Professor


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 23 years old


    Birthplace: Royal Capital City


    HP: 2100/2100


    Mana: 450/453 (+75)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 120


    Magic Power: 391 (+103)


    Speed: 230


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: 52


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Professor-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Water(Main), Wind, Fire, Earth


    Special Skills: Silent Cast


    ¡»


    So Teacher¡¯s main element is Water. That¡¯s why she also have some difficulties in teaching me fire moves. But, what is this ¡®Silent Cast¡¯?


    Lowell saw their Teacher¡¯s lips start to move.


    She noticed some mana concentration forming around the book and disappeared.


    The skill failed?.. No.. It was ¡®Silent Cast¡¯!


    ¡°Be careful!¡±


    Lowell tried to warn her Big Brother and Weiss, but it was a bit too late.


    "¡°Wha-?!¡±"


    Her Big Brother and Weiss who sprinted towards Teacher Aurel, came to a sudden stop.


    That¡¯s when they noticed that the land around her Big Brother and Weiss became muddy.


    ¡°When battling a melee fleur, a long-range fleur like me should set up a good magic to hinder their movements. Hindering their movements is equivalent to crippling their main purpose ¨C to deal damage with short-ranged weapons. That¡¯s basic right?¡±


    Lowell started to use a supporting skill.


    What she first thought was make a foothold for both of them.


    ¡°Earth Boulder! Earth Steps!¡±


    Lowelllifted both of them and created steps around the muddy area, making their movement a lot easier.


    When shelifted the both of them, the two started to release their magic.


    ¡°Fire Breath!¡±


    ¡°Wind Breath!¡±


    Both her Big Brother and Weiss started to use their own spells.


    Fire and Wind complement each other, so the damage output became high.. but..


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t tell you.. My main attribute is Water¡­ Water Curtain!¡±


    A wall of water started to emerge, blocking her Big Brother and Weiss¡¯ spells.


    Lowell followed up with another spell.


    ¡°Earth Ball!¡±


    She unleashed an ordinary-looking earth ball made of clay and rocks. When it passed through her Big Brother and Weiss, she started to chain-cast two spells.


    ¡°Get back, Big Brother and Weiss! Earth Wall! Shrapnel!¡±


    Lowell can¡¯t control Shrapnel proficiently, so she created an Earth Wall in front of her Big Brother and Weiss so that if ever a rebound happens, they wouldn¡¯t be caught up inside it.


    Shrapnel is a magic she created by using basic air pressure principle.


    Like a ball, which explodes when too much air pressure is inserted, she tried to use it on Earth Ball spell, but the main problem is.. an ordinary Earth Ball has too many holes for air to enter and exit, so she tried creating an Earth Ball by using clay and some stones to remove those holes (clay) and create strong shrapnel (rocks) and a large chamber for air storage.


    When she succeeded,


    Next is that she formed a cork-shaped hole and a cork-shaped clay.


    She inserted concentrated wind element inside, closing the hole shut with the cork, and she released the wind element, making the air chamber too compressed to hold it.. ¨C and boom!


    The shrapnel flew into different directions. It wasn¡¯t that strong like gunpowder or nitroglycerin explosives, but she had no choice since she didn¡¯t have the means to create them yet.


    Lowelltried using electrolysis to divide Hydrogen and Oxygen in water element, but she didn¡¯t succeed since her mana consumption by just creating lightning is too high and she can¡¯t freely control atom and molecular objects yet so she tried using air pressure.


    Boom! The ball exploded and the rock shrapnel flew to all sides.


    When she erected an Earth wall, their Teacher noticed something was amiss and immediately created an Earth wall too.


    Lowelldidn¡¯t notice their Teacher already casted a spellbecause of her Special Ability.


    ¡°As expected of you, Lowell. Practicing spells without my knowledge. Now, I know that letting you guys go is the best choice I could do.¡±


    ¡°Back at you, Teacher. Your Special Skill is a cheat. I wondered why you said you¡¯re mediocre.¡±


    ¡°Because I manifested it just when I reached Professor tier, when I entered ¡®Outbreak¡¯. Manifesting your abilities when you¡¯re at the end of your prime¡¯s also mediocre, even though it is a cheat or not.¡±


    After uttering those words, she started to move her lips again, while Big Brother and Qazar starts to resume their sprint.


    Suddenly, Their Teacher closed her book and ¡­


    ¡°With my apprentices going all out, I shall go all out too!¡±


    Their Teacher took a small tube-like metal from her waist pocket and held it by two hands. In an instant, it expanded until it¡¯s length is the three-fourths of Teacher¡¯s height.


    ¡°I have learned to use the Quarterstaff, so be careful!¡±


    Their Teacher clashed with Big Brother and Weiss with ease. Whenever the both of them tries to hit Teacher, the Quarterstaff already hit their body parts. I used magic to assist them.


    ¡°Earth Hand!¡±


    I tried to grab Teacher¡¯s feet with Earth Hand. Before I could even manage to grab her feet, she used her staff as foothold and vaulted herself away from my spell. She started to move her lips again.


    Before we noticed it, her movement became faster.


    It looks like she used ¡®Silent Step¡¯ on herself.


    If this goes on.. we¡¯re going to lose. I need to do this!


    ¡°Retreat, Big Brother and Weiss. I have something to say!¡±


    Both of them heard herand retreated.


    Their Teacher stood on her ground, not moving an inch as if waiting for them to attack first.


    ¡°Big Brother, Weiss. Please use the strongest water magic you can on the area around Teacher. Please don¡¯t make her notice that you weren¡¯t aiming at her.¡±


    "¡°What?¡±"


    The two looked at Lowell with confused expression in their faces.


    ¡°Please, believe me!¡±


    The first one to agree was her Big Brother Qazar.


    ¡°Okay, if you say so.¡±


    Weiss also agreed afterwards.


    ¡°Make this work, Lowell!¡±


    Both of them ran towards their Teacher.


    Teacher Aurel, who noticed that we created a plan, started to be careful of her movements.


    When both Qazarand Weiss noticed their Teacher raised her guard, both of them chanted the strongest water spell they knew towards her.


    She tried to avoid it, but she was surrounded later on.


    Before she could notice our plan, I need to move!


    ¡°Combining the Fire and Wind elements.. comes Lightning! Lightning Spark!¡±


    Lowell released Lightning towards the wet area.


    Teacher Aurel noticed that the direction of the skill wasn¡¯t her, so she got confused, but after a few seconds..


    ¡°What is that spell?!!¡±


    She noticed that the barrier necklace she¡¯s wearing got destroyed.


    It made her more confused.


    She looked towards her surroundings, making her look frightened.


    The grass on the previously wet ground are now burnt to crisp.


    Teacher Aurel thought that she was lucky that she wore a barrier necklace, or else she would become like the grass around her.


    When Lowell realized that they won, she started to get a headache because of the mana consumption of ¡®Spell Maker¡¯ Special Skill.


    Shewobbled around and slumped her knees on the ground.


    Both Weiss and her Big Brother supported her body, both smiling because of their victory.


    ¡°Brilliant work, my apprentices. Now, I could be assured that you can reach greater heights with the skill you¡¯ve just performed.¡±


    The three of them hugged Teacher Aurel and their Teacher hugged them back.


    Because of mana exhaustion, Lowll fell asleep while hugging her.

 Chapter 19 - Family Member

    When Lowell woke up, she noticed that she was already on her bed.


    Shedidn¡¯t see both Axie and Nephy so she thought they were taken outside¡­ when she realized..


    They didn¡¯t know Axie¡¯s existence!


    She looked towards her room¡¯s window and she saw the sky has orange tint on it, hinting it was already sunset when she woke up.


    Using Lightning skills really aren¡¯t that good to use outside mock battles, where if you got incapacitated is equals to crippling of you party.


    Lowell immediately stood up and gone out of her room.


    That¡¯s when she noticed that Axie and Nephy are on the table, with her Mom and Dad.


    ¡°Mom, Dad..¡±


    The first one to notice her was Belle, who was petting Nephy''s fur.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°Good job, Lowell-sama.¡±


    Her Dad winks and gives Lowell a thumbs up, but her Mom smacked his head.


    ¡°Good job my foot. You should know it¡¯s dangerous for Fleurs to ran out of mana!¡±


    ¡°Nothing bad happened right?¡±


    Louis nonchalantly replied as if it wasn''t a problem.


    ¡°B-But!¡±


    Belle tried to reason, but Louis interrupted her.


    ¡°Just be careful next time, right Lowell-sama~?¡±


    Louislooks at Lowell with a smile.


    Lowell knew behind that smile had another meaning, like ¡®learn to take care of yourself¡¯ kind of meaning..


    ¡°Yes, Mom and Dad.. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Lowell bowed her head and apologized.


    ¡°Well, while that issue is already closed, we would like to ask you about this.¡±


    Her Dad lifted Axie, who was trembling with fear.


    ¡°We heard from Qazar that you bought a Jade Cat child, but he didn¡¯t mention this thing here. I know it¡¯s a Land Serpent.. and they don¡¯t hold any poison.. but do you know their rank when they reach adulthood?¡±


    Lowelllooked at her Dad, who had a serious face on his face.


    ¡°What rank?¡±


    ¡°A child Land Serpent is born with Low-rank classification. Every two years, it raises it¡¯s rank by one. When it reached it¡¯s adulthood, which is in eight years, it can raise it¡¯s rank by four, which is Unique Rank. They are incomparable to Dragons, but they are already a force to reckon with. They aren¡¯t that huge like the Dragons, only reaching up to ten feet, but their control of elements are second to none. If only their magic manipulation skill is combined with big physique/constitution like Dragons, they can outmatch them.¡±


    Lowell looked towards Axie with wonder.


    The poor thing wasn¡¯t struggling right now since it knew that Louis ispowerful enough to hurt, or even kill it.


    This shows how sensitive Axie is when it comes to mana.


    But.. I can¡¯t tell Dad that I didn¡¯t know where Axie came from.


    Noticing his daughter''s indecision, Louis grinned and poked Axie''s cheek.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Shall I kill it then? It might give you problems in future.¡±


    Lowell''s fear of her father killing Axie was overshadowed by her curiousity.


    ¡°What kind of problems?¡±


    ¡°Betrayal.¡±


    Louis spoke like it was normal, but his voice says otherwise.


    ¡°W-what?!¡±


    Betrayal.


    Desertion.


    Her Dad said that Axie has a chance to betray her.


    ¡°Unlike Dragons, Serpents could be called ¡®natural evil¡¯. There was once a myth circulated around our continent about a couple which relationship was destroyed by a serpent. They¡¯re just way too cunning.. and this serpent I have here¡­ I¡¯ll guess you didn¡¯t get it as an egg, right? It¡¯s full loyalty won¡¯t be yours¡­ especially if this young one here experienced the fear of humans.¡±


    Her Dad hit the sore spot.


    Lowell didn¡¯t encounter Axie as an egg.. and Axie experienced the wrath of humans..


    ¡°B-but!¡±


    Before Lowell could rebut her Dad¡¯s decision, he saw something that changed his decision.


    ¡°This little brat¡¯s really smart. To think he¡¯d already done that¡­¡±


    ¡°Done what?¡±


    In response to Lowell''s question, her dad placedAxie back to the table.


    He pointed at Axie''s leaf-shaped tail.


    Lowell didn¡¯t notice yesterday, but it has a tattoo under its tail.


    It was really small to notice.


    ¡°Imprinting. That smart-ass already made you her second guardian. Of course, in that way, she won¡¯t have a chance to betray you. I think you also have a tattoo like that on your body. Unlike ¡®Making it submit¡¯ or ¡®Making a deal with it¡¯ way of taming, Imprinting is the strongest bind that only the magical beast could do. It¡¯s the one of the still unsolved mysteries of our world. You can betray it, but it would never, ever you. You gained another potentially strong ally.. It looks like it liked you a lot, Lowell-sama~¡±


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    When her Dad loosened his hold on Axie, it clumsily runs towards Lowell while crying.


    Lowell tried to comfort it until it fall asleep.


    Nephy, who was looking at the scene awhile ago, jumpe on Lowell''s shoulder and starts to rub its head on Lowell''s cheeks, wanting her attention.


    ¡°T-then, can I take Axie then?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t give you my confirmation though. All decision in the house comes from my goddess of a wife, right Honey~¡±


    Louis was hit by his wife again.


    ¡°Honey my foot! You only push hard decisions to me you cheapskate!¡±


    ¡°Ah, my honey is being tsundere~ Lemme hug you¡­ Ouch.. please stop that, my goddess wife~¡±


    Before Louiscould hug Belle, she started to stab Louiswith a metal fork whenever he gets near.


    ¡°Little Elle, my question is.. can you take care of both of them?¡±


    Bellelooks at Lowellwith a serious look.


    Lowell gave her answer with a decisive look at her face.


    ¡°Yes, Mom. Both of them are my responsibility already when they became my Tamed beasts.¡±


    Belle sighed as she heard Lowell''s answer.


    ¡°If you say so.. but! We won¡¯t let them sleep on your room! They might make a mess inside your room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±


    After that, Lowellguided Axie and Nephyto a free room upstairs.


    Nephy, who wasn''t asleep like Axie, won¡¯t let Lowellgo at first, but Lowell departed when she saw Nephy fall asleep.


    Since she didn¡¯t bought Axie¡¯s share of food, Lowell asked her Dad of what she could feed Axie for the meantime.


    ¡°Oh? Hm¡­ Serpents like anything, especially a Land Serpent. You could feed her with our dinner later, so don¡¯t worry about that. Her main diet is worms and bugs, but she eats meat and fish if needed. Oh, and don¡¯t tremble there, it won¡¯t eat a cat, you know.¡±


    Her Dad¡¯s really spot on when it comes to his observations.


    Lowellwas worried if Axie counts Nephy as food.


    After eating dinner, she took Axie and Nephy¡¯s share of food.


    When Lowell opened the door, she saw a crying Axie running towards her leg and clung its neck into it.


    Inside the room she saw Nephy crying in the floor, which ran towards the other leg when it noticed Lowell enter the room.


    I was only away for an hour, and they already missed me.. It looks like I obtained two cute and troublesome little sisters¡­.


    After making both Axie and Nephy eat their lunch, Lowell asked her Big Brother of what happened after their battle with Teacher Aurel.


    ¡°When you suddenly fell unconscious, Teacher checked your mana stream. She detected that your mana was way past the critical levels so she rushed you towards our house. Father infused some of his mana towards you, making your mana levels stable again.


    Well, only Father has a compatible inner mana to inject towards you, so we didn¡¯t try to act rashly. After that, Weiss¡¯ butler arrived and guided him back to Blanc City. When the tension goes down, Teacher also departed, telling Mom and Dad to take us to Blanc City tomorrow. She also reminded them that her wedding would be celebrated five days from now.¡±


    After talking with her Big Brother, Lowell heard Axie and Nephy¡¯s cries from their room.


    When she opened the door again, both of them clung on her legs tightly.


    Lowell tried to carry the both of them like what she did previously, but now, they won¡¯t even let her carry them.. as if they think she''ll leave them both again in that room..


    Lowell tried to persuade her Mom to let both of them sleep on her room, and she reluctantly accepted.


    Well, looking at both of them which is still clinging on my legs while I walk.. One would feel pity and cuteness at the same time.


    After Lowell confirmed that both Axie and Nephy are already asleep, she walks out of her room and remembers her Teacher¡¯s reason for quitting as their mentor.


    it¡¯s because she taught us all of what she knew already.


    Lowell started to think of what to do now that her teacher won''t teach her anymore, thenshe remembered her family¡¯s library.


    The last time she remember going there is when she was still three years old.


    Shestartedher lessons with Teacher Aurel when she was three so she thought there wasn¡¯t a necessity to read advanced books in the Library when Teacher could teach her the basic knowledge.


    Now that she thought about it, she didn¡¯t remember what type of books did she read before her lastvisitthere.


    She felt the main reason she read books there was because of ¡®this alphabet is beautiful¡¯ vibe, she thought.


    Lowelldidn¡¯t even know what she reading but she find it amusing to look at the writing style of the country''s language.


    Unlike the origin of ¡®Chemistry¡¯ and ¡®Physics¡¯ books which are written in a simplified and efficient form, the language in her country is written in a very artistic way, as if each stroke while writing it has a meaning.


    Lowell foundit pretty hard at first, but she got the hang of it after a month.


    She thought that if she were to start adventuring, she would need more knowledge about this country, or even this world.


    Heronly source of knowledge right now is Teacher Aurel and her teachings and now that its gone, she thought of going inside the library again.


    When she was in the front of the door, she heard her Mom¡¯s voice talking to her Dad.


    It looks like she¡¯s crying.


    ¡°Why?! Why does it have to be her! I don¡¯t care if we die with the new Queen, but why does it have to be her?! I can¡¯t accept this!!¡±


    Lowell peeked on the door and saw her Mom holding Dad¡¯s collar while crying.


    Bellepushed her head on Louis'' chest, trying to remove her grief.


    Lowell thought that both didn''t notice her, buther Dad looked at herwhile Mom was still crying.


    He pat Mom¡¯s back, trying to comfort her.


    ¡°Lowell-sama, it¡¯s already nighttime. What brings you here?¡±


    When her Mom heard her Dad say Lowell''sname, she was startled.


    She looks at Lowell and looks back at Louis.


    Louis moves his head, making a ¡®no¡¯ signal.


    Lowelldidn¡¯t know what they¡¯re talking about, but she heard something unacceptable.


    ¡°M-Mom and D-Dad will die?¡±


    Lowellwas struck by fear and anxiety.


    Both of them would die? What¡¯s the meaning of this?


    Because of that, Lowell remembered her mother¡¯s story.. her difficulties of living without parents.. her face full of grief when she told her story.


    I will experience the same fate as Mom experienced?


    ¡°Who is the Queen you¡¯re talking about? Is it worth it for Mom and Dad to die for her?! Mom, Dad¡­ don¡¯t leave me..¡±


    Lowell slumped to the floor while crying.


    The one who held and comforted her was her Mom.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Little Elle.. We won¡¯t leave you.. In fact, we¡¯ll protect you even more..¡±


    Lowell looked at her Mom, then towards her Dad.


    He nod with approval, which made Lowell start to calm down.


    ¡°But Mom said both you and Dad would die with the Queen.. who is this Queen, Mom?¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s-!¡±


    Before Belle could speak, Louisheld her shoulder.


    Bellelooks at Louis, and sees him making a disapproval.


    After a few seconds, she looks at Lowell and wipes her daughter''s face.


    Her normal smile returned in her face.


    ¡°Both Mom and Dad would tell you a very important story..¡±


    Belle said that as she starts telling Lowell a mythical story.

 Chapter 20 - Forgotten Mythology

    After wiping the tears on her face, Belle starts to tell Lowell a long story.


    ¡°In our world, there is a myth which tells it¡¯s creation. It wasn¡¯t a very popular one, since it¡¯s full of absurd information. It is said that our world was created out of whim by the Gods. They got bored and tried to make something that could entertain them. They created our world excitedly, since they expect that this could be the answer for the ¡®entertainment¡¯ they were looking for. After creating this world, they didn¡¯t place predetermined fates of humans, since they favored the humans. They think of us as their perfected works.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s when the human civilization started to bloom. When Gods found that we¡¯re too weak to fend ourselves from dangers in the world, they gave us a part of their power. It was the birth of Magic.¡±


    ¡°When the time humanityreachedthe apex of the food chain, wedesired to be unique, by being superior to others. It started the war between humans. The Gods didn¡¯t do anything, since they want to see the outcome of this event - a part of their ''entertainment''. After years of bloody struggle, Four Kingdoms emerged. The Kingdom of Wands, The Kingdom of Chalices, The Kingdom of Swords, and The Kingdom of Pentacles.


    Each are named on how they built their own country. The Wand created its kingdom by using Magic, Chalices is by making a religion, Swords is by fighting with physical strength, and Pentacles is with money. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Each of them has a different belief, and wants their belief to topple others and be the main belief of the world. This created the Thousand Years War. It was a desolate period where negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and anger are rampant.¡±


    ¡°After a thousand years, the Gods felt bored with the continuous fighting which would last forever if they don¡¯t intervene. Now, the Forgotten Gods gave another gift to humanity.. which is the ¡®Supreme Thrones¡¯.¡±


    Lowell heard another foreign word.


    ¡°Supreme Thrones?¡±


    ¡°Yes, these are the proof where a person reached the top of his/her discipline. There are 22 Seats in Supreme Thrones. For one to obtain a Seat, one should know themselves and start to walk the path they choose. Each one has strengths and weaknesses, but they are all equal in power.¡±


    ¡°What are those 22 Seats?¡±


    It was Louis who answered Lowell''s question.


    ¡±Zero ¨C Fool, One ¨C Magician, Two ¨C High Priestess, Three ¨C Empress, Four ¨C Emperor, Five ¨C Heirophant, Six ¨C Lovers, Seven ¨C Chariot, Eight ¨C Justice, Nine ¨C Hermit, Ten ¨C Wheel of Fortune, Eleven ¨C Strength, Twelve ¨C Hanged Man, Thirteen ¨C Death, Fourteen ¨C Temperance, Fifteen ¨C Devil, Sixteen ¨C Tower, Seventeen ¨C Star, Eighteen ¨C Moon, Nineteen ¨C Sun, Twenty ¨C Judgement, and Twenty One ¨C World.¡±


    Belle nodded as she continued to explain everything to Lowell.


    ¡°Each Path has a different way to achieve. A person can only get one Seat, since these Thrones would serve as your path in life. The frequent candidates for these seats are the rulers of the Four Kingdoms. This way, the war would end. The Gods gave each ruler of the Kingdom to choose their candidates for these seats. Each has to pick thirteen vessels, and the rulers are automatically the ¡®Kings¡¯ of their vessels. After picking, a total of 56 participants.


    Their goal is, to reach the pinnacle of their respective paths and get the seats themselves, or eliminate one of the ¡®High Officers¡¯ of the enemy vessel. After that is a just a continuous cycle of fights. When it was presented by the Gods, the first one to act was the King of Pentacles and the King of Swords. They made an alliance, since their beliefs have similarities. It revolves around worldly desires and ambition. The King of Wands and the King of Chalices also made an alliance, since their belief revolves around spirituality and connection with nature. It started as a cold war, and next is a series of betrayals. In the end, Both Kingdom of Wands and Chalices are destroyed.


    The leader of the Wand-Chalice Alliance, which is the King of the Chalices and Wands, were given the Mark of the Defeated, presently known as the Demon King¡¯s Mark. The Winner of the battle, King of Swords and King of Pentacles, are given the Brand of the Victorious, also known as the Hero¡¯s Brand. But before the King of Swords and King of Pentacles receive the Hero¡¯s Brand, the King of Pentacles strikes the King of Sword from behind. This is why the Demon Kings have two successors, but the Hero has only one. It is said that the events during this time was manipulated by the King of Pentacles, making the act of deception a part of the history. This is why the story was made a taboo by our Kingdom, since it is considered an act of treason for the Royal Family, who are direct descendants of the First Hero.¡±


    ¡°But, why is there only one Demon King being battled by the Heroes of the legends? It should be one against two, or three against one, since the betrayed King of Swords should ally himself with the two defeated Kings?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because-¡±


    Lowellinterrupted Belle andanswered her question in his wife''s stead.


    ¡°The King of Swords is a proud man. He might have been betrayed, he doesn¡¯t want to receive help from people whom he defeated. In most of the time, he was the most reluctant about the Sword-Pentacles alliance. His principle is against the principle of the King of Pentacles. He doesn''t see the world as a big gold mine, but he sees it as a big playground. He wants to test his skills to its limits unlike the Pentacles who wants to acquire all of the world¡¯s treasures.


    In an excerpt of the story, it was said that he¡¯s deceived by the King of Pentacles, giving him a proposal he couldn¡¯t reject ¨C it was freedom to travel around the world. He wouldn¡¯t be limited by his own territory, but also the territories of the other Kingdoms. He, who received the Seat of the Fool, believed him and that started an alliance between them.


    Now, for the two Demon King candidates, it is always said that when both of them meet, they would always fight each other. The defeated would lose his mark, and the winner receives the Full Mark. They always become friends afterwards. Each reincarnation, the Two Marks will become One, and the one who lost his mark becomes the Demon King¡¯s right hand man.


    When this happens, the one who receives the Full Mark become much stronger while the other one wouldn¡¯t receive that kind of spurt in power and would stay the same. Most people would think that the King who lost his Mark would feel envy and jealousy, but most of the time, these two successors maintain their friendly relationship. It was still a mystery why, since it was one of the mysteries of the Demon King¡¯s Mark.¡±


    Knowing that, Lowell felt relieved.


    My brother has a chance of not turning into a full-fledged Demon King, but.. Big Brother is a King?! I got a pretty strong brother..


    ¡°Eheheh~¡±


    ¡°Why are you looking happy, Little Elle?¡±


    Her Mom looks at Lowellwith confusion, sensing her daughter''s inner thoughts were leaking.


    ¡°N-Nothing! I wanted to ask.. How are both Mom and Dad related to this myth?¡±


    Lowell looked at them with confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    Her Mom looked worried.


    She looked at Louis, as if trying to get his help while Louiswas¡­ smiling and still calm.


    ¡°Why not tell her? There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of anymore.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ If she get into this mess.. I-I won''t forgive myself if something happens to her!¡±


    ¡°From the time she heard you, she¡¯s already into this mess.¡±


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°Ugh-!¡±


    Belle¡¯s expression turned sour as Louissaid that.


    ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t want, then we¡¯ll stop here..¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Before Louiscould leave, Belleinterrupted him.


    ¡°Little Elle, don¡¯t tell anyone what you¡¯ll see here. This is for the safety of our family, okay?¡±


    Belle looks at her with a serious face, making Lowell nervous.


    ¡°Y-Yes!¡±


    ¡°Then..¡±


    Belle showed Lowell her right palm.


    There was nothing in it until¡­


    ¡°Watch closely.¡±


    A mark with two chalices forming a ¡®II¡¯ mark when she concentrated her mana into it.


    ¡°W-what!¡±


    ¡°Lowell-sama, look here~!¡±


    Lowell saw her Dad, who was sticking his tongue out.


    There is also a mark in it - eight chalices forming a ¡®8¡¯ symbol. Instead of ¡®8¡¯, it was a ¡®?¡¯ placed on top of another ¡®?¡¯.


    Lowellnoticed that the position of their marks are appropriate to their personality and history.


    Belle, who was orphaned at a young age, was seeking for vengeance towards the culprit of her demise ¨C the life dragon and used her own hands to attain her goal.


    It may also mean that she¡¯s looking for a helping hand that would take her burdens, even if it¡¯s only half of it, away from her.


    Dad, on the other hand, was a person who thinks deeper than what he speaks. But I think, it must be because of his ¡®Madman¡¯ tendencies. Now, he looks like one of those delinquents that casually cause trouble just to have fun.


    Lowell thought of that, but she also thought that it might only be coincidence.


    Lowell was still thinking when her Mom spoke again.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Two of Chalices, while your Dad is the Eight of Chalices.¡±


    ¡°Both of you are vessels?! If I could recall, you said that the chalices is one of the candidates of being the Demon King.. Well, that¡¯s strange..¡±


    Lowellstarted to ponder while looking at Belle.


    ¡°How is it strange? Is it because why I am married to another vessel?¡±


    ¡°There''s that.. It¡¯s just that¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­That?¡±


    ¡°Whenever Mom tells the story of the Hero, her eyes shines brilliantly, as if he¡¯s telling the story of his idol.. and to think that she¡¯s a vassal of the Demon King¡¯s successor. Aren¡¯t you being a traitor in a sense?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking about?!¡±


    Bellewas surprised when Lowell mentionedthat.


