《Breaking into Another World: I will save my sister!》


 Chapter 1 – The summoning

    As the blinding light fades, I finally see my surroundings more clearly: a spacious, stone-walled chamber lit by flickering torches. Beneath me, a large summoning circle pulses with a faint glow.


    Scanning the room, I realize I¡¯m not alone. Around twenty robed figures in black hooded cloaks stand in a wide circle around me, each gripping a wooden staff and chanting in a language I don¡¯t recognize. They must be the magicians who summoned me here.


    I notice three others have arrived as well.


    ¡°What? Where am I?¡±


    The voice belongs to a young girl with a high black ponytail, wearing a typical Japanese high school sailor uniform. I immediately recognize the badge on her chest¡ªshe¡¯s from Sakura Senior High School, located just a few streets away from where I used to live.


    The other two newcomers are boys. One has rebellious, spiky red hair and wears a plain white T-shirt, while the other has messy black hair, tanned skin, and a pizza delivery uniform. Judging by their appearance, they all seem about the same age as the girl.


    ¡°What the heck!?¡± the red-haired boy gasps. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡­ Is this real?¡±


    ¡°Holy shit! I¡¯m still alive!¡± blurts the pizza boy, trembling as he pats himself down. His face has gone ghostly pale.


    All three of them are clearly terrified¡ªa perfectly understandable reaction, since crossing between worlds is anything but pleasant.


    I, however, feel the exact opposite. My heart is pounding, but it¡¯s not from fear; it¡¯s from sheer exhilaration.


    Because, after so many years, I¡¯ve finally made it here.


    ¡°Anna¡­¡±


    Her name has always been so precious to me.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Thought about sister¡¯s disappearance and heartbreak for 11 seconds


    Twenty years ago, in 2065, Tokyo.


    Akihabara was then the world¡¯s largest shopping hub for otakus. That morning, I¡ªa twenty-year-old Canadian¡ªand my twelve-year-old sister, Anna, visited as part of our summer vacation. We had a blast exploring endless attractions. From the charm of maid <mark>caf¨¦s</mark> to the thrill of arcade games, we poured our hearts into having fun, buying souvenirs, and trying new foods. Without a doubt, it was one of the happiest days of my life.


    But on our way home, everything changed.


    The once-bustling streets fell into an eerie silence, disturbed only by a sudden, violent gust of wind that tore through the air like a raging tempest. I looked up, my breath catching as the sky shifted into ominous shades of gray.


    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s¡­ cold?¡± I mumbled, my words lost in the frigid air that suddenly enveloped us. It was midsummer, yet it felt like a Canadian winter. My breath turned to frosty mist, and snowflakes began drifting down from the sky.


    Before I could process what was happening¡ª


    ¡°Jack! Help!!!¡± Anna¡¯s voice cut through the desolate streets, sending a chill down my spine.


    My heart lurched. I spun around, only to witness something beyond belief: Beneath Anna¡¯s feet, a circle of glowing runes and symbols emerged, its brilliance nearly blinding me.


    ¡°Anna! ANNAAA!¡± I dropped our bags and charged forward to save her¡ª


    But an invisible barrier sprang up between us.


    I lunged toward her, every fiber of my being screaming for me to push through.


    ¡°Anna!¡±


    I slammed my fists against the barrier.


    ¡°NOOO!¡±


    I kicked it with all the strength I could muster.


    ¡°ANNAAAA!¡±


    Yet that damned barrier held firm, like an iron wall.


    ¡°DAMN IT!¡±


    I roared in futile rage, tears of desperation burning in my eyes. No matter how hard I struck or how loud I screamed, I couldn¡¯t break through.


    It felt as though reality itself was crushing me.


    My heart shattered, piece by piece.


    In the end, all I could do was watch. I watched Anna¡¯s terrified, confused eyes lock onto mine, her mouth forming silent screams. The light around her intensified, wrapping her in tendrils of golden fire until she began to fade¡ªgrowing more transparent with each passing second.


    And then, in one final, blinding flash of light¡ª


    She was gone.


    Anna and that damned circle disappeared without a trace.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As the ritual comes to an end, the heavy wooden doors at the far side of the chamber swing open with a low creak, allowing a large procession of people to file in. At their head is an elderly king with flowing silver hair, dressed in a regal crimson robe lavishly embroidered with gold thread. A gleaming crown of the same precious metal rests upon his brow, catching the flicker of the torchlight. Beside him walks a woman of captivating beauty and grace, far younger than he¡ªher silver gown sparkles with crystals and precious gems, and a matching tiara glitters atop her head.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Is she a queen or a princess?


    I can¡¯t really tell.


    Behind them trails a diverse assembly of individuals, each adorned in an array of medieval-like garments. Their attire resembles the sort found in role-playing games or fantasy epics: nobles in velvet cloaks, warriors in simple yet sturdy armor, knights clad in polished plate, and robed scholars clutching weighty tomes. Their boots and robes scuff against the chamber¡¯s stone floor, yet despite their numbers¡ªmore than a hundred in all¡ªnobody speaks. It¡¯s as though the air itself demands silence.


    The king, spotting us at the center of the now-fading summoning circle, approaches.


    I notice the sharp intensity in his gaze, like that of a hunting eagle, even though a faint, courteous smile lingers on his lips.


    ¡°Welcome to Valeria, noble heroes,¡± he begins, his voice resonating through the chamber. ¡°You have been summoned to our world at a most perilous hour to aid us in our struggle against the evil that threatens to engulf everything. I am King Alaric <mark>Froste</mark>, the sovereign ruler of this Holy Kingdom.¡±


    His words are unfamiliar¡ªneither Japanese, English, nor French¡ªyet I comprehend them perfectly, as if they were my native tongue.


    ¡°Ermm¡­ is¡­ is this a mistake?¡± the high school girl beside me finally musters the courage to speak. She still seems rattled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯re ¡®noble heroes¡¯ at all¡­ Eh? Wait¡ªwhat language am I even speaking? Why does it feel like it¡¯s my mother tongue?¡±


    I¡¯m experiencing the same thing as well. It¡¯s as if, in an instant, we¡¯ve been granted complete fluency in this foreign language, letting us hear it, understand it, and speak it with ease¡ªlike a fish swimming or a bird taking flight.


    It¡¯s fascinating, but unnerving all the same.


    ¡°Eh, I think you¡¯ve got the wrong people,¡± the pizza delivery guy chimes in, gripping the strap of his uniform cap nervously. ¡°We¡¯re not heroes or anything.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and even if we were,¡± the red-haired boy cuts in, crossing his arms defiantly, ¡°why should we help you? We didn¡¯t ask to come here. This is kidnapping!¡±


    I remain silent for the moment, silently agreeing with him. Regardless of their titles¡ªking, queen, or grand magicians¡ªthey¡¯ve still abducted us without our consent, ripping us away from our own world.


    King Alaric takes a long breath, as though he expected our doubts.


    ¡°I understand your confusion and your fear. Please believe that bringing you here against your will was never our desire. Yet our kingdom, our world, stands on the brink of catastrophe¡ªan evil force looms that could destroy everything. There was no error. You are the Chosen Heroes. Only you possess the power to save us from the Demon God.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Chosen¡­ heroes?¡± the high school girl whispers.


    ¡°Demon¡­ God?¡± echoes the red-haired boy almost simultaneously.


    For a moment, none of us respond. The kids seem lost in their own thoughts, trying to deal with the confusion and fear that come from being thrown into a whole new world under such strange circumstances.


    A faint smell of incense and burnt herbs lingers in the air, reminding us of the magic that brought us here in the first place.


    Suddenly¡ª


    ¡°Wait!¡± the pizza delivery guy exclaims, snapping his fingers. ¡°Guys, is this some light novel situation? Like isekai stories in anime?¡±


    ¡°Ah, right!¡± the schoolgirl says, brightening noticeably. ¡°I¡¯ve read lots of those. They¡¯re all the rage nowadays¡ªpeople from Earth getting summoned or reincarnated into a new world to become heroes!!!¡±


    She¡¯s not wrong. Isekai is a massive genre in the anime and manga industry, with countless new stories published every month. The word literally means ¡°another world,¡± referring to plots where someone is transported by some means or other into a land of fantasy. Over the years, I¡¯ve seen a great many books with similar premises.


    However, reality is never that simple.


    Comparing our current predicament to a mere light novel or game might trivialize how serious this truly is. Those stories are, in the end, works of fiction¡ªfilled with convenient plot twists, magical ¡°plot armor,¡± and happy endings.


    On the other hand, this is our real life, with real consequences. Here, there¡¯s no ¡°save point¡± or ¡°retry.¡± Fighting monstrous enemies and witnessing the brutal horrors of war can break a person, especially teenagers who have never faced violence or killing before. If we want to survive, we¡¯ll need more than sudden powers. We¡¯ll need grit, courage, and the hardened will of experienced soldiers.


    It seems the girl is the first to realize just how daunting this might be.


    ¡°Ermmm¡­ but¡­ can we really do that? Save the world? I mean¡­ I don¡¯t know how to fight at all,¡± she admits.


    ¡°Ah¡­ yeah, you¡¯re right,¡± the pizza boy agrees. ¡°I can¡¯t even kill a chicken, let alone monsters¡­¡±


    The red-haired boy also sighs. ¡°This sounds embarrassing, but I¡¯m actually terrified of seeing blood. I don¡¯t know if I can do this at all¡­¡±


    At this, their earlier spark of excitement dies away.


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the red-haired boy says, turning to the king, ¡°don¡¯t you have anyone in your own world to fight these demons? We¡¯re just teenagers. We¡¯ve never even held a sword. Can we really defeat the Demon God?¡±


    And he¡¯s absolutely right.


    Aside from me, the others are basically children. Compared to the knights flanking the king, they look like fragile twigs. It makes no sense to send them against a Demon King.


    ¡°Please, there¡¯s no need for concern; we will provide all the required training and support,¡± the king insists. ¡°And you may not be aware, but your presence here is no coincidence. Being chosen means that you all have hidden talents and powers. After all, you are the legendary heroes! You may not look strong right now, but that will definitely change in just a few years. You all have the potential to become the strongest in the world!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± the pizza delivery guy breaks in, his voice suddenly so excited. ¡°By hidden powers, do you mean something like cheat skills and abilities? Or perhaps there¡¯s a hidden system or something?¡±


    In most Isekai stories, the protagonist often has a ¡°cheat ability.¡± It could be something very, very absurd like getting stronger by walking, devouring other people¡¯s skills, or even the ability to kill with a single thought. So, depending on the type of cheat skills they could acquire, this entire situation would change drastically.


    But the king looks confused for a moment. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m unfamiliar with your terminology.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I mean¡­ are you suggesting we possess abilities that make us extremely strong, abilities exclusive to us compared to ordinary individuals?¡±


    The king nods. ¡°Yes, something like that. What you called ¡®cheat skills¡¯ we know as ¡®blood talents.¡¯ They represent the hidden potential in your body. Each of you has a unique talent, allowing your power to grow ten times¡ªor even a hundred times¡ªfaster than most. If you¡¯d like, we can awaken those talents for you right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please!¡± the pizza delivery guy responds instantly.


    ¡°But what if we don¡¯t want to do any of that?¡± I interject. ¡°What if we just want to go home? Is there a way to return?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± the King answers without hesitation. ¡°We fully understand the enormity of what we¡¯re asking¡ªbattling demons and even gods. Rest assured, we will provide you with every possible resource, privilege, and support. Still, if you decide that¡¯s not enough, we can reverse the summoning spell at any time and send you back. But please consider our need. Your talents are vital to our struggle.¡±


    The king then proceeds to detail the array of privileges and benefits that the kingdom intends to bestow upon the heroes. He promises titles, power, wealth, status¡ªevery conceivable luxury and advantage, everything a person could ever dream of. It doesn¡¯t take long for the other boy and the teenage girl to be swayed by these offerings, and they readily agree to assume their roles as heroes.


    As for me, yes, of course, I am going to stay too. I need to find my sister, after all. But to reverse the summoning spells to send us back home?


    That is just complete bullshit.

 Chapter 2: Blood talent

    After our initial discussion with the King, a regal figure steps forward, effortlessly commanding the attention of everyone in the chamber. She wears an elegant rosy gown that complements her curly golden hair, cascading down her back in drill-like ringlets.


    ¡°Dear heroes,¡± she begins, her voice calm yet authoritative. ¡°My name is Seraphina Aeloria, the Grand Mage of Valeria. I will guide you through the process of awakening your blood talents. Before we begin, however, I¡¯d like to explain the basics of magic: how it works and how proper training can help you achieve godlike power. Let¡¯s start with mana¡­¡±


    She goes on to explain that magic in this world relies on mana, an invisible energy saturating the environment¡ªalmost like the air we breathe. Anyone who learns to sense mana can potentially harness its power.


    According to Seraphina, there are three main ways to make use of this energy.


    The first is physical enhancement, which involves gathering and refining mana to dramatically boost muscle growth and physical prowess, making someone far stronger and faster. This path is common among close-combat fighters such as swordsmen, warriors, and knights.


    The second way is spellcasting, channeling mana to cast various spells, including elemental magic like fire or water. Practitioners of this method typically become mages, witches, or wizards.


    Finally, there is crafting, where individuals use their magical knowledge to create enchanted items and potions that others can use, even if they struggle to sense mana themselves.


    After covering these fundamentals, Seraphina begins to describe something she calls blood talents: innate abilities that remain dormant until awakened by specific techniques or artifacts. They are divided into five known ranks, each based on its growth potential and how effectively a person can harness mana.


    Common Rank is the most widespread, with little to no aptitude for sensing mana. Those who fall under this category must exert tremendous effort to advance, and about 99 percent of the population possesses such minimal potential.


    Heroic Rank, on the other hand, provides a reasonable foundation for both physical and magical development. With adequate training, Heroic individuals can grow quite powerful. Seraphina mentions that most knights and mages serving the Kingdom are of this rank¡ªand the summoning spell itself was specifically tailored to bring forth individuals with at least Heroic potential.


    Moving on, Sacred Rank is extremely rare and grants extraordinarily high growth potential. People born with this rank can refine mana at ten times the rate of Heroic Rank individuals.


    The final two ranks are Legendary and Divine, both considered extraordinary. Legendary Rank talents are many times more potent than Sacred, practically ensuring that anyone who possesses them becomes one of the world¡¯s most powerful humans.


    Divine Rank, however, is almost mythical¡ªrecounted only in ancient texts from lost civilizations. Those with a Divine Rank talent could not only rise to become the world¡¯s greatest heroes but also, as rumor has it, even surpass the gods themselves.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After the brief lesson, Seraphina signals one of the knights to bring out a large, translucent orb and set it on the table with utmost care. Roughly the size of a basketball, it seems like an ordinary glass sphere at first glance¡ªbut the charged atmosphere in the room suggests otherwise.


    ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready,¡± Seraphina says. ¡°Place your hand on this orb. This ancient artifact will reveal both your blood talent rank and your elemental affinity. I wish you all the best, great Heroes.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go first,¡± the red-haired boy declares, stepping up with a determined glint in his eye.


    His name is Tanaka Hiroshi. After exchanging introductions earlier, we all know each other¡¯s names now. Hiroshi hovers his hand above the orb and takes a slow, steady breath as though bracing himself for some unknown force.


    ¡°Here I go¡­ ha!¡±


    The moment his palm makes contact, the orb flares to life with an intense red glow. Almost instantly, Hiroshi¡¯s irises blaze crimson, and the surrounding air becomes stiflingly hot, as if a furnace has ignited in the middle of the chamber.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°This¡ªthis is unbelievable!¡± he exclaims, voice trembling with exhilaration. ¡°Magical words are racing through my mind, and I can feel an immense power coursing through my veins! It¡¯s searing hot, yet it doesn¡¯t hurt at all!¡±


    ¡°My goodness!!!¡± Seraphina exclaims, visibly shaken by what¡¯s happening. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! Your blood talent is Sacred Rank! Your Majesty, we have a Sacred Rank!¡±


    King Alaric bolts upright from his seat. ¡°Sacred Rank! Phenomenal! Seraphina, what is his element?¡±


    ¡°Fire! His fire affinity is at a staggering 99%!¡±


    ¡°Uooooooooh!¡±


    A wave of excitement rips through the crowd, the very floor seeming to rumble under the sheer force of their collective awe.


    Turning to Hiroshi, Seraphina¡¯s smile shines almost as brightly as the orb. ¡°Mr. Hiroshi, this is remarkable! Not only do you possess a tremendously powerful blood talent, you also command near-perfect control over fire itself. You are truly among the mightiest individuals ever summoned to this realm¡ªan ideal hero to challenge the Demon God!¡±


    A joyous grin spreads across Hiroshi¡¯s face, and his cheeks flare red in tandem with the orb¡¯s glow.


    ¡°Th-thank you! I¡¯m honored to help!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to hear that,¡± Seraphina replies, bowing slightly before shifting her gaze to the pizza delivery boy. ¡°Mr. Takumi, shall we see what fate has in store for you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please!¡±


    His name is Saito Takumi. He steps forward, tension rippling through every muscle, his clenched fist a clear sign of his nerves. After witnessing Hiroshi¡¯s mind-blowing display, the entire room crackles with anticipation, every eye fixed on Takumi¡¯s every move.


    Slowly, he extends his hand. The moment his fingers graze the orb, a soft gale envelopes him, and the sphere erupts into a mesmerizing green radiance.


    ¡°It¡¯s like¡­ I¡¯m one with the wind!¡± Takumi breathes, voice tinged with awe.


    ¡°To think your power is so immense that the wind spirits themselves answer your call!¡± Seraphina exclaims. ¡°Concentrate. Feel the wind swirling within you, and let it rise!¡±


    ¡°Right!¡±


    Takumi closes his eyes, standing rigid as though summoning every ounce of willpower.


    Then¡ªBoom!


    A sudden gale blasts outward from Takumi, nearly toppling everyone to the floor. I raise my arms to shield my face from the debris-laden wind, and in that instant, I catch a fleeting glimpse of two small, feathery wings sprouting from Takumi¡¯s back.


    Once again, the King appears utterly astounded. ¡°Sacred Rank! Seraphina, is he also Sacred Rank?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty! Another Sacred Rank!¡± Seraphina confirms, her voice unsteady with excitement. ¡°And Mr. Takumi¡¯s wind affinity is at 94%, slightly below Mr. Hiroshi¡¯s. Once he masters his abilities, he¡¯ll be able to conjure thunderstorms and whip up tornadoes with a single thought!¡±


    Another wave of awe sweeps through the audience.


    So far, two overpowered talents back-to-back!


    But when it¡¯s Nakamura Yumi¡¯s turn¡­


    She places her hand on the orb, and although it does begin to glow, its radiance pales compared to the earlier displays.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Seraphina murmurs, brow creased. ¡°Ms. Nakamura, it appears your blood talent is Heroic Rank. It may not be as overwhelming as the previous two, but it¡¯s still quite impressive! You have a 78% nature affinity.¡±


    Even so, that still sounds like a strong talent to me.


    However, critical voices begin to emerge from the audience, their reactions filled with immense disappointment.


    ¡°Eh, Heroic Rank is good, but the nature element is useless!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, is she going to become a gardener or something?¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s weak, but at least she¡¯s kinda cute, eh?¡±


    ¡°AHEM!¡±


    The king swiftly hushes the crowd. All murmurs cease, and the room falls silent immediately.


    But something feels wrong. An ominous tension hangs in the air. I feel a cold chill run down my spine as I watch the crowd¡¯s reaction.


    Are they disappointed about her divine talent?


    No, that¡¯s not it.


    There are wicked smiles¡­ disgustingly wicked ones.


    ¡°Heh, at least she¡¯s kinda cute.¡±


    In that moment, I understand exactly what those smiles and comments mean. If Yumi cannot be a strong hero, then what¡¯s the point of her existence here? Will they even need her?


    Or¡­


    Nevertheless, Yumi¡¯s face pales. She stands there, her gaze lowered in shame. The King shifts slightly in his throne, exchanging a quick, hidden look with Seraphina. In hushed tones, they converse briefly.


    A few minutes later¡­


    Seraphina steps forward and places her hands on Yumi¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Yumi, don¡¯t be sad. As I mentioned, although your talent isn¡¯t as strong as the two other boys, you are still amazing! With your affinity for nature, you could become a great potion maker or spirit user!¡±


    ¡°Th-thank you,¡± Yumi responds softly. ¡°I will try my best.¡±


    With that, it¡¯s my turn.


    I stride forward and rest my hand on the awakening orb. As my fingers make contact, the room descends into strained silence once more. All eyes are on me, clearly expecting that an adult man like me would manifest a talent as impressive as the boys¡¯.


    However, the orb doesn¡¯t glow.


    ¡°Ehh? What? C-common Rank? Impossible!¡± Seraphina is taken aback. ¡°Mr. Jack, can you try touching the orb again?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I follow her instructions, touching the orb repeatedly, but still, not a single flicker appears.


    Watching all this unfold, Seraphina becomes dumbfounded and starts talking to herself. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. I can¡¯t. Even Common Rank people have some kind of elemental affinity. But Jack, his affinity is¡­ none? Nothing? How come? Tsk¡­ could it be¡­ even lower rank than that? No, there¡¯s no way the summoning spell could make that mistake!¡±


    The King furrows his brows, clearly puzzled by the situation. Meanwhile, the crowd is equally confused; some people even start to question if the orb is malfunctioning.


    But as Seraphina examines the orb again, she confirms that it is still working perfectly.


    In the end, no one knows why this happened. The general consensus is that I have become the first summoned individual to possess a Common Rank blood talent.


    Well, no one knows except for me.


    If I¡¯m not mistaken, this has something to do with the fact that I¡¯m not even supposed to be here in the first place.

 Chapter 3: Big brother never forgets

    Twenty years ago, after I lost my sister, my life spiraled into a nightmare.


    For days on end, I called the police, filed missing-person reports, and scoured every inch of Tokyo in search of Anna. There was not a trace of her anywhere. I dialed her number over and over, only to hear her phone ring into the void. It was such a futile gesture, yet I couldn¡¯t stop myself. In my desperation, I clung to the faintest possibility of hearing her voice just one more time.


    And then¡­


    ¡°The number you are trying to call does not exist.¡±


    Those words, spoken in a cold, robotic tone, froze me in place.


    Does not¡­ exist?


    And soon after, the Japanese police contacted me, but instead of helping me find Anna or giving me any helpful information, they blamed me for creating a fictitious story. That was because they opened my profile, and according to what they said, I didn¡¯t have any sister to begin with! They even had the audacity to suggest psychiatric evaluation!


    What the actual heck?


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. Those fuckers were just mocking me! How could my lovely Anna not exist!? I was her brother. We had been together for years, seeing each other¡¯s face every day. Every shared laughter, every shared tear was engraved deeply into my heart!


    So, in a frenzy, I rushed towards Anna¡¯s room, to grab any tangible proof of her existence to shove in the face of the nonbelievers. Her drawings, her photos, her cherished belongings¡­


    Yet¡­ in place of Anna¡¯s room, now stood only a solid wall.


    WHAT!?


    I was dumbfounded.


    Why is this wall here?


    Where the heck is Anna¡¯s room???


    For some reason, one bedroom had been erased from my house without me noticing. It was ridiculous. I remembered the day prior, I even went into that room to check for things.


    But now, it¡¯s gone?


    How?


    And When???


    And as the twisted nightmare continued, everything else started following the same pattern.


    I reached out to my parents, panicking, but they too, told me that I was their only offspring. They couldn¡¯t remember Anna. They couldn¡¯t remember their own daughter!The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    And just like that, the world slowly went insane.


    I panicked, confused, frightened. I couldn¡¯t understand any of this bullshit. To me, Anna was the realist thing that ever existed in my life. She was my dear little sister, the one I cherished, the one I loved the most. Yet, the evidence was all against me, against Anna¡­


    And for a short moment, I too, was in doubt.


    Is it true?


    Is all that I believed to be true merely a figment of a deranged mind?


    Am I¡­ actually¡­ the crazy one here?


    And then, whatever was happening to everyone else, began happening to me.


    ¡°Huh? Do I¡­ really have a sister?¡±


    I tried to recall Anna¡¯s face, yet somehow I couldn¡¯t anymore. Her voice wasn¡¯t there either when I tried to recall it. I struggled to hold onto her voice, her smile, but they were slipping away, into the void.


    ¡°What¡­ is her name again?¡±


    The cherished memories were evaporating, leaving behind a desolate emptiness¡­


    I was losing her¡­


    Losing Anna¡­


    But then, in that darkest moment, one memory surfaced like a beacon of light.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Going back twelve more years¡­


    The hospital room was filled with a soft, muffled ambiance. The unmistakable smell of antiseptic hung in the air. I was reluctant to enter, my young heart grappling with a confusing blend of resentment and jealousy. A sister. I hadn¡¯t wanted one. I had relished being the center of my parents¡¯ world, being their sole focus. The idea of sharing their attention, their love, felt like a threat.


    But as I stepped into the hospital room, all my apprehensions melted away. I saw her. There she was, nestled in my mother¡¯s arms ¡ª a tiny, fragile being, her face slightly wrinkled, eyes shut tight. She seemed so vulnerable, so dependent. It made me feel an overpowering urge to protect her, to shield her from the vast, unpredictable world that awaited her. It was an instinct, one I hadn¡¯t known I possessed.


    My mother, her face tired but lit with an unmistakable glow, beckoned me closer. ¡°Jack, this is your little sister. Her name is Anna.¡± she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°Do you want to say hi to her?¡±


    Of course.


    Of course I wanted to.


    As I approached, Anna stirred, her small fingers curling and uncurling. Those tiny eyelids fluttered open to reveal deep, innocent eyes that were so big and beautiful. There was an inexplicable connection, a bond forming in that very instant.


    I was enamored.


    In that one look, all my earlier apprehensions, the reluctance, the jealousy, they just¡­ melted away. In their place grew an overwhelming surge of love and responsibility. She wasn¡¯t just a sister; she was a part of me, a piece of my very soul. I extended a tentative finger towards her, and felt her minute hand wrap around it with surprising strength. And as she held onto me, I made a silent promise. I vowed to be her protector, her confidant, her forever friend. A bond was forged in that room, unbreakable and immortal. It was magical.


    But then, this world dared to break apart that bond?


    Like hell was I gonna let that happen!


    I knew I had to protect that memory at all cost!


    And as I was doing that, fighting that damned phenomenon that wanted to erase my little sister from existence, I started to remember other memories too. I remembered everything - every second, every minute we spent together. And with that, I was sure of it. My little sister was not fake, or neither was she an illusion. She was real! She was a part of me!


    Even if the whole world had cast her into oblivion, I would eternally hold her in remembrance! If no one was going to help me find her, help me bring her back, then I would do it myself!


    Thus, this marked the inception of my unwavering twenty-year pursuit.


    I then delved into research, undertook rigorous training, and submerged myself in studies with fervent zeal as if each day was a battle for survival. In due course, I unraveled the mysteries of those enigmatic summoning circles.


    And all of that led to today, when finally, I got myself summoned, into the very world that took Anna away from me.

 Chapter 4: Nakamura Yumi

    Following the awakening, we receive invitations to a banquet in our honor, officially welcoming us as the newfound heroes.


    The hall itself is breathtaking. Ornate carvings and golden accents adorn every surface, while countless chandeliers bathe the room in a warm, golden glow. Long, polished tables stretch the length of the space, their surfaces laden with an array of extravagant dishes¡ªglazed meats, exotic fruits, and delicacies I¡¯ve never seen before. The hum of conversation and the soft strains of live orchestral music fill the air, creating an almost dreamlike setting.


    At the head of the hall, King Alaric rises to his feet, holding a gleaming goblet aloft. The murmurs fade instantly as all eyes turn toward him.


    ¡°To our newly arrived heroes,¡± he proclaims, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. ¡°May your bravery and strength guide us to victory against the forces threatening our world!¡±


    A resounding chorus erupts in response, the voices of the assembled guests blending into a celebratory roar:


    ¡°Glory to our new heroes!¡±


    ¡°Glory to the King!¡±


    ¡°Glory to Valeria!¡±


    The King smiles, his gaze sweeping across the room, before taking a long sip from his goblet. With his blessing, the banquet begins in earnest. Servants glide gracefully through the hall, pouring wine and refilling platters as the festive energy grows.


    And then, from my vantage point near the edge of the room, I watch as Hiroshi and Takumi are immediately swept up in the excitement. Nobles, high-ranking knights, and learned scholars converge on the two boys, eager to bask in the glow of their newfound celebrity. The guests seem particularly captivated by their Sacred Rank talents, offering extravagant gifts and unrelenting streams of praise.


    It¡¯s clear Hiroshi and Takumi barely have a moment to breathe. Whenever one conversation ends, another eager admirer steps forward, vying for their attention. Neither boy has had the chance to sit down and enjoy even a single bite of the banquet¡¯s feast.


    In contrast, Yumi sits alone at a smaller table near the far wall. Her posture is slouched, and she stares absently into her drink, listlessly stirring it with her spoon. The lively energy of the hall seems to bounce off her, unable to penetrate the melancholy that surrounds her.


    Sensing her unease, I make my way toward her, weaving through clusters of laughing guests. Gently, I slide into the chair beside her, careful not to startle her.


    ¡°Not enjoying the party?¡± I ask softly, keeping my voice low.


    Yumi looks up, startled at first, but quickly masks it with a small, strained smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m all right,¡± she says softly, though her eyes betray her words. ¡°I¡¯ve just been¡­ thinking about everything. It¡¯s a lot to take in, you know?¡± She hesitates, her gaze drifting back to the goblet in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I should do next. Should I stay here, or go home? Honestly, I¡¯m not even sure they need me. My talent isn¡¯t anywhere near as impressive as the boys¡¯.¡±


    Her voice falters slightly at the end, and for a moment, I don¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that bad to be honest,¡± I reply.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Yumi¡¯s Heroic Rank, though overshadowed by the boys¡¯ Sacred Rank, is still impressive by any standard. It¡¯s better than what 99% of the people in this world could ever hope for. Sure, her nature affinity isn¡¯t flashy or combat-oriented, but that doesn¡¯t make it useless. As Seraphina mentioned, she could train to become a spirit user or an expert herbalist¡ªroles that could make a meaningful difference in this world.


    And truthfully, I need someone like her. Allies with her kind of potential could be invaluable, especially for what I have planned. But, of course, that depends on whether she even wants to stay in this world.


    ¡°Yumi, you need to think about this carefully,¡± I say, leaning forward slightly to catch her gaze. ¡°Do you want to stay here, or would you rather go back? You have your family at home, don¡¯t you? They¡¯re probably really worried about you right now.¡±


    However, as soon as I mention her family, a shadow falls across her face. Her expression tightens, and she glances away, her fingers twisting together nervously.


