《My Reincarnation Fantasy is All Wrong!》


 Descent

    Everything starts with Dreams. Dreams you hold in your heart, the Dreams others force upon you, and the Dreams you chase until you die. To lose the ability to Dream is equivalent to death. So I spent my life in a Dream. Stories, games, music, and my own imagination. Until one indiscernible day those Dreams became more real than the life I lived.


    I lived my life consumed by an impossible Dream. More focused on the story in my hand, than the one around me.


    Then I slipped.


    "Wha-" My final words weren''t the most profound, but at least they were mine.


    They say when you are about to die your entire life flashes before your eyes, my life was one of stories so I guess it makes sense that I''d see my favorite character.


    [You consider me your favorite? I''m pleasantly surprised!] echoed the cloaked mass of stars, easily dwarfing me in size.


    Darkness encroaches on the edges of my vision, if this is a dream its bit more fleeting than I expected.


    [This is normally the part where I kill you, but I''m interested in what you have to say], a single limb upon the figures body. One of three, reaches out to me, and I feel the inky blackness that consumed my soul cower away.


    As I''m pulled from the haze, my thoughts collect themselves. I''m trying to pass peacefully into the afterlife and my brain is making up crazy dreams again. This is honestly getting ridiculous.


    [Outsider, you come from beyond the Black Sea and you believe yourself to have gone mad? I suppose you wouldn''t be the first] His figure dwarfs mine, his sinister smile of pure light closing in.


    [You may assume this to be your final dream, if it makes it easier for you to process] Now face to face with a God beyond Gods I realize something beautiful.


    "This is what I''ve been waiting for! The chance to go on an awesome isekai adventure!" A massive smile blooms across my face just before its ruthlessly shattered.


    [Absolutely Not.] The sinister smile folds into a bored deadpan. That doesn''t make any sense. I died, met my favorite character, and now I get cheat skills! I spent my whole life dreaming and now I get to live the dream!


    [Your life means nothing. Your dreams mean nothing. You are nothing.] Three nails are driven through me. My heart is ripped to pieces. Of all people that would accompany on my way out why''d it have to be him. Never meet your heroes? Never have delusion filled dreams right before you die about your heroes?If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    [I''m yourhero? What a load of nonsense. I''m just a faceless character in that story you so love. I''m in one scene and speak with the protagonist for barely a page.] I''m dying. Though hearing your favorite character talk shit about you is even worse. I wonder what my last thou[ENOUGH]. I feel myself again.


    [EXPLAIN], the world feels frozen. A veil over my mind lifts. One far larger than the initial darkness. A feeling of realness, one I had long forgotten in my delusion enters my eyes. A look from a being beyond a God. A look of utter bafflement and anger.


    "I-Is this even real" I begi[IRRELEVANT] my thoughts crushed under the weight of a Void Ruler. [Elaborate on how I could possibly be your favorite character] his massive head tilts resting upon one of his hands.


    "It doesn''t go that deep, but If I had to think of a specific reason it''s because I''m jealous."


    [Then shouldn''t you despise me?] the words cut through mine.


    "It started that way, you''ve lived so many lives. Lives of which I wished I could live only one. You,The Great Deceiver, have been a stylish thief, a roguish hero, a lovable scoundrel, and many more. I hated how amazing such a power would be to have. The power to wear the mask of someone else, to become a character in a story."


    [But?]


    "But the more I thought about it, the more I looked up to you instead of loathed you. To give up a part of yourself, to dream a dream away from your true self for a while. It helped me escape from it all. Even if it lead to my death, those days brought me happiness"


    [. . .]


    "So you kill me now?"


    [True happiness can''t be achieved in a dream. One day, you have to wake up.] His tone solemn.


    A breathless sigh escapes my lips,"Then I''ll just go back to dreaming" A single moment feels like an eternity.


    [Your ideology is self destructive. It will tear you to pieces.]


    "You were about to do that anyways so who cares?" my annoyed expression clear as day.


    [. . .]


    [You are my fault, and thus my problem. What I do to you is up to me.]


    "What is that supposed to mean"


    [You said you wanted to go on an awesome isekai adventure right? Then why don''t I put you in that novel you love oh so much.]


    "S-seriously?!" My eyes light up, with my knowledge of the Novel and whatever Delmaroo gives me I could easily become a badass hero and save the world!


    [Why of course, I''ll make you an incarnation of mine. Yet, you''ll still be you. Just one simple request. No more Dreams, you have to live in the real world now, a world where you don''t get lost your own mind] I don''t know if I can follow that request, but I''d be an idiot to say no!


    "O-of course!" I cry out, my voice echoing across the void.


    A sinister smile creeps towards me, and the sudden feeling of being deceived fills me. Maybe I shouldn''t have trusted a being called The Great Deceiver.


    I feel a shift from the world around me, and I''m gone.


    AN:I''ve been bouncing the idea of this story around in my head for a while now. Honestly, I have no idea if this story will gain traction at all. Or if anyone will see it besides me. I just hope that one person likes my story, if a story can improve the life of just one person. It would have been worth it. Even if that person is just me. - Mag

 Gravity

    Indistinct chatter washes over me causing a small headache. As I slowly open my eyes again warmth washes over me, and cramped bodies press against me. A horde of people are standing around me as I try to piece together what''s going on. I''m alive? But how? I fell to my death. Bile begins to rise in my throat as my legs buckle slightly. Shivers run through me until a voice comes from across whatever hall we are in. I feel a small bump behind me as someone begins to speak up.


    "Welcome all students, we''re glad you''ve all made it" A frigid voice flows throughout the room. Peeking my head up, a silver-haired middle-aged man in a dark purple suit stands behind a podium on a large stage. Hundreds of students filling the room all looking towards his slight smile.


    "I am the acting Vice-Principal of-" "Who in the Abyss took so damn long!" A massive figure pushes his way to the front, yelling out as most people desperately try to make a path for him. "It''s been 20 damn years! Who''s wasting our time hunting rabbits? I''ve been standing here for 4 hours?!"


    Nobody says a word as I process what he said. There''s no way I was falling for 4 hours. Right? Or maybe I showed up late. I probably shouldn''t say anything though. However, something about him commands attention, commands submission. I shake the feeling away with ease as a smaller girl begins to squeak out next to me.


    "i-" "Enough Mr. Superbia, refrain from using your abilities on University time" The clear grey eyes gaze into piercing gold ones. Quickly, the girl next to me seems to regain her focus, her hand shooting over her mouth.


    What the fuck was that? Some kind of mind control? Is that common around here? So many questions fill my head I realize something. I don''t know anything. I''m in my favorite novel series and I can''t even remember the title?! I don''t seem to have any special powers (still hoping on that one) and I lack meta-knowledge? How am I supposed to survive with mind-controlling freaks running around? Sirens start to go off in my head, before being quieted by the man continuing his speech.


    "I will start from the beginning and expect no interruptions." ''Mr. Superbia'' looking slightly shaken quickly composes himself and easily vaults off the stage ledge.


    "Welcome all students, you have all come here in pursuit of something. Power, Fame, Riches, or perhaps some other personal goal known only to those closest to you." Gazing around the room he somehow locks eyes with me, and a bead of sweat runs down my face.


    "Some of you deserve to be here more than others, some of you don''t deserve to be here at all. Yet, through receiving a letter of


    recommendation or passing the written exam you are here." Wow. I really, REALLY, don''t deserve to be here, do I? Going to have to shelve that for later.


    "As you all should know Gravitas has not been open to attendance for two decades. Do not pester your professors as to why. They lack that knowledge. Gravitas has also accepted many foreign students this year. Again, do not ask your professors as to why. This is your first, and final warning."


    Once again he gazes over the ''students''. I''m going to a school I assume? Going to have to try and figure out what''s going on here before I do anything that causes me trouble. What even IS my situation?


    As my mind begins to drift back to my conversation with Delmaroo, my thoughts are once again interrupted. Can I just have a minute to focus?!


    The man pulls out a piece of paper. Placing it on the podium, he then begins reading monotonously.


    "Belongings that have been deemed ''useful beyond a certain standard'' including but not limited to, Kinslas Standard currency, and Mystic Objects, have been confiscated and delivered to the individual you set as your emergency contact. They are to be claimed and kept off of campus grounds. You will not be getting those belongings back during your stay at Gravitas." They took everyone''s stuff?! I have no idea what I lost but I''m sure someone lost something important.


    Yet, a stir through the crowd is quenched in an instant.


    "If you have any complaints you may leave now and consider yourself expelled."


    . . .


    It''s dead quiet.


    . . .


    Where the hell am I?


    "All of you have been separated into ranks totaling five, based on performance during initiation. In addition, you have been given a stipend of Electrum based on that rank. Electrum may also be gained through other methods such as getting an on-campus job or scoring well on a test. You may use Electrum to purchase goods, services, and other equipment that may aid you on upcoming exams." That''s . . . interesting. A tired sigh leaves my mouth. I''m going to need a job in a place I know nothing about. If I''m still dreaming this must be a nightmare.


    "I am aware we have many young scions, lords, ladies, or other holders of prestigious titles. No matter who you are to the outside world you will not receive preferential treatment. Whoever you may be, your stay here will be difficult, draining, and potentially deadly if you do not take this with utmost seriousness. However, those who commit everything to their development, those who take risks, and those who seek opportunities can benefit greatly. Welcome to Gravitas University, we sincerely hope you graduate."


    The man paces off the stage and through a side door as a shorter man approaches the stage and begins to rapidly speak.


    "A staff member will come and get your rank in descending order. They will direct you towards your housing."


    The crowd is silent until the click of a door being closed echoes out. Self-praises, compliments, curses, and much more indiscernible babble wrecks through the hall.


    Alright, finally I have some time to think to myself I naively believe as once again a yell crashes into everyone.


    "I, Dmitry Superbia will achieve the highest rank among this lot! If anyone has any complaints speak now or hold your tongue!" There it is, I knew it. Can''t I just get a minute? Only for someone to interrupt this arrogant annoyance.


    "Ah, Mr. Superbia was it? I can assure you, your race towards the number one spot in this wonderful school shall not be accompanied without a rival-" A darker-skinned man, with black hair and a streak of green speaks up. Two massive wooden figures manifest behind him as he slowly approaches. The students part like water as he approaches. All except for two.


    "And how can I not compete in another race when I''m already so far ahead in my race for-" The newcomer is quickly cut off by someone else, the other not even getting the chance to speak. Is this supposed to be a cutscene in the novel? Or am I just becoming delusional again?


    "Dmitry Superbia, Odion Igwe, Arthur Cellavort, Jun Julong, Samira Sakti, and Dorra Malfaar. Please come with me to be directed towards your personal housing." "I am Julong Jun, do not make that error again." one with gold branching horns immediately replies, his voice curt. Yet, all the students seem to look tiredly between each other before the man with two giant tree monsters shrugs.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Settle this tomorrow?" Collective sounds of agreement from the other 5 spread out. I wonder what time it is? Anyways as they shuffle out and the names of other students are called I actually get a moment to myself.


    . . .


    Finally. Ok, What do I know? I''m in some kind of school for the elite where people have powers of some sort. I need to earn electrum if I want to make my life here significantly easier, or maybe I could just leave entirely? No, with how desperate everyone was to stay here there must be something of high value. I''m going to assume this is a high-quality school.


    Also, I died twice and am miraculously still alive somehow. No idea how that works. Though with my first death and my conversation with him, I do know one thing. I''ve been scammed. Completely and utterly scammed.


    ''Become my incarnation!'' ''Wake up from the dream!'' why does waking up have me constantly plummeting to my death?! A slight shiver passes through me again. I think I''ll stay on the ground, thank you very much.


    More importantly . . . I''m in a novel I don''t even remember the name of. If I had at least some meta knowledge I could abuse maybe I could get ahead but ''noooooooo'' this isn''t fair at all! I''d probably have an easier time if I was at least born in this world!


    Though maybe I can recognize some tropes? Do tropes even apply? This is all real, right?


    Would that make those 6 people at the start protagonists? Is one of them the protagonist? Am I even in the setting that takes place in the novel? So many questions and not even an inkling of an answer.


    Damn it. Why does this have to be so hard?


    It''s probably better to just focus on the now, getting caught up in ideas that I can''t even pursue is a waste of time.


    . . .


    That''s not like me to say at all.


    Standing for a moment in mental silence I wonder.


    Am I even me anymore? Does it matter? Is this me ''awakened from the dream?'' Why do I also have to be aware of how irrelevant this is to my current situation?! Not living the dream sucks!


    Looking around I see most of the students have left the hall leaving me and 4 others. Before I can fully register them a voice draws my attention. A short woman with pointed ears and glasses asks out, "Dayra Timor?"


    The shorter girl, the same one near me earlier, slowly walks forward. Short black hair in a bob cut, red eyes, and an expression signaling she definitely doesn''t want to be here. She has clothes that seem to be made of different furs. I wonder, If people are being called on in descending order, then we must be the bottom of the barrel. My isekai adventure really has to put me here?


    Scribbling in her notebook the elven? Pointed ear lady turns her gaze to the bluish mountain of a man to my right. "It is said Wu Jiang in your culture, correct?"


    The man, with stone grey, yet branch-like horns. A scaled, slightly feathered blue tail. A man who could probably throw me, looks down with bloodshot eyes, and clenched fists. His head slowly shaking side to side.


    "Please, refer to me as Jiang. My actions have brought shame to the name Wu. This foolish hatchling has made a grave mistake and shall only reclaim its wings when honor accompanies it." Tears begin to leak from his eyes and pepper the soft wooden floor beneath us. Getting a reality check during initiation must have been hard for him. I know it certainly was for me . . .


    Her notes continue as she calls out another name with slowly widening eyes. "V-Vivian Orga Cellavort" A large blond woman wearing a thick blue robe stomps forward her emerald-orange eyes locking with mine for a moment. Isn''t that the same name as someone from the top rank? Do these ranks even have names?


    "Don''t lump me in with the dregs. My presence here is solely because of the interference from my awful brother." A slow nod from the shorter woman who then turns to a guy who seems to be sulking in the corner.


    "Hector Lombardi?" she projects out. The man slowly stands up. Tanned skin and light brown hair. "This is junk." mumbles out of his mouth, his lifeless brown eyes slowly turning towards the woman as he straightens his overalls that seem to have a large number of empty pockets. "I''ll take that as a confirmation."


    "Uhm, Mercury . . . No last name?" looking around the room no one seems to step forward, instead they all seem to be looking at me.


    "Mr. Mercury?" ohshitthatsmyname. Or at least the name of this body? I''ll need to worry about that later.


    "Yes! Haha" I awkwardly shamble forward, my legs still shaking slightly causing me to nearly stumble onto my face as a large hand grabs me before I plummet to what would most likely be my third death. Turning my head I see the eyes of a worried Dragon man who helps pull me on my feet.