    Now, Lowell saw her Dad, who was looking devilishly at Belle.


    By the way, he¡¯s now in ¡®Madman Mode¡¯, since he acts like that whenever he¡¯s using or gathering mana.


    Lowell thought thatwhen he showed her his mark, he placed too much mana into it, making the Dye Jewel inactive.


    ¡°My dear wife~ I want to hear more about this~¡±


    ¡°Eh?! What?! Wahhhhh!!!¡±


    Belle panicked, but Lowell knew that her Mom isunlikely to panic like this without any reason.


    Louissmiled innocently, which is also unlikely, and starts to tease Belle.


    ¡°In the name of my King, I¡¯m the Eight of Chalices, start the trial! I suspect Two of Chalices for being a traitor!¡±


    He¡¯s in high spirits. Then suddenly..


    ¡°I-Idiot! What are you doing!!¡±


    Light starts to emerge around theirfoot.


    That¡¯s when Lowell heard a deep voice of a man.


    ¡°Trial Start.¡±


    The Mark of Eight of Chalices emerged on thin air, making Bell look pale in fright.


    This was the first time Lowell see her like this..


    ¡°Stop this now! I don¡¯t have any intention to betray anyone!¡±


    ¡°Then, Why are your eyes shining whenever you tell stories of the Hero, which is our main enemy?¡±


    His smile still remains at his face.


    Lowell really don¡¯t know what her Dad¡¯s thinking..


    ¡°That¡¯s-?!¡±


    ¡°Then I hereby..¡±


    ¡°W-wait!¡±


    Louisstill continued to speak.


    ¡°Declare that the Two of Chalices!


    ¡°Uuuu¡­ Stupid Louis¡­ Waaaaaaaah! I don¡¯t care anymore! I hate you!¡±


    Bellestarts to cry, which is out of her character


    ¡°Hahahaha! It¡¯s refreshing to see my wife like this.


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to betray anyone.. *sob* I don¡¯t want this¡­ *sob*¡±


    ¡°-isn¡¯t a Traitor!¡±


    He continued the declaration.


    The previous voice starts to speak again.


    ¡°Declaration accepted. Accused is Innocent. The prosecutor shall receive proper punishment for false accusation.¡±


    Louisstarts to hold his head, showing that he''s in pain.


    Instead of pain, what Lowell saw in his eyes were contentment.


    ¡°Hehehe. This pain is nothing. Seeing her like this refreshes my heart.¡±


    ¡°You stupid Louis.. I¡¯ll divorce you!!¡±


    Belle, who was still sobbing, starts to throw a tantrum.


    Louis hugged her from the back, but Bellestarts to struggle like a child.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. You know you¡¯re my only love, right?¡±


    ¡°*sob* Really?¡±


    Bellelooks at him with innocent eyes.


    What¡¯s this?! This is more than weird!


    ¡°W-What happened to Mom?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, that? It¡¯s just one of the stupid ideas of those Gods. A vassal shall not betray his King. If he or she ever betrayed, the punishment is something worst than death. What happened earlier is a ¡®Allegiance Trial¡¯. One vassal can accuse another vassal if he or she heard something that could endanger their King. When the trial starts, the heart of the vassal being accused becomes truthful, pure, and innocent. This makes lying impossible. If the prosecutor finds the accused innocent, he¡¯ll receive a divine punishment, which is by cursing them. The curse drops your mana into the critical levels, and you can¡¯t regenerate it until the effect wore off. In my case, I think a whole day or two days is enough to remove this curse. Your Mom¡¯s condition would go back to normal after an hour or so. Thank you for that wonderful opportunity, Lowell-sama!!¡±


    Louislooks like he¡¯s very happy and gave a thumbs up.


    So there¡¯s a rule like that?!


    ¡°I heard a deep voice of a man earlier. Who was that?¡±


    ¡°Oh? It¡¯s the voice of the First King of the Chalices. His voice became the default voice whenever there is a trial held by Chalices.¡±


    Lowell realized that her Mom¡¯s life would really be in danger if her Dad declared her guilty..


    ¡°But, why did you do that?¡±


    ¡°Well, just for fun.. Ahahaha~!¡±


    He starts to laugh, making Lowell thought that he''s really tough¡­


    He can handle the stress of being in critical levels as if it was nothing..


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m starting to also hate you, Dad¡­¡±


    Lowelllooked at her Dad with disgust.


    ¡°Wah?! Please don¡¯t! I¡¯m not serious when I did that, I promise!¡±


    Lowelllooked at her Mom, who was dozing off like a child.


    Lowellthought it was also good to see her Mom¡¯s innocent side.


    She was cute, unlike her normal attitude, which is somewhat crude.


    When Lowell was trying to recollect the things that happened, Lowell pondered what she saw on her Big Brother¡¯s hand.


    It was¡­ Huh?!


    ¡°Dad, do you know the present location of the King of the Chalices?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Why did you suddenly asked?¡±


    ¡°Well, I think you have a means to reach him..¡±


    ¡°Hahaha! That kind of convenient thing is only available to the Higher Officers.¡±


    ¡°I heard it earlier, but what are these Higher Officers actually?¡±


    ¡°They are the four vassals which is at the top of the Kingdom¡¯s hierarchy. The Queen is the strongest among the four. Followed by the Ace, the Knight, and the Valet. They are the most loyal ones towards the King. That¡¯s why they also have the means to connect with each other.¡±


    ¡°I-Is that so..¡±


    Do I have to tell them.. that I saw Big Brother¡¯s mark? It was a Chalice with a Crown above it.. So my Big Brother¡¯s their King?


    What kind of joke is this?


    ¡°Well then, we shall depart. Go to sleep afterwards, okay?¡±


    Her Dad said as hecarried Bellewho was still sleeping.


    She was like a princess when she was being carried by Louis.


    Lowell returned torummage around the library to gain more knowledge.


    ***


    ¡°Haaah¡­¡±


    Louislooked at his wife¡¯s blissful face.


    ¡°To think I got a chance to use that¡­ well, it would only work if the vassal is accused first by a Higher Vassal. I just took the initiative to continue it. Really¡­ the Gods have a bad taste..


    Lowellcarried her wife towards their bed.


    ¡°I promise you, my wife. I won¡¯t let anyone destroy this family I build for us. This is my only happiness.¡±


    Hekissed her forehead and chanted a ¡®Spatial Hole¡¯ to the wall.


    ¡°Destination: Mycaenean House.¡±

 Chapter 21 - Newfound Knowledge

    After Louisand Belle leftthe library, Lowell was at loss on what to do afterwards.


    Do I need to tell them that my Big Brother, who was adopted by my family, was their King? Wouldn''t that be too awkward?


    As Lowellpondered on her next action, Lowelldecided to do what she was thinking before shemet her Mom and Dad here.


    Shestarted to read books that she think, could help me in her Adventuring.


    Since herDad was a book enthusiast during his Adventurer days, Lowell thought that she could see something that could give her knowledge on the world outside her own recognition.


    But, I say... the books here are mostly old..


    After rummaging around, she found four interesting books.


    These are ''Adventuring Basics and Customs'', ''Party Tactics'' , ''Skill Mechanics System'', and ''Dangerous Places in the World''.


    Since her Teacher doesn''t have experience as an Adventurer, ''Adventuring Basics and Customs'' and ''Party Tactics'' are not included in her lessons.


    Lowellthought that her Teacher wants to avoid giving wrong information and knowledge since it wasn''t on the field of her expertise.


    Most of the contents of the ''Adventuring Basics and Customs'' book are basic necessities in Adventuring, Hunting Etiquette, and Terrain Analysis.


    Food, Water, and Clothes are the main necessity in adventuring.


    Other things are just optional and depends on the situation, like insect spray when in cave dungeons or in forests, ropes for ruins or wetlands, and jacket for mountains or cold places.


    Most of them have explanation, but some are nonsensical, like dropping coins in a certain area for safe passage.


    In ''Party Tactics'' book, it discussed not only the Party Battle Set-up, but also the other Party-related situations.


    Situations like Party Inter-Relationship Etiquette, Ideal Party Setup, Party Non-Battle Setup, Party Member Recruitment Tricks, and Ideal Party Leader.


    Party Etiquette deals with interpersonal relationship within the party. It said in the book that usually, parties don''t have members who are couples it since it might create a rift between the couple and the other members.


    It is also advisable to have a well balanced party. A balanced party has a Vanguard Fleur that could block main attacks, a Melee Damage Fleur, a Main Damage Fleur, a Support Fleur, and a Utility Fleur.


    The Vanguard Fleur acts as the front-liner of the party. Since they are the front-liner, it is a need for them to equip a shield and heavy armors which could exhibit strong defense and durability during battle.


    It is being advised that the vanguard should be skilled on ''aggression redirection'', or getting the attention of the enemy.


    Since they act as the main shield, it is recommended to have one. If the Vanguard is good enough to have the ability to grasp the situation while being the party''s shield, they are assigned as the Party Leader.


    Earth-Attributed Fleurs are recommended for the Vanguard position because of their high base defense and defensive-oriented skills.


    The Melee Damage Fleur act as the second line of defense. Those enemies who got past from the Vanguard are being blocked by the Melee Damage Fleur.


    Since they need mobility to run around the battlefield, light armors are recommended.


    They also help the Vanguard if needed.


    Most of them are Magic Knights, who compliment their skills with fine swordplay or other type of weapon.


    Like Vanguard, if they could grasp the situation while on move, they are assigned to the role of Party Leader.


    The recommended attributes for Melee Damage Fleur are Wind and Dark Attributes. Both have high mobility and sneaking skills.


    The Main Damage Fleur acts as the main magical damage dealer of the party.


    Since Magic inflict large damage, it could be said that most parties have this kind of member.


    Most of the time, they are selected as Party Leaders since they hold the strongest damage within the party.


    Most of their skills are ''Area-of-Effect'' damaging spells. Most Main Damage Fleur are Fire Attributed and Light Attributed since Fire Element boasts high damage rate with burning effect while Light Attribute boasts high penetration and light-amplifying effect.


    A party with Main Damage Fleur as their Party Leader boasts high damage output since they could coordinate well with the skills of the Main Damage Fleur.


    The Support Fleur acts as the buffer and debuffer of the party.


    They are also needed to have skill which could heal allies.


    Sometimes, they act as the secondary magical damage dealer of the party if needed.


    Some parties have their Support Fleur as their Party Leaders since like the Main Damage Fleur, they could see the battle in a safe distance.


    Unlike the Main Damage Fleur who focus on the enemy, the Support Fleur focus on the Party''s well-being during the battle.


    Most of low-leveled parties make their Support Fleur as their Party Leader because this could lessen their casualties, in return, they have low damage output.


    Water and Life Attributes are recommended for this position since they can use heal type spells for the party.


    The Utility Fleur may acts as the decoy, the scout, or the baggage carrier of the party.


    As decoys and scouts, they participate the battle as a long-range damage dealer since they need to have high-mobility armor to be able to escape danger while scouting or luring enemies.


    It was the most dangerous role of the party, since some may die if a mishap happen during scouting, or they may even die because they carry the party''s luggage.


    Any Fleur can be a Utility, but most parties prefer Spatial Attributed Fleurs since they could act as baggage carrier, decoy, and scout at the same time with their Spatial Abilities.


    The downside of being Spatial Fleur when being the Utility is.. they are bounded by a blood contract by the party so they won''t escape with the party''s collected loot.


    "Storing items with Spatial Attribute? It looks convenient.. but.. the treatment for them in a small party as a Utility Fleur... is somewhat awful.."


    After that, Lowell learned some party tactics depending on the present terrain, like when battling enemies with elevation advantage.


    Even in swamps, sea, and even plains... all of the documents are well detailed and good reference, but she noticed that these tactics are only effective for small parties with five to seven members.


    Most of the illustrations shows the number of members for the tactic to reach its most effective state.


    In non-battle set-up for party, it shows their roles outside the party. Utilities do most of the work since they hold the party''s baggage.


    Vanguard Fleur and Melee Damage Fleur scouts around the area while the Main Damage Fleur and Support Fleur recovers their mana. In their party, it is advisable for them to have a cook, since they can invigorate the state of the party. This position is mostly pushed to Utilities Fleurs.


    "Now, I know why being a Utility Fleur is the most hated role in the party."


    Most of the troublesome part in the party are being pushed to them... and they are also bounded in a blood contract when they''re a Spatial Fleur. Who would want to be like that?


    In the Recruitment part, Lowellgot confused with words like ''Birds of a feather flock together'' and ''Opposite minds clash, but gives sound decisions''.


    Sheonly understand parts like each member should know each other before making a party.


    The longer, the better. Next of the part are just a bunch of theories for recruiting members.


    When Lowellreached the next chapter, which is Ideal Party Leader, it showed a list of qualities.


    ¡º


    1. He/She should be calm in any situation.


    2. He/She should be able to think and command while on the move.


    3. He/She should have a good relationship with every member of the party.


    4. He/She should be the most knowledgeable member of the party.


    5. He/She should know his/her party member''s strengths and weaknesses.


    6. He/She should know know his/her own limits.


    7. He/She shouldn''t forsake his/her party members.


    8. He/She should be an average thinker, not a rash thinker nor a deep thinker.


    9. He/She should know to be fair to his/her party members.


    10. He/She should remain human.


    ¡»


    When Lowellsaw the list, she felt a deep emphasis of the author to party''s welfare. Instead of saying ''Know the weakness of your enemy'', he emphasized ''Know your party''s strength and weaknesses'' instead.


    As Lowell read the other parts, she noticed that these qualities are more applicable to the Main Damage Fleurs.


    Main Damage Fleurs also needed to think calm in any situation, able to command the party members before he/she could unleash high-damaging spells, makes a good relationship with the party so that he/she could gain their trust, knows how to deal with present situation with ease, knows his own limitations to alert the party if he/she is near his limit, doesn''t let his/her party members get caught up with his/her spells, doesn''t think too deep or rashly so that he could make fast and sound decisions, and he/she should know how to handle party affairs.


    Overall, he/she should remain human. This qualities can be applied with other roles, but as a Main Damage Fleur, all of these qualities are needed for their own party''s success.


    "I see.. so being a party leader is a great role while it is also a role full of obligations."


    Lowellclosed the books while digesting the essential knowledge she learned from it.


    Now, she''s holding the two remaining books.


    Both of them looked old enough to be called antique.


    The books before were in excellent condition, while the ''Dangerous Locations'' and ''Skill Mechanism System'' are tattered and written in a very weird way.


    Weird in a sense that.. they are written in ''Wiccan'' language, which is the predecessor of the present language, ''Fleurian''.


    Why or when the language changed, no one knows. Lowellwas taught that most of the present language came from it, they changed the way how they read and wrote it. Their present language is written from top to bottom, right to left.. while the Wiccan language is written and read from top to bottom, left to right.


    Lowellwas thinking on what to select first since both of them are appealing, but the thing that bothered her the most...


    In the back of the ''Dangerous Places'' book, there was something written that she couldn''t ignore..


    ¡º


    In memory of my late King Greindwall Xavier... I, Lucia Xavier, his Queen, dedicated this book for my beloved husband. I wrote this to show that I achieved our lifelong dream to travel the whole world. You might be a stupid, hot-headed, and a naive king, but we your subjects, dearly loved you.


    Look, I''m able to accomplish our childish promise...I really miss you.... I wish we could meet again in our next life. Grei..


    ¡»


    The author of the book was the First Queen of Swords... so her name was Lucia Xavier.. and the king''s name was Greindwall Xavier.


    Lowell felt the sadness within while reading it since she saw permanent circles.. like teardrops - around the message.


    She placed the ''Skill Mechanics System'' book away and opened the ''Dangerous Places'' book.


    The first page of the book showed a message:


    ¡º


    This book is written as a guide for adventurers who dreams to explore the world. I want to complete this, but some parts of our world isn''t accessible to our kind. Some parts outside our continent was completed by a person''s farsight skill (Thank you, one who achieved the seat of the Sun for helping me).


    ¡»


    "To our kind?"


    Is she talking about magical beasts?


    Lowell flipped the page, a folded page with the size of sixteen pages combined starts to drop on the ground while she was holding the book.


    What she saw was something that changed her perception of this world..


    World Map


    Created by: Lucia Xavier, Seat of the Sun, and Sword''s subordinates


    "What a very large map... Is this how large this world is..?"


    Lowellwas stupefied.


    To think the Royal Capital City is just a small fraction of this world..


    It made her feel small.. and excited at the same time.


    To think that her present knowledge is just a fraction of the knowledge within this world... Who wouldn''t be excited to explore a new, unknown world?


    Before telling the Dangerous Places, it described the information about main locations around the world.


    ¡º


    The continent is divided into four main Kingdoms, namely Ethyne of the Swords, Fraxiania of the Pentacles, Theicia of Chalices, and Aspar of the Wands. In the map, the capital of each Kingdom is named for reference. Other lands outside the Kingdom, known as Torrid Lands, Forgotten Lands, Werxia, Crymus Islands, Faerie Islands, and Faraway Islands are new information, since these are only discovered with Seat of Sun''s Farsight Skill.


    I classify others with ''*'' because I don''t know how to classify the places I didn''t traveled.


    ¡»


    Lowellstarted to read the ''Dangerous Places'' indicated in the map.


    ¡º


    This list is rated by Green Class, Yellow Class, and Red Class Danger. Green Class places is dangerous for people who have mana levels below Gaunt. Yellow Class is dangerous for Meister below, and Red Class is dangerous even for a Magus Tier. Purple Class is the most dangerous, which can even kill a person who attained a Supreme Throne.


    1. Ancient Wetlands - Danger Level: Green Class - Situated in the middle of Fraxiania and Ethyne, serves as a land boundary between the two Kingdoms. Unique fauna and flora are found around the area. Magical Beast with High level are found around the area, but the danger lies on the deadly terrain of the wetlands, which is full of pitfalls and quagmires. Proceed with caution.


    2. Draconic Mountains - Danger Level: Yellow Class - Situated between Fraxiania and Theicia. This range is known for its numerous dragon-type Magical Beasts. The only known safe passageway, the Dragon''s Mouth, is being guarded by both Theicia and Fraxiania on both sides. For some unknown reasons, the Dragon''s Mouth isn''t being attacked by the dragons. Still, exercise caution when traveling outside the Dragons'' Mouth.


    3. Sleeping Lake - Danger Level: Yellow Class - Situated in the middle of Theicia. Water from it flows into another lake named Lumina Lake, which is known as a good spot for practicing Water Magic because of high mana content, via Whispering River. Sleeping Lake is known for being the den of a World-ranked Magical Beast, who has control of all elements. It is docile and only gives warning to people who gets inside of its territory. It is known to understand and to speak Wicca Language. You''ll be safe if you don''t enter the place.The islands around the lake, known as Ashlesha, is said to be the Magical Beast''s resting place.


    4. Permafrost Peninsula - Danger Level: Green Class - Situated at the bottom of Fraxiania Territory. Once had a lush green environment, but after a certain event, the weather changed and the whole area became covered with permafrost ice. Now, it is home of Ice-loving Magical Beast with levels of Unique Tier below. Traveling with thick clothing is advised.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    5. Shapeshifting Forest - Danger Level: Red Class - Situated at the bottom of Ethyne, home of an unknown type of Magical Beast. If one isn''t prepared enough to escape the forest, the Magical Beast has the power to manipulate the forest into his will. Based on my own experience, I saw illusion of villages that are man-eating treants in reality. When entered, the only way to escape the Shapeshifting Forest is by walking on land since the air is blocked by high mana concentration. I almost died inside until I stumbled and hit my head on a rock, waking me from my hallucinations. I think my own clumsiness saved my luck this time.


    6. Mysterious Ruins - Danger Level: Red Class - A ruins situated on Ethyne. With Mirage Sea on its north, it is covered with dense clouds that lowers visibility. It is called Mysterious Ruins because the relics retrieved from the ruins are so highly advanced, they couldn''t be explained by present advancements on Magic and Science. The creepy thing is.. it is guarded by Golems that has the ability to shoot amplified light. These Golems can also detect any life-form even with obstacle between them, as long as the life-form entered its 20 meter radius. Very high caution is adviced.


    7. Southern Cordillera - Danger Level: Green Class - A chain of mountains that is situated at the bottom of Aspar. These mountains acts as barriers to prohibit the entrance of fog from Mirage Sea. Magical Beasts with rank of Epic Tier below lives around the area. It is regarded as Green Class because of it''s high and steep mountains.


    8. Blank Boundary - Danger Level: Green Class - A natural boundary between Ethyne and Aspar. It is a very fertile plain, but being covered by thick fog from Mirage Sea and high mana content from Sea of Mana. This place is sought by both Kingdoms, so battles are frequent around this area. The only way to safely pass here is to be acknowledged by both Kingdoms as a civilian. The danger lies not because of terrain and Magical Beasts, but the people who fight around the area.


    9. Winding Mountains - Danger Level: Red Class - The most dangerous mountain range in my list. Not only it is very large, which serves as boundary between the fertile lower Aspar and the dangerous higher Aspar, it has a peculiar other name: the Moving Mountains. Because the mountains move, mapping the whole place is impossible. Every month, the route around the mountains being passed vanish and being replaced with another route. There isn''t a known pattern of routes, so passing without any casualties is impossible. Most people advice to circle the whole continent instead rather than pass here. Flying above is also dangerous, because a group of very large rocks would be launched to bring the flying person down. It is unknown where these rocks came from, either.


    10. Sierra Grande - Danger Level: Yellow Class - A mountain range that serves as natural boundary between Theicia and Aspar(Higher Aspar). Unlike the Mountain ranges around the continent, these mountains might be high, but a natural passageway can be accessed safely, as if it was created by a God, so it was known as God''s Pass. Unlike the previous land boundaries between Kingdoms, the location is accessible by anyone since the final passageway leads to the Desert of Isolation.


    11. Sea of Storms - Danger Level: Red Class - A very large sea situated at the west part of the continent. Known for its violent weather conditions, waves around the area reach 50 feet, which could easily sink even a large ship. It isn''t recommended to travel away from it''s shore.


    12. *Mirage Sea - Danger Level: Red Class - A sea situated at the south of Aspar and north of Ethyne. Serves as one of the two water boundaries between the two, it is known for its very thick fog, which lower the visibility around the area. It received it''s name ''Mirage Sea'' because it is famous for showing people illusions. Those who look at it see that the distance between Aspar and Ethyne so small, which could be crossed like a river.. but in reality, it was a very vast that makes it''s victim drown without reaching the other end, or even eaten by the Magical Beasts that lives around the area.


    13. *Sea of Mana - Danger Level: Purple Class - A mysterious sea situated inside the continent. No one who even stepped on its shoreline ever lived to tell the tale. One of its victims is the one who attained the Seat of Hermit. Even with the ability of the Sun, the place was protected by a very mysterious barrier to prohibit exploration from above. It is still a mystery what''s inside of it.


    14. *Demon''s Strait - Danger Level: Purple Class - A seemly ordinary body of water, but it was infested by Unique Tier and Above Magical Beasts. It is said that the Wheel of Fortune died while trying to cross the Demon''s Strait to reach the Forgotten Land. With Sun''s Farsight, we saw a World-tier Magical Beast that looks like a water snake battling another World-tier Magical Beast that looks like an eagle which is as large as an adult dragon and it was coated with rocky body. We named the water snake ''Deep-Sea Naga'' and the eagle ''Celestial Roc''.


    15. *Cursed Sea - Danger Level: Red Class - One of the two seas, other being Enchantment Sea, that occupies the east part of the continent. One should pass either Cursed Sea or the Enchantment Sea. Cursed sea is known for its high population of undead creatures. Most of them are undead pirates that can summon deadly sea creatures on their will.


    16. *Enchantment Sea - Danger Level: Purple Class - One of the two seas, other being Cursed Sea, that occupies the east part of the continent. It is known for its population of Mermaids, a humanoid-class Magical Beasts which attracts people and kills them into the depths of the sea. One victim, the Chariot, died because of this. It is said that between the Cursed Sea and Enchantment sea, there is a secret passage that lets the Faeries from the Faerie Island to cross the sea without casualties.


    17. Sea of Demise - Danger Level: Green Class - Unlike it''s name, it is the safest sea route around the continent. There are some encounters of Ghost-type Magical Beasts, but these aren''t frequent events. It is also the widest sea since it occupies most of the northern part of the continent.


    18. *Valley of Heavens - Danger Level: Purple Class - It is said to be the home of the Gods, the origin of magic. It is a sacred place for the people of the continent. The Seat of Devil once tried to reach this place, but nothing was heard from him since then. He is regarded as dead for not appearing for a decade. It is one of the places, aside from the Sea of Mana, where Sun''s Farsight can''t access.


    19. *Sea of the Underworld - Danger Level: Purple Class - It really deserve its name as the Sea of the Underworld. Situated at the bottom part of the continent, this sea claimed the life of the Seat of Death, who wants to learn his path deeper than anyone else. In his last report, he said that the place can be said as the ''End of the World'' since he saw all of his friend, family, and comrades while making a journey. His last transmission using wind magic was - "I saw something I shouldn''t ever saw. Death should remain untouched by humanity, after all." After that, the Sun used Farsight ability and was horrified on what she saw. Even this time, she''s still refusing to say what she saw, as if she wants it to bury it with her grave.


    20. *Forgotten Lands - Danger Level: Green Class- It is a very fertile land with a very unique race inhabiting on it. Unlike our continent, which is populated by humans, the Forgotten Lands are inhabited by horned humanoids, therianthrope humanoids, and winged humanoids. We decided to call the horned humanoids as ''Grimnians'', therianthrope humanoids as ''Felisian'', and winged humanoids as ''Icarinthions''. It is wonderful since they live in harmony unlike our race which fights for territories.


    21. *Torrid Lands - Danger Level: Red Class - Situated at the Southeast part of the world, Torrid Lands is the home of Flame Lords and Lava Golems. It is inaccessible because of Steam Strait, which is formed when Ice form Permafrost Peninsula collide with Torrid Land''s lava. Torrid Land is formed from still-active ancient volcano, which is situated at the heart of the island.


    22. *Crymus Island - Danger Level: Green Class - an island at the northernmost part of the world. It was classified as Green Class, but it was inaccessible because it has an elevation that reaches beyond the sky. I could easily classify this as the highest part of the world, beating the mountains of the main continent. It looks like a very tall tower. It can serve as a natural fortress.. or a natural prison. Magical Beasts inside it doesn''t even reach High Tier. I even tried to fly towards the top, but when I felt I couldn''t even see the top, I dejectedly gave up. I think Theicia wants to develop this island..


    23. *Werxia - Danger Level: Purple Class - an island situated at the northeast part of the world. It is accessible by Sea of Demise, but it is rated as a dangerous place because of the natives of the islands... The Elves and the Dwarves. Regarded as the Fifth Kingdom of the World, Werxia boasts it''s ability to rival a Kingdom of the mainland with its strength. The Heirophant,the Emperor, and the Empress was killed by this Kingdom. The Four Kingdoms are still warring with each other since the King of Pentacles won the battle, so they didn''t have any reserve forces to decimate the Wexia Kingdom. The Sun tried to use Farsight, but she was blocked by their powerful barriers that inhibits her skill to work.


    24. *Faerie Island - Danger Level: Green Class - an island on the eastern most part of the world. Faeries, Imps, and little magical creatures filled the area. Some of the faeries enter the mainland and disguises as humans because of their curiosity towards humanity.


    25. Tethys Sea - Danger Level: Green Class - a sea that serves as maritime border between Ethyne and Fraxiania. Most of the port cities around the sea are independent, so the sea trade remains stable even with in-going war between the two Kingdoms.


