《As The World Spins [Abandoned]》 Chapter 1 - Prologue Nyaa.... today is a beautiful day. With that I simply walked alongside the road while enjoying the air around as it feels very nice and helps keep my body cool. I can see humans getting busy to either go to school or to work. Nyahaha... I snickered as I watch them frantically chasing their time while I can spendhttp://#89098742mine however I want. "Hey look, it''s a kitten!" (Human Girl) "Oh hey it is, pick it up!" (Human Girl 2) Seems like some of them got their attention on me. Sorry human, nyahaha. I dislike immature ones like you. They just keep on petting me everywhere they want, treating me like nothing but a toy. On the head it''s fine, but when they start grabbing my tail, that''s when I start scratching. Cry as much as you want, you are the one that seek the trouble first. Though today, I don''t feel like scratching since I''m in a good mood. Consider yourself lucky kid. As that thought played in my head, I sprinted and just ran away from them so that I wouldn''t end up getting rubbed like a toy again. Running away, I can hear one of them speaking. "Aww... it ran away. It was so cute too..." (Human Girl 1) Hmph. Such is human''s thought. If something or situation is turning ugly, they just run away from it. If it''s cute and oozes fluffiness, humans just cut their chains and chase them. I heard a few wise human mentioning to not judge a book by its cover, but in the end, it is nothing but a word that is simply recited without being applied in life. Moving on, I decided to hang out in the fish supermarkets. Some of the humans here are kind enough to give me a fish, so I thought why not? Most of the humans I have met so far possess personalities that I despise, a lot. But in here, most of them are so humble; I''m starting to get attached to them. After getting myself a fish, I climbed myself up to the roof. How? Of course, through stairs. As I make my way through going up, a few humans saw me and just giggled. While still in motion, some of them managed to make some space allowing me to advance. Well, I guess not all humans are rotted to the core, I guess. And..... I am here! Reaching the top of the building where the fish supermarkets is just beside it, an open vast sky as far as the eye can see laid out in front of me. I need to find a place where I can privately eat the fish. It''s just because I really hate it when people disturb me while I''m having what the humans call ''lunch''. Let see... there! Just behind the entrance to the rooftop, lies a space where humans cannot possibly step their foot on. Actually they can, but they would fall to death. The place had moulds growing everywhere due to the constant shade it received, but not so many that it would actually hinder my appetite. After finally finding a comfortable spot, I released the fish off my mouth and placed it on the floor. Nibbling slowly, I watched the humans on the ground as I continued to fill my stomach. Angry humans, apologizing humans, old humans, young humans, they all continued to color the canvas of life with various incidents and everything. But how I wish they wouldn''t interfere with my daily life, except when giving me food. There is one time, when I witnessed a man kicking one of my kinds just for trying to ask for foods. I was so angry that I pooped on his car, scratched his furnitures, peed in his house and everything one can imagine a cat doing. The cat that got kicked on the other hand, died from the injury. Before a few of its last breath, I managed to hand it over a small piece of fish I had gotten that day. Slowly, it nibbled, until it did no longer. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. How I wished I had the ability to kill. As a last contribution to the dead one, I had led some kind hearted humans to its body. Looking the poor one with sad eyes, they made it grave and gave it a proper burial. Not good. I shouldn''t recall the pasts too often, because it brings nothing but the memory drenched in sadness and despair. Trying to nibble the fish once more, I instead received a hard bony bite in return. The fish was gone before I knew it. Technically, not the whole fish but the flesh. Indulging myself in the past sure has quite a terrifying effect of being ignorant on the changes within the surrounding. Nevertheless, as I was about getting ready to leave, another cat appeared in front of me. Don''t tell me, this is its territory? Does it think I''m trying to get into a territorial fight for its area? Such annoyance. Most of my kinds may try to do so, but not me. I simply dislike the idea of being shackled into one area instead of having the freedom to walk around without giving a care of potential invaders within my area. Despite that, it¡¯s not like this cat would just let me slip by anyway. "MEOWWW, HSSSS!" (Annoying Cat) Arching up its body, the annoying cat made an intimidating looking pose to appear aggressive, but that¡¯s it. For cat''s god sake, is it really trying to fight against a weak kitten like me? If both of us were humans, I think this is what they call bullying. An escape route, hm... there. I can jump on top of the entrance to escape from this cat. While thinking of that, the cat that is trying to engage me just stood there, still arching up its body. In a way, it¡¯s funny nyahahaha. Anyhow, as I was about to pounce upward... *WHIRRRRRRRRR* a sudden black hole appeared at the opposite wall I was against. Nya? In confusion I stood there on all four but for some strange reason, the other cat was instead blown away as the hole appeared and landed safely on the ground. Hm? Am I getting sucked in? No, this is not happening is it?! Frantically I tried sprinting away but to no avail. In the end, I succumbed due to the exhaustion on the sprinting attempt and was slowly pulled inside the black hole. Nyaaa.... I still have a lot of things to do too... As I gradually began feeling that my body was inside the black hole, I took it upon myself to gaze the world I lived in for one last time, for I may not be able to see it any longer. .... .... .... .... .....? ....Did I lose consciousness? Where is this? Alerted, I scanned the surrounding area and noticed that I appear to be in some sort of cottage, and around me looked like random scribbles of words unknown to me in circles. What is going on really? While various things ran through my mind, a girl that looks around at the age of 14 appeared before me. Looking closely, she wore a dark robe, a pointy hat and also has a green hair. In her hands was something that looked like a book. Staring at her, I know that her choices of cloths and appearance looked similar to something I had seen in my old world but I cannot bring myself to remember it. Suddenly, she interfered my train of thought as she spoke with a hint of excitement in her voice. "Hello, little one and welcome to my world!" (Unknown Girl) "....Nya?" (Me) Chapter 1 - Prologue Chapter 2 - Life In Another World "Hello, little one and welcome to my world!" (Unknown Girl) "....Nya?" (Me) Chapter 2 Life In Another World "Nyaa..? Nya..nya??" (Me/???) Where is this? Where am I? What in the world truly happened? Hundreds of questions born from the thought above made me unconsciously meowed constantly, as if trying to ask the girl in front of me. Well, as much as I hope that she understands me, it''s not like anyone ever will anyway. "Uuuu...what are you saying? I can''t understand... ah, I know!" (Unknown Girl) Exclaiming that sentence, she began browsing through that thick looking book of hers. It''s not so big so holding it up seemed to be an easy work for her. I, on the other hand, just stared at her with a puzzled face as she kept going on and on, while moving my tail for no reason and licking my paws just to pass time. I mean, just how do she plan to make herself capable of understanding me? Oh