    "Thank you for saving me" I breathe out, that guy has no idea how much trouble he just saved me.


    "Consider it scattered in the riverbed" I''m going to assume that we are cool. His confused gaze makes me wonder how strange I must seem. Well at least that''s everyone, so we can finally-


    "Maryam I-Illar" the short woman looks confused for a brief moment looking around. As though she didn''t exist a moment before I suddenly hear footsteps from behind the tall blond woman.


    An almond-skinned woman walks forward. Shoulder-length white hair and golden eyes seem to scan us. She seems to be wearing clothes as poor quality as me . . . The blond woman however seems to nearly jump backward as where the white-haired lady gives a slight nod towards the short woman.


    "Absolutely not, I am NOT being lumped in the same group as an Idja!" What in the world is an Idja? Worlds? Whatever ''it'' is everyone seems to take a slight step back. Including what I can only assume to be the teacher. For a moment it''s silent and the teacher clears her throat.


    "Let''s go ahead and get you youngsters sorted. Once I get you to where you''ll be staying you can argue amongst yourselves. You can call me Ms. Lavender."


    "Don''t just ignore me!" Wow, she''s almost as loud as that Dmitry guy!


    Despite her protests, we all start following Ms. Lavender outside of the gigantic hall. You can really only get a sense of how big something is sometimes when it''s empty. Also, you didn''t just have a near-death experience. Going through the previously opened stone double doors we take a step outside.


    The air is crisp, light twinkles down from the sky, and the sound of small animals gently flow from the forest in front of our group. Though, most eye catchingly, 6 moons hang in the sky. Their colors, Red, Blue, Brown, White, Green, and Gray.


    Bringing my eyes down from the sky I see a beaten path that Ms. Lavender begins to tread down.


    "Your dorm is slightly farther away than the rest of the students, but also comes with a nice nature walk and plenty of time to talk to your dorm members!" chipper in her tone she nearly dances down the path as it starts to angle downwards lightly. Passing through a few trees I see what can only be our new dorm.


    At least 5 miles away.


    Immediately I hear groans come from behind me.


    This is going to be a long walk, isn''t it?

 Impact

    "You can''t truly expect me to have to walk all of this distance every day!?" a haughty voice groans out.


    "Apologies Ms. Cellavort, my expectations have no impact on this situation", she did seem to expect that this blonde lady was going to do better. How are we even ranked anyways?


    Should I speak up, or try and get a better understanding first?"This is ridiculous! My brother made it into the highest rank! What are these ranks even called, I refuse to believe Gravitas can''t think of some kind of name for this joke?!" venom overbearing in her tone. An angry expression rises onto the face of Ms. Lavender who bites back instantly.


    "The dormitory you are a part of is known as the Circle dormitory. Do not speak so lightly of this institution. Your current dorm is purely based of your performance during initiation."


    A sense of inadequacy floats through our group. Even ''Ms. Cellavort'' having some sense of shame to look away.


    Damn, no wonder I''m in this dorm. All I did was fall out of the sky.


    Really gotta keep my feet steady on this path.


    "Professor, I can understand the style of initiation. I also can understand my placement. However, is it truly fair for an Inventor to not be allowed any of his tools? The initiation clearly favors some individuals over others." The brown haired man speaks up. His voice is clear, yet obviously disappointed. Her face softening a bit, she doesn''t execute him like she did the Cellavort.


    "Gravitas isn''t going to be fair, life isn''t fair. No one is born equal. You are Enomari, there''s only one group of people who can understand that more than you do." her eyes flick to the ''Idja''. Wait, is that a slur against her people? How do I even ask something like that? Is Ms. Cellavort racist?? There''s so much I don''t understand, at least I''m at a school.


    His fist clenches, then relaxes. Power walking past our group and making his way down the path, we briefly lock eyes.


    I think I''ll give him some space.


    Moments pass, and all I can hear is the sounds of the forest as I look at that man''s back.


    "I believe we should keep moving. It''s getting late and I still have to make the walk back once we get there." and thus our footsteps echo out, our march beginning anew.


    Normally I have headphones in, or am listening to an audiobook. This is unfathomably boring.


    "Do you have any recommendations you can give us?" doesn''t hurt to ask a teacher a question. Her voice is serious.


    "Get a job. It will make your life significantly easier." then mumbling "especially because you''re in the Circle dormitory."


    "Is that because of the stipend?" my mind flashing back to the speech we listened to bit ago.


    "A good student is attentive, well done Mr. Mercury. Yes, the stipend you will be receiving shall be significantly lower than your peers" a smile dawns on her face with her eloquent reply.


    "As expected of one of my people, though you can''t expect me of all people to work a peasants job?" the blonde woman''s smile shakes a bit as she expects the reply that leaves the teachers mouth.


    "Your life outside of the University could have been anything. All that matters is performance Ms. Cellavort. In fact I believe that Mr. Mercury has very well put the first foot forward in learning. Mr. Mercury I hereby give you this." Handing me a firm black card with a single strip of gold running through it, I smile. Whatever this is, it''s probably useful.


    "This is 100 Electrum. Consider it your lifeline here. It can be rewarded by teachers for good performance, by getting a job, or other methods I''m not privy to tell you." my eyes light up. I don''t know how much 100 is but money is money!


    "Mercury yes? I shall allow you to become my follower of someone as great as I, so your financial responsibility shall belong to me and me alone" She hold out her hand with a massive smirk on her face.


    There is no way she''s actually trying to steal this from me?! Turning to Ms. Lavender she is staring silently. Her expression unreadable.


    "I have no idea who you are lady, I''m not giving you a damn thing." my glare digs into her and I hold the card close. However everyone looks at me with incredulity, even the teacher. Crap, should I have given it to her? Was this a test?


    "Y-you don''t know I am? I am Vivian Orga Cellavort!" that name means basically nothing to me. She has a brother I guess?


    "Like the guy in the highest ranking class?" like an arrow pierces through her heart she nearly falls to her knees.


    "Are you TRYING to insult me?" if looks could kill I''d be dead three times over. Until the deep voice of my hero earlier in the day speaks up.


    "Do you wish to insult the family of Lady Cellavort? Or do you truly deign to admit lack of knowledge on your princess?" SHE''S A PRINCESS!? Quick, brain, think of something!


    "I, uh, grew up away from society" life seems to return to her eyes as she speaks up.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "W-well, as a Celladian I still am your princess." smiling triumphantly she looks at me, and all I can do is stare at her with blank eyes. Before a smile dawns on my face, with hers growing brighter.


    "I still don''t see why I should give you this"


    Only to shatter at my words. Sputtering on her owns words she fumes for a moment before trying to explain.


    "Becoming my follower has many benefits. Status! Wealth! I could even make you a knight if your performance is good post-graduation!" That actually sounds kind of nice. Yet, none of it will be useful while I''m here, and being honest I doubt I''m going to graduate ''top of my class''. Or even if i''ll graduate at all. The final nail in my mind that confirms my decision is that I have no reason to trust her.


    "I don''t want to be your follower." intaking breath sharply she whispers.


    "But I''m sure you''d change your tune if it was my brother" She definitely doesn''t like him, and she''s still wrong.


    "I don''t want to be his follower either." I have no reason to trust him either.


    I don''t know who I can trust at all. Maybe I should try and make some friends. Damn it I wish I knew how to do that.


    "You . . . are a strange one. I will forget this slight against my noble family." Her expression is unreadable, but at least she''s not glaring at me anymore. I assume that means she isn''t holding this against me though? We ARE going to be living in a dorm together though, so that''s good.


    Wait.


    I have to live in a dorm with a princess?


    This is gonna suuuuck.


    I wonder how the rest of them are going to be? We still have quite a bit to go . . .


    Turning to the big dragon man I speak up.


    "Thank you for helping me back in the hall."


    "Peace, as I said it is scattered to the riverbed did I not?" I think I can put two and two together, but I might as well ask.


    "I''ve never heard that before, what exactly does it mean?" A light sigh leaves his mouth, but he does still smile.


    "Tis'' a saying of my homeland, it means you owe me nothing. Few Celladians would ask of a Kobolds culture, however you don''t appear to carry much of the culture of your kind."


    "Just never really picked it up I guess"


    "Clearly" mutters Vivian.


    "It''s nice to meet you, I''m . . ." Who am I again? Damn it. Why do I have to suck with names! Especially when its supposed to be mine, and now everyone''s awkwardly staring at me again. Should I make something up?


    "Mr. Mercury, perhaps you should get some rest. Initiation must have been hard for you."


    "Y-yeah" clearing his throat and holding out his hand.


    "You may refer to me as Jiang, however once I''ve reclaimed my honor address me as Wu." His look is dead serious. Honor must mean a lot to him. My hand grasps his and OW his grip is strong. Though it immediately lightens and his eyes open widely as his hand pulls back.


    "Apologies! I forgot you are a Mage" I''m a mage? What? Then where''s my awesome powers? I stand their silently for a moment only to be apologized to again.


    "My sincerest apologies, I didn''t mean to offend"


    "Oh! It''s nothing! Though, um, what makes you think I''m a mage?" Again everyone turns to me like I''m crazy. Vivian however steps towards me.


    "Are you implying that you aren''t a Mage? A Celladian, who doesn''t use Magic?" Are Celladians supposed to be good at magic? Oh no, I''m probably really suspicious right now.


    "Mage in training . . . we are at a school after all." please buy it, I can learn magic later!


    "We''ve arrived." Turning forward I see a beat up two story building in front of us. Its walls wood, and slightly decayed. Against one of the walls the man who got ahead of us earlier seems to be inspecting it.


    "Miraculously, it appears to still be structurally sound. Yet, with wear like this it will become unsafe to live in by next Larbrosil. Is this supposed to be part of the unfairness you spoke of earlier?" Is Larbrosil supposed to be a season? A Holiday? Something else? He was only a few minutes ahead of us, how did he figure that out? Does he have magic powers that let him understand stuff? I wish I had that.


    "Then I guess someone will just have to fix it up." speaks our teacher. Yet for a moment the man pauses the gear seeming to turn his head as he screams out in indignant fury.


    "ARE YOU TO IMPLY THIS TEST WAS RIGGED AGAINST ME? SO THAT I WOULD DO LABOR FOR YOUR SCHOOL, DESPITE ITS FAILURE TO PROVIDE WHAT SHOULD BE A BASIC RESOURCE?"


    W-woah, if that''s true this place is fucked up.


    "Mr. Lombardi. Gravitas would not lower itself to rig results in order to ensure certain students would arrive in certain ranks. There are other ways to fix this building besides someone like you. Or perhaps the students who may have ended up here would have to sleep in tents, or without shelter. Thus is the price of poor performance." His voice steadies, but the undercurrent of anger still clear.


    "We will not go homeless. No one deserves to lack shelter. No one." Huh, seems he''s actually a good guy. Though clearly very confident in himself.


    "Alright. Listen up the lot of you. Consider this your final message from me unless you so happen to be taking my class." Ms. Lavender begins to start what may be the last we hear of her for a while.


    "Gravitas is going to be extremely difficult for the Circle Dormitory. Many will look down on you. Loathe you. Neglect you. However do not let that sway your resolve. Each and everyone in this group did not need to take the written test, yes, all of you received a recommendation letter."


    From the small girl and white haired girl scanning our group to the surprise from the brown haired man, Vivian, and Jiang. I just stand there silently. I''m going to assume that means we were supposed to be talented picks?


    But I wasn''t.


    I don''t deserve to be here.


    Compared to whoever used to own this body, I''m Nothing.


    "You all struggled through initiation for one reason or another. May it be bad luck, or poor test compatibility you''ve been placed in a bad position. Though looking at all of you, as students of Gravitas, that anyone here can become great. Let your struggle fuel your Soul. Let your burdens become your blade, and show the rest of this school that Circle Dormitory refuses to roll over!"


    I may not be here by choice. I may have stolen this vessel. But I''m not going to just roll over and die. A fire burns in my eyes, yet only two of our number seem to share my resolve. Jiang and that mysterious white haired girl.


    Going up to each of us she passes another one of those Electrum cards. Though it seems to be the exact same as the one I received earlier. Double starting money is my Isekai cheat? This sucks.


    "You have 3 days until classes begin. Make sure you sign up for at least 5." Then with a single turn she begins to walk up the path. Leaving us to stew in her words. However, a part way up the path she stops.


    "There''s secrets hidden all over the campus grounds. It may be beneficial for you to pay close attention to your surroundings."


    This is a mystery now? What genre was the original novel supposed to even be? Is Circle Rank the main cast? Am I losing it?


    Ugh, I''m completely exhausted I''d rather just this day over with then think. It''s been insane.


    Ignoring the rest of whatever is going on I turn towards the building, and creaking open the door my shoe impacts the solid wood floor as I look at the dreary building that most likely has a medieval technology level.


    "Welcome to Gravitas" I mutter with spite, I miss modernity already.

 Explosion

    My foot collides with the wood, and my tired eyes drag around the room. To my left, there is a table and four chairs with stairs past them, a path forward and slightly right, and far to the right, a group of countertops and cabinets.


    Trudging my tired legs forward, I stand in the middle of the room. Where do I even go to sleep in here? Up the stairs? Down the hall? My eyes rise upwards towards a yellow crystal hanging on the wall in front of me. Its faint glow fills the room.


    I stare at this light, and it stares back at me. Our glows are both slowly fading away.


    "Standard Celladian Mage Light" a familiar voice notes from behind me. My head turns towards him. It''s the guy complaining about the building earlier. He flicks his finger and a mote of orangish-grey energy flows into the light. Its glow returning, but still fading ever slowly.


    "Being out in the cold with all those filthy eyes upon me has been an experience. This day shall end when my head rests upon a bed worthy of me." Filthy eyes? Guess she really is the arrogant noble type. Flicking an orange-green mote into the crystal causing it to glow vibrantly forcing me to shield my eyes.


    "This place seems to be quite small. I wonder if there are enough rooms for all of us. There seem to be only 4 chairs. Which could imply only 4 rooms, possibility even less than that." the analytical voice makes clear just how sad this place truly is.


    Just then our 4th member comes through the door, forcing himself to crouch down in order to make it through the doorway, though his branching horns still bump against the top. A slight grunt comes through his mouth.


    "So this is to be our residence?" glancing around Jiang walks over to a chair and takes a seat. I''d follow him, but I don''t think I''d be able to stand up. Filtering in after him is the short girl with black hair and red eyes. After briefly glancing at everyone, she quickly shuffles up the stairs. I think she''s shy.


    My eyes follow her up, however, and I feel my legs shake for a moment before my eyes return back to the door. The white-haired girl paced in and slowly closed the door behind her.


    The silence is deafening.


    "So, uh, looks like that''s everyone" I squeak out. Annoyed words flow out from the brown-haired man. "It looks to be that way. Though I do have bad news." Oh no. What now? "Judging by the size of this building, I doubt we are all getting our own personal room. Structurally it wouldn''t make sense." How did he figure that out? Some kind of magic power. Noticing my gaze he sighs. "It''s not some kind of special ability. It''s just common sense." Nodding to himself I stand there lost. Common sense? How is that common sense?