    26. Desert of Isolation - Danger Level: Yellow Class - known as the largest desert of the whole world. It occupies the northwest part of the continent. It was name ''Desert of Isolation'' because there is absolutely nothing that could be seen here. This place is devoid of life. The enemy while crossing it is the heat of the desert, and the feeling of loneliness while traveling on it.


    27. *Steam Strait - Danger Level: Red Class - known as a normally hot water before Permafrost Peninsula came into being. After the formation of Permafrost Peninsula, the hot and cold water collide, making thick fog-like steam. This inhibits the passage of ship since it could destroy the body of the ship easily because of ever-changing temperatures.


    28. *Faraway Island - Danger Level: Unknown Class - It is the only unknown class because the present location of this island in the present map isn''t very accurate. Both me and the Sun thinks that it was farther than what we imagine, so we called it Faraway Island. Since we tried to locate a land-form in the westernmost side of the world, we used her Farsight Skill to the fullest. We found an island, which has a very weird vegetation and unknown Magical Beast types, like a moving fluid-like object. We called it a ''slime''.


    This shows that this continent is just a part of this world. We would name the map we created right now as the ''The Known World'' or the ''Old World''. I wanted to explore this world even further, but this is the limit of my ability. I don''t want to bother the Sun anymore, so I started to create this book with the wish that someone out there might complete the world map I started to build, and create a ''New World'' map.


    P.S: I only named the Dangerous Places around the world for levels Gaunt and above. For lower Tiers, just refer to a local map which would also show the local dangerous areas.


    ¡»


    Lowellclosed the book excitedly.


    Shethought that this size of the world is already huge, but to think this map is just a fraction of the world...


    Lowell wasoverwhelmed.. at the same time.. scared.


    To travel across the world, she needed strength.


    To realize her dream of adventuring, Lowell needed strength to back it up.


    Now, she felt that strength is what she needed the most.


    "I shall reach the places you didn''t reach, Queen of Swords."


    Lowellvowed to myself to make this ''New World'' Map a reality.


    When heremotions calmed down, she started to ponder how did the book end up in their library.


    That''s when she realized something two years ago...


    When her Mom said...


    ***


    Belle: "That¡¯s when I met your father. He¡¯s also looking for an item.. If I could remember.. it was a book¡­ but he didn¡¯t mention it¡¯s name."


    ***


    Then... is this what Dad was looking for during that subjugation quest.. or that?


    Lowellplaced the ''Dangerous Place'' book on the table and held the ''Skill Mechanism System'' book , which looks like as old as the ''Dangerous Place'' book.


    Shethought that these two are prized collection within their library.


    As sheflipped the cover, she saw something interesting...


    ¡º Written by: Seat of the High Priestess, previously the First Queen of Chalices, Vanessa Yness¡»


    Lowellwant to retort.. like ''Really.. Why do these Queens love to write adventurer guide books?''


    Well, I can''t complain, since this could help me a lot.


    After that page, shestarted to read most of the contents of the book.


    ¡º


    Skills are blessings of Gods towards their sentient creation. Without skills, everything created in this world won''t find themselves unique or special from their own kind. We sentient beings, is always on search of something we could call ''Only I could do this''. This wish gave birth into skills. Each living being that can manipulate mana has a unique skill. The higher their potential to become a ruler of their kind, the higher the number of their skills. After years of research, I deduced that the maximum amount of skills a sentient being''s body could hold is three skills. The effectivity of the skill also vary, it could be a good complement with their fighting style, or maybe a bad combination with their present style.


    Luck is a great factor to get useful skills since only the Luck skill won''t change no matter what happen to your other stats. There is a rumor that when the skill owner dies, the skill would be passed on to a newborn child. This way, the child would still remain as unique since the previous skill user is already dead.


    Skill remain dormant until the owner realized that he/she ''wants to be unique'' or he/she ''needs to be unique''. The first one is called ''Will Unlocking'' and the other is ''Need Unlocking''. The difference between the two is that the ''Will Unlocking'' are unlocked when they realize that they are unique. Some had unlock it by birth or as an infant, so even though they unlocked it already, only by having themselves registered to the guild and know their status is the way to know they have the skills already. Some unlock it when they ''want'' to be unique themselves and realize it afterwards.


    The second one is called ''Need Unlocking'' or sometimes, some called the ''Despair Unlocking''. When the ''Being'' is in a deep stress, their minds create a ''stimulus'' that''s comparable when a person is in ''Will Unlocking'' period. Most humans experience this when they are in ''Outbreak'' because they don''t have control with their mental stability.


    There are four kinds of skills: Buff skill, Bodily skill, Psyche skill, and Uncategorized skill. They are ranked into four parts: the zero-rank, the low-rank, the mid-rank, and the high-rank. A skill''s effectiveness and mana consumption rises as the skill''s rank rises.


    A Buff skill are skills that enhances a stat or increases mastery on a weapon type while the buff skill is active. It can be activated and deactivated by the user on his/her will. It consumes mana during the duration the skill is active. Examples are: Strength, Speed, Reflex, and Toughness


    A Bodily skill are skills that are used when the user stimulates a Body Part. This consumes mana everytime the skill is used. Some Bodily Skill can only be used or being amplified by certain weapons or items. Examples are: Mineral Hand, Herculean Arms, Spring Legs, and Whip of Destruction.


    A Psyche skill are skills that directly controls the mana of the user. Control in a sense that it could enhance the mana manipulation, create new things with mana, or anything that is unconventional to mana usage. Examples are: Mana Camouflage, Mana Amplification, Non-Element Manipulation, and Wind Manipulation Increase.


    An Uncategorized skill can also be called ''Weird Skills'' because they alter the main structure of a being''s racial body or combine two race''s physical traits. Unlike those who are child of two races, the users of Uncategorized skill are normal beings before they realize their skill, so making it uncategorized. These skills aren''t passed by blood, so that person with an uncategorized skill are called ''Mutants'' since they are out of the ordinary. Examples are: a human with wings(Flight), a human with hawk eyes(Farsight), a human with a gemstone in his/her forehead (Divination), and a human with animal ears(Higher Sensitivity)


    ¡»


    What is this...


    It was a short excerpt in the first chapter, but these ideas gave Lowell ideas about Skills.


    After reading it, she started to get confused because there were theories like ''Why People receive Certain Skills'', ''Skill Naming'', etc.


    It also said that skill aren''t ranked by their usefulness because some skills are useful on certain locations, some are not.


    Skills are also people''s trump cards, so it is unlikely for them to tell it.


    Lowellthinks she knew why there are ''???'' in her ''Eye of Investigation'' skill - this is because her skill rank is still low.


    She started pondering on what would happen if she ranked it up.


    Lowell started to search a way how to know if her skill is near ranking up and how to rank up skill.


    After searching in the table of contents, she saw it on the 4th chapter of the 5-chapter book.


    In the first page of the chapter, a big sentence appeared:


    ¡ºTo know if you''re skill is near ranking up, There is only one way to know it - by using it consecutively.¡»


    Using it consecutively? How is that possible?


    As Lowellthinks why the ''High Priestess'' said that, the book answered her question at the next page.


    ¡º


    By using your skill consecutively, you may know what is your maximum usage limit per day. By knowing your maximum usage unit,you may know if you''re near breaking through or not. Here is the theory for breaking through . Usage of mana regenerating materials is not allowed.


    For Bodily, Psyche, and some Uncategorized Skills(Like Divination, etc.) only:


    Rank Zero - Rank Low = 15 consecutive uses within the day


    Rank Low - Rank Mid = 20 consecutive uses within the day


    Rank Mid - Rank High = 30 consecutive uses within the day


    For Buff Skills and some Uncategorized Skills (Like Flight, etc.) only:


    Rank Zero - Rank Low = 30 minutes straight


    Rank Low - Rank Mid = 1 hour straight


    Rank Mid - Rank High = 2 hours straight


    Note: Mana usage increases while leveling up. Some skills have mana requirement, but their requirement of usage for leveling is still the same.


    ¡»


    So, it means that present mana capacity is also a factor for usage limit..


    Lowellthinks that she could use ''Eye of Investigation'' for seven times right now.. but she could only use ''Spell Forger'' once then she''ll pass out..


    Two weeks after she accidentally discovered how to use ''Spell Forger''.


    Lowellstarted combining other Elemental Magic where she discovered that:


    ¡º


    Fire and Earth creates Metals


    Fire and Wind creates Lightning


    Fire and Water creates Gas


    Earth and Wind creates Plants


    Earth and Water creates Mud


    Water and Wind creates Ice


    ¡»


    Lightning, Ice, and Mud''s molecular structure can''t be modified.. but Metal, Plants, and Gas can be modified.


    She can select what type of plant, as long as she has the mana to support their complex structure and had an idea on what kind of plant she wants to produce..


    It also works with Metals and Gas.


    When she tried using Metals, the one that emerged is the element Iron and when sheused on Gas, the one emerged is Helium.


    Lowell identified both Iron and Helium because of their main qualities.


    Iron rusts in moist air, while Helium changed my voice into high-pitched one.


    Maybe.. by using Gas, since her mana is low, it only created a noble gas because it won''t react to any other chemical in the surroundings... and in Metals, it created Iron, the most abundant metal here.


    When sheused Plant, she created a weak vine made of wild grass.


    Lowell did think that this Special Skill is great, but it isn''t that useful if her mana is low.


    After reading the book, she left the room.


    Lowellchecked Axie and Nephy and saw both of them sleeping soundly on top of their pillows.


    She closed the door silently and walked towards her room, preparing to sleep.

 Side Story 1 – Sword Hunt

    In a village located at the Kingdom of Fraxiania''s side ofthe Fraxania-Ethyne border Ancient Wetlands:


    Outside a tent, four children were standing on guard in a tent which is surrounded by corpse of guards.


    Inside, a child who was just eight years old, was holding a short-sword which is pointed on the neck of an old man. He started to interrogate the old man.


    ¡°Hey, Seer. What do you see?¡±


    ¡°The King, Queen, and Knight of Chalices are developing together. The present Queen of Chalices is being protected by Two and Eight of Chalices. At this rate, the Queen might achieve the seat of the High Priestess. The King was a candidate of Death, Tower, and Strength. The Knight¡¯s only seat available for him is the Fool.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.. to think the Group of Chalices has this potential.¡±


    ¡°Of course, but you¡¯re already ahead of them, the one who is seated on the throne of the Devil.¡±


    The boy laughed sarcastically as he looked at the seer with sharp eyes.


    ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯re too sharp, Seer.¡±


    ¡°The child who killed his subordinates except the Queen, the Knight, the Valet, and the Ace. The Mad King of Swords!¡±


    The child who was called the Mad King of Swords, starts to place the tip of his short-sword on the neck of the old man. Traces of blood starts to flow on his blade.


    ¡°Mad? That word is a little bit off¡­ I only killed the untrustworthy ones. I also don¡¯t need pawns like them. My present Group of Swords is enough.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re called mad! For a child like you to acquire the throne of the Devil at such young age! I can¡¯t imagine how twisted your life had become to be like this!¡±


    Before the child could speak, a loud sound of advancing troops can be heard outside the tent.


    A man started to speak.


    ¡°Release our Seer!¡±


    When the troops saw their opponent, they couldn''t help but gasp because they couldn''t believe their eyes on what they''re seeing.


    ¡°What is this!?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they just a bunch of children?! How did the Seer¡¯s guards got defeated by them?!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate them! Kill all of them and save our Seer!¡±


    The man who first spoke warned the others immediately, acting like he''s the leader of the troops.


    A fight started between the children and the knights.


    A boy who was six or seven years old entered the tent.


    ¡°G-Gladius! We¡¯re being pushed back! Please help us!¡±


    The boy called on his comrade who is pointing his short-sword on the seer.


    It was Gladius, the Evil God named after his Demon Sword Gladius.


    At present, he''s not yet capable of obtaining his sword, so he¡¯s using an ordinary short-sword.


    The boy was staring at Gladius as if he¡¯s a God.


    He was Gladius¡¯ childhood friend.


    He saw Gladius¡¯ achievement so he idolizes him to the point of being fanatical.


    ¡°Sigh. Dwain, call Aimee, Hughes, and Sarge inside and guard the Seer. I¡¯ll deal with those guys.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    After a few seconds, Dwain and the other three kids entered the room.


    The two boys, Sarge and Hughes had bloodstains all over their body, while Aimee is still clean. The two boys were arguing with Aimee, who¡¯s looked annoyed because of the two.


    ¡°I said, we should finish those damned Knights! They¡¯re no match with us!¡±


    Sarge spoke while holding his blood-covered mace.


    ¡°Yeah! They¡¯re too weak!¡±


    Hughes arrogantly agreed with Sarge, making Aimee more infuriated.


    ¡°Both of you are idiots. What you¡¯re gonna do is entice more troops to pursue us. We¡¯re here just to know our next objective, not to incite war.¡±


    ¡°Please, the three of you.. stop arguing¡­¡±


    Dwain starts to break up the fight.


    "¡°You shut up, useless Dwain! Ah..¡±"


    Both of them realized they made a mistake.


    They angered Dwain, who was the second most powerful member of their Group.


    Dwain lets out his bow and loaded it with two arrows.


    He pointed it upwards and released it. He cast a spell on the bows and he controlled it with his index finger.


    He pointed his index finger towards both Sarge and Hughes, who was running for their lives towards Gladius.


    ¡°Stop this nonsense, Dwain. I shall ask all of you again, what is your purpose in following me?¡±


    The homing arrows pierced the ground.


    The four of them knelt towards Gladius.


    ¡°I am Dwain the Ace, who upholds my King¡¯s decisions.¡±


    ¡°I am Aimee the Queen, who gives knowledge for my King¡¯s objectives.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°I am Sarge the Valet, who eliminate my King¡¯s enemies.¡±


    ¡°I am Hughes the Knight, who defend¡¯s my King¡¯s allies.¡±


    After that, Gladius starts to speak.


    ¡°Then I am Gladius the King, who shall use my sword to make a world for my subject.¡±


    The five of them were war orphans, children who had their parents taken because of war.


    Because of that, they believed that Gladius¡¯ so called ¡®World¡¯ would give them a place where they belong.


    After hearing their proclamation, the Seer started to speak.


    ¡°For you to be accepted like that by your subordinates. What kind of sweet words did you utter to them to behave like -?¡±


    Before he could finish his words, the arrows that were struck on the ground was already pointing on the Seer¡¯s throat.


    ¡°One more word of disrespect, and these arrows will pierce your throat.¡±


    Dwain looks at him coldly.


    ¡°Stop. Dwain and you lot, guard the Seer, and I¡¯ll deal with those outside.¡±


    "¡°Yes, our King.¡±"


    Gladius starts to walk outside the tent.


    There, he saw a pile of corpses lying around the tent¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Those four really don¡¯t know how to clean their own mess¡­¡±


    He looks around disappointingly.


    The Knights noticed him and started to inquire.


    ¡°Are you the leader of those kids? What did you do to our Seer?!¡±


    ¡°We just want to ask him something, but we weren¡¯t permitted, so we killed those guards.¡±


    Gladiussaid it with a ¡®matter-of-fact¡¯ manner.


    ¡°Of course! Nobody can ask our Seer since he¡¯s can only use his Seer abilities for our nation, not for some bunch of children! Release our Seer!¡±


    ¡±You¡¯re too selfish. What if I say no?¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll die!!¡±


    All the knights in the area charged towards Gladius.


    Gladius, on the other hand, didn¡¯t move from his position.


    He pointed the short-sword which is held by his right hand towards his left side.. and swing it towards his right side, like an arc.


    A strong shock wave emerged and some of the unaware knights got sliced in half.


    Those who are lucky to have their shields, only had their shields slashed into two.


    ¡°Wha-?! A monster!!¡±


    All the knights in the area got frightened with the skill Gladius just used.


    In one move, he killed almost half of the knights.


    The remaining knights ran in panic, afraid that they¡¯ll gonna die on Gladius¡¯ blade.


    ¡°How weak. They didn¡¯t notice I used a skill. Sigh.. Pathetic knights..¡±


    After that, he started loftily returned inside the tent.


    There, he saw his comrades kneeling before the old man.


    He was standing as if he defeated all of Gladius¡¯ comrades.


    ¡°You sneaked an attack against me before, but now I¡¯m prepared, you can¡¯t defeat me, Mad King brat! See what a High Professor of Light Magic could do!¡±


    The Seer concentrated all of his gathered mana towards his cane.


    After gathering, he pointed his staff towards Gladius, making a Light attack.


    ¡°Is this what you call Light magic?¡±


    When the Light reached Gladius, he blocked it with his left palm and clenched it, the Light disappeared as if it broke into pieces.


    ¡°W-what?!¡±


    ¡°For the sake of your life, tell me, where are the other Kings?!¡±


    Gladius dashed towards the frightened Seer.


    Just ina few seconds, his short-sword reached the neck of the Seer which the short-sword was previously pointing at.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know about the C-chalices and the W-wands, but I know the P-pentacle¡¯s location!¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°Even if you would know it, you won¡¯t even have a chance to reach him.¡±


    The Seer started to smile, angering Gladius.


    He pointed the sword inward, making more blood to flow.


    ¡°Please s-stop! It¡¯s on the Kingdom¡¯s Royal Capital! The present Hero¡¯s the King of Pentacles!¡±


    The Seer announced the present King of the Pentacles¡¯ location because of fear of having his life taken, but..


    ¡°I see.. Hmm.. Well, Thank You for your service-¡±


    He beheaded the Seer and starts scold his Group.


    ¡°You guys.. I told you to guard him, not to be overpowered by him!¡±


    ""¡°We¡¯re sorry..¡±""


    ¡°Sigh.. Let us go. We shall train first before we proceed towards our next objective. It would be too hard for us to approach the King of Pentacles with our present condition.¡±


    Sarge and Hughes removed their bloodstained clothes and took some fabric placed behind the Seer¡¯s tent.


    They used it like a thawb*


    Five of them started to cover their heads and exits from the main entrance when they saw no one¡¯s around the tent.


    ¡°Looks like I received a hint to locate you.. My co-otherworlder.¡±


    He smiles while looking towards the sky and blends with the crowd.


    <hr>


    * Arabian clothing for men.


    For more Information, see herehttp://www.daily-tarot-girl.com/tarot-ca¡­-meanings/</a>


    for Tarot cards and Meanings :>

 Chapter 22 - Spatial Manipulation

    "Oh, Lowell-sama? Are you still sleepy?"


    Louis asked Lowellwhile grinning.


    By the way, he''s on his Madman mode right now.


    "N-No! I just-?!"


    "Didn''t I say sleep after you use the library?"


    "I-I did, but.."


    Lowelldidn''t notice that it''s almost morning after she finished reading those books.


    "Well, if you insist. Show me the fruits of your efforts!"


    Louisstarts to act as if he''s a strict tutor.


    I don''t know why he''s enjoying this..


    "Y-Yes!"


    Lowell crouched and placed her wand to the ground.


    She gather silver mana on both of her hands and pointed them in opposite directions.


    She closed her wide-open hands when the released silver mana reached the distance of two meters.


    "Spatial Hole!"


    Two Spatial Hole emerged.


    She walked towards the one of theholes.


    When Lowellreached it, she threw a stone from the ground inside of it.


    Afterwards, the stone shot out the otherhole.


    Louis clapped his hands after seeing her daughter''s skillful performance.


    "Good. Now, you can completely control Spatial Hole... but I think you''ve enhanced the Spatial Hole already, right?"


    Lowell nodded as a confirmation and started to gather silver mana again.


    Spatial Hole consumes one-eighth of her total mana per use.


    She threw both silver mana she created in opposite directions again.


    By the time she felt that the distance is enough, she closed both of her hands.


    "Spatial Hole!"


    "Is that it? Nothing''s ha-... What?!"


    Louislooks at her excitedly with both of his eyes shining.


    He looks at Lowell like a gem, but this skill is created by mixing some of the knowledge Lowell received from the Physics book.


    In General Theory of Relativity, those ''Spatial Holes'' are made of a certain matter, which is also known as ''Dark Matter''.


    Since the space in this world is visualized as a ''dark, empty place'', the color that it will show is, of course, black.


    But if you can visualize it, it''s true color is..


    "Why is it invisible? I see both of them because of being Gaunt Tier, but I don''t think of any way to see it with naked eye. This skill can be used for stealth and perfect for distractions. Tell me, how did you do this?"


    Louisheld Lowell''s shoulders while shaking her violently.


    I''m starting to get dizzy..


    "D-Dad! Please stop..."


    "Oh! Hahaha! I overdid it. Sorry."


    He starts to laugh while giving an apology.


    Lowellstarted to explain the details without mentioning the Physics book.


    "Hoh~.. so in this ''Theory of General Relativity'', the color of that ''Spatial Hole'' should be ''non-existent'' or ''colorless''. Well, I don''t know why it''s called ''Dark Matter'', but I''ll accept those facts since you gave me a demonstration."


    Lowellnoticed some suspicion, but her Dad to brushed it off.


    "Now, since you discussed ''Time'', I think you know how to control it, right?"


    Lowell thought that she''s in trouble.


    Lowelltried to avoid mentioning Physics, but she forgot to avoid mentioning ''Time''.


    Now that I think about it, I can''t tell how ''Theory of General Relativity'' works without mentioning ''Time''.. Oh well.. Let''s try to dodge this topic...


    "By the way-"


    "Right?! Right?!"


    Louispestered her like a child.


    There''s no choice!


    "Dad, Mom''s gonna get angry at you!"


    "Hahaha! To think my own child wants to scare me with my own wife! Too bad! The effects of ''Allegiance Trial'' won''t go off until tonight! Your Mom''s adorable state would remain that way until the duration is on! Now, Lowell-sama~ tell me if you can use the ''Time'' you''re talking about~"


    Her Dad looks at Lowell with anticipation.


    Some people might think that Lowell should give in to his demand, but if this goes on...


    "No way! If I use ''Time'', you''ll make another unreasonable request like ''use Meteor this time!''. The last time I showed my own ideas, you''ve tried to exhaust my whole mana! What are you thinking!"


    Lowellstarted to act angry at him.


    He still had his ''smiling'' face on! My ''getting angry'' act failed!


    "Don''t worry~ Don''t worry! Dad''s gonna be here if you exhaust your mana~"


    "And who''s the person who wants me to conserve mana and don''t push myself?"


    Lowellstarted to try acting angry again.


    His smile cramped a little! His shield is down!


    "Then, Use the Spatial Spell you can right now, and don''t use same spells!"


    Louisstarts to calm down.


    Lowellagreed with his proposal.


    The day after her Dad started teaching herSpatial Spells, Lowell started to experiment on how to use it efficiently in combat, not just for transportation.


    Since most of her Dad''s teachings are using ''Dark Matter'' and ''Gravity'', Lowell could only use Spatial Attribute to suppress and distract enemies presently, since if she push it more than that, she''ll exhaust all of her mana.


    Time, in a sense, can be like that, but.. she picked one of the fresh grass in the ground.


    Shegathered silver-colored mana and injected it on the grass.


    "Time Progression"


    Slowly, it starts to wither until it crumbled by passing wind.


    "Oh? This is interesting! The procedure and type of mana gathered is the same, but why is the effect different? I expected that the Spell would fail, but what is this! Hahaha!"


    Louisstared at Lowell then laughs gleefully.


    Lowell knew what will happen next..


    "Is that all?"


    Here it comes.


    Louisstarts to bug her again.


    Really, aren''t I supposed to be the student here?


    Lowelllooked at her Dad with a hopeless face and started to gather silver mana.


    She started to get dizzy, since she almost used up three-fifths of her mana.


    Spatial skill really consume high amounts of manamana...


    Lowellthrew the mana she gathered towards the falling leaves on a nearby tree.


    Before they reached the ground, she started to cast the spell.


    "Time Shackles."


    The leaves stayed mid-air for five seconds then starts falling again. Then suddenly..


    "WAAAH?!"


    "I can''t believe it! My daughter proved one of mysteries of Spatial Attribute!"


    "Whaa-?!"


    Lowellwas lifted up by her Dad.


    Unexpectedly, his smile is a genuine one. After a few seconds, he placed her back down..


    Now, I''m really dizzy.


    "As I said before.. We, Spatial Attribute Fleurs, are very rare. We''re very rare that our existence is being doubted by people."


    Louis tried to explain the situation, but Lowell remembered something from last night.


    "But, when I read the-"


    "Oh, you''ve read ''Party Tactics'' book already? That book was created five hundred years ago."


    "What?!"


    To think that ''Party Tactics'' book was created five hundred years ago.. But..


    "How about ''Dangerous Places'' and ''Skill Mechanics System''?"


    "Now that I thought about it.. ''Skill Mechanic System'' was created before ''Dangerous Places''. Oh? You read both of them already?"


    "I read the ''Dangerous Places'', but most of the parts of the ''Skill Mechanic System'' are hard to understand.."


    "Haha! Did you became curious of this world?"


    "I was curious from the start... but I didn''t think it was that large."


    "Hm. Hm."


    Louisnods like he understood Lowell.


    "Now, for the main question. Why are we so rare, that even people start to doubt our existence?"


    "Why?"


    "It''s-!"


    "It''s?"


    "... A secret!"


    If only Lowell could, she would like to punch her Dad on the face.


    "Don''t think about it that much. It''s much better to focus that on improving yourself at the moment. Even if I tell you, can you do anything about it?"


    What her Dad said was a sound explanation.


    Without strength, some things are just better left unknown. Like some people said - ''Curiosity killed the Cat''.


    "Okay, Dad.. I understand.."


    "Good~ Then~!"


    Before her father could ask for another unreasonable request, Lowell interrupted him.


    "Dad, I''ve already exhausted most of my mana. Can I stop here?"


    "Oh yes, yes~ Then, it''s my turn!"


    Louis immediately agreed and started to show his skills.


    "I can''t execute big skills right now, so I''ll give you a brief demonstration."


    Louisstarts to gather silver-colored mana on his right hand.


    After that, he swung his hand forward.


    A lump of silver mana shot out, but there is still some silver mana remaining on his hand.


    Then, he gestured his right hand like a scissor and cuts his connection with the launched silver mana.


    The disconnected mana stops mid-air.


    When the connection was removed, he swung his hand upward, shooting out the remaining mana. After the lump of mana on his head reached three meters above him, he closed his right hand.


    "Spatial Hole!"


    ''Spatial Hole'' emerged on both directions he swung his right hand. After that, he started to gather blue-colored mana on his right hand. He pointed his palm on the Spatial Hole above him.


    "Water spikes!"


    Water Spikes burst out of the gathered mana.


    The spell entered the hole above him, and emerged on the ''Spatial Hole'' in front of him.


    The nearby tree where Lowellused Time Shackles was his target.


    It was hit by the Water Spikes spell. Visible damage was inflicted on the tree.


    "This is how you ordinarily use Spatial Hole in battles, but do you think that this will be enough?"


    "No, because it''s easy to predict."


    Of course, if Louis used Lowell''s version of Spatial Hole, it''ll be a little hard to predict, but only for Professor Tier below.


    "Correct. If I were to use your invisible Spatial Hole, it''ll be harder to predict. But.. I have another way to deal with it''s ''easy to dodge'' problem. Look, my princess, Lowell-sama!"


    Whenever he says those line, he always go overboard. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Lowell tried to run away from his target.


    When she was already forty meters away, he starts to gather silver mana on his right hand and blue mana on his left hand.


    This time, it was three times larger than the mana he used on his previous Spatial Hole spell.


    He starts to swing his outstretched fingers like a fan towards the tree.


    A group of silver-colored mana surrounded the tree.