wait, her attires explains everything. Suddenly, the moment her face showed as if she found what she was looking for, a grin appeared on her face and returned her attention to me. "I''ve got just the right spell for you! Please don''t move for a bit, this won''t hurt~" (Unknown Girl) Opening up her palm facing my direction, she started chanting words that I cannot comprehend. As noted by her warning, I simply stood still because I wouldn''t want to just die for no reason just because I didn''t abide by her commands. Slowly, I noticed the presence of an unknown, yet warm aura that feels as if it''s engulfing me. Facing a force that I have never seen before, I trembled slightly as it kept on going. Minutes passed by as the aura simply covered my body while doing nothing. Then without a sign, it disappeared without a trace. Hm... I don''t feel anything different. Did anything change? No, every part of my body still feels as it should. So what did that force do really? Looking around, I just checked my body ensuring that nothing really did change. As I was done, I looked back at the girl while tilting my head. While chuckling a little, she began speaking. "Hehehe... so, do you feel anything different?" (Unknown Girl) "Urmm... no...?..?... , nya?!" (Me/???) What?! I... I can speak? How is this possible? Is it because of the aura that enveloped me? No, it can''t be... That was magic?! As I have guessed, she must be a mage! No... in my world, her choice of cloths, look more similar to what the humans call... a witch. But, aren''t witches supposed to be evil? But here she is, kind and humble and not even exuding even a small portion of what I''d call evil presence. ... I guess I truly should not trust the humans. They just spit a bunch of random lies, saying things are evil when it''s actually not, when the humans themselves are rotten to the core. Nevertheless, looking back at the girl, she appears to be very happy as she heard I uttered words. "Yea, I did it!" (Unknown Girl) Using my new ability to speak, I seized the chance to ask her the first question that came to my mind. "What did you do, nya? How can I speak so suddenly , nya??" "Hehehe, nothing is impossible for me! I''m the most powerful witch of all after all!" Yeah, that confirms it. She is a witch. Wait, this is a chance, I better ask of this while she thinks of that. "If so, take me back home, nya," (Me/???) "What''re you talking about? This IS your home." (Unknown Girl) Stating that, she pointed her finger downward to show that the cottage we are in is now my home. The cottage doesn''t look so old and shabby while in this room, it''s filled with various jars that contain some colored looking water placed on top of the wooden shelves. If recalled correctly, I guess those are potions? Well, I can stay here if I want to since this world may be free of those evil humans. I''d miss the people in the fish supermarkets, but the rate of encountering the wicked humans are higher so I can''t really just live there for them. But first, I need to find out why she summoned me here. "Putting the fact about the home aside, why did you summon me here, nya?" (Me/???) "Huh? Why? Of course, it''s because I felt lonely and I wanted a companion~~~" (Unknown Girl) Seriously? That''s it? Such thought is so pure that I can hardly believe it. But then again, she isn''t exactly a normal human. Then comes the second question, there should be cats in this world, so why did she summon one from another world instead? "Why me, nya? Why one from another world, nya? Is there no cats here, nya?" (Me/???) "Cats? Are you referring to your kind? Ahh... in this world they are called Efaises." (Unknown Girl) Efais huh? Quite the cool name they bestowed to my kind. I wonder if they are as intelligent as me, or as dumb as they cat in my old world? In any case, I can''t wait to meet them! "... There used to be a lot of Efaises, until the day the peoples of this world deemed them a dangerous species for they often seen partnering up with Witches thus forming a formidable threat to the world. It is in a matter of fact, we only seek companions to be with..." (Unknown Girl) As she spoke, I perceived the change in her attitude and the mood around her. It is faint, but I can sense a slight hint of sadness as she continued to speak. "...Then, what happened... nya..?" (Me/???) "... Witches and Efais... both alike were massively hunted for and killed. When we only wanted to live in peace... we are deemed as a threat instead for our power. Now, only you and I are the only Efais and Witch left... huh little one? What''s wrong?" (Unknown Girl) ...So it''s the same... It''s the same... Why must my kind suffer? Why? When they only wanted to live in peace, when they only wanted to ask for foods, when they only wanted to enjoy their life, so why? Why must it be us that have to suffer? And now, and now... they involved yet another partner of ours?! KILL! ASSASSINATE! EXECUTE! MURDER! ERADICATE! Their very live should be taken away from them! Every single of them! THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO LIVE, NO.... TO EXIST! THE ONES THAT ENJOY OUR SUFFERING SHOULD PERISH! Filled with rage, a surge of mana suddenly discharged from my very body and shattered every potion there is in the room while evaporating the furnitures as soon as it came in contact with my aura. The room on the other hand, was still able to withstand the force that I emitted. Then, a sight had me instantaneously regain my sense. The girl, covering herself with a barrier and barely holding back. What am I doing? Am I trying to kill her? No. No. I won''t let it happen. I mustn''t let it happen. I cannot be like those peoples. Slowly, I retracted my mana as soon I learned how to control it. Seems like ever since getting summoned here, I gained some sort of magic power, probably possible due to the existence of mana within the surrounding. Or can it be it''s something that Efaises naturally possess? But first things first, the girl. Slowly, I walked to her while looking around in the room. Half wrecked, it no longer looks like it did before, and the circle that I was in had disappeared into thin air as it was just below me after all. Reaching her, I started inspecting. No sign of movements. Is she dead? No, no way... did I just kill her? Various thoughts ran through my mind as I imagined how awful I must have been for hurting her. Licking her toes, I pray in hope that she survived it and would just laugh. A few seconds later, my prayer was answered. "Kehehe....it tickles! Stop tha- oww.. oww.." (Unknown Girl) "You''re alive! Thank goodness... I''m sorry, I lost control... nya." (Me/???) Curling up on her thighs, I rested myself as I watched her. Huh? Is she trying to... pet me? Well, it wouldn''t hurt to give her a chance. Softly, she petted me on the head. It felt nice and warm, unlike how the humans in my old world. Ahhh... I should just live here. If it''s with her, my life should be fine. We are supposed to be companions to each other, after all, so I say, why not? She must have been lonely, being the only Witch left in this world. As such, it''s only my duty to stay with her as a cat...no...an Efais. "There... there... it''s fine. You didn''t know that you had such power is all. These injuries, will be gone in a matter of minutes once I regain my mana, so please, do not worry. If it''s anyone, it would be you I''d worry about. You released a massive amount of mana for the first time after all..." (Unknown Girl) Now that she mention it, I do feel slightly weaker but not so much I''d just collapse out of nowhere. Oh, now that if I''m deciding to live with her, I need to know her name. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "I... will live.. here, nya." (Me/???) "Thank you! Finally for so long... I have a companion to live with..." (Triela) "Name... nya. What''s your name... nya?" (Me/???) "For now.. call me Triela. Now then little one, do you have a name?" (Unknown Girl = Triela) "No, I don''t, nya." (Me/???) "I see, then... how about Talia?" (Triela) Talia.... hm? Wait, I think she''s misunderstanding something. Isn''t Talia a name for a female gender? "Nya... I''m a male, nya." (Me/???) "What?! Hehehe, sorry sorry. Well... Shu sounds good?" (Triela) "Urmm... nya! I love it, nya!" (Me/??? = Shu) Happily, I purred as a sign of approval. Soon enough, Triela picked me up and brought me out of the room and started showing me around her cottage. It''s not that big or fancy, but it was enough for me. There is the bedroom in the middle of the cottage, a library at the opposite of the bedroom, the toilet that is just beside the library and the living room at the front of the cottage. The laboratory where Triela experiments with various stuff, and also the place where I was summoned at, is located underground instead. She didn''t have a kitchen, since she can just use magic to kill animals and cook them or grow fruits to eat. Triela placed me down as she had finished touring me around her cottage, giving me the chance to roam around the area. Naturally, she warned me to make sure not to wander off too far from the cottage. As she released me, she went walking toward her library, probably to gain some information related to Efais. "Oh, before you go outside Shu, wear this bell." (Triela) "Hmm? Why, nya?" (Shu) "I wouldn''t want my pet to suddenly get killed by strangers in case you meet one. Wear this bell and you can transform into a human." (Triela) "Got it, nya!" (Shu) Leisurely, she walked in front of me and then tied the bell to my neck. As soon as she was done, I feel as if my body was changing, forming into a human. I increased in size and height, longer limbs but I still possess my ear and my tail. Naturally, I was stark naked as I did not have to wear cloths before. Rubbing my own body, I checked to discover of what gender and age I am. Well, I certainly hope that I don''t just turn into a girl suddenly. According to a human male body... ah. It''s there, thank goodness. After first confirming that I didn''t experience a gender swap, I proceeded to inspecting the rest of my new body. .... .... .... .... .... Let see... I have a green hair, just like Triela except hers are so long it reaches her waists while mine only reaches the shoulder blades. Considering my age that is proportional to my body size and height, I''d estimate myself being around 8 or so. As I am done checking my body, I''d thought I ask from Triela to make me some cloths, but as I turned my attention to her, I can see her blushing. Why is that? Oh... I''m naked. Being a cat, naked doesn''t really means anything to me since I am naked the whole time anyway. But to humans, they do mean something. "I am your pet, nya. Why the need to be embarrassed, nya?" (Shu) "Stupid! Any girl around my age would be! Anyway here, I''ll give you a miniature version of my clothes. They should disappear whenever you transform back into a cat and will help hiding your tail and ears." (Triela) "Okay... nya..." (Shu) Wearing the robe and the hat, I can feel as if they are resonating with my mana. Is this what allows it to disappear alongside my transformations? In any case, I was done wearing it. When looking myself in a mirror, it looks as if I was a sibling of Triela. Though combining the hair lengths and my face which looks like a kid, I appear to resemble a girl more than a boy! "Hmm... it looks good on you!" (Triela) "No it doesn''t, nya! I look like a girl, nya!" (Shu) "Hehehe... anyway, didn''t you want to check the surrounding area? You can go, but make sure not to wander around too far ok?" (Triela) "Yesh Triela, nya!" Patting my head softly, she then went inside her library to resume her work.On the other hand, I excitedly sprinted outside and was greeted by a vast view of the forest as I stepped outside. "So beautiful... nya." (Shu) The tranquil forest scene is different if compared to my old world''s city which is filled with turmoil and darkness. Enjoying the fresh air, I ran around, jumped on top of trees and tried to scratch the branches but ended up hurting myself. Even though I''m in a human body, I still can''t shake off my natural instincts after all. As I had my fun at the front, I went at the back to check out what is there and was shocked to see a lake and a waterfall not far from the cottage. Being a cat, I didn''t really dislike water nor am I afraid of them, since it is where my favorite food lived. Fishes. Without even thinking, I jumped into the water to look for them. Ah, there''s one. Quickly, I tried to grab the fish with my two newly formed hands, but failed miserably. But, instead of running away, the fish came closer and did something I did not expect. "OWW OWW OWW NYA! IT HURTS, NYA!" (Shu) IT BIT ME! It is unheard of for a fish to actually bite a human! Or do they actually bite? I never knew since I never had the chance to see a live fish in action, after all. Pissed off, I grabbed the fish as it still had its teeth onto me and subconsciously, released an electrostatic shock to kill it. Stepping out of the water, I sat down under a tree to avoid the sun rays and began eating the already roasted fish. As I continued to eat, I felt a lot more energized and felt as if my mana was restored in an instant. While doing so, a clap was heard from a distance. Looking at the source, it was actually Triela. "Hoo... so you actually killed an Esrud with a single shot huh?" (Triela) "Esrud, nya? Is that what these are called here, nya?" (Shu) "Yeah, one of the most dangerous water type monster despite being small usually taking over 20 people to just hunt one down. But here you are, eating it like it''s nothing." (Triela) So... in other word, fishes in this world is aggressive and powerful, so much that 20 peoples are needed to kill one? Nyaa... this world is seriously strange. Regardless, I just kept on nibbling the fish or Esrud as I felt hungry while explaining to her. "In my old world, it''s weak, nya. I don''t eat anything else but these, nya." (Shu) "Well that explains how your magic power is so high, almost equaling me." (Triela) "How is that possible, nya?" (Shu) "These guys possess attributes that allows one who eats them to boost their magical capability in various ways. Additionally, they helps restoring your stamina and mana in a quite large amount." (Triela) "If so, why is there so many of them, nya? It shouldn''t be this much if they were hunted every time, nya." (Shu) Had consumed every single flesh there was on the Esrud, I stood up and walked to where Triela is. With me is a small piece of the Esrud. Trying to give it to her, she instead slapped my hands away as I attempted it. The flesh then flew away from my hands and landed on the ground. "Oww, it hurts, nya." (Shu) As I licked my human hands instinctively, Triela then took my hands and started healing it, silently. Afraid of her punishment, I just looked downward, avoiding direct contact with her eyes. For a few minutes, the situation continued to be that way. Then after healing me, she suddenly pinched my cheek and forced me to look at her. With a slightly apologizing face, she spoke. "The reason is simple, Shu. The Esruds are fatally poisonous to every species but Efaises which had caused them to be feared greatly, thus the very reason as to why they were eradicated." (Triela) "Now, listen to me closely. You may eat the Esruds as you want, but refrain from doing so in public. If they know you can eat it, they know you are an Efais. And do not try to give someone an Esrud flesh, it is equal to wishing for them to die." (Triela) "I''m sorry..nya..." (Shu) While being a little regretful for my action, I simply held my hands together and resumed to look downward again. I really need to learn about the way this world works. Suddenly, I felt a soft pat on my head. "Now, now. You are recently summoned in this world, so you still don''t know various stuff, so it''s okay. I''m also sorry for slapping away your hands, I subconsciously reacted to it." (Triela) "It''s fine, nya. It was my fault in the first place anyway, nya." (Shu) "Well then, as an apology and also a reward for being able to kill the Esrud so easily, want me to teach you to control your magic better?" (Triela) Control my magic better? If it means to be able to eat fish- err... Esruds a lot easier, yes! With an expecting eyes, I looked back up to Triela and asked her. "Can I, nya?" (Shu) "Hehehe, sure. Why not? But first, let''s get inside and change your cloths. You''re soaking wet already!" (Triela) "Yesh... master, nya!" (Shu) With that, marks the day when I chose to live inside a brand new world, free of humans from old world and alongside my new and very first master since I was born. Of course, there is still threat to the existence of both of us, but so long I''m by Triela''s side and Triela by mine, we would surely survive the incoming calamity gearing itself in movement towards us. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author''s Note : NO GENDER BENDER INTENDED I have seen various Reincarnations and Virtual Reality based fictions, so I''d thought I would try something different. In any case, thank you for reading this chapter. :) And as usual, advices, criticizing, suggestions are always welcomed. Chapter 3 - Unseen Encounter Chapter 3 Unseen Encounter Few months had passed since I first came to this world. So far as things have gone, it has always been peaceful and no strangers had actually successfully invaded our area as the surrounding is covered with a barrier that is made by Triela, preventing them from entering our place. During these few months, Triela has been teaching me about magic and how to use them. Although nowhere near as perfect as her controls, I had an almost equivalent strength in term of magic power if compared to her. Even if it''s just slightly, this made me feel proud as her companion. Today yet again in my human child form, I relaxed under the same tree spot I had been since the first time I came here. Chewing on the Esrud''s flesh, I enjoyed the view of the waterfall and the moisture in the air. Killing these has been pretty easy ever since I got to learn how to utilize my magic power. Since I have been eating a lot of them, my mana capacity is beyond imaginable. Looking at the opportunity, Triela decided to use my mana as a source of power to continue supplying the barrier''s defensive capability. Well, if I am of any help to my own master, it would be my true pleasure. Sometimes when I''m bored, I often help her on killing some strong stray monsters that had wandered accidentally inside the barrier. Though truthfully speaking, they weren''t of any challenge to me since they die pretty quickly. "Shu, come and help me with this experiment!" (Triela) Speaking of the devil, there she is waving her hands to me. While rarely, she also may ask of my assistance on helping her experiments be it weird or dangerous. All that mattered to her was gaining knowledge. Well, it can''t be helped. She is as curious as a kid of her age, not that I''m in any position to speak ill of it anyway. "Yes, Treila, nya! What are we doing today, nya?" (Shu) As I approached her, she then pulled me in order to force me to follow her. Arriving at the front part of the cottage I was shocked with a sight of a stone golem being in front of it. Without a sound, I simply gazed at her newest creation. "So, what am I supposed to do here, nya?" (Shu) Looking at how the golem was complete, I was confused as to what I am truly supposed to be doing here. Often, I would help her experiments in order to allow it to advance faster with help, but right now, the experiment itself was completed. Then, Triela spoke of something I did not see coming. "What are you supposed to do here? Easy! Destroy the golem to test your ability." (Triela) "Whaaaaaaat, nya? I can''t possibly destroy such a big golem, nya!" (Shu) "Ohoho, of course you can. If you focus, that is." (Triela) After saying that, she began activating the golem to move on its own. Jumping back, Triela then created a fortified defensive barrier enveloping the cottage, all while leaving me facing against the golem, alone. "W-what, nya! Triela, don''t leave me here, nya!" (Shu) "Focus, Shu! This is for your own good!" (Triela) "Even if you say that... I''ll try, nya..." (Shu) Facing the golem back, I can see that I''m really small if compared to the golem itself which is three times bigger and higher than the cottage. But it didn''t matter; I need to prove myself worthy of staying by Triela''s side. If I can''t even destroy this, then I''ll get destroyed in the future! Soon enough, the golem made the first move. Raising its fist, I knew it was going to start with a punch. I decided not to evade and instead, opened one of my palm and began forming a defensive barrier. On my other hand started to gather mana, forming an orb. "Hoo, not bad. Taking it head-on eh?" (Triela) She said as she sat on top of the cottage''s roof. Fast, heavy and big, the golem''s fist soon enough arrived in front of my barrier and collided with it. Urgh! The pressures received are very high, but not enough to break through the barrier. As it slowly retracted its fist, I took the opportunity to attack. Using magic to boost my leg, I jumped high in the sky just above the golem and shot the super charged orb. Stone Golems does not have any elemental weakness so I decided to go with raw force. As soon as the orb touched the golem''s head, it exploded leaving behind a massive shockwave. Close to nuclear like effect, one might say. Landing on the ground, I went to check the golem and to my surprise, nothing was left but dirt and stones. The ground barely sustained the impact as it was magically enchanted by Triela. "Ummm... nya? I guess size doesn''t mean anything here... nya." (Shu) "Not bad! Not bad, Shu! It would take me a few shots to kill the golem and you did it in a single shot!" (Triela) "Ehehe.... thanks, nya." (Shu) After that, I simply jumped on her and then transformed back to my Efais form. Haaa, I sure miss myself being in this body. Holding me, Triela petted as she brought me back into the cottage to relax. If there was anything that hasn¡¯t changed in the past few months, it would be this very cottage, really. Wait, if I think about it. With the power she has now, why does Triela not decide to actually go to the outside world and destroy all the peoples who had killed us? I guess, she must have her own reason, but I can''t help her but ask something that has been bugging me. "Triela... may I ask you something, nya?" (Shu) "Hm? Of course, my Shu, go on." (Triela) Humming, she continued to pet me care freely as if enjoying the peaceful surrounding, while closing her eyes. If one was to watch this situation, they wouldn''t even think that Triela is actually the strongest Witch of all that has ever existed. But, enough of that. "With... this power... with both of us, do you not have any intentions to execute the peoples that eradicated our kinds, nya?" (Shu) As that question reached her ears, she stopped humming, opened her eyes and looked at me. In it, I can see an unknown fury, but unsure if it¡¯s targeted towards me or something else. It still got me scared, nonetheless. Soon enough, she looked to the front into nothingness and began speaking. "Shu. Listen; do you only live for revenge? Do you think that by killing, you can bring back the dead? No, right?" (Triela) My question was replied with questions that held the answer itself. Clueless on what to say, I simply stayed silent for a few minute, and then replied once more. "Then... if the time