    ¡°Actually, I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­¡± Yumi¡¯s voice falters. ¡°My family¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯re worried about me¡­¡± She bites her lip, her hands fidgeting nervously. ¡°I¡­ um¡­ never mind¡­¡±


    She¡¯s trying to downplay it, but the sadness in her eyes betrays her. It¡¯s raw, unspoken, but painfully evident.


    I feel a wave of regret crash over me. On the surface, Yumi seems like a cheerful, bubbly girl¡ªalways kind, always smiling. But it¡¯s clear now that beneath that fa?ade, she¡¯s been carrying burdens I hadn¡¯t even begun to imagine. Prying further wouldn¡¯t help. It might only hurt her more.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay¡­¡± Yumi replies, but with a half-hearted smile. ¡°That aside, what about you, Jack? Are you planning to go back?¡± she deftly shifts the focus onto me.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m staying here,¡± I answer with confident.


    Yumi¡¯s eyes widen in surprise. ¡°Really? You seem like the kind of guy who¡¯d have a great life back home. Why leave all that behind?¡±


    She¡¯s not wrong. To anyone else, I probably look like someone who has it all¡ªfit, well-dressed, someone who exudes the confidence of success. But here? I¡¯m just a guy with no powers, not even a blood talent to speak of. In her eyes, there¡¯s no logical reason for me to stay. Yet I can¡¯t tell her the real reason¡ªnot yet, anyway.


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± I say after a brief pause, leaning back slightly in my chair. ¡°I just¡­ love being here. It¡¯s simple, really. This is a fantasy world, after all. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed about being in a place like this. Magic, knights, a whole new realm to explore¡ªit¡¯s everything I¡¯ve ever fantasized about. How could I walk away from that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± Yumi exclaims, nodding her head. ¡°That actually makes sense. But still¡­ it takes a lot of courage to abandon everything and chase a dream. You¡¯re pretty impressive, Jack. If it were me, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever be brave enough to do something like this.¡±


    I chuckle lightly. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not all sunshine and rainbows. Not having any superpowers does suck¡ªjust a little bit.¡± I let out a mock sigh, and Yumi giggles softly. ¡°But honestly, it doesn¡¯t bother me much. Life is more fun when it¡¯s challenging, right? Even without cheat abilities, I think I¡¯ll find a way to make it work.¡±


    She smiles, this time more genuine. ¡°Yep, I believe you can do it too!¡±


    The conversation then shifts naturally, the heavier atmosphere giving way to a lighter, more casual tone.


    We start talking about anime, music, and other shared interests, learning bits and pieces about each other as the evening wears on. The banquet¡¯s festive music plays softly in the background, and the food¡ªrich and delicious¡ªserves as a welcome distraction. For a little while, it feels almost like an ordinary conversation between two friends.


    ¡­


    ¡°Wait, seriously? You¡¯re 45 years old already? Are you kidding me?¡± Yumi exclaims, her wide eyes brimming with disbelief as I casually mention my age.


    I chuckle at her reaction. ¡°Haha, thanks!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your skincare secret?! You look like you¡¯re 25! Tell me what products you use!¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± I begin with an amused grin, ¡°have you heard of Biogerontechnology?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I¡¯ve never heard of that. What is it?¡± she asks, leaning in with genuine curiosity.


    ¡°It¡¯s cutting-edge tech,¡± I explain. ¡°A revolutionary process that repairs cells at the molecular level, reverses DNA damage, and slows¡ªor even reverses¡ªaging. Basically, it¡¯s the reason I don¡¯t look my age.¡±


    Yumi listens intently as I delve into the details of the newest technology from my company. Her amazement is palpable as I describe how it works, and her enthusiasm lightens the mood even further.


    Yet, even as I talk, part of my attention is also elsewhere. My gaze flickers toward the far end of the banquet hall. King Alaric and Grand Mage Seraphina sit close together at a small, ornate table. Their heads are bent in quiet discussion, their expressions serious.

 Chapter 5: A decision

    As we spend more time together, Yumi begins to open up, sharing bits and pieces of her life. She tells me about her dream of becoming a doctor, a goal she¡¯s held onto despite the many obstacles in her path. Her face lights up when she talks about it, but there¡¯s a tinge of sadness in her voice that betrays how difficult the journey has been.


    A few years ago, Yumi¡¯s mother left their family to be with another man. The loss shattered her father, who spiraled into a destructive pattern of gambling and alcohol. He lost his job and quickly burned through the family¡¯s savings, leaving Yumi to shoulder the burden of their household.


    But Yumi proved to be remarkably strong, refusing to give up even when the odds were stacked against her. She took on two part-time jobs while caring for her father, juggling work and school with relentless determination. Her academic performance earned her a scholarship, which eased some of the financial strain, but it was clear her life had been anything but easy.


    As the banquet carries on, Yumi draws some attention from the other guests. A few individuals¡ªmostly men¡ªapproach her with small gifts and compliments. However, their remarks rarely go beyond surface-level admiration of her appearance. Rather than showing interest in her Heroic Rank or her abilities, many focus solely on how cute or pretty she is. Some even go so far as to suggest she become their lover or concubine, offering her lavish benefits in exchange.


    Despite the inappropriate offers, Yumi handles herself with remarkable poise. She politely declines each one, her tone firm but respectful, ensuring she doesn¡¯t anger anyone. I can¡¯t help but feel impressed. At just sixteen years old, her maturity and grace surpass that of many adults I¡¯ve met.


    Meanwhile, even I, despite my reputation for having the worst blood talent, also find myself approached by a few individuals. Most of them are older, high-status women who extend invitations for me to work in their mansions as an attendant or butler. Their promises of a luxurious, labor-free lifestyle are thinly veiled offers, and I¡¯m well aware of their true intentions.


    Still, I engage them in conversation, hoping to glean some useful information. Unfortunately, none of these exchanges prove fruitful. It seems no one here knows anything about the things I¡¯m searching for.


    As the evening winds down and the banquet nears its end, Yumi approaches me. Her expression is resolute, her usual hesitation replaced by a newfound determination.


    ¡°Jack, I¡¯ve decided,¡± she says, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m going to go back. I¡¯ll let the King know.¡±


    Her words take me by surprise, and I pause before responding. ¡°Oh? Are you really sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Yumi nods firmly. ¡°Even after coming here and being given the chance to start over, I just can¡¯t abandon my family. My father¡­ he needs me. I have to be there for him, to find a way to help him. After all, if I can¡¯t save my own father, how can I possibly save the world?¡±


    Her words catch me off guard. Her determination, despite everything she¡¯s endured, leaves me deeply impressed.


    What a remarkable young woman.


    Moved by her conviction, I place a hand gently on her shoulder and meet her gaze. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve made up your mind, I¡¯m glad to hear that, Yumi.¡±


    Her eyes soften, and she offers a small smile.


    ¡°However, life back on Earth won¡¯t be easy. You know that, right?¡± I add.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m well aware,¡± she replies. ¡°But after talking to you, I feel so much better about it. I can do this. I¡¯ll aim for med school and work my hardest. Somehow, I¡¯ll make things work.¡± She pauses, then bows deeply. ¡°Thank you so much, Jack.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I return her bow with a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    There¡¯s a quiet strength about her that I¡¯ve come to admire in the short time we¡¯ve spent together. Yumi is responsible, determined, and resilient¡ªqualities that make her stand out. Despite everything she¡¯s endured, she remains hopeful and unyielding. With the resolve I see in her eyes, I¡¯m certain she¡¯ll achieve her dreams once she returns to Earth.


    That is, of course, if she actually makes it back.


    The thought lingers in the back of my mind like a shadow I can¡¯t shake. Some of the subtle behaviors I noticed from the King and a few guests tonight leave me uneasy. The whispers, the veiled glances, the occasional smirk¡ªthey all feel off. I hope I¡¯m just being overly cautious, overanalyzing meaningless details.


    But a gnawing doubt remains, quietly urging me to stay alert. For now, I can only hope that I¡¯m wrong.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As the banquet winds down and the lively atmosphere begins to fade, Yumi approaches Seraphina and King Alaric, her resolve evident in the way she carries herself. Calmly but firmly, she informs them of her decision to return home. The King, despite making one last attempt to convince her to stay, ultimately agrees to honor her choice.


    ¡°I will arrange for your return immediately,¡± he says, though there¡¯s a slight edge of reluctance in his tone.


    Satisfied, Yumi thanks him with a polite bow.


    However, when I step forward and express my desire to stay, the King¡¯s response is starkly different.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jack, but you must go back as well,¡± he declares, his tone leaving little room for argument.


    I blink, caught off guard. ¡°But Your Highness, didn¡¯t you say we could choose whether to stay or not? I like it here, and I want to help fight the Demon God. So why must I leave?¡±


    Before the King can reply, a burst of laughter echoes from behind me. The mocking tones and muffled slurs are unmistakable, and my stomach tightens as the jeers grow louder.


    The King exhales a long, weary sigh, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Jack,¡± he begins carefully, ¡°without a good blood talent, you are not qualified to be a hero. This world is unforgiving to those without magic or power. You would be treated poorly, and we cannot offer you the support you would need to survive. For your own sake, I highly recommend you return home.¡±


    ¡°But what if I still want to stay?¡± I press.


    The King narrows his eyes.


    ¡°Then you would be living a life of hardship and danger,¡± he says bluntly. ¡°You would be seen as an outsider, a powerless individual in a society that values strength above all else. You would have no means to protect yourself, no way to improve your status. This isn¡¯t your world, Jack. Here, those without magic live as commoners¡ªoften in poverty, scraping by at the mercy of others. Is that the life you want?¡±


    As he speaks, the laughter behind me grows louder, the mocking voices dripping with disdain.


    Though the King¡¯s words seem sincere on the surface, something about his reasoning doesn¡¯t sit right with me. If I truly am ¡°the lowest of the low,¡± as he implies, why would my decision to stay matter so much? Why expend this effort to send me back?


    Could it be¡­ because the other summoned heroes are present, and he fears upsetting them?


    There¡¯s also something restless about his demeanor¡ªan impatience that suggests he¡¯s eager to rid himself of me, regardless of my feelings. The laughter and mockery from the crowd only deepen my suspicions.


    Still, I know arguing further won¡¯t change his mind. For now, I have no choice but to comply.


    ¡°Then, when will we depart?¡± I ask.


    The King gestures toward two knights standing nearby. Their polished armor gleams under the banquet hall¡¯s chandeliers, making them appear almost statuesque. ¡°These knights will escort you to the reverse summoning chamber,¡± he instructs. ¡°Please go with them.¡±


    At his signal, the knights step forward, their towering forms imposing. Without another word, the King turns back to the assembled guests, delivering a final speech to formally conclude the banquet. The crowd claps politely as the evening comes to an official close.


    We bid quick farewells to Hiroshi and Takumi, who seem reluctant to part but are soon swept away by Seraphina for further training. Then, with little ceremony, Yumi and I follow the knights as they lead us out of the grand hall and into the castle¡¯s shadowy corridors.


    The air grows colder as we descend deeper into the castle. The knights lead us down a spiraling stone staircase that seems to go on forever. My unease deepens with every step.


    And then, I notice the faint, sinister curve of their lips¡ªthe subtle twitch of amusement they fail to hide. Despite their rigid postures, I can see it clearly now: the evil grins spreading across their faces.


    Something is terribly wrong.


    I¡¯m very sure of it.

 Chapter 6: Sophia

    The stone corridors spiral downwards, leading us ever deeper into the castle¡¯s bowels. The air grows cold and dank as we descend. Sconces with flickering torches line the walls, revealing dark patches of mold growing between the bricks. Drops of water drip from the ceiling, and the sound echoes eerily in the narrow passages.


    Despite the grim surroundings, Yumi seems surprisingly unperturbed. I, however, cannot shake the feeling of unease. Every step I take, every shadow I pass, I am always on high alert, ready to react at the slightest hint of danger.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but where are we going?¡± I ask the knights. ¡°Isn¡¯t the summoning chamber on the higher floors?¡±


    The bearded knight in front of us glances back briefly, his tone gruff but measured. ¡°Ah, that chamber¡¯s only for bringing you folks into this world,¡± he replies. ¡°For reverse-summoning, a different magic circle is needed. It¡¯s prepared in another room.¡±


    His explanation comes easily enough, but something about it feels off. My mind churns through the details. When we first arrived in this world, the summoning ritual was a grand and elaborate affair. It required significant resources, manpower, and preparation¡ªsomething evident from the sheer number of people involved and the intricate setup. Logic dictates that reverse-summoning magic should demand just as much effort, if not more.


    Yet, how much time has passed since we were summoned? Just a few hours at most. Setting up a reverse-summoning circle in such a short time seems implausible, especially since it would likely require resources they couldn¡¯t have spared in advance. Preparing it beforehand doesn¡¯t make sense either. What if we had all awakened extraordinary blood talents and decided to stay? The effort and resources would have been wasted.


    I can¡¯t help but notice other inconsistencies as well. For a task as significant as reverse-summoning, wouldn¡¯t mages or other magical experts accompany us? Instead, we¡¯re being escorted by just two knights¡ªhardly the personnel I¡¯d expect for such an important process.


    Still, I remind myself that I don¡¯t truly understand how magic works in this world. For all I know, the knights could be telling the truth. I have no way of verifying their claims, and pressing them for more answers would likely yield nothing but irritation¡ªor worse. For now, the safest course of action is to follow their lead, while keeping my guard up and staying alert for anything unusual.


    As we continue our descent, the shadows seem to deepen. I tighten my grip on my own sense of control, preparing myself for whatever might come next.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Eventually, we come to a halt before a colossal iron door. One of the knights steps forward and delivers two resounding knocks. The echoes reverberate through the corridor, and moments later, the door groans open with a slow, ominous creak.


    A woman emerges


    ¡°Good evening,¡± she greets us, her voice smooth and confident. ¡°My name is Sophia. I will be overseeing the reverse summoning spell.¡±


    For a brief moment, I am frozen in place, utterly taken aback.


    Sophia is breathtakingly beautiful, almost unnaturally so, as if she were crafted by the hands of a deity. Her beauty is disarming, striking me with an intensity I wasn¡¯t prepared for. It feels as though the Goddess of Beauty herself is standing before me, incapacitating me with her charm.


    As she speaks, her voice carries a seductive sweetness, like honey dripping into my ears. Though her mage¡¯s robe conceals much, it only seems to enhance the allure of her presence. Raven-black hair spills from beneath her hood, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight. Her piercing blue eyes meet mine briefly, and in that fleeting moment, it feels as if she¡¯s peering straight into my soul. The air around her is heavy with a rich, intoxicating perfume, so sweet it borders on cloying.


    ¡°Wow, you are beautiful! And your perfume is amazing!¡± Yumi exclaims.


    Even she isn¡¯t immune to the woman¡¯s otherworldly allure.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Sophia smiles graciously, the corners of her lips curving just enough to deepen her charm. ¡°Thank you, dear,¡± she replies warmly. ¡°So, you¡¯re here to return to your world?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I respond.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she says, gesturing toward the open doorway. ¡°Come in. Everything is ready for your return.¡±


    And so, I¡¯m about to walk into the room.


    Suddenly ¡ª


    <Warning: Molecules with hallucinogenic and sedative properties detected in the air!>


    The alert comes from Sapphire, the artificial intelligence assistant embedded in my brain.


    Before stepping into this world, I prepared for every possible scenario, and Sapphire is the pinnacle of my preparations. Designed and developed by me, it¡¯s the most advanced AI on Earth¡ªa cornerstone of my power.


    I freeze mid-step, my instincts kicking into overdrive as the warning registers. My senses sharpen, adrenaline coursing through me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sophia asks, tilting her head.


    ¡°Ah, nothing,¡± I reply, quickly masking my unease with a neutral expression.


    That was close. Too close.


    I don¡¯t know what just happened, but for some reason, I found myself completely dropping my guard around this woman. That¡¯s not like me at all. I¡¯m always cautious, always aware of my surroundings¡ªespecially here, where I already suspect something isn¡¯t right.


    How could I let myself be so easily disarmed? Is it because of her beauty?


    Sure, she¡¯s one of the most stunning women I¡¯ve ever seen, but I¡¯m not the kind of person who loses his mind in the presence of the opposite sex. Especially not someone I¡¯ve just met.


    No, this isn¡¯t normal.


    My mind races, searching for an explanation.


    Could it be¡­ magic?


    If so, this world is far more dangerous than I anticipated. Magic introduces a realm of possibilities I can¡¯t yet comprehend nor predict, making it nearly impossible to prepare for every contingency. I thought I¡¯d steeled myself for the unknown before coming here, but this moment proves that no amount of preparation is enough.


    What just happened feels like a warning¡ªsharp, clear, and impossible to ignore.


    But thanks to Sapphire, I already have part of the answer. There¡¯s something in the air¡ªsome kind of substance. It must be the perfume I noticed earlier.


    ¡°Sapphire,¡± I murmur inwardly, keeping my expression neutral, ¡°do you recognize what substance it is?¡±


    <Negative. The compound is unidentifiable and not cataloged in any Earth database.>


    <Exposure of the brain to it is not recommended.>


    ¡°Then block it from entering my system.¡±


    <Affirmative.>


    A subtle shift runs through my senses as Sapphire filters the substance from my body, clearing my mind. My thoughts sharpen again, the haze lifting.


    But I can¡¯t let on that I¡¯ve noticed anything unusual. If she¡¯s using this substance to manipulate us, I need to know why. Acting like I¡¯ve fallen for her trap is the only way to uncover what¡¯s really going on.


    For now, I keep my movements steady, my expression calm, and my senses on high alert. Whatever Sophia is planning, I¡¯ll be ready.


    And with that, I step into the room.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As soon as we step through the door, a palpable shift in the atmosphere takes hold.


    Yumi freezes mid-step, her entire body going unnaturally rigid. Her arms hang limply at her sides, her head tilts slightly forward, and her eyes lose their spark, turning glassy and lifeless. She looks like a puppet whose strings have been abruptly cut.


    The moment I notice this, I mimic her actions. My body stiffens, and I force myself to remain still, feigning the same eerie state. If I¡¯m right, whatever spell or substance has taken hold of Yumi is meant to incapacitate us both. Pretending to be under its influence is my only option right now.


    Two critical questions flood my mind, demanding immediate answers:


    What does Sophia want from us?


    And what should I do next?


    The two knights, standing silently by the door, are likely formidable opponents. But Sophia is an even greater unknown. A mage working directly under the King is unlikely to be weak¡ªher slender frame and composed demeanor are no indication of her true power. In this world, where magic alters every calculation, judging someone¡¯s combat potential by their physical appearance is a dangerous mistake.


    Still, there¡¯s one thing working in my favor: Sophia seems convinced her trick has worked on me. She believes I¡¯m fully under the effects of her mind-control magic or the hallucinogenic substance lingering in the air. That gives me a sliver of advantage.


    So, I choose to stand still, watching and waiting. Whatever she¡¯s planning, I need to understand her intentions before making a move.


    Sophia strides confidently across the room, the faint clinking of her heels echoing in the otherwise silent chamber. She approaches an ornate wooden cabinet and pulls open its intricately carved doors. From within, she retrieves two large iron collars, their surface engraved with strange runes that glows ghostly white.


    And then, her movements are deliberate, almost mechanical. She pricks her finger on the tip of a small blade, drawing a bead of crimson blood. As it drips onto the collars, the runes blaze to life, their glow intensifying into a searing white light that momentarily engulfs the room, blinding everything in its radiance.


    And then, as the brilliance fades, Sophia turns to face us. Her expression is cold, detached, and tinged with something that might resemble pity. Shaking her head slowly, she lets out a soft sigh.


    ¡°Poor things,¡± she says. ¡°You should have told the King that you wanted to stay. It would have been easier that way. Now, your only choice is to become our slaves. Please don¡¯t resent me. I¡¯m just following orders, after all.¡±

 Chapter 7: Slavery

    I had known from the very beginning that they wouldn¡¯t send us back. Ever since Anna disappeared, I had been tracking similar missing person cases. The patterns were too obvious once you knew where to look. To gather information, I hacked into police databases, combing through dismissed reports of missing individuals¡ªcases conveniently written off as anomalies, thanks to the world¡¯s correction effect erasing all evidence. That was where I started.


    From there, I expanded my search. I installed thousands of security cameras and deployed drones in strategic locations. I tracked telephone numbers that abruptly became inactive and monitored their last known signals. It was a straightforward process, though it required a staggering amount of resources.


    Fortunately for me, money wasn¡¯t an obstacle. What would have bankrupted most people was little more than a drop in the bucket for me.


    In the end, my efforts uncovered a chilling truth: Anna wasn¡¯t the only one. Over the past twenty years, hundreds of individuals had been summoned to another world. Not a single one had returned to Earth.


    And now, as I stand here, I¡¯m beginning to understand why. Many of those people were likely never meant to return. They were turned into slaves instead.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°So, who are our highest bidders this time?¡± Sophia asks nonchalantly as she prepares the glowing slave collars, her tone casual as though discussing mere livestock.


    The bearded knight beside her smirks. ¡°That handsome guy fetched the highest bid,¡± he says, nodding toward me. ¡°Even without any talent, the ladies were practically fighting over him. In the end, Lady Arina offered a whopping two million crowns! Guess she really has a thing for men like him, huh? Haha.¡±


    ¡°Oh, naturally!¡± Sophia exclaims, her tone suddenly lively. ¡°Lady Arina does love her men young and handsome, doesn¡¯t she?¡±


    She turns toward me, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Without warning, she steps closer, pressing her face against my abdomen as her hands roam across my chest and abs. Her touch is deliberate, almost reverent, as if appraising a prized possession.


    ¡°Oh my,¡± she breathes, her voice dripping with mock admiration. ¡°He¡¯s so young and handsome¡­ and these muscles!¡± She presses harder, tracing along the ridges of my torso. ¡°Are you absolutely certain he doesn¡¯t have at least a Heroic Rank talent? This body is¡ªoh, what¡¯s this?¡±


    Her hand begins to slide lower¡­


    ¡°HEY! STOP!¡± The other knight, the one without a beard, instantly interrupts. ¡°Are ¨C are you even allowed to do that? If you touch him there, he will wake up!¡±


    Sophia rolls her eyes, her expression equal parts annoyance and mockery. ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± she retorts. ¡°There¡¯s no way anyone can break through my spell once it¡¯s been successfully applied, unless their mental resistance is through the roof. And besides,¡± she smirks, her fingers trailing along my chest, ¡°I¡¯m just making sure this man is in prime condition to serve Lady Arina. Don¡¯t tell me¡­ you¡¯re jealous of him, are you?¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Haa!? Jealous of a sex slave? Are you out of your mind?¡± the knight barks, his face flushing with indignation.


    Sophia tilts her head, her smirk deepening. ¡°Jeez! Then why are you getting so annoyed all of a sudden?¡± she quips, clearly enjoying his discomfort.


    Without waiting for a reply, she turns her attention to Yumi, who remains eerily still under the spell. ¡°Anyways, what about the little girl here?¡±


    The bearded knight steps in with a casual shrug. ¡°She¡¯s going to Count Marevilla. Half a million crowns. She¡¯s cute, but other than that, there¡¯s nothing special.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face twists in disgust. ¡°Eh? That old man? Isn¡¯t he, like, seventy-five years old? What the heck?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the knight replies. ¡°Total sicko bastard. But, well¡­ it¡¯s none of our business, is it?¡±


    Sophia sighs deeply, her earlier bravado giving way to a fleeting moment of unease. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ but I still feel bad. Thinking about what¡¯s going to happen to this little girl¡ªit makes me nauseous.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± the bearded knight interjects. ¡°Just do your job properly. If you think of them as livestock, maybe it¡¯ll be easier.¡±


    Sophia nods, her usual confidence dimming as she murmurs, ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Hearing their conversation, my stomach churns violently. Just hours ago, we were heralded as heroes, celebrated with grandeur. Now, we¡¯re nothing more than merchandise, destined to be sold to the highest bidder. The thought of becoming a sex slave¡ªa toy for the worst kinds of people¡ªfills me with a fury I¡¯ve never known.


    It¡¯s a fate worse than death.


    I always suspected the King had secrets, but never in my darkest nightmares did I imagine this.


    Sophia, seemingly composed again, returns to her craft table to complete the spell. With practiced precision, she approaches me, a needle in her hand. The prick of the needle is sharp but brief, and as my blood drips onto the iron collar, it begins to glow once more, the strange runes pulsing with an ominous light.


    Even without knowing the exact mechanics, it¡¯s clear what Sophia is doing. She¡¯s binding me through blood, creating an unbreakable connection that will force me into servitude. Once the collar locks around my neck, I¡¯ll be nothing more than a puppet, enslaved to her commands.


    But then, just as she¡¯s about to secure the collar, she hesitates. Her hands tremble slightly, her expression faltering.


    ¡°What are you doing? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re feeling empathy for them?¡± the bearded knight asks.


    ¡°Huh? No!¡± Sophia snaps. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Yet, her discomfort is unmistakable.


    I wonder what that¡¯s about.


    Regardless, she still proceeds.


    But it¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to let her have her way!


    Just as she is about to lock the collar in place, I swiftly grab her wrist. With a powerful punch, BAM! I strike her face, and using all the force I can muster, I thrust her onto the ground.


    ¡°WHAT!??¡± The two royal knights are stunned.


    They quickly regain their composure in less than a second though. After all, royal knights are all trained to respond to any situation. Swords are drawn in a blur of motion as they charge toward me, their movements precise and deadly.


    ¡°NO!!!¡± Sophia screams from the ground. ¡°DON¡¯T KILL HIM! WE NEED HIM ALIVE!!!¡±


    Even after having her face slammed down so hard like that, she still has the strength to shout!


    But to kill me or capture me again?


    Like hell I would let that happen easily!


    Sure, I have trained in martial arts, but squaring off against two royal knights isn¡¯t something I¡¯d bet on. So, how can a newcomer like me overpower the two elite knights of the King?


    Well, the answer is simple.


    BANG!


    BANG!


    BANG!


    BANG!


    The deafening shots ring out.


    My custom-made Desert Eagles gleams menacingly under the dim light.


    Two knights.


    Two bullets each, direct hits to their faces¡ªdouble-tapped.


    Their heads explode in a grotesque spray of blood and bone, painting the walls with crimson.

 Chapter 8: Slave contract

    ¡°Make one move, and it¡¯ll be the last thing you ever do,¡± I say, my voice cold and steady as I press the barrel of my gun against Sophia¡¯s temple. I haven¡¯t pulled the trigger yet, and there¡¯s a reason for that: I need information.


    Sophia¡¯s pale face is drenched in fear, her entire body trembling. The gruesome sight of the two royal knights lying lifeless on the floor has shattered whatever composure she had left. ¡°Please! Don¡¯t kill me!¡± she pleads, her voice breaking as tears pool in her wide, frantic eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t have a choice! The King ordered it!¡±


    ¡°Then talk,¡± I command. ¡°Why does he want to turn us into sex slaves? What was that auction all about?¡±


    Her words tumble out in a panicked rush. ¡°It¡ªit was an auction for nobles! To buy summoned people as slaves! The summoning ritual costs a fortune, so they just wanted to make some money back!¡±


    Her answer lands heavily, though it confirms what I¡¯ve already suspected.


    So that¡¯s it. If the royal family can¡¯t use us as heroes, they¡¯ll wring every bit of value they can from us another way. Selling us like livestock¡ªlike commodities. They couldn¡¯t risk letting us go free, not when they¡¯d invested so much in bringing us here. Of course, the entire concept of a reverse summoning spell was a lie, a clever ruse to gain our trust. By feigning concern for our well-being, they could maintain the illusion of being benevolent rulers¡ªat least in Hiroshi and Takumi¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Please,¡± Sophia begs again, her hands clasped in desperation. ¡°Please spare me! I was just following orders! I had no choice!¡±


    ¡°Tch,¡± I scoff, glaring down at her. ¡°You seriously think you can just walk away from this? That there¡¯d be no consequences after trying to enslave us? How does that even make sense?¡±


    There¡¯s no reason to spare her¡ªno reason to let an enemy live.


    ¡°Wait!¡± she screams, her voice rising in sheer panic. ¡°WAIT! I-I can guide you out! You need me! I know the layout of this castle. I can help you get past the guards. Please, just let me live!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    I lower my gun.


    Now I consider her words; she really has a point.


    I don¡¯t know the layout of this place, and with the sheer number of guards, getting out undetected seems nearly impossible. Escaping on my own might be feasible, but getting Yumi out with me? That would multiply the difficulty tenfold. Having Sophia on my side might be our only realistic chance to leave this place unscathed.


    But can I trust her? Just minutes ago, she was preparing to enslave me.


    As my gaze drifts to the iron collar lying on the ground, an idea forms. A way to ensure her cooperation.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°All right,¡± I say, shifting my aim to the collar. ¡°First, explain how this thing works.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes widen in alarm. ¡°Wha¡­ what do you intend to do with that?¡± she stammers, her voice shaky, as though she already knows my plan.


    ¡°You¡¯re questioning me?¡± I snap, pressing the gun closer to her. ¡°Do you want a hole in your head?¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯m sorry!¡± she cries out, her words tumbling over themselves. She takes a steadying breath before explaining. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a slave collar. When placed around someone¡¯s neck, it suppresses their will, making them obey their master¡¯s commands. To activate it, you need the blood of both the master and the slave on the collar¡­¡±


    I glance at the collar, its surface already stained with both of our blood. The next step is clear.


    ¡°Wear it.¡±


    Sophia freezes, her expression stricken. ¡°You¡­ can¡¯t be serious¡­¡± she whispers, disbelief thick in her tone.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± I ask coldly. ¡°It¡¯s fine for you to put it on me, but the idea of wearing it yourself is unthinkable?¡±


    Her hesitation irritates me. Pressing the barrel of the gun more firmly against her temple, I issue the command again, my voice a low growl.


    ¡°Wear it. Now.¡±


    ¡°Aaa! All right! Please, just don¡¯t kill me!¡±


    Reluctantly, Sophia reaches down and picks up the collar, the cold metal gleaming dully under the dim light. Her hands tremble as she holds it, staring at it like it¡¯s a venomous snake.


    ¡°You¡­ are right¡­¡± she murmurs, her voice barely audible. ¡°Maybe¡­ I deserve this¡­¡±


    Taking a final, shuddering breath, she places the collar around her neck. With a soft click, it locks into place.


    Almost immediately, a rush of information floods my mind, as though some invisible link now binds us.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I mutter, processing the details. ¡°Your name isn¡¯t Sophia¡ªit¡¯s Rosaria Valeraine?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± she replies hesitantly. ¡°Rosaria is my real name¡­¡±


    I absorb the rest of the information flowing through the connection. She¡¯s twenty-five years old with a Heroic Rank blood talent, strong in water-type magic but currently specializing in illusion magic for reasons unknown.