    It suspended in the air like stars in the sky.


    He still had silver mana remaining on his right hand.


    He used it by shooting it forward.


    Then, he closed his right hand and started to use his left hand''s blue mana.


    "Now! Spatial Mirror! Water Spikes!"


    Those silver-colored mana floating mid-air starts to formed ''Spatial Holes''.


    All of them are facing towards the tree.


    Dad pointed his left palm towards the last ''Spatial Hole'' he created.


    It entered the ''Spatial hole'' and..


    "H-How?"


    Lowell saw it.


    All ''Spatial Holes'' Louis created beforehand bursts out Water Spikes.


    It can''t be said that the Water Spikes was divided, but it was..


    "Each ''Spatial Hole'' created a copy?!"


    Yes, all of the Spatial Holes around the tree shot out the same Water Spike spell her Dad used.


    There wasn''t a decrease on intensity, strength, and mana.


    It isn''t an illusion, since when they hit the tree, all of the Water Spikes created visible damage.


    "Yes, this is one of the properties of the ''Dark Matter'' you''re talking about. It is ''Spell Replication''. This is one of the unsolved mysteries of Spatial Attribute."


    Louis calmly explained as he saw her daughter stupefied.


    Lowelltried to recall anything from ''Physics'' book about this topic, but she didn''t discover anything like this.


    It defies the ''Law of Energy Conservation''.


    Lowell was confused, but..


    "Hmm?!"


    Louis noticed that her daughter realized something.


    "What is it?"


    That''s when she noticed.


    All of the Spatial Holes except the last Spatial hole and another one from the bunch around the tree remain mid-air.


    The Spell Replication is correct, but there is something Dad didn''t notice.


    It is..


    "So that''s how it is.."


    Lowellcan''t say it aloud, since she knew that her Dad would pester her with questions again.


    She thought oftelling him later, after her Mom''s original personality returns.


    "Hmm? What is it, Lowell-sama?"


    Louislooks at her with an inquisitive look.


    That''s when Lowell noticed.. that his feet are shaking.


    Let''s try if what I''m thinking is true.


    "Dad?~"


    "What is it, Lowell-sama? Why is your smile a little scary right now?"


    "You''ve pushed yourself to your limit again, right?"


    "Hahaha! Who would-?! Eh?! Don''t come closer, Lowell-sama!"


    Lowell started to walk towards her Dad.


    Now, she''s sure.. He can''t move from his position.


    "Hehehe~ This is payback for making me exhausted everyday!"


    A brilliant smile shone in Lowell''s face, a smile that could attract anyone because of her cuteness.


    Louis had a cramped smile in his face as he saw her daughter''s actions.


    Lowellmade a pushing gesture as she carefully approached her immobile Dad.


    It''s time to punish my crazy Dad!


    "I''d rather use this than get humiliated by my own daughter!"


    But before Lowell could push him, Louis made a cool gesture while both of his feet were shaking.


    It looks stupid than cool.


    Rather than that! He''s using a skill because he does''nt want to get humiliated? How childish!


    "Limit Break!"


    What is that skill?!


    While Lowell was thinking, Chains that are attached on the air towards her Dad''s back starts to appear.


    These chains starts to unbind themselves from her Dad''s back, as if he''s breaking free.


    "Witness the power that defeated a Life Dragon!"


    I''m not your enemy, though.


    "Dad''s cheating! Stupid Dad!"


    Her brilliant smile vanished and turned into a disappointed pout,


    "AHAHAHA! All is fair in Love and War!"


    Now, you''re talking nonsense..


    Lowell tried to use ''Eye of Investigation'' on her Dad while his ''Limit Break'' skill is on.


    ¡º


    Name: Louis Zvalle


    Level: 60


    Title: The Silver Adventurer


    Job: Civil Worker , A-rank Adventurer


    Status: Limit Breaker


    Age: 34 years old


    Birthplace: Royal Capital City


    HP: (420/6700)->6700/6700


    Mana: (200/3400)->3000/3400


    Stats:


    Physical Power: (262)->524


    Magic Power: (1050)->2100


    Speed: (501)->1002


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: (80)->(100)


    Aptitude: High-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Limit Breaker(High), ???


    ¡»


    Her Dad''s already level 60.


    Two years ago, he was still level 53.


    How''s that happening?


    Lowellthought that when someone already reachedlevel 50 above, it''s harder to level.


    Some people even get one level per year.


    Is this another effect of Limit Breaker skill, or...


    "Dad, aside from Limit Breaker, what is your other skill?"


    "Oh? I think I know your eye skill already.. ''Eye of Investigation'', is it?"


    "What? How?"


    Lowell became surprised, but Louis explained his thoughts.


    "One of the best eye skills, only second to ''Farsight''. Its versatility and ability to know anything, from sentient beings to objects and their strengths and weaknesses is superb. As long as the owner can directly see the target, he/she could instantly use it. The only flaw of this skill is the owner''s noticable change in eye color. It also doesn''t indicate the target''s Special Skills on low levels. It''s a good skill for adventurers who want to explore the world... but.."


    "But?"


    "It''s also useless if you can''t see the enemy! Hahaha!


    Her Dad move around while dodging her line of sight.


    His present speed is double of her Mom''s speed stat, so it''s natural that Lowell couldn''t follow his movements.


    Suddenly, he stopped in front of Lowell and said:


    "Use your skill again on me."


    Lowellobeyed and used it again.


    ¡º


    Name: Louis Zvalle


    Level: 60


    Title: The Silver Adventurer


    Job: Civil Worker , A-rank Adventurer


    Status: Limit Breaker


    Age: 34 years old


    Birthplace: Royal Capital City


    HP: (420/6700)->6700/6700


    Mana: (200/3400)->3000/3400


    Stats:


    Physical Power: (262)->524


    Magic Power: (1050)->2100


    Speed: (501)->1002


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: (80)->(100)


    Aptitude: High-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Limit Breaker(High), Adventurer''s Spirit(High)


    ¡»


    "Adventurer''s Spirit?"


    Lowell didn''t see her father activating it, but Adventurer''s Spirit emerged at his stat entry.


    "Yes, When activated, it triples the experience earned when battling."


    What... Aren''t you a cheat then?!


    "Let''s wrap this up then. Ultimate Skill: Limit Breaker!"


    What? Dad''s using Limit Breaker again? and what''s this Ultimate Skii?!


    Lowell became overwhelmed by sudden emergence of information and became lost in her own thoughts when her Dad unleashed another important knowledge.


    "What is that-?!"


    Lowellfelt that her mana was restored andlooked towards her Dad, who was acting cool.


    When he heard Lowell''s question, he looks at me teasingly.


    "Eh? Didn''t you read the fifth chapter of ''Skill Mechanic System''?"


    "No. What''s in there, by the way?"


    Because when Lowell tried to readthe fifth chapter, it was empty.


    "Haah.. I thought so.."


    "I thought so?"


    Lowell became more and more curious of the fifth chapter of the book.


    "I''ll give you some information about Ultimate. Each Skill has an ultimate effect - or Ultimate. In my case, Limit Breaker''s Ultimate makes it''s effect an AOE/Area-of-Effect. Only Skills with Rank High can use it."


    Lowellimagined how it works, but..


    "How does it work on Uncategorized Skills? They''re also shared?"


    "Hahaha! Silly! Of course not! Their efficiency would just get enhanced for a while. Of couse, you can''t share the trait you received from your skill."


    So that''s how it is. Then.. Lowell thought...


    "Then, you can share your Adventurer''s Spirit?"


    "Of course.. but only once per day... and also.. only for one monster enemy. Sudden leap in levels aren''t beneficial to one person, especially to someone who has unlimited potential, you know."


    Lowell now understood why her Dad doesn''t let her level with him.


    Then..


    "Why didn''t you use Limit Breaker when battling the Mineral Boar and Green Spider-Monkey? You said your mana was depleted.. but now, you showed that you can replenish it.. And yesterday.. I thought you said your mana would stay on ten percent for one or two days.."


    "Hahaha! Of course, I don''t want to ruin my chance to look coo-?! Oops?!"


    Lowell''unconsciously'' sent a Fireball towards her Dad''s direction.


    "Oh, Sorry, Dad. Will you repeat it again.."


    Louisdistanced himself.


    "To look cool?!"


    After her Dad finished his sentence, Lowell started to chase after him with random spells.


    "You''re not undergoing an ''Outbreak'', so why are you chasing me?"


    "Ask yourself, Stupid Dad!"


    Lowellchased him until she felt that her mana reached its critical levels.


    Lowellstopped chasing him and sat on the grass.


    "Please.. don''t do that again..."


    Louis sits beside her while laughing.


    "Yes~"


    He responded like a playful child.


    He was smiling at me.. until..


    "Damn you, Louis! Where are you!"


    Theyheard the angry voice of Bellefrom the house.


    Lowell knew that herMom''s curse wore off.


    Now that Lowell thought about it..


    Earlier, he said on the library that it would wear off after hour hour or so.. but when Lowell tried to scare him, he said she''ll return to normal by night.


    I was fooled again?!


    When Lowelllooked at her Dad''s face, she saw a crampedsmile appear.


    He knew he was in trouble this time.


    Before he left, Lowell said.


    "Dad, I really hate you.."


    "Is that so? But I love you, my princess~"


    He kissed Lowell''s forehead before entering the house.

 Chapter 23 - Her King

    One month passed.


    Today is the day before Teacher Aurel''s Wedding.


    Last week, Belleand Louisalready bought the dress that Lowell would wear in the wedding, but..


    "I still don''t have a present for Teacher.."


    Lowellwanted to go to the village and buy a gift for her Teacher herself.


    She wants it to be a secret and only Teacher would know what it is.


    She tried to ask her Mom to let me travel around the village.


    Bellegave her permission, but only if she was together with her Big Brother Qazar.


    Nowadays, her Big Brother''s magical and combat prowess surged like crazy.


    It was the same case with Weiss, but her Big Brother''s growth is terrifying..


    Yesterday, Lowell used ''Eye of Investigation'' on both of them sneakily, and she was surprised to see their progress.


    ¡º


    Name: Qazar Aquila


    Level: 16 -> 18


    Title: (Demon King¡¯s Successor ¨C Hidden)


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: ????


    HP: 443/443 -> 492/492


    Mana: 52/52 -> 72/72


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 67 -> 89


    Magic Power: 79 -> 102


    Speed: 66 -> 102


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 89


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur -> Middle-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Darkness(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Mind Reading, ???, ???


    ¡»


    ¡º


    Name: Weiss Lear


    Level: 14 -> 15


    Title: ¡ª¡ª¨C


    Job: ¡ª¨C


    Status: ¡ª¨C


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 450/450 -> 462/462


    Mana: 50/50 -> 60/65


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 68 -> 75


    Magic Power: 76 -> 92


    Speed: 64 -> 75


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 42


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur -> Middle-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Wind, Fire(Main), Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???,???


    ¡»


    Both of them leveled up, but her Big Brother gained two levels while Weiss only gained one level.


    It was understandable since it was only one month ago when she last used ''Eye of Investigation on them.


    Lowell tried to use ''Eye of Investigation'' on myself.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 15 -> 16


    Title: --


    Job: --


    Status: --


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP: 330/330 (+10) -> 360/360 (+10)


    Mana: 125/125 (+15) -> 139/139 (+15)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 38 -> 43


    Magic Power: 124(+20) -> 147(+20)


    Speed: 42 -> 47


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: High-Rank Practitioner Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation


    ¡»


    Lowellthought that she''son the brink of entering the ''Professor Tier'' of Fleur Classification.


    She''s starting to have irregular headaches but it wasn''t comparable with the ones she experienced during the transfer of Physics and Chemistry knowledge directly towards her brain.


    Shecould say that this headache is more tolerable than that.


    When Lowelltold her Mom the situation, she starts to panic, saying that she should stay in the house for a while and even not attend the wedding celebration.. but Lowell knew she can''t do that..


    Before the two could leave the house, she saw Weiss with his butler.


    Now that she thought about it, he regularly visits their house after that battle against their Teacher.


    Since both of them don''t have anything to do, aside from practicing by themselves, they started to fight mock battles lately.


    Whenever her Big Brother wins, Weiss starts to say ''I won''t lose next time'' as if it was his favorite line.


    Lowell invited Weiss to join walking around, who immediately agreed.


    Lowell noticed that his butler was already nowhere to be seen.


    While walking around the village, Lowell saw three children quarreling.


    It was two boys and a girl that looks the same age as them.


    The two boys are hot-headed while the girl was calm, cool and collected.


    "What''s your problem?!"


    "Yeah?! We just wanted to eat!"


    The two boys readily agreed with each other, like they were twins, and tried to defeat the girl in a battle of words.


    "Before you eat, gather information about the location of ''Silver Adventurer'' first."


    The ''Silver Adventurer''? Why are they looking for Dad?


    Before Lowell couldapproach them, her Big Brother stopped her and shook his head, as if he wants me not to interrupt them.


    "We''re searching everywhere! Isn''t it fine to take a break?!"


    "Gladius and Dwain are already searching! You know, were not fit for searching someone, right?!"


    *badump*


    Lowell''sheart skippedwhen she heard the name ''Gladius''. She was unsure, but it was most likely fearthat she felt when she heard his name.


    Is that the name of the person I''m muttering when I fainted because of Axie?


    "Still, don''t let Gladius do all the work!"


    *badump*


    Lowellsensed something akin to danger every time she heard that name.


    Weiss noticed that her face starts to pale and asked her if she''s alright..


    "Yes, I''m alright."


    When Weiss reverted his gaze, Lowell used ''Eye of Investigation'' on the three.


    ¡º


    Name: Hughes Killain


    Level: 25


    Title: --


    Job: C-rank Adventurer


    Status: --


    Age: 10 years old


    Birthplace: Burnshore City


    HP: 552/552 (+32)


    Mana: 280/280 (+21)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 269 (+36)


    Magic Power: 250 (+10)


    Speed: 129 (-12)


    Constitution: 6


    Luck: 21


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Professor Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Wind, Fire, Water, Earth(Main)


    Special Skills: ???,???


    ¡»


    He looks like the Vanguard of the party since he wore a shield and a sword on his back. He has -12 in speed because of his heavy gear.


    ¡º


    Name: Sarge Wingard


    Level: 26


    Title: --


    Job: C-Rank Adventurer


    Status: --


    Age: 10 years old


    Birthplace: Burnshore City


    HP: 450/450 (+15)


    Mana: 329/329 (+20)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 72


    Magic Power: 326 (+20)


    Speed: 100 (+15)


    Constitution: 6


    Luck: 59


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Professor Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Light(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: ???, ???


    ¡»


    To think that I would find a Light Fleur here..


    Lowellthought that he''s the Main Damage Dealer Fleur of their party..


    Shethought that way until..


    ¡º


    Name: Aimee Raiv


    Level: 28


    Title: The Hermit


    Job: C-Rank Adventurer


    Status: --


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Qint City


    HP: 602/602 (+25)


    Mana: 704/704 (+21)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 140 (+12)


    Magic Power: 510 (+35)


    Speed: 154 (+13)


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 100


    Aptitude: High-Rank Professor Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Life(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Detection(Mid), ???


    ¡»


    When Lowell saw the girl''s stat, her feeling of danger increased.


    She''s same as her age, but her level''s almost double of Lowell''s.


    She also has the title of ''Hermit'', and even has the Life Attribute.


    Her stats are doubled, even some are tripled, of her present stat.


    Her Luck is also a hundred, which she first saw on her Dad who is on ''Limit Burst''.


    The most dangerous thing about her is...


    "Who''s there?!"


    She has a ''Skill Detection'' Skill!


    Lowellhurriedly stopped her skill.


    Aimee looked towards their way and her hostility is visible.


    Shelooked at BigBrother and Weiss. Big Brother Qazar grabbed the hilt of his sword while Weiss moves in front of me.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Lowell took her wand from her robe''s pocket, ready to retaliate if they attack first.


    "Ah-?!"


    When Lowell heard the girl''s voice, she peeked towards her direction.


    She froze while looking towards Lowell location, no...


    "Ah.. Ah..."


    She tried to speak, but she''s unable to.. like there''s something holding her back.


    She wasn''t looking at Lowell, but..


    "What is it?"


    She''s looking towards Weiss'' face.


    I don''t know.. but is there a history about them?


    "I-It''s nothing!"


    She starts to stutter.


    Her previous cool demeanor vanished.


    Lowellcould only see was a girl with reddened face and teary eyes.


    Her companions starts to question her.


    "Oi, Aimee.. What''s happening?"


    "Did you detect something?- Why are you crying?"


    "I-It''s none of your business!"


    She shouted towards the two boys and turned back, but before going, she asked Weiss.


    "You, what''s your name?"


    "It''s common courtesy to tell your own name first before asking the other party, right?"


    He''s still on guard against her. When she noticed it, she sighed.


    "I''m Aimee Sherlock"


    Aimee Sherlock? Why didn''t she use the Raiv.. Raiv?!


    "I''m Weiss Lear."


    "Weiss Lear.. what a fine name. Well then, see you later."


    She looked back towards her comrades and ordered them to follow her.


    "Eh-?! I thought we''ll taste a battle again.. Cheh.."


    Hughes returned his weapon in it''s sheath


    "Rather than battle, I''m really hungry.."


    "Let''s meet with them first before we eat."


    After a few minutes, they are nowhere to be seen.


    I just remembered.. Raiv.. the Fallen Hero of Swords - Raivan. Is she a descendant of the Royal Family of Ethyne? Why is she roaming around as an Adventurer?


    As these questions swirled around Lowell''s mind, her Big Brother and Weiss proposed that they should do what they came for and get away from this place.


    Lowellagreed since she also felt an ominous feeling the longer she stays here.


    ***


    I am Aimee Raiv, but I abandoned that family name long ago.. since the time my father, the third son of the present king of Ethyne, abandoned me and my mother when I was born.


    He said that he needed a male to increase his chance to obtain the throne. My mother, the mistress, can''t do anything.. so she fled from the palace, due to her fear that I would get killed by my father''s supporters. We fled until we reached the borders of Fraxiania and Ethyne, the village of Burnshore City. Because we got nothing from my bastard of a father, Mom worked while carrying my infant self around.. My Mom was repeatedly persuaded by our neighbors to abandon me.


    Because of stress.. and out of depression because we were abandoned by father, she became mentally unstable. One day, she ran around the village with a hidden knife. At that time, she killed a neighbor''s child. Because of that, she was killed by the child''s parents out of anger. Without any family left, I became an orphan at the age of two years old. That''s when I was taken care by an orphanage.


    All the time in the orphanage, those nuns always tell me about my mother''s crime. I don''t know why, but even though they told me that.. I didn''t felt any emotion.. or should I say.. that I was empty of emotion to begin with..


    I also met Gladius, Sarge, Hughes, and Dwain at the orphanage. Gladius was abandoned as an infant, Sarge and Hughes were war orphans, and Dwain is the a son of an nun who fled after giving birth. At first, I find Sarge and Hughes as a troublesome duo, Dwain as a naive person, and Gladius as a weird person. The first three didn''t caught my attention.. but Gladius is different.


    He''s weird.. but a charismatic person. When we were in the orphanage, he acted as the leader of the children within our age group. He also trained swordsmanship non-stop, even though at first, he can''t even carry a short-sword. But that wasn''t the thing that made me notice him. It was that time when I was five..


    "Oh? What are you reading?"


    He approached me, whose existence is like thin air. I looked at him with an uninterested expression.


    "Why do you care?"


    "Hahaha, of course, I don''t care. I''m just trying to start a conversation with you."


    He smiled as if it was nothing. My first impression of him was.. he is annoying.


    "If you want me to join your fanatical group, I''ll say it now. I''m not interested."


    I really hate troublesome things like this. I looked back at the book I was reading until...


    "I''m not making you join, but instead.. I''ll make you happy instead."


    "I''ll be happy if you leave me alone."


    "Oh, is that so?"


    He still have a smile on his face. Really annoying.


    I placed my book on the table and looked at him. This type of people are the ones who won''t give up until you give in.


    "I''ll give you sixty seconds. If you do anything weird, I''ll shout."


    "That is all I need."


    I don''t know that time, he started to use a spell on me. He held my hand.. I was ready to shout until..


    "Magic Nullify!"


    Nothing happened. I looked at him angrily, but he removed his hands and started to hum happily while walking away.


    I tried to inspect my whole body. If it was a enticement skill, I''m already attracted to him, but it wasn''t the case. I tried to look for a slave mark, since I heard that there is a skill that make you a slave of the user. When I concluded that nothing really happened, I resumed reading. I thought it was just a failed spell..


    That night when he used his skill on me, I started to have a strange dream. It was a black and white world. I was in a poor village. I was happily playing with a boy the same age as me. His face was blank, but I knew, I was happy beside him.


    Night after night, I had dreams like that, as if I was looking at a story from a storybook. The boy became a king, while I became his queen. His face was still blank, but I felt he was happy. I was sohappy whenever I''m withhim, that I shed tears whenever I wake up.


    A year passed, I still had dreams of that person''s life. I reached the point that both of them became victorious against their enemies. He was awarded as one of the two heroes.. until the other hero stabbed him on the back. That''s when the black and white world was painted with color. It was really vivid, that I thought it really happened. I was just ten steps away from him.. but I felt that those step are really far away. I ran towards his side while crying. That''s when.. I saw his face. His handsome pale face imbued with blue eyes. He also has a yellow hair, complementing his rash and playful attitude. That''s the first time I saw him, but I felt like it was forever. When he died, everything turned black..


    "No!!"


    I woke up. I noticed that I was crying on my sleep again.. until..


    "Oh, you woke up?"


    Gladius was there, sitting on the chair, smiling innocently towards me. I was about to scream since he entered my room without my permission, but..


    "Did you dream something unpleasant.. Aimee Raiv, the Queen of Swords.. should I call you that way, or Lucia Xavier?"


    Lucia Xavier.. that''s my name in the dream.. why..


    "How did you know.. w-what are you?!"


    My feeling of annoyance towards him.. turned into fear. Now, his innocent face instill fear in my heart. Throughout my life, and even in my dream, no one has ever seen through my own self.. except ''him''.


    "Who am I doesn''t matter. I shall ask you.. Do you want to see ''him'' again?"


    His innocent smile turned into a devilish one that sends chills to the spine. I don''t have time to fear him!


    "See him again?!"


    That words made me feel something. I know this feeling.. It was hope.


    "Yes, yes. Of course. I won''t go back to my own words."


    He smiled as if he was a devil. I thought that my present situation is like one of those books I read.. A man who sold his soul to the devil. I knew this is a dangerous gamble.. but.


    If this mean that I could see him again.. or even walk with him again.. and dream with him again.. I''ll gladly sell my soul to the devil.


    "What do you want?"


    "Your power."


    "My power? I don''t think-"


    "Don''t be silly, my dear Queen. I know that you''re still weak, but you have the potential to help me."


    "Help you?"


    "Yes. I need your help to reach my desire, my existence''s ultimate goal."


    "As long as you promise that I''ll meet him again, I''ll obey you."


    "Then we''re good. I''ll gladly name myself. I''m Gladius Luxero. The Present King of Swords, and also.. the ''Seat of Devil''.


    He bows elegantly like a noble. His present seat really describe his personality. A man true to his desire. The man who sawhis''True Desire''.


    "Then, what is your goal?"


    "It is-"


    ***


    "Hey, Aimee. What is that?"


    "Yeah! I thought we''ll see some action when you shouted!"


    These bloodthirsty duo. I don''t really want to associate with these two.


    "I-It''s nothing!"


    "Oi, Oi, your usual cool expression starts to crumble... Really, what happened back there?!"


    "I think we should deal with them instead and leave Aimee here, Sarge."


    Hughes starts to propose something inexcusable. I can''t let them hurt ''him''.


    "One step, and I''ll kill you."


    "Quit it, Hughes. You don''t want to deal with an angry Aimee, right?"


    "Cheh! As if I''m-!"


    I casted Earth Spikes. All of them were pointing at Hughes'' neck.


    "Who do you think you are? If only Gladius didn''t say that I shouldn''t kill you, you''re already dead."


    After seeing that he backed out, I dispelled the Earth Spikes.


    "And don''t think of doing anything funny. You know my power, right?"


    I obtained the ''Seat of the Hermit'' with the help of my previous life''s knowledge and experience.


    Of course, this boosted most of my stats, making me invincible even against an enemy with the same level.


    Hughes, whose level isn''t higher than mine, doesn''t want to make me his enemy.


    The ''Hermit'' can only be obtained if the person knew ''True Solitude'' which is experienced by my previous life as a lone traveler.


    Maybe because I was naive during that time.. that I didn''t obtain this power.. Naive because I believed that my King''s strength can overcome any obstacle.


    When I saw his dying figure, that''s the time I woke up.. but everything''s already over for me.


    "Aimee, stop that. We''ll not mention this again."


    "Good that you know your place."


    I started to walking towards our meeting place.

 Chapter 24 - Different Circumstances

    When Lowell, Qazar, and Weiss noticed that the other three are nowhere to be seen, all of them sighed in relief.


    "That was dangerous.."


    Qazar spoke as he removed his hand from the hilt of his sword.


    "Yeah.. this is the first time I saw Lowell act like that.. I also heard something familiar back then.."


    Weiss starts to remember Gladius.


    Lowell triedto interrupt him from remembering.


    "Rather than that.. Let''s go an buy my present to .. AH!!"


    My head hurts.. I''m about to enter the ''Outbreak''..


    "What''s wrong, Lowell?!"


    Weiss saw Lowell''s sour expression and asked with worry.


    "Let''s go back! I really think that this is a bad idea!"


    Qazar hastily spoke and tried to grab Lowell''s arm but Weiss stopped his hand before it reached its target.


    "What are you saying?"


    "I heard from Mom that she''s almost breaking through, so we tried to force her not to push herself too much..."


    "Then why did you let her go out?!"


    Weiss grabbed Big Brother''s shirt.


    I need to stop them..


    "It''s not Big Brother''s fault.. It''s my fault.. but I really want to buy Teacher a wedding gift.."


    Yes, because Lowell knew.. that it won''t be just a wedding gift.. but a thank-you gift.. and a farewell gift.


    Sheremembered her Teacher''s words before they fought her..


    ¡º Maxwell wants me to meet his parents and get married.. after that, we¡¯ll make a journey around the world.¡»


    It means that she wouldn''t see her Teacher for a long time... or maybe.. she''ll never see her again..


    If that''s the case.. I need to make my final gift a very special one.


    Lowell gritted her teeth as she endure the strong wave of headache she''s experiencing right now.


    Weiss looks at her and sighed.


    "I''m surprised that Lowell''s breaking through Professor Rank at age of eight, but now''s not the time to be surprised. We should go back and make Lowell rest. I know Teacher would understand, since I heard she had bad memories while she''s on ''Outbreak''."


    So that time created bad memories to Teacher..


    "I can''t buy her a present anymore? But-!"


    "Yes, you can''t. Even attend the wedding tomorrow. Just rest."


    Weiss interrupted her before she could even finish her sentence.


    He looked at Lowell with a serious expression.


    He''s always acting playful and naive.. but Lowell felt seriousness in his voice just now.


    "Y-Yes.."


    The three of them returnedtoLowell''s house without buying any gift.


    When theyarrived, Lowell was forced by her Momto stay in bed.


    As she entered her own room, Lowell saw Axie sleeping on her bed.


    Shedidn''t know why, but Lowell had a hunch thatAxie knew that she''s breaking through.


    Lowell removed her hat and placed it on the table.


    Shedressed into her sleeping attire even though it''s still noon outside.


    Lowell cuddled the stuff toy she selected as present when they defeated their Teacher.