comes, if we are forced to, can I...... kill them, nya?" (Shu) "Well, I guess why not. Hehehehe...?" (Triela) Bringing out a small piece of Esrud''s flesh, she waved it in front of my mouth. Taking on the offer, I nibbled it slowly while trying to enjoy it. Triela, on the other hand just chuckled happily watching me eating the Esrud. How I wish things would stay the way they are now. In any case, it was getting dark so Triela decided to go to bed, since she sleeps quite early. For me, however, I stood up beside the window in my Efais form and simply gazed up on the sky. It''s faint, but I feel something''s off with the surrounding. Probably just me. In the end, I made the decision to go to sleep as well with Triela, in my Efais form again, of course. Before sleeping, I groomed myself for no reason, simply because I wanted to keep even a little bit of my old instincts, even if I can just use magic to clean myself. Okay.. I''m done, time to sleep. Night, Triela... ..... ..... ..... ..... .... [The Next Morning] Nyaaa... it''s already morning? Rising up from the bed, I stretched myself while in Efais form while yawning. Where is Triela? She''s not here when I woke up. Well, maybe she is doing some more weird experiments again. Wait, I don''t feel good. Transforming into my human form, I ran out of the bedroom to search for her. When I went to the front part of the cottage, I was shocked with one sight. My master, alone is going up against hundreds of armies of knights, archers and arch mages. There she is, standing alone and barely protecting the cottage while attacking at the same time. "She''s weakened. Charge!!" (Army Commander) "UUUoooUUOOOO!!" (The Armies) With that, the knights begun charging at her and successfully breaking the barrier with the help of the arch mages. She''s going to be in danger if this goes on. I must help her! "Triela, nya! Allow me to help, nya!" (Shu) "Shu?!" (Triela) As she turned to look at me, a knight got way too close to her and started to swing his sword to striker Triela down. I will not let it happen! Instantly, I casted a barrier enveloping Triela, causing the knight''s sword to be repelled and making him stagger backward. Looking at the opportunity, I charged forward and stopped right in front of the knight. Placing my hand on his chest while floating mid-air since I''m short, I spoke. "The reward for trying to hurt my master is your life, nya." (Shu) *BOOM* Using bursting magic, I pierced through his armors and utterly destroyed his heart in the process. With that, he moved no longer, and instead simply fell on the ground, dead. Finished with that, I turned around to look at Triela and noticed that she is considerably exhausted. She must have been holding them back for some time while I simply slept. Tch, and here I call myself her pet. Hugging her, I said "Rest assured, Triela. I will take it over now, so please, you may rest, nya..." (Shu) "Ungghh... thank you... Shu." (Triela) Soon enough, she lost consciousness. Placing her on the ground softly, I then made sure to envelop her with a fortified defensive barrier to ensure her safety. Now then, the enemies. Right now, they simply stood there, frozen in place after witnessing one of their own falls in the hand of a kid. Well, might as well seize the chance while I have it. In my mind, I started a telekinetic connection within my surrounding in order to ask for assistance. It used to be real hard at first, but after some time, the nature, monsters and animals opened up to me as I often helped them with killing corrupted monsters and animals which was the one usually wandering within our area. That includes Esruds by the way. In the end, they called me ''Protector of Nature'', not that I really prefer to be called one anyway. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. "(Everyone, can you hear me, nya?)" (Shu) "(Yes, Protector. We have seen the current situation. How may we help you?)" (Monsters/Animals/Nature) "(The orders are easy, simply assist me to fight against these peoples and do not allow any harm to be done to my master, nya.)" (Shu) "(Very well, we shall abide by your command, Protector.)" (Monsters/Animals/Nature) "(Urghhh.. I told you not to call me that, nya. Whatever, nya.)" (Shu) As soon as the connection ceased, the changes in the surrounding was noticeable. "UWAAH! WHAT''S GOING O- GAH!!" (Random Knight) The seemingly calm trees began moving and attacking the knights with their branches, causing them to be unable to move due to being tied upon the trees with the branches. The sky on the other hand, became dark and started pouring acid rain onto the ground. Naturally, its acid are neutral to their allies, so it doesn''t affect the trees in the vicinity, but it did caused a heavy damage upon the enemy and caused them to break formations. Adding to the chaos, animals and monsters alike joined the battle ground. Looking like wolves, giant scorpions, hogs, bats, poisonous spiders, goblins and even slimes, various of them joined the fray. Together, they formed a coalition force against the wretched humans. Killing every single people they see, the army became smaller and smaller as time passed by. There was a few soldiers that made it to the cottage, but was easily dealt by me. "Just... who are you? There aren''t supposed to be anyone here..." (Army Commander) Crawling on the ground was a knight that looked slightly different from the rest of the knights. Based on how he acted, he is probably a commander. Seems like he made it here as well, not bad I guess. Crouching, I placed my palm on his head and spoke. "That''s correct, nya." (Shu) "I-Impossible! YOU''RE AN EFA-" (Army Commander) *BOOM* "Shut it, nya." (Shu) Grabbing a cloth from the now headless body, I wiped the man''s blood off my hands. I felt no sympathy for such pathethic being that finds joy in others'' suffering. I''d even kill their family if I have to, but since Triela won''t allow me doing that, guess I won''t anytime soon. Wait, Triela loves performing experiments, doesn''t she? Why don''t I capture all of these humans? That might make her happy. Though for what purpose they will be used for, is unknown. Not that I want to find out about it myself anyway. In any case, I better hurry then. Their numbers have been reduced from hundreds to tens. "(That''s enough, nya. Monsters and animals, surround them, nya. The rest may relax now, thanks for the support, nya.)" (Shu) "(It''s our pleasure to be of your assistance, Protector. Now, please excuse us.) (Nature) The sky started to become clear once again and the trees stopped moving as well. In the center of the large field in front of me used to be dense forests, but thanks to these guys, they were partially cleared. Imagine how much lives had been sacrificed for nothing for those who had lived in that part of the forests. Grrr....... no, I need to control my rage. In any case, there they are, the surviving ones that is. Surrounded by various monsters and animals, they simply sat in the center, trembling and fearing for their lives. Some are holding their hands to pray, while the rest quietly sat while looking down. Slowly, I walked to them, in human form naturally. Noticing that I wanted to enter, the monsters and animals gave way for me to the center. If there was a scene to describe this, it''s like a demon lord walking, entering his chamber to sit on his throne while being greeted by his underlings. Nevertheless, as soon as I entered, one of the humans tried to attack me as he laid his eyes on me. The speed of his blade was so slow, it made me laugh since even Triela''s golem was much faster at attacking me. Well, I I have no need for aggressive ones in the captured packs since they might hurt Triela in the future. Without giving a second thought about it, I evaded his attack and decapitated his head. Urghh... now I''m stained with blood