    "Enomari always surprise me," Jiang in the chair mutters.


    "Are you to imply I must share a room with one of you lot?" speaks a haughty voice. My hand twitches.


    With an annoyed expression, the brown-haired man speaks out, "Let''s move upstairs. The only other room down here is empty." Vivian rolling her eyes follows him up nonetheless. The rest of us following close behind. However, as I reach the steps I stop. I look up towards those steps oh so tall. I wonder what it would be like to fall down from them. I wonder if I''d go to another world again. I wonder if it would hurt. I wonder if- A small hand lands on my shoulder.


    The black-haired girl looks up at me. Her red eyes staring straight into my soul. Her hand is shaking, wait no. That''s my body. Am I still cold? Did I sprain something? Why? What''s wrong?


    "You''re scared," her voice is soft. It seems to pull me back for a moment.


    Scared? But, I''m supposed to be a hero? I can''t really be afraid of some stairs? They don''t even go that high? But they still go up. Any fall, if it goes slightly wrong, it can change the course of your life forever.


    "Are you going to accompany us?" Jiang''s voice calls down to me. I look up to him, Am I really about to leave my future Isekai companion behind?


    No. My Isekai adventure starts here!


    My foot reaches towards the step. Then it collides with the ground, not the stair. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. My leg is shaking. My body is starting to get hotter, I don''t want to fall. I don''t want to fall. I don''t want to fall.


    His confused expression floods me with embarrassment. This is pathetic¡ªan isekai hero, afraid of heights.


    Suddenly the world shifts around me as I find myself horizontal and my head a bit lower.


    "Huh," it''s like I fell, but now I''m floating.


    A shaky voice whispers next to me, "You can''t let fear hold you back." My head turns only to see the black-haired girl holding me over her shoulder. Though it sounds like she barely believes herself. She''s weirdly strong. She makes her way up the stairs and I can''t help but look down. I''m shaking again. I don''t want to fall. I don''t trust her to not drop me. I feel bile begin to rise in my throat. Then my feet touch solid ground.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    I let out a heavy breath I didn''t know I was holding. Turning to look down the hall I see the group looking through what seem to be 5 doors. I turn my head towards Jiang, afraid of what I might see. A small part of me hoped he was one of those protagonist-type characters who wouldn''t bat an eye at a weakling like me, and would instead comfort me.


    As my eyes reach him, he squints a bit, shaking his head, and turns his head away. The one guy I thought was cool now thinks I''m a total loser. This can''t get any worse.


    "I checked the building earlier but this just confirms my fears. We don''t have an indoor restroom. There is an outhouse around the back if anyone needs it." the brown-haired man''s voice notes, though the clear depression in his eyes flows through me and Vivian as well.


    FUCK, is that what he was doing before we got here?


    "You''re an Enomari? Surely you could transmute something? I saw your blatant Magic earlier." shaky words leave Vivian''s mouth. My chest rises.


    "I wish, but I could never get something set up in such a short amount of time with no tools or materials." Only to fall again.


    Why is everything a disappointment today? I''ve died twice, forced to live in this shitty apartment, and got embarrassed in front of people who didn''t know how pathetic I was?


    Turning to the black-haired girl, I have to say something.


    "Thank you," she stares silently at me with a blank expression for a moment, before muttering.


    "It''s not a crime to be afraid," that . . . I guess that''s true. Dammit I should get her name, I''ve already embarrassed myself enough I might as well commit.


    "I''m . . . Mercury, nice to meet you" holding out my hand for a handshake. Her expression is of complete bafflement. Her arms crossed.


    "I grabbed you against your will, and now you want to shake my hand?" Looking down at my shaking hand I bring it down to my side and close it into a fist. I truly am ashamed. Vivian however seems to notice my plight and walks over.


    "You grabbed him without his permission? As expected a R''Vazinian!" Will she take any opportunity to be racist? Can you just shut the fuck up so I can get this day over with? However, the black-haired girl doesn''t seem to respond.


    Instead, everyone seems to be looking at me. Vivian''s draw could reach the floor. Fuck, I said that out loud.


    "H-How dare you speak to me like that!" I can feel my heart start to speed up again. My sweat beat down on my face. My fist clenching and unclenching. I never know what to do in situations like this with other people. I start to turn away, but the only way to run is down the crashing stairs.


    I''m trapped. I can''t run. I can''t dream. I can''t do anything.


    My eyes try to turn up to the slowly approaching woman, but all I can do is look away. My body trembles. I''m powerless. I turn to everyone else, but even they seem to be scared of this woman for some reason. Even the people I''d thought might stand up for me. Then a hand collides with my shoulder, and the world seems to freeze.


    Instantly the atmosphere goes from scared, to terrified. Everyone is looking not at me, but at her in horror. My face may look like a mess, and I slowly turn up to her piercing orange-green eyes.


    Looking down at me her face contorted in disgust for a moment, she eventually sighs.


    "Someone like you wouldn''t understand. Our people once had a very harsh war with the R''Vazinian people. As your Princess, I''m simply worried for your safety." Her soft but slightly shaken smile doesn''t bring me comfort though. That girl helped me. Also who cares what the "R''Vazinian People" did a million years ago or whatever? It''s not like actually I''m one of her people anyway.


    Though strangely enough, her touch does slow my heartbeat, my sweat seeming to recede, and my body gaining more control. But the burden on my mind doesn''t cease.


    In my mind, I try to think back to a story. A hero, or a villain. It doesn''t matter. Someone who I could Dream of. Someone who could help me get through this. But nothing comes to mind. No one comes to save me. But that doesn''t make any sense. How could-


    [No more Dreams, you have to live in the real world now]


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no that''s not FAIR. Not understandable. Not comprehensible. Not reasonable. Not a possibility. He would never? B-but WHY? My one shield against everything? Why? Why?


    Tears stream down my face. Why must my most prized possession be ripped away from me? The one thing that makes me, ME. If I could be called anything to begin with.


    "H-hey, it''s alright. You don''t have to be scared of that R''Vazinian anymore." Her hand pats my shoulder, a smile blossoming on her face.


    "Could you not? You keep talking about one of the few people all day who''s helped me like she''s about to kill me!? Can''t you just leave me alone!? I already told you that I don''t want to be the follower of someone like you." again, the rest of the group''s fear seems to return. For a moment I''m snapped away from my torrent of emotions. Somehow I manage to close the faucet over my heart before the dam breaks. Before I fall apart.


    Her eyes seem to glow orange for a moment, her hand shaking as it firmly grasps onto me. Then after a moment, she lets go. Her eyes tear up a bit.


    "I-I''m sorry. I''m sorry for wasting your time." walking down into the hall and into one of the rooms she gently closes the door. Well, now I feel like the villain, and a little guilty.


    The hall is silent, except for the slight sound of sniffling coming from the second door on our left.


    Everyone looks at me like I''m an insane idiot. Is she that big of a deal? Or do they think I''m a huge jerk?


    "A-ahem, the first doors on both sides are tiny empty rooms at the moment. With bunks down the hall in the 3 other doors. As previously discussed I''ll be rooming with Ms. Cellavort. Though I think I''ll give her some time first. The rest of you should sort out your arrangements before the exhaustion truly sets in." I think it''s already set in but thank you anyway. Immediately the small girl''s voice juts in, as the brown-haired man goes down the stairs.


    "I sleep alone," after that proclamation, she paces down the stairs following closely behind the other man.


    Wait, did Vivian really fold that fast to bunking with someone? Now I really feel like the bad guy. Or did I just take that long being an embarrassment at the stairs?


    "I believe it only fair due to my size I get to sleep in my own room." A single eye scans to me, hope present in it. This guy totally just wants his own room. Well, whatever guess that means I get to room with a cute girl. Turning to the white-haired girl I nod.


    "Looks like it''s the two of us then, I''m Mercury, good to properly meet you." However, my introduction again gets a response I don''t expect. Jiang stares at me like I''m an idiot, and the girl across from me is stunned but manages to mutter something out.


    "You would rest in the same room as I?" Oh crap. She totally thinks I''m a creep. My reputation must truly be in the trash at this point.


    "S-sorry if that makes you uncomfortable." Both continue to stare at me for a moment.


    "You ARE strange," mumbles Jiang, before turning into the room behind him.


    Can''t let my intro get interrupted again! Haha. Ha.


    "I''m Mercury! Good to meet you!" again holding my hand out for her to shake it she just stares blankly at me. After a moment a slight smile appears on her face.


    "I am Maryam. Thank you." She gives me a firm handshake and goes into the room straight down the hall. I follow behind.


    Inside is a window that directs to the path we came from, I guess I didn''t see this because it''s so dark? This room is dark and I can''t turn on the light . . . can I even use magic at all? Luckily, the light of the Moon . . . wait why are there 6 moons in the sky? What kind of fucked up place is this?


    Looking to my left I see a top and bottom bunk. I barely take off my shoes before throwing myself into the bottom one. I blink and hear a slight thump above me. Can she teleport? What kind of world is this?


    . . .


    . . .


    . . .


    I can''t sleep.


    I can hear the sounds of the outside forest. The faint howling of wolves. The soft flowing of a river. My mind swims, and I can''t think straight. But I''m too tired to think. I clutch one of the two pillows on this bed. One behind my head, one in my arms. Putting my face into the pillow in front of me I silently cry.


    This has been a nightmare.


    I''ve been punished for my dreaming.


    Please just let me go home.

 Howling

    Slowly my stinging eyes open. The wet blanket over my body leaks light through the sheets. Throwing it off my body, I lay there in ''my'' bed. The sunlight burns my tender flesh as I rot, motionless.


    . . .


    Lying on this lump of cloth will do nothing. My isekai adventure starts today after all! Throwing my body out of bed I thump onto the ground. My nose stings a bit and I use the pain to slowly push myself off the ground, but struggle to do so.


    Pulling my leg forward in a crouch I use then use it to push off the ground and stand up straight. Turning to the left and looking out the large window I can see the school past the tops of trees. Taking a step away from the window I start thinking about what I know.


    I have 3 days before school officially starts and I was recommended to get a job. I also have double starting money, but if that''s my isekai cheat I think I''m going to have to argue with God for something better. Here''s hoping I have a mysterious power that makes me an immortal badass.


    Walking towards to door I briefly look back. My roommate seems to be long gone, probably off doing side-character stuff. Or maybe supporting character stuff? Whatever.


    Cracking open the door to the hall I notice it''s fairly quiet. Only for the noise to be broken by a yawn coming from down stairs. Making my way over to the stairs I glare down at my fated rival. Clutching the railing in my hand with a death grip I shakily put my first foot down.


    Only to slip like an absolute idiot.


    This is it. I''m dead.


    Tumbling down the stairs I definitely feel a few bruises start to form. But luckily I barely manage to survive. Cracking open my eyes I see the brown haired guy standing over me. Dark bags under his eyes and an annoyed expression on his face, he reaches out a hand.


    Damn, even when exhausted he really is a good guy isn''t he? Taking the hand he pulls me up, though he almost falls himself. With a sigh bordering a scoff he mutters.


    "Dude. Are stairs your mortal enemy? Even though you''re a Celladian a fall like this shouldn''t rough you up that bad, right?" I''m the comedic relief aren''t I? putting my hand over my face, with my left eye in-between my pointer and middle finger I declare.


    "I''ll never forgive the stairs for what they did to me." I ''glare'' back at him.


    Running a hand down his face he shakes his head.


    "You''re such a tool," I think I understood that one. Can''t someone appreciate my genius comedy? I must have shown something on my face because he responds after a small grunt.


    "The princess locked the door to our room. I don''t care if you''re an idiot who acts like a faulty gear. Just don''t be a part of my machine." walking around the corner I follow him. On the table is a pair of work boots. Looking down at his feet I notice he seems to be lacking something.


    Walking towards the front door right past his shoes I decide now''s my time to save the day!


    "Don''t forget your shoes!" pointing at the table he freezes. Slowly his eyes turn to me, then walking over to the chair he grabs his shoes and slides them on. The bottom of his right shoe has an circular brown symbol on it near the back. Some kind of magic circle? Slowly walking out the door he doesn''t even thank me.


    "Alright then," I mutter. A critical error. He swerves around with a moment of vigor.


    "What do you think I was doing all night while I was locked out of my room?" I don''t know?


    Pacing outside he shuts the door behind him. I''m all alone again. Walking towards the window I see someone I haven''t seen before. It''s someone who couldn''t be older than 20, but was easily over 18. 19, just like how old I used to be. His dark brown hair is short, but unkempt. A bad case of bedhead. Deep purple eyes stare back at me.


    Guess this guys late to the party? Bringing up my hand to wave his hand rises as well.


    I pause for a moment.


    Walking slightly back, he follows.


    Looking at the reflection, this bodies eyes stare back at me.


    His face contorts in confusion, sweat builds up on his paling face, and his pupils dilate. He loses his footing as his body violently shakes. He falls to his knees as he helplessly stares at the one who stole everything from him.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    This isn''t my body.


    This isn''t my body.


    This isn''t my body.


    I bring his hand up to his mouth, trying to hold back bile. Tears stain the ground as I expel what could have only been his last meal.


    I don''t deserve to be here. I don''t deserve to be here. I don''t deserve to be here.


    No, it wasn''t my fault. I didn''t choose this. It wasn''t my fault, it wasn''t ME.


    . . .


    Yes. That''s right. It wasn''t my fault at all.


    I''m the victim in all of this. I''ll live for him. Fulfill all his dreams. I''ll be a great student at this school.


    I feeling my stomach swirl again as the guilt rips me apart.


    I''m sorry. I''m so, so sorry.


    I''m Nothing. I don''t deserve to be here.


    The floorboards stained in vomit, tears, sweat, and even a few drops of blood stare back at me.


    I can''t be ''you'' Mercury.


    You, who''s talent eclipses my own. Who''s will far exceeds mine. Who''s soul belongs here.


    I wish I could get lost in my own head again. I wish I could go back. I wish this pain would end. I didn''t ask for this.


    But I did, didn''t I?


    I agreed to that bastard''s deal.


    I''m sorry. I''ll take responsibility. I don''t even know you, but I at least owe you that.


    My body, now significantly drained manages to rise.


    . . .


    How am I going to clean this up?


    Frantically opening doors on the bottom floor all I find is an empty storage room and a bathroom with what appears to be some kind of sink I don''t know how to use . . . and a mirror. Staring back at the face I stole my fist shakes. I close my eyes. Opening them again his face still stares back at me, but the fire in his eyes in mine.


    I''m in a novel. My favorite novel I can''t remember anything about. This face might have belonged to an extra, it might have belonged to a character I treasured, this face might have even belonged to the protagonist. Tears well up in my eyes, and my determination falters for a moment.