    Lowell didn''t know why, but when she picked it, Weiss and her Big Brother started to call her with a nickname - ''Girl with Strange Taste''.


    The two had thoughts that the small stuff toy is cursed doll based on its appearance, but Lowell felt some connection when she first saw it.


    She still remember it as if it happened yesterday..


    ***


    "You want that doll?"


    Her Teacher Aurel looks at her with an unnatural expression.


    Please don''t look at me like that.


    "I want it.. but I want my reward to be something I could carry around.."


    "What the matters the most is that you like my present. If you think of it, you can carry it around.


    "But.. It won''t last long that way.."


    "You could hug it while you sleep. That way, you can remember me whenever you go to sleep and when you wake up."


    "Yeah.. Okay!"


    "But, before we buy that doll, let us remove your apprenticeship status first."


    "Okay."


    Theyasked the stall owner to reserve the doll.


    The stall owner agreed while thanking them because he can''t sell the doll since the day he received it.


    Theyapproached the Guild House and asked to remove the apprenticeship status.


    Since the three of them are already approved by their Teacher, the Guild could easily removed the Apprenticeship status of the three.


    "Choice not to remove Master?"


    Lowell asked the staff who is tasked removed theirapprenticeship status.


    "Ah yes~ that''s one of our options. Many students wanted not to remove their master''s name since they want it to serve as memento. Most of the apprentices pick not to remove their master''s name on their Information Card. Are we going to do that to?"


    Lowelllooked at her Big Brother and Weiss.


    Both of them nods, as these decisions didn''t need words.


    """Yes!"""


    After that, both Weiss and her Big Brother picked their presents.


    Qazarchose a sheath ornament for his sword and Weiss chose a cheap leather arm bracer for additional defense.


    We returned to the stall that sells the stuffed toy.


    ***


    "Teacher.."


    Lowellfell asleep while thinking of her Teacher.


    ***


    At that moment, in a restaurant around the village:


    Aimee was walking towards the the location appointed by Gladius with Sarge and Hughes in tow.


    As soon as they arrived, they saw Gladius sitting on a table.


    In the opposite side, it was a man who had silver hair.


    Aimeecan''t see his eyes because they were closed.


    He was smiling towards Gladius as if he doesn''t see him as a harmful enemy.


    "Sorry, we''re late.."


    Aimee hastily apologized without removing her gaze on the silver-haired man.


    "It''s okay. Pick something you want to eat. I''ll talk with our guest first."


    "Yes."


    Aimee saw Dwain sitting on a nearby table.


    They alsotook a seat beside him and listened to Gladius and man''s conversation.


    "So, how does the ''Great Silver Adventurer, Louis-kun~'' can help you, little kid?"


    His smile became wider, clearly showing that he has confidence that he could take on the five of them.


    "As I thought. It is true that the ''Silver Adventurer'' isn''t just your normal adventurer. Greetings to you, ''Silver Adventurer'', or I should say.. Eight of Chalices."


    When they heard Gladius voice, they became shocked and reflexively stood up, instanly looked at the man with strong hostility.


    To think we''ll encounter one of the Chalices out here.. and even the guardian of the present Queen of Chalices.. We need to get vigilant against him.


    Aimee thought as she observe the opponent''s movements.


    "Oi, Oi. You''re the one''s looking for me, right? I just heard from some Unknown Sources~ that you''re looking for me. I was surprised to see that it was just a bunch of brats playing adventurer. I don''t know what''s your objective, but give me a very good reason not to kill all five of you right now~"


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    His smile remains the same, but the four felt chill that pierced through their hearts.


    Before the four of them could take arms, they were stopped by Gladius who was still sitting comfortably as if it was nothing.


    They followed his instruction and took their seats again.


    "Don''t scare my companions like that, ''Great Silver Adventurer-san''. I''m here to strike a deal."


    "Ohohoho~ My bad, my bad! Of course, you''re not here for a fight since you didn''t know my identity at first. Well, let us hear Little Brat''s deal~"


    "Cooperate with me. First, help me find a sword. If I could recall, it was dropped from the heavens around eight years ago. The other condition would just come after that."


    "Hohoho~And what would I get in return?"


    "End of this Game of Gods."


    As he heard Gladius'' proposal, Louis'' face turned serious for a moment, but his usual smile returned after a few moments.


    "That''s a good return, but how would I believe a person who killed all of his Lower Officers? Aren''t they supposed to be your vassals, Little Sword King?"


    His eyes starts to open.


    Like his title, he also had silver eyes, making him the ''Silver Adventurer''.


    "Unlike you, I can sense something different within them. Why let a worm live if it would destroy your hard work in the end?"


    "You could''ve used-"


    "The Allegiance Trial? Don''t try to fool me, because I see through deception. Those lapdogs of Ethyne just wants me to be their figurehead. In the end, they would indirectly cause my death. If your King dies because of an outside force, you can''t say that it was a betrayal. Only when the vassal is directly caused the King''s death can it be called Betrayal. You know that from experience, right?"


    "What a sickening ability you have there, child."


    Louis mocked him without breaking his smile.


    "Thank you for the compliment."


    "Well, let''s get back to business. You, my enemy, want to receive me, your enemy''s, assistance?"


    "Yes."


    "Well, I don''t think that would work. I heard your adventures, Mr. ''Mad'' Sword King. You won''t hesitate to kill anyone, even the innocent, to achieve your own goals. I find the reward pretty tempting, but are you sure that my ''Kingdom'' can''t achieve the same result? For a bunch of kids, you sure have guts."


    Gladius spoke with no remorse.


    "For that innocent part.. It is a code for adventurers that by the time you held a sword, you should know that there are only two choices, kill.. or get killed. Those ''innocent'' people you''re talking about pointed their sword towards us. Why won''t we retaliate? If you give us time to mature, we can surely count as an exceptional fighting force."


    Gladius continued his sentence, but his faced changed into a mocking one.


    "...And you surely like to jest, ''Silver Adventurer''. You, who is walks the Path of ''The Hanged Man'', should know yourself. You''d rather sacrifice your own self rather than make your ''Queen'' fight the ''Kingdom Battle''. What is ''True Sacrifice''? I can''t think that what you are doing now could be called ''True Sacrifice''. You''re just fearing that your family would be swept in this storm called ''Kingdom Battle''. You''re foolish to think that way. Why not walk the Path of ''The Fool'' then?"


    When Louisheard him, his eyes closed again and smiled.


    Louis started to speak again.


    "Last question, how did you think I won''t betray you? Even your comrades wanted to betray you.. Why do you think I won''t betray you?"


    "A madman''s Intuition, I guess?"


    Louis'' face didn''t change, but suddenly..


    "Pfft~! Ahahaha!~ Really~ Your madness exceeded your reputation. You really have the right to be called like that! I will help you, but in two conditions!"


    "What is it?"


    "One, don''t try to hurt my family. Befriending them is fine. You could surely change your ways if you meet my daughter. But I won''t hand her to you~ She''s still my princess~ but seriously.. Don''t ever think of hurting my family."


    He opened his eyes, making a cold look.


    Gladius'' group could sense that he''s threatening them right now.


    "Of course. We have no intention of hurting anybody except those who fight against us."


    "Two! Make a Devil''s Contract."


    Louis suddenly spoke of Devil''s contract..


    When both sides of the contract signed it, it won''t be irreversible until one of the person who signed the contract dies or the contract was accomplished. In this contract, when one of the sides betrayed the other, the traitor would experience something worse than death. It is said that the person''s soul would vanish, making him unable to reincarnate.


    His partymates looked at Gladius seriously, waiting for his answer.


    "No Problem. Then it''s a deal."


    He reached out his hand.


    Loiusshook the hand, forming a deal.


    "Well then, look at the time! My boss would get angry at me if I don''t return now. Here, take this. Break it to make me know ifthe Devil''s contract is ready.


    He threw a stone towards Gladius.


    Aimeenoticed that it was a ''Tracking stone''.


    "Okay. Thank you for your cooperation."


    Louis left the restaurant without making a sound.


    Gladius'' partymates noticed that the atmosphere was too tensed that they forgot to order their meal.


    Gladius stood up from his seat and walked towards them.


    "Well then, let''s eat?"


    ***


    Lowell''s mind is in chaos.


    "Little Elle?! Little Elle?!"


    Sheheard voices that called her name.


    Lowell knew that the voice came from someone dear.


    When she opened her eyes, Lowell saw her body moving on its own.


    Shecan see it move, but can''t control its actions.


    Then, shenoticed that she was walking towards their house''s door.


    Herbody tried to go out, but she was held by someone from her back.


    "Little Elle! Please stop. Little Elle!"


    Lowellnoticed that the voice came from the person holding her.


    Shesaw two slender hands hugging me tight - it was her Mom.


    Is this the feeling of being in ''Outbreak''? I''m seeing my actions while I can''t control my own body? Is this what Teacher felt when she was breaking through? If it is, now I know why Mom said she''s crying when I got teleported.


    She knew that I did it to escape her.


    While thinking these things, Lowell noticed that her hand stretched out and pointed upwards.


    This is bad! My body would use Lightning Element of Spell Forger! Mom, get away!


    "Lightning Spark!"


    When her Mom noticed that Lowell was about to use a spell, she lets go of her and tried to dodge.


    Her right foot was hit by a small spark, making it numb.


    "I don''t have any choice- Qazar?! Please bind Little Elle''s hands!"


    Then Lowell saw her Big Brother, who was at that time training with Weiss outside, blocking her path.


    He readies his sword, trying to defend himself from her.


    Lowell also sawthat Weiss looked at her with a worried face.


    He''s also holding his shield and sword to defend himself.


    "Earth Bind!"


    Qazartried to bind her hands to stop Lowell from using spells.


    Lowellthought that her body would stop there, but it started to chant a spell.


    "Ice Mantle."


    It was an Ice Area-of-Effect spell, Ice Mantle.


    It creates chilling ice around her body, making Lowell hard to approach.


    It was her body''s second usage of ''Spell Forger'', and her body starts to quiver.


    One more usage of ''Spell Forger'' and her ''Outbreak'' mode will subside.


    "Mom! It''s cold around Lowell!"


    "All of us, use Fire skill!"


    ""Yes!""


    Her Mom gave the two boys instruction which they immediately followed.


    "Flame Circle!"


    ""Fireball!""


    They tried to nullify Lowell''s Ice Mantle, her Mom using Flame Circle while the boys used Fireball.


    Before their spell hit Lowell''s Ice Mantle, her body started to use a spell again.


    Lowellnoticed that when she used Ice Mantle, She didn''t need to gather mana within her hands.


    Is this another effect of ''Spell Forger''?


    "Gravity Increase."


    Herbody used a Spatial Skill, Gravity Increase.


    Her Big Brother and Weiss knelt on the ground, while her Mom''s left foot that was supporting her starts to shake.


    Lightning may have numbed her right foot because of shock, but her left foot can withstand the Gravity''s pressure.


    As expected of a high level person.. but using Gravity Increase, their Fire spells were disrupted.


    Lowell''sbody found a chance and used another spell.


    It was reaching itslimit.


    "Spatial Hole"


    "This is bad! Little Elle''s trying to enter a random location!"


    Her Mom, who knew what would happened, panicked and started walking while holding on her numbed foot.


    Since the Ice Mantle''s effect wore off, Belleslowly moved as she approached her daughter.


    Lowell''sbody started to move towards the Spatial Hole.


    Before she could enter..


    "Mew~!"


    "Meow~!!"


    Lowell heard Axie and Nephie''s voices.


    She was one step away from the Spatial Hole, but a wall of earth emerged, blocking her.


    Before her body could do something again, both of them bit her on the legs.


    Axie bit her left leg, while Nephy bit the right one.


    Lowellfelt her remaining mana was being drained from her body.


    Herbody lied down on the hard ground.


    "Ah.. Ah.."


    Lowelltried to speak, but she didn''t have any energy left to move her muscle.


    She could only observe what''s happening around her.


    "Axie and Nephy, stop. Little Elle''s already back to normal."


    "Mew~!"


    "Meow~"


    Both of them stopped sucking her mana and moved towards Lowell''s shoulders.


    Nephy licked her right cheek, while Axie caressed Lowell''s left cheek with her head.


    "Well, that was close.. It was stupid of me to panic when that happened. Good job, children."


    Her Mom petted both Axie and Nephy''s heads.


    Both of them showed satisfaction.


    "Well then, I''ll carry Little Elle back towards her room. She needs to rest. You two, come with me. Guard her until she gets better, alright?"


    "Mew~!!"


    "Meow!!"


    Both of them looked happy.


    When Lowell noticed that everything was alright, she closed her eyes and returned to sleep.

 Chapter 25 - Second Encounter

    Lowell: "Ugh.."


    I felt that I was in a familiar place. If I could recall.. I was here last time when Axie drained my mana, one or two months ago.


    ???: "Eh?! He''s back again?! Oh.. She ranked up? Sheesh.."


    One of them was talking to another light. As I thought.. I was here before.


    A Yellow Light approached me.


    Yellow Light: "Good to see you again, Lowell Zvalle."


    Lowell: "Why do I always get in here whenever I empty my mana?"


    I didn''t get here last time when I was battling Teacher is because I still have mana left, but I was exhausted because it was on critical levels. The other thing is.. the last time I got here, Axie was also biting me. Is she connected with this bunch of lights?


    Yellow Light: "I can''t say that I know it exactly.. but I think its because you''re subconscious is connected here."


    My subconscious is connected here?


    Yellow Light: "Rather than that.. It seems that the ''Evil God'' is near you. He came contact with one of your family members."


    He came contact with a family member? I remembered that they were looking for the ''Silver Adventurer''.. Doesn''t that mean!


    Lowell: "He came contact with Dad?!"


    Yellow Star: "Yes, and this is bad news, don''t you think?"


    More than bad news, I''m more worried about Dad!


    Lowell: "What happened to dad?! Is he alright?!"


    Yellow Star: "Yes. I think they agreed in some sort of agreement. Okay~ It seems our time is up."


    Lowell: "What should I do?"


    I needed their help.. to ensure my family''s safety against the ''Evil God''..


    Yellow Star: "Always wear that necklace of yours.. and every thing would be alright."


    Necklace? Isn''t that the one given to me by Weiss? I can''t see through it even with my ''Eye of Investigation''. Is there something powerful behind it?


    I tried to ask another question, but darkness enveloped the whole area.


    ***


    What is this..


    Is this some kind of memory of a person?


    When I was transported away from the Yellow Light''s place, I see this kind of vivid visions like it was me who was there.


    I started to hear a man''s voice.


    ¡º


    I still remembered it like it happened yesterday.


    When I was ten years old, Mom died because of sickness.


    Because I was still too young, my neighbors are the ones who handled my Mom''s funeral.


    Those neighbors cheated me.. They made me sell the little house where me and my mother lived happily..


    After my Mom''s funeral.. I was forced into the streets.


    Because I don''t have any family left, I became a person in the streets, living by using the alms given to me.


    I lived like that for almost five years. Until that fated day.


    ???: "Hey kid, if you''re ever given a choice between education and food, which would you take?"


    An old man, who was dressed like a beggar, asked me. He''s one of my friends around the area. He said that he became a beggar because he was abandoned by his family due to old age. If you would ask me, he looks more like a hermit than a beggar.


    Man: "What now, old man? Don''t you see I''m busy?"


    I was folding my bed made of boxes, since I just woke up.


    Old Man: " I''m just curious on how a brat like you would act if you were given a chance."


    Man: "Of course, I''ll take the food. How long would you think I would starve just to finish studying-"


    ???: "EEEEEK!!! A THIEF!!!"


    I heard a loud voice. It was from a girl who had her shoulder bag taken away from her by a thief. In reflex, I ran towards the girl. When I saw the thief, I chased him hastily. Even if I''m a beggar, I''m proud of my physical fitness.


    After a few minutes, the thief ran into a corner, which is a dead end. The thief tried to fight, but I easily overpowered him. I knocked him unconscious. After a few seconds, the girl accompanied by the police, reached the place.


    Girl: "Arrest them! Those two are partners in crime!"


    Man: "What?!"


    I tried to reason out, but the police pointed a gun on me.


    Police Officer: "Freeze! You stinking beggar, don''t move!"


    Ah.. I see..


    This is the truth of the society. If you''re a person in poverty, you''ll be looked down by people. If you''re worst than that, you won''t be even called a person. By the time you can''t be called a person, you''ll also lose your right as a human being.


    Now, I''m starting to ask myself.. Is the life I have right now.. is unnecessary? Are the hardships and sorrows that I felt all this time.. are useless?


    I don''t want that..


    I don''t want that my mother''s sacrifices be in vain..


    I don''t want to remain like this..


    When I was placed inside the police car, I saw the Old Man.. he''s also in handcuffs.


    Man: "Why are you here, Old Man?"


    Old Man: "Ahaha~! They thought I was one of the accomplices of the thief.


    Man: "I see.. Sorry that you got caught in this mess, Old man.."


    Old Man: "Ahaha~! There''s nothing wrong about helping others! In fact, I approve your way of living, brat. Beggars are discriminated people. Even so, they are still human. A good human doesn''t need to think if he''s going to help or not. A good human moves in reflex, because that''s what their heart told them to do. "


    While he said that, I started crying. This is the first time a stranger approved my life. A life raised by my mother''s love.. A life where I followed my heart. A life where the only thing I could be proud of is my own conscience and dignity. I fell asleep while crying.


    Old Man: "Brat, wake up. It looks like we reached our destination."


    I didn''t notice that the car stopped. When I walked outside, I saw a big mansion. Outside, a large number of maids and butlers bows towards our way.


    Old Man: "Welcome to your new home, my Grandson.


    Man: "Grandson?"


    Old Man: "I am your Mother''s father.. so that mean''s I''m your Grandfather. I started looking for my daughter 13 years ago.. but the only clue I found.. is her grave. Four years ago.. they located her grave. I was so distressed when I heard the news.. but when I saw your name on her tombstone, I was filled with hope. I tried everything to locate you.. which I did two years ago.


    When I met you.. I cried because you are likened to her image.. and also because I didn''t know what kind of hardships you and your mother felt when you lived in poverty. She''s a kind, courageous, but soft girl. Many people loved her. I didn''t know what he saw on your father.. that she agreed to elope with him. My daughter..."


    I listened to him while reminiscing my life with Mom. It was a hard.. but a happy one. I may not have experienced a father''s love.. but Mom''s love showed that it is all that I needed. My grandfather continued speaking.


    Old Man: "I thought of keeping you that time, but I thought that I should know you much better.. since you might have inherited your father''s scoundrel ways.. but I was wrong. Now, I''ll devote my whole life raising you as my heir. Share the love you received from your mother to those who need it."


    Man: "Yes.."


    ¡»


    ***


    When I woke up, it was already past midnight.


    Lowell: "What was that.. is that man the same boy I dreamed last time?"


    His life was tragic, but he was given a chance to change it.. but why was I dreaming of these things?


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Lowell: "I only remembered that I should wear Weiss'' pendant."


    This was the same as the time when I dreamed of the name ''Gladius''. This time, I have a weird feeling that this pendant would surely save me from a disaster.


    I took the pendant from my drawer and looked and tried to use ''Eye of Investigation''


    ¡º


    Name: Star Sapphire Necklace


    Durability: 1/1


    Effect: Blocks one skill, ???


    Description: A pendant embedded with an expensive, rare gem.


    ¡»


    It looks normal, but I didn''t think that it can block a skill. If that''s the case, it works like the pendant Teacher gave me. But something''s bothering me.. there are ''???'' in the effect. Well, if my intuition is right, it isn''t harmful, at least.


    I wore it inside my dress so that it would be hidden from sight. It may cause some unnecessary trouble if outsiders see me wearing this kind of thing.. That''s also why I don''t wear this necklace when going outside without my parents.


    After wearing the necklace, I fetched a mirror. I need to see what kind of improvements I received after breaking through.


    ¡º


    Name: Lowell Zvalle


    Level: 16 -> 18


    Title: --


    Job: --


    Status: --


    Age: 8 years old


    Birthplace: Blanc City


    HP:  360/360 (+10) -> 245/434 (+10)


    Mana: 139/139 (+15) -> 79/265 (+15)


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 43 ->49


    Magic Power:  147(+20) -> 199 (+20)


    Speed: 47 -> 54


    Constitution: 5


    Luck: 40


    Aptitude: Low-Rank Professor Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Spatial(Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Skill Forger, Eye of Investigation(Low)


    [More]


    ¡»


    I leveled up by two and my stats increased. My theory on breaking through is now proven true. I have 125 mana previously.. and now it''s 250. My stats right now is pretty good.. but I think I need to increase it more since when I saw one of Gladius comrade''s stats, even with this stat.. I''ll definitely lose.


    I noticed that my ''Eye of Investigation'' became a ''Rank Low'' Skill. But something was bothering me..


    Lowell: "More?"


    After saying that, a bigger screen emerged out of thin air.


    ¡º


    [Less]


    Experience: 1592/2491


    Mana Consumption:


    Elemental skills:


    Low: 5 MP / Mid: 25 MP / High: 60 MP / Epic: 125 MP / Unique: 355 MP / Legend: 2100 MP /World: 13250 MP


    Mysterious skills:


    Low: 10 MP / Mid: 50 MP / High: 120 MP / Epic: 250 MP / Unique: 810 MP / Legend: 4200 MP/ World: 26500 MP


    Special Skills:


    Spell Forger Activation Requirement: 30 MP


    Low: 30 MP / Mid: 150 MP / High: 360 MP / Epic: 750 MP / Unique: 2430 MP / Legend: 12600 MP / World: 79500 MP


    Eye of Investigation: 25 MP


    Additional Information:


    HP: Life of the person. Can be affected by MP.


    MP: Mana of the person. Can be affected by HP


    Physical Power: Body Strength of a person. Average adult has 100 Physical Power.


    Magical Power: Mental Strength of a person. Average adult has 100 Mental Power.


    Speed: Speed of a person. Average adult has 100 Speed.


    Constitution: Body type of a person. Average adult has 7 Constitution.


    Luck: Determines a person''s fortune. Can''t be changed permanently.


    Aptitude: Determines the Magical Prowess of a person.


    Attributes: Magical Attributes that a person could wield.


    Special Skills: Unique ability a person can use. Needs MP to use.


    ¡»


    Isn''t this..


    Now I knew that ''Eye of Investigation'' skill is more than what it seems..


    It can give me any information I needed.. and it works on everything. Not only that.. It could help me how to determine the most efficient way of using my Special Skills and Spells. This ability lives up with it''s reputation as second greatest eye skill.


    Lowell: "This is awe-*growl*"


    Before I could finish my sentence, my stomach starts to growl. I forgot that I still didn''t eat dinner..


    I walked towards our kitchen. I noticed that both Axie and Nephy are following me. They must be worried about my condition.


    Lowell: "Come here."


    I carried both of them. When I lifted them, they clung on my shoulder with their heads.


    Lowell: "Good kids."


    I continued walking. When I reached the kitchen, I placed both of them on the floor and looked for something we could eat. I took their food plates and placed their respective food in it. After I saw both of them started eating, I started eating the food Mom and Dad left for me in the table. I think they''re sleeping already.


    After eating, I guided Axie and Nephy to their room upstairs. I stayed with them until they fall asleep.


    When I got out of the room, I noticed that the library''s door was open. I thought what happened last time. Now, I was undecided if I''ll approach the room or not.


    Before I could decide, I saw Dad step out of the room. His movements show fatigue, I guess he''s in the library for a long time. He saw me and walked towards me.


    Louis: "It''s good that you''re awake. I thought we need to cancel your role as the Ring Bearer tomorrow. But first, we''ll go somewhere before attending the wedding."


    Lowell: "Where?"


    Louis: "It''s a secret. Go and sleep. You won''t like to get sleepy in the middle of wedding ceremony, right?"


    Lowell: "Yes."


    I saw Dad entering the library again. I''m starting to get curious, but I think it''s not good to pry into his business. I walked towards my room and returned to sleep.


    ***


    Louis: "That was close.."


    I returned to my research. I can''t fool around this time.


    Louis: "A Meteor eight years ago huh.."


    That King of Swords asked me to search for a sword falling from the sky. If it was strong enough, it would be shown as a meteorite.. So I started by searching for meteorites.. but It''s pretty hard to do.. since gathering data for things like that are too difficult.


    Louis: "This world is too big, you know.."


    Before I started researching, I started gathering newspapers from eight years ago. Since I work as a noble''s clerk, I can easily access those kind of information.


    Louis: "Meteorite.. meteorite.. oh, there it is."


    A newspaper dated eight years ago included a meteorite discovery on their front page.


    Louis: "A meteorite was found falling on the skies of Theicia. It''s destination.. Arsenia''s Outskirts?! Isn''t that a village just outside the Theician capital? Why didn''t I heard any of this.. or is it hidden from outsiders?"


    I looked at the newspaper company''s location. It was from Theicia.


    Louis: "So.. I guess I''ll have to take a look around that place again.. "


    I sighed in resignation. Well, I don''t have to move yet, since the King of Swords didn''t prepare the Devil''s contract yet.


    Louis: "Oh well, I guess I''ll retire for today. I need to be presentable for tomorrow''s event."


    I gathered all of the newspapers and placed them on a secret vault that Lowell doesn''t know. I can''t let her accidentally discover what I''m doing.. for her safety.

 Chapter 26 – Friend or Foe

    Author notes: I was planning on posting two chapters today.. but something happened to chapter 27 T_T I''ll rewrite it again.. so expect it after 2-6 hours.


    <hr />


    Morning..


    I woke up early.. It¡¯s pretty rare since I regularly wake up after Mom calls me for breakfast.


    Maybe because I slept too much yesterday..


    After waking up, I didn¡¯t wear my dress for the wedding. I wore normal house clothes and walked outside. I noticed that it was still dawn. I tried to use spell just to familiarize my body after breaking through.


    Lowell: ¡°As I thought. My spells felt a little stronger..¡±


    Aside from my mana, my Magical Power increased significantly. After trying some spells, I noticed that my Low-rank spells now almost have the power of my previous Mid-rank Spells. Now I knew that entering ¡®Outbreak¡¯ is dangerous, but after recovering.. the stat growth is pretty good.


    Belle: ¡°Oh? You¡¯re awake, Little Elle? You should rest. You¡¯ve just broken through yesterday.


    I heard Mom¡¯s voice coming from the house¡¯s door. She was wearing her usual apron for cooking. I thinks she heard my voice while cooking..


    Lowell: ¡°Mom, I¡¯m already okay.. Look, I can move around.¡±


    Belle: ¡°Stop moving around! Please don¡¯t make me worry.¡±


    Mom scolded me. I smiled towards her and continued assuring her.


    Lowell: ¡°I¡¯m really alright, Mom. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Belle: ¡°I¡¯ll believe you. Well, get inside. It¡¯s time to eat breakfast.¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Yes.¡±


    I followed Mom and ate breakfast. After eating, Dad started to discuss something..


    Louis: ¡°Before we attend the wedding ceremony, we¡¯ll meet someone first. Qazar and Lowell, go get your gear and weapons.¡±


    Mom started to speak out.


    Belle: ¡°Is it really that dangerous, that even the kids need to get geared?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s just for appearance. I can¡¯t let them belittle our side, you know.¡±


    Mom sighed.


    Belle: ¡°You surely have the weirdest of ideas.. Go and follow your Dad¡¯s orders.¡±


    Qazar and Lowell: ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±


    Both of us walked towards our respective rooms. I wore my training clothes, hat and cape. While dressing up, I saw the dress I would wear on Teacher¡¯s wedding.