    ¡°So, the master can compel the slave to do anything?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± she answers quietly.


    But can I really trust this thing? That¡¯s the big question. I need to see evidence of how the slave contract worked. After all, I only trust my eyes, not some random magic that I¡¯m seeing for the first time.


    Thus, I level my gun at the wall, ensuring Sophia¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Watch carefully, this is how you use this weapon.¡±


    Bang!


    The shot echoes through the room, leaving a jagged hole in the stone.


    ¡°Now, take this gun and shoot yourself in the head.¡±


    That¡¯s my first order. The collar glows at my command.


    ¡°AAaarrrggh!¡± Sophia screams. ¡°Whyyy! Whyyyy?¡±


    Her body trembles violently as she fights against the command, but the collar¡¯s magic is relentless. Slowly, as though against her own will, her hand reaches for the gun. Tears stream down her face as she points the barrel at her temple.


    ¡°Please, master!¡± she sobs, her voice raw with desperation. ¡°Cancel the order! I¡¯m begging you! Please!¡±


    Suddenly, a torrent of emotions are also rampaging through into my mind, as she and I are now connected. Fear, anger, despair, and seething hatred. The force of it is almost overwhelming, and for a moment, I feel like I¡¯m drowning in her torment.


    A pang of guilt stirs within me, threatening to crack the cold exterior I¡¯ve tried to maintain. But I can¡¯t afford to relent now. I need answers, and this is the only way to confirm the collar¡¯s power.


    ¡°AAAAA! FUCK YOUUU!!!¡± Rosaria screams, her voice laced with fury.


    Her finger tightens on the trigger.


    Click!


    The sound reverberates through the room.


    Nothing happens.


    The gun¡¯s chamber is empty.


    For a moment, there¡¯s only silence, broken only by Rosaria¡¯s heaving breaths and the tears streaking her face.

 Chapter 9: Escaping

    ¡°Ah¡­ ha¡­ haha¡­¡± Sophia sits slumped on the bloody floor, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Her face is as pale as paper, yet, despite everything, a twisted smile creeps across her lips. ¡°You¡­ are¡­ a monster,¡± she gasps, each word strained as she fights for air.


    ¡°Sorry, but I had to test it,¡± I reply evenly, keeping my tone cold. ¡°I needed to know if I can really trust you.¡±


    I glance briefly at the empty gun still clutched in her trembling hand. Of course, I had removed all the bullets before handing it to her. It was a test¡ªnothing more. She¡¯s unharmed, at least physically.


    I half-expect her to break down entirely, to collapse into a sobbing mess on the floor. But Sophia surprises me. Within seconds¡ªten at most¡ªshe forces herself to move. Her arms tremble as she pushes herself upright, her breathing still unsteady but determined.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she says, her voice quiet but resolute. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here for long, master.¡±


    I nod in acknowledgment, impressed by how quickly she¡¯s come to terms with her situation. ¡°Good,¡± I say curtly.


    ¡°Good,¡± I nod curtly.


    She¡¯s right¡ªlingering here any longer is a risk we can¡¯t afford. At any moment, someone could check on us, and I¡¯d rather not face another fight if I can help it. Time is of the essence.


    But before we leave, there¡¯s one more thing to address.


    ¡°How long will your mind control spell last on her?¡± I ask, glancing toward Yumi, who remains frozen in place, her glassy eyes staring blankly ahead.


    Sophia follows my gaze. ¡°Perhaps an hour, or until I cancel it myself,¡± she replies.


    ¡°Then keep the spell, don¡¯t cancel just yet.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes widen slightly in surprise, but she doesn¡¯t protest. ¡°As you wish, master,¡± she murmurs, nodding obediently.


    Waking Yumi now would only complicate things further. She doesn¡¯t need to see this¡ªthe blood, the shattered remains of the knights, or the horrifying reality of what almost happened. There¡¯s no time to explain, and I can¡¯t risk her panicking. We need to get out of here¡ªand fast. And for now, Yumi is safer in her entranced state.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Our exit strategy is simple yet daring. I plan to place fake slave collars on myself and Yumi, creating the illusion that Sophia has already enslaved us. Sophia¡¯s own collar can be concealed beneath her hooded cloak, though this solution is temporary. In the future, I¡¯ll need to devise a better way to hide it¡ªperhaps by crafting a bracelet or belt imbued with similar properties. For now, however, this will have to suffice.


    ¡°All right,¡± I say, nodding at Sophia. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    She steps forward to open the heavy door, the sound of its creak breaking the oppressive silence. Despite the loud noise from my earlier gunshots, no one has come to investigate yet. I suspect this chamber was designed as a torture room, its thick stone walls soundproofed to contain the screams of its unfortunate victims.


    Once we exit, we move swiftly through the underground tunnel and up a flight of stone stairs. The air becomes lighter, but the tension remains suffocating. After a few minutes, we emerge into the castle¡¯s shadowy corridors. Dim torches line the walls, their flickering flames casting long, dancing shadows across the cold stone. The oppressive quiet is broken only by the soft echo of our footsteps.Stolen story; please report.


    Sophia leads the way with confidence. Her intoxicating perfume hangs in the air, subtle but ever-present. My senses are on high alert, every sound and shadow scrutinized as we press forward.


    Thanks to Sophia, our disguise holds firm. She has a really powerful spell called Euphonic Aura that is constantly active. Its mechanism involves cloaking her with an aura of allure that works through both scent and sound. This aura affects those in close proximity, making them more susceptible to the bearer¡¯s words and actions. It can evoke a range of emotions, from tranquility to fervent desire, depending on her intent. Additionally, her voice becomes mesmerizing, capable of swaying even the most resolute minds when combined with the scent.


    I recall how my guard was momentarily lowered when I first met her.


    Must be this aura at work.


    With this, the guards and castle dwellers spare us no more than cursory glances, accepting our presence without question. And when someone approaches us, Sophia easily sends them away with just a few words. But the most challenging part is still yet to come.


    As we approach the castle¡¯s grand entrance, the tension thickens. Two guards stand at their posts, clad in gleaming steel armor adorned with scarlet plumes. Their sharp gazes lock onto us the moment we come into view.


    ¡°Please, leave it to me,¡± Sophia whispers and steps forward.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± one of the guards says, stepping into our path. ¡°Ms. Sophia, where are you headed at this hour? Is there something you need?¡±


    Sophia meets his gaze, calm and composed. ¡°We¡¯re leaving the premises,¡± she states firmly. ¡°Lady Arina has requested that these two slaves be delivered to her immediately.¡±


    The second guard narrows his eyes, his attention shifting to me. He scans me from head to toe, his lips curling into a smirk. ¡°Well, this man is definitely Lady Arina¡¯s type! But¡­ why would she want the girl too?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s tone sharpens. ¡°The girl is for her husband,¡± she snaps. ¡°And honestly, aren¡¯t you two asking too many questions?¡±


    Bonk!


    The first guard smacks his partner on the head. ¡°My apologies, Ms. Sophia,¡± he says hastily, shooting a glare at his companion. ¡°Please excuse his lack of tact!¡±


    ¡°Y¨Cyes! I¡¯m very sorry!¡± the second guard adds, bowing deeply and rubbing his helmet where he was struck.


    ¡°But¡­¡± the first guard hesitates. ¡°Didn¡¯t the King order the gates to remain closed until dawn? I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t allow you to leave just yet.¡±


    This is Sophia¡¯s moment.


    She blinks once, and when her eyes open, they shimmer with a mesmerizing, ethereal glow. Her voice softens, transforming into something silky and hypnotic. ¡°I understand the King¡¯s orders,¡± she begins, each word dripping with honeyed persuasion. ¡°But Lady Arina¡¯s request is urgent. She needs this man tonight¡ªin her bed. Surely you wouldn¡¯t want to upset her, would you?¡±


    As she speaks, her intoxicating scent thickens in the air, wrapping around us like a velvet haze. Her Euphonic Aura is in full effect now, weaving its spell over the guards. Their postures stiffen at first, but then their stern expressions begin to melt, their gazes softening as if caught in a dream.


    The first guard swallows hard, his eyes locked on Sophia¡¯s. ¡°Lady Arina¡¯s wishes are¡­ important,¡± he murmurs, his voice faltering under the spell¡¯s influence.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the second guard echoes, his tone dazed. ¡°Very important.¡±


    Sophia takes a deliberate step closer, her presence all-consuming. Her lips curve into a faint, knowing smile, and her voice dips into an alluring sweetness. ¡°Then I¡¯m sure you can make an exception for us, just this once. And in return¡­¡± She pauses, her tone playful. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to bring you both a little treat when I return.¡±


    The guards exchange a hesitant glance, the briefest flicker of resistance flashing in their eyes. But it¡¯s clear¡ªthey are utterly enthralled.


    ¡°O-of course, Ms. Sophia!¡± they say in unison, their voices trembling with obedience. ¡°Please wait a moment while we open the gate.¡±


    They move in perfect synchronization, placing their hands on a magical device that requires both operators to activate. The device glows faintly, its light reflecting in their glassy eyes, and moments later, the heavy gate creaks open, revealing the shadowy expanse of the woods beyond.


    And just like that, we¡¯re through.


    Sparing Sophia back then was the right decision, and I¡¯m glad I trusted my instincts. Her skills have proven invaluable. The way she manipulated them¡ªso effortlessly, so flawlessly¡ªis nothing short of impressive.


    It¡¯s almost unnerving how easy it was.


    But there¡¯s no time to relax.


    Once outside, we move swiftly. The nearby woods engulf us in darkness, the towering trees standing like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching ominously in the moonlight. Sooner or later, the guards will discover the chaos I left behind¡ªthe blood, the bodies.


    Until then, every second is precious. We must put as much distance as possible between ourselves and the royal palace.

 Chapter 10: Running away

    The towering castle gate fades into the distance as we hurry into the shadowy embrace of the woods that stretch adjacent to the royal fortress. We¡¯ve chosen the forest over the nearby city, knowing it will offer better concealment. These woods, known as the Whispering Pines according to Sophia, are steeped in an eerie silence. The quiet is broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the wind and the faint coos of hidden nocturnal creatures. Moonlight filters through the dense canopy above, creating fragmented patches of pale light that dapple the forest floor, guiding our hurried steps.


    Sophia assures me that this area is free of monsters; the knights patrol these woods regularly, keeping them relatively safe even at night. For a moment, the quiet and the cool air bring an illusion of calm.


    But the reprieve is fleeting.


    Faint at first, the sounds reach us¡ªgrowing louder and clearer with every passing second. Distant shouts of men, the frantic barking of dogs, and the thunderous pounding of horses¡¯ hooves pierce the stillness. My stomach tightens. They¡¯ve discovered the carnage we left behind at the castle. Now, they¡¯re on our trail.


    ¡°We need to move faster!¡± Sophia whispers urgently.


    ¡°No problem,¡± I reply, keeping my voice steady as I quicken my pace, following her deeper into the forest.


    The foliage thickens with every step, closing in around us. The path narrows, branches clawing at us as though the forest itself is trying to impede our escape. I adjust my grip on Yumi, who remains unconscious in my arms¡ªnot due to Sophia¡¯s spell, but the sleeping pills I had administered earlier. Sophia is refraining from using her magic for now, aware that her spells, which rely heavily on scents, could make it easier for the hunting dogs to track us.


    Waking Yumi isn¡¯t an option, either. This isn¡¯t the time or place to explain everything or attempt to calm her down. For now, it¡¯s better she remains unaware of the chaos surrounding us.


    Thankfully, Sophia proves invaluable in navigating this forest. She knows the terrain intimately, guiding us smoothly through hidden trails and dense undergrowth. At one point, she produces a small pouch of magical dust, scattering it behind us. Within seconds, our footprints and scents vanish as though we were never there. Another pouch contains a powder that, when thrown into the air, creates a faint shimmer before disappearing. Sophia assures me it will confuse our pursuers, throwing off their sense of direction.


    Her resourcefulness surprises me. These tools seem more suited to a thief or a fugitive than a royal mage. The thought lingers, but now is not the time for questions.


    An hour of relentless running later, we stumble upon a small brook, its soft, babbling sounds breaking the tense silence. The sight of the clear water glinting in the moonlight brings a brief moment of relief. I carefully lay Yumi down on a smooth patch of pebbles by the stream¡¯s edge. Her peaceful face, framed by the faint glow of moonlight, is a sharp contrast to the chaos we¡¯re fleeing from.


    Nearby, Sophia collapses to the ground, her chest heaving as she gasps for air. Sweat beads on her forehead, and her hair is disheveled, sticking to her damp skin. She looks utterly spentUnauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Master,¡± she gasps, her voice trembling with disbelief. ¡°Are you even human? How are you not exhausted? You¡¯re not even sweating after carrying that girl for an hour!¡±


    I pause, letting her question hang in the air, but I can¡¯t reveal my true nature to her¡ªnot yet. The truth is, I¡¯m an enhanced human, a real-life cyborg created by merging cutting-edge biotechnology with artificial intelligence. Inside my body, millions of nanomachines work tirelessly, constantly monitoring and maintaining my physical functions, ensuring peak performance at all times. Then there¡¯s Sapphire, the master AI implanted directly into my brain, orchestrating everything with precision.


    Preparing for this unknown world demanded nothing less. My body has been modified to the limits of human potential¡ªstronger, faster, and optimized for unparalleled endurance and efficiency.


    I¡¯m also highly trained in combat, but since I don¡¯t fully understand how strong the people in this world are, I¡¯ve chosen to avoid direct confrontation¡ªfor now.


    Thus, using my enhanced hearing, I take in our surroundings. The soft rippling of the brook and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures punctuate the heavy silence. The forest feels alive yet eerily still, as though it¡¯s holding its breath.


    Carefully, I remove my suit jacket and drape it over Yumi¡¯s small frame, shielding her from the chill of the night air. She stirs slightly but remains asleep, her breathing steady. With her taken care of, I turn my attention to Sophia.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here long,¡± she murmurs, her voice still tinged with fatigue.


    ¡°I know,¡± I reply. ¡°But we need a plan¡ªand somewhere to rest. What do you suggest?¡±


    Sophia leans against a tree, brushing strands of damp hair away from her face. ¡°There¡¯s a place,¡± she begins after catching her breath. ¡°An old hideout that some rebels used years ago. It¡¯s hidden, fortified, and should give us enough shelter to regroup¡ªat least for a little while.¡±


    I nod, appreciating the practicality of her suggestion. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go with that.¡±


    After a brief but necessary half-hour of rest, we press on. The woods seem to close in around us as we venture deeper, the towering trees growing thicker, their immense trunks rising like ancient pillars toward an unseen sky. Their sprawling branches knit together into an impenetrable canopy, snuffing out even the faintest traces of moonlight. The cool night air turns damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and decaying leaves.


    Before long, the forest plunges into almost complete darkness. Our only guide is the eerie luminescence of bioluminescent mushrooms scattered along the forest floor, their faint blue glow casting ghostly shadows that shift and ripple with each step.


    Sophia abruptly stops, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    I squint through the dim light and see what appears to be a massive boulder, covered in thick moss and draped with creeping vines. At first glance, it seems like nothing more than a natural formation, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.


    Sophia steps forward, placing her hand on the boulder¡¯s rough surface. Her voice drops to a hushed tone as she murmurs, ¡°The white rabbit dances under the moonlight.¡±


    Upon her words, the stillness of the forest is shattered by a low, resonant rumble. The ground beneath us trembles faintly, loose dirt shifting as the enormous boulder begins to move. Slowly, it slides to the side, revealing a hidden entrance¡ªa gaping maw that descends into the earth. From within, faint echoes of dripping water rise, mingling with the cold air wafting out from the dark passageway.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Sophia turns to me. ¡°Once we¡¯re inside, we¡¯ll be safe for a while.¡±


    I glance over my shoulder, scanning the shadowy woods one last time, my senses heightened for any sign of pursuit. The oppressive darkness offers no answers, only a haunting quiet that feels almost alive.


    Satisfied that we¡¯re not being followed¡ªyet¡ªI nod and step forward, ready to disappear into the hidden depths of the earth.

 Chapter 11: The Rebels Hideout

    With a quiet incantation from Sophia, the massive boulder rumbles back into place behind us, sealing the entrance and plunging our surroundings into near-total darkness. For several tense moments, our own breaths and the soft scrape of our feet against the stone floor are the only sounds.


    Immediately, my eyes adjust to see in the darkness. I watch as Sophia slips a small crystal from her robe. She mutters an incantation under her breath, and the crystal flickers to life with a gentle glow. Its soft light dances across the stone walls, revealing the beginning of a vast labyrinth. The walls feel cool and damp, and the air carries a musty, earthy scent.


    Venturing deeper, we encounter branching tunnels and chambers that fan out in every direction. It¡¯s a maze of twisting corridors and hidden rooms. Stone archways lead to spaces that vary in size¡ªsome little more than cramped closets, others large enough to accommodate a dozen people. Yet, for all its complexity, the place feels unsettlingly deserted. There are no voices, no flickering torches, no signs of movement.


    Following what seems to be the main passage, we come across remnants of the rebels who once occupied this hideout. Rusty weapons lean against walls, tattered banners hang limply, and we pass scattered fire pits and faded cooking utensils. Some rooms still have bedding¡ªthin mattresses and worn blankets tossed about in disarray¡ªwhile others, set with tables and ancient maps, hint at the strategic planning that once took place here. At one point, I notice dark stains on the floor and walls. These are unmistakably blood stains.


    Perhaps, there was a battle fought here a long time ago.


    Eventually, I choose a small room where I gently lay Yumi on a tattered bed. She shows no signs of stirring, her face peaceful and untroubled in slumber. Sophia settles onto the edge of the bed as well, drawing an old blanket around herself for warmth.


    Turning to her, I finally voice the question that¡¯s been gnawing at me since we arrived. ¡°How did you know about this place?¡±


    Sophia exhales, her expression turning somber. ¡°This was the main base for the rebels who opposed the King¡¯s rule. They wanted a better kingdom, free from tyranny and corruption.¡±


    Her fingers trace aimless patterns on the cold stone wall as she continues. ¡°But they failed. The King¡¯s forces eventually discovered the hideout, and a brutal battle took place right where we¡¯re standing. The rebels fought hard, but they were outmatched.¡±


    I frown, trying to piece everything together.


    Something doesn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then how did you survive? Weren¡¯t you with the rebels?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but not exactly,¡± Sophia replies, releasing a bitter laugh. ¡°I was actually a traitor. I leaked their plans to the King and guided the knights here to destroy them.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± I respond, my interest piqued.


    Now that the conversation has shifted, I¡¯m curious to learn more about her. But I don¡¯t want to force an explanation via the master-slave contract¡ªI only ask that she share if she chooses. Even with my power, I¡¯m reluctant to push her too far.


    She hesitates only briefly.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing left for me to hide anyway,¡± she says at last, her voice colored by a deep, lingering sadness. ¡°I may as well tell you everything.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    And so she begins her story, revealing far more than I anticipated.


    Her past is even darker than I thought possible.


    A long time ago, there was a girl named Rosaria Valeraine¡­


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Rosaria was born into privilege, a scion of one of the empire¡¯s most distinguished noble families. The Valeraines were revered for their legacy, spanning generations, as mages of extraordinary skill who practiced high-level magecraft and enchantments. Their influence was vast, their power undeniable. But all of it came to a brutal end one fateful night.


    The massacre shook the entire kingdom. The Valeraine mansion was set ablaze, and everyone inside was slaughtered. The official story blamed the demons for the attack. Yet, this narrative was nothing but a carefully constructed lie¡ªa diversion from the chilling truth.


    It wasn¡¯t demons.


    On that horrendous night, Rosaria¡¯s loyal maid sacrificed her life to ensure the little girl¡¯s safety. Hidden inside a trash bin, Rosaria watched in paralyzed horror as her family was slaughtered. Through the cracks in the lid, she recognized the voice of the orchestrator: Archduke Eldric Harrow.


    The man wasn¡¯t just her father¡¯s trusted confidant and the King¡¯s top mage¡ªhe was someone Rosaria herself had admired. To witness him, of all people, mercilessly lead the attack on her family was a cruel twist of fate. That memory burned itself into her soul, a constant reminder of her helplessness.


    She swore revenge, but Rosaria knew she was too young, too weak, to act. For years, she nurtured her hatred in silence, vowing to grow stronger in both influence and power. Discarding her noble name, she adopted the identity of Sophia Lysandra, taking the last name of the maid who had saved her.


    Over time, she delved into forbidden magics, mastering illusion spells and cultivating her natural beauty to manipulate those around her. Every action was calculated, every step a move toward revenge.


    Yet, revenge couldn¡¯t be achieved alone. Sophia sought out those disillusioned with the King¡¯s rule¡ªrebels fighting for a kingdom free of tyranny and corruption. Among them, she rose quickly, her competence and cunning earning her trust and respect. But Sophia was no idealist. She understood that overt resistance against the King¡¯s vast resources would be crushed. The only way to strike a fatal blow was from within.


    Through careful maneuvering, she infiltrated the royal court, earning a position as both a royal advisor and the court¡¯s mage. To the King, she was a loyal servant; to the rebels, she was their most valuable informant. For years, she played this dangerous double life, feeding the rebels critical intelligence.


    But Sophia underestimated the King¡¯s sprawling intelligence network. The rebels¡¯ plans were always anticipated, their moves countered.


    ¡°Those fools were just not good enough,¡± Sophia says coldly, her tone devoid of regret. ¡°So they had to go.¡±


    She betrayed them, feeding the King information that led to their capture and destruction. It was a calculated move¡ªsacrificing the rebels to solidify her position within the royal court. In doing so, she earned the King¡¯s trust, furthering her ultimate goal: revenge against Archduke Harrow.


    ¡°Ha, but I just ruined it, didn¡¯t I?¡± I laugh, feeling a bit sorry for her.


    Not only did I enslave her, but I also made her a fugitive.


    But could I have acted differently?


    Each person is driven by their goals, their ambitions. Sophia¡¯s just happened to collide with mine. And considering she betrayed her own allies, she isn¡¯t exactly in a position to demand sympathy.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Sophia says softly, exhaling as though releasing a weight. ¡°I overestimated myself against the King and that damned Archduke. Even with another hundred years, I doubt I¡¯d succeed. But you, on the other hand¡­¡±


    Her words trail off, but I can see the spark of calculation in her eyes.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I raise an eyebrow, catching her intent. ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re telling me all of this? You want to use me for your revenge?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she admits plainly, her gaze unwavering. ¡°And is there a problem with that?¡±


    I let out a low chuckle. ¡°Ha. Of course not.¡±


    I know exactly what kind of person Sophia is¡ªscheming, opportunistic, and untrustworthy. Even with the slave pact binding her, there¡¯s no guarantee she won¡¯t betray me when it suits her.


    But that¡¯s fine.


    Humans are selfish creatures by nature. Both she and I are opportunists, and as long as our goals align and our enemies remain mutual, we can work together. Besides, I need her. Her knowledge of this world, her talents in magic, and her cunning are all invaluable to me in navigating this unfamiliar terrain.


    For now, we are allies bound by necessity, each using the other as a means to an end. And for now, that¡¯s enough.

 Chapter 12: Power scale

    After some time, I ask Sophia to tell me more about herself and her abilities. To my surprise, it turns out this woman is a true jack of all trades. She isn¡¯t just a mage; she¡¯s also a potion crafter, a spirit user, and an enchanter. While I have a decent idea of what mages and potion crafters do, the concept of an enchanter intrigues me.


    ¡°What exactly is an enchanter?¡± I ask, curious.


    Sophia tilts her head, considering how to explain it. ¡°Ah¡­ I don¡¯t know if this will make sense to you, but it¡¯s essentially the art of imbuing magical properties into objects. For example, you can make a sword sharper by writing the ¡®Sharpness¡¯ enchantment onto it.¡±


    As she speaks, her tone grows more animated, and she delves deeper into the intricacies of enchantment. She describes how enchantments can significantly enhance an item¡¯s abilities, such as increasing its durability, strength, or even imbuing it with elemental powers. However, the process is far from simple. Enchanting requires specialized magical ink, intricate knowledge of the language of gods, and a precise understanding of the item being enchanted.


    While I try to follow her explanation, the sheer complexity of the process leaves my head spinning. It¡¯s fascinating but overwhelming. I realize that I¡¯ll need to witness the process firsthand to fully grasp it.


    As our conversation continues, Sophia suddenly shifts gears. ¡°But, Master,¡± she says, her voice tinged with curiosity, ¡°is your blood talent really Common Rank? I find that hard to believe. Carrying that girl while running at full speed for hours¡ªyour physical abilities¡ªthey¡¯re unbelievable!¡±


    ¡°Haha, thank you,¡± I laugh. ¡°However, the Grand Mage said that my talent is only at that rank, and I don¡¯t have any elemental affinity either. You think she was wrong?¡±


    ¡°Well, I do not doubt her judgment, since she must have used a high-grade artifact to measure your talent rank. But, normally, Common Rank people cannot reach your level of physical capabilities. Your insane strength, ridiculous speed, and endless stamina¡­ it¡¯s like you are an Elite Warrior!¡±


    ¡°Elite Warrior?¡± I repeat, the unfamiliar term sparking my interest.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she says, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s also the rank of the two royal knights you killed.¡±


    Her revelation takes me by surprise. My curiosity piqued, I press her for more details. She explains that aside from blood talent ranks, this world has two additional systems for measuring individuals¡¯ abilities: one for magical prowess and another for physical strength.


    ¡°The one I mentioned earlier,¡± Sophia clarifies, ¡°is the ranking for physical prowess.¡±


    I lean in, intrigued, as she begins to outline the hierarchy:


    Beginner Warrior: Can punch through brick walls easily and knock down small trees, capable of winning against an adult bear.


    Master Warrior: Able to shatter boulders with a single punch and outrun a galloping horse over short distances. Their strength and speed are enough to take down multiple armed opponents effortlessly.


    Elite Warrior: Can break through reinforced stone walls with their punches and move fast enough to dodge arrows at close range. Their stamina allows them to fight for extended periods without tiring.


    Champion: Capable of pulverizing iron with their fists and moving with such swiftness that they appear as a blur to the naked eye. They can engage in prolonged battles against numerous elite opponents without breaking a sweat.


    Destroyer: Their punches can create craters in the ground, and their speed can sometimes break the sound barrier. They possess immense endurance, able to fight for days without rest, and can take on entire armies single-handedly.


    War Saint: Can obliterate entire sections of a castle with a single punch and move with such speed that they appear to teleport. Their resilience allows them to withstand attacks that would annihilate lesser beings, and they can sustain high-intensity combat for weeks on end.


    War God: The impact force from a punch can smash a mountain to bits. They can move at speeds that are several times the speed of sound, and their stamina is virtually limitless, allowing them to fight for months without fatigue. Their very presence on the battlefield can turn the tide of wars.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    This is quite eye-opening. If Sophia¡¯s words hold true, even the lowest-ranking warriors in this world would be considered elite athletes back on Earth. As for the higher ranks? They¡¯re utterly absurd.


    ¡°And beyond that, is there any other rank stronger than War God?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Sophia hesitates, her gaze drifting as if recalling something. ¡°Ah¡­ well¡­ I¡¯ve read about such ranks in ancient texts,¡± she finally says. ¡°There are rumors of levels far beyond War God, but¡­ people doubt their existence. After all, within all the kingdoms here, War God is considered the absolute limit for humans.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡±


    It¡¯s humbling to realize just how lucky I¡¯ve been so far. Catching those knights off guard was the only reason I managed to kill them. Without the element of surprise, I doubt I could have even injured them. Still, the idea that my personal strength is comparable to that of an Elite Warrior surprises me. Not bad, I guess. But the real challenge lies ahead¡ªgetting stronger. And that might be a problem.


    ¡°So, if you don¡¯t mind, may I use a simple spell to measure your actual magical power? While I¡¯m not as knowledgeable and powerful as Seraphina, I refuse to believe that you¡¯re just Common Rank. There must be some mistake here.¡± Sophia suddenly suggests.


    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± I reply casually. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    A few moments pass as she focuses on her spell.


    ¡°Wha¡ª!? It¡ªit¡¯s true! You¡­ you don¡¯t have any mana!¡± Sophia suddenly exclaims, her voice rising with disbelief. ¡°Unbelievable¡­ To think that you¡¯re this strong without absorbing any mana at all¡­¡± she murmurs, her eyes wide as she continues to stare at me.


    Her reaction is almost amusing, her astonished expression a stark contrast to her usual composure.


    Her words just now confirm what I already suspected: my strength comes purely from relentless physical training and advanced body enhancements using Earth¡¯s technology. But therein lies the problem¡ªmy body is already at its peak. I¡¯ve pushed human potential as far as it can go.


    I want to get stronger, but without mana, I¡¯m stuck.


    ¡°So, is there any way for someone with a Common Rank talent like me to start using mana?¡± I ask.


    Sophia furrows her brow, deep in thought. ¡°Hmmm¡­ that¡¯s supposed to be impossible,¡± she admits hesitantly. ¡°But now, seeing you, perhaps there¡¯s something out there. If I have the chance, I can look for information in the Grand Library. Maybe there¡¯s a forgotten method we can uncover¡­¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± I reply, my mind already turning to other matters. There¡¯s no point dwelling on this now¡ªit¡¯s something to revisit once we have access to better resources.


    Shifting gears, I focus on what¡¯s been troubling me most. ¡°By the way, Sophia, have you ever come across a summoned individual who looks like me? A young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her name is Anna.¡±


    Sophia shakes her head, her expression apologetic. ¡°No¡­ I haven¡¯t seen anyone like that in Valeria¡­¡±


    Her answer stings more than I¡¯d like to admit, but it¡¯s fine.


    Deep down, I knew it was a long shot. If Anna isn¡¯t here, it only means I need to broaden my search. Somewhere in this world, there must be a record of summoned individuals¡ªa database or a list I can access. Until then, I¡¯ll just have to keep looking.


    For now, we turn our attention to immediate concerns: planning our next steps. Sophia looks utterly exhausted, her movements sluggish and her voice faint.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to collapse,¡± I say, nodding toward the bed where Yumi is peacefully sleeping. ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest there with her?¡±


    Sophia hesitates, her eyes widening slightly. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m a slave. Is that really okay?¡±


    Her tone carries both surprise and confusion, as if she can¡¯t quite comprehend the kindness I¡¯m offering. The weight of our master-slave relationship clearly still weighs heavily on her mind.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine,¡± I assure her gently. ¡°Sleep here, so I can keep an eye on both of you.¡±


    The bed Yumi is sleeping on is fairly large¡ªlarge enough to comfortably fit two people. It¡¯s also the cleanest and most comfortable one we¡¯ve found in this underground hideout.