    I can''t just stand here. I need to fix the mess I''ve made.


    Walking out of the ''bathroom'' I look towards the kitchen. Looking through a couple of cupboards I find a single iron pot. Looking at kitchen I find another ''sink''. It has a stone faucet with no spout and two small buttons, red and blue. Pressing on the red one nothing happens, same for the blue.


    Am I supposed to channel magic into them? How do I even do that? Is my secret superpower going to be awakened in front of a kitchen sink?


    Focusing I try to pull upon some kind of energy in my body.


    To my surprise I do find something, though it seems to be extremely small in amount. Slowly pulling it upwards I highlight over the red button with my finger, then I release.


    A cracking sound rings out as I fall backwards. I immediately feel a drain on myself. I try to bring myself up to see what happened if anything, but as I rise I come to a terrible conclusion.


    The button is cracked and nothing else happened.


    This isekai adventure is an absolute wash already.


    If I can find the source of the sinks power maybe I can just get it from there?


    Opening the cabinet under the sink I find a faintly glowing blue crystal with a size of about half a thumb. There! Grabbing the pot and putting it under what I can only assume to be a magic rock I start poking it.


    Come on, do something!


    Pushing on it doesn''t really do anything so I pull. With a snap it comes loose and starts leaking water from what seems to be nowhere. I just hope my dormmate''s will be more mad if I leave throw up all over the floor instead of breaking this thing.


    Tossing it into the pot I wait for the pot to fill up. Unfortunately it only makes it halfway before the glow loses its glow and fades into a soft grey. Ok this thing is completely busted.


    Taking the pot over to the front door I open it up. It instantly smells better.


    Alright, Mer-. You know what.


    Alright, Mercury! You''ve only got one shot and getting this right so let''s not fuck it up!


    I position myself next the pile of liquid and swing my arms to the side, as my arms swing by I angle the pot down.


    A gout of water flies out smashes into the disgusting pile of filth.


    Flowing out onto the small stairs it carries most of the disgusting mass into the grass where I hope an animal eats it.


    ''Try to recover from extreme embarrassment'' quest complete!


    Putting the pot back where I found it, and slowly closing the cabinet under the sink I make my way towards to front door.


    Standing in the door way I look out towards the twisting path. This path is significantly harder to see the other side when you''re at the bottom. Probably all the trees. Its cold out, my skin twitches and my body follows.


    Walking forward I make my way through the forest despite my exhaustion. My stomach growls with desire, its contents being lost to the earth.


    Speaking of earth, what is this world even called?


    Going through the sea of trees I smell something odd. A rust like scent fills my nose layered with the forest that suddenly feels a bit less hospitable.


    Then I see it.


    Warped earthen spikes jutting from the ground in all directions. Some stabbing into trees, while some are cracked and broken. On one of the spires I see the body of a large wolf. Its gray fur drenched in red. With many other wolf corpses scattered about.


    My legs shake, and bile tries to rise in my throat, but my body is drained of anything to release. Yet, I''ve never seen a more gruesome display. Around the spikes are more wolf corpses.


    Some large chunks of rock embedded through their head, some seem to have large pieces of their body ripped off by the earth, but all spires come from the ground. Seeming to stem from mostly the same area, with a wall of spikes blocking the path.


    This is awful.


    Making my way around the side of the wall and back onto the path I see a small object as I make my way around.


    It''s a boot. A boot with a symbol inscribed upon it. Making my way around the side I see-


    A sudden phantom pain shoots up my right leg as I find the severed leg of someone else still filling the boot.


    It''s his leg.


    My own right leg crumples under the weight of my own body, my vision gets smaller as I see black dots in the corner of my vision. I throw up nothing but water as my body tries to expel whatever it can to help me regain my senses.


    Soft footsteps sound from behind me, I whip my head around hope filling my heart. But the cruelty of this world can not be so easily circumvented.


    A large wolf with bloodied black fur approaches me. Its speed rapidly increasing when it spots my gaze. A large rock embedded through its left leg and another drilling into its eye.


    Blood falls from its jaws along with chunks of something.


    Dashing towards me my heart hammers in my chest. I have to fight. I have to do something. I can''t just die like this.


    Raising my hand I try to call upon something, anything, but my body can''t muster the strength.


    A large claw rips towards my head.


    A wicked crunch rings in my ears. Then silence followed by black as my vision fades, only a cruel maw slowly closing down on me in my sight.


    . . .


    . . .


    . . .


    [But the Story must go on]


    . . .


    . . .


    . . .


    "Welcome to Gravitas" the words leave my mouth without warning. My vision swims for a moment as I clutch my head. My right leg wobbles, then my knee hits the ground. My hands clutch my skull as intense vertigo hits me.


    *Blurghhhhhh*


    Vomit floods the entrance to the dormitory, bile leaves my mouth as I let out a twisted howl of agony. My screams fill the room and echo out behind me.


    A hand grabs me from behind and pulls me up off the ground from my crippled state.


    It''s the brown haired man from before. His face filled with worry, and confusion.


    Breath leaves my mouth as fast as it enters.


    Then I heave up a glob of something right into his face.


    His eyes close as he thins his lips.


    Looking up I see a mix of confused, annoyed, and worried faces from the other four. Six moons gently hanging in the sky behind them.


    What was that I saw?


    What just happened?

 Butterfly

    He lets go of me, and I stumble back a bit, but manage to catch myself. My head swims as I turn to everyone standing around me. Wasn''t it day just a moment ago? Didn''t I just get knocked out?


    "Polish," an orange grey energy that I''ve seen before exits the palm of the man before me, the liquid I covered with him disappearing into thin air. His expression wearily turns towards the building.


    "Some kind of mental curse? I didn''t see any mana flux . . . Ms. Cellavort, your thoughts?" Turning towards Vivian he lets mutters off some questions. Did I just get hit with a curse?


    "I failed to detect anything beyond the standard, whatever this is must be fairly complex." Vivian replies with lack of confidence, and what I can only assume to be some shame?


    "I''m not stepping inside there." The dark haired girl walks off into the forest, leaving the five of us behind for the second time.


    . . .


    Did I see the future?


    "Any thoughts on the matter?" The man in front of me turns my way. His serious look bores into me, but while he does look a bit concerned I can''t tell who for.


    "I-uh, I don''t know?" Seriously, what''s going on?


    "Well until we can figure out what exactly caused," Gesturing towards the pile of vomit he continues "that, I recommend we not try and engage with this structure." pointing his hand again at the pile his nose crinkles and he speaks,"Polish" that same energy washing over it and causing the mass to disappear.


    Letting out a breath I didn''t know I was holding a sigh of relief exits me. Though what am I supposed to say now? That I saw my head get crushed? Felt it. A shiver runs through me. It''s cold outside.


    Stepping through the door into the warmish, but barely lit room I exhale slightly. Hearing a few slight gasps I turn my head. Five people stare at me like I''m crazy or stupid. Oh. I- yeah, huh this must look pretty strange. I should probably say something . . .


    "Sorry, I think I''m just stressed."


    All I recieve is stares. No matter what happens I always miraculously embarrass myself.


    To my suprise Jiang steps forward and into the space behind me. He turns slightly towards everyone else voicing his thoughts,"This structure doesn''t seem to have afflicted me with anything. The Celladian may speak with weight, despite his unstable mind."


    Making his way over to the table he sits down in one of the four chairs. My exhausted body calls for me to take a seat, but I''d rather sleep in one of the beds upstairs. Making my way over to them I look up and am daunted by their height.


    I''ve been in this exact situation before. Standing at the base of this death trap I come to the only possible conclusion. I must have gone back in time. But how? Why? Isn''t the protagonist only supposed to go back in time when they die?


    Horror dawns on my face as I realize.


    I died.


    My legs hurt. My head hurts. Taking a seat on one of the steps I put my head in my hands. I wasted my protagonist regression on trash mobs?! I was supposed to go back once I''ve mastered magic and all the powerful techniques! Then I''d get the cutest girl in this whole place and be an awesome isekai hero!


    "Move." Looking upwards towards the giant dragon guy I sigh but struggle to bring myself to my feet. After a brief struggle I stand up, though my legs feel gravitated towards the ground.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Looking at the stairs I force myself to move up them, each step feels like a weight is added to my legs. I turn around, to see how far I''ve come, only to see the face of an annoyed dragon man waiting for me.


    I pull myself to the top of the stairs and step into the hall. I want to get this over with as soon as possible.


    "There''s only three rooms, we have to split into pairs" Just like last time, right?


    "You have a keen eye, though there are only five of us." The brown haired man speaks up.


    Ah, things have changed haven''t they.


    "Ms. Cellavort, I believe it in our collective best interest, in favor of an organized and quiet space, that we share a room." Her eyes flick to me for a moment before she nods her head.


    "That sounds like a pleasant arrangement." The brown haired man reaches up his hand for a handshake then rapidly withdraws it. A moment of realization on his face. For a moment there''s a tension between the two before it turns to awkwardness.


    Clearing his throat he opens the door behind him, the same one as ''last night'' and enters with Vivian following behind him shortly.


    Jiang glances at me and Maryam, who seems to have a habit of being silent and mysterious and remarks,"I suppose I shall be rooming with you Celladian. You may refer to me as Jiang." His hand held out, his look expecting. Didn''t we already do this? What could he-


    Oh. I never introduced myself.


    Though it''s not like I could.


    I hold out my hand, and shake his. His grip significantly lighter than our first encounter.


    "My name is Mercury, sorry for earlier."


    Wait, didn''t he try and take the sole room for himself ''last night''?


    Opening the door to a side room he steps inside, with me after behind him.


    Leaving Maryam by herself.


    Crap. I should say something.


    Peaking my head out of the door I mutter,"Have a goodnight." She seems nice. Quickly going back into the room, Jiang''s expression is baffled.


    Walking past him and crawling into the bottom bunk I throw the blankets over myself. Yet, I don''t hear his footsteps approach the bed. All I hear is silence.


    "Aren''t you going to sleep?"


    "Why would you say that to her?"


    Why does everyone have to be like this.


    "Say what? Good night? Is it really that big a deal?" He sharp intake of breath makes my heart quicken slightly.


    "You truly did grow up away from the rest of the Land didn''t you. Listen, and listen well Mercury. If you ever seek the aid of the gods, do not expect to find it if you keep an Idja as company. Long ago the Gods cursed their lands and for the past 1,000 years have refused to aid their people in any way. Their souls do not go to the City of Adamn, and their paths are filled with strife and despair."


    Peeking my head from under the covers his gaze is dead serious. Are the gods racist? That''s stupid and doesn''t make any sense!


    "But why?"


    "The Gods refuse to speak of it. However, some have theories due to events that occured nearby in time. I personally believe those theories to be swamp muck. Either way it is certainly a maddening feat. If it wasn''t for the Waning Worlds Accord, I have no doubt their people would have been eradicated. Though the gods seem to have aired more apathy than anything towards them during this era." That tells me absolutely nothing. Also-


    "What''s the Waning Worlds Accord?" An exhausted sigh leaves him as he climbs up the ladder.


    "27 years after the Great Divide, a deal was made between the Gods to not interfere in this world directly. Many of their followers however have had a large impact across the world. Excluding my home of course." A slump as he hits the bed in front above me. Hopefully it doesn''t break.


    I can hear the pride in his voice when speaking of his homeland. Though, it''s just more terms I don''t understand. I''m way too exhausted to think about this.


    "We have an arduous Vriday tomorrow. I recommend you rest, you certainly need it." But something''s been pecking on the back on my mind. Something I just don''t understand.


    "Why did you want to room with me?" Such a change doesn''t come from nothing, right?


    "I wasn''t going to let you be alone with her." That''s a lie. That''s not what he did last night.


    I go to call him out, but my words catch in my throat. Am I really about to start a pointless argument with my roommate over something this unimportant? Whatever.


    "Goodnight."


    I shouldn''t have said anything.


    "May your rest be bountiful."


    Staring at the bed frame above me I once again find myself alone. Putting my hands in front of my face they shake, my fingers trembling as I stare at them.


    No one remembers yesterday. So I really have regressed right?


    If that''s true . . . then aren''t I going to- sharp claws rake across my defenseless face and I-


    I need a plan for tomorrow.


    My mind stirs and exhaustion starts to take me. My desire to live, is stronger than my bodies drive to sleep.


    "Could you walk with me to school tomorrow?" My face heats up in raw embarrassment. I sound pathetic. I think i''ll have to shelve being a hero until I get to school. Then my talents can shine.


    Silence, then a grunt.


    "Fine. Now, get rest." Ok, hopefully the big guy is strong. Though my heart is slightly eased, my shaking hands do not rest.


    Night takes me, as I shake under the covers.

 Pathway

    I wake up with my body being shaken. Someone seems to be saying my name, but this bed calls to me far louder. Then the shaking stops. Yet I find myself being dragged out of bed by a very annoyed dragon man.


    "It''s nearly daybreak, we need to leave." turning up towards him from the floor I go to respond, but my stomach yells at him instead. It feels like I''ve spent nearly half my time here hungry.


    "I am certain the main campus will have food. Now let''s go." He brings up an excellent point and I pick my famished body off the ground.


    "Goo'' mornin" I slur out and my body tries to keep up. Jiang already on his way out of the room. Making my way into the hall I see the stairs. My second greatest foe upon coming to this new world. But today, I shall not be so easily defeated.


    Making my way down the stairs with extreme caution I hear the front door open and close. He can''t be leaving without me this quickly!


    Rushing through the front door after my daring descent I notice him standing against a support beam by the front. He glances over to me then, at the dark path before us.


    "Can you produce light?" I wish, honestly that seems like a good place to start my magic adventure.


    "I don''t." With a grunt he gives off a faint blue glow. I can hear the sound of flowing water.


    "Then try not to trip on anything." Pacing forward, I have no choice but to follow my only reliable light source. My hunger driving me forward, only to remember the threat that remains in this forest.


    With a shudder I squeak out,"We should be careful. There are wolves in this forest."


    "So you do have some observational skills." This guy really is arrogant.


    "Uh, yeah, but the wolves are dangerous so we should be on the lookout."


    With a scoff bordering a laugh he brags,"Such lowly animals won''t even get close to me. They will be able to tell the difference between life and death."


    "I''m assuming you''re pretty strong then?"


    "Indeed, I could be considered ''pretty strong'' as you would so eloquently put it."


    After that we descend back into awkward silence, luckily the sun rises over the horizon. Its warmth basking the forest in a gentle radiance, causing me to pause my advance. How long has it been since I''ve actually seen the sun rise?


    My many late nights lasting until three in the morning made that impossible.


    "You would do best stay close to the only warrior among us." Jiang''s harsh words snap me out of my trance. I''m not a warrior, but I sure hope I can become one. I could ask him for more help . . . Nah, I''m at a school. I can just ask a teacher for that.