    Lowell: ¡°So, this is the day, huh..¡±


    I started reminiscing our times together. Before I could immerse myself, I heard Big Brother¡¯s voice calling me.


    Qazar: ¡°Lowell, hurry up.. we¡¯re going.¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Yes, Big Brother.¡±


    Before I could get out of my room, I saw my doll. Since Teacher said that it could be used in battle, I thought of carrying it today.


    Lowell: ¡°Well, nothing¡¯s gonna change if I carry it this time.¡±


    After taking it, I departed from my room. There, I saw Mom and Dad holding Axie and Nephy.


    Lowell: ¡°We¡¯re taking them?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Yes.. Won¡¯t they be lonely here without us?¡±


    Axie: ¡°Mew..¡±


    Nephy: ¡°Meowww¡­¡±


    Both of them looked at me with pleading eyes. I think both of them understand my question.. These two are getting more intelligent these days..


    Lowell: ¡°Okay..¡±


    Both of them jumped away from Mom and Dad.. They approached my legs, as if they wanted me to carry both of them.


    Louis: ¡°Looks like we¡¯re hated, honey..¡±


    Belle: ¡°Don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s just that they liked Little Elle more?¡±


    Mom starts to giggle. Dad starts to laugh while scratching his hair. Big Brother is smiling towards me.. I love this family..


    Louis: ¡°Okay, Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Dad created a Spatial Hole. All of us entered it.


    On the other side, we saw a boundless plain.


    After using a spell, his normal appearance returned.. even his crazy attitude. Dad started to speak .


    Louis: ¡°Yes, this is a good place for the contract, Mr. Sword King.. or would you prefer Mr. Devil?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Oh? You noticed?¡±


    A man spoke. I noticed that he was at our back. When I caught a glimpse of him, I started shivering.


    Louis: ¡°Not actually.. While researching for the whereabouts of your sword, I also gathered more data about you.. Who would have thought.. that your name was written on the seat of ¡®Devil¡¯. Oh~ By the way.. is the seat of ¡®Hermit¡¯ one of your allies? Aimee Raiv.. what a funny coincidence.. She has the same family name with the mortal enemies of Kingdom of Swords..  Gods really like to play with human¡¯s lives.¡±


    After Dad spoke that line, a familiar voice was heard. It was the voice of the girl I saw at the village yesterday.


    Aimee: ¡°I swore my loyalty to Gladius, no one else. What my family name is.. doesn¡¯t matter. I abandoned it long ago. Why don¡¯t you speak about yourself, Theicia¡¯s First Prince? It wasn¡¯t only you who gathered data.. Your main features.. the Silver Hair, Silver Eyes.. is one of the special trait of your Royal Family. Even though your siblings have the same trait, you are the only one blessed with Spatial Attribute. Why does a prince like you chose to live secretly than live in luxury, which you are raised into?¡±


    Her voice was filled with mockery. I can¡¯t see my father¡¯s expression, since I was behind him. Mom¡¯s face was filled with seriousness. It was only me and Big Brother who are surprised with the girl ¨C Aimee¡¯s, revelation.


    Lowell: ¡°Dad¡¯s a prince?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Yes, so technically, you¡¯re really a princess~¡±


    He suddenly follows up with a joke. This thing isn¡¯t to be joked around!


    Lowell: ¡°By that way, when you said that you discovered that he was the seat of devil.. why did you said ¡®written¡¯? Is there something that could provide information about Supreme Throne¡¯s seat holders?¡±


    I thought that when a person became a seat holder, you¡¯ll stay anonymous.. since they didn¡¯t said anything like a device that indicates that the seat was taken..


    Louis: ¡°After the First Kingdom Battle, the Second Generation seat holders agreed on creating something that would indicate if a seat was taken or available. They created a special stone tablet, which each of them injected their mana. Whenever any of them die, their name would be erased from the tablet, making it blank. If a person takes an available seat, his name would be written on the blank part of the tablet. Right now, five seats are occupied. The two of them are in front of us right now.¡±


    I shivered when I heard that. To think that this group has two out of five seat on the Supreme Thrones. It could be said that they reached the pinnacle of their path of life.. and both of them are just the same age as me..


    Gladius: ¡°Let¡¯s stop chit-chatting and start the Devil¡¯s contract. Are they all of the members of your family?¡±


    What? We¡¯re here for a Devil¡¯s Contract?


    So that¡¯s why.. If a Devil Contract is created to secure the safety of a family, the blood of the contractor and the contracted isn¡¯t enough. They also need the blood of each family member to be protected by the contract.. and the blood of the contractor¡¯s members that could potentially harm the contracted¡¯s family members.In simple terms, they needed our blood to finish the contract.


    Gladius: ¡°Here. We¡¯re done on our side. ¡±


    He threw an odd parchment towards Dad. So that is a Devil¡¯s Contract.


    Louis: ¡°Well then, we shall do our side¡¯s deal.¡±


    Dad turns around and gives Mom the contract.


    Belle: ¡°Are you really sure with this?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Definitely.¡±


    Whenever Dad¡¯s in his madman mode, he doesn¡¯t speak seriously and frequently fools around.. but this is the first time.. We saw seriousness in his eyes.


    Belle: ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll trust you.¡±


    Louis: ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Mom signed the contract by pricking her finger with a knife.


    After Mom, it was Big Brother¡¯s turn. He also pricked her finger with Mom¡¯s knife.


    Qazar: ¡°Here, Lowell.¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Okay.¡±


    As I take the contract, we heard Gladius voice.


    Gladius: ¡°Wait.. Hey, ¡®Silver Adventurer. Is she your daughter?!¡±


    Louis: ¡°Yes, why?¡±


    Gladius looked at me.


    *badump*


    It was like the last time.. I felt deep fear when his gaze fell on me.


    Gladius: ¡°Hahahahaha!! To think I¡¯ll find you here!! These Gods really like to joke around!¡±


    He laughed so hard, then his face became serious. When Dad noticed it, he guarded me while glaring towards Gladius.


    Louis: ¡°What is it that you want from my daughter? Have you fallen for her? As her father, I can¡¯t let anyone take my princess, you know.¡±


    Even though he said that jokingly, he¡¯s sending chills that pierce through the spine.


    Gladius: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just continue.¡±


    The smile on his face didn¡¯t vanish.


    Louis: ¡°So he says. Go, Lowell.¡±


    I followed Dad¡¯s order and pricked my finger. I placed my blooded finger on the contract. When the contract came in contact with my blood, the blood was transferred on the parchment. After a few seconds, the blood on the parchment disappeared. I handed the contract to Dad.


    Louis: ¡°Then, that¡¯s all of us.¡±


    He threw the parchment on the middle of him and Gladius.


    Louis: ¡°Contract Start.¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Contract Start.¡±


    After they said that line, a magic circle with complicated design covered both of them. The parchment flew and transformed into a terrifying devil.


    Gladius: ¡°I am Gladius Luxero.¡±


    Louis: ¡°I am Louis Zvalle.¡±


    Gladius and Louis: ¡°Agree with the terms of the contract. If one breaks their part, their punishment.. is their own death. Contract Sealed.¡±


    After a few seconds, the lights dispersed. The parchment returned to it¡¯s normal form and fell on the ground.


    Louis: ¡°Take that, I don¡¯t need that thing.¡±


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Gladius: ¡°If you say so.¡±


    He took the contract from the ground.


    Louis: ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll be off.¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Wait.¡±


    Before Dad could use a ¡®Spatial Hole¡¯, Gladius interrupted him.


    Louis: ¡°What now? Are you going to say ¡®Father, please let me marry your daughter¡¯? Of course I wouldn¡¯t let you~¡±


    He jokingly said towards Gladius. Gladius, on the other hand, was looking at me with a delighted smile. My body starts to shiver.


    Gladius: ¡°Are you aware that your daughter is a ¡®World Traveler¡¯?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Oh~? That¡¯s something interesting~ Tell me more about it~¡±


    Dad starts to get interested.. but rather than that..


    Lowell: ¡°What¡¯s a ¡®World Traveler¡¯?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°It seems the person herself doesn¡¯t know it. A ¡®World Traveler¡¯ is a person from another world. In her case, it looks like she died from her previous world and transported here by those Gods.¡±


    Louis: ¡°Oh~? How did you think that she¡¯s a ¡®World Traveler¡¯?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Because of all people I used my skill on, she¡¯s the only person I couldn¡¯t read..¡±


    Louis: ¡°What kind of ability was that? I can¡¯t say it¡¯s mind reading.. since I know someone who has that already.¡±


    I think Dad overheard my conversation with Big Brother. One time when I tried to trick Big Brother, I accidentally muttered.. ¡°Don¡¯t read my mind!¡±


    Gladius: ¡°You¡¯re right. There¡¯s no harm to tell you since we¡¯re comrades now.. My ability isn¡¯t ¡®Mind Reading¡¯.. It¡¯s ¡®God¡¯s Eye¡¯. Aside from that, I have ¡®Ability Usurpation¡¯ which can copy the ability of a person I killed, and  ¡®Magic Nullify¡¯, which nullifies magic spells and any magical phenomena. Because of Magic Nullification, I can¡¯t gather mana, so you could say that I¡¯m not a Fleur. That¡¯s why I need the sword. It¡¯s the one who gathers mana for me.. so that I can use magic. In a Fleur¡¯s hand, it¡¯s just a normal magic sword, but for non-Fleurs, it is a sword sent by the heaven.


    My ¡®Ability Usurpation¡¯ Special Skill can hold two skills. The ones I have right now are ¡®Clairvoyance¡¯ and ¡®Demon Slash¡¯.


    Now, for your question.. God¡¯s Eye can¡¯t be said a Special Ability.. because unlike Special Skills, it is my own skill. It has the ability to see through hearts of people.. even their subconsciousness.


    Louis: ¡°Oi, Oi~ I can¡¯t ignore that ¡®my own skill¡¯ part. Doesn¡¯t that mean..?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Yes. I am one of those who created the skills. I am the one they called ¡®Evil God¡¯.¡±


    All of us, even his comrades, starts to shiver with fear. It was like a part of our instinct to fear that name. He continued speaking.


    Gladius: ¡°Well, they called me that way because I am a hindrance in their plan.¡±


    Louis: ¡°I see.¡±


    Dad looks at him with approval. What is his plan?


    Gladius: ¡°Oh well, let¡¯s stop chit-chatting and I¡¯ll do your daughter a favor.¡±


    Louis: ¡°Okay~¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Dad?!¡±


    I looked at my Dad with anxiety. He agreed so easily!


    Louis: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lowell-sama~ It won¡¯t change the fact that we¡¯re your parents-¡±


    Belle: ¡°I don¡¯t agree!¡±


    Mom hastily interjected while crying.


    Belle: ¡°If that Gladius kid would really recover Little Elle¡¯s memories, then what would happen afterwards?! She¡¯ll remember everything, even the Gods that transported her here.. but she¡¯ll also remember her past! We¡¯re not sure if that past is a happy one or a sad one. I wouldn¡¯t want to gamble Little Elle¡¯s happiness just because it would help your plans!¡±


    I see.. Mom thought that way.. but..


    Lowell: ¡°Mom.. It¡¯s okay.. Even without his help, I¡¯m starting to remember my past..¡±


    Now, I¡¯m sure that what I dreamed last night and the day I met Axie.. is my past life. Every time I think of it.. I see myself on their shoes, but unable to move the way I wanted.. It was as if I was on ¡®Outbreak¡¯ that time..


    Belle: ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mom reluctantly agrees while wiping her eyes. After hearing my decision, Gladius starts to speak.


    Lowell: ¡°Do I need to remove my accessories?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°No need. My skill would directly affect your body.¡±


    Lowell: ¡°Okay..¡±


    He pointed his index finger on my forehead. I closed my eyes while waiting his skill to execute.


    Gladius: ¡°Here it goes! Magic Nullify!¡±


    I heard his voice, but I started to fall unconscious.


    ***


    While I was looking towards my daughter¡¯s back.. I saw a disaster that would ruin our happy family.


    Gladius: ¡°Magic Nullify!¡±


    My daughter, Lowell Zvalle.. was an Otherworlder. If I could guess, she¡¯s the key for our victory against those Gods.


    It was going smoothly until..


    Gladius: ¡°My skill¡­ was redirected?! Ugh-?!¡±


    Few seconds after Gladius used his spell, a strong force bursts out of Lowell¡¯s body. That¡¯s when all of us saw.. a pendant on her neck flew upward. If I could recall, it was the pendant that Weiss kid gave my daughter.


    Gladius: ¡°Oi, oi! ¡®Silver Adventurer¡¯! You don¡¯t know what that pendant is?!¡±


    Louis: ¡°It¡¯s just an ordinary pendant, right?!¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Godd*mn No! That¡¯s a Star Jewel! If a jewel formed a star-shaped symbol light on it¡¯s surface, we could say that it houses a God inside!¡±


    Louis: ¡°What?!¡±


    The force starts to strengthen and a big magic circle emerged below Lowell¡¯s body. She was surrounded by a transparent barrier and started to float midair. My wife starts to get alarmed with the situation.


    Belle: ¡°W-what¡¯s happening!!¡±


    Belle starts to sprint towards Lowell¡¯s side. Even though she used her Dodge¡¯s Ultimate to run through the force wave, She couldn¡¯t pass through the transparent barrier that surrounded Lowell. She tried to break it, but to no avail.


    Gladius: ¡°D*mn!! She¡¯s being teleported! This is bad! She¡¯s gonna get captured by those God¡¯s allies! ¡®Silver Adventurer¡¯! Can you overwrite the spell below her? Overwrite it and make her teleport elsewhere!¡±


    Louis: ¡°I¡¯ll try! But wouldn¡¯t that make her life more in danger?!¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Her life would end if she teleport to the designated location! I think those Gods gave her the advice to wear it, so that she couldn¡¯t tell their secret! Since that thing activated, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they locate us! Now, in their eyes, she¡¯s just a garbage to be thrown away. Hurry and use a spell!¡±


    Louis: ¡°We¡¯ll talk after this, you ¡®Devil¡¯!¡±


    I started gathering silver mana. I threw it towards the Magic Circle. Sparks flew around the magic circle, but..


    *Boom*


    She flew towards the sky with high speed. I tried to chase it, but..


    Gladius: ¡°Don¡¯t try.. That was a spell that would make a person vanish out of thin air, like Spatial Attribute. That spell was a World-rank Light Attribute spell, ¡®Light Speed Movement¡¯. Good thing that you interrupted it¡¯s complete trajectory, or else she¡¯s doomed.¡±


    My wife slumped on the floor, crying. She was being supported by Qazar.


    Louis: ¡°Tell me! Is this your scheme!?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Why don¡¯t you think of it yourself? My skill is Magic Nullify, not that. I said it already, I don¡¯t have power to control any attribute without my sword. Why don¡¯t you ask the one who gave that necklace where did they got that? If my guess is right, that person was manipulated. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s your son, since he¡¯s your King, right?¡±


    Louis: ¡°What?! He¡¯s our King?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Pftt.. AHAHAHA!¡±


    Louis: ¡°What¡¯s funny, you bastard!¡±


    I lost my cool. Of course, who wouldn¡¯t lose his cool in this situation?


    Gladius: ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just that.. I thought you knew it already. I guess it is destiny that binds you together. Wait, I¡¯ll use ¡®Clairvoyance¡¯ to see her present location. You have a way to reach her, right?¡±


    Louis: ¡°Yes, if nothing happened to her bracelet, I think I could access her..¡±


    Gladius: ¡°This is bad.. I think that when my skill was redirected, all types of magical items in her hand would be turned into normal items. If that¡¯s the case.. her bracelet would also be affected..¡±


    Louis: ¡°Arghhh!!¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Oh? She fell somewhere far.. Can I ask you.. do you have any way to access ¡®Aspar¡¯?¡±


    Louis: ¡°What?!¡±


    Gladius: ¡°To be precise, outside a village named Ire, near the border of Aspar and Ethyne.. the Blank Boundary.¡±


    As I heard those lines, I thought of a way to reach that place.


    Gladius: ¡°If you can¡¯t, don¡¯t worry, she¡¯s in safe hands. Why don¡¯t you let her develop this way? She¡¯s an intelligent girl, and now that she could remember everything about her past, she wouldn¡¯t be influenced by those Gods easily.¡±


    As I thought.. It¡¯s those God¡¯s fault.


    Lowell: ¡°I¡¯ll find your sword, but first.. I¡¯ll retrieve my daughter. Is that okay?¡±


    Gladius: ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    He looked towards his subordinates and spoke.


    Glaidus: ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. We¡¯ll get caught if we waste any second.¡±


    Aimee, Sarge, and Hughes: ¡°Yes.¡±


    All of them walked hastily. We should do that also.


    Louis: ¡°Let¡¯s go. We shall see Weiss¡¯ father before we set out and find Lowell. Is that okay?¡±


    My wife, who was still crying, looked towards me with anger.


    Belle: ¡°It¡¯s because you made a deal with that ¡®Devil¡¯, we lost Little Elle! It¡¯s your fault.. It¡¯s your fault!¡±


    My wife started to hit my back while I was hugging her. I couldn¡¯t refute.. It¡¯s my fault.


    Louis: ¡°Yes, I know.. That¡¯s why.. I won¡¯t stop until we find her.. and kill those Gods who are responsible for this..¡±


    She hit me for a while, but she stopped after calming down.


    Yes. I wouldn¡¯t stop until I killed those Gods.

 Chapter 27 - The Pathfinder

    In a grassy plain where monsters run rampart, three people were running away from a group of wolves. One of them started to speak.


    ???: ¡°Kieth, Kyle.. can¡¯t you hold up those wolves? I can¡¯t concentrate while running!!¡±


    The man called Kieth starts to talk back.


    Kieth: ¡°If you didn¡¯t let that one escape, we won¡¯t be running like this! Kyle, report our status!¡±


    The person Kieth called starts to speak calmly.


    Kyle: ¡°One injured wolf and six reinforcements. With their present speed, they would reach us in three minutes. This would get tough if they caught up with us. Best way of action right now is to chant movement restriction spells. They are afraid of fire, so creating a ring of fire around them is good way to hinder them. Eli, do your job efficiently this time.¡±


    Eli: ¡°I know! Dammit!¡±


    The only woman in the party, Eli starts to chant her spell.


    Eli: ¡°Fire, surround my enemies! Flame Circle!¡±


    When she casted the spell, all seven wolves are trapped inside the Flame Circle.


    Eli: ¡°Yay! I did it!¡±


    Kieth: ¡°Stupid Eli! Start running!¡±


    Eli: ¡°Yea-?!¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, a big ball of light dropped from the sky. It¡¯s target Is the middle of the Flame Circle.


    Kieth: ¡°Stupid Eli! Duck!¡±


    Eli: ¡°Duck? What duck- Wawawawa!!!¡±


    Eli flew because of the air from the impact. She landed face-first on the grassland.


    Both Kieth and Kyle reacted on time, so they didn¡¯t flew like Eli.


    Eli removed her face from the land, but some grass entered her mouth.


    Eli: ¡°Pueh! Pueh! Dammit! What was that!!¡±


    Kyle: ¡°Because of that falling object from the sky, our main pursuer is annihilated. Now, what is this..¡±


    Keith: ¡°That¡¯s-! That¡¯s a girl!¡±


    Before Kieth could do something, Kyle started to speak without emotion.


    Kyle: ¡°Stop, Kieth. It¡¯s dangerous to approach her recklessly.¡±


    Eli, who was looking on both of them, started talking.


    Eli: ¡°Wherever you look at her, I only see an extraordinarily cute little girl!¡±


    Kyle starts to lose his cool because of his party mate¡¯s recklessness.


    Kyle: ¡°Where could you find a person who fell from the sky ordinary?¡±


    Kieth: ¡°Kyle is right. Eli, ready your greatest one-target offensive spell. I¡¯ll approach her cautiously.¡±


    Eli: ¡°But I want to hold her.. Okay. But if it¡¯s not dangerous.. I¡¯ll hold her!!¡±


    Kyle starts to walk slowly towards the girl. When he looked towards her face, his face became beet red.


    Kieth: ¡°This is dangerous..¡±


    Eli: ¡°What dangerous! Even from this distance, I could see your blushing face! Are you a lolicon?!¡±


    Kieth: ¡°What? No! Rather than that! I don¡¯t see anything dangerous! She¡¯s just unconscious.¡±


    Eli: ¡°Really!?¡±


    Eli ran hastily towards the girl. She hugged the girl tightly.


    Eli: ¡°Hey, Hey! Can we take her? Hey, Can we take her!?¡±


    Eli looks at Kyle and Kieth with upturned eyes. Both of them sighed in resignation.


    Kieth: ¡°This woman.. She¡¯s cute but her mind is empty.. To think that she is a Professor-tier Fleur..¡±


    Eli: ¡°Ehehehe~ Don¡¯t make me blush- Dammit! What did you say?!¡±


    Eli realized what Kieth said wasn¡¯t a compliment, but an insult instead.


    Eli: ¡°Hah-! I smell large amount of gold! This girl¡¯s rich!¡±


    Kieth: ¡°You really use your skill on weird times..¡±


    Eli starts to rummage the girl¡¯s robe. She found a pouch inside one of her pockets. She opened it hastily.


    Eli: ¡°T-this is! So much gold!¡±


    Kieth: "Eli, don''t do that!"


    Eli: "Oh~ What''s this? An Identification Card? So this little girl''s an adventurer?"


    Eli starts to look at the girl''s Identification Card.


    Eli: "Name: Lowell Zvalle... Age: 8 years old.. Okay.. What?! Eight years old?!"


    She looks at the girl with curiousity.


    Eli: "Hey~ This girl''s an adventurer at the age of eight~!"


    Kyle: "Hmm?"


    It piqued Kyle''s interest and starts to walk towards the girl.


    Eli: "Birthplace: Blanc City.. Where the heck was that?"


    Now, both Eli and Kieth noticed Kyle''s weird face. It is rare for him to do this kind of face, they thought.


    Kieth: "What''s wrong Kyle, do you know something?"


    Kyle: "If I could recall.. It is a village near Royal Capital City.."


    Kieth: "What?!"


    Eli: "Royal Capital City?"


    Kieth made a surprise face.. but Eli makes a clueless expression.


    Kyle: "If your head is really that empty, I''ll tell you. Royal Capital City is the Capital of Fraxiania. "


    Eli: "Oh! I know Fraxiania.. Fraxiania?!"


    Eli created a triumphant face, but it changed into a surprised face afterwards.


    Kyle: "To think that she flew that far.. Unbelievable."


    While both Kyle and Kieth was still deep in thought, Eli starts to read the girl''s.. Lowell''s Identification Card again. After reading it, she looked towards Kieth and Kyle with sparkling eyes.


    Eli: "Hey, guys! This girl''s a treasure!!"


    Kyle: "If you''re thinking of getting her pouch, just say so."


    Eli: "That''s not it!! This girl! She''s a Professor-Tier Fleur!!"


    Kyle: "Hmm.. To think we would find an Eight years old Fleur.. and an Adventurer at that.. I''m starting to get curious of her origins.."


    Eli: "But her cape doesn''t show her present Tier.. It''s plain violet.."


    Kyle: "You sure are knowledgeable on unnecessary things.. that''s why the village call you ''Miscellaneous Eli''.."


    Eli: "Where the heck did that come from!"


    Kieth: "Stop fighting, I think we should return. Before we could encounter another monster again. It''s dangerous since we''ll have to carry her towards the village."


    Kyle: "Good idea."


    Eli: "Then let''s do that."


    Keith: "So who''s gonna carry her?"


    Eli: "I''ll do that~"


    Three of them departed from the place hastily.


    ***


    I''m here again..


    Yellow Star: "Oh? You''re awake."


    Lowell: "What happened?"


    Yellow Star: "Well, the worst thing happened.."


    Lowell: "Worst thing?"


    Yellow Star: "Didn''t we tried to warn you? Don''t get close to the ''Evil God''. Why didn''t you obey us? Sigh.. If you''ve just follow us, this won''t happen.. Is it because you trust your Father? You''re Father was corrupted. You noticed that he moves according to Gladius'' whim, right? It''s because your Father touched him. You, on the other hand, was protected by the necklace.


    When Gladius used his powers, you should''ve been transported by the necklace toward a safe place.. but your Father interrupted it. Now, you''re in a place where all negative sides of humanity can be seen."


    Lowell: "I can''t believe all of what you''re saying anymore.."


    Yellow Star: "Oh, so you''ve recovered your memories.. Well, it was our intention from the start, but that Gladius is just too impatient. You know, we said it from the start. Our mission for you isn''t fight him, but avoid him. We want you to recreate your previous achievements in Earth here in Twilight World.. Now, if you don''t believe me, it''s your choice. But this is my advice.. Trust the first people you meet."


    As he said that , he started to vanish from the area.


    Lowell: "I''ll take that it mind.."


    I closed my eyes..


    ***


    Before I could open my eyes, I heard a group of people talking. A woman started to speak.


    Eli: "Hey, she''s waking up~!"


    I noticed that I was on a bed.


    I opened my eyes, just to see a girl with blue long hair and golden eyes. I could say that she''s sixteen or seventeen years old. She was sitting in a chair beside the bed. A man in armor, who was beside her started to speak. He has a green hair and a scar on his face. I think he''s around the same age as the girl.


    Kieth: "Lowell Zvalle, I presume? How are you feeling?"


    I adjusted myself and sat on the bed. I noticed a man near the door, reading a book.


    Lowell: "I-I''m alright.. How did you know my name?"


    The green-haired man who was reading the book started to speak


    Kyle: "Our stupid party mate sniffed your gold pouch and she found your Identification Card."


    Eli: "Don''t make it sound that I''m a thief!"


    Kyle: "Using your skill on a person who is unconscious and taking her pouch without permission.. Isn''t that thievery?"


    Sparks flew as they glare at each other.


    The man who is in armor starts to speak.


    Kieth: "Stop arguing."


    Eli & Kyle: "Hmph!"


    Both of them looked away from each other.


    Kieth: "Don''t mind them.. It''s just their usual routine."


    Lowell: "O-Okay.. You are?"


    Kieth: "I am Kieth Franz. I am the leader of our party. That man over there is my twin, Kyle Franz. This girl here-"


    Before he could finish his introduction, the girl stood and smiled brilliantly.


    Eli: "I''m Eli Westwood! Rather than Eli, call me Big Sister~! You''re so cute, Lowell-chan~~!!"


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    She held my hand and her eyes were sparkling.


    Lowell: "I-I see.. Can I ask.. where am I?"


    Both Kieth and Eli became silent and looked at each other. When Kyle noticed that, he started to speak.


    Kyle: "You''re in the village of Ire, a village in Aspar near the Blank Boundary."


    Blank Boundary? I was transported that far?!


    Lowell: "So that''s what happened.."


    I felt sadness. I remembered my family in Blanc City..


    When Eli noticed that, she hugged me intensely. I, who remembered my life as a man before, starts to blush.


    Eli: "It must be hard for you.. To be separated from your family.."


    I knew from the start.. I wasn''t a strong person. Even in my previous life.. I acted strong.. but I knew it was just a facade.


    I tried to control my tears, but it just won''t stop falling from my eyes..


    Lowell: "Uuuu.."


    I cried my heart out. After a few minutes, something happened.


    Axie: "Mew~!!!"


    Nephy: "Meow~!!!"


    Both Axie and Nephy emerged from the hat was placed on a nearby table. Both of them rushed towards my side and threatened Eli. Eli stopped hugging me and staggered backwards.


    Eli: "W-where did they came from!?"


    Kyle, who was on the door, looked at me with a surprised face.


    Kyle: "A Jade Cat.. and a Land Serpent?! You''re a Tamer?"