again. Putting that aside, my last skirmish performance appeared to have instilled fear into the remaining ones. That makes work much easier. Well then, let''s start with asking one question that have been bugging me for quite a while. With a simple command, I made it so that the land below me rise so that it forms something like a chair. Not so comfy, but it''ll do. "Now, if you value your life, answer my questions, nya." (Shu) "PLEASE, PLEASE LET ME LIVE/ I HAVE A FAMILY!! / NO!!! / F*CK YOU!" (The captured ones) "SILENCE, NYA." (Shu) Exuding an oppressive force of mana, I forcibly made them to fall on their knees when they tried to stand up and at the same time, snatched away their voices. Actually, it''s still there, but just that it can''t get out due to the fear. Amidst the soldiers, some were women and the rest were men. Pointing my finger to one of the female holding her staff, I started speaking once more. "You, nya. Answer my question, nya." (Shu) "M-me?" (Female Mage) "Yes and be honest, nya. Some of the animals here have keen sixth sense, so they can tell me if you are lying, nya. And, if that happens to come to my knowledge, your head won''t be on your neck anymore, nya." (Shu) "I-I''ll try, please... please.. just let me live.." (Female Mage) Now standing up, the girl is trembling even greater than before and looks as if about to soil her pants. Wanting to drag this no longer, I asked hastily. "Now, how did all of you were able to find this place, nya?" (Shu) "That is... a f-few days ago... we received n-news t-that a mysterious shockwave s-suddenly occured in this place." (Female Mage) "And you came to investigate, with hundreds of knights, arch mages and archers, nya? Are you lying, nya?" (Shu) "N-NO! I''m...not.... a-after that incident, a considerably b-big force could be felt oozing from it. The K-King decided to s-send us to c-check." (Female Mage) Ahh... so all these happened thanks to my attack yesterday which probably broke the barrier that Triela had placed up, thus exposing our magic power to the detection of the outside world. I seriously need to apologize to her about this later. As I was about to ask my next question, a sudden familiar voice can be heard from my back. "What''s going on here?! Why are you all here? Where''s my dear Shu?!" (Triela) I knew that it was Triela and relieved that she was fine, but what came next had my sweat drip down. I can sense her accumulating mana to attack these monsters and animals! Making sure that she can hear me, I shouted. "No Triela, nya! These guys are with me, nya!" (Shu) "Shu? Where are you?" (Triela) As she said that, she immediately jumped over to the center. Coming over, she was shocked with was in her view. Humans. And did I just see her grin slightly? The moment she landed, she walked over to me. Afraid that I was about to be punished, I just stood there and close my eyes. But, instead of a hard hit, I felt a soft pat. "Good job, Shu. You didn''t kill all of them! I needed them for something anyway." (Triela) "Purrr.... thanks, nya. But weren''t you having a slight problem with them just now to the point you fell unconscious, nya?" (Shu) "Problem? Hehehe, I just felt sleepy since I woke up early, that''s all. These guys came attacking suddenly, so I thought I''d play with them before capturing, but it got too boring, so I fell asleep." (Triela) "Seriously... you almost died, nya." (Shu) "You saved me didn''t you?" (Triela) Patting me once more, the humans only watched, with a greater fear dwelling in them of the fact that Triela had simply toyed with them. The female mage on the other hand just sat back since I directed her to. Then, Triela took a look at them, then returned her attention to me. "Well Shu, do you need anything else with them?" (Triela) She said while pointing her thumb to the sideways while looking at me. "Not really, nya. I allowed them to live for you anyway, nya." (Shu) "Ohhhh, good boy! Well then." (Triela) With a snap of her finger, the humans simultaneously fell asleep, every single of them. What powerful control she has, I really need to learn how to do that. Oh, well since they are asleep, guess I should tell the monsters and animals to go. "(Your services are greatly appreciated, nya. You may go home now, nya)." (Shu) "(Not at all, great Protector. Well then, please excuse us)." (Animals/Monsters) Slowly, the crowd began dispersing into the forest and disappeared from the view. Triela on the other hand simply watched in awe as they walked away. "Wow, that''s cool Shu! I didn''t know you can do that!" (Triela) "It''s nothing, nya. Putting that aside, what should we do with our cottage, nya? It''s wrecked now since I forgot to place a barrier on it, nya..." (Shu) As I said that I pointed to the half destroyed cottage. "It''s okay, soon enough we can live in a city and among the humans! Tonight, we just sleep in the laboratory." (Triela) Feeling that it has a relation to the captured humans, I didn''t dare speak another word to ask. In the end, we brought them in the laboratory and thrown them in a dimensional space inventory created by Triela. That night, I ate a few Esruds before going to sleep since I pretty much didn''t consume anything during the day. Right before sleeping, I can see Triela doing something but was too tired to keep focused and soon enough lost against my fatigue. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author''s Note: Decided to throw in some actions to show Shu''s capabilities, hope you enjoyed. In any case, thanks for reading this chapter. And as usual, advices, comments, suggestions are always welcomed. I really mean it by the way. :) Chapter 4 - Moving On Chapter 4 Moving On [The next morning] Hngghhh.... oww.. oww... Sleeping on the floor despite being in Efais form sure brings a hell lot of body pains. In any case, seems like Triela is lying beside me on top of some leaves. Guess she plucked them from the surrounding trees. Sorry guys. After stretching myself up, I transformed into my human body and decided to pay the Esruds a little ''visit''. Running up, I was presented with the scene of the considerably damaged cottage. Truly nothing can be done about this since I didn''t know complex reconstruction spell while Triela said its fine. I wonder why. Anyway, the moment I reached the lake, I released a sigh of relief as I saw it being intact from yesterday''s fight. I have thought of a better way of catching the Esruds without needing to go into the water so I needed them to be there to test it out. Reaching out my hand, I opened my palm as I tried to bend the will of the water. I didn''t want to stress the spirits of water for doing too much of my works, so I ended up doing it myself. Rising up my arm, a water sphere came out following with an Esrud in it. It worked! Now, I''ll just engulf it in a weak fire, since if it was too strong, the Esrud would just disappear. After allowing the water to fall, I slowly enveloped the Esrud in fire to cook it. It frantically struggled to escape from the mana that binds it in the air, but to no avail. In the end, it got eaten by me anyway. And then I went for another couple round of Esruds because I felt really hungry. Soon enough after being fully satisfied, I made the choice to return to the laboratory and check on Triela. Along the way, I managed to greet some of the animals and monsters that helped me yesterday. A few of them even gave me wild berries that are hard to be found in the forests where even Triela can''t make them out of magic. It''s as a farewell gift they say. As I arrived back, I can see that Triela appears to be preparing some bags. Now it makes sense why some of them said these berries are farewell gifts. Seems like it''s time to move, eh? But, there''s one major problem, for Triela and I. For Triela, it would be that her aura pretty much exposes her Witch identity regardless