    "Thanks." I mutter out, before jogging back up to him. Guess I might as well make conversation with someone protecting me from this terrible forest.


    "So, what brings you to Gravitas?" His fist clenches, as he exhales.


    "Honor, and Strength. One I have lost, the other I possess. Yet there is always another mountain to climb." Yeah, you can always be stronger. I wonder how many ''mountains'' I''ll have to overcome on my journey to becoming a hero.


    "What of yourself?"


    Huh.


    I- I can''t really answer that can I.


    It''s not like I came here by choice. Even I did agree to that shitty god''s deal, I got scammed, my regression happened before I was a badass! Though in order for me to go through my awesome adventure the answer is simple.


    "I have to get stronger." The sun washes over his back, as he looks at me. The look in his eyes is unreadable, but for a moment I can feel a connection. He sighs and nods his head.


    "I shall accept your resolve as my payment for this outing."


    Wow, ok. Really gonna have to live up to my goal aren''t I then? Don''t you know I''m actually not that hard of a worker?


    Awkwardly I nod my head, his raised eyebrow making me slightly uncomfortable. Though he shrugs and turns back towards the path. Making his way forward I follow him.


    He definitely gives me that warrior culture vibe, so guess I should ask-


    "What''s your fighting style?" I think he loves talking about himself, so this feels like a good question. Though as a warrior I might have been to open? Ugh, wish I knew the culture here.


    He snorts and shakes his head lightly.


    "Ask expected of you. I don''t recommend asking that question to most. Though I shall entertain your query. I use a large polearm, involving a version of Dragon Stance." Damn, he''s got a move called dragon stance? This guy has got to be important!


    "Sounds powerful, and thanks for the advice."


    "Scattered in the riverbed." I know that one! "I know that land of which you hail, both nothing more of yourself. You clearly aren''t a warrior, but do have drive. I wonder what you did before attending this academy." His inquisitive gaze puts me on the spot, though I didn''t do anything in this world.


    Nor did I do anything back home. I don''t know if I had friends, I can remember my family but- no I shouldn''t think about that now. I read a lot. I watched a lot of shows. But, I all of them are just a blur.


    A memory of a missing memory.


    "Apologies. I appear to have overstepped." Rubbing my glassy eyes I turn to him.


    But, I can''t find the words I want to speak out.


    "You said you wish to get stronger, what path do you wish to pursue?" Huh, oh yeah. I gotta get stronger. I know this world has magic but I don''t really know how that works do I.


    "What paths could I pursue?" He looks at me completely bewildered before his gaze turning solemn.


    Clearing his throat he begins as we pace forward.


    "Perhaps mastering a weapon to assist your magic? Though I recommend you consult a teacher over I. Any good teacher will resolutely recommend you learn more than magic. Even if you are obscenely talented in one field."


    Was that flag that I''m going to have insane magic talent? I sure hope so. Don''t want to spend all night hitting the books. Or however magic is learned here.


    "Thanks for the advice."


    "Certainly." We continue our walk forward settling into an silence.


    The sounds of the forest waking up cause my mind to stir as I recognize a familiar, yet unfamiliar scene in front of us. Despite its lack of presence, I recall those memories that severed leg. Wait. Oh, no.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    History is just going to repeat itself. I can''t let him die.


    "H-Hey, mabye should go ahead and grab our dormmates''. We could all walk to school together."


    "The Princess and Enomari are already left, though I do not know of the Idja nor R''Vazinian''s whereabouts."


    Huh?


    But, that doesn''t make any sense?


    He left late. Also if he already left, shouldn''t we have seen those rocks? Shouldn''t we have seen his-


    My breath hitches. Then it pauses as I remember something. He didn''t sleep because the princess locked him out right? Our last interaction burned deep into my mind. One I caused.


    Ah. I killed him.


    "Are you well?" Seeing a hint of softness in the giant''s eyes I only shudder more.


    No, I''m obviously not.


    . . .


    B-but he''s fine now right? I regressed so its all ok. Didn''t happen. I''ll just buy him lunch sometime or something like that. Haha. Ha.


    "W-well, enough. Uh, sorry about that."


    "Perhaps you should see a healer when we arrive at the main campus."


    "Uh, yeah."


    Descending back into an unpleasant silence we make our way forward.


    Moving forward is a blur, but the sight before me manages to snap me out of my stupor.


    Three gigantic towers past a the auditorium I''d originally walked out of. It''s large doors welcoming despite their stature


    A sea of silent buildings to my right, a city without people waiting to be filled an for an economy to flourish.


    To my left giant two massive buildings containing boundless knowledge of their fields.


    Past them are the three towers, however with my view obscured, I don''t know what other secrets this academy could hold.


    Two paths go around the auditorium and Jiang''s voice calls to me as he takes the right path.


    "Our paths split now, I shall see you this night." Walking off I go to follow him, but . . . he clearly wouldn''t want a burden like me hanging around.


    Alright, Mercury! I gotta sign up for some classes and get a job!


    Taking the left path I come into a massive park, looking right I can see the hulking figure of Jiang wandering off and I turn back I truly get to take in the inner campus.


    A massive fountain surrounded by different stalls of people with benches, exotic trees, and all sorts of other flowers, and greenery. A humble building, the one closest to me besides the auditorium gently resting near it, with lots of other students going in and out.


    Those two massive buildings from earlier still to my left, but another building is connected to it, with one of those towers reaching up from it.


    Straight ahead is another tower with a grouping of buildings surrounding it and similar situation is forwards and the the right.


    A massive arena like structure is off the right directly, calling for battle, but closer to me is that same silent city of before.


    Looking around this massive area it''s clear that I should start at that building near me. It''s certainly the tutorial zone.


    Though as I make my way over an orange haired fellow about mercu-MY age walks up to me with a bag at his side and pulls out a scroll with a smile on his face.


    "Care to buy a map?" OH!


    "That sounds really useful! Thanks!" His smile gets a bit wider as he speaks its price.


    "Five electrum my friend." Taking out one of my electrum cards I nod dumbly as I realize I don''t know how to use it.


    Taking out a card of his own he sticks it next to mine, a weak pull draws them together and 1/10 of my 100 electrum card''s gold strip goes on to his card.


    Handing me the map he walks off with a wave.


    "Pleasure doing business." What a helpful guy, and now I kind of know how to use these cards!


    Looking down at the map it reflects what I''ve already seen, but names are on each different area. With the building in front of me being the Counselling office. Perfect. Though my growling stomach drifts me away form what can only be my main plot.


    Turning towards a stall I see an elf! Fantasy race spotted! Her gold eyes lock with mine as I approach. Different baskets of fruit near her stall. Though I don''t seem to recognize any of them. That just means I get to try these new foods!


    "Hi! Are you selling these fruits?" With a nod she gestures to her right,"1 electrum" and to her left "3" My starting money is bleeding out slowly but surely, either way I''ve gotta eat!


    "I''ll take this one, and this one." Taking a soft purple fruit the size of an apple from her left and a soft green cube like one from her right I realize my hands are full and can''t take out my money!


    This is what I get for not buying produce before.


    Setting down the purple fruit I take out my card, and she does the same. My eyes aren''t super accurate, but about 1/10 of my electrum strip goes onto her card. I can only assume it''s magic and it just somehow knows.


    Though speaking of magic, what kind of trick did she use to get fresh fruit like this? Didn''t we just get here?


    "Say, how''d you get fresh fruit out here so fast?" With a smirk she supplies an answer that explains everything.


    "Magic." Magic is going to be magical I suppose. To think you could use magic to grow plants that fast though! Using your powers to make money as well . . . she thinks fast.


    Stuffing my mouth with the green fruit I nod and walk away. It doesn''t seem to have juice and has a nice crunch. It''s not sweet, and doesn''t taste very much but it certainly fills my belly. The purple fruit however has a sweet taste with tons of juice that makes my mouth nearly cry with joy. I don''t know if I''ve ever been more hydrated in my life, I nearly feel better instantly.


    Alright! Stomach full, map acquired, and next location found!


    Standing before the rotating door of the large, inviting building in front of me I prepare myself.


    Taking in a deep breath I focus my thoughts.


    This is it. This is where everything truly begins.


    Everything up to this point has to have been prologue!


    My Reincarnation Fantasy is really starting now!

 Opportunity

    Pushing my way past the revolving door I¡¯m greeted with a large open room. Tall walls with multiple lines of students speaking to what almost appear to be bank tellers exchanging electrum for different pieces of equipment.


    Most notably the uniforms many of them put on in an attached changing room.


    A black blazer, dark purple undershirt, and long grey pants. Each person having a pin on their lapel. Thinking back, some of the people outside had these uniforms, it just didn¡¯t stand out because their were so many different outfits.With a sigh I throw myself in line, no matter what world you are in, you can never escape long lines. Reminds me of all those times I¡¯d wait in line at the library, though as I got older the lines go shorter. Shorter, and shorter, until inevitably I¡¯d stopped going to the library as well.


    Shaking out of the memories of my ¡®previous life¡¯ I try to turn to the people near me and strike up a conversation with one of these randoms, but I either get ignored or they just can¡¯t here me.


    Whatever, they¡¯ll rue the day they turned down a conversation with this isekai hero.


    After all, once I get my starting gear my journey shall truly begin!


    Guess I can take a peep at this map.


    Looks the school is separated into 6 main zones. Top left is the Knowledge Wing, with the location just under it being the Information Wing. Aren¡¯t those the same thing? Each wing having what looks like a tower near them. Either way looks like something called the Trinity Wing taking up the entire south section of the school. Whatever the three things are, they must be pretty important. Though it looks mostly like two large structures and then a smaller one. A third tower completing the set near the west side of the map.


    Pulling my eyes up the middle is where I¡¯m at now. Gravitas Park. With right in the middle being the Counseling building. Above the middle is the Formation Wing, then to its right is something called the Market. Noticing I¡¯m getting closer to the front I tuck my map into my pocket, I¡¯ll be needing that later.


    Inevitably I do make it to the front, before me stands a short red haired man, who seems to also be in school uniform.


    ¡°Here to pick up your uniform?


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Dormitory?¡±


    Pausing I wonder if I should lie and put myself in a higher ranking dorm. I discard the thought, who knows what happens when I¡¯m caught.


    ¡°Circle¡± his eyes narrow slightly then he nods. Grabbing from a stack behind him he hands me a neatly folded uniform.¡°You¡¯ll need this too.¡±


    He hands me a small silver pin in the shape of a circle with a larger circle around it and hole in the middle.


    Waving his hand to shoo me away I stand there unmoving. ¡°I noticed other people getting different things from here, can I buy something?¡±


    ¡°We sell basic training equipment and other basic school supplies if you need them, here¡¯s a catalog. Now get out of line.¡± Taking the folded piece of paper I shuffle off towards the back of the room where a few other students with a similar circle pin to my own, but connected by a line to another one, are reading the catalog.


    Opening the piece of paper and browsing the many different supplies, from papers, writing utensils, bags, and . . . a map. A map costing one electrum. Damn it. Just got here and I already got scammed. Well whatever, it¡¯s not that big of deal.


    Shaking my head I continue browsing until I find what every starting hero needs. A training sword! If I don¡¯t have some kind of magic talent, I¡¯ll probably be good with a sword. That¡¯s just how this type of thing goes. Though the price nearly makes my eyes pop out of my head. 50 electrum for a training sword.


    That¡¯s a lot but it¡¯ll be an investment.


    Going into another line off to the side where people seem to be getting equipment I¡¯m bumped out of the way by someone a bit larger than me. What an asshole.


    ¡°Ah, sincerest apologies for my mistake.¡± A black haired blue eyed guy apologies to me.


    Whatever.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Probably noticing my disgruntled expression he continues to speak.


    ¡°Perhaps I could offer you my space in queue?¡± Maybe this guy isn¡¯t that bad, he speaks like some 6th century noble though.


    ¡°Works for me.¡± Passing this random guy I step into line and think about were I should go next. Maybe I should cram some training in before my first class so I can get really strong before it? Or would it be better to look for a job . . . Training definitely feels right for someone like me, especially since I can get revenge on those wolf bastards for making me use my regression this early.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    I end up getting to the front of the line where I trade away some of my starting money for a training sword(there were other weapons, but the sword is the path of the hero), a backpack, a few notebooks, and a special pen that doesn¡¯t need ink.


    All of it totalling up to 80 electrum in total, leaving me with 111 electrum left. That¡¯s my lucky number today!


    I head into a side room to change, luckily I¡¯ve put on clothes like this when I was younger. Though, I don¡¯t miss those days at all.


    Sorry Mom and Dad, but I¡¯m in another world now. I have to be selfish.


    Making my way outside I come to a realization. Where am I going to train?


    Looking at my overpriced map again nothing really stands out. Looks like I back to asking for directions.


    Going back to the same fruit saleswoman from earlier I ask,¡°Do you know where I can train with my sword?¡± Pointing down at the fruit near her I come to a realization. This is the scene where I have to buy a product to get information!


    Purchasing another 1 electrum fruit I ask again only to be dumbfounded with her response.


    ¡°No.¡± W-what. Why can¡¯t people stop scamming me? Am I that easy of a mark? Why is everyone such a scam artist here?


    Taking a look back at my map while munching on whatever the name of this fruit is I turn to the information wing.


    Information is what I need right now. Guess I¡¯ll just ask there. Making my way over I pass less students than I¡¯d expect, though presumably everyone is still getting their bearings.


    After a long walk I finally make it to what I can only assume to be the Information wing based off there being a large tower to my left and right with one right in front of me. An absolutely massive tower soaring high into the sky greets me. My legs shake slightly.


    Looking back down to the ground there¡¯s a facility. One safely on the ground, and one I¡¯d much rather enter.


    Walking inside, a silent building greets me. A large empty room with soft white walls feel like they could devour me whole, and different pathways that must lead to different rooms turn into darkness. Though where is the light in this room even coming from?


    ¡°H-hello?¡±


    . . .


    Where the fuck am I?


    An older woman¡¯s voice snakes out near me.


    ¡°You have wandered in, where no bounty awaits you. I suggest you leave.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck?!¡± Turning my head rapidly I see a woman pushing an empty cart. Short, light grey hair, and pink eyes. She¡¯s definitely older than me, but also significantly shorter.


    ¡°Watch your language little boy, you block my way with your incessant noise.¡±


    ¡°W-where am I?¡±


    ¡°The lowly young boy wandered in. His voice annoying as sin. He would not move out the way, causing a librarians delay, his lost self in the Wing of Information.¡±


    I¡¯m in the Information Wing?


    Wait a moment.


    ¡°Was that a fucking Limerick(1)?¡± Putting a hand over my mouth I mutter a ¡°sorry¡± after realizing I¡¯ve been cursing out some random lady who probably just does menial labor.


    For a moment she stares at me stunned for a moment as I recognize what she¡¯s doing. I¡¯m no lover of poetry, but even I can recognize a limerick.