    ¡°But then¡­ where will you sleep?¡± Sophia asks, her voice hesitant, her gaze flickering with uncertainty.


    ¡°On the floor, of course. I¡¯ll pull a mattress from another room,¡± I reply casually.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Her eyes widen in disbelief. ¡°Are you sure about this? Is this¡­ a test or something?¡±


    ¡°What? Do I look like I¡¯m testing you?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    We lock eyes for a moment.


    For a second, she seems uncertain, her expression caught between suspicion and confusion, as though she¡¯s bracing for some hidden motive to reveal itself. But after a few seconds, she exhales softly and nods, murmuring her thanks. With a sigh, she carefully settles onto the bed beside Yumi.


    ¡°Just so you know,¡± I say after a moment, ¡°I don¡¯t plan on keeping you as my slave forever.¡±


    ¡°Heh?¡± Sophia suddenly bolts upright, her expression a mixture of alarm and confusion.¡°What do you mean?! Y-you¡­ will discard me? But I¡¯m useful! I can do anything! Please! Dont ¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean,¡± I interject quickly, cutting her off. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ll give you back your freedom once we¡¯re out of this mess. So don¡¯t worry too much, okay?¡±


    Hearing that, Sophia freezes. For a moment, she simply stares at me, her lips parting slightly as though she¡¯s struggling to process my words.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ you¡¯ll release me?¡± she whispers, her voice trembling. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What? You have a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°N-no!¡± she stammers. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m just surprised. You¡¯re very kind¡­ master¡­ In this world, you know, as soon as you become a slave, you cannot be treated as human anymore¡­¡± her voice trails off


    ¡°Ha,¡± I chuckle softly, leaning back against the wall. ¡°As long as you¡¯re with me, there¡¯s no need to think like that.¡±


    After all, while I pride myself on being a cold and calculated individual when necessary, I¡¯m not heartless. I too have a conscience. In my mind, no one deserves to be a slave. As long as someone is human, they deserve basic dignity and rights.


    If it weren¡¯t for the risks associated with releasing Sophia right now, I¡¯d have done it already.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Sophia murmurs.


    And eventually, her exhaustion overtakes her, and she settles down beside Yumi. Within moments, her breathing evens out.


    Meanwhile, I open my backpack, taking out a bunch of pills¡ªsleeping drugs. They are the same ones I gave Yumi earlier today, but the real reason I carry them is for myself. Insomnia has been hitting me hard, especially in the past few days as I prepared for this trip to another world. Without a dose enough to knock an elephant down, I simply can¡¯t sleep.


    Pop.


    I open my water bottle, drink some water, and swallow the pills.


    As I close my eyes, memories flood back to my childhood. I remember purchasing a Snow White storybook for Anna, and for the subsequent five months, I became the protective dwarf to my little sister princess.


    Those were simpler times¡­


    But the memory clings to me like a soft light in the darkness.

 Chapter 13: Inventory

    When I wake, my watch reads 5 a.m.¡ªmorning time on Earth. That means I¡¯ve had a total of four hours of sleep, more than enough for me.


    The cave remains shrouded in darkness, its silence almost unnervingly complete. There¡¯s no hint of sunlight filtering through the entrance. I wonder if the sun has risen outside or if it¡¯s still cloaked in night. Then again, does this world even follow the same 24-hour day pattern as Earth? The thought lingers in my mind, sparking curiosity I¡¯ll need to satisfy later.


    For now, the air is cool and still, imbued with a tranquility that feels almost sacred. As I glance around, I notice Sophia and Yumi still fast asleep. Their breathing is soft and rhythmic, offering a rare sense of peace amidst the chaos of our recent ordeal.


    Stretching, I work out the stiffness that comes from sleeping on the hard, uneven floor. Despite my enhancements, my body isn¡¯t entirely immune to discomfort. My shoulders ache faintly, and my back protests with a dull throb, but it¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle.


    Deciding to use the quiet moment productively, I pull my backpack closer. A thorough inventory check is in order. Preparing for this unknown journey had required meticulous planning. I¡¯d faced countless unknowns before being summoned here¡ªan environment that could have been anything from an icy tundra to a scorching desert or a jungle teeming with venomous creatures. With so much uncertainty, I¡¯d approached packing like a seasoned survivalist, determined to be ready for any scenario.


    I unzip the bag and begin methodically removing its contents. Each item is precisely arranged, carefully packed, and clearly labeled. Retrieving the item list I¡¯d written beforehand, I click my pen open and begin marking off supplies, making note of anything out of place.


    I handle each item with care, inspecting it closely. After all, the journey between worlds might have caused some unseen damage, and I can¡¯t afford to have faulty gear in a place like this.


    Every item in my pack is a lifeline, and ensuring everything is in peak condition is not just necessary¡ªit¡¯s essential.


    First up: medical supplies.


    I examine the meds and first aid kit carefully. So far, the items I¡¯ve needed most are my sleeping pills, hemostatic gauzes, and a compact surgical kit. Being an enhanced human, I don¡¯t require painkillers¡ªmy body modifications allow me to control and suppress pain at will. Similarly, my digestive system, respiratory system, and even my blood vessels are coated with a cutting-edge bio-layer. This layer neutralizes most toxins and eliminates harmful bacteria, rendering antidotes and antibiotics unnecessary. Fever medication is redundant, too, since I can regulate my body temperature as needed.


    But there¡¯s a caveat: the microorganisms and pathogens in this world could be vastly different from Earth¡¯s. New diseases might exist here, ones my enhancements are not designed to combat. I¡¯ll need to investigate this further. Accessing a library or any repository of knowledge will be crucial for survival.


    Satisfied with the condition of my medical supplies, I move on to the next category: weapons.


    My two custom-made Desert Eagles are always within reach, secured in holsters hidden around my waist. The matte black finish of the handguns gleams faintly under the dim light. These weapons are not just for show¡ªthey are some of the most powerful handguns ever made on Earth.


    But why Desert Eagles?


    Why .50 AE?


    The answer is simple: sheer firepower, as they are some of the most powerful handguns available on Earth.


    While they¡¯re known for their drawbacks¡ªsmall magazine size and punishing recoil¡ªthose aren¡¯t issues for me. My augmented arms easily absorb the recoil, and my precision training allows me to dual-wield them effectively. Against unknown enemies, from humans to beasts to demonic creatures, raw stopping power takes precedence. I will be fighting not just humans but beasts, monsters, or even demonic creatures, which only a monster of a gun will suffice.


    And of course, the Deagles aren¡¯t my only weapons.


    I also carry a tranquilizer pistol, loaded with neurotoxin bullets so potent that a single shot could immobilize a whale for several minutes. This weapon is my fallback for encounters where brute force won¡¯t suffice¡ªa contingency for neutralizing or slowing down particularly formidable monsters.


    Next: ammunition.


    I take stock of my bullets. Between the two firearms, I have one hundred rounds in total. Some are standard hollow-point rounds, while others are infused with neurotoxins. After accounting for the seven rounds I used earlier, I¡¯m left with 93 bullets. It¡¯s a decent supply for now, but I¡¯ll need to be conservative with my usage until I find a way to replenish them.


    And for situations where ammunition conservation is critical, I have my trusty combat knife. The blade, forged from high-carbon steel, is matte black and deceptively unassuming. Its edge is razor-sharp, capable of slicing through a variety of materials, and its durability makes it an indispensable tool. Whether for close-quarters combat or practical utility, the knife is a reliable backup.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I¡¯ve also packed emergency food, essential for surviving any potential scarcity. Among my supplies are twenty highly nutritious bars designed to replace full meals. Each bar delivers 500 calories and 50 grams of protein, making them an efficient source of sustenance. The entire stash can sustain me for a few days, giving me enough time to secure a sustainable food source in this unfamiliar world. They aren¡¯t exactly gourmet, but their nutritional value takes priority over taste.


    And then, there¡¯s my most critical item: my phone.


    Without internet or service in this world, its functionality is limited. However, it still holds immeasurable value. My phone contains billions of gigabytes of stored information, encompassing everything from survival guides to scientific data¡ªessentially, a portable library. Moreover, it can serve as a tool to collect and store new information about this world as I encounter it. Charging it isn¡¯t a concern, either. Powered by a nuclear battery, my phone is designed to last thousands of years.


    So, basically, I will be long dead before my phone reaches the end of its life.


    With my inventory check complete, I feel a small sense of relief. Everything I brought from Earth is accounted for, and that alone steadies my resolve.


    Rising from the floor, I decide to begin my morning exercises. Simple routines¡ªpush-ups, planks, and stretches¡ªhelp keep my body in peak condition. The quiet rhythm of movement clears my mind and prepares me for the challenges ahead.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Half an hour later, I hear someone stirring awake.


    ¡°Huh? Jack? Sophia? What¡¯s happening? Where am I?¡±


    It¡¯s Yumi. Her voice is shaky, and her wide eyes hold a mixture of confusion and anxiety. She looks around, clearly disoriented, as if trying to make sense of the unfamiliar cave walls around her. I give her a moment, letting her gather herself before explaining everything.


    Patiently, I recount the events¡ªour summoning, the banquet, the escape, and the harsh reality of this new world. Yumi listens quietly at first, her expression shifting from shock to disbelief, and then to something heavier. Tears soon spill down her cheeks, and I wait, knowing she needs time to process it all.


    When she finally speaks, her voice trembles but carries an unexpected strength. ¡°So¡­ there¡¯s no way to go back?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°No. Not with what we know right now.¡±


    Yumi nods slowly, wiping her tears. ¡°I see¡­¡± She takes a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling before looking at Sophia. For a moment, I wonder if resentment might flare, but instead, Yumi surprises me with her maturity.


    ¡°Like you said, Sophia was just doing her job, following the King¡¯s orders. And¡­ being mad at her isn¡¯t going to change anything,¡± she says, her voice steadying. She lets out a sigh, her youthful face carrying a surprising depth of acceptance. ¡°Besides, without her, we wouldn¡¯t have made it out alive.¡±


    With her respond, I feel lighter now.


    ¡°Thank you for understanding,¡± I say, offering Yumi a reassuring smile. ¡°And please don¡¯t worry, I will do my best to protect you from now on. I will not let you be in such danger like that anymore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe you. Please take care of me.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I pat her head slightly, and she gives me a smile.


    And then, when Sophia fully wakes, she and Yumi exchange a few tentative words. Though the conversation is brief, the air between them feels more amicable than I expected. Things seem to be going well between them.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± I say, breaking the quiet. ¡°Are you guys hungry?¡±


    I pull out a couple of meal-replacement bars from my backpack and hand them over. Predictably, Yumi wrinkles her nose after a single bite, clearly unimpressed.


    Sophia, on the other hand, lights up like a child discovering candy for the first time. ¡°Delicious! This mini chocolate bar is so good!¡± she exclaims, chewing with enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s bitter but sweet at the same time. The texture is firm and chewy¡ªit¡¯s amazing! I¡¯ve never had anything like this before!¡±


    I can¡¯t help but laugh at her reaction. ¡°Glad you like it. But don¡¯t eat more than two, or you¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    ¡°Why? Is it dangerous?¡± Sophia asks, pausing mid-bite. ¡°But you just ate four!¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± I say with a smirk, ¡°I¡¯m built differently. If you don¡¯t believe me, go ahead¡ªtest it for yourself.¡±


    Sophia narrows her eyes, clearly torn, before clicking her tongue in defeat and reluctantly putting the bar down. ¡°Fine. But it¡¯s not fair¡­¡± she mutters, clearly disappointed.


    Smart move. Those bars are loaded with sugar alcohol, and eating too many could lead to¡­ uncomfortable side effects in the bathroom. Considering this is her first time eating one, I doubt her body would handle it well.


    After we finish our quick snack, Sophia rummages through the hideout and finds some old, hooded cloaks. They¡¯re dusty and worn but serviceable for blending into the crowds.


    ¡°So, are we ready to head to the city?¡± Sophia asks, pulling her cloak over her head.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I reply, securing my gear.


    There is something very important we need to buy, and the only place where we can get them is from the black market.


    ¡°And are you sure you want to go with us instead of waiting here?¡± I turn and ask Yumi. ¡°There are many people who are after us. If something bad happens, you could be in great danger.¡±


    ¡°But if something bad happens to you, then I wouldn¡¯t be able to survive anyway. And besides, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m scared of being alone¡­¡±


    I chuckle softly at her honesty. ¡°Fair point.¡±


    ¡°So, please,¡± she continues. ¡°Let me go with you. I promise I won¡¯t cause any trouble!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± I concede. If Yumi insists, there¡¯s no reason not to bring her along. In fact, taking her with us will save time and energy since we won¡¯t need to return to this hideout later.


    With our preparations complete, we step out of the cave at 8 a.m. The forest greets us with a lingering darkness, the thick canopy overhead shrouding everything in shadow. The stillness of the woods is broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant chirping of unseen birds.


    After a short walk, the trees begin to thin, and faint rays of sunlight filter through the foliage. The morning light gradually brightens our path, casting long, dappled shadows across the forest floor. The cool air feels refreshing, carrying a sharp, piny scent that stirs a faint memory of my time in Canada.


    Sophia leads the way, confidently navigates the winding paths. As we weave through the undergrowth, the forest slowly gives way to clearer paths, the density of the trees lessening with each step.changes.


    Finally, after three hours of navigating through, the forest gives way to open fields, and in the distance, the bustling outskirts of Valeria¡¯s capital come into view. The city stretches across the horizon, its towering walls and spires standing as a vivid contrast to the natural wilderness we¡¯ve just left behind.

 chapter 14: Black market

    As we enter Vera, the capital city of Valeria, the scene that greets us feels like something pulled straight from a medieval fantasy. Most of the buildings are multi-storied, featuring wooden frames and plastered walls, while cobblestone roads stretch beneath tall lamp posts. Because there¡¯s no electricity in this world, I can only assume these lamp posts are powered by some sort of magical stone. It¡¯s nearly noon, and the streets are bustling with life¡ªpedestrians, animals, carts, and the occasional carriage or mounted rider. Everywhere I look, humans, beast-men, elves, and dwarves mingle and converse in a language I somehow understand.


    What surprises me most is the remarkable cleanliness of the city. There are no open sewers, and people seem to have a habit of keeping public spaces free of litter.


    ¡°Master,¡± Sophia whispers, leaning closer to me. ¡°Vera is the largest and busiest city on the entire continent.¡±


    I nod, slipping into the flow of people with ease. But according to Sophia, Vera is even more impressive at night. It¡¯s referred to by many names: The Capital of Light, The City That Never Sleeps¡­ She insists its true beauty emerges under the moonlit sky, and I find myself looking forward to witnessing that spectacle.


    We continue our journey, weaving through the crowd until we reach the main market, where the air brims with a symphony of enticing aromas¡ªroasted meats, freshly baked bread, and the sharp tang of exotic spices from open-air food stalls.


    However, sightseeing isn¡¯t our priority.


    ¡°As expected, they¡¯re here,¡± Sophia mutters, tugging at my sleeve.


    Following her gaze, I spot wanted posters plastered across a nearby notice board. Each one bears our faces, accompanied by the intimidating sum of two million crowns per head. A bounty of six million crowns in total for the three of us.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± I whisper to Yumi, who nods apprehensively.


    Curious about the value of this bounty, I quietly ask Sophia how much everyday goods¡ªlike bread or meat¡ªcost in crowns. After her explanation, I do some mental math. It appears that one crown roughly equates to one US dollar, meaning we each have a two-million-dollar price on our heads.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± I say under my breath, and we slip away from the bustling crowd, doing our best to keep our faces hidden. The size of this bounty is precisely why we need to reach the black market as soon as possible.


    As we leave the main thoroughfare, Sophia leads us down a narrow alleyway. The contrast is striking: the lively bustle of the city fades into dimly lit corners and hushed shadows, the lamplights fewer and farther between. Eventually, we stop in front of a worn, unremarkable pub sign reading ¡°The Jumpy Hare.¡± Instead of using the main entrance, Sophia takes us around to a stout wooden door at the back. It bears no sign, just thick planks and iron hinges.


    ¡°Master, this door is enchanted,¡± Sophia explains in a hushed voice. ¡°If you just open it normally, you¡¯ll find nothing but a useless little storage room. But if you knock in a specific pattern, like this¡­¡±


    Knock.


    Knock knock.Stolen novel; please report.


    Knock.


    Knock knock.


    The door creaks slightly open, revealing an eye, old and wrinkled, examining us intently.


    ¡°Password?¡± a raspy voice inquires from behind the barely open door.


    ¡°Basilisk¡¯s tears,¡± Sophia whispers.


    The door creaks open fully, granting us entry, and then promptly closes the moment all three of us step inside. The sound of the heavy lock sliding into place reverberates through the dimly lit space.


    But we are not at the market yet. A steep, narrow staircase spirals downward, shrouded in darkness. The descent feels endless, each step accompanied by the faint echoes of our footfalls against the cold stone walls. The air grows heavier, laden with dampness and the faint scent of mildew. After nearly five minutes, we finally reach the bottom, and the black market unfolds before us.


    ¡°Oh, this place is huge!¡± I exclaim, unable to mask my surprise. I hadn¡¯t expected a space this vast, especially after navigating such a confined entrance.


    The market spans a cavernous underground chamber, roughly the size of a football field. Lanterns hanging from the rocky ceiling emit an eerie blue glow, barely illuminating the space and adding to the clandestine atmosphere. There are no proper stalls here; instead, merchants display their wares on rugs or mats spread across the uneven ground, and beneath many of these mats, faintly glowing magic circles catch my eye.


    Curious, I lean toward Sophia and ask Sophia about the circles.


    ¡°Those are for if something happen, they can teleport themselves out immediately,¡± she replies


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    And not only that, around us, everyone is masked or hooded, their faces carefully hidden. Anonymity here isn¡¯t just a precaution¡ªit¡¯s a requirement. This hidden world thrives on secrecy.


    ¡°Yumi, stay close,¡± I whisper.


    She nods, her small hand clutching tightly onto my arm. Her wide eyes dart nervously around the shadowed surroundings.


    And then, the deeper we venture, the more I take in the unique sensory details of this underground bazaar. The sound of dripping water echoes faintly from somewhere unseen, mingling with hushed voices and the occasional clink of metal. The air carries a blend of earthy dampness, the sharp tang of metal, and the smoky aroma of burning herbs.


    Merchants hawk a wide variety of goods. Vials of colorful liquids shimmer under the weak light, promising everything from healing to poison. Weapons of all shapes and sizes are displayed next to stacks of faded, arcane-looking books. Piles of monster parts¡ªclaws, scales, and even preserved eyes¡ªare arranged alongside bundles of strange herbs. Every corner of the market feels steeped in mystery, with the faint undercurrent of danger.


    Interestingly, I notice several signs emblazoned with the words ¡°Platinum Trade.¡±


    ¡°Sophia,¡± I whisper, leaning closer. ¡°Do people here trade platinum too?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes! Platinum is really, really valuable here! It¡¯s even a hundred times more expensive than gold!¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is it because it¡¯s too rare?¡±


    ¡°Partly,¡± she nods, before elaborating. ¡°But it¡¯s not just about scarcity.¡±


    She then explains it to me in more detail. Turns out, this silver-white metal has the unique property of disrupting mana flow, effectively interrupting spells. It can be crafted into weapons to counteract magic users and monsters that depend on magic. On the other hand, armors forged from platinum can shield its bearer from magical assaults, making them a perfect choice to go against a mage.


    However, just as I hypothesized, platinum is exceedingly rare, making it incredibly expensive. The kingdom even goes to great lengths to hoard and restrict the supply of it. As a result, the black market has become the prime venue for platinum trading, offering the most competitive prices.


    Despite this, a gram of platinum still commands a price a hundred times greater than its weight in gold, and among the so-called platinum equipment available here, many are nothing more than cheap fakes. Genuine items with more than 3 percent platinum content would already be considered a treasure find.


    Knowing that, I can¡¯t help but grin. I have platinum with me¡ªpure platinum from Earth, right in my pocket.


    After all, platinum played a crucial role on how I hijacked my way here, into this fantasy world..


    But, of course, we didn¡¯t come here merely to trade metal. Our primary objective is located in a remote corner: an accessory shop managed by an impressively tall, muscular man with wolf ears.

 Chapter 15: Chameleon gem

    The wolfman merchant stands at least two meters tall, his muscles bulging beneath his clothes. Despite the black mask that covers all but his piercing eyes, his imposing physique makes him easily recognizable as the most intimidating figure in the entire black market.


    ¡°Psst, Curtis, I¡¯ll take three of these,¡± Sophia whispers, pointing to a specific box filled with earrings of various shapes and sizes. Each one is adorned with a small gem of varying colors, known as ¡®Chameleon gems.¡¯


    Interestingly, these gems are a rare find, dropped only by high-level chameleon monsters in a specific area within the mountain dungeons. They grant the wearer the ability to alter their appearance. While not exceedingly difficult to acquire, the possession of Chameleon gems has been criminalized by the kingdom, making it a capital offense. This has driven the price far beyond its intrinsic value.


    Fortunately, Sophia seems to have a history with Curtis. On our way here, she mentioned they had worked together in the black market for several years. When he hit rock bottom in life, she helped him, so the guy is deeply indebted to her.


    However, Curtis¡¯s response is unexpected.


    ¡°One hundred thousand crowns each,¡± the wolf-eared man declares, a grin evident even beneath his mask.


    ¡°Excuse me?! Are you serious?¡± Sophia¡¯s disbelief is palpable. ¡°They¡¯re not worth a tenth of that! Curtis, what is the meaning of this? Are you joking?¡±


    ¡°Okay, feel free to shop elsewhere then,¡± Curtis says nonchalantly, his eyes narrowing into slits. ¡°Oh, wait¡ªyou can¡¯t. I¡¯ve already made sure of that. I¡¯m the only vendor with these in stock, Sophia.¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Sophia¡¯s voice rises, a mix of anger and incredulity coloring her tone. ¡°Curtis, what the hell did you do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Curtis replies smoothly, leaning closer. His voice lowers into a raspy whisper, dripping with smug satisfaction. ¡°Just a little arrangement between me and my associates. But I must say, boss, I¡¯m impressed. That bounty on your head¡ªnow that¡¯s a number worth talking about.¡±


    ¡°YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!¡±


    Sophia¡¯s temper boils over. She slams her hands against the table, causing the items on display to rattle. Her face flushes red with fury as she unleashes a string of curses, her anger erupting in a way I hadn¡¯t seen before. Without hesitation, she grabs Curtis by the collar of his shirt, shaking him with a force that would unsettle most.


    But Curtis doesn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°Are you buying or not?¡± he asks coolly, brushing her hands off his shirt as if swatting away an annoying fly. His nonchalance only fuels Sophia¡¯s frustration.


    Realizing the precariousness of our situation, Sophia takes a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She knows we don¡¯t have the luxury of walking away empty-handed. These gems are essential for our plan, our survival, and Curtis knows it.


    ¡°Fine, how about twenty thousand each?¡± Sophia offers, gritting her teeth.


    ¡°Alright, since we go back a long way, I¡¯ll give you a discount.¡± Curtis¡¯s masked face tilts slightly, his eyes alight with amusement. ¡°Eighty-five. Take it or leave it.¡±


    Sophia groans, reaching into her pouch with visible reluctance. ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I watch quietly, somewhat amused. She once told me how Curtis was a trusted partner, someone she considered close. Yet he¡¯s betrayed her for a quick profit, proving once again that loyalty in these underworld dealings is fleeting at best. Even strong bonds can be snapped in an instant for the right price.


    ¡°Here¡¯s one hundred thousand crowns,¡± Sophia says, her voice trembling with simmering rage as she slams a bag of coins on the table. ¡°I don¡¯t have the rest of the money right now, but I¡¯ll pay the remainder in two days. Draft a damn contract for it!¡±


    Curtis shakes his head, his wolf ears twitching slightly. ¡°Nope, that won¡¯t cut it,¡± he replies, the corners of his muzzle curving into a ruthless grin. ¡°You¡¯re a wanted criminal now. If you get caught tomorrow, who¡¯s going to pay your debt?¡±


    ¡°CURTIS!!!¡± Sophia¡¯s enraged shout reverberates through the underground market, causing several nearby merchants to glance our way. Her eyes blaze with fury, as though she might leap across the table at any moment. ¡°I had your back when you were down and out. Isn¡¯t it time you returned the favor?¡±Stolen novel; please report.


    An unsettling silence settles over us. Finally, Curtis inclines his head, a cold gleam in his eyes. ¡°Alright then,¡± he says, folding his arms across his broad chest. ¡°One hundred thousand crowns¡­ plus the ring on your hand.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Sophia gasps, as though she¡¯s just been struck.


    My gaze follows hers to the ring in question¡ªa stunning golden band adorned with a massive ruby. The gemstone catches the dim light, casting fiery red reflections across the table. It¡¯s no ordinary ring. Back on Earth, something like this would be a priceless treasure, worth tens of millions. The ruby alone dwarfs even the Estrela de Fura, the largest ruby ever sold.


    ¡°But¡­ this ring is¡­¡± Sophia stammers, clutching her hand protectively.


    ¡°Is what?¡± Curtis interjects, his voice low and cutting. ¡°Worth more than your life?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s gaze shifts between the ring and the earrings. Her jaw tightens, and a resigned sigh escapes her lips. Slowly, reluctantly, she begins to slide the ring off her finger.


    But I¡¯ve seen enough.


    ¡°Sophia, stop,¡± I say firmly, stepping forward.


    Her hand freezes mid-motion as she looks up at me, her expression a mixture of confusion and relief. The weight of her hesitation tells me all I need to know¡ªthis ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. It¡¯s a part of her, tied to something deeply personal. Perhaps a family heirloom? Not that it matters. What matters is that I won¡¯t let her sacrifice something so significant.


    Without another word, I reach into my pocket.


    BAM!


    The metallic clang of platinum striking the table reverberates through the air. Five gleaming platinum bullets roll into view.


    ¡°P-p-platinum!?¡± Curtis stammers, his eyes widening in disbelief. His usual composure vanishes as his hands tremble slightly, hovering over the bullets like they might disappear at any moment.


    ¡°M-M-Master!¡± Sophia echoes, her voice trembling just as much as Curtis¡¯s. ¡°H¨Chow did you get your hands on so much platinum!?¡±


    Both of them look as though they¡¯re on the verge of fainting, their astonishment filling the tense silence.


    I smirk inwardly. I had prepared for the possibility of platinum being valuable, but even I hadn¡¯t anticipated this reaction.


    ¡°Wolfman,¡± I say, the upper corner of my lips curling up, ¡°is this enough? Four platinum bullets for four earrings. Do we have a deal?¡±


    Curtis swallows hard, his voice faltering. ¡°Y-yes! Absolutely!¡±


    With unsteady hands, he quickly scoops up the bullets and deposits the Chameleon Earrings into a small pouch, sliding it across the table. It¡¯s still an outrageous trade¡ªthose earrings aren¡¯t worth even half this much¡ªbut I can¡¯t afford to haggle over something as vital as our survival. These earrings will give us the cover we need. No amount of wealth matters if we don¡¯t live to spend it.


    Curtis pockets the bullets, his demeanor shifting. He leans in close to Sophia, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper.


    ¡°Since you saved my life once, let me offer you one last advice,¡± he says.


    Sophia eyes him warily, her anger barely contained after their tense negotiation. ¡°And what nonsense do you have to say now?¡± she spits, her voice thick with resentment.


    The wolf man lets out a sinister laugh. Then, his tone turns ominous as he utters a single, chilling word:


    ¡°Run.¡±


    The moment the word leaves his lips, he vanishes!


    Before I can process what just happened, the bustling black market dissolves around us, vendors, wares, and every trace of life vanishing as if snuffed out by an unseen force. The vibrant chaos is replaced by an eerie stillness. The once-thriving marketplace now lies silent, deserted, and ominous.


    Then, it happens.


    A glowing magic circle flares to life beneath our feet.


    ¡°Sophia! Yumi!¡± I shout, urgency slicing through the quiet.


    Grasping their hands, I attempt to pull them free, but the magic circle¡¯s pull is relentless. The realization crashes down like a hammer: we¡¯ve been set up. Curtis wasn¡¯t just extorting us¡ªhe was working with someone else to capture us. The entire transaction was a carefully laid trap!


    But the understanding comes too late.


    A barrier erupts, translucent yet impenetrable, its shimmering walls enclosing us in a cage of pure magic. Sophia throws herself against the barrier, unleashing a flurry of kicks and punches, her desperation palpable. Her attacks, however, prove futile, the barrier absorbing each strike with cruel indifference.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± she snarls, slamming her fists against the shimmering wall.


    Yumi clutches my arm tightly, her wide, fearful eyes darting around as if searching for an escape.


    Despite the escalating tension, I force myself to remain calm.


    Stretching out my hand, I trail my fingers along the barrier¡¯s surface. Its cold energy tingles against my skin as I study the intricate symbols woven into its structure.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± I murmur, my voice steady despite the chaos.


    This barrier¡­ it¡¯s remarkably similar to the one that protected the summoning circle, which summoned me into this world.


    No, it¡¯s even less complex than that.


    And if that¡¯s the case, then, there¡¯s always a way out.


    But I hold back. Whoever orchestrated this isn¡¯t finished yet. Better to let them reveal themselves.


    Moments later, the heavy silence is shattered by the ominous clinking of armor and the deliberate rhythm of approaching footsteps. The air grows heavier with each step, tension thick enough to choke on.


    I turn toward the source, my gaze locking onto a towering figure emerging from the shadows.


    A bloated man, his grotesque frame draped in opulent noble attire, strides forward with an air of arrogance. His beady eyes glint with malice beneath a crown of thinning, greasy hair. Though unmistakably human, the man¡¯s appearance bears a resemblance to that of an orc. Behind him trail dozens of women¡ªelves, beastkin, and humans alike¡ªall clad in tattered clothes and slave collars, their faces are all void of emotion and their eyes don¡¯t show any will to live anymore.


    ¡°Bromrik the Chainmaster¡­¡± Sophia recoils, her voice trembling with dread, her eyes widening in alarm.


    Judging by Sophia¡¯s reaction, that guy must be bad news, because I can clearly see the terror on her face.

 Chapter 16: Bromrik the Chainmaster

    ¡°Do you know him?¡± I whisper, glancing at Sophia.


    ¡°I do,¡± she answers, voice shaky and grip tightening around my arm. Her entire body trembles, as if she¡¯s trying to steady herself against a rising tide of dread. ¡°He¡¯s a brutal slave master who owns hundreds of slaves. Don¡¯t be fooled by their appearance¡ªsome of them are immensely powerful. I know because¡­ I worked with him once. He handed me those women, and I¡­ I turned them into his slaves.¡±


    The confession hangs in the air, heavy and fraught with regret.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I say quietly, arching an eyebrow. ¡°And how strong are they compared to me?¡±


    She inhales, struggling to maintain her composure.