    Lowell: "Y-Yes.. but they''re still children so I don''t think I could qualify as one.."


    Kieth: "Why are you so surprised about that, Kyle? I''m more surprised that both of them fit inside that hat. Eli, you didn''t notice them when you removed her hat?"


    Eli: "I thought it was normal for the hat to be that heavy!"


    Kyle: "You''re really a blockhead.."


    Kieth: "Kyle, is it dangerous?"


    Kyle: "Actually, it isn''t.. But I think those Magical Beasts thought that Eli was bullying Lowell."


    Eli: "What?! I''m not bullying her!"


    Both of them are arguing, but I didn''t mind them. I hugged both Axie and Nephy. In turn, they licked my face, as if they want me to stop crying.


    Lowell: "I''m alright.. Thanks.."


    As I said that, both of them sat on my lap. They started to sleep.


    Kieth: "Now that everything''s fine, What are you planning to do, Lowell?"


    He looked at me seriously.. I want to..


    Lowell: "Is there a way for me to go home?"


    Kieth: "Kyle, do you have any ideas?"


    Kyle: "First, you can travel through Blank Boundary after four months. During that time, there is a ceasefire between Ethyne and Aspar. After that, ride an Airship that transports people above Ancient Wetlands. The whole trip would take two years before reaching Blanc City. You''ll need at least Five or Six hundred Gold to do that."


    Kieth: "That''s how it is.."


    I looked at them with disbelief. After three years, all the gold I accumulated could be around 160 Gold. How could I get 500 Gold within four months?


    Lowell: "Is there a way to earn Five hundred gold in four months?"


    Kyle: "I can only think of two ways. One is selling your Land Serpent. If you do that, you could obtain more than eight or nine hundred gold."


    I shivered when he said that. To think he could nonchalantly say that kind of thing..


    Lowell: "The other one?"


    Kyle: "Earn by completing quests. You''re a Professional Tier Fleur right? You can earn around one hundred gold per month if you complete quests."


    I see. If I do that, I could earn around Four hundred gold in four months.. adding the gold I have..


    Lowell: "Huh? Where''s my gold pouch.."


    Kieth: "Eli?"


    Eli: "Ahahah~ I know, I know~ Here, Lowell-chan~"


    Eli returned my gold pouch. I noticed it was a little lighter..


    Eli: "W-Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Kieth: "I didn''t think you would be this shameless.."


    Kyle: "Shameless.."


    Eli: "What?! I didn''t take anything! Oh! Her Identification Card! Here you go."


    When I placed my Identification card inside, I noticed that it was back to it''s normal weight.


    Eli: "So, you wanna join us? Please join us!"


    Eli looks at me with expectant eyes. Kieth starts to speak.


    Kieth: "I don''t want to force you, but in this place, most form parties not just for hunting, but also for self-protection. If you want, we could recommend you to a decent party. We''re just a bunch of trouble-makers, so we couldn''t make you feel secure. Do you still want to join our party?"


    So.. those Gods are right.. these guys are kind. I could see that they are happy as a party.


    Lowell: "Okay, I''ll join your party.. So, what''s your party name?"


    Eli: "We''re the ''Eli-sama Fan Club''~ Ouch!"


    Kieth smacked Eli''s head with his iron-armored fist. It looks like it hurts a lot..


    Kieth: "We are the ones who seeks for our own paths in life together. We are the ''Pathfinder''."


    Eli: "Good name right~ Now for Lowell-chan''s role! I saw her wand, so it means she''s a long-range Fleur. Positions like Main Damage Fleur and Support Damage Fleur suits her. But.. I''m already the Main Damage Fleur..and Kyle''s the Support Damage Fleur.. so this is a problem.."


    Kyle: "Why don''t you just change into Utility Fleur, and let her be the Main Damage Fleur?"


    Eli: "Ah! I see~!"


    Eh? She agreed easily? I started to ask questions.


    Lowell: "Why did you agree easily? You know that Utility Fleurs acts as scouts, right?"


    Eli: "Yes, no problem! I can do that easily~!"


    Lowell: "You''ll lure the monsters.."


    Eli: "My main weapon is a bow, you see."


    Lowell: "You''ll become the baggage carrier of the party.."


    Eli: "Ahahaha! I''m starting to think what era are you from.. We have a ''Dimensional Pouch'' you know! They''re a little expensive, but we bought one~ It could even fit a small room inside!"


    After showing me the Dimensional Pouch, Kyle starts to ask me with a serious face.


    Kyle: "Lowell, Can I ask a question?"


    Lowell: "What is it?"


    Kyle: "Lowell, do you have any experience as an adventurer?"


    Lowell: "N-No.."


    Kyle: "Then, have you ever thought of killing a Magical Beast.. or even a man before?"


    His eyes pierced through my soul. I shivered when I saw his empty-looking eyes.


    Eli: "Stop that! Her Identification Card would turn red if she killed right? Why are you asking such absurd things?!"


    Kyle: "I want to see her reaction about killing Magical Beasts and even criminals. In this place, you know the rule right? ''Kill or be Killed''. It''s you who kill for survival, or you be killed for other''s survival. I can''t trust my back to someone who couldn''t do that."


    Lowell: "My knowledge came from books.. On killing Magical Beasts, I could do that.. but killing people.. I can''t do it.."


    Kyle: "Even though they have the intention to hurt you?"


    Lowell: "I''ll just make myself stronger. Stronger that I could restrain them instead."


    Kyle: "Hmm.. Overpowering your opponent, huh.. It''s been awhile I heard that. You''ll regret it."


    Lowell: "I''ll stick with my ideals."


    Kyle: "It looks like we found someone much more of a fool than Eli. I agree on making you our Main Damage Fleur. Train with low-level beasts. You may have been reached Professor Tier, but first-hand experience is still needed. Oh, and remember.. I believe ''Straightforward Fools die early.'' Kieth, I have something to do outside, I''ll be back by dinner."


    Kieth: "Okay."


    Kyle closed his book and walks outside.


    Eli: "Don''t mind that cold man. He just can''t act honestly."


    Lowell: "I see.."


    Kieth: "So, what''s your decision after that?"


    Lowell: "I''ll join."


    Kieth: "Okay! Then let''s start!"


    Start? Start what?


    Before I could ask, Kieth started to speak. A shining circle emerged around the room.


    Kieth: "I am Kieth Franz, the leader of Pathfinder, invites Lowell Zvalle to join our party. My whole party pledge fairness between her and other party mates. Do you accept?"


    Lowell: "W-What should I say?"


    Eli: "Just say ''I accept''."


    Lowell: "I accept."


    After saying that, my Identification Card flew from my pouch and shined. After a few seconds, the light dissipated. I noticed that a new entry emerged at the back side of my Identification Card.


    ¡ºParty: Pathfinder¡»


    Eli: "Yay! Pretty little sister, get~!"


    Eli held my hand. Both Axie and Nephy noticed that and starts growling towards her. Instead of calling it growl, I could say it was rather cute to be called that way.


    Eli: "Okay, Okay, little ones. Hug Big sister.. Waa!! Don''t bite me!!"


    Eli tried to hug them, but they pounced on her and starts biting her.


    Kieth: "Looks like things would get more rowdier than before.. Sigh.."


    Kieth sighs in resignation.


    Mom, Dad, Big Brother, and Weiss.. I''ll do my best to return.. to our place.

 Chapter 28 - Weapon Selection

    That morning, we prepared to depart from the inn.


    Kieth: "Here, wear this."


    He passed a tattered cloak, a mask, and a pair of shoes.


    Lowell: "What''s this for?"


    Kieth: "It''s for disguise. Your features are eye-catching, so that can provide protection from unnecessary trouble. The mask changes your voice into a teenage woman. Those shoes can adjust themselves to add your height. It might be a little uncomfortable, but please bear with it when we''re outside."


    I see. In my previous life, most movies characters wear this kind of things to hide their identity. After assimilating with my previous life''s memories, I don''t want to boast nor act narcissistic, but I could say that I am a beautiful girl. In a place like this, where ''Strong preys on the weak'', I can say that I am an easy target in their eyes. I''m also lacking in height, so they would notice that I''m still a child even with a disguise on.


    Lowell: "Thank you."


    Kieth: "It''s my job as the party leader. You''re informed of our schedule for today, right?"


    Lowell: "Yes."


    Kieth: "I''ll remind you again. Always stay by our side. If you don''t, there''s always three types of fate waiting for you.. It''s either you get raped, be sold as slave.. or the worst.. get killed.


    I nod in approval, but I still had chills when I heard him.


    I wore my disguise and prepared to leave, but Axie and Nephy starts to get noisy. It looks like they don''t want to stay in the inn. Seeing the situation, Kyle gave me an advice to take them, so I placed Axie and Nephy in a shoulder bag because they could fit inside it.


    When they popped their faces out of the bag, I instructed them to hide when we''re still at the village. Both of them obediently followed.


    Our first destination is the village''s blacksmith. I thought first that I heard wrong since I don''t use weapons, but Kieth said..


    Kieth: "Our blacksmith creates wands."


    I thought they only create iron-based weapons like shields and armors, since my wand is created by wood, but it wasn''t the case.


    Before we left the inn, Kieth and others also worn the same disguise. I only realized that it is necessary to wear disguise after leaving the inn.


    Because I was unconscious when they brought me to the village, I didn''t knew it, but all people in the streets are wearing a disguise. I also noticed that there were no children playing around the streets, as if there wasn''t any of them at the first place.


    The village looks like those western cowboy villages, where it was mostly desolate and the ground is dusty and the houses are bungalow-styled and made of wood. Kieth said that there are only few two-story buildings in this place, mainly the inn and the Guild house.


    The houses are closed, but one could see some damage made by swords, magic and arrows on them. I think fighting at the streets frequently happen in this village.


    When we reached the blacksmith, I saw a middle-aged man, doesn''t even look like he''s at his 30''s yet, attending the store. I noticed that Kieth and Kyle stood outside, so I was only guided by Eli. Eli removed her disguise. When the man saw Eli, he smiled and spoke.


    Man: "Yo~ Did you break your bow again?"


    Eli: "Of course not! Theo, I''m here to buy two sets of arrows and a wand for this girl here. Lowell, if that man did something suspicious, just call me, okay?"


    After saying that, she looks around the store happily.


    The man called Theo looks at me curiously. I''m hiding my face right now, but I think he could see through me.


    Theo: "Ohoho~? It seems that you obtained a new party member. So, what kind of wand are you looking for?"


    I handed my Oakwood Wand.


    Man: "It looks pretty normal, but I don''t sense the magical properties of Oakwood. This is strange.. Oh well, I can''t provide you the same staff.. not being harsh or anything, but I don''t sell these kind of low-level items here in my shop. Here, take a look at these.


    He placed four wands in the table. He raised the first one, a wand made of metal coated with red color. I can''t use ''Eye of Investigation'' since I might get busted.


    Man: "This is the Red Iron Wand. I forged it by mixing Blood Stone and Iron Ingots. When equipped, it can boost your water spells a little. Really misleading since it looks like it boost fire spells instead, right? Blood Stones are created by crystallization of a High-Tier Magical Beast''s blood."


    Lowell: "Can I hold it?"


    Theo: "Sure."


    He handed me the wand. It was a little heavy, but the thing is.. I felt a little shiver while holding it, so I returned it immediately.


    Theo: "It looks like you didn''t like it. I see.. you''re not used of killing, right?"


    Lowell: "I can guess, it''s one of it''s properties, right?"


    Theo: "You''re inexperienced of killing.. now I''m wondering why did you join a party of adventurers."


    Theo looks at me slyly, but Eli interrupts him.


    Eli: "Theo, don''t scare my little sis!"


    Theo: "Oh~? Hahaha! Okay, Okay~ I won''t make tricks anymore. Here''s the next, Erudite Wand."


    He held a green-colored wand that looks like a polished gem. If a person looks at it properly, one may think that it is fragile like glass that would break when dropped.


    Lowell: "Erudite?"


    I looked at him suspiciously


    Theo: "Yes, why don''t you try it?"


    I took the Erudite Wand. When I held it, the wand glowed and it''s color became blue.


    Theo: "Heh~ Excellent knowledge but lacks creativity. Eli, looks like your party found a diamond in the rough fleur this time Eh~."


    Eli: "I recruited her~"


    Theo: "Oh?~ ''Miscellaneous Eli'' found a rough gem? I didn''t think you''re good at something relevant to the party except being firepower~"


    Eli: "What did you say?!!"


    Before Eli could approach us, I started to ask Theo to change the topic.


    Lowell: "What is Erudite?"


    Theo: "Erudite is a gem of Knowledge and Creativity. It measures the balance between one''s knowledge and creativity and also measures the level of it. If a person with high knowledge but doesn''t have the creativity to keep up with it, it will turn to blue. If one has high creativity but his knowledge couldn''t keep up with it, the gem would turn into orange. If a person have balanced knowledge and creativity, it would turn into gold.


    The capacity of their knowledge or creativity depends on the intensity of it''s color. Since the assessment to you is a very bright blue, it seems that you have great knowledge that even your creativity couldn''t keep up with. It means, you have potential to be great, but lacks the creativity to do so."


    I think it''s only half-true. It''s true that I have great knowledge in form of Physics and Chemistry, but I don''t think I don''t have creativity. It''s just that.. my creativity is overwhelmed by big amount of knowledge so the Erudite wand shows that I lack creativity.


    Lowell: "If both have low knowledge and creativity?"


    Theo: "Silly, of course it won''t light. Look.."


    He took the staff and thrown it to Eli.


    Theo: "Eli, catch."


    Eli: "Ah-? Eh-? Woah, Woah!?!"


    Eli panics but succeeds to hold the wand. It glowed a very strong orange light.


    Eli: "This again? Next time, I''ll seriously break it."


    Theo: "Ahahaha~ Don''t do that, Beautiful Eli~"


    Eli: "Ehe Ehehe~ I-If you say it like that~"


    So gullible..


    Eli hands the wand to Theo while swaying left and right. She''s really easy to deceive..


    Theo signals me to lend my ears. He whispers some advice to me.


    Theo: "Now, you see? That woman there is stupid, but her creativity is above average. It would be good for you to learn from her."


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Lowell: "I see.. but something bothers me.."


    Theo: "What is it~?"


    Lowell: "What''s the purpose you created that kind of wand? Even normal erudite stone can do that assessment, right?"


    There''s no benefit in creating something that can even work in it''s raw state.. I think.


    Theo: "Oh? But it''s my own decision to make it though. Girl, I shall give this advice to you. There are things in the world we could see as nonsensical, but only the one who created them can feel its essence. It''s like creating a sand castle in the beach even though you know it would get destroyed by waves.


    Satisfaction is the key, my dear. People work, but for what? It''s for satisfaction. Satisfaction of self, satisfaction of family, satisfaction of friends, We are driven to work because of satisfaction. As for me, a blacksmith''s satisfaction is by creating weapons that could save or even destroy, lives. It''s not that I don''t feel guilty when people use my swords in crime, but I believe that ''Swords have no Eyes'', it''s the decision of the user how to use my created weapon.


    Now, why did I create an Erudite Wand?  It''s because of my ego and satisfaction. I don''t want to display any raw material in my shop, you see. Raw materials should stay in the smithy, not in the shop. That''s why."


    I still can''t understand, but I think it''s Blacksmith''s Pride that made him do that..


    Now, I''m starting to think that these four wands are not for sale, but he use this to test and know his customer.


    While I was still pondering, he lifted the third staff. It is a blue wand that looks like a peeled banana. Rather than calling it a banana, it was like a miniature rapier with a hilt divided into four that is pointing backwards, like a peeled banana.


    When he handed it to me, instead of feeling an increase in my mana, it absorbed my mana.


    Lowell: "What?"


    Theo: "Well, well, just wait and see.."


    In a few minutes, it started to transform. I tried to drop it, but it looks like it stuck itself on my hand.


    Lowell: "What is this?!"


    Theo: "Don''t be nervous. That one''s called the Morphing Wand. Since most people start with a stick, they get stuck using it their whole lives. Instead of trying all weapons to find what suits you, the Morphing Wand transforms itself to the weapon that is most compatible to the user. It is creation process.. you wanna hear it?"


    He smiled broadly. It gave me a bad premonition. I don''t wanna hear it.


    Lowell: "No thanks."


    While we''re talking, the Morphing Wand transformed into.. a staff.


    Theo: "A staff.."


    Lowell: "A staff?"


    Theo: "It looks like staffs are much better weapons for you."


    Lowell: "What''s the difference between the two?"


    I don''t think any difference. I always think that a staff is just a longer wand.


    Theo: "Staffs give higher magical powers than wands. To compensate it, wands give higher mobility since they are easier to carry around. Unlike wands, staffs can be used to block melee weapons to compensate their lack of mobility. Most Main Damage Fleurs use staff instead of wands, and Support Damage Fleurs use wands and lightweight magical weapons instead of staffs so that they could move around the battlefield. Is that a good explanation?"


    Lowell: "I see."


    I gave the Morphing Staff to Theo, and it transformed into a sword. After transforming, Theo placed it back and it reverted to it''s wand form.


    Theo: "Lastly, I shall present you this~ "


    The last one.. is a silver-colored wand. It was a very plain one. Instead of calling it a wand, a metal stick is a much better term. I started to tease him a little.


    Lowell: "Oi, what happened to your ''Raw materials go to smithy'' rule?"


    Theo: "This is special case~ It''s my father''s wish before he died to continue his legacy. Our family has a tradition.. to let our customers hold this silver-colored metal. You know, before I was a blacksmith, I was a son of blacksmith~ Not only because of that. I can''t melt this metal or even form it into the shape I want. Here, hold this."


    When I held it, I felt a strong surge of energy entering my body. I don''t know what happened, but a map of the continent emerged on my view. In it, there is a red dot on the Desert of Isolation. Huh? Isn''t this...


    Lowell: "Here. Nothing happened."


    I can''t say it.. It would be deep trouble if I say that I discovered a treasure map.


    Theo: "I see.. Oh well, it''s just what I expected. Oh well, I''ll create your weapon according to the information I gathered. Expect it to be done before sunset."


    Lowell: "You won''t ask for materials?"


    Theo: "Hahaha! Of course not! What I need is money. Since you''re the little sister of my precious customer Eli, I''ll sell it.. about this much."


    He created a seven using his hands.


    Lowell: "Seven gold?"


    Theo: "Correct~ Regularly, I sell it by 15 or 17 gold. Of course you can pay after seeing the product."


    Lowell: "Eh? Wouldn''t it be a waste of material if you create it and I won''t buy it afterwards?"


    Theo: "Don''t underestimate me, girl~ I can dismantle everything I created. Trust me, I''m a pro at this~"


    Lowell: "O-Okay.."


    Theo: "Hey Eli, stop swinging that sword decoration and take your arrows."


    Eli: "Okay~"


    After taking Eli''s arrows, we departed from the place. I saw Kyle and Kieth waiting outside. Kieth started asking me questions.


    Kieth: "So, how was it?"


    Lowell: "He said it would be created before afternoon."


    Kyle: "That guy.. even though he only accepts girls as customers, he''s very good in his job.."


    So that''s why they didn''t enter.


    Kieth: "Well then, let''s go to the clothes store."


    We proceeded towards the clothes store. While on the way, we saw a crowd of people. Kieth and the others noticed it and tried to avoid it.


    Lowell: "You''re not curious?"


    Kieth: "Of that? That''s a daily occurrence."


    Lowell: "So you knew what was that?"


    Kyle: "If you''re really that curious, I''ll tell you. It''s-"


    Eli: "Stop, Kyle!"


    When I heard Eli''s voice, I noticed that it was a very nervous tone. She''s also shaking.


    Kyle: "She''ll know it sooner or later. It''s best for her to know that."


    Eli: "But still!"


    Lowell: "Eli, it''s okay.. Kyle, say it."


    Kyle''s nonchalant voice emerged from his mask.


    Kyle: "That''s a human corpse. A fresh one at it."


    I started to turn pale. So that''s why Eli''s shaking.


    Kyle: "Are you thinking ''What is the kingdom''s troops doing''? Because we are a village before the war zone, you think that the number of troops in this area should be numerous? That''s wrong. We lack soldiers because we are a ''village before a war zone''. If our village is inside the war zone, soldiers will be numerous since they needed to protect the border. At the same time, they could enforce their laws in those areas.


    Our village serves as a place where they pass before entering the war zone, nothing else. Instead of placing soldiers here, wouldn''t it be more reasonable to deploy them on the next village, which is a war zone? That''s how our kingdom think."


    Kieth: "You should know, Lowell. In this place, it''s best not to offend anybody. If you value your life and your dreams, keep a low profile."


    Lowell: "Then why are you guys staying here?"


    I asked them a very normal question. The three of them looked at each other and nods.


    Kieth: "We are here not because we liked it.. but we''re searching for someone."


    Lowell: "Someone?"


    Kieth: "Our little sister."

 Chapter 29 - Guild Master

    Author Notes: Here''s a pretty late chapter~ Very busy here.. I didn''t have time to write any chapter within 3 days.. Well, I''m busy tomorrow (Election day of our Country) so I can''t post anything within 3 days again.. or something like that.


    <hr />


    It seems that their little sister Lianne Franz, which is the almost the same age as me, was abducted by bandits.


    Kieth: "Actually, our party is composed of four members - Me, Kyle, Eli, and Lianne. We are adventurers in name, but our main profession are traveling performers."


    Lowell: "You''re part of a troupe?"


    Kieth: "Yes. Before we got separated, we''re a part of a troupe. In an unfortunate event, we were fought by bandits. In the end, we won against them, but they abducted our little sister. We proposed to retrieve her, but most of the troupe declined, so the three of us broke up with them."


    After Kieth said that, Kyle spoke with a voice mixed with anger.


    Kyle: "Those bastards.. ''Leave her, it''s either she''s dead or sold as slave.'' They didn''t even tried to find her.. And they even convinced themselves that our sister is already dead. Of course, who wouldn''t be angry at those people?"


    So this is another dark side of humans those Gods said.. betrayal and abandonment. Friends turned their backs and abandoned you.. My heart ached as I imagine their circumstances.


    Kieth: "Stop, Kyle. You know each one of us have our own issues.They have families to support, so we don''t have any choice but move separately with them."


    Eli: "Hey, let''s not talk about this anymore, please?"


    Before Kyle could speak, Eli interrupted them.


    All of us silently walked towards the clothing store.


    Unlike in the Blacksmith, we didn''t stay on the Clothing store that long.  Most of the store''s clothes are rather plain, or it could be said that they are selling clothes that are for daily needs, not for fashion or anything. It''s understandable, since all wear disguise outside, so what''s the need of wearing cute and fashionable clothes?


    Knowing that I should spend less, I bought five sets of clothes, for 1 gold. Even in my previous life, I preferred buying ordinary clothes. The problem is when I was to buy my own underwear...


    Lowell: "Calm down, you''re a girl now.. a girl.. a girl.."


    I may have a happy-go-lucky attitude, but my previous life''s values as a man was still there. Because of the sudden recovery of my memories, I still can''t sort out my feelings.. I know that it is pretty stupid since I was a girl from birth and just recovered my previous memories, but the uncomfortable feelings are still there.


    Eli: "What''s wrong, Lowell?"


    Eli, who was also looking at the store''s goods, approached me.


    Lowell: "I-It''s nothing!"


    Eli: "Ah-?! Are you nervous of picking your own underwear?"


    She looks at me like she understands something.


    Eli: "Don''t worry~ I''m also that nervous when I was your age~ Here, Big Sister would help you~"


    Instead of nervous.. My feelings are more like.. being embarrassed.. but I won''t say it.


    Lowell: "Eh?! Ah! I can do it myself!"


    Eli: "Don''t Be shy~"


    She took a bunch of underwear from the stand. I started to walk away from her. It isn''t because I was embarrassed, but I noticed a ominous glint in her eyes. Even though I just met them, I know that her eyes gives a sign that she''ll do something no-good.


    Eli: "Where are you going, Lowell~"


    Lowell: "Hii!! I-I''m going to the t-toilet!"


    Eli: "Heh~ But the toilet isn''t that way~ Let me guide you~"


    The glint in her eyes intensified! I''m dead!!


    Eli grabbed my sleeves and drags me towards the fitting room.


    We stored the clothes I bought in the party''s Dimensional Pouch, since they said it would be a waste of time to return to the inn.


    After buying clothes, we started to walk towards our next destination.


    Lowell: "So, what''s our next destination?"


    Eli: "We''re going to the ''Quest House''~"


    Eli starts to hum happily. I think she enjoyed dressing me up..


    Kieth: "Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier. Kyle, can you explain it to her?"


    Kyle: "Unlike your city''s Guild House, the Guild Houses near the borders and magical beast territories are always full of people. That''s because they receive requests daily, like subjugation, caravan protection, etc.. To reduce the number of people, each Guild Houses created a separate building, where all request are being posted. That is a Quest House.


    In Quest House, adventurers are ranked from G to A rank. That also goes to the requests, which is ranked that way. The Guild House gives the difficulty rank for requests, while only people with the same rank or one rank higher can take the quest. If you''re an G-rank, you can only access G-rank quests. When you''re D-rank, you can access D-rank and E-rank quests, but they can''t access F-rank quests, so that other adventurers can have their own chance of getting quests..


    Lowell: "How do they rank adventurers?"


    Kyle: "There are three ways. One, register as a G-rank adventurer. It happens when the person registering doesn''t have an Identification Card and not qualified to take one. It happens rarely because most of humanity is granted the power of wielding magic. Two, register as an adventurer, and you''ll automatically ranked according to your Fleur Tier. Third, register as adventurer, and take a combat test. Only a few take the third way, since their opponent would be the Guild Master."


    Lowell: "Eh?! Isn''t that too unfair?"


    When I think of it, Guild Masters are adventurers that attained reputation that qualified them to take that position. Unlike newbies, they are professionals in the field of adventuring. This also goes with their fighting experience.


    Kyle: "Unfair or not, it''s still the rules. We can only abide them."


    While we were talking, we didn''t notice that we''re at the front of the Quest House. It was pretty small, compared to the Guild House on the other side of the road.


    Kyle: "Let''s part here, I''ll check the progress of our request."


    Kieth: "Okay."


    Kyle starts to walk towards the Guild House. I can''t say I wasn''t worried, since I just almost saw a person''s corpse awhile ago.


    Lowell: "Is he going to be alright?"


    Kieth: "Don''t worry about him. Among us three, he has the lowest chance of dying."


    Lowell: "Why?"


    With his frank and cold demeanor, I thought he was the one who has the highest chance of entering fights.


    Kieth: "Oh, don''t think that he has the lowest chance of entering fights, I said.. he has the lowest chance of dying. It''s because.. unlike us, which registered by doing the second way, he was the only one who fought the Guild Master but he was defeated. In the end, me and Eli are F-rank adventurers, and Kyle is E-rank. He was asked to be D-rank, but he refused, saying ''I can''t join my party in quests. E-rank would do''. That''s how it is."


    I see. He''s brave enough to challenge the Guild Master.. and even though he was defeated, he reached D-rank, which is just one rank lower than Mr. Maxwell''s rank.


    Eli: "Let''s go"


    I was called by Eli, who was walking towards the entrance of Quest House


    As we enter, most of people are still wearing disguises. Some aren''t wearing them, I think they''re confident enough to do that.


    The name Quest House really describes the place. All corners of the place are occupied by quest boards. Above them, there are letters from C - D - E - F - G. I think they place same-ranked quest together to avoid confusion.


    In the middle, five boards are placed like a pentagon. Four of them have A - B above them, which has a little number of requests. I think that''s the place where A and B-ranked adventurers take their quests. There is one board, which has ''S'', but it was empty.