    She¡¯s wearing a dark purple waistcoat, white blouse, and long black skirt. Her hair in a high ponytail. Though most importantly, pointed ears. The mark of an elf.


    ¡°Perhaps I misjudged. I present you an offer, work, you may desire.¡±


    A job working with this lady? It does have a prerequisite of me having poetry knowledge . . .


    ¡°What could this job possibly be?¡±


    ¡°A library assistant, you¡¯ll work for me.¡± Did she just use my own words to rhyme?


    ¡°Work for you? Are you a librarian here?¡±


    ¡°I sit at the top of my ladder, you may revere.¡± My eye twitches, this is getting annoying. Fishing my map out of my pocket I hold it up and ask a much more important question.


    ¡°Can you just tell me how to get to the training area?¡± Her look is disappointed but she does answer.


    ¡°A poet lost his way. Wasted part of his day. So he asked for help, from my amazing self, and I directed him up and away.¡± Dragging her finger upwards on the map from the Information Wing she points to the Formation Wing. That was were the training grounds are?


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Walking out of the creepy building I make it outside. Looking up the sky I seem to have been going around for quite a while. It¡¯s at least noon. Guess I¡¯ve got another treck to make.


    After walking for a while with the sun beating down on me I sit down on a nearby bench.


    This body is in decent shape, but walking for hours is still exhausting. Honestly I would kill for a water bottle right now. Maybe some water magic?


    Didn¡¯t I say I was going to learn light magic first though?


    Looking down at my uncalloused hands I clench them into fists. I like the idea of a magic swordsman, but honestly it sounds like a lot of work.


    Am I really cut out for this kind of thing?


    . . .


    Of course I am.


    I come from another world, that HAS to mean something.


    Right?


    Whatever, I just need to test out my talents. Mercury got into Gravitas right? So he must be pretty talented. Standing up I continue my walk, trying to clear my thoughts of my guilty conscious.


    I wonder if the training area has some kind of legendary swordmaster who will pass on their techniques to me, or mabye I¡¯ll just have to figure it out myself? As I get closer to the Formation Wing I start to here what can only be the sounds of intense battle. The clashing of steel, roars of vigor, explosions of magic, and the crashing of footsteps. Going past the buildings I find myself gazing upon a massive arena.


    A gigantic amphitheater made of some kind of black stone. Its massively imposing figure causing me to stagger back.


    ¡°Another little Circle coming to prove their worth eh?¡± A man my size with long dark green hair steps next to me. Uniform sleeves pulled up revealing his tanned skin covered in tattoos the same color of his hair. His uniform bearing a triangle mark. His status above mine.


    ¡°Just looking to train.¡± He scoffs, then smiles.


    ¡°Perhaps I could show you a little bit of training then?¡± Got myself a training partner from a higher class, this could go very well. Lightly smiling I accept.


    ¡°Works for me.¡±


    Following him into the arena many different fights scatter across the battlefield, but one figure specifically catches my attention.


    The form of Jiang clutching a wooden pole for dear life as he desperately struggles to hold his body off the ground. His body covered in blood.


    (1) A Limerick is a type of poem that has a rhyming scheme of AABBA and usually tells a short story.

 Faceless

    A figure towers over Jiang, standing before him with a similar pole in hand. His golden horns like tree branches jutting from his head through long red hair tied near the top. Blood leaks onto the stone ground we find ourselves on, as the result of a one sided beatdown lays itself bare.


    My body trembles but I move towards him, the scent of iron breaches my lungs, and I''m sent back to that moment of horror in the forest. A severed leg limply hanging in view as I stand helpless to my own fate and another''s.


    I move before my mind does and I''m already reaching out to help Jiang to his feet.


    But a hand slaps mine away. Glaring eyes bore into me before Jiang mutters, "Leave."


    What? I must have misheard. Going to reach out to him again the wooden pole of the other figure blocks its path.


    "You waste my time with this. Then your companion interferes? What a dishonorable drake you are."


    Jiang breathes out as he struggles to bring himself to his feet, his own body weight dragging him down to the cold stone. This ''fight'' is clearly over, the drying blood a blatant indicator.


    After some struggle he mutters with some venom in his tone, "I accept my defeat with humility, yet this foolish Celladian is no companion of mine, simply one I aided earlier this day."


    W-what? What a dick. Sure he''s helped me out, but I''m helping him now! I''m going to be super powerful in the future anyways so he should be thankful!


    "Why are you here?" he nearly growls at me.


    "I was just about to spar with someone," His gaze goes past me, and I turn to follow his eyes. The green haired man approaches us arm being thrown around my shoulder.


    "Was just about to spar with my buddy here, showing a little grace as his upper classman."


    Unhooking his arm from my shoulder with some struggle I turn to the unnamed man. Hopefully I can awaken my talent in this fight, then I''ll beat this guy up for looking down on me. Seriously, why does everyone I meet have to be an asshole?


    I''m an isekai protagonist, it''s not my fault I''m starting off without knowing what my powers are.


    Shaking away those thoughts I raise my sword, the scent of dried blood pulling me back into reality.


    "My name is Mercury, pleasure to spar with you." The green haired man runs a hand through his hair the tattoos on his arm glowing faintly. A smile starting to bloom on his face.


    "Lev, and the pleasure''s all mine." I really don''t like the way he said that, he sounds full of himself.


    Turning my head slightly to see Jiang limping away he mutters as he walks past me.


    "I''m not going to watch you humiliate yourself." Arrogant jerk, thinking I''m just gonna lose without a fight? I''m stronger than that.


    I have to be.


    "Guess I''m ready when you are," I announce. Our distance, about 3 meters(about 10ft) away from each other, my sword held in a two handed grip as Lev approaches.


    His approach is slow, nearly casual, a smug smile on his face as though our fight has already been decided. I pace sideward as we circle around each other, groups of people on the edge of my vision.


    My mind goes back to wolves, but forcefully regains attention at the thumping of steps. Looking back to Lev his hair is soaring in the wind as his fist flies towards me, his tattoos glowing aggressively as they soar towards me upon his arm.


    Bringing my sword up to defend myself I nearly stumble backwards as I swing wildly my blade being ducked under as a fist rockets towards my stomach. Bringing up my knee in a desperate effort to protect myself all I hear is a crunch as my mind goes on fire.


    My body spirals in the air as I tumble to the ground, Lev says something I can''t hear as the pain floods my leg. Flipping my body over tears fill my eyes from the pain. My pant leg turning red, I luckily can''t see what happened underneath. Suddenly a kick flies into my chest slamming me harder into the ground.


    My sword is long gone from my hand as I try to clutch my leg in agony, as a guttural noise leaves my mouth as his leg continues to hammer on my body.


    I hate this. This is all WRONG.


    I came from another world.


    I regressed.


    This is how the world treats me?


    The pain resides as I feel an immense anger, a wrath, a hate. Something beyond what I could describe besides the bubbling feeling in my eyes and heart. But, I can''t bring myself to stand up.


    My eyes turning up towards that green haired bastard, all I see is disappointment. Some fucking NPC looking down on me? What a joke, that''s right, a joke. Everyone I''ve met has treated me like a fucking joke.


    Laughter leaves my throat as I lie there beaten, and broken. Lev''s hand reaching towards my head.


    "Enough, he is beaten." A clear voice rings out, commanding authority. "Heal his leg and bring him to his feet." "Yes Lord Cellavort."


    A figure approaches me as I try to laugh, but only blood comes out. Their tan hand hovering over my bleeding chest, somehow causing the pain to recede. Looking up to the figure, it is the indifferent face of a woman in school uniform. Lev''s figure long gone.


    How dare she look at me like that? When I''m like this? This world is miserable, everyone here is just some fucking NPC who doesn''t make any sense.


    Her hand pulls me up off the ground and makes me stand up, my leg renewed after another moment of healing. My back slouched as I look towards the figure in front of me. My ''savior'' stands there with his arms crossed. Blond hair and purple gold eyes stare back at mine. A small entourage of students in uniform standing near him, most notably the large man with a great sword over his back. Maybe these guy''s can be of some use.


    "I recommend seeking swordsmanship lessons if the field intrigues you, however I must recommend you leave this area." So he''s just telling me to fuck off? Alright. I can play this game.


    "Perhaps your friend could help me out a bit in that department?" Looking towards the knight I can''t help but have a small grin on my face. This guy clearly knows how to use a sword, so he can definitely teach me well.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Though these bastards seem put off by the idea of helping me out, their shocked expressions being any indicator. Why does everyone here have to be such a waste of time?


    "I don''t believe I properly introduced myself. My name is Arthur Avo Voculevi Cellavort(1), I don''t feel as though my Knight would make a good teacher. Perhaps you should wait until the semester begins, however if you wait until tomorrow perhaps I could schedule a brief lesson?" Ah, this guy is royalty then? Guess a ''commoner'' like me is way to above his time.


    All these NPCs are the same. This one is just trying to let me off ''nicely''. I''m sure that ''lesson'' would just be me getting beaten into the floor.


    Though wasn''t his name way shorter during the opening ceremony?


    Doesn''t matter, he''s not relevant to my story.


    Without even responding I start to walk away. My fist tightly clenched. The ''Knight''s'' voice however tries to cut me off, only to be stopped by his ''master''.


    "You-"It''s alright Thomas. Let him clear his head." Let me clear my head? Let me clear my HEAD?


    My breath quickens and my eyes strain against my skull. I''ll show them. I''ll show every last one of them. Walking over to my sword I pick it up, and as I turn towards them a pointed glare is sent my way.


    I''ll make a tactical retreat for right now.


    Dragging my frail body out the arena my heart flutters in my chest as phantom pains wreck my internals.


    That was my first fight. Ever. And I got destroyed. I''m really not used to pain either.


    God I''m pathetic. My anger dies out in the face of a steady sense of gloom.


    Walking through the blackstone gates I look aimlessly at my surroundings. Students walk past me idly chatting as they make way to the arena. Nobody even bats an eye at me.


    Wading through the crowd I start walking.


    My mind a haze I pace forward eventually though I bump into something.


    "Ah, it looks this time you''ve collided with me." Turning up I see the handsome face of a smug bastard who I vaguely recall from earlier.


    A sword at his side.


    . . .


    Should I ask?


    Nah, I''m sure he''s going to the arena for a reason beyond me.


    "You look quite pale, perhaps it would be best if you take a seat for a moment." Reaching down he pulls out a small canteen and offers it to me. Looking at the object in his hand my throat dries, but I don''t accept his hand out.


    My fist clenches lightly as my face heats up in embarrassment.


    "m'' fine" I mutter out, before making my way past without another word. I feel his silent gaze on my back slowly fade away as I get past the other students and into the park.


    Spotting a bench I take a seat and look down at my shaking hands. The sun beating down on me as I helplessly sit here doing nothing in this new world.


    I want to get mad, but everytime I do that searing pain rushes through me again and I''m reminded of my helplessness.


    Of my weakness.


    Liquid starts to pool in my hands as I stare at them with foggy eyes, only causing them to shake even more violently. Until inevitably my face falls into them.


    I''m sorry Mercury. I''m so, so sorry. I can''t be a hero. I''m just . . . I''m just . . .


    "The fuck''s got your gears rusting?" What?


    Turning my head up and peering through clouded vision a vaguely familiar fellow stands in front of me. Messy brown hair, tanned skin, and a small hammer over his shoulder.


    My vision clears and my heart speeds up for a moment. It''s him. Someone I got killed because my own stupidity. Suddenly a hand grabs my shoulder and pulls me to my feet, which I luckily manage to catch as to not fall down.


    "Rough first day?"


    "You don''t know the half of it."


    A slow silence begins to build, as he stands their awkwardly for a moment before sighing.


    "I''m not a very good listener, but as your dorm mate you can at least fill me in. There''s not a lot of us, so it''s best if we stick together."


    But . . .


    "Don''t you have anything more important to do?"


    "Obviously, but you sitting here moping would weigh on my mind. Seeing people like you pisses me off." So this is more for him then? I, I guess that makes me feel slightly better.


    How much should I tell him? If anything at all . . .


    Though if I tell him that then would I really be considered the protagonist at this point?


    Do I deserve to be the protagonist at all? Everyone I''m surrounded with is just so much more than me.


    He, of all people, deserves to know what I did to him, if he knows then he won''t forgive me and I can go back to sulking. Back to how things used to be.


    A choice is made in my heart, and as I start to speak I push my burden onto someone else.


    "Well, It all started when I got my head caved in-" my breathing hitches as his expression morphs into shock. I can no longer speak. Then the sounds of the world fade away. Then the smell of the trees surrounding us. Then my vision on the world. I reach up to touch my face only to feel a lack of any features.


    Air stops entering my body and I feel my lungs burn and my body hits the ground paralyzed.


    My face . . . WHERE IS MY FACE, WHAT''S HAPPENING, WHAT THE FUCK, WHAT THE-


    [But the Story must only be experienced by One]


    . . .


    . . .


    . . .


    Soft chatter flows into my ears as I desperately gasp for air. I fall to my knees in an instant as sweat pours down my shaking body. I reach my hand to my face, and it''s back.


    It''s back, I can breathe, I can exist.


    Blurry eyes scan upwards from the ground and I find myself in front of a familiar rotating door, the taste of fresh juice on my tongue, wetting my rapidly drying throat.


    W-what?

 Lowering the Mask

    Looking up from the ground at those damn double doors a bead of sweat rolls down my face.


    My breath slowly steadying.


    Breathe, Mercury. Just breathe for a moment.


    Alright, what the fuck just happened?


    Also where am- I''m in front of this building again . . . Huh, the sun is back to being in the sky, far from setting on the horizon.


    Slowly reaching my hand up to my face the uniform I once wore no longer dons my body, but that simple shirt from what feels like forever ago seems to have taken its place.


    Feeling my face a sigh of relief flows out as I touch my nose and mouth. Ignoring the unsanitary action I bring my hand down with care.


    Did I regress again? But why? Why to here? How?


    My heart rate accelerates and sweat beads as I start to think.


    All I did was go to tell him I re . . . gressed.


    My thought completes as realization takes sinister hold. Whatever caused my regression refuses to let me tell anyone, with the punishment being the sinking, all consuming feeling, of being ripped away sense by sense from this world until all that remains is a husk that can not even breathe to survive.


    My body shivers, as I try to think of a plan, of something I can do.


    . . .


    Alright, Mercury, Focus.


    IF this is the "ability" I have than do I have to die if I want to use it? Or was it a one time thing and whoever, no, it certainly had to be HIM. Fucking asshole god thing, whatever he''s called.


    Anyways, was this just a punishment for trying to tell someone? Is this ''regression power'' gone unless I tell someone? Is that my only way back now? Or will trying to game the system just result in something far worse . . .


    Either way, I''d rather now suffocate again. Terrible experience.


    Though he did say I would be an incarnation of his, whatever fantasy powers that gives me. Maybe I should try learning illusion magic? Illusions always kind of suck though . . .