    ¡°Bromrik isn¡¯t strong. But his combat slaves are all well-trained. None of them are as strong as you though, except the two girls walking by his side. Despite being only Elite Warriors, their speed has already reached that of Champion Rankers.¡±


    My gaze zeroes in on the pair of slender elves.


    ¡°Those two? The ones with daggers?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sophia confirms. ¡°Moon elves. Deceptively fast, ruthlessly efficient. Wait, are you seriously intending to fight them? Can you even get out of this barrier in the first place?¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s something I would like to try.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s insight sharpens my focus: in this world, appearances are dangerously misleading. The elven pair, initially overshadowed by the grotesque presence of Bromrik, now command my attention. Their delicate frames, smaller even than a teenage girl¡¯s, suggest fragility at first glance¡ªalmost malnourished. But turns out, those two are the most dangerous.


    Menacingly, Bromrik approaches us. Up close, his grotesque face twists into a wide, leering grin, surrounded by the stark contrast of the beautiful, broken women trailing behind him. The image is nauseating, evoking the worst kind of predatory indulgence.


    ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t my darling Sophia!¡± he crows, voice dripping with malicious glee. ¡°And what do we have here? A handsome fellow and a cute little girl.¡±


    Yumi flinches at his words, edging behind me, her small fingers digging into my sleeve.


    ¡°We want nothing from you, Bromrik,¡± Sophia retorts, though her voice a little shaky. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for ages¡ªcan¡¯t you find it in you to show an ounce of conscience? Just let us go, and we¡¯ll leave quietly. No trouble.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Bromrik¡¯s twisted grin widens, his beady eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. ¡°Trouble?¡± he repeats, ¡°my dear, if I let you go, the only trouble I¡¯d face is missing out on a six-million-crown bounty! And as for conscience, Sophia¡­ you know me far too well.¡± His tone plunges into mocking derision. ¡°Do I really strike you as someone with a moral compass?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face pales at his cold dismissal. Her fists clench, nails biting into her palms. The tension in the air thickens, and the quiet drip of water from the cavern walls sounds unnaturally loud.


    Meanwhile, I can¡¯t help but laugh quietly at the absurdity of it all.


    So, that¡¯s the situation. Understandable.


    The bounty on our heads is so absurdly high that even those who once worked with Sophia, like Curtis and now Bromrik, have revealed their true, treacherous colors.


    ¡°M-master,¡± Sophia whispers to me. ¡°Do- do you have any platinum left?¡±


    Her desperation is palpable. She¡¯s clinging to the faint hope that a bribe might save us, recognizing the near-impossibility of surviving a confrontation.


    ¡°I do,¡± I reply flatly. ¡°But do you really think he¡¯d let us go if we paid him?¡±


    Her silence speaks volumes.


    Not a chance. Curtis had only cooperated because he knew Bromrik was coming, scheming to wring every bit of value from us before betraying us. But Bromrik the Chainmaster? His greed and ruthlessness are legendary, obviously. He¡¯d kill us without hesitation, seizing both the platinum and the colossal bounty.


    ¡°Then¡­ what should we do?¡± Sophia asks, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Simple,¡± I reply, then quickly load my gun with my platinum bullets.


    Sophia looks at me, confused.


    I suppose it¡¯s not surprising¡ªshe¡¯s never learned the intricacies of firearms. While she¡¯s seen me shoot, reloading a weapon is an entirely different matter for someone unfamiliar with its mechanics.


    With the gun ready, I take aim, leveling the barrel at Bromrik¡¯s grotesque face. The smug slaver stands confidently behind the glowing barrier, his arrogant demeanor suggesting he believes it to be an impenetrable fortress.


    ¡°Yumi, look away,¡± I whisper, shielding her from what¡¯s about to happen.


    Bromrik notices my movements and laughs, his voice grating and laced with derision. ¡°Hoho! What do we have here? A magic wand?¡± he mocks. ¡°Go ahead, try your little trick! This barrier is of rank five! No one can possibly brea¡ª¡±


    BANG!


    The deafening shot reverberates in the vast chamber. The barrier shatters. The platinum bullet, with unerring precision, finds its mark, drilling itself deep into Bromrik¡¯s skull. Blood and brain matter spray outward in a gruesome display, painting the cavern in shades of crimson.


    Bromrik the Chainmaster crumples like a discarded rag doll, lifeless before he even hits the ground.


    It¡¯s just that easy.


    For a moment, silence blankets the chamber, broken only by the faint echo of the gunshot fading into the distance. I step forward, through the shattered remnants of the barrier, my gaze sweeping over the motionless forms of the women surrounding Bromrik.


    Their faces are blank, their eyes hollow. Their stillness is unnerving, but not unexpected. Slaves, bound by the commands of their master, exist solely to obey. With no orders to follow, they remain frozen, purposeless. They won¡¯t attack.


    Moreover, as a slave owner myself, I am now well aware of how a slave contract works: a slave can never harm their master nor disobey the master¡¯s orders.


    And then, there¡¯s the most important thing: when the master dies, all the slaves will instantly die too.

 Chapter 17: Silver Bullets

    Back then, I devised a meticulous three-step plan to cross into another world and find Anna. It was a journey that tested every ounce of my determination and ingenuity.


    Step 1: Document the missing persons, protect that information from World Correction.


    Every trace of data was critical. I scoured city police databases, telecom records, internet service providers, real estate agencies, and even my extensive network of security cameras and drones. The phenomenon I had come to call World Correction erased all evidence of a person¡¯s existence once they were summoned into another world. Memories faded, records disappeared, and even their loved ones seemed to forget.


    But for some reason, I could resist it. Ever since I overcame its effect the first time, information I committed to memory remained untouched, safeguarded in my mind like a vault immune to external tampering.


    With this ability, I documented countless cases of people disappearing into thin air. Each case contributed to a growing database¡ªpainstakingly detailed records of dates, locations, and circumstances. This information would form the foundation for the next step.


    Step 2: Deploy Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Deep Pattern Analysis and Prediction


    The next hurdle was deciphering the seemingly random patterns of these summoning events. The raw data was too vast and chaotic for human analysis.


    That¡¯s where artificial intelligence came in.


    I developed a specialized AI algorithm designed to continuously process and refine its predictions in real time. This AI analyzed thousands of variables: weather conditions, lunar phases, electromagnetic disturbances, population density, and even fluctuations in city power grids. Its mission was to identify correlations and patterns that would pinpoint summoning events.


    Initially, it was like searching for a needle in an ocean. The patterns eluded even the AI¡¯s cutting-edge capabilities. But over time, the system grew smarter. The data revealed two key predictors: fluctuations in the city¡¯s power grid and the alignment of certain stars.


    With this breakthrough, the AI narrowed its focus to five key locations in Japan: Akihabara, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Dome City Attractions, Sakura Senior High School, and Roppongi Hills.


    By the time the AI reached a 96% prediction accuracy, I was no longer wandering aimlessly. I was being guided directly to where the next event would occur. Real-time alerts ensured I was always one step ahead.


    However, even with this advantage, one insurmountable challenge remained.


    Step 3: Break the barrier to access the magic circle.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The final step was the most daunting: finding a way to hijack the summoning magic and enter the other world myself.


    The barrier surrounding the summoning circle was unlike anything I had ever encountered. Every attempt to breach it failed spectacularly. Swords, explosives, even high-powered lasers¡ªnone of it made a dent. It was as if the universe itself mocked my efforts, keeping me tantalizingly close yet insurmountably far from Anna.


    Weeks turned into months, and months stretched into years. Progress seemed impossible.


    Then, one fateful day in Roppongi Hills, everything changed.


    The breakthrough.


    I stood guard over one of the predicted summoning sites, my custom shotgun loaded and ready. As the clock ticked down, the barrier shimmered into existence right on schedule.


    A man appeared within it, thrashing and shouting for help. His pleas were futile¡ªthe barrier was impervious to sound, and no one could breach it. I readied my weapon, prepared for yet another fruitless attempt.


    But then¡­


    Crack.


    The sound was faint yet unmistakable.


    The man struck the barrier one last time, and to my utter astonishment, it shattered like fragile glass! The same barrier I had spent years trying to destroy crumbled before my eyes. He stumbled out, gasping for air, utterly unaware of the miracle he had just performed.


    I rushed to his side.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± I demanded, gripping his shoulders.


    He stared at me, bewildered. ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Break the barrier!¡± I pressed, my desperation evident.


    He shrugged, confused and unhelpful. My patience snapped. I needed answers, and I needed them now.


    ¡°Two hundred million dollars!¡± I blurted. ¡°Give me everything you¡¯re wearing, right now!¡±


    The man froze, stunned by the absurdity of my offer. But the promise of such an astronomical sum was too tempting to resist. Within minutes, he had handed over all his belongings, and I examined them meticulously.


    Among the items, one stood out.


    A ring.


    A platinum ring!


    Turns out, platinum was the missing piece all along. It was the sole element capable of shattering that maddening barrier¡­


    And that was how I achieved my goal: hijacking into another world.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back to the moment.


    The knowledge I have gained was immediately put to use. The platinum bullet tears through Bromrik¡¯s barrier and drills into his skull.


    Yet, an unsettling silence swiftly envelops the scene.


    Bromrik is dead.


    But why are these slaves still standing?


    ¡°Master, get down NOW!¡±


    Sophia¡¯s frantic scream pierces through the air, jolting me into action. I instinctively ducks and twists, narrowly avoiding a glinting blade aimed at my neck. The moonlit sheen on the blade reveals its wielder.


    Freaking moon elf!


    Before I can even process this, another dagger slices through the air. Though I tried, I couldn¡¯t fully evade it, and it raked my arm, opening a deep, searing wound.


    Backpedaling, I glance at the bleeding gash, feel the hot trickle of blood. In my mind, I have been certain, certain that once the master fell, the slaves would be dead as well. But as I turn to Bromrik, my heart drops.


    The wound I have inflicted, the wound that should¡¯ve ended him, is gone! He isn¡¯t down. Not even close!


    Confusion swirls within me.


    How?


    HOW THE FUCK THAT BASTARD STILL LIVE???


    But there¡¯s no time to think.


    ¡°End him! NOW!¡± Bromrik screeches in rage. At his behest, a horde of slaves jumps at me, launching an all-out attack!


    I need to act, and fast!


    ¡°Sapphire!¡±


    <Activated! Artificial Intelligent combat assistant. Code name: Sapphire>


    <Multiple adversaries detected: Count - 15.>


    <Threat assessment: Critical Danger>


    <Enhanced reflexes module now online. Temporal Manipulation activated>

 Chapter 18: Sapphire

    The moon elves slash and slash rapidly. I dodge by a hair¡¯s breadth. If it isn¡¯t for the inhuman reflexes that Sapphire¡¯s granting me, those daggers would have sliced my head off by now.


    Sapphire is my company¡¯s most advanced combat artificial intelligence, capable of turning even a novice soldier into a literal superman. Empowered by the colossal computational capabilities of a nuclear-quantum fusion chip in tandem with our avant-garde combat anticipation algorithms, she can perceptibly decelerate the flow of time itself while showing me the best course of action possible to dodge any incoming attack.


    <Temporal Manipulation at Maximum Capacity>


    <Temporal Distortion Ratio Achieved: 10.0!>


    Time slows down tenfold.


    I thought I was invincible, ready to take on any challenge in another world.


    But I was wrong.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Those elves are so fast that it feels like I am fighting ghosts! I cannot see anything at all, their movements are all blurry!


    Even with tenfold temporal distortion!


    Thus, I have to rely not only on visual but also auditory cues, fine-tuning my senses to detect even the slightest disturbances in the air, tracking the trajectories of their lethal strikes and predicting their next movement at the same time.


    Meanwhile, numerous other slaves stand far away, launching vicious fireballs at me and casting some kind of glowing magic on the elves.


    Fortunately, adapting to tough challenges like this one is precisely where Sapphire shines the most.


    This world has the element of magic. Therefore, my AI has to consider that as a newfound variable. It is not just processing data; it is also navigating a complex web of unpredictable factors, coming up with hypotheses and testing them at the same time. Then, all the data gathered will be refined to develop the best tactics to help me stand against those enemies.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    With that, seconds by second, I steadily get the hang of it. I adapt, I evolve. The elves¡¯ assaults become more and more predictable; the distant fireball spells lose their menace as I learn to maneuver with tactical precision and good positioning.


    Yet, it is still tough. Each dodge, each movement, feels like dancing on the edge of a knife. Every millisecond is a blur, every inch of space a potential death zone. In the span of mere seconds¡ªstretched into minutes by the distortion of time, I have already counted 50 near-death experiences!


    ¡°WHAT IS TAKING YOU ALL SO LONG? KILL HIM! NOW!¡± Bromrik¡¯s furious roar echoes. Like an angry orc, he is constantly yelling, getting more and more impatient.


    To me, that slave master is still the main target. If I want to win this battle, I have to kill him soon. Once I truly end him, all of his slaves will fall.


    But how?


    I have fired many bullets into his head, causing it to explode no less than ten times, killing him for sure. Yet, time after time, the bastard¡¯s body would twitch shortly thereafter; the blood would return to him like rewinding time, and he would ultimately shake off death¡¯s grasp as if it were nothing more than a pesky inconvenience.


    So how?


    How can I defeat a monster that simply refuses to die?


    As if all the odds were now against me, time is not on my side at all.


    My left arm is as good as gone; I cannot move it anymore. The surprise attack earlier has severed my nerves. And now, even with my enhanced body, I can feel the strain on my muscles. They are burning, screaming in protest due to the relentless exertion and the unnatural contortions I am forcing upon them.


    But I refuse to give up just yet.


    BANG!


    I fire another shot, and again, Bromrik gets up right after.


    He laughs and tries to taunt me. ¡°Hahahaha! It¡¯s useless! No matter what you do, you can¡¯t kill me! Just give up already!¡±


    Ha?


    Give up?


    I still haven¡¯t found Anna, I cannot give up just yet!


    My heart is still pumping, my soul is still burning with a fiery spirit!


    And those shots are not entirely useless at all. Even though it felt like I was wasting my bullets, I was just simply testing, looking for a solution. Yes, every problem has an answer, I just need to look hard enough, to test my theories, to find out the missing pieces of the puzzle. There is no way he can truly be immortal, he is obviously just messing with me. There must be a hidden mechanic behind his constant reviving. There must be!


    And not long after, I have found my answer.


    There are some slaves lying on the ground, lifeless, even though I didn¡¯t kill them.


    AHA! SO THAT¡¯S HOW IT IS!


    That bastard isn¡¯t invincible at all! He is simply sacrificing his own slaves to revive himself!


    ¡°So, as long as you have your slaves, you cannot be killed, huh?¡±


    Bromrik¡¯s face twists as I said it, his expression grim.

 Chapter 19: Uncertain fate

    Now I know Bromrik¡¯s secret. Whenever I kill him, he can just sacrifice one of his slaves to come back to life. That¡¯s probably why he has so many slaves to begin with. Sophia mentioned that he had over a hundred slaves. If that is the case, then I just need to kill until he has no one else to sacrifice!


    However, I only have ninety bullets left. It is simply not enough, even if I can one-tap him every time.


    So, how should I solve this?


    The answer is clear:


    I need help.


    ¡°Sophia!!!¡±


    I put my Desert Eagle back and take out my other gun.


    Pew!


    The bullet flies towards Bromrik, but it isn¡¯t meant to kill.


    ¡°Sophia! Kill that bastard!¡±


    I shout my command. Up until now, Sophia and Yumi have been taking cover behind a massive stone pillar far away. Because Bromrik is so mad at me, he has seemingly forgotten about their existence.


    As the slave pact takes effect, Sophia dashes out of her hiding spot. The absolute command pushes her forward, her trembling hands grasping a hammer from a fallen slave on the battlefield.


    ¡°NO! Master, please!¡± Her voice is a raw, guttural cry. Tears streaming down her face as she¡¯s shouting for her life, ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t do it! I¡¯ll die! MASTER!¡±


    Through the master-slave bond, I can hear her heartbeats reverberate in my mind, a tempest of fear and disbelief. She is convinced I have been plunged into madness and desperation, willing to throw her into the jaws of death for my own escape.


    But the truth is, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m trying to do. I¡¯m trying to win here, and save everyone!


    As she got to Bromrik, who¡¯s now lying flat on the ground¡­


    ¡°MASTER! PLEASE!¡±


    ¡°JUST SHUT UP AND KILL THE DAMN GUY!¡±


    ¡°AAaaa!¡±


    With a heart-wrenching scream, she raises the hammer and brings it crashing down onto that slavemaster¡¯s head.


    Ploosh!


    As a mage, Sophia isn¡¯t very strong physically, but it is still more than enough to kill a defenseless man..


    And of course, Bromrik¡¯s magic activates, sacrificing one of his own slaves. The blood and mushy flesh rejoins to form his ugly fat head again.


    ¡°Good! Now do it again!¡±


    Plooosh!


    ¡°AGAIN!¡±


    Plesh!


    The sound of smashing flesh along with another sickening thud echoes through the air.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s going on!?¡± Sophia shouts in panic and confusion, yet continues crushing Bromrik¡¯s head non stop. ¡°Why I¡¯m I not attacked? Why is he not reacting!?¡±


    ¡°Ha! Because he can¡¯t!¡± I shout. ¡°Now, keep smashing his freaking head until he¡¯s truly dead!¡±


    Plop!


    Another squelching blow.


    And soon, Sophia realizes my plan. Her horror immediately vanishes, and a terrifying smile plays on her bloody face instead. She keeps smashing and smashing.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    That bullet I fired earlier, it was a paralyzing bullet containing the most potent neuro-toxins that my lab had synthesized. Even in the smallest amount, it could block and damage nerves, leading to temporary full body paralysis. Sure, Bromrik can sacrifice his slaves to undo the damage, so what? That spell cannot purify his blood! And as the blood comes back, filled with neuro-toxic molecules, he will be instantly immobilized again, and Sophia will be there to deliver another death.


    Yep, with this vicious cycle of death. There¡¯s no way that bastard can escape anymore! He¡¯s now no more than a helpless bag of meat, getting smashed over and over again by Sophia.


    But the most important thing lies in how a slave pact works.


    As a paralyzed person cannot speak, Bromril simply could not give any command to his slave to come help him. So, the plan is simple. I will continue holding off the slaves¡¯ attacks. Meanwhile, Sophia is entirely free to kill their master until he runs out of slaves to sacrifice.


    However, I cannot celebrate just yet.


    Drip.


    Drops of blood hit the ground, and it is mine. From my own nose, more and more blood is dripping out. The metallic scent gets into my mouth..


    Same as Bromrik, I don¡¯t have that much time either. I¡¯m already at my limit here.


    Based on what I¡¯m seeing, it will take 1 second for his revival magic to kick in, 1 second for the blood and flesh to return, and 1 second for Sophia to kill the guy again. That means it will take around 300 seconds to kill all the slaves.


    That¡¯s over five minutes.


    So for five minutes, I have to stay alive for Sophia to kill him completely. Or else, both she and I will be dead.


    With another swift turn, I avoid death by a hair¡¯s breadth. The elves¡¯ attacks are still relentless. As combat slaves, they know neither fatigue nor pain, because the slave pact forces them to fight at full power as long as they can still breathe. There is no slowing down. Their attacks are always precise, swift, and deadly.


    ¡°Hah,¡± I laugh, wiping my bloody nose. ¡°Who will go down first? You? Or me?¡±


    Suddenly, time speeds up again. Sapphire¡¯s temporal distortion is losing its effect.


    <Warning: Power limit reached! Prolonging battle AI usage is dangerous!>


    ¡°SHIT! No, Sapphire! Overclock!¡±


    <Are you sure? Anymore usage is extremely dangerous!>


    ¡°JUST DO IT!¡±


    Overclocking my AI chip. I have to! The notification came much earlier than I would have preferred, but there is no other choice!


    Normally, overclocking an AI chip implanted inside the brain is not humanly possible. This is because the person will experience all sorts of adverse effects, like intense dizziness, nausea, or passing out. This mechanism is to make sure that the brain will always be safe from its own self-destruction.


    But I have much stronger mental fortitude than other people. I can overclock my AI chip as much as I want to, breaking all of its limits.


    <TING! Overclocked. Two hundred percent!>


    The world sharpens once again. My senses scream to life.


    The elves¡¯ attacks are once again dodgeable.


    But, resisting status doesn¡¯t mean my brain is indestructible. Along with the clarity is an ominous ringing in my ears, and an ethereal cacophony which seems out of place.


    My brain¡­


    At this pace, my brain is going to be fried sooner or later. That¡¯s because overclocking means going over the AI¡¯s limit. And what do machines generate a lot when they are overworking?


    Heat.


    An intense, blistering heat engulfs my head.


    Brains do not have pain or thermal receptors. This means the brain itself cannot detect temperature changes.


    However, the structures surrounding the brain do. So, basically, if I am feeling the heat going up inside my head like this, my actual brain temperature is already way, way too high.


    Right now, I am just like a thinly stretched band, on the verge of snapping any moment.


    And then, as I pass the five-minute mark¡­


    One moon elf falls, lifeless, while the other, still breathing, lunges at me with daggers in hand.


    But I cannot evade any longer. My body refuses to obey.


    Damn it¡­


    Is this how it all ends? Will I die here?


    Such thoughts race through my mind.


    Fate is such an asshole. I have tried so hard, even managed to get myself summoned into this damned world.


    Just a little bit more¡­


    Just a little bit more time, and I would be able to see her face again.


    And yet, this is it. I have no more cards to play.


    Sphhhlt!


    The cold steel blade comes, piercing deep into my throat.


    I¡¯m so sorry¡­ Anna¡­


    Seems like¡­ this is the end¡­


    Big brother¡­ is lost¡­


    I can feel my body slammed onto the ground, and the ground is sprayed red by the color of my blood.


    Sophia watches me in terror.


    Ah, right, if I die, then she will die too¡­


    Then¡­


    ¡°Re-lease¡­¡±


    I mutter the words.


    The master-slave bond has been severed. She¡¯s now free to go.


    Ever since I met her, there has been this unexplainable feeling within my heart, and now, even in my final moments, I cannot ignore it. Despite her attempt to enslave us, something tells me I can trust her. That beneath it all, she is a good woman, with kindness buried deep within her.


    So, before I depart this world, I want to set her free. There is no reason to drag her down with me. If she survives, perhaps she can care for Yumi in my place. That little girl, just this morning, I promised to protect her, a promise I now realize I cannot fulfill.


    Struggling to stay conscious, I hope for a few more seconds, but my vision begins to fade. Sophia¡¯s words reach me, but they are lost in the static that fills my ears.


    Then, darkness envelops me¡­


    ¡­ and my consciousness slips into the void.

 Chapter 20: A bittersweet dream

    The Canadian winter casts its icy spell outside, transforming the world into a serene wonderland. Snowflakes pirouette gracefully past the window, weaving a soft, white blanket over everything in sight. Inside our cozy room, the warm glow of a bedside lamp creates a gentle halo of light, warding off the cold. Anna sits beside me on the bed, her small frame nestled close. Her wide, eager eyes are fixed on the storybook in my hands, her anticipation as bright as the stars.


    Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel¡ªshe loves these timeless tales. Though we¡¯ve read them countless times, Anna reacts as if they are brand new, laughing at the whimsical moments and tearing up during the sad ones. She¡¯s just like any other kid¡ªpure, unguarded, and full of wonder.


    As I finish the last story, Anna yawns, her eyelids growing heavy. Slowly, she surrenders to sleepiness, resting her head on my shoulder. The room falls into a profound stillness, her soft breaths blending with the faint rustling of the snow-laden trees outside. It is in this quiet, in these fragile moments, that I feel complete. Her gentle presence is a balm, making everything else in the world feel distant and unimportant.


    ¡°Jack, can we stay like this¡­ just a little longer?¡± she murmurs, her voice drowsy and fragile.


    But those same words pierce through me like sharp knives. My chest tightens, my hands tremble, and I have to clench my jaw to hold back the wave of emotion threatening to consume me. For all the strength I pride myself on, moments like this reveal my vulnerability.


    ¡°Anna, I¡­ I have to go. I have to find you,¡± I manage to reply, my voice quivering. The effort it takes to keep my tears in check is agonizing.


    A true big brother never abandons his sister.


    And this¡ªthis is no more than a cruel fabrication.


    A dream¡­


    I grit my teeth, my mental defenses resisting the overwhelming desire to give in. Whoever crafted this fake dream knew exactly where to strike, how to exploit the deepest recesses of my heart. The illusion is perfect, almost suffocatingly so, tempting me to linger in its comforting embrace. Every fiber of my being aches to stay, to hold onto this fleeting moment of peace.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    But I can¡¯t.


    Because I know the truth.


    The real Anna is still out there, lost, waiting for me. This is nothing more than a mirage, a vicious trick designed to chain me here, and every second I spend indulging it is a second stolen from my mission to find her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­ please. Just a little longer. Stay with me,¡± Anna pleads, clutching my shirt with trembling hands. Her fragile voice, trembling with fear and desperation, shakes me to my core. Tears stream down her face, and the sight of her anguish shatters what little composure I have left.


    Tears blur my vision as I hold her close, her sobs blending with mine. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Anna¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t leave me here alone,¡± she whispers, her words slicing through me like shards of glass.


    Each plea, each tear, threatens to break me, but I force myself to endure. I have to. I don¡¯t have the luxury of staying, not when Anna¡ªmy real Anna¡ªis still out there, somewhere. Every second spent here is just another second wasted.


    ¡°I love you, Anna. More than anything in this world,¡± I murmur, running my fingers through her hair in a final, tender gesture. ¡°I will find you. I promise.¡±


    With one last, tearful glance, I pull myself away, stepping back into the harsh light of reality. The warmth of her embrace fades, replaced by the bitter chill of truth.


    As the illusion crumbles around me, her voice lingers.


    ¡°Then¡­ once you find me, can you promise to never let me go again?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± I reply, my tone firm, resolute. Then, my voice sharpens. ¡°And thank you, whoever you are. But if you dare pull something like this again, I¡¯ll fucking murder you and feed your remains to a hundred dogs.¡±


    ¡­


    Hearing that¡­


    The entity behind the illusion falters, its facade crumbling.


    Though it looked and sounded exactly like Anna, I always knew it wasn¡¯t her. The perfection of the illusion nearly fooled me, but the truth remained¡ªmy bond with Anna was something no imposter could replicate.


    ¡°How¡­ how did you know?¡± the entity asks, its voice a mixture of surprise and confusion. ¡°And since when?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I reply coldly, straightening my posture. ¡°I¡¯m her brother. How could I not?¡±


    I don¡¯t waste time seeking its identity. If it wanted me to know, it would have revealed itself by now. For now, its purpose remains a mystery.


    With a final glare, I push the door open, stepping into the blinding light that engulfs me. The cold, cruel world awaits¡ªbut so does Anna.


    And I won¡¯t stop until I find her.

 Chapter 21: waking up

    Consciousness creeps back, pulling me from the void. My eyes flutter open, revealing a hazy, indistinct world. Pain throbs through every fiber of my being, from the pounding ache in my head to the sharp protests of overworked muscles. It¡¯s relentless, almost unbearable, but it¡¯s also a reassuring reminder¡ªI¡¯m still alive.


    ¡°Master, you¡¯re awake!¡± A familiar voice slices through the fog clouding my mind. Sophia.


    I turn toward the sound, expecting to see her familiar face. But when my vision clears, my heart nearly stops.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± I blurt out, staring in disbelief at the figure before me.


    The woman smiles playfully. ¡°Master! How can you forget your own slave so easily?¡±


    ¡°Hahhh!? Sophia?!¡±


    Sophia giggles, her expression teasing as she winks at me. A shiver races down my spine.


    This¡­ this can¡¯t be real!!!


    Standing before me is not the Sophia I remember. No, not at all. This woman has a near-irresistible allure, her figure impossibly curvaceous, her features ethereal. Her fox ears twitch with each movement, and a luxuriously fluffy tail sways behind her. The human Sophia was undeniably stunning, but this version? She¡¯s like something out of a fantasy dream¡ªtoo surreal to believe.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s me!¡± she chirps, her radiant smile lighting up the room. ¡°Master, how do I look? Do you like it?¡±


    I open my mouth to respond, but words fail me. ¡°Ermm¡­¡±


    Her grin widens mischievously. ¡°I see. Then¡­ how about this?¡±


    With a twirl, she transforms yet again. Her already voluptuous figure becomes even more exaggerated. Her chest swells impossibly large, defying all logic!!!


    BOING!!!


    My brain short-circuits.


    ¡°Aaa! Good! GOOD!!!¡± I stammer.


    Sophia smirks, clearly enjoying my reaction. ¡°Oh? So¡­ you like this?¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± I mutter, quickly averting my eyes to preserve what little dignity I have left.


    As a man, I can¡¯t deny it¡ªboobs are my kryptonite.


    Anyways, with this performance, the chameleon earrings have just become my favorite items from this world. They¡¯ve turned Sophia into a walking fantasy.


    But I push those thoughts aside. There are more pressing matters to address, like how I¡¯m even alive after everything that happened.


    ¡°Alright, enough playing around,¡± I say, regaining a shred of composure. ¡°Sophia, what happened? How did I survive?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s teasing demeanor softens as she takes a seat beside me. She recounts the events patiently, her voice steady and calm. After we defeated Bromrik, I¡¯d suffered grave injuries¡ªa knife wound to the neck and severe trauma to my head. There had been no time to waste. With sheer determination, Sophia carried me to safety and sought out the most skilled cleric she could find. Their combined efforts saved my life, though I was teetering on the edge of death.


    ¡°And now?¡± I ask.


    ¡°We¡¯re safe for the time being,¡± she replies. ¡°This is a small tavern deep within Vera. It¡¯s discreet, and the owner is someone I trust.¡±


    I nod, absorbing her words. My condition has stabilized, but it took three long days before I finally woke from my unconscious state.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°And where is Yumi now?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s still early in the morning, so she¡¯s sleeping in her room.¡±


    A wave of relief washes over me. I was right to place my trust in Sophia. Not only had she saved my life, but she¡¯d also ensured Yumi¡¯s safety. More importantly, she hadn¡¯t betrayed me, even when she had the perfect opportunity to do so.


    ¡°By the way, Sophia,¡± I begin, leaning back slightly. ¡°I released you from the slave contract, so there¡¯s no need to call me ¡®master¡¯ anymore.¡±


    Her reaction is unexpected.