    Lowell: "I thought there are only G to A ranks?"


    Kieth: "S rank are designated for Kingdom requests. Any number of adventurers, with any rank can join S-rank quests. It isn''t compulsory to join it, so only adventurers who wants to join can take them."


    I see. It was a bit different from S-rank I know.


    I noticed that when people decide their quest, they take it from the quest board and walks towards the back, where the receptionists are located.


    The three of us walks towards the receptionist. The receptionist was a big man with scars throughout his body. It looks like he''s an experienced adventurer before taking the role of receptionist.


    Kieth: "We would like to register someone."


    Receptionist: "Fifty silver for non-adventurers, while twenty-five silver for adventurers."


    I handed my Identification Card to the receptionist. He looks at it nonchalantly and looks back at me with an expressionless face.


    Receptionist: "You''re pretty good, but here.. we don''t care about your age. Even though you could be called a prodigy in your hometown, here.. you''re at the bottom of food chain. All adventurers here are equal, may it be old or young. You can be killed by an average adventurer with average experience. You can only curse your luck. Are you okay with that?"


    I understand what he''s saying. Even so.. I need to do this.


    Lowell: "I understand."


    He looks towards the holes of my mask, as if trying to see through me. After a few seconds, he sighed and hands me my Identification Card back.


    Receptionist: "We can assign you to F-rank, but you can raise it by fighting our Guild Master, so.. what will you do?"


    I looked towards Eli and Kieth who was beside me.


    Kieth: "It''s your decision."


    Eli: "Well, just be sure that you won''t get hurt."


    I also thought there''s nothing to lose fighting the Guild Master.. but that''s the case if I registered in a different town. I started to ask the receptionist.


    Lowell: "Is my identity gonna be revealed to other people?"


    Receptionist: "If that''s what you''re worrying about, we promise that you will remain anonymous after the battle. After all, we''re not bound by any country, alliance, or association. We are a single entity, so you can fight without worries."


    I don''t see any harm seeing how a high-class adventurer fight, since Dad likes to fire spells all over the place and Mom''s movements are just too fast. The only thing I learned from is Mr. Maxwell''s way of fighting with magic, but I still find it inadequate.


    Lowell: "Then, I want to take the test."


    Receptionist: "You''re one brave lass, Okay, wait for a minute.. Raine!!"


    He screamed towards the back of the receptionist station. A man with unkempt brown hair and light-green eyes stepped out while scratching his head, as if he just woke up.


    Raine: "Haaaah... What is it old man?"


    Receptionist: "Someone wants to challenge you.. and don''t call me old man!"


    The receptionist gives a punch towards Raine, but Raine caught it with his palm before it hit his face. There was a strong sound created, but Raine stood there without moving an inch. His drowsy face was still yawning every now and then.


    Raine: "Don''t do that, Old man.. Look, you almost hit me."


    Receptionist: "Cheh, as if I could hit you."


    The receptionist removed his hand from Raine''s palm. He returns to the desk and speaks towards me.


    Receptionist: "This is Raine, he doesn''t look like it, but he''s our present Guild Master."


    He looks towards our direction with listless eyes.


    Raine: "I''m Raine Enslair, so.. who''s the challenger.? Is it that man.. that woman.. or you, brat?"


    He looks at me with with a grin.


    Lowell: "How did you know?"


    Raine: "Don''t underestimate a pro. I can see through your disguise like a naked person. Well, no more talking. The one who''s challenging me, follow me."


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Before he could enter, Kieth starts to speak.


    Kieth: "Wait."


    Raine: "Oh~? What is it?"


    Kieth: "What happened to the previous Guild Master three months ago?"


    Raine: "Oh him? I killed him~"


    He spoke nonchalantly, but I felt some chill from his words. In this place, saying the word ''Kill'' is just like using normal words in a daily conversation. Even though I knew that, I still can''t stop myself being afraid of it.


    Kieth: "I see."


    Raine entered the door behind him. I followed him afterwards. After a few seconds, we reached a very wide courtyard.


    Raine: "You won''t remove your disguise? I already know your body''s qualities, so your disguise would only hinder your movement."


    I think his reasoning is understandable, so I removed all my disguise. His listless eyes widened.


    Raine: "I know that you''re a kid, but for you to be this beautiful.. and to have an abundant chest that suits your age.. Too bad, I''m too old to take your hand for marriage.. Oh, gods~!!"


    He looked towards the sky while cursing the gods. Eh? I didn''t have any reaction? As I thought, my present self is influenced of being a boy in my previous life.. I know now where I should start adjusting myself.. That''s to realize that I''m a girl right now..


    After making a resolution, the pervert- I mean Raine starts to speak.


    Raine: " Okay, since I''m a good person.. I''ll set the rules. You can attack any way you want. I''ll just stand here and block all of your attacks and spells. I''ll only use Low-tier and Mid-tier spells to attack you, so you have the advantage of dodging it. If I ever step back or forward once, It''s my loss. Is it alright?"


    Lowell: "Okay."


    I started on using ''Quicksand'' spell. If he won''t move, I''ll make him submerge on deep sand!


    Raine: "Oh? You''re pretty brilliant, but too bad.. I expected you''ll use that kind of spell."


    Before I could finish my spell, he swung his right hand like a chop.


    Lowell: "W-What happened?!"


    Raine: "I used a basic wind spell, Air slash. By adding a chopping movement, I created a stronger version of it. It is one of the basics, you know. Amplification of Magic using Weapons. In my case, I usually use a katana, but if I do that, I would''ve killed you. I used a force that would only break your concentration. My skill''s reach.. is secret~"


    So I can''t use long-cast time spells huh.. Then!


    Lowell: "Fire Missile!"


    I launched ten fireballs towards his direction. Before it reached him, he swung his right hand again like it was made of rubber. It was very fast, that even my eye can''t see it''s movement.


    Raine: "Second magic application, weapon attributing. Making your weapon an attribute one can enhance your advantage in a battle. Here, I used water attribute to cover my hand. Even though I did that, it was still pretty hot, you know."


    After that, he sat on his position with legs crossed. His listless face returned, as if he lost interest.


    Raine: "If you want to win, use all of your skill in disposal. Don''t worry, I''m not a blabbermouth to spread your secret. As a Guild Master, it is one of my promised conditions. I know this isn''t all you got, lass."


    He knows that I''m holding back. It''s not because I want to, but I''m having second thoughts if I should use it or not. Even though he said that, I can''t recklessly show my ''Eye of Investigation'' skill because it''s too noticeable. But if it''s Spell Forger, I can gloss out the details because even for me, Spell Forger''s effects are still pretty vague.


    Well, since the other party said that, and even the receptionist promised it, then I shall give my all!


    Lowell: "Spatial Portals!"


    It was the one Dad thought me before I was teleported. Instead of calling this spell ''Spatial Hole'', ''Spatial Portals'' are much more appropriate term. Combining with the other effect of Spell Forger ability, I created four Spatial Holes above him on all four sides, and one in front of me. Since I didn''t need to collect mana before I could use it, I can surprise my enemies with it.


    Raine: "Hoho~? So my guess is right. With that hair and eyes that''s emitting strong mana, you''re really a Spatial Fleur. But too bad, you''re still weak to defeat me."


    He sat still on his position without moving. Since I have 4/5 of my mana left, I can still use Spell Forger''s main ability.


    Lowell: "Lightning Spark!"


    A spark of lightning emerged from my hands. It entered the hole, and the other four Spatial Holes reproduced the Lightning Spark spell.


    Raine: "What?!"


    I think he was surprised to see a new attribute emerged out of thin air.


    Raine: "Earth Dome!"


    He covered himself with an Earth Dome. This is my chance!


    Lowell: "Quagmire!"


    Now, I used a Spell Forger ability attribute, Mud Attribute, which is a mixture of Water and Earth. Instead of using Earth spells then Water spells, Mud Attribute makes it faster to create the same result, but mana expense is much higher. It''s pretty dependable in emergency situations. With this, I win!


    Raine: "Well, It''s pretty good to know that you''re clever enough to make me use two spells consecutively. You didn''t give up on making me sink, eh? Do you really like making people sink that much?"


    He mocks me while the Earth Dome dissipated, that''s when I saw.. that the place he was sitting isn''t affected by Quagmire.. but it was stone.. as if he-


    Raine: "You guessed it correctly, I created the earth around me like a tower. Since your Quagmire can only reach a certain depth, I  won''t sink because my Earth Totem reached it''s bottom already."


    He even calculated the maximum depth of my skill. I can say it''s pretty weird, but to calculate that in a few seconds.. it is unthinkable.


    Lowell: "Is that your skill?"


    Raine: "Hmm? Of course not~ It''s just knowledge I learned after fighting many fleurs. It may be basic to use movement-inhibiting spells from the start, but it becomes pretty stupid to use if your enemy is a veteran adventurer. Ah~ I didn''t mean that you''re a stupid adventurer. It''s just your style is a bit amateurish~"


    After my Quagmire faded, the Earth Totem starts to rise. It reached three meters.


    Raine: "Well then, let''s get serious."


    He touched the Earth Totem. He started chanting a spell.


    Raine: "Earth Totems!"


    He created ten totems around the place. Each of them has height of three meters.


    Raine: "When battling a pro, you should make the terrain advantageous to you. You have a good idea of how to use terrain, but making it around me isn''t enough. Here''s why! Earth Shatter!"


    He shattered all ten Earth Totems he created except his foothold. People would think it''s nonsense to do that, but if you think about it much deeper..


    Lowell: "W-wha-?!!"


    In my previous life, I was a businessman. My company deals with various products, even real-estate. This means, that I also have experience when it comes to demolishing buildings. Whenever that happens, the surrounding area will.. Oh no!


    Lowell: "Air Spring!"


    I hastily used a Low-Tier Wind spell, Air Spring. I shot my body to the air, just in time before the totems hit the ground.


    When all of them fell on the ground, a strong tremor occurred. Of course, it was created by the Earth Totems. Of course, unlike real earthquakes, the ground would stabilize after a few seconds. That''s enough time before I fall to the ground... but.


    Raine: "Good thinking, but I''m ready for that! Air Shot!"


    A ball of air shot from his hand. It''s strong, but I see it''s movements. I need to avoid it!


    Lowell: "Gravity Increase."


    I used the Low-tier spatial spell, Gravity Increase, on myself to increase my free-fall towards the ground. Because of that, Air Shot missed


    Raine: "Hoho~ I see that your control of Spatial Attribute reached a plausible degree. Even I defeat you here, I can give you an E-rank."


    When I fall, I didn''t notice that my foothold was one of the circular Earth Totems that he destroyed awhile ago. When I fell on it, I started to lose my balance.


    Raine: "You focus on your enemy too much~ Be aware of your surroundings next time~ Earth Spikes!"


    He slammed his hand on the Earth Tower he was sitting on. Earth Spikes moved like a snake towards my direction. I need to recover!


    Lowell: "Air Spring!"


    Because of my panic, I hastily used Air Spring. I only have 2/5 of my mana left!


    Raine: "Oi, oi. I won''t fall into that trick again. Water Spikes."


    He sprayed Water Spikes on all directions. Even I use my Gravity Increase, I''ll still be hit! If that''s the case, I''ll strike first!


    Lowell: "Lightning Spark!"


    He was unaware that I created a Thunderbolt spell above him by applying the secondary effect of Spell Forger.


    Raine: "Didn''t I tell you, I can see through your gimmicks. Water Dome."


    He stopped the Water Spikes and used his mana to create a Water Dome. This is something I was waiting for. After looking back, I think he was just lucky to block my Lightning Spark spell by using Earth Dome. He didn''t use it because he know it''s effect, but it''s because.. It was the most available element at that time. Now that he had gathered mana for a water spell, I can say that it''s the most appropriate timing to use Lightning Spark.


    That''s also the time I created a very fatal mistake. I didn''t remember.. that what he created was pure water made of atmospheric Hydrogen and Oxygen.. He didn''t use any other source of water. Pure water is known to be a good insulator.. That''s why.. Lightning Spark didn''t hit its target.


    Lowell: "W-what?!"


    I don''t have any energy to move. Before I fell into the ground, his arms caught me. His distance is more than twenty meters, but he traveled it within seconds. What a scary man..


    Raine: "Well, this ends our duel."


    Lowell: "Y-yes."


    While holding me, I felt my face starts to get hot..Oi! He''s much older than me! Get a grip!


    He carried me in a piggyback while walking towards one of the benches in the courtyard. When we reached it, he placed me there and starts to speak


    Raine: " Rest here for a while and recover your mana. I''ll finish your ranking assessment. You can reach up to D-rank after you showing your skills. So, what rank would you choose?"


    He''s starting to get considerate. It looks like giving my best shot in our duel is a good way to earn his respect..


    Lowell: "Please set it on F-rank."


    Raine: "I see. But you didn''t need to fight me if you want that rank, right? So you just want to learn and test my skill? Really, you''re a troublesome one.."


    As he turned his back from me, I tried to use ''Eye of Investigation''. He wouldn''t detect it, right?


    ¡º


    Name: Raine Enslair


    Level: 52


    Title: Luck Maverick


    Job: Guild Master, A-rank Adventurer


    Status:


    Age: 27 years old


    Birthplace: Magical City of Hecate


    HP: 4600/5232


    Mana: 2104/2910


    Stats:


    Physical Power: 480


    Magic Power: 802


    Speed: 821


    Constitution: 7


    Luck: 99


    Aptitude: Mid-Rank Gaunt-Tier Fleur


    Attributes: Life (Main), Wind, Fire, Water, Earth


    Special Skills: Spell Precognition, ???


    ¡»


    As I thought.. He''s stronger than Mom, or even Dad.. for his age. He''s also lying when he said that he didn''t use any Skill..


    Lowell: "Liar..."


    I silently muttered as I fall asleep.


    <hr />


    Edit 1: Made Darkness -> Life

 Side Story 2 - Incident Aftermath

    After the incident, Lear''s Mansion:


    As the three of us approach the main gate, we were blocked by the guards.


    Guards: "Halt! State your intention!"


    Louis: "Is Master Lear inside?"


    Guards: "Who are you?!"


    Oh. Since I am in my usual disguise, they didn''t notice that I''m the Silver Adventurer. I''m also working for a different noble, so I can''t blame them. This is also my first time meeting the Lear House Head.. shall I scare them a little bit?


    Before I could use a spell, someone spoke behind the guards. It was the Little Lear- Weiss'' butler.


    Butler: "Oh, it''s rare to see you visiting, Mister Zvalle. So, what brought you here?"


    This guy.. I alway felt something ominous around him. I can''t act and interrogate him since most of the time, he''s around my daughter''s friend. But now..


    Louis: "I want to talk with your master."


    Butler: "Sorry, but you can''t see Master right now. Please go back."


    My wife starts to speak. Her voice is still trembling.


    Belle: "Please, we need to see him..."


    Butler: "Even if you said that.. I still can''t permit it."


    Permit it? Isn''t your master the one should decide that? Something''s wrong here.. I need to confirm it.


    Louis: "Air Slash!"


    If my theory is true.. then..


    I used Air Slash towards the Butler. The guards were blown away by the wind, but the Butler didn''t move an inch from his position, as if he didn''t care.


    And my suspicion is correct..


    He deflected it... or I should say, he redirected it by using an item. It was a pendant that looks like.. a replica of Lowell''s pendant.. or should I say.. it''s the same stone. If I could recall, that Gladius brat called it ''Star Sapphire Stone''


    Butler: "Oh? You noticed,  Mr. Zvalle? Well, too bad. You''re daughter was already transported somewhere ''Safe''. Hahaha!"


    He smiled while mocking me. I can''t do anything to him because he was teleporting away. By the looks of it, he was ready if this kind of thing happens. The guards are looking towards him with disbelief, as if they didn''t know what''s happening anymore.


    Louis: "I see. So you''re the one who set that up. May I know the name of this crafty bastard that I would swear to kill?"


    Butler: "Ahahaha! This lowly one is called Chairon Diplar. I''m also tired of this sh*thole of a country. See you later, Silver Adventurer! Hahaha!"


    Louis: "As if I''ll let you have a good time!"


    I used the same spell when Lowell was teleporting on him. I wish he drops dead somewhere without people.


    After using the spell, he vanished from the area.


    I looked towards the stupefied guards and started to ask them.


    Louis: "Where is your Lord? I want to see him, now!"


    Guards: "Y-Yes!"


    They didn''t reject my notion now that they know the graveness of the situation. All of us rushed towards the Lord''s room, there.. we saw a very gruesome scene. The first one to speak is one of the guards.


    Guard: "T-This is! Lord Lear!"


    The Lord''s body was sitting on the the chair, but his head was removed cleanly from it. The head was placed on the table, and a stilleto pierced it, pinning the head on the table.. I think the way he was killed was fast and gruesome, but I noticed that the blood was dried long ago. I looked at the other guard, who has a pale face.


    Louis: "When is the last time you saw your Lord?"


    Guard: "It was two weeks ago. The head butler Niscar- I mean Chairon Diplar told us that we shouldn''t disturb our Lord since he''s busy handling the city''s affairs. He''s also the one who takes care of all the needs of the lord. But to think he''s the one who did this.."


    It looks like he''s trusted by all the staff of this mansion.. To think they didn''t question his authority. He handled everything smoothly, all of us are dancing under his palm.


    Louis: "When did that butler started working in this mansion?"


    Guard: "H-He was employed eight years ago.. before Young Master was born. He was employed directly by the Lord so no one made a fuss about it. When Young Master is three, he was assigned as his Butler at the same time, the Head Butler of the Lear House. To think that he would betray our Lord.. this is very unexpected.."


    Now, I''m starting to realize his true origins. If my guess is correct..


    Louis: "Did you guys know where he came from?"


    Guard: "Lord Lear told us that he''s from the west. We don''t know which place, though."


    As I thought.. he came from that place..


    Louis: "I''m going to leave. We don''t have anything to do here."


    I didn''t notice that one of the guards alarmed the whole mansion. I need to leave before the whole place starts to panic.


    Qazar: "D-Dad! Wait!"


    Before I could walk away from the room, Little Qazar calls my attention. Now that I discovered that he''s our King, I need to listen to all of his requests.


    Louis: "What is it?"


    Qazar: "Can we look for Weiss?"


    Hmm.. I think I should do that. Since he''s my children''s friend, doing this is natural, right? It''s also a request of my King, so I need to follow him.


    Louis: "Okay, we''ll do that. My dear wife, can you look for him?"


    I grabbed my wife''s shoulders. After that incident, I noticed that she''s out of her usual self. Not that I can blame her for that. When I grabbed her shoulders, she snapped out and looks at me. I''m getting worried about her.


    Louis: "Belle, please focus. I''ll promise that we''ll meet our daughter again as soon as possible, so please hang on."


    Belle: "O-Okay.. then, I shall look for him. Land''s Eye, Wind''s Flow."


    She used two High-Rank spells, Land''s Eye and Wind''s Flow. Both of them are very useful skills for tracking. Unlike her, I''m no good when it comes to tracking. I can only depend on her in these situations.


    Belle: "There is a thing shaped like Little Weiss below the ground. I think it''s in the basement. There is also a something like a person inside. I don''t know what it is because I can''t detect it with Land''s Eye."


    I looked at the guard who remained by our side. He''s pretty composed even though they just knew that their Lord was killed. I looked at him carefully, but my suspicion vanished when I saw a slave collar in his neck. I think he''s a mind-broken slave. It isn''t rare to see one these days.


    Louis: "Hey, what kind of room is in the basement?"


    Guard: "It''s just a normal warehouse. It''s rarely used, but it''s being cleaned every week."


    Louis: "Guide us there."


    I can let Belle guide the way, but it''s much better to let an authorized personnel guide us. We don''t need to waste time explaining why we are in the crime scene.


    Guard: "Then, follow me."


    The guard hastily guided us towards the deepest part of the mansion. When we reached it, we were forced to cover our nose. The floor has been covered by stench of blood. The place is also very dark, so the visibility inside is too low.


    Louis: "Create Torch."


    I gathered fire mana to create a torch. It is just general magic that could be used in daily life.


    When I illuminated the room, what we saw is.. the House Lear''s noble mistress. She was suspended mid-air in a chain. Her body was covered by blood. Her face was facing the ground, being covered by her long golden hair. It looks like she''s tortured by that man.


    Belle: "T-This?!"


    Louis: "That man''s pretty brutal, I guess.."


    While looking at the lifeless-looking body, Qazar starts to speak.


    Qazar: "D-Dad! She''s still alive!"


    Louis: "Oh? How did you know?"


    Qazar: "I-I just used my skill on her.. and she responded!"


    I see. His skill is very convenient for this kind of situations.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Louis: "Belle, let''s place her down. Use Air Pillow."


    Belle: "Okay."


    Louis: "Well then, Flame Slash"


    I used a fire spell to cut the chains. Belle used Air Pillow to make the mistress'' fall very gentle.


    After placing her in the ground, I hastily used a general magic ''Cleanse'' to remove all blood and filth around her body. Belle used the general fire magic ''Dry'' to make her wounds dry, to lessen the blood flowing outside. Her face became much better after that.. but she''s still unconscious.


    Louis: "Call your staff immediately. We need to treat your mistress immediately."


    Guard: "Yes."


    He left in a hurry. It looks like he''s still under the effect of slave collar.


    Belle: "Louis, go there. Weiss is in that place."


    She pointed at the back of the warehouse. I proceed with Qazar towards the place. What we found is Weiss, covered with blood and unconscious. We don''t see any wound around his body, so we thought that it''s the mistress'' blood. He only have bruises, but they are superficial. Qazar starts to shake and call on Weiss, trying to wake him up.


    Qazar: "Weiss!"


    After shaking him a little, Weiss opened his eyes weakly and started to speak.


    Weiss: "Q-Qazar..? W-Why are you here..? Ah! What about Mother..? Is she alright..?"


    Qazar: "Yes. She''s alright. Mom and Dad helped them."


    Weiss: "I''m glad..."


    He starts to weep silently.


    Louis: "Little Lear- I mean, Weiss.. What happened here?"


    Weiss: "Niscar.. he did all of this.."


    Hatred shone in Weiss'' eyes. It was eyes full of will for vengeance.


    Louis: "Your family is foolish to begin with. You hired a mysterious person that came from nowhere. It looks like you got what you deserved."


    I tried to mock him even more. His hateful eyes looked towards me.


    Weiss: "What do you know?! You don''t know anything!"


    After hearing that, I snapped.


    Louis: "You know, because of your family''s foolishness, Lowell was seperated from us!"


    His hateful eyes turned into shock. As I thought, he didn''t know what happened.


    Weiss: " Q-Qazar.. I-Is that true?"


    Qazar: "Uh...."


    Weiss: "Qazar! Speak! I want to know if it''s true!"


    Qazar: "Yes.. it''s because of that pendant you gave in her 5th birthday.. She was teleported to somewhere.."


    Weiss: "Uu... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"


    He screamed frustratingly.


    Qazar: "D-Don''t worry! She''s still safe.."


    Weiss: "Don''t comfort me, Qazar. I shall take responsibility for this.."


    Louis: "Oh? How can you do that? When you''re beaten black and blue by the culprit?"


    Weiss: "I... I will become stronger!"


    Louis: "How? By practicing your childish swordplay? Even I can defeat you in a flick of finger."


    Weiss: "Still..."


    Belle: "I would help him."


    My wife spoke while walking towards us. It looks like the mistress was already taken away.


    Weiss: "Mrs. Zvalle? I thought.. that you use knives and daggers?"


    Belle: "Well, some circumstances made me master the sword.. I don''t want to wear it, but.. If it''s for Lowell, I''ll take it again.."


    Louis: "Are you sure about this?"


    Belle: "Yes. Don''t worry about me. "


    I see conviction in her eyes. I can''t do anything about this.. If things gets worse, I''ll just do that again..


    Louis: "Well then, suit yourself."


    Belle: "Thank you."


    I summoned a Space Portal out of thin air. On the other side, It was a sword binded with chains.  I took it and gave it to her.


    Belle: "We met again, Krakkein. I won''t lose to you this time..


    It was the one-handed sword, Krakkein. Instead of being a dragon-slaying sword, it was something beyond that. It is a sword with a fearsome power.. and a terrifying trial should be passed to use it.


    Belle: "So, Weiss.. Do you want power? Power for revenge? Power to protect everything you love?"


    My wife resolutely spoke towards Weiss.


    Weiss: "Yes. I want it."


    Belle: "Then, I''ll become your teacher. Until you surpass me, I''ll teach you everything I know."


    After that, we heard an uproar. It looks like the whole mansion knew what happened to their master and mistress.


    Louis: "Well then, let''s get out of here.


    Belle: "Yes."


    Qazar: "Weiss, let''s go."


    Weiss: "Can I ask.. what would we do from now on?"


    Louis: "We''re planning of looking for Lowell. If you want to stay for your mother, then say so. I think she needs you right now."


    Weiss: "I think that wouldn''t be the case.. After all, she hated me."


    Louis: "We don''t want to pry anymore with your family''s affairs, so decide if you''ll going to join us or not."


    Weiss: "Can you give me two days? I would like to see my mom to stabilize before departing.."


    Louis: "Well, It''s okay.. but remember, each day we delay our search, it also decreases our chance to see Lowell again."


    Weiss: "I''ll remember it."


    All of us walked out of the warehouse.


    ***


    Three miles away from Blanc City..


    Five of us were camping before departing towards our new destination. Gladius ordered Hughes, Sarge, and Dwain to ask for directions. I noticed that Gladius was making an irritated expression. It''s rare to see him like this. I started to ask him what''s wrong.


    Aimee: "Gladius, what''s wrong?"


    Gladius: "I was tricked by them.. I thought they couldn''t meddle with humans.. so they used that as their advantage."


    Aimee: "Is that so.."


    Gladius: "They made it so that I wouldn''t know their location. Now, we''re going to look for their location aimlessly.. But first, we should get my sword. I can''t move the way I want without it.."


    So, he''s irritated that he didn''t  anything..


    Aimee: "We received a clue right? Isn''t that good enough?"


    Gladius: "Knowing their movement and location is important. If you weigh both of them, inaccurate information about my sword''s whereabouts is less important than the information Lowell Zvalle is holding right now. Now, it''s going to be harder than I thought.."


    Aimee: "Why? If we met her again, we can ask her about that, right?"


    Gladius: "That''s impossible.."


    Aimee: "Huh?"


    Gladius: "When I chose not to seek for her, you should''ve known why I did that."


    Aimee: "Wait, wait. I don''t really know it.."


    Gladius: "World Assimilation."


    Aimee: "Uh? What''s that?"


    Gladius: "If I would describe it, it means ''Being one with the World''."


    Aimee: "T-Then..!"


    Gladius: "We should depart soon. Look, another pillar of light emerged from Blanc City. It looks like the Silver Adventurer started to move."


    Aimee: "Yes. but.. can I ask another question?"


    Gladius: "What is it?


    Aimee: "Are you an Evil God?"


    It was the first time I heard it. I felt fear towards him when I heard him say it awhile ago.


    Gladius: "It depends on how you interpret my existance. As a God of Sword, people tend to call me evil. I, who didn''t care whatever they call me, became an Evil God in their eyes without even noticing. But now that they started to move, I need to make a move myself to prevent their goal."


    Aimee: "By the way, you said ''their'' goal.. but what is that goal?"


    Gladius: "Of course, it''s-"


    Dwain: "Gladius!! We found information about the next city~!"


    Gladius: "I see.. Well then, Aimee.. Let''s go."


    Aimee: "Y-Yes."


    In the end, he didn''t say it.


    We started our journey towards our next destination, Theicia.