    Pressing my hand into my forehead with more force than I''d intended to causes slight pain as I shift to rubbing my temples trying to clear away the headache starting pulse through me.


    The pain reminding me of the beating I''d received barely 15 minutes ago. To all those terrible memories that preceded my death.


    That fucking bastard.


    All those pieces of shit.


    Shaking my head the thoughts do not leave me, I can''t get their laughing faces out of my vision.


    I have to get stronger.


    . . .


    Hah, am I going to turn into one of those angsty edgelords who seeks revenge against those who wronged him in his previous life, aren''t I?


    A twisted smile blooms on my face as I accept my role, my body still shaking in ''anticipation'' of the revenge I shall procure.


    But first I need to start small.


    Yes, for my first act of revenge I shall slaughter those wolves in the forest. Arrogant bastards.


    Low tier mobs like that should go down easy, but dying isn''t really on my list of things to do today. After all this, may be my last returnal. A shiver flows through me at the thought but I suppress it.


    I need information, luckily I know a certain annoying librarian who is apparently ''at the top of the ladder''.


    All I need to do is show I know she does poem''s and like an NPC seeing a quest item she''ll fall for the bait.


    All I''ll need to do after that is-


    "Excuse me, you''re blocking the way" A curt voice reaches my ears as my expression contorts into a snarl.


    "I''m TRYING to think, stop FUCKING INTERRUPTING me!" Ragged breaths come out of my mouth as I turn towards to the annoyed young man in front of me. His widening black eyes staring right through me. Like I''m just some damn obstacle.


    Suddenly everyone is staring at me. A even hear a chuckle from that annoying elf who scammed with her fruit.


    Throwing a glare her way, I drag myself away.


    Fucking bastards, the lot of them.


    A disgusting expression forms on my face as I start to run. Avoiding the group to the best of my ability.


    The less I interact with these pe-NPCs the better.


    Licking my dry lips my heart pounds desperately in my chest and the feeling of it being poked and prodded flows throughout my entire being.


    Legs burning, a pain shooting through my side, the whipping of wind slamming into my flesh over and over again is my only reward as I finally arrive in front of that building I wandered into in my previous life, only to fall down with my exhausted flesh. Slamming my knee hard into the stone path causing a scrape.


    "Why me? Of all the miserable people in the world why''d it have to be me?!"


    . . .


    But no answer called back to me.


    I truly am alone in this unjust game.


    And so I began to laugh, but the disgusting sounds get tangled in my throat.


    Suddenly a feeling of watched creeped into me, a feeling I''d grown all to familiar with throughout my life.


    No matter what world I arrive in I can not escape such a fate?


    But as soon as the feeling arrives, it leaves.


    Leaving me all alone once again.


    Slowly picking my body of the ground I fill myself with anything I can grasp onto, anything to light my inner fire.


    Revenge, Hate, Despair. For a moment I forget the pain and creak open the door in front of me.


    A forced smile and wide open eyes are the mask I wear for this quest.


    Opening those double doors into that massive empty room that somehow remains bright I immediately notice something is out of place.


    One of the five hallways is has light coming from it.


    So things have already changed? What an inconsistent game . . .


    Wearing that smile on my face I make my way towards the light, perhaps it''s like a quest marker of sorts?


    Yes, that must be it!


    My leg stings as I put more pressure on it, so I once again slow my pace as I make my way towards the rightmost hall.


    My heart beats rapidly in my chest as I prepare myself.


    Rounding the corner into the hall I see a long path with many gray doors. Each bearing a nameplate to the side.


    Looking at the closest it lists something I can read, but can''t understand.


    "OCNS 3" What is that supposed to mean . . . My hate falters for a moment as sheer confusion passes through me.


    An agony pulses through my flesh threatens to cease my forward movement, causing me to forcibly reignite that fire under myself.


    Taking a shaky breathe I steady myself-


    "Who could this one be? Exploring so vacantly, no outfit in sight?" Pointed words stab into my side as I rapidly turn my head. The cart pushed by the short elf possessing a few books upon it as she makes her way down the hall in my direction.


    "A-ah, hello there! My name is Mercury, I was simply looking for some information, and I heard this is the information wing so I assumed . . . " Trailing off and looking downwards in false embarrassment I try to hide my anger at failing to remember I had to pick up a fucking uniform.


    "Wandering unknowns Is a dangerous pastime. Be more careful brat." Turning my eyes up towards her she just staring at me with those damn eyes.


    Dammit this was supposed to be easy, why the fuck isn''t she speaking in poems? Though her language is weird as hell. (1)


    "Of course Miss, I will be in the future! Though, I really could do with some information at the moment. Haha."


    My body shakes I remember those bloody memories. Don''t forget why you''re here you body snatcher-


    My eye twitches slightly.


    Her damn eyes move towards mine and somehow for even I brief moment even I don''t see laughter in her gaze.


    "How this child''s heart aches and moans, his false face melting like snow. As a teacher I must insist, you tell me what put your mind in a ditch. For perhaps a path I could show."


    . . .


    Ha, that was a Limerick.


    All I have to do is call her out on it.


    . . .


    My blood bubbles in my chest as a cracking feeling starts to take hold of my entire being.


    What the fuck would an NPC even know?


    What the HELL would she even DO?


    I can''t tell a soul, I can''t do anything, I can''t move a muscle without burning myself to ashes, I can''t do a thing.


    I''m [Nothing] after all.


    . . .


    No, Mercury. Don''t break character, she''s just offering a quest line to me.


    Before I can return to reality I feel something press into me.


    Its warm.


    Turning down a mop of gray hair that sparkles like silver I see the librarian.


    I see the librarian hugging me.


    For a moment I hear a crack in my mind. I suddenly feel the urge to push this woman away, to throw her off my body.


    That would be easy, she''s so small after all, but her small frame reminds me of-


    But after considering my options for even that fraction of a second my arms grow weak as I silently stand there.


    Silently in that white hall, somehow not alone.


    "You wouldn''t understand. You can''t understand. I-it''s-"


    "Then don''t say a word. Don''t make a single movement. Just rest for a time."


    "If I stop, I don''t think I''ll be able to start again you know." A shaky and warped expression appears on my face as she looks up with pink irises reflecting my twisted and messy mask that desperately holds back my suffering.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "A young boy in pain, I''d thought him insane. But his madness a fire, formed to push towards his anguished desire, even though they were his chain."


    My body shakes but she''s got me in a death grip at this point.


    "Those chains hold me up," at least that way I won''t hit the ground.


    Hit the ground with a sickening crunch.


    "Do not lose yourself . . . " Her expression pauses for a moment before taking a step backwards. My legs rigid and unmoving. My body paralyzed. "I offer you a job child, take the role of aid."


    Ah.


    There''s my quest.


    I''m certain that serving as a librarian''s aid will lead me to a large collection of information.


    I can just quit when I get my information anyways.


    Yes, that''s right. I can just quit when I get what I want.


    B-but mabye getting information on this new world would be good anyways.


    "I-I accept." With one big nod of her head and a soft smile she waves her hand for me to follow her slightly down the hall. Towards a slightly ajar door near her cart.


    "This room is stocked. Let us move onto the next, your task awaits there."


    Walking towards the next door on the other side of the hall I follow.


    Only for her to raise an eyebrow and point at the unmoving cart.


    Crap. It''s my first day and I''m already fucking things up.


    Jogging towards the cart my leg stings a bit but I power through. I''m in the middle of a quest, I can''t afford to break down and collapse.


    Pushing the cart with tons of gigantic books on it I push it through the now open door, spying the name plate as CLDA 1, for whatever that means.


    "Traveler''s guide to the Home of Magi, by Rose Everland," looking at ''the librarian'' what even is my bosses name . . . her eyes glaze over as she says the title of the book.


    Weird, also that was nothing like a poem . . . Guess she''s just as much as a weirdo as I am then . . .


    My lips quirk upwards involuntarily as my cheeks flush slightly in embarrassment for still not knowing her name.


    Snapping myself out of my daze as she still seems to be looking at nothing I start looking for the book she''s talking about as I ask a question that will help me improve relations with my boss.


    Vital to completing this quest . . .


    "S-so, I can''t really refer to you as just ''boss'' all the time, so uhm, could I know how I should refer to you as?"


    "I do hold a name, Ms. Sabio for you child. Angela for friends."


    My eye twitches slightly, hah. My expression darkening as she turns towards me.


    Guess I was right. She really is just some NPC-


    A surprisingly light slap rings throughout the room as I sputter, w-what?


    "To lose yourself in your mind, to run and leave reality behind? This childish fool tried to run, the moment a cloud blocked out the sun, when instead it was a mountain to climb."


    "We just met, stupid, I''m also your boss, student." Shaking her head lightly, "Future paths are dreams,"


    My heart nearly stops in my chest as I think back to that bastard who ripped my defense away from me.


    The power to substitute myself with a character I had once perceived.


    Now however, I am doing the same thing, just with a version of myself that has yet to exist until I metaphorize into them.


    I bring up my hand to my cheek as it lightly stings.


    I deserved that.


    I''ve been acting like a huge bitch to someone who doesn''t even know who I am. Someone who offered me a job and a hug when I felt like shit.


    My body trembles a bit as the last vestiges of this self delusion try to melt off my mind, causing the dam to creak horribly in my heart.


    Swallowing down the feeling along with some bile I focus.


    "Sorry."


    I-I still need that information. I still need to hunt those wolves.


    Yeah, I need to get those bastards back for everything.


    While my thoughts stir her sits pulls out a chair causing me to finally look at the classroom in front of me, and it''s nothing like I''ve ever seen before.


    A pristine blackboard, a wooden podium at the front, countless cupboards at the side of the room, maps, quotes, several rows of slowly elevating desks with soft rolling chairs behind each of them. Two sets of stairs passing through the middle across the soft purple tile across the floor and gentle blue walls.


    As I stare amazed at such a nice classroom I look down towards the book in my hand.


    "Here it is Ms. Sabio" she sighs as she takes the book and places it in a small cubby under the podium.


    "I''ve been rude to you. A certain question is due, what is your name child?"


    Didn''t I already-


    "I thought I already . . ." her eyes bore into me, as if prompting me to answer her question.


    If only it were that simple.


    "It''s Mercury. Just Mercury." She pauses for a moment then shrugs, taking me to a few other classrooms and putting away different books which all seemed to be penned by Rose Everland, whoever that is.


    Four other classrooms in total and five books combined.


    RVZN 1, Traveler''s guide to the Bloodied Tundra.


    VCVE 1, Traveler''s guide to the Nature''s Hearth.


    SLZR 1, Traveler''s guide to the Great Land of Mysteries.


    Then finally, OCNS 3, which has two books. Traveler''s Guide to the Golden Ocean, and Insights of the Primordial Plane.


    By the time all the books were delivered I''d nearly forgotten my original goal, but that final spark still remained.


    Following Ms. Sabio outside of the building with the empty cart I realized where we were heading.


    Towards an absolutely gigantic tower.


    Stopping dead in my tracks I look up towards the behemoth already feeling wobbly.


    "Assistant why the pause? Ah, has my tower stricken you with awe?" Looking down towards the smirking woman her head is head high as she haughtily explains her position to me again.


    "My position was obscured and unseen, now I go to reveal my scheme, the head librarian is me, now you see, I may as well be your queen!"


    Again the sheer absurdity of what she''s saying breaks me away from my spiral as I just stare with my jaw dropped.


    She lightly laughs as she makes her way towards the tower, that somehow seems ever so slightly less scary now.


    To absolutely massive doors present themselves in front of me after a bit of a walk, though for her a skip- without any handles upon the door.


    Holding her hand against the door it lights up with what I can only assume to be magic runes that ensnare me for a moment as I''m reminded this world has a power system of some kind (that I still don''t understand!) and it begins to rumble and creak open.


    Inside the absolutely massive tower is a breathtaking library that is somehow much larger on the inside than the already gigantic outside.


    Spiraling staircases, lifts of all kinds, and many, many, MANY, bookshelves stocked to the brim with different books of varying sizes.


    A simple desk at the front with a bowl of something, chair, alongside a black tablet of some kind.


    Going over the chair and practical tossing herself onto it she swivels it towards me with a smile while waving me over.


    Taking out a small dark purple card with the words ''Assistant Librarian'' written on it as well as a rapidly modifying square that seems to be turning into my face with my name written under it, she starts to speak again.


    "That''s all for today. I''ll work you hard tomorrow, rest up assistant."


    Wait, what? That was barely even an hour?


    Her calloused hands that somehow I''m only noticing now dip into the bowl and into the pocket of her blouse.


    Taking an electrum card with four strips of gold on it and handing it to me.


    Holy hell that''s a lot of money for doing basically nothing.


    Her other hand handling something soft inside a wrapper that she passes to me.


    "Children like candy . . . I dearly hope so student, It''s from my homeland."


    Opening the wrapped its a soft green ball. Popping it into my mouth its sweet like chocolate but also has a subtle sourness that tickles my tongue. I wouldn''t say it beats out my favorite candy back home, but its still really good!


    I''m certainly hungry enough to enjoy it after all.


    "Thanks Mom."


    I dumbly mutter like a fucking idiot.


    My breath hitches in my throat as I horribly ruin the path I started to walk.


    I finally meet someone who seems to be nice to me than more than 10 seconds and I just destroy it?


    I ruin everything I-


    A soft hand touches my shoulder as she sits on the desk in order to give her so more height. Her arms wrapping above my upper body as the creaking dam cracks.


    "I miss them so, so, much. I just-"


    I sputter and shake as tears falls from my eyes relentlessly, soaking this poor woman who still barely knows who I am.


    "My mom, my dad, my brother, and I don''t think I''ll ever see them again and I just- I can''t I don''t know what to do. Who to be, how to survive, It''s just-"


    Pressing my face into her chest I sob, as my heart beats rapidly before my voice turns to wailing.


    The only way to stop myself from telling her about how my regression is to scream in this very moment.


    I don''t want to lose this relationship.


    I don''t want to lose this life.


    I don''t want to drown alone.


    I don''t want to die.

 Lowering the Mask

    Looking up from the ground at those damn double doors a bead of sweat rolls down my face.


    My breath slowly steadying.


    Breathe, Mercury. Just breathe for a moment.


    Alright, what the fuck just happened?


    Also where am- I''m in front of this building again . . . Huh, the sun is back to being in the sky, far from setting on the horizon.


    Slowly reaching my hand up to my face the uniform I once wore no longer dons my body, but that simple shirt from what feels like forever ago seems to have taken its place.


    Feeling my face a sigh of relief flows out as I touch my nose and mouth. Ignoring the unsanitary action I bring my hand down with care.


    Did I regress again? But why? Why to here? How?


    My heart rate accelerates and sweat beads as I start to think.


    All I did was go to tell him I re . . . gressed.