    ¡°Ah¡­ about that,¡± she says hesitantly, her tone shifting. ¡°Why did you do it in the first place? Setting me free?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I just didn¡¯t want to drag you down with me, that¡¯s all.¡±


    The slave pact was clear-cut: if the master died, the slave would also perish. It was a grim bond, one I couldn¡¯t bear to impose on anyone longer than absolutely necessary.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Sophia¡¯s voice grows sharper, her words more pointed. ¡°If you set me free, I could have betrayed you. I could have let you die, Jack. Worse, I could have captured Yumi and taken her back to the King in exchange for the restoration of my position. I¡¯m not exactly a saint; you know that. I could have done it. You knew that! So why? Were you out of your mind?¡±


    Her sudden outburst catches me off guard.


    Huh?


    What¡¯s with this rant?


    She¡¯s free now, yet she doesn¡¯t seem happy about it?


    Women¡­ sometimes they¡¯re truly impossible to understand.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t,¡± I reply, meeting her gaze evenly. ¡°So, Sophia, were you also out of your mind, just like me?¡±


    For a moment, she stares at me, her expression unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, she responds, ¡°Ah, yeah, I was an idiot.¡±


    She pauses, her lips curving into a faint smile. ¡°Anyway, you¡¯ve already set me free, so there¡¯s no way I¡¯m ever being your slave again! Never!¡±


    I chuckle, shaking my head. ¡°And why would I even want to do that?¡±


    The truth is, I¡¯d only used the slave contract as a temporary measure¡ªthe fastest, safest way to get us out of the castle alive. But even if I hadn¡¯t ended up nearly dying, I would have released her eventually. I detest the very concept of slavery. It¡¯s not just about being a ¡°nice Canadian¡± or holding onto modern ideals; it¡¯s a matter of fundamental human rights. Slavery shouldn¡¯t exist¡ªanywhere, under any circumstances. Even if a master treated their slaves kindly, it could never compensate for the theft of their autonomy and freedom.


    But something feels¡­ off.


    In the heat of battle, I was sure my injuries had been fatal. My brain had suffered severe trauma, and the moon elf¡¯s final strike had undoubtedly severed an artery. By all logic, I should be dead. Recovery from such catastrophic wounds would be impossible even with Earth¡¯s most advanced medical technology.


    Yet here I am.


    Could this world possess medical knowledge far beyond anything I¡¯d imagined? Or was there another, more mysterious explanation behind my survival?


    But as Sophia hands me a glass of water, something catches my attention.


    As Sophia hands me a glass of water, something catches my attention.


    ¡°Hold on, Sophia. Where¡¯s your ring?¡±


    Her movements falter, and her gaze drops to her hands. Her fingers instinctively brush over the empty space where the ring once rested.


    ¡°Ah¡­ about that¡­¡± she murmurs, hesitating.


    A heavy silence blankets the room, thick and unyielding.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone,¡± Sophia finally says, her voice tinged with a sorrow that cuts through the quiet.


    ¡°What?¡± The words escape me. I¡¯m in disbelief. ¡°Sophia, what do you mean, ¡®gone¡¯?¡±


    That ring meant everything to her. I remember how crushed she looked when Curtis demanded it. Now it¡¯s just¡­ gone? The whole thing feels impossible to grasp.


    ¡°I¡­ I used it on you,¡± she confesses, her words barely audible.


    Her admission takes me aback.


    ¡°What? Used it on me? How? Explain that to me!¡±


    Sophia takes a deep breath.


    Slowly, she begins to recount the story behind the ring.


    It had been a gift from her mother on her sixth birthday, a cherished treasure that held not just sentimental but mystical significance. The ruby wasn¡¯t just a gemstone¡ªit was infused with the tear of a Phoenix, a mythical creature whose essence granted unparalleled regenerative and resurrection powers. The ring¡¯s magic could only be used once, its effects consumed entirely in a single act of salvation.


    And that was why I survived.


    There was no god-like cleric who had miraculously healed me. No advanced magic performed by an unseen savior.


    It had all been the ring.


    Sophia, in a moment of desperation, had sacrificed her most valued possession¡ªa tangible, irreplaceable link to her mother¡ªfor my sake.


    ¡°Sophia¡­¡± My voice falters. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s alright. It¡¯s gone.¡±


    She waves it off, but I can see the sadness lingering in her eyes.


    But I¡¯d rather not dwell on it. The ring is gone, there is no changing that now.


    ¡°I owe you big time on this, Sophia,¡± I say instead.


    ¡°No,¡± Sophia shakes her head. ¡°I was in the wrong first. I tried to harm you and Yumi. You can just consider this the punishment for all of my crimes.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you say so¡­¡± I trail off. ¡°Anyway, since we are not in that kind of relationship anymore, how about we drop the formalities? To be honest, I don¡¯t really like being called ¡®master.¡¯ So, just call me Jack.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sophia says with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m very glad to meet you, Jack.¡±


    ¡°Same here. Nice to meet you, Sophia,¡± I say.


    Her smile just now makes the world around us glow with a gentle light.


    And for reasons I can¡¯t quite explain, my heart suddenly aches.

 Chapter 22: Breakfast time

    After our conversation upstairs, Sophia and I make our way down to the tavern¡¯s dining room, eager to grab a hearty breakfast. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meat and sausages wafts through the air, and my stomach growls like a wild beast. I need nutrition. I need it badly.


    As we step into the room, my eyes are immediately drawn to Yumi, seated at a table near the window. A black cat is nestled comfortably in her lap, purring softly as she strokes its fur.


    ¡°Hey, good morning,¡± I greet her with a smile.


    ¡°Jack!¡± Yumi¡¯s face lights up at my arrival. ¡°You¡¯re awake! How are your injuries? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, I¡¯m all better now,¡± I confirm with a robust laugh, settling down at the table.


    Sophia joins us too. ¡°You know, Yumi helped me take care of you. She was so worried about you that she even volunteered to stay up all night yesterday, but I told her that there was no need, as your condition had stabilized,¡± she explains.


    ¡°Woah, I really appreciate your help, Yumi.¡±


    ¡°No, it was nothing,¡± Yumi shakes her head, blushing a little. ¡°Sophia was the one who saved you. I only did what I could, and it wasn¡¯t much.¡±


    I guess she can be a bit shy when someone compliments her.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m sure that I was only able to heal so quickly because of you. And I¡¯m glad you are safe, Yumi.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you, Jack,¡± Yumi replies with a smile. ¡°Anyways, how do you feel? Are your injuries hurting a lot?¡±


    ¡°Nope, all healed!¡± I answer while raising my chin up and showing Yumi my neck.


    ¡°Woaaah!!! There¡¯s not even a scar!¡± Yumi exclaims, her eyes widening in shock. ¡°But you were bleeding so badly, I thought you were going to die! Incredible!¡±


    Indeed. Her reaction mirrors my own when I first checked. No scar, nothing. The healing power of a Phoenix¡¯s tear is truly out of this world; it¡¯s as if my neck had never been stabbed to begin with.


    ¡°Well, I do feel something though, urghh¡­¡± I make a sour face.


    ¡°Huh? What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± both Sophia and Yumi jump from their seats and ask simultaneously.


    ¡°Urrghhh¡­ I feel¡­ HUNGRYYY!!!¡± I blurt out dramatically.


    It¡¯s supposed to be a joke, but no one laughs. Instead¡­ BOOM! Sophia punches me, her fist landing squarely in my stomach.


    ¡°Owww!¡± she cries. ¡°What the hell? Why is your abdomen so hard!?¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Haha, my muscles are like bricks, you know?¡± I reply with a grin. ¡°There are three hardest things in the world: diamonds, understanding women, and my abs.¡±


    ¡°Heh? What the heck are you talking about?¡± Sophia is not impressed.


    Meanwhile, Yumi makes a pouty face. ¡°Jack, please don¡¯t scare us like that!¡±


    ¡°Ah, sorry, sorry¡­¡± I apologize. Seems like my jokes are too much for them. ¡°But oh boy, I¡¯m so hungry right now I can eat a cow!¡±


    Without hesitation, I order a feast: forty strips of bacon, twenty sausages, and sixty eggs.


    As the food arrives, the girls watch me eat with eyes wide in disbelief. After all, their order combined is only a tenth of mine!


    ¡°Can¨C can you really finish all of that food?¡± Sophia is so shocked by the quantity.


    ¡°Of course!¡± I reply confidently.


    <Estimating entire meal¡¯s nutritional values: completed.>


    <Macronutrient: 7780 calories, 580 grams protein, 560 grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrate>


    Just like that, Sapphire provides a comprehensive breakdown of the entire meal¡¯s nutritional values in a split second. It¡¯s a mountain of food indeed, but exactly what I need in order to replace the muscle loss from an extended period of bed rest. A giant intake of high-quality protein and fat is crucial for my recovery.


    ¡°And by the way,¡± I say, turning to Yumi, ¡°is that your new friend? Would you mind introducing him to us?¡±


    There is a cat napping on her lap that catches my attention.


    ¡°Yes! His name is Charcoal. I met him yesterday morning, but he already likes me!¡± Yumi responds with a smile.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful!¡± I say.


    I didn¡¯t know there were cats in this world as well. Very nice. Out of all the animals, cats are my favorite, even though they can be assholes sometimes.


    Yumi shares that Charcoal was a stray who, for some reason, had taken a liking to her. That morning, upon drawing back the curtains, she discovered him perched on the balcony. After offering him some treats, the two quickly formed a close bond, becoming the best of friends. The name Charcoal simply refers to the color of his fur. It¡¯s a fitting name.


    ¡°Yumi, may I pet him?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Of course! He¡¯s so nice; he won¡¯t bite!¡±


    I then reach out my hand, touching Charcoal¡¯s fur.


    ¡°Ooooh, he¡¯s so nice indeed!¡±


    True to Yumi¡¯s words, the cat remains docile under my touch. His eyes flutter open briefly before he settles back into sleep. However, my intention isn¡¯t just to pet him. I also take the opportunity to assess his health via Sapphire. His fur is clean and silky. I find no wounds, injuries, nor signs of illness on his body. His breathing and heartbeat are both normal. Overall, Charcoal appears to be in excellent health.


    Is this really a stray cat? I wonder. There is no name tag or anything like that on him.


    ¡°So¡­ erm¡­ Jack, can we keep him¡­ as a pet?¡± Yumi asks, looking at me with puppy eyes. I also notice Sophia¡¯s eyes searching for my approval too.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t see why not!¡± I nod, patting Yumi¡¯s head. ¡°But if he¡¯s your pet, then you have to take good care of him from now on. Can you do that?¡±


    ¡°YES!¡± Yumi¡¯s eyes light up, and the brightest smile blooms on her face.


    That reminds me, I have never seen Yumi so happy like this, ever since we got summoned into this world. Sophia seems happy as well. She joins in petting Charcoal for a while.


    ¡°However, you still have to be careful, Yumi,¡± I warn. ¡°There could be some diseases transmitted via pet scratches or bites.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right!¡± Yumi nods. ¡°I will be!¡±


    ¡°So, Sophia,¡± I then turn and ask, ¡°is there any veterinary service in this world? I mean, something like healthcare, but for pets? I would love to have Charcoal checked soon, to make sure that he¡¯s healthy and safe.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sophia confirms immediately. ¡°We have a guild dedicated to beast tamers, if that¡¯s what you mean. There are healers there who specifically care for animals.¡±


    ¡°Perfect!¡±


    And with that, we welcome the fourth member to our party¡ªCharcoal¡ªa cute little black cat who loves to nap and laze around most of the day.

 Chapter 23: Discussion

    After finishing our breakfast, we retreat to our room to discuss the day¡¯s plans in privacy. Two pressing matters need attention, the first being the black market incident a few days ago¡ªspecifically, what I now call the Bromrik incident.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised we got away so easily,¡± I begin, voicing the thought that has been nagging me. ¡°It feels too good to be true. To think Bromrik was the only one who showed up.¡±


    Sophia sits across from me, her brow furrowing in contemplation. ¡°You¡¯re right. Now that I think about it, that is strange.¡±


    If both Curtis and Bromrik knew we were coming to the black market, it stands to reason that others would have as well. The bounty on our heads wasn¡¯t exactly a secret. A fight involving Bromrik should have drawn spectators, opportunists lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike. Once Bromrik was dead, they would have had an easy six million crowns between the three of us.


    But none of that happened.


    ¡°How Bromrik knew about us is one thing,¡± I say, leaning back in thought, ¡°but how he managed to clear the entire black market of vendors is even more suspicious. That place was bustling when we arrived, but within minutes, it was deserted. The whole setup felt staged.¡±


    Sophia nods, her lips pressing into a thin line.


    ¡°And another thing¡­¡± I continue. ¡°A battle like that, with so many casualties, should have caused an uproar. Bromrik wasn¡¯t just some thug; he had deep ties to both the underground world and the aristocracy. His death should have been major news, something that shook the city or even the entire kingdom.¡±


    It¡¯s only natural that when a tidal wave crashes, smaller waves follow. The water shouldn¡¯t have calmed down this fast.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Sophia suddenly sits up straighter, her eyes widening. ¡°Are you saying someone cleaned up the mess for us?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I confirm. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    But who?


    And more importantly, why?


    Whoever this person¡ªor organization¡ªis, they must wield considerable influence in the underground market. They not only silenced any potential fallout from Bromrik¡¯s death but also seem uninterested in claiming the massive bounty on our heads.


    Sophia fidgets nervously, her eyes darting to the window. ¡°What could they possibly want from us?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± I admit, ¡°but one thing is clear: they¡¯re watching us. And I¡¯m certain they¡¯re watching us right now.¡±


    Sophia gasps, her face paling as beads of cold sweat form on her forehead. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re serious?¡±


    I nod slowly.


    It¡¯s not just a deduction based on the recent events¡ªit¡¯s a feeling I can¡¯t shake. Ever since we came down for breakfast, I¡¯ve had this odd sensation of being watched. But even with Sapphire¡¯s surveillance capabilities, I can¡¯t pinpoint who or where they might be.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    The thought unsettles me.


    I can be wrong, though, since the whole ¡°sensing someone watching you¡± thing isn¡¯t scientifically proven. And as an enhanced human, my senses are finely tuned, stripped of unnecessary inputs that clutter ordinary perception. Yet this feeling persists¡ªa faint, inexplicable awareness that someone¡¯s eyes are on me.


    Could it be an aftereffect of my injuries? Or perhaps an undocumented side effect of the Phoenix¡¯s tear that healed me?


    I exhale deeply, trying to center my thoughts.


    There are too many questions and not enough answers.


    ¡°So, do you have any idea who this entity might be?¡± I ask, keeping my tone steady.


    ¡°Ah¡­ N-no. I¡ªI don¡¯t¡­¡± Sophia stammers, her voice faltering. ¡°Sorry, I¡ªI didn¡¯t even realize that we are being watched in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see¡­¡±


    That was an extremely obvious lie boldly written on her face. The pale complexion, the darting eyes¡­ It is as if someone is holding a knife to her neck, warning her to keep her mouth shut.


    But to see Sophia this nervous¡­


    I should probably watch out for her.


    ¡°Anyway, there¡¯s no point in worrying for now,¡± I say, keeping the atmosphere light. ¡°If they wanted to kill or capture us, they could have done so already. We need to stay cautious but not let fear control us.¡±


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re right,¡± Sophia nods quickly.


    And there it is, a slight relief on her face immediately after I say that.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move on to the next topic,¡± I continue, shifting gears. ¡°There¡¯s something else I want to discuss.¡±


    Information.


    Yes, in this world, or any world, information is power, and I¡¯m eager to gather as much as I can. My first instinct is to head to the library. However, Sophia has a different suggestion: the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.


    Her reasoning is sound.


    First, the Adventurer¡¯s Guild is one of the few organizations capable of issuing ¡°Identity Cards.¡± These cards are essential, functioning much like Earth¡¯s identification documents. Without one, conducting basic activities in this world will be nearly impossible. These cards display not only our names but also our ranks.


    There are five ranks, each associated with a color: gray, green, blue, gold, and crimson¡ªgray being the lowest and crimson the highest.


    Second, rank determines access and privileges. For example, gaining entry to the upper levels of the Library requires a higher rank. Higher ranks also provide various benefits: special discounts, better equipment deals, and invitations to exclusive organizations and events. To gain access to the resources and knowledge we need, advancing our rank is essential.


    ¡°Is there a way to simply buy a higher rank?¡± I ask, curious about shortcuts.


    ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± Sophia replies hesitantly. ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t recommend it. It¡¯s incredibly expensive, and besides, we¡¯re currently out of funds.¡±


    Her words catch me off guard. ¡°What do you mean ¡®out of funds¡¯?¡±


    After years of being a multi-billionaire on Earth, hearing those words feels¡­ alien.


    Sophia explains further. As a wanted person, she can no longer access her money at the commercial guild, and the money she has on hand is insufficient to buy a higher rank.


    ¡°Well, we aren¡¯t entirely out of funds,¡± I say with a grin, reaching into my bag.


    I pull out the remaining platinum bullets¡ªa total of fifteen. Curtis had taken four, and I had used one, leaving me with more than enough to make a dent in our financial situation.


    ¡°Whaaat!? You still have that many!?¡± Sophia exclaims, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I reply, smirking.


    If I¡¯d known just how valuable platinum was in this world, I would have brought more. But even with what I have, it should sustain us for a while. After that, I¡¯ll need to figure out a way to make money.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the black market and exchange ten of these for currency. I¡¯ll keep the rest for emergencies,¡± I propose.


    Sophia nods, agreeing with the plan.


    With our priorities set, we step out into the bustling city. The weather is perfect¡ªthe sun shines brightly, the sky stretches clear and endless above, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers through the air.


    Our first stop will be the black market to exchange some of our platinum for local currency. After that, we¡¯ll head to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild to secure our Identity Cards.

 Chapter 24: Adventurers Guild

    My platinum bullets are standard .50 Action Express, roughly equivalent to the weight of a coin. At the black market, I swiftly exchange ten of them for nine hundred gold coins. One gold coin equals a thousand crowns. We now possess nine hundred thousand crowns in buying power.


    With money in hand, our next stop is a high-end tailor shop. Entering the Adventurer¡¯s Guild dressed in tattered rags would only invite suspicion, especially if we plan to spend hundreds of gold coins purchasing ranks.


    Once properly outfitted, we make our way to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.


    The Guild is an expansive two-story building with soaring ceilings and walls adorned with intricately detailed maps. Notice boards filled with quests, bounties, and announcements line the interior, while long wooden tables and benches host adventurers engaged in hearty conversation. The atmosphere is vibrant and alive, a symphony of laughter, clinking tankards, and the occasional clash of weapons from sparring outside.


    As we walk through the main hall, I notice something odd. Numerous pairs of eyes seem to follow us. Adventurers pause their conversations to glance in our direction, patrons turn their heads subtly, and even some of the staff behind the reception desk appear distracted. A hum of whispers trails in our wake, growing louder with every step.


    Leaning closer to Sophia, I whisper, ¡°Uh¡­ are you sure your Euphonic Aura isn¡¯t active? Why are we attracting all these stares?¡±


    Sophia glances around, a mischievous smile curling her lips. ¡°Actually,¡± she says, her tone playful, ¡°I think they¡¯re looking at you, darling.¡±


    I blink, caught off guard. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Oh my, because you look so good right now!¡± she teases, leaning slightly toward me. ¡°Just look over there. Even the staff members are swooning!¡± She says and gestures discreetly toward the reception desk.


    I follow her gaze, my eyes landing on a group of receptionists. Sure enough, several of them are stealing glances in my direction, their cheeks tinged pink. One of them quickly looks away when I catch her gaze, her face flushing even deeper.


    At the moment, I¡¯m doing the same thing as Sophia¡ªusing the Chameleon Earrings to give myself a pair of fox ears and a tail. Yumi, too, has been transformed into a petite fox girl. Coupled with our freshly tailored clothes, we¡¯re masquerading as a wealthy fox-kin family visiting Vera for trade. The disguise is surprisingly convincing, and as long as it keeps our true identities concealed, I don¡¯t think I mind the extra attention it draws.


    We make our way to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild counter, where we are greeted by a receptionist. Her emerald-green eyes contrast strikingly against her dark brown skin, and her neatly braided black hair falls gracefully over her shoulders.


    ¡°Welcome to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. How may I assist you?¡± she asks with a polished smile.


    Sophia leans closer to me and whispers, ¡°Jack, let me handle this.¡±


    I nod, stepping back as Sophia takes the lead.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Sophia begins. ¡°We¡¯re here to obtain our Identification Cards.¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The receptionist¡ªAmy, according to her nameplate¡ªnods and retrieves a set of forms and a quill. ¡°Of course. May I have your names?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sophia replies smoothly. ¡°My name is Lisa Crowhart. This is my husband, Edward Crowhart, and our daughter, Helena. Additionally, we¡¯d like to purchase the highest rank available for my husband.¡±


    As Sophia speaks, she slides a hefty pouch of gold coins across the counter. The clink of metal against wood draws a flicker of attention from nearby adventurers, but Amy¡¯s reaction is more subtle. Her eyes dart to the pouch, and for a brief moment, her polished demeanor falters. She glances inside, her brows lifting slightly as she counts the coins.


    ¡°Yes, five hundred gold coins will suffice for the Crimson Rank. Shall we proceed?¡± she asks.


    Sophia nods. ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    Amy fills out our forms and then hands each of us a small, enchanted crystal. ¡°Please place your hand on the crystal. It will record your magical signature for identification purposes.¡±


    Sophia hesitates, her smile faltering for the briefest of moments. ¡°Erm, about that,¡± she says, her voice dropping slightly. ¡°Is it absolutely necessary? We trust the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, of course, but we prefer to protect our identities if possible. We are here for just a couple of days to trade with the royal families, dealing in rare monster parts¡ªdragon scales, cyclops¡¯ eyes, and¡­ basilisk¡¯s fangs.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Amy pauses, her expression changing suddenly. It is now somewhat more serious. Then, she blinks, and her eyes transform, taking on the deep purple hue of amethyst.


    Her gaze locks onto me, and a chill crawls down my spine. The air around her seems to thicken, her presence suddenly overwhelming, almost predatory. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s shed her facade, revealing something far more dangerous beneath. My instincts scream at me to step back, to ready myself for a fight, but I force myself to remain still.


    Then, just as quickly as it began, the tension dissipates.


    ¡°To expedite our registration, we are willing to contribute an additional two hundred gold coins,¡± Sophia offers, maintaining her composure.


    ¡°Oh, certainly,¡± Amy responds, her lips curving into a subtle smile. She winks at me without Sophia noticing, giving me another wave of chills.


    Honestly, what¡¯s with this dangerous woman? - I think, my mind racing. There¡¯s something about her¡ªsomething that feels evil, calculating, and utterly dangerous.


    We proceed to place our hands on the crystal, though it¡¯s more for show than function.


    With that, the registration process is swiftly completed.


    Amy then presents us with our new identification badges. They are sleek, card-like objects displaying our names, ranks, and small portraits that had magically materialized during the registration. My badge is Crimson Rank, while Sophia and Yumi¡¯s are Green Rank. They all have corresponding colors.


    ¡°Thank you for completing your registration,¡± Amy says, ¡°and I wish you success in your endeavors.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you very much,¡± Sophia responds.


    And with that, everything is settled. We bid farewell to Amy and exit the guild.


    However, as I watch Amy¡¯s expression one last time, I find her lips curved into a mischievous smile.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Moments later, we find ourselves in a quaint tea house, the warm aroma of brewing tea creating a comforting atmosphere. The soft hum of chatter around us provides a discreet cover for our conversation. As we settle into our seats and place our orders, I reach into my pocket, retrieving my identity card.


    There¡¯s something that has been gnawing at me, a question I dare not ask at the Guild.


    ¡°Sophia, do you recognize this?¡± I ask, sliding the card across the table toward her.


    But beneath the identity card lies another, far more inconspicuous one. Its transparency makes it nearly invisible when stacked beneath the main card. If not for the subtle difference in thickness, I might not have noticed it at all.


    Sophia¡¯s reaction is immediate and alarming. Her eyes widen, her complexion pales, and she visibly tenses.


    ¡°Oh gosh!¡± she gasps, her voice dropping to a frantic whisper. ¡°Put it away! I¡¯ll explain later!¡±


    Her reaction speaks volumes. Though she hasn¡¯t revealed anything yet, it¡¯s clear I¡¯ve stumbled upon something significant. My curiosity remains unsatisfied, but based on her alarmed response, I already have a vague sense of the gravity of what she¡¯s hiding.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I slide the cards back into my pocket, ensuring they¡¯re hidden from view.

 Chapter 25: Library

    The Great Library of Vera soars above us, and it is the tallest building in the city. Its walls are constructed with some kind of white marble that gleams under the sunlight.


    As we approach, the details of the structure amaze us even more.


    ¡°Wow, look at those pillars!¡± Yumi exclaims, her eyes alight with wonder as she takes in the colossal golden entrance gate. Intricate symbols and patterns adorn its surface, turning the gate itself into a work of art, while the gleaming fences surrounding the library look as if they¡¯re crafted from pure gold.


    ¡°Is this really a library? It looks more like a palace!¡± Yumi says, her astonishment obvious.


    I have to agree.


    If I didn¡¯t already know that it is a library, I might mistake it for the opulent residence of a king.


    But why would a mere library be this extravagant?


    Well, while libraries on Earth might be nothing special, in this world¡ªand in Vera, in particular¡ªthe Library is no less than a sacred place. This is because knowledge and access to books and other educational materials are heavily guarded by the nobles and wealthy. According to Sophia, the Library¡¯s gate only opens for those of Green Rank or higher. This rule ensures that the general populace remains weak, uneducated, and ignorant of various matters, thus keeping power firmly in the hands of the ruling class.


    Or at least, that is my theory.


    At the gate, we show our identity cards to the guards, who promptly step aside to let us in.


    Once we pass through the imposing entrance, we find ourselves in a lush garden brimming with flowers of every color and trees in full bloom. A serene pond shimmers beneath the sunlight, and a winding cobblestone path leads to the library¡¯s grand double doors. Crafted from dark, polished wood and embellished with delicate gold accents, the doors themselves are an impressive sight.


    ¡°There are twenty-one floors in total,¡± Sophia explains. ¡°Yumi and I can only go up to the first three. With your Crimson Rank, you can go all the way to the twentieth.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± I respond with a nod. ¡°What about the last floor?¡±


    ¡°Well, that one doesn¡¯t open for anyone,¡± Sophia says, ¡°Only members of the royal family can access this floor.¡±


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    And then, as we step through the doors, we¡¯re greeted by a flood of natural light pouring in through high-arched windows. The interior is breathtaking, with vaulted ceilings painted in vivid frescoes depicting myths and legends, seemingly poised to come alive. Plush red carpets mute our footsteps, and along the walls, towering bookshelves are crammed with tomes and scrolls.


    Before long, a woman approaches us.


    She¡¯s dressed in a neatly tailored navy suit¡ªsomewhere between formal office attire and scholarly robes¡ªand she wears large glasses that lend her a poised, studious air. Her short, curly ginger hair frames a beautiful face.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Good morning! Welcome to the Grand Library of Vera,¡± she says, offering a polite nod. ¡°My name is Catherine. May I see your identity cards, please?¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± I reply.


    Together, we hand over our cards.


    Catherine carefully examines the cards, ensuring their authenticity.


    Then, after a moment, Catherine addresses Sophia with a respectful nod. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Crowhart. You and your daughter have access up to the third floor. And Mr. Crowhart,¡± she continues, turning to me, ¡°with your Crimson Rank, you may go up to the twentieth floor. Please note that staff members will be checking identity cards at the staircases leading to the higher floors. Simply present your badge to them for access.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Thank you very much,¡± I reply, bowing my head slightly in acknowledgment.


    ¡°It¡¯s my honor, Mr. Crowhart,¡± Catherine says with a courteous smile. ¡°Please enjoy your time in the library, and let me know if you need anything further.¡±


    With that, she steps aside, leaving us free to explore the library within the limits of our respective ranks.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    I take a few moments to wander around, familiarizing myself with both the layout of the building and the library system itself. To my astonishment, the library follows a system remarkably similar to Earth¡¯s Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). Books are assigned numerical codes based on their subjects, spanning ten main classes¡ª000 through 999.


    For general works, it¡¯s 100¨C199. For philosophy and psychology, it¡¯s 200¨C299, religion; and so on, each of which is then further divided into ten divisions, and each division into ten sections.


    However, here, instead of social science being the fourth class, it¡¯s magic and enchantment.


    Regarding language, the world has a common language called Lorelian. Every human and higher intelligent creatures or beings all speak it. It was created by the Heavenly Gods and angels, to help nascent races communicate. Infants over five months old begin to speak it, and everyone can read and write in it by age ten. This divine gift fosters understanding and unity across different races and cultures.


    Upon arriving here, we too are blessed with the ability to understand Lorelian. That¡¯s exactly why we can all understand and speak this native language right away.


    Once Catherine is out of sight, I turn my attention to Yumi. ¡°Yumi, I have a favor to ask while you browse the books,¡± I say.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Yumi tilts her head curiously.


    Reaching into my pocket, I withdraw a peculiar object from Earth.


    Yumi¡¯s eyes immediately light up at the sight of it. ¡°Your smartphone!¡± she exclaims. ¡°Mine¡¯s already out of battery, but yours is still functioning? How does that even work?¡±


    ¡°Nuclear power,¡± I answer with a grin and a wink. ¡°Anyway, here¡¯s what I need you to do¡­¡±


    I then outline my plan: Yumi will use my phone to scan books on the first three floors, allowing me to upload and analyze their contents later. This approach will save me a great deal of time, as I won¡¯t have to comb through the same materials manually.


    Additionally, once I explore the higher floors, I can update the phone with more advanced knowledge. That way, Sophia and Yumi can still access the information despite their lower Identity Ranks. It¡¯s a sneaky little workaround for the system that only I can do, and of course, it feels like cheating a little bit.


    ¡°And which books do you want me to scan?¡± Yumi asks, her enthusiasm clear in her eyes.


    ¡°Anything that catches your eye,¡± I reply. ¡°History, magic, geography¡ªwhatever you find interesting.¡±


    ¡°Got it! Leave it to me!¡± Yumi says confidently.


    ¡°And if you get bored, feel free to ask Sophia to take you outside for some fresh air or to explore the city,¡± I add. ¡°As for you, Sophia,¡± I turn to her, ¡°I¡¯m planning to spend most of the day here on the higher floors. If I don¡¯t make it back by sunset, go on without me and return to the tavern.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Sophia nods. ¡°Have a productive day.¡±


    With our plans set, I focus on my primary objective.