of how she attempts to hide. On the other hand, I always speak ending with ''nya'' every single time which pretty much gives away that I''m an Efais. So, won''t living in a human city prove to be a challenge? "Shuuu, come here for a bit." (Triela) Waving her hands, she called out to me. "Yes, Triela, nya. What is it, nya?" (Shu) Coming closer, she then grabbed a hold of my bell that is tied to my neck. And then after a few seconds, I can feel something different is entering the bell. Being clueless, I can''t do anything but to watch as she fiddles with it. Soon enough, she was done. "There, you should be fine by now." (Triela) "What do you mean? Huh? Wait, what?" (Shu) "The slight changes in the bell should prevent you from ending the word ''Nya'', alongside retracting your tail and ear when being a human." (Triela) "What? My tail and ear? NOOOOO IT''S GONE!" (Shu) Rubbing my back and my head, I tried to look for my tails and ears but failed. It is in a matter of fact that they had perished, just like that. Experiencing the sudden and unfamiliar changes, I got a little panicked. Slowly, my control of mana started to fail causing a soft aura burst to be discharged. "Whoa, whoa calm down Shu! They are still there, but only when you are in your Efais form." (Triela) "Is that so? Thank goodness..." (Shu) "Now then, since you have calmed down, try detecting my aura." (Triela) "Huh? Well, if you say so." (Shu) Through focusing, I tried to look for her aura, but for some weird reason, all I felt was the aura from a human. Confused, I kept looking but I still see no other but the human aura. As she noticed that I appear to be dazzled, she patted me on the head and started to explain. "You see, Shu. Thanks to the humans you captured last night, I was able to a closer look on their mana composition. With that, I created something that is similar to it so we would look, act and feel like a human." (Triela) "Does that mean, no one will ever notice the existence of us and we can live in a human city?" (Shu) "Correct! We can live a normal life like humans now, without having to worry about getting killed." (Triela) "If that''s your wish, then I will simply follow you." (Shu) "Hehehe, thanks Shu!" (Triela) Wait, now that if I think about it, what happened to the humans that got captured? Did they perhaps, died from the experiments? With curiosity of a cat, I can''t help but ask about them from Triela. "Triela, what did you do to the humans?" (Shu) "Hm? I released them, why?" (Triela) "Aww, why didn''t you just kill them?" (Shu) It would have been better off to kill them once they served their purpose, and yet Triela allowed them to escape. A little angry I was since those humans attacked us and deserved death, but it was Triela''s wish, so I can''t disobey it. Then, she started to explain why. "Well, if I did, the King would notice something''s strange is happening and send even more soldiers. Actually, the effect is the same for when I release them, but at least they are afraid of us now." (Triela) "I see..." (Shu) "Anyhow, Shu, do me a favor and burn that cottage to nothingness." (Triela) "Burn it? B-but don''t you want to keep at least some of its remnants?" (Shu) "No I don''t, and I also don''t want the humans to steal my knowledge I have gained so far, so do what I say. Destroy it." (Triela) "Very well..." (Shu) Reaching out one of my hands, I opened my palms and began channeling my mana to manifest a fire ring on the ground around the cottage. After a few seconds of accumulating mana, I released them from under the fire ring, creating a blue inferno, or what I''d prefer calling, Hell Fire. "You never fail to surprise me, eh?" (Triela) She came closer then began patting me. "Ehehe..." (Shu) In the past, casting Hell Fire will usually cause me to faint due to the large mana consumption and the stress it leaves on my body. I was unconscious for a week for using it and since then, haven''t used it at all. But today after using it, I don''t feel anything at all. I guess I should really fear my mana capacity. Soon enough, Triela and I decided to change cloths since if we waltzed into a human city like this, we would get attacked to death in a matter of seconds. Naturally, Triela took the laboratory and I just changed under the coverage with the help of a tree. Coming out, Triela was in her new cloths and mine was the same as hers, again. A white robe covering the outside body and then added with another layer of white shirt within the inside, and a hood to cover the head. Additionally, I noticed that her hair became blonde, her eyes red and so did mine. It''s probably just me, but I think my human form gets affected when Triela changes her bodily features. Anyway, what came next was something I didn''t thought was going to happen. "Shu, take this mask and keep it. Just in case you need to do ''something'', wear it to keep your identity hidden." (Triela) "Ohh.... well, okay." (Shu) For some reason, I felt excited when I received the mask. Well, deep inside I probably got excited due to thinking that I can finally kill anyone without having to hold back and fearing for the exposure of my identity. Nevertheless, I don''t think I''ll be doing that anytime sooner. "Oh and Shu, here, lift both of this bags with magic. It''ll help with your control training. Use too much magic, and it''ll fly away, and doing the opposite will just make it fall on the ground, got it?" (Triela) "I see! Then I''ll start without further ado!" (Shu) With that, we began walking heading to a pathway located not so far from the cottage. While leaving, I can hear a few voices and noticing that the trees within the area waving at me with their branches, slowly. Additionally, some animals and monsters can be seen lurking behind them, simply watching. I will surely miss these guys, even if the time I spent with them was only a short while. "(Farewell, Protector. Everyone have been notified of your existence and will obey to your commands should you tell them to)." (Trees) "(It has been an honor to serve you, Protector)." (Animals/Monsters) "(Worry not, we shall always keep our eyes on your surrounding to ensure your safety)." (Sky) "(And we shall ensure that every step you take will be on the correct path)." (Land) "(For you are the last descendant of Efais, and our Protector)." (Animals/Monsters/Nature) Feels like I''ve become a god of nature or something. Well, it''s not that bad to be backed up by them rather than by humans who can back stab me when things takes a turn for the worst on them. Regardless, I need to reply to them, or else I''d be considered self-centered. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "(I had fun here. We may not meet again in the future for some of you, but I shall remember your service till the day I die. Thank you for everything, my friends. With this, I bid my good bye. )." (Shu) Slowly, Triela and I disappeared from the view, leaving behind the forests, the land where the cottage used to be, and far behind it, the lake where I would often eat the Esruds. Many memories were made here, but Triela decided it to be quite hard in some ways if we were to keep living in solitary, so she made the decision to move on. To a human city. ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... [3 hours later] *GDUM GDUM GDUM GDUM* If someone''s wandering what that sound was about, it''s the carriage moving actually. How we got on it? Well, one hour ago, Triela felt like it was taking way too long to reach the city. So in the end, we waited in the bushes to catch a carriage on the way to the human city. It took a few minutes of our clock, but then a carriage came. Instantly, I commanded the land to rise in the way of the carriage, performing a wall that prevents it from moving. Triela''s job was easy, knocking out the coachman. We were lucky that no one were in the carriage or else unnecessary blood could have been spilled. The horses naturally recognized me and willingly carrying us to our destination, so it is a smooth sailing. Anyway, we are back to the present and have already reached our destination. Saying my thanks in silence to the horse, I burned the rope and melted the chains that had them shackled to the carriage and off they go. Triela, praising my kind act to the animals, gave me a small piece of Esrud and of course, while no one was watching. "I was wondering Triela, what do we do with the coachman?" (Shu) "Just leave him be. He''ll be awake soon and forget everything that happened." (Triela) "Unnn.. if you say so then." (Shu) Heading to the entrance of the city, I can see the guards are checking everyone that wishes to enter the city. I really hope we will make through this, because I feel lazy to fight all these guys. Anyway, as soon as I was about to join my master who is already lining up for the security check-up, a faint voice came from the trees behind me. "(Protector, please be careful. Inside the city, there won''t be many of our kind, so we can''t protect you as well as we can outside here)." (Trees) "(I''ll be fine, so please, do not worry about me)." (Shu) "(Very well, but please Protector, do take care of yourself well)." (Trees) "(I will, thank you)." (Shu) Running back to Triela''s side, it appears that it is almost our turn to be checked. Just making sure that I have a backup plan ready, I accumulated a faint mana on my left hand while hiding it inside the robe to ensure it doesn''t get detected. Slowly, it radiated a dim light. Okay, my ''flash grenade'' is ready.... "Clear, you may enter. Next please!" (Inspection Guard) Ah, it''s our turn it appears. Silently, Triela walked forward and I just followed her. Then, I felt some sort of magic enveloping my body. Seems like they are inspecting me thoroughly eh.... Nevertheless, I easily passed the inspection and so did Triela, thanks to her results of the latest experiments. "Okay, you''re clear, but before that. Can you please place those two bags floating up in the air on the ground? We need to inspect those as well." (Inspection Guard) "Very well..." (Shu) Slowly, the bags descended and was placed on the ground. Looking back to the guard, his face was unexpectedly surprised. What did I do? In confusion, I tried to think of what I might have possibly done to the point the guard was shocked. But, it wasn''t just him, it was everyone that was within the area. Suddenly, I heard Triela snickering. Whispering, I asked her. "Triela, what did I do?!" (Shu) "Kehehe.... they thought I was elevating the bag, but I wasn''t. You see, kids are not supposed to be able to use magic until they are 12, kehehehe...." (Triela) "What?! Why didn''t you tell me that sooner?!" (Shu) "I wanted to show them my Shu proudly, and you didn''t ask, so I didn''t answer, hehehe..." (Triela) Laughing silently, Triela closed her mouth with her hands while she faced the other way. I was instead, bombarded with shocked eyes from the surrounding and it was silent for a few seconds. Feeling awkward, I just fidgeted in the center and looked down to avoid the stares. "Hahahaha, splendid, very splendid! A child that surpasses the magic law!" (???) All of a sudden, a loud laugh can be heard from the distance within the crowd. Coming to the center, the jaw of the surrounding pass byers simply fell to floor as that person came into their sight. Then, they all just kneel on the floor for no reason. Huh? What''s happening? Then, what the guard in front of me said finally made me understood. "My King! It is an honor to meet you, your highness! I''m truly sor-" (Guard) "Enough, I do not have any business with you, so step aside." (King) "Y-yes and my apologies, your highness!" (Guard) As the guard stepped aside, he walked slowly in front of me. Triela, on the other hand, is still laughing. Gosh, I really wish she can help me with this. Giving off a majestic aura, he wore a red cape embedded with what appears to be gold and under it is a golden plate armor with an unknown crest that is on the chest part. On his head, as every king has, is a crown with three gems that seems like diamonds on the front on the crown, covering his black hair. His pants on the other hand, is pretty much a pair for the plate armor so no need describing there. A white platinum rapier can be seen, attached to the left of his waist. Walking around me as if checking, he simply stared at me in silence while walking in circle. This is really making me uncomfortable, seriously. Soon enough, he discovered that Triela was with me, but he only looked at her for a matter of seconds then turned back to me. Suddenly, he stopped and started speaking. "No need to inspect this boy and his older sister any further. I will personally allow them to enter." (King) "Very well, your highness! Let them pass!" (Inspection Guard) With the guard''s command, the rest of his men simply stood by, allowing Triela and I to walk through the gate. After a while, she finally recovered and regained her momentum. I wish she had done that sooner, though. Regardless, what stood at the end of the gate was uncomforting. The King and his horse carriage. I tried to distract him by commanding the horse to run away, but there weren''t any respond. What? Did they do something to the horses'' will? Grr...... humans.... how dare they. It''s weak, but I purposefully emitted a blood lust targeting only the King. But there weren''t any response as well. I guess he''s not as weak as he looks like. "Trielaaa, what do we do?" (Shu) "Stay put and just walk to him, we can''t afford to do anything else that may compromise our situation currently. Plus, this is exciting!" (Triela) "Trieeelaaaa....." (Shu) Reaching the end of the gate and thus inside the city, Triela and I was the focus of the surrounding attention as the King stood in front of us. Opening up the door was a servant, and with that the King invited us to enter the carriage. Without a word, we just entered the carriage with the King and soon enough, it began moving. "First of all, welcome to the Capital City of Lisenburg''s continent, Mavral. My name is Charles De Harlequin, the 7th ruler of the Lisenburg''s continent under the Harlequin''s family. I''m sorry that I had forcibly dragged you here, but I hope you will listen to my story." (King Charles) "It''s fine and please, do continue, your highness." (Triela) ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... After a few minutes of discussions, it has been concluded that the King didn''t have any descendant that may succeed the throne once death claimed his life. The reason was twisted in a way, he simply didn''t want to marry any woman from the nobility and it is not possible to marry a normal woman. Filled with greedy and the desire to control the kingdom, every noble is corrupted. As such, to ensure that they are not given a chance, the King has avoided to get married until now. But the situation has changed, the citizens began voicing their worries for the possibility of the kingdom to be in turmoil once the king passed away. "I don''t get it. So what did you bring us with you for?" (Shu) Sitting on Triela''s laps, she just hugged me while I talk to the King in a serious manner. Triela is not the type of person to handle this kind of conversations, so she gave up halfway and just hugged me for no reason. Then, a sentence from the King made Triela crack in laughter real hard and my jaw dropped, rolling on the ground. "It''s simple. I want you to be my son." (King Charles) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author''s Note : With this, the life of Triela and Shu among the human will finally begin. In any case, thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it! :) And as usual, advices, comments, suggestions etc. are always welcomed.