    My thought completes as realization takes sinister hold. Whatever caused my regression refuses to let me tell anyone, with the punishment being the sinking, all consuming feeling, of being ripped away sense by sense from this world until all that remains is a husk that can not even breathe to survive.


    My body shivers, as I try to think of a plan, of something I can do.


    . . .


    Alright, Mercury, Focus.


    IF this is the "ability" I have than do I have to die if I want to use it? Or was it a one time thing and whoever, no, it certainly had to be HIM. Fucking asshole god thing, whatever he''s called.


    Anyways, was this just a punishment for trying to tell someone? Is this ''regression power'' gone unless I tell someone? Is that my only way back now? Or will trying to game the system just result in something far worse . . .


    Either way, I''d rather now suffocate again. Terrible experience.


    Though he did say I would be an incarnation of his, whatever fantasy powers that gives me. Maybe I should try learning illusion magic? Illusions always kind of suck though . . .


    Pressing my hand into my forehead with more force than I''d intended to causes slight pain as I shift to rubbing my temples trying to clear away the headache starting pulse through me.


    The pain reminding me of the beating I''d received barely 15 minutes ago. To all those terrible memories that preceded my death.


    That fucking bastard.


    All those pieces of shit.


    Shaking my head the thoughts do not leave me, I can''t get their laughing faces out of my vision.


    I have to get stronger.


    . . .


    Hah, am I going to turn into one of those angsty edgelords who seeks revenge against those who wronged him in his previous life, aren''t I?


    A twisted smile blooms on my face as I accept my role, my body still shaking in ''anticipation'' of the revenge I shall procure.


    But first I need to start small.


    Yes, for my first act of revenge I shall slaughter those wolves in the forest. Arrogant bastards.


    Low tier mobs like that should go down easy, but dying isn''t really on my list of things to do today. After all this, may be my last returnal. A shiver flows through me at the thought but I suppress it.


    I need information, luckily I know a certain annoying librarian who is apparently ''at the top of the ladder''.


    All I need to do is show I know she does poem''s and like an NPC seeing a quest item she''ll fall for the bait.


    All I''ll need to do after that is-


    "Excuse me, you''re blocking the way" A curt voice reaches my ears as my expression contorts into a snarl.


    "I''m TRYING to think, stop FUCKING INTERRUPTING me!" Ragged breaths come out of my mouth as I turn towards to the annoyed young man in front of me. His widening black eyes staring right through me. Like I''m just some damn obstacle.


    Suddenly everyone is staring at me. A even hear a chuckle from that annoying elf who scammed with her fruit.


    Throwing a glare her way, I drag myself away.


    Fucking bastards, the lot of them.


    A disgusting expression forms on my face as I start to run. Avoiding the group to the best of my ability.


    The less I interact with these pe-NPCs the better.


    Licking my dry lips my heart pounds desperately in my chest and the feeling of it being poked and prodded flows throughout my entire being.


    Legs burning, a pain shooting through my side, the whipping of wind slamming into my flesh over and over again is my only reward as I finally arrive in front of that building I wandered into in my previous life, only to fall down with my exhausted flesh. Slamming my knee hard into the stone path causing a scrape.


    "Why me? Of all the miserable people in the world why''d it have to be me?!"


    . . .


    But no answer called back to me.


    I truly am alone in this unjust game.


    And so I began to laugh, but the disgusting sounds get tangled in my throat.


    Suddenly a feeling of watched creeped into me, a feeling I''d grown all to familiar with throughout my life.


    No matter what world I arrive in I can not escape such a fate?


    But as soon as the feeling arrives, it leaves.


    Leaving me all alone once again.


    Slowly picking my body of the ground I fill myself with anything I can grasp onto, anything to light my inner fire.


    Revenge, Hate, Despair. For a moment I forget the pain and creak open the door in front of me.


    A forced smile and wide open eyes are the mask I wear for this quest.


    Opening those double doors into that massive empty room that somehow remains bright I immediately notice something is out of place.


    One of the five hallways is has light coming from it.


    So things have already changed? What an inconsistent game . . .


    Wearing that smile on my face I make my way towards the light, perhaps it''s like a quest marker of sorts?


    Yes, that must be it!


    My leg stings as I put more pressure on it, so I once again slow my pace as I make my way towards the rightmost hall.


    My heart beats rapidly in my chest as I prepare myself.


    Rounding the corner into the hall I see a long path with many gray doors. Each bearing a nameplate to the side.


    Looking at the closest it lists something I can read, but can''t understand.


    "OCNS 3" What is that supposed to mean . . . My hate falters for a moment as sheer confusion passes through me.


    An agony pulses through my flesh threatens to cease my forward movement, causing me to forcibly reignite that fire under myself.


    Taking a shaky breathe I steady myself-


    "Who could this one be? Exploring so vacantly, no outfit in sight?" Pointed words stab into my side as I rapidly turn my head. The cart pushed by the short elf possessing a few books upon it as she makes her way down the hall in my direction.


    "A-ah, hello there! My name is Mercury, I was simply looking for some information, and I heard this is the information wing so I assumed . . . " Trailing off and looking downwards in false embarrassment I try to hide my anger at failing to remember I had to pick up a fucking uniform.


    "Wandering unknowns Is a dangerous pastime. Be more careful brat." Turning my eyes up towards her she just staring at me with those damn eyes.


    Dammit this was supposed to be easy, why the fuck isn''t she speaking in poems? Though her language is weird as hell. (1)


    "Of course Miss, I will be in the future! Though, I really could do with some information at the moment. Haha."


    My body shakes I remember those bloody memories. Don''t forget why you''re here you body snatcher-


    My eye twitches slightly.


    Her damn eyes move towards mine and somehow for even I brief moment even I don''t see laughter in her gaze.


    "How this child''s heart aches and moans, his false face melting like snow. As a teacher I must insist, you tell me what put your mind in a ditch. For perhaps a path I could show."


    . . .


    Ha, that was a Limerick.


    All I have to do is call her out on it.


    . . .


    My blood bubbles in my chest as a cracking feeling starts to take hold of my entire being.


    What the fuck would an NPC even know?


    What the HELL would she even DO?


    I can''t tell a soul, I can''t do anything, I can''t move a muscle without burning myself to ashes, I can''t do a thing.


    I''m [Nothing] after all.


    . . .


    No, Mercury. Don''t break character, she''s just offering a quest line to me.


    Before I can return to reality I feel something press into me.


    Its warm.


    Turning down a mop of gray hair that sparkles like silver I see the librarian.


    I see the librarian hugging me.


    For a moment I hear a crack in my mind. I suddenly feel the urge to push this woman away, to throw her off my body.


    That would be easy, she''s so small after all, but her small frame reminds me of-


    But after considering my options for even that fraction of a second my arms grow weak as I silently stand there.


    Silently in that white hall, somehow not alone.


    "You wouldn''t understand. You can''t understand. I-it''s-"


    "Then don''t say a word. Don''t make a single movement. Just rest for a time."


    "If I stop, I don''t think I''ll be able to start again you know." A shaky and warped expression appears on my face as she looks up with pink irises reflecting my twisted and messy mask that desperately holds back my suffering.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "A young boy in pain, I''d thought him insane. But his madness a fire, formed to push towards his anguished desire, even though they were his chain."


    My body shakes but she''s got me in a death grip at this point.


    "Those chains hold me up," at least that way I won''t hit the ground.


    Hit the ground with a sickening crunch.


    "Do not lose yourself . . . " Her expression pauses for a moment before taking a step backwards. My legs rigid and unmoving. My body paralyzed. "I offer you a job child, take the role of aid."


    Ah.


    There''s my quest.


    I''m certain that serving as a librarian''s aid will lead me to a large collection of information.


    I can just quit when I get my information anyways.


    Yes, that''s right. I can just quit when I get what I want.


    B-but mabye getting information on this new world would be good anyways.


    "I-I accept." With one big nod of her head and a soft smile she waves her hand for me to follow her slightly down the hall. Towards a slightly ajar door near her cart.


    "This room is stocked. Let us move onto the next, your task awaits there."


    Walking towards the next door on the other side of the hall I follow.


    Only for her to raise an eyebrow and point at the unmoving cart.


    Crap. It''s my first day and I''m already fucking things up.


    Jogging towards the cart my leg stings a bit but I power through. I''m in the middle of a quest, I can''t afford to break down and collapse.


    Pushing the cart with tons of gigantic books on it I push it through the now open door, spying the name plate as CLDA 1, for whatever that means.


    "Traveler''s guide to the Home of Magi, by Rose Everland," looking at ''the librarian'' what even is my bosses name . . . her eyes glaze over as she says the title of the book.


    Weird, also that was nothing like a poem . . . Guess she''s just as much as a weirdo as I am then . . .


    My lips quirk upwards involuntarily as my cheeks flush slightly in embarrassment for still not knowing her name.


    Snapping myself out of my daze as she still seems to be looking at nothing I start looking for the book she''s talking about as I ask a question that will help me improve relations with my boss.


    Vital to completing this quest . . .


    "S-so, I can''t really refer to you as just ''boss'' all the time, so uhm, could I know how I should refer to you as?"


    "I do hold a name, Ms. Sabio for you child. Angela for friends."


    My eye twitches slightly, hah. My expression darkening as she turns towards me.


    Guess I was right. She really is just some NPC-


    A surprisingly light slap rings throughout the room as I sputter, w-what?


    "To lose yourself in your mind, to run and leave reality behind? This childish fool tried to run, the moment a cloud blocked out the sun, when instead it was a mountain to climb."


    "We just met, stupid, I''m also your boss, student." Shaking her head lightly, "Future paths are dreams,"


    My heart nearly stops in my chest as I think back to that bastard who ripped my defense away from me.


    The power to substitute myself with a character I had once perceived.


    Now however, I am doing the same thing, just with a version of myself that has yet to exist until I metaphorize into them.


    I bring up my hand to my cheek as it lightly stings.


    I deserved that.


    I''ve been acting like a huge bitch to someone who doesn''t even know who I am. Someone who offered me a job and a hug when I felt like shit.


    My body trembles a bit as the last vestiges of this self delusion try to melt off my mind, causing the dam to creak horribly in my heart.


    Swallowing down the feeling along with some bile I focus.


    "Sorry."


    I-I still need that information. I still need to hunt those wolves.


    Yeah, I need to get those bastards back for everything.


    While my thoughts stir her sits pulls out a chair causing me to finally look at the classroom in front of me, and it''s nothing like I''ve ever seen before.


    A pristine blackboard, a wooden podium at the front, countless cupboards at the side of the room, maps, quotes, several rows of slowly elevating desks with soft rolling chairs behind each of them. Two sets of stairs passing through the middle across the soft purple tile across the floor and gentle blue walls.


    As I stare amazed at such a nice classroom I look down towards the book in my hand.


    "Here it is Ms. Sabio" she sighs as she takes the book and places it in a small cubby under the podium.


    "I''ve been rude to you. A certain question is due, what is your name child?"


    Didn''t I already-


    "I thought I already . . ." her eyes bore into me, as if prompting me to answer her question.


    If only it were that simple.


    "It''s Mercury. Just Mercury." She pauses for a moment then shrugs, taking me to a few other classrooms and putting away different books which all seemed to be penned by Rose Everland, whoever that is.


    Four other classrooms in total and five books combined.


    RVZN 1, Traveler''s guide to the Bloodied Tundra.


    VCVE 1, Traveler''s guide to the Nature''s Hearth.


    SLZR 1, Traveler''s guide to the Great Land of Mysteries.


    Then finally, OCNS 3, which has two books. Traveler''s Guide to the Golden Ocean, and Insights of the Primordial Plane.


    By the time all the books were delivered I''d nearly forgotten my original goal, but that final spark still remained.


    Following Ms. Sabio outside of the building with the empty cart I realized where we were heading.


    Towards an absolutely gigantic tower.


    Stopping dead in my tracks I look up towards the behemoth already feeling wobbly.


    "Assistant why the pause? Ah, has my tower stricken you with awe?" Looking down towards the smirking woman her head is head high as she haughtily explains her position to me again.


    "My position was obscured and unseen, now I go to reveal my scheme, the head librarian is me, now you see, I may as well be your queen!"


    Again the sheer absurdity of what she''s saying breaks me away from my spiral as I just stare with my jaw dropped.


    She lightly laughs as she makes her way towards the tower, that somehow seems ever so slightly less scary now.


    To absolutely massive doors present themselves in front of me after a bit of a walk, though for her a skip- without any handles upon the door.


    Holding her hand against the door it lights up with what I can only assume to be magic runes that ensnare me for a moment as I''m reminded this world has a power system of some kind (that I still don''t understand!) and it begins to rumble and creak open.


    Inside the absolutely massive tower is a breathtaking library that is somehow much larger on the inside than the already gigantic outside.


    Spiraling staircases, lifts of all kinds, and many, many, MANY, bookshelves stocked to the brim with different books of varying sizes.


    A simple desk at the front with a bowl of something, chair, alongside a black tablet of some kind.


    Going over the chair and practical tossing herself onto it she swivels it towards me with a smile while waving me over.


    Taking out a small dark purple card with the words ''Assistant Librarian'' written on it as well as a rapidly modifying square that seems to be turning into my face with my name written under it, she starts to speak again.


    "That''s all for today. I''ll work you hard tomorrow, rest up assistant."


    Wait, what? That was barely even an hour?


    Her calloused hands that somehow I''m only noticing now dip into the bowl and into the pocket of her blouse.


    Taking an electrum card with four strips of gold on it and handing it to me.


    Holy hell that''s a lot of money for doing basically nothing.


    Her other hand handling something soft inside a wrapper that she passes to me.


    "Children like candy . . . I dearly hope so student, It''s from my homeland."


    Opening the wrapped its a soft green ball. Popping it into my mouth its sweet like chocolate but also has a subtle sourness that tickles my tongue. I wouldn''t say it beats out my favorite candy back home, but its still really good!


    I''m certainly hungry enough to enjoy it after all.


    "Thanks Mom."


    I dumbly mutter like a fucking idiot.


    My breath hitches in my throat as I horribly ruin the path I started to walk.


    I finally meet someone who seems to be nice to me than more than 10 seconds and I just destroy it?


    I ruin everything I-


    A soft hand touches my shoulder as she sits on the desk in order to give her so more height. Her arms wrapping above my upper body as the creaking dam cracks.


    "I miss them so, so, much. I just-"


    I sputter and shake as tears falls from my eyes relentlessly, soaking this poor woman who still barely knows who I am.


    "My mom, my dad, my brother, and I don''t think I''ll ever see them again and I just- I can''t I don''t know what to do. Who to be, how to survive, It''s just-"


    Pressing my face into her chest I sob, as my heart beats rapidly before my voice turns to wailing.


    The only way to stop myself from telling her about how my regression is to scream in this very moment.


    I don''t want to lose this relationship.


    I don''t want to lose this life.


    I don''t want to drown alone.


    I don''t want to die.