    ¡°Sapphire,¡± I command silently. ¡°Initiate rapid scanning mode.¡±


    <Activated! Rapid scan mode. What would you like to scan?>


    ¡°Record all text that comes into view.¡±


    <Affirmative..>

 Chapter 26: Scanning the literature

    I have so much to learn but so little time. My hands move with urgency, flipping through pages like a hummingbird¡¯s wings in motion. With Sapphire¡¯s assistance, I can scan thousands of pages within minutes. The newfound knowledge pours into my mind like a cascade from Niagara Falls. Sapphire doesn¡¯t just store information¡ªit processes and organizes it in real-time, depositing it into its near-limitless database. With a single thought command, I can retrieve any piece of data whenever I need it.


    Yet, there is a bottleneck to this process. While Sapphire¡¯s scanning capabilities are virtually limitless, the real constraint lies in how fast I can physically turn the pages. For now, I prioritize books that seem most essential. The advanced tomes are stored on the upper floors, but I can¡¯t skip straight to them. Knowledge, like a house, must be built on a solid foundation. Starting with simpler texts on the lower floors, I methodically work my way up. It¡¯s like attending school all over again¡ªbut at super speed¡ªracing from high school to a PhD in mere hours.


    One by one, the subjects pile up: Mathematics, History, Geography, Magic Theory, Alchemy, Law, Philosophy, Demonology. With each new book, my understanding deepens until I become proficient in all of them. Before I realize it, half the day has passed, and outside the window, the moon now hangs high in the sky.


    But despite all this progress, two goals remain frustratingly unfulfilled during this trip to the library.


    The first is finding information about Anna. My expectations were tempered from the start, but I can¡¯t help feeling a heavy weight of disappointment. I haven¡¯t found anything¡ªnot a single lead. As I dig deeper, the absence of information feels increasingly deliberate. If summoned heroes are regarded as saviors destined to defeat the Demon God, shouldn¡¯t there be records of their existence? Yet, I can¡¯t even find a basic list of summoned individuals from recent years. The historical texts are equally silent. It¡¯s as if someone is actively suppressing every trace of their presence.


    What¡¯s more, I find myself questioning what the common people know about summoned heroes. The summoning ceremony was attended by nobles and high-ranking officials, but what about the lower classes? Do the ordinary citizens even know we exist?Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    But that aside, the second matter is something totally unexpected.


    I thought with Sapphire¡¯s help, I would be able to learn and master literally everything easily. In fact, I have never failed at anything academically. But it turns out, there is one particular subject here that I just can¡¯t grasp, and unfortunately, it happens to be the one I want to learn the most: The Enchantment Art.


    As the name suggests, this is the method of making enchanted items by modifying an object¡¯s properties using a specific type of magical writing. For example, one could make a sword shoot fireballs by giving it the ¡®fireball¡¯ enchantment; or make a knife sharper by enchanting it with ¡®sharpness¡¯. It sounds simple enough, yet, the real problem is¡­I can¡¯t read the enchantment blueprints at all! Not because they are too complicated or anything like that.


    I simply can¡¯t see them. All the blueprints I hold in my hand are just blank pieces of paper to my eyes.


    And that¡¯s because I don¡¯t possess a specific talent required to see them, called Enchanter¡¯s Sight.


    This special talent is a blessing that only a very small percentage of people in the world receive from birth. If the books are correct, then the odds are one in tens of thousands. Thus, only a few people born with that blessing can see the Enchantment writings and become Enchanters. In some kingdoms, there are even laws stating that if a person happens to have that skill, they will immediately be given nobility regardless of their background.


    This is because, unlike Lorelian, the universal language of this world, Enchantments use Arcanum, the language of the Gods. It can only be written with a special kind of ink, which is only perceived by chosen individuals with that unique skill.


    However, I can¡¯t give up just yet. I then spend a few extra hours searching for a way to bypass that limitation. What if there is a way for me to acquire that blessing? What if there is some alternative method to see Arcanum?


    Thus, I search again and again, flipping through countless books on enchantment, investigating the blueprints, even extending my search beyond the subject area.


    But still¡­ I can¡¯t find anything.


    And then, just when I think it¡¯s all over, that there is no way I could learn Enchantment Art¡­ a person approaches me.


    ¡°Ermm¡­ Mister, are you perhaps trying to learn this enchantment?¡± a girl¡¯s voice reaches my ears.


    She is right next to me at that moment, but because I have been so absorbed in my research, I failed to notice her.

 Chapter 27: Mirabelle

    As I turn around, I am immediately met with the sight of a lovely young lady. She has wavy black hair adorned with a big purple bow hair clip, striking purple eyes, and wears a gothic style dress. She looks even younger than Yumi, perhaps only twelve or thirteen years old. Yet, the fact that she is able to stand here with me on the top floors of the library means one thing: This girl has a Crimson Rank Identity Card too.


    From reading the Library¡¯s policy, I know that the knowledge held on these top floors is so precious that even the son or daughter of the King couldn¡¯t enter before they turned sixteen and became adults.


    But, there are exceptions.


    This girl isn¡¯t supposed to be here unless she belongs to this category. Meaning: she possesses extreme talents that are far beyond her age.


    I guess the old saying ¡°don¡¯t judge a book by its cover¡± is even more true in this world.


    But that aside, those amethyst colored eyes of hers, I feel like I have seen them somewhere¡­


    ¡°Oh, sorry for my rudeness,¡± the young girl says, executing a perfect curtsy before introducing herself. ¡°My name is Mirabelle Ashford. I¡¯m the sixth daughter of Count Howley Ashford. I see that you are looking into those Enchantment blueprints. They were my study materials a few days ago, so I got curious, wondering if there¡¯s anything I can learn from you. After all, at my current level, I can¡¯t seem to fully grasp them yet.¡±


    Hearing that, I am pleasantly surprised. This girl¡ªthe way she talks, the way she shows me great etiquette¡ªis way too mature for her age.


    ¡°Oh, such a pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Mirabelle,¡± I bow back with one hand placed on my chest to show her my respect. There¡¯s a big age gap between me and her, but here, we are equals. ¡°My name is Edward Crowhart. I¡¯m just a traveling merchant wanting to learn about the Enchantment Arts. But, my apologies, I wasn¡¯t able to study these blueprints either.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Mirabelle pauses for a second. ¡°Ah, I see. These enchantments are really, really complicated, so much so that even a Grandmaster would take weeks to study them. So, ermm¡­¡± She hesitates for a moment, then suggests, ¡°do you want to study them together? Maybe we can exchange our knowledge and learn from each other?¡±


    With that, I realize that the girl has misunderstood me as an enchantment expert, so I need to clear things up.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s more like I cannot see anything at all. I just don¡¯t have Enchanter¡¯s Sight,¡± I explain.


    But that was a mistake.


    The answer¡­ It makes Mirabelle furious!!!


    ¡°WHATTT!?¡± the young lady exclaims, visibly shocked. ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t have Enchanter¡¯s Sight? You¡¯re joking, right? RIGHT!?¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    I realize that I have stepped on a landmine.


    Mirabelle then unleashes her fury on me. As she continues yelling, her face turns bright red and her eyes fill with anger. I feel a cold chill; her murderous intent is clear on her face.


    I¡¯m taken aback, but I¡¯m not scared or anything. There¡¯s just something about an angry goth loli yelling and shouting at me that makes this more cute and funny than scary.


    ¡°When I saw you reading those papers, I thought you were a Grandmaster or something. But- But it turns out you just can¡¯t read Arcanum!? What the heck!? Argh!!!¡± She stomps her feet and snatches the tomes from my hand. ¡°What are you even doing here?¡±


    One of the basic laws in Enchantment Art is that a person should never read Arcanum words that are beyond their capability, as doing so could drive them mad.


    Therefore, the fact that I was reading those blueprints means one of two things: either I am a Grandmaster, the highest-ranked enchanter, or I am simply an idiot who can¡¯t even read Arcanum in the first place and doesn¡¯t know what the heck I am doing..And because Mira thought I was a Grandmaster, she approached me looking for a study buddy. When I revealed that I was not, she flipped out.


    So I could totally understand her anger. To an enchanter, those tomes containing enchantment blueprints are so precious that they must be treated with the utmost care. Thus, when an outsider like me touches them, it¡¯s similar to a major offense punishable by death.


    ¡°Sorry! I¡¯m very sorry!¡± I bow deeply, apologizing for my thoughtless actions. It feels strange apologizing to a child, but I was clearly in the wrong, there is no excuse.


    ¡°Hmmp!¡±


    Mira pouts. Seeing my sincere apology calms her down a bit, but her brows are still furrowed. ¡°Well, now that you know, don¡¯t do that again! But honestly, it doesn¡¯t make any sense. What are you even doing here in the first place? There¡¯s no way a person without Enchanter¡¯s Sight could learn this art! There¡¯s literally no point!¡±


    Yes, she is right.


    But then, an idea suddenly comes to me. The secret to seeing Arcanum¡ªwhat if I am looking in the wrong place? Mirabelle is a high-ranking enchanter, so perhaps she could give me some clue?


    So I quickly fake a story.


    ¡°Ah, you see, my business hasn¡¯t been going well lately, so I was just looking for another way to make money. It also happens that yesterday, a friend told me a rumor that there¡¯s a secret way to read Arcanum without having that particular talent, so here I am in the library looking for it. So¡­ ermmm¡­ Ms. Mirabelle, do you know anything about this? Can you tell me¡­ please?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What nonsense is that?¡± Mirabelle exclaims. ¡°Enchanter¡¯s Sight can only be obtained when you are born! Without it, you cannot see Enchantments! Those rumors are false!¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so? I¡¯m so sorry, I caused so much trouble just because of a false rumor.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, honestly¡­¡± Mirabelle sighs. ¡°Alright, I forgive you. But please don¡¯t do it again. I will report you to the guards if I see you touch those blueprints one more time!¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. Thank you for your understanding, Mirabelle.¡±


    With that, it seems like there is no more hope for me in learning the Art of Enchantments.


    However, just when Mirabelle is about to leave, she comes back.


    ¡°Oh, that reminds me, butterflies seem to be attracted to Enchantments. Maybe they can see it? Well, haha, it¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to become a butterfly or anything!¡±


    Huh?


    Butterfly¡­?


    They can see Arcanum???


    And at that moment, it sparks an idea inside my head.


    What if I could make my eyes see what a butterfly¡¯s eyes could see?


    Once Mirabelle is gone, I return to the Enchantment Art shelf and take out the blueprints again.


    ¡°Sapphire, activate augmented vision. Expand perceivable light wavelengths! Ultraviolet range!¡±


    <Understood. Enabling perception of UV light.>


    As my eyes change, the world instantly loses color and becomes shades of gray.


    However, I can clearly see now.


    The Arcanum writing glows brightly and beautifully.

 Chapter 28: Serpents Shadow

    Once I get back to our tavern, I tell Sophia about what happened at the library and about the lovely young lady I encountered.


    Sophia freezes mid-sip of her tea.


    ¡°WHAT? Mirabelle Ashford?!¡± Her cup clatters onto the table. ¡°You met THE Mirabelle Ashford!?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and I angered her a bit. Haha.¡± I laugh. ¡°But she forgave me, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°Oh boy,¡± Sophia slumps into a chair, dragging her palms down her face. ¡°You have no idea who she is, do you?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Is she someone very popular?¡±


    ¡°EXTREMELY POPULAR!¡±


    Sophia then enlightens me about who that girl really is.


    Mirabelle Ashford. She is the youngest person in history to reach the rank of Grandmaster Enchanter. People refer to her as the Child Prodigy, a genius who was born enlightened.


    To put it into perspective, there are only two people in the entire Kingdom of Valeria who have reached that level and are still alive. The first person is ArchDuke Eldric Harrow, Sophia¡¯s sworn enemy who murdered her family in the past. The second is Mirabelle Ashford. And if we count every other kingdom combined, meaning the whole world, there are only fewer than ten Grandmasters.


    ¡°My father was a Grandmaster Enchanter too, before he died¡­¡± Sophia murmurs. ¡°But back to Mirabelle, it takes a person their whole lifetime to reach that rank. But she achieved it at the age of ten! And that was two years ago! She¡¯s incredible! If she weren¡¯t so young, she¡¯d probably be the Enchanters¡¯ Guild¡¯s guildmaster by now. And to think that you made her angry¡­ Jackkkk¡­¡± Sophia shoots me an icy glare.


    ¡°Well, oopsie!¡± I throw my hands into the air. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to avoid seeing her from now on!¡±


    I laugh to ease the tension, but Sophia is not amused.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± I say, changing the subject, ¡°how about you guys? How has your day been so far?¡±


    The tension eases as Sophia exhales. ¡°Well, not bad. Yumi and I went to the Tamer Guild to have Charcoal registered and checked up.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Oh? And how is the cat?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s healthy. And we even found info regarding his previous owner. The guy was an old adventurer who went into the dungeon three years ago and never came back. So, Charcoal has been a stray ever since. I¡¯m so glad that we¡¯ve found him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, me too.¡± I nod. ¡°Poor Charcoal, he must have had it tough for these couple years.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°And now, is it time for you to tell me about this?¡±


    I take out my mysterious transparent card, the one that I asked Sophia about after the visit to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Apparently, it was too dangerous to talk about it then, so I had waited until we got home.


    Sophia¡¯s reaction is the same. She pales. Eyes dart to the bolted door, the salt-lined windows. She bites her lip and stays silent for a long moment. When she finally speaks, it¡¯s a whisper frayed with fear.


    ¡°D-do I really have to?¡±


    ¡°Sophia.¡± I slide into the chair opposite her, the card between us like a blade. ¡°Of course you do.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± she gives in, much easier than I thought. ¡°It¡¯s called the Serpent¡¯s Invitation.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As Sophia explains, I begin to understand the full picture. Why Bromrik was able to trap us. How we managed to escape from him. And how we got our identification cards so easily.


    The Basilisk¡¯s Order.


    Like the legend of the Illuminati on Earth, it is an underground organization that controls the world¡¯s order. From the black market to guilds, the Serpent¡¯s eyes see everything and secretly influence everything.


    ¡°Since you have received the invitation, that¡¯s all I¡¯m allowed to say,¡± Sophia concludes. ¡°Even if you make me your slave again, I wouldn¡¯t be able to tell you more than this¡­¡±


    As Sophia speaks, two black dots appear on her neck, resembling a snake bite. Black veins branch out from the mark, spreading like some kind of poison.


    Is that the spell that makes Sophia unable to speak about the Order? I wonder.


    ¡°Alright, I understand. I won¡¯t press you to tell me any more about this,¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Sophia says, and immediately, the mark on her neck disappears.


    ¡°But at least you can tell me how this thing works, right?¡±


    The card is undoubtedly an enchanted item. But even though I can now see Enchantments, I can¡¯t read it. It seems like some kind of encryption is in play since the words don¡¯t even resemble Arcanum.


    ¡°It¡¯s Serpent tongue,¡± Sophia explains. ¡°In essence, it¡¯s Arcanum but modified so that only the higher-ups can read it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, interesting¡­¡±


    That confirms my suspicion. On Earth, there are encryption methods called one-way encryption. Without knowing the method, there¡¯s no way I could read into it, even with the help of Sapphire. But to think this world has something similar intrigues me. I wonder who could create such a thing. The Basilisk Order must have some interesting individuals working for them.


    ¡°And about how it works. Well, when the time comes, you will know. But for now, please keep it on you at all times.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    After that, the conversation ends, and Sophia goes back to her room. I take my pills and go to sleep, dreaming of meeting Anna again.


    The Basilisk Order, if they are as formidable as Sophia says, then perhaps they will be able to help me.

 Chapter 29: Voices of Nature

    The next day, I go to the library again to finish scanning the rest of the books and to learn more about enchantments. Things go smoothly. Mirabelle is not here, nor do I want to see her.


    Hours slip by unnoticed, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of parchment or the distant chime of the tower bell marking the passage of time. By the time I descend the spiral staircase to the first floor, the sky beyond the arched windows has deepened to twilight, staining the marble floors indigo.


    Interestingly, when I get to the first floor and am about to go home, a familiar figure catches my eye. Yumi sits perched on a stone bench near the entrance, her nose buried in a leather-bound tome. Moonlight from a high window spills over her, gilding the edges of her hair as she turns a page.


    I simply watch her¡ªthe way her brow furrows in concentration, the faint smile playing on her lips¡ªbefore clearing my throat.


    ¡°Hey¡­ You are still here? Where¡¯s Sophia?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Jack!¡± She startles, nearly dropping the book. Her cheeks flush pink as she snaps it shut. ¡°I, um¡­ Sophia went back to the inn hours ago. But I thought¡­¡± She trails off, then brightens, rummaging in her satchel. ¡°Here! I saved these for you!¡±


    She presses a warm, grease-spotted parcel into my hands. The scent of smoked venison and rosemary rises through the parchment, and my stomach growls loudly enough to startle a nearby librarian. Only then do I realize I¡¯ve forgotten to eat all day.


    Knowing that we can¡¯t eat within the library, we step outside, the evening wraps around us like a velvet shawl, crisp and starlit. We amble down the cobblestone path flanking the library gardens, the silence between us comfortable, almost companionable. When I glance at Yumi, I notice a lightness in her step that wasn¡¯t there before¡ªher shoulders relaxed, her eyes reflecting the constellations above.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s that you¡¯re reading?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It¡¯s an encyclopedia on different plants,¡± she replies. ¡°Jack, I don¡¯t know if you will believe this, but I just found out that I can talk to plants!¡±


    ¡°What? Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°When did you find out?¡±


    ¡°A couple of days ago, but I was too scared to tell you guys about it. The morning after we escaped Bromrik, the ivy outside our window¡­ it hummed. Like a lullaby. Then the flowers in the market sang. The oak by the inn groaned about its aching roots¡­.¡±


    Slowly, Yumi tells me the whole story. It turns out that ever since she awakened her blood talent, she has been able to hear the conversation between plants. At first, she thought she was just hallucinating, that someone was putting a curse on her or she was going crazy. Luckily, after a few days, she was able to figure out the nature of her ability.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a special trait called Voices of Nature, Yumi.¡±


    ¡°Voices¡­ of Nature?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. But why didn¡¯t you tell us sooner? What if it was something bad instead of this particular talent?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Yumi murmurs. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to worry you guys.¡±


    ¡°Well, lucky for us that it¡¯s a blessing, not a curse or something like that.¡± I pat her head. ¡°But please, let us know if you find yourself in any trouble next time. Don¡¯t take everything on by yourself. Because as I promised, I will always be here to help you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Anyways, I have already come across some information regarding this when reading the books on the higher floors.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    I then share with Yumi my knowledge. Voices of Nature is an extremely rare skill that can be awakened by anyone regardless of race, age or their blood talent rank. The only requirement is that one must have affinity with the nature element, and have a pure, loving heart. As the name suggests, this skill will allow the person to not only hear, but also be able to have conversations with plants and nature spirits.


    Therefore, with this, Yumi¡¯s strength will be greatly improved.


    However, something seems wrong. Despite being a rare skill, Voices of Nature isn¡¯t valued as much as something like Enchanter¡¯s Sight or other rare skills and talents.The books that I¡¯ve read do not state any clear reason why. Could it be that it¡¯s because this skill doesn¡¯t have high combat potential?


    ¡°Well, if you can already talk to plants, do you even need to read these books? Can¡¯t you just go out and ask them directly?¡± I then ask.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s actually not that simple,¡± Yumi shakes her head. ¡°I tried talking to them, but it turns out that plants have their own¡­ personalities, or something like that of humans. Some are really friendly and chatty, but others are quite reserved. A few even got¡­ grumpy when I tried to talk to them. I believe I need to find a way to gain their trust first if I want to utilize this skill properly¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh! So that¡¯s how it is!¡± I exclaim, having realized the answer to my earlier question.


    No wonder why this skill is deemed mediocre. My predictions were a bit off, but now, knowing the principles behind it, it all makes sense. The reason why people disregard nature-type magic, it¡¯s not because it¡¯s weak or anything, but because it¡¯s extremely hard to use. For example, Takumi¡¯s fire allows him to cast fire spells right away, producing immediate results. But in Yumi¡¯s case, her skill will take a lot more practice, patience, and even luck to master.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite interesting, so they¡¯re not all just waiting to lend a hero a leaf or a vine?¡±


    Yumi chuckles at the pun but shakes her head. ¡°No, not really. And it¡¯s more than that. Just because I can talk to them doesn¡¯t mean I immediately understand everything about them, nor can I command them. I¡¯ve learned that each plant has different needs and preferences. Some like certain soils, others need specific light conditions, and I don¡¯t know half of these things. So even when they do talk back, sometimes I¡¯m not sure what they need or how to help them.¡±


    This insight shifts my perspective further. One might assume that such a talent would automatically bestow expertise in botany, but the reality is quite different. Merely being able to converse with plants doesn¡¯t guarantee an immediate bond.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s just like talking to people, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Just like with people, we can freely talk and have conversations with others, but at the end of the day, not many of us have a large circle of friends. In fact, some people become enemies precisely because of the things they say.


    ¡°It sounds like you¡¯ve got a learning curve ahead, but that¡¯s why you¡¯re reading that book, right?¡±


    ¡°Yep! I¡¯m hoping that by learning more about their environments and how to care for them, I can build better relationships with the plants. Maybe then, they¡¯ll be more willing to assist us.¡±


    I nod in agreement. ¡°Just like people,¡± I say, ¡°you can¡¯t gain trust and cooperation without understanding and respect. Anyways, I¡¯ve just read about some plant monsters. Would you like to discuss them?¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Yumi exclaims, her eyes immediately lighting up. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d love to! Do you, by any chance, know about those cabbage-looking creatures that can fly? They¡¯re adorable in the illustrations from the book! They have a name, but it slipped my mind. It¡¯s¡­ um¡­¡±


    ¡°Flufflecabbages?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Flufflecabbages!¡±


    I have the whole encyclopedia about monsters in this world memorized, so of course, I know about those little fellas. These whimsical creatures aren¡¯t exactly plants but more like natural spirits that inhabit plants. It¡¯s debatable whether that makes them plants or something else. Regardless, they can take on the forms of flying carrots or tomatoes, though they seem to have a particular obsession with cabbages.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Yumi continues. ¡°Do you know that the color of their leaves can change based on their mood? They are so cute! I wonder what they sound like¡­¡±


    ¡°I think they only make puru puru sounds,¡± I answer. ¡°Oh, wait a minute! That reminds me, what do plants sound like when you talk to them? I mean¡­ do they speak Japanese? Or do they speak Lorelian?¡±


    ¡°Ah, neither.¡± Yumi answers. ¡°It¡¯s very hard to describe because it¡¯s not sound, but some kind of¡­ I don¡¯t know, I just instantly understand it. It¡¯s like our consciousness is directly connected.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. And do different plants have different¡­ um¡­ voices?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and I can feel their emotions too. Most of them are kind, but there was one that was extremely scary¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡±


    This information isn¡¯t even in the books I¡¯ve read, so I¡¯m now even more intrigued. I then spend some more time talking with Yumi, learning about her talent, so that perhaps I can help her out more in the future. Her ability to converse with plants could become an extremely valuable asset to me. After all, if I want to find Anna, I need all the information I can get. Maybe, just maybe, some very old tree somewhere happened to see my little sister in the past.


    Just like that, as we continue, time flies by again. High above, the moon hangs luminous in the sky, with stars twinkling and casting their gentle glow upon the serene pond below.

 Chapter 30: Fluffelcabbages

    The next morning dawns crisp and golden, sunlight filtering through the tavern¡¯s leaded windows as I finish a series of stretches in my room. Downstairs, the clatter of cutlery and murmur of early risers drift up the staircase, mingling with the aroma of sizzling bacon. When I enter the dining hall, Yumi¡¯s voice rings out like a sunbeam.


    ¡°Good morning, Jack!¡± She waves eagerly from a corner table, her smile stretching ear to ear. Sophia sits beside her, her usual stoic demeanor softened by the ball of midnight fur curled in her lap¡ªCharcoal, our new pet cat, snoozing with one paw draped lazily over his eyes.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I wave back. ¡°Good morning. You two sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, like a log,¡± Sophia replies.


    I settle into the creaky wooden chair across from them, its legs scraping against the flagstones. As usual, I order a heaping plate of bacon, sausage, and eggs, while Sophia nibbles daintily on a stack of honey-drizzled pancakes. Charcoal stirs briefly, sniffing the air, before resuming his regal slumber.


    Midway through a bite of sausage, Yumi leans forward, her brows knitting. ¡°Jack, I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ since this is a new world, we need to be extra cautious. Our bodies might need time to adjust, especially our immune systems. I wonder if there are any germs or viruses here¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s an interesting point,¡± I muse, wiping grease from my fingers with the linen towel. ¡°How about we try to find that out? I¡¯ll work on rigging up a microscope.¡±


    ¡°Really? You can do that?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± I chuckle at her enthusiasm.


    Making a microscope isn¡¯t complicated¡ªit¡¯s just magnifying lenses and a light source shining through the sample. However, without electricity in this world, I¡¯ll have to improvise. Perhaps I can experiment with glowing magic stones or other magical light sources. The principles remain the same, so it shouldn¡¯t be too much of a challenge.


    That said, while viewing bacteria shouldn¡¯t be an issue, seeing viruses is a different story. A normal microscope simply won¡¯t do.


    I¡¯d need to figure out how to construct an electron microscope if I want to observe something that small. There¡¯s also the intriguing possibility of incorporating magic into the design. Maybe enchanted lenses? Or perhaps a magic-technology hybrid system?


    The ideas swirl in my mind, and I can¡¯t wait to start experimenting.


    ¡°That aside, I just made a new friend!¡± Yumi suddenly announces, her voice bright with excitement. ¡°I found him this morning!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± I lean forward, curiosity piqued. ¡°Is he here right now?¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°There! He¡¯s right over there!¡± Yumi exclaims, pointing eagerly to the center of the table.


    Amidst the breakfast spread sits a ceramic bowl holding what appears to be an oversized cabbage. For a moment, I wonder why it¡¯s there and why the hell no one has chopped it up for a salad yet. But under Yumi¡¯s adoring gaze, the ¡°salad¡± suddenly moves. A cluster of leafy folds unfurls, revealing two bright, obsidian-like eyes and a mouth curved into a mischievous grin.


    ¡°A Flufflecabbage!¡± I exclaim in shock.


    What a coincidence!


    We were just talking about them last night, and now, here it is¡ªa real Flufflecabbage, right in front of me!


    So, what the books said was true. Flufflecabbages really are masters of disguise. This one blended in so seamlessly with the breakfast spread that I¡¯d almost mistaken it for an ordinary cabbage!


    ¡°His name¡¯s Fufu!¡± Yumi beams. ¡°He¡¯s moving in with us!¡±


    I instinctively extend my hand for a handshake before realizing my mistake¡ªFlufflecabbages don¡¯t have hands.


    Yumi giggles at my blunder, and I quickly adjust.


    ¡°May I¡­ pet him, then?¡±


    She leans in, whispering something inaudible to Fufu.


    Fufu¡¯s leaves flush emerald.


    ¡°He says you¡¯re polite for a two-legged,¡± Yumi translates, eyes crinkling. ¡°Gentle pets only¡ªno leaf-plucking!¡±


    ¡°Haha, of course!,¡± I assure her, reaching out gently.


    My fingers brush against the leaves. The texture is exactly like a cabbage out of the fridge¡ªcrisp and cool. A resonant purr vibrates beneath my fingertips, rhythmic as a cat¡¯s but deeper, like wind through reeds.


    ¡°Oh, he likes you!¡± Yumi claps.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s awesome!¡± I reply, pleasantly surprised.


    Sophia reaches out as well, and Fufu seems to adore her just as much.


    ¡°Hey, remember what I told you yesterday? About their color changes?¡± Yumi prompts excitedly.


    ¡°Aha! His leaves are actually changing color!¡±


    The shift is subtle, but I can definitely see the green becoming more vibrant the longer we pet him.


    ¡°Yup! And that means normal people can communicate with them too if they want,¡± Yumi enthusiastically explains. ¡°Here, you just need to notice their body language and the sounds they make. For example, when Fufu is happy, he purrs softly like he¡¯s doing now, and his leaves are bright and green. But when he¡¯s sad, his leaves turn yellow and droopy. And in case of danger, he¡¯ll emit a high-pitched sound and his leaves will show red or purple hues.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see!¡±


    Yumi must have learned all of this while caring for Fufu. I feel proud of her¡ªshe¡¯s finally been able to apply her unique talent. Flufflecabbages are notoriously shy creatures, and few people have ever managed to befriend one. The fact that she did is a testament to her patience and dedication over the past few days.


    ¡°So, how did you find him?¡± I ask, still stroking the leafy little creature.


    ¡°He was being chased by some stray dogs this morning! I couldn¡¯t just stand by, so I saved him!¡± Yumi¡¯s face lights up with a heroic glow.


    ¡°That was very brave of you,¡± I say, giving her an approving nod.


    Fufu purrs louder, as if agreeing with my praise.


    ¡°That aside, what are you planning to do today? Are you going to the library again?¡± Yumi asks.


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s somewhere else I need to go. It¡¯s called the Enchantment Guild. Do you know what enchantments are?¡±


    ¡°Ermmm, no¡­¡± Yumi shakes her head. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t know much about this world¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll tell you later when I come back,¡± I say. ¡°For now, I need to know if I can really do this thing called enchantment.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m a Master Enchanter, so I can teach you the basics!¡± Sophia chimes in, puffing her chests proudly.


    ¡°Alright, please teach me, teacher Sophia!¡±


    And with that, after finishing breakfast, we escort Yumi back to the Library to study before heading to The Enchantment Guild.

 Chapter 31: Enchantment Guild

    Enchanting is the intricate art of imbuing objects with specific characteristics, fundamentally altering or enhancing their natural properties. This process can amplify an object¡¯s existing strengths or grant it entirely new abilities.


    For example, applying a Sharpness enchantment to a knife refines its edge. Likewise, infusing armor with Durability bolsters its resistance, making it significantly tougher against attacks.


    However, enchantments extend far beyond simple augmentations. Advanced applications include utilizing space-attribute magic to transform an ordinary door into a dimensional portal¡ªsimilar to the hidden entrance of the black market¡ªor crafting chameleon earrings that allow the wearer to change their appearance with nothing but a thought.


    At present, my body has already reached the pinnacle of human physical potential. There is no more room for natural growth; surpassing this limit is practically impossible without external intervention. Relying solely on my guns and Sapphire, my AI, won¡¯t be enough in the long run. If I truly want to thrive in this world, I need to evolve beyond Earth¡¯s limitations, to acquire skills and abilities that were once nothing more than fiction.


    This is why I turn to enchanting.


    But why enchanting specifically, rather than mastering spellcasting?


    The first reason is purely practical¡ªcreating and selling enchanted equipment is an excellent way to generate income. I could, of course, sell my platinum bullets for a fortune, but that would be shortsighted. Those bullets are a finite resource, a lifeline I may desperately need in the future. Trading knowledge and craftsmanship for wealth is a much more sustainable strategy.


    The second reason is far simpler, yet far more frustrating¡ªI cannot use mana. My Common Rank blood talent places a hard limit on my ability to wield magic. Even though I¡¯ve stored extensive knowledge of magic theories, spell structures, and arcane principles within Sapphire, none of it matters if I lack the fundamental ability to harness mana.


    Enchanting, however, offers an alternative path¡ªa loophole in the rigid system of magic. Unlike traditional spellcasting, which demands an internal mana supply, enchanting allows anyone to wield magic, regardless of their innate affinity. Instead of learning to cast Fireball, I can create a staff that does it for me. The enchantment itself handles the magic, drawing power from the environment or from an external mana reservoir, such as a magical gemstone. This means I can wield magic without ever needing to produce it myself.


    That being said, the art of enchanting is not without its challenges. Its complexity is what makes it a field reserved only for the exceptionally gifted. Mastering it demands an unparalleled level of precision, patience, and intellectual rigor. For most, this makes enchanting a near-impossible skill to attain.


    For me, however, it is perfect.


    Because in its essence, enchanting is nothing more than coding.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Except, instead of programming with Python or Java on a computer, I am scripting in the language of the gods¡ªArcanum.


    And who just so happens to be one of the best coders Earth has ever seen?


    Me, of course.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    With that goal in mind, Sophia and I now stand before the Enchantment Guild of Vera.


    From the outside, the building is tall and imposing, its weathered stone facade standing resolute beside a majestic tree, its sprawling canopy painted in countless shades of red. Unlike the opulent shimmer of the Grand Library, the guild exudes a different kind of grandeur¡ªone not of wealth, but of craft and legacy. There is an undeniable energy humming through the air, like the steady pulse of a beehive. People stream in and out constantly, the sheer movement lending the building an aura of ceaseless activity.


    Stepping inside, we are immediately swept into a tide of motion, the atmosphere as bustling as a market at its peak. The air is thick with a cacophony of voices¡ªhaggling merchants, eager customers, and the rhythmic clinking of gold coins exchanging hands. Here, those who dedicate their lives to the art of enchantment are known as enchanters. The guild serves as both a sanctuary and a proving ground, a place where these artisans push the boundaries of their craft.


    However, enchanters themselves are a rare breed. The majority of people crowding the hall are either merchants hawking their wares¡ªenchanted items, rare materials, and specialized tools¡ªor wealthy buyers eager to acquire magic-infused artifacts. Due to their scarcity, enchanters are revered, their works fetching astronomical prices. A single item crafted by a grandmaster, or even just a master enchanter can easily command millions of crowns, turning it into a treasure coveted by nobles and elite adventurers alike.


    I barely take three steps before I¡¯m swarmed.


    ¡°Sir, are you interested in our enchanted swords?¡± one pitches enthusiastically, ¡°These are the works of Master Kresx, capable of slicing through Salamander skin with ease!¡±


    ¡°Hi! Do check out our latest fire-resistant cloaks! They can withstand even tier 4 fire magic!¡± another beckons.


    ¡°Please have a glance at these self-cleaning clothes! We can also enchant your favorite garments to stay perpetually clean!¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t miss out on these swords!¡±


    ¡°And these bows!¡±


    ¡°And these axes!¡±


    Of course, they all see me as a potential customer since I am wearing expensive clothes. I, however, stride past them, paying little heed to their sales pitches. My priority lies elsewhere. I¡¯m here for something far more critical¡ªEnchantment Ink, the foundation for my first foray into the world of enchantment.


    ¡°Jack, this is the place I was telling you about,¡± Sophia says, pointing towards a specific vendor. The merchant, a short, stout man with a long beard that marks him as a typical dwarf, stands behind a stall adorned with a sign reading ¡®Lucas Ink.¡¯


    Approaching his stall, I take in the array of containers on the table. Each is filled with what looks like clear water. To an untrained eye, these containers would seem indistinguishable, mere colorless liquids, yet their price tags tell a different story. They range from a few hundred crowns for a large bottle to hundreds of thousand crowns for a tiny tube.


    ¡°So this is enchantment ink¡­¡± I murmur.


    Indeed. Enchantment ink is completely invisible to the human eye, making it indistinguishable from ordinary liquid. But I already know the trick to revealing its hidden properties, thanks to my conversation with Mirabelle.


    Closing my eyes momentarily, I issue a silent command.


    Sapphire, activate augmented vision. Expand perceivable light wavelengths¡ªultraviolet range.


    <Understood. Enabling perception of UV light.>


    As I reopen my eyes, the world shifts.


    Color drains away, leaving behind a stark landscape of black and white. But within this grayscale void, something extraordinary happens¡ªthe ink glows.


    The once-invisible liquid comes alive, each container now radiating with vibrant hues, their enchanted properties revealed in dazzling, otherworldly light.

 Chapter 32: Enchantment Ink

    To perceive special enchantment ink, one must possess an exceedingly rare ability known as Enchanter¡¯s Sight. Out of tens of thousands of people, only a handful¡ªperhaps one or two in a lifetime¡ªever awaken this talent.


    Yet, despite its rarity, here I am, staring at the glowing ink as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    But the truth is, I don¡¯t possess Enchanter¡¯s Sight at all. Instead, I have something entirely different¡ªsomething no one in this world could possibly fathom. A gift from Earth, a marvel of science: Ultra-Violet (UV) vision.


    Magic and science may seem like opposing forces, but sometimes, they intertwine in the most unexpected ways.


    But what exactly is UV sight, and why does it allow me to see the ink?


    The answer lies in the nature of light itself. Light exists as a vast spectrum of wavelengths, measured in nanometers (nm). The human eye, limited in its perception, can only detect a narrow band of this spectrum¡ªapproximately 380 to 700 nm¡ªknown as visible light. Beyond this range lies an entire hidden world: ultraviolet light with shorter wavelengths, infrared radiation with longer ones, and even X-rays, which can penetrate through solid objects.


    Though humans are blind to these invisible wavelengths, many creatures have evolved to see them. Butterflies, for instance, possess UV vision, allowing them to detect intricate floral patterns invisible to us. Snakes, on the other hand, perceive infrared radiation, enabling them to track the heat signatures of their prey even in complete darkness.


    And enchantment ink?


    It isn¡¯t some mystical substance accessible only through divine blessing. It¡¯s simply ink that reflects UV light.


    Which means¡­ Mirabelle¡¯s hypothesis was spot on.


    In a way, butterflies can see enchantments.


    And now, thanks to her insight, so can I.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As I stand marveling at the array of enchantment inks, the dwarf merchant approaches, his heavy boots clicking against the stone floor.


    ¡°Young man, do you have the Enchanter¡¯s Sight too?¡± he asks, stroking his long, silver-streaked beard as he notices my intense scrutiny of the inks.


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± I reply, meeting his gaze.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    His bushy eyebrows lift slightly. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you around before,¡± he muses. ¡°Are you new here? And are you an enchanter?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m just starting out, still learning the craft,¡± I admit.


    ¡°Hah! That¡¯s good!¡± the merchant booms with a hearty laugh, clearly pleased. ¡°Name¡¯s Lucas! I¡¯ve been selling these inks for over fifty years!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lifetime of experience,¡± I remark, shaking his calloused hand firmly. ¡°I¡¯m Edward, and this is my wife, Lisa.¡±


    Sophia bows politely before shaking his hand as well.


    Lucas nods in approval. ¡°Well then, Edward, Lisa, welcome to my humble stall.¡±


    I glance back at the collection of ink bottles, curiosity burning in my mind. ¡°So, these inks¡­ do you extract and process them yourself?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Lucas puffs out his chest with pride. ¡°Every single one here is handmade using my old man¡¯s recipe¡ªpassed down for generations!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fascinating,¡± I say, genuinely impressed.


    This is because enchantment ink isn¡¯t something that can be easily obtained. There are two primary sources: minerals extracted from deep underground and monster-derived substances, such as blood or saliva from highly magical creatures. However, even with the raw materials, the quality of the final product depends entirely on the enchanter¡¯s expertise. Processing the ink is an intricate art¡ªone that demands patience, precision, and skill. That¡¯s why some enchantment inks are insanely expensive.


    For example, that glowing vial over there? It¡¯s likely crafted from the blood of a powerful dungeon beast. The price tag? Three hundred thousand crowns.


    It makes sense. The stronger the monster, the rarer the ink.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I say, after some careful deliberation. ¡°I¡¯ll take one bottle of this¡­ and one of that as well.¡± I point to two mid-tier enchantment inks, reasonably priced but still of excellent quality.


    Lucas grins, clearly pleased with my choices. ¡°A fine selection!¡± He swiftly packs the bottles, placing them in a small leather pouch before handing them to me.


    I pass him two gold coins¡ªequivalent to two thousand crowns¡ªand tuck the pouch into my bag.


    With that, I now only need one more thing before I can officially begin my journey into the world of enchantment¡ªthe pen.


    And Lucas, ever the perceptive merchant, seems to have already anticipated this.


    ¡°By the way, lad, do you need an enchantment pen?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Oh? Do you know where I can find the best ones?¡± I ask, intrigued.


    There are dozens of merchants here selling various pens, but if anyone knows where to find the best, it¡¯s Lucas. He¡¯s been in the trade for decades¡ªhis knowledge should be invaluable.


    But to my surprise, instead of pointing me toward another vendor, Lucas simply reaches behind his stall and pulls out a finely crafted pen.


    ¡°Here, take this,¡± he says, handing it to me with a small grin. ¡°Consider it my gift to you. Good luck with your enchantment.¡±


    I blink, taken aback. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re giving this to me for free?¡±


    ¡°Aye, I am,¡± Lucas chuckles. ¡°Call it a little encouragement for a budding enchanter.¡±


    His generosity catches me completely off guard.


    ¡°Wow¡­ thank you so much!¡± I exclaim, deeply grateful.


    I inspect the pen closely. It isn¡¯t overly extravagant, but it¡¯s finely made¡ªperfect for a beginner like me. The body is crafted from smooth, polished dark wood, its slender design fitting comfortably in my grip. The tip gleams with an iridescent finish, reflecting the ambient light like the surface of a still lake.


    Not bad at all.


    Now, with both ink and pen in hand, I¡¯m finally ready to take my first step into the world of enchantment.


    Turning to Lucas, I give him one last nod of appreciation before heading straight for the enchantment room, eager to begin my first real attempt at the craft.

 Chapter 33: Enchantment Room

    The enchantment rooms are small, private chambers provided by the guild for enchanters to practice their craft. Renting one costs ten crowns per hour, roughly equivalent to ten dollars. At first glance, this might seem expensive, but considering the amenities¡ªa spacious worktable, proper lighting, and specialized enchanting equipment¡ªit¡¯s a fair price.


    Stepping inside, I approach the table and find two old books, their covers worn and their pages yellowed with age.


    The first book, Basic Guide to the Enchantment Art, is exactly what its name suggests. It details the history of enchantments, the nature of Arcanum, and fundamental techniques for performing basic enchantments. Since I¡¯ve already memorized its contents back in the library, I set it aside.


    The second book, Enchantment Codex for Beginners, is a thick binder filled with enchantment blueprints¡ªa must-have for novice enchanters.


    In a way, enchanters are like fantasy programmers, copying pre-designed sequences of Arcanum symbols from blueprints and applying them to objects. Before attempting an enchantment, an enchanter would typically study the codex, memorizing the necessary symbols. However, this book only contains lower-tier, common enchantments. The truly powerful ones¡ªthe ones I found in the upper floors of the library¡ªare far beyond what¡¯s recorded here. Of course, I have already committed all of them to memory.


    With that, there¡¯s no reason to waste time. It¡¯s time to begin.


    But first, I want to see how Sophia does it.


    Enchanters are divided into four ranks based on their proficiency in reading and writing Arcanum: Novice, Apprentice, Master, and Grandmaster. Sophia, being a Master Enchanter, is an expert in the field. As she told me earlier, her father was once an enchanter as well, having even reached the esteemed rank of Grandmaster.


    ¡°Sophia, can you show me the enchantment process?¡± I ask, eager to watch an expert at work.


    ¡°Of course! Which enchantment should I start with?¡± she replies.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go with Sharpness.¡±


    Reaching into my bag, I retrieve a simple dagger¡ªa practice weapon I purchased for ten crowns. It¡¯s plain, unremarkable, and completely unenchanted, making it a perfect test subject. I hand it to Sophia, and she places it beneath a device called the Appraisal Lens.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    This microscope-like tool is specially designed for enchanters, equipped with two key enchantments: Magnifying Vision and Common Item Appraisal. The first allows users to see even the most intricate Arcanum engravings, while the latter provides a breakdown of an item¡¯s properties. It¡¯s an essential instrument for evaluating enchantments.


    Sophia leans forward, adjusting the focus and securing the dagger on the tray.


    ¡°Hmmm, let¡¯s see¡­,¡± she muses. ¡°You just place the item like this, look through the scope, and wait about five seconds for the text to appear. And voil¨¤! Easy!¡±


    Now it¡¯s my turn.


    I peer through the lens, and a detailed readout materializes before my eyes.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Steel dagger]


    - Weapon Rating: 24


    - Weight: 512 grams


    Attributes:


    - Sharpness: 10Durability: 144/145


    Special Ability:


    - None


    Enchantment


    - None


    - Enchantment points: 26


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡°Can you see it? Do you want me to go over the basics again?¡± Sophia asks.


    ¡°Yes, I can see. But there¡¯s no need to explain the basics to me. I¡¯ve already memorized them from the books I read,¡± I reply.


    ¡°Well, if you say so¡­¡± Sophia sighs.


    She still seems skeptical, likely because I haven¡¯t told her about Sapphire, my AI chip.


    But there¡¯s no time for that now.


    With the dagger¡¯s full status displayed, my focus sharpens on two key factors¡ªweapon rating and enchantment points. The rating determines an item¡¯s overall strength, and at only 24, this dagger is far from impressive. The enchantment points, on the other hand, dictate how many enhancements can be applied. At 26 points, our options are fairly limited.


    Still, I¡¯m eager to see how much Sophia can improve it.


    ¡°Sophia, you may begin,¡± I say, sliding the enchantment ink and pen toward her.


    She blinks. ¡°Wait. If you already know all the theory, do you even need me to teach you now?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± I grin. ¡°I might know the theory, but when it comes to actual hands-on experience? Zero.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes light up with excitement. ¡°Oh! That makes sense!¡± Her voice brims with enthusiasm. ¡°Then watch closely! As a Master Enchanter, I will show you the proper way of enchanting an item!¡±


    ¡°Yep, you¡¯re the teacher now.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Sophia dips the enchantment pen into the special ink, her fingers steady, her expression shifting to one of absolute focus.


    Then, she closes her eyes briefly and whispers, ¡°Enchanter¡¯s Sight¡ªactivate!¡±


    A soft glow ignites in her pupils, dilating them slightly, as if unlocking a hidden dimension of vision. When she opens them again, they shimmer with an ethereal brilliance.


    Taking a deep breath, she presses the pen to the steel, carefully etching the first enchantment glyph.


    The moment the ink touches the blade, something shifts in the air.


    A quiet hum vibrates through the dagger as Sophia weaves the language of the gods into its very core.


    And I watch, mesmerized, as the true art of enchantment unfolds before my eyes.

 Chapter 34: Arcanum, the Divine language

    Arcanum, as legend tells it, is the language once spoken by the creator gods to shape the very fabric of existence. It embodies all natural laws and magical forces¡ªa sacred, omnipotent code that once governed reality itself. Yet, through the passage of time, this divine tongue was lost, slipping from human grasp like sand through fingers. More precisely, it is said that humanity was stripped of this knowledge after falling from Heaven, cast down upon consuming a forbidden fruit.


    Despite this loss, echoes of the ancient language linger, scattered like embers in the vast unknown. Fragments can still be reclaimed by studying magic, observing nature, and deciphering the patterns that weave through existence. Over centuries, scholars and enchanters have painstakingly pieced together parts of this celestial lexicon. Inscribing these ¡®divine codes¡¯ allows one to reshape matter, harness elemental energies, and even bend the laws of physics. It is through this rediscovery that all magic and enchantments known to mankind have been born.


    This is precisely what was written in The Complete Guide to Enchantment regarding the history of Arcanum. When I first read it, I was both astonished and intrigued. The story bore an eerie resemblance to a certain scripture back on Earth.


    A man¡¯s fall from Heaven.


    A forbidden fruit.


    And now, as Sophia¡¯s pen glides over the dagger¡¯s surface, the glowing Arcanum letters coming to life beneath her touch, I see it for myself.


    ¡°So this is how you write in Arcanum,¡± I murmur, captivated.


    The language of the gods is as enigmatic as it is powerful. My reason for watching Sophia¡¯s demonstration was not merely to observe the practical application of enchantment. The books I devoured in the library had all failed to provide a true explanation of this complex language, leaving me with more questions than answers. Like any language, Arcanum has three fundamental components¡ªreading, speaking, and writing. Yet, there is something more, something deeper, hidden beneath the surface.


    First, the act of reading. There are two absolute rules when it comes to deciphering Arcanum.


    Rule number one: Do not read Arcanum for too long. It is not a language meant for mortal comprehension. Staring at it is like gazing into the heart of the sun¡ªtoo much exposure leads to dizziness, exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of mental strain. Those who ignore these warning signs risk far worse: slipping into madness, hallucinating vivid horrors, or seeing things that do not and should not exist.


    Rule number two: Never attempt to read forbidden words. These include enchantments that exceed one¡¯s level of mastery or words outlawed due to their catastrophic consequences. Some knowledge is not meant to be spoken, not meant to be written¡ªonly buried, forgotten, erased from existence for the safety of all.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    When it comes to speaking Arcanum, mere pronunciation is not enough. Every word must be spoken with intention. Without it, even the most sacred phrases hold no power. Intention can take many forms¡ªimagination, like visualizing a fireball when casting a spell; emotion, where raw hatred strengthens curses, or love enhances healing magic. Some enchantments draw their strength from the caster¡¯s deepest desires, while others thrive on sheer willpower.


    Yet, just as with reading, there is a grave rule against speaking forbidden words in Arcanum. Uttering such words carelessly could unleash untold calamities upon the speaker¡ªif not worse.


    And then, there is the most intricate and demanding aspect of all: writing Arcanum.


    One cannot simply scrawl Arcanum onto parchment with an ordinary quill. It is the fire of creation, the language of gods¡ªand like any fire, it requires fuel. That fuel is enchantment ink. Without it, the words dissolve into nothingness, vanishing without a trace or effect. However, not just any ink will suffice. The potency of an enchantment directly depends on the ink¡¯s quality, with more advanced inscriptions demanding inks of superior grade.


    Yet, the true complexity of Arcanum lies not in its materials, but in its form.


    Arcanum is not written in two dimensions like common script¡ªit must be sculpted in three.


    The books don¡¯t explicitly state this, but after extensive theoretical research, I¡¯ve reached this conclusion. Unlike normal writing, where letters follow a structured line, Arcanum can be stacked atop itself. This means that an entire book¡¯s worth of information could, in theory, be condensed into a single ink dot. The implications are staggering¡ªan enchanter could inscribe powerful enchantments on even the smallest objects. However, only the most skilled enchanters possess the precision and mastery to execute such a feat. And of course, such an inscription would be entirely unreadable by the human eye.


    Even now, with what appears to be a simple enchantment, Sophia¡¯s concentration remains unshaken. Every stroke she writes is measured with unwavering precision, each line and curve forming the intricate tapestry of an Arcanum inscription. The thickness of each stroke matters. The order of inscription must be followed flawlessly. Even the slightest deviation could weaken or outright nullify the enchantment.


    Minutes pass, then ten.


    Finally, Sophia lets out a deep breath and pulls the pen away.


    ¡°Finished!¡± she exclaims.


    The dagger in her hand flares with a bright glow. Its surface hums with new energy, the enchantment ink settling into the metal like veins of liquid fire. Sophia¡¯s face lights up with triumph as she inspects her work.


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling. Was it a success?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Big success!¡± Sophia replies triumphantly. ¡°Behold, Jack, this is my enchanted masterpiece! You literally cannot enchant Sharpness better than this!¡±


    I step forward, eager to see the results. Peering through the appraisal lens, I scan the dagger¡¯s newly enhanced stats.


    Indeed¡ªshe did it.


    The numbers don¡¯t lie. The dagger has been significantly improved.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Steel dagger]


    - Weapon Rating: 79 (up by 55)


    - Weight: 512 grams


    Attributes:


    - Sharpness: 27 (up by 17)


    - Durability: 144/145


    Special Ability:


    - None


    Enchantment


    - Sharpness + 9


    - Sharpness + 8


    Enchantment points: 2 (decreased by 24)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    And now, it is my turn to try.


    I take out another blank dagger with similar initial stats, and try enchanting it myself for the very first time.

 Chapter 35: Human

    I dip my pen into the ink container, my UV sight activated, and take a steadying breath. Now, it¡¯s time to begin. And by begin, I mean trace.


    After all, it¡¯s about working smarter, not harder. Why struggle when I can optimize the process with AI assistance?


    ¡°Sapphire, load the Sharpness enchantment blueprint,¡± I command through my thoughts.


    <Roger. Fetching Sharpness enchantment blueprint.>


    Thanks to my earlier efforts, I have already scanned every enchantment blueprint from the Enchantment Codex and even the most advanced inscriptions found in the upper floors of the Grand Library. Every single one is now stored within Sapphire¡¯s vast memory.


    ¡°Project an AR hologram of that enchantment for me.¡±


    <Creating augmented reality hologram of the Sharpness Arcanum¡­>


    <Completed.>


    In an instant, intricate Arcanum letters materialize before my eyes, hovering like ancient hieroglyphics woven from light. The glowing symbols shift and pulse with energy, forming a three-dimensional blueprint visible only to me.


    I smirk, turning to Sophia. ¡°Sophia, wanna place a bet?¡±


    She narrows her eyes at me, suspicious. ¡°Huh? Bet on what? What are you up to?¡±


    ¡°Well, how many Sharpness enchantments do you think I can place on this dagger?¡±


    She chuckles, shaking her head. ¡°One. Maybe two if you¡¯re really talented.¡±


    ¡°What if I say I can do three?¡±


    Sophia nearly chokes on her laughter. ¡°Three!? No way! That¡¯s impossible! And stop talking, Jack! Once you start enchanting, you need absolute focus!¡±


    I grin. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    It isn¡¯t impossible¡ªit¡¯s just insanely difficult.


    Arcanum is the language of gods; its power of creation is literally limitless. However, enchanting isn¡¯t without its limitations. It is impossible to stack thousands of enchantments on a single item to make it overpowered, due to the limit of enchantment points. These points indicate the upper threshold of how much an item can be enchanted.


    A Sharpness enchantment typically eats up eight to twenty points, varying with the enchanter¡¯s skill and the quality of the ink. Better skills and higher-quality ink reduce the number of points consumed.


    This dagger has twenty-six points available. Theoretically, that means I could fit three Sharpness enchantments onto it¡ªif and only if every single inscription is executed flawlessly.


    There¡¯s no margin for error. Not even the smallest slip.


    And under normal circumstances, that level of precision is humanly impossible.


    Sophia¡¯s two Sharpness enchantments had already consumed twenty-four enchantment points¡ªan exceptional result by human standards, very good.


    Good¡­ when viewing under human¡¯s standard.


    But for someone with the most advanced AI helping him out secretly?


    I refuse to settle for anything less than absolute perfection!


    So, I drag the AR hologram over the dagger, arranging enough space for three Sharpness enchantments. There is a lot of space to write, so I don¡¯t have to stack any letters. I steady my hand, hold my breath, and heighten my focus to the max. Then, following the hologram¡¯s guidance, I trace the lines with ink.


    The UV ink pulses with each completed letter, the first enchantment slowly taking form.


    Sophia watches silently, her eyes following the movements of my pen.


    However¡­


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 9>


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 9>


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 9 >


    <Exceeded enchantment limit! Enchantment FAILED!>


    ¡°AAAAAA! Darn it!!!¡±


    The enchantment limit, if exceeded even by just one point, would instantly destroy the item!


    The dagger glows, cracks, and then boom!


    It explodes into tiny fragments, leaving only a smoking ruin where a perfectly fine weapon once lay.


    Sophia bursts into laughter, her face brimming with smug satisfaction.


    ¡°Hahahaha!!! Three enchantments? I told you! It¡¯s humanly impossible!¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    I stare at the broken pieces, completely speechless.


    I had done everything right¡ªthere were no errors in my strokes, no misalignment in the script. So how?


    How did the enchantment consume nine points instead of eight?The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Mathematically, there were twenty-six enchantment points available¡ªenough for three Sharpness enchantments at eight points each.


    So what went wrong?!


    I can¡¯t wrap my head around it.


    ¡°Well,¡± Sophia, still grinning with that I told you so expression, crosses her arms and begins her lecture. ¡°A Sharpness enchantment taking up eight points? That¡¯s just a theory¡ªnothing more than a hypothetical number calculated under the assumption that everything is done flawlessly.¡±


    She leans in slightly, her tone turning almost philosophical.


    ¡°But, Jack¡­ there¡¯s no such thing as perfection. We are not gods. We are not flawless in every way. That¡¯s just the way things are.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    I hate to admit it, but her words make sense.


    No matter how precise I am, no matter how much knowledge or technology I have, there¡¯s an undeniable truth¡ª


    A human can never compete with the gods.


    Take a circle, for example.


    A circle, in the eyes of a human, is nothing more than an illusion¡ªan approximation formed by countless tiny straight lines. To craft a perfect enchantment is akin to drawing a perfect circle by hand. It is an unreachable ideal.


    Which means an eight-point Sharpness enchantment was never truly possible to begin with.


    With this realization, I find myself on the verge of accepting reality.


    But then¡ª


    A spark ignites in my mind, an unseen flame roaring to life within my heart.


    No.


    ¡°No, Sophia.¡± I exhale, clenching my fist, the fire inside me growing brighter. ¡°It¡¯s only humanly impossible. That doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s actually impossible.¡±


    Sophia blinks, confusion flickering across her face. ¡°What? I¡ªI don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying¡­¡±


    I meet her gaze, my voice steady, unwavering.


    ¡°Exactly what I said. It¡¯s only humanly impossible.¡±


    And what is a human?


    And what is a god?


    The man named Jack Saunders abandoned his humanity long ago.


    To reach this world¡ª


    To even have the slimmest chance of finding her¡ª


    I had to transcend.


    Physics. Biology. Computer science. Medicine. Engineering. There was no subject I did not master.


    And time?


    There was no second wasted.


    I had to min-max my life to the point of not sleeping or resting even one second more than necessary, even food intake had to be optimized to the last micronutrients. And that was how I was able to achieve vast knowledge and become the best I could be.


    But graduating from every higher education degree possible is just the beginning.


    I remember the first time I had an AI chip implanted into my brain. It was a pain worse than death. Every second felt like my skull was about to crack. Simply thinking the most basic thoughts paralyzed my body.


    Yet, I endured that torturing, soul shattering pain for three days and three nights. And not only that, I immediately jailbroke and overclocked the AI right afterward to slow down time so I could study even more.


    In that state of constant temporal distortion, twenty years felt like a hundred.


    A hundred years of pain.


    A hundred years dancing on the edge of madness, always one step from the abyss, always pushing further.


    But only because of that, I was able to replace my bones with titanium, cultivate microfibers into muscles, upgrade the AI into Sapphire.


    And with Sapphire, I finally achieved the impossible.


    I tracked the untrackable.


    I broke the unbreakable.


    I shattered the barrier between worlds.


    So, was it possible for any human being on Earth to do all of that?


    No.


    But was I able to do it?


    YES.


    That proves the point!


    Humanly impossible is not impossible!


    I reach into my bag, pull out another dagger, and place it firmly on the table.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    The ink glows as I dip my pen.


    ¡°Sapphire, load the Sharpness enchantment blueprint.¡±


    ¡­


    Failed.


    ¡­


    ¡°Sapphire, load the Sharpness enchantment blueprint.¡±


    ¡­


    Failed.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Sapphire, one more time, load the Sharpness enchantment blueprint!¡±


    I command the AI for the tenth time. The past nine daggers are all failures. But I will not give up!


    <Roger! Creating augmented reality hologram of the Sharpness Arcanum¡­>


    <Completed.>


    My UV vision activates, the ink glows once more beneath my fingertips.


    Sophia watches in disbelief, exasperation clear in her voice.


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re still trying? I told you, it¡¯s impossible!¡±


    I don¡¯t respond. I don¡¯t even acknowledge her doubt.


    She doesn¡¯t believe in me.


    She thinks I¡¯m insane.


    That¡¯s fine.


    I don¡¯t need anyone to believe in me in the first place.


    Because I have never¡ªnever¡ªrelied on anyone else¡¯s validation.


    As long as I believe in myself, that is enough.


    And with that belief¡ª


    The key to perfection is already in my hands.


    I take a deep breath, gripping my pen with unwavering resolve.


    ¡°Sophia, what is rule number one of speaking Arcanum?¡± I ask suddenly.


    She blinks. ¡°Huh? Why are you asking that now?¡±


    ¡°Just say it.¡±


    She sighs, rolling her eyes. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s ¡®Arcanum has to be spoken with intention.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Intention.


    In this state of mind, I finally understand the true meaning of that rule.


    Arcanum has to be spoken with intention.


    And in this language, intention has many interpret able meanings.


    It can be a command, it can be emotions, or it can even be¡­ belief.


    Believe that a fireball can be manifested out of thin air.


    Believe that a blade can be sharp enough to slice through titanium and diamond.


    And in this case¡­


    BELIEVE THAT I AM NOT A HUMAN!


    BUT A GOD!


    And as a god¡ª THERE CANNOT BE ANY IMPERFECTION!


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 8>


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 8>


    <Sharpness enchantment applied to Steel Dagger, Enchantment point - 8>


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [Steel dagger]


    - Weapon Rating: 92 (up by 68)


    - Weight: 512 grams


    Attributes:


    - Sharpness: 40


    - Durability: 144/145


    Special Ability:


    - None


    Enchantment:


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 10


    Enchantment points: 2 (decreased by 24)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°WHAAAAAAAAT!?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s gasp of pure, unfiltered shock echoes through the room. She stares at me, eyes wide, mouth agape¡ªher entire soul looks like it just abandoned ship.


    But¡­ why stop here?


    I grin and pull out a few more swords with 32 enchantment points each.


    <Sharpness enchantment completed. Sharpness +10>


    <Sharpness enchantment completed. Sharpness +10>


    <Durability enchantment completed. Durable +10>


    <Durability enchantment completed. Durable +10>


    Flawless. Every. Single. Time.


    ¡°Jack¡­ I can¡¯t believe anything anymore¡­¡±


    Sophia slumps against the corner, hugging her knees, laughing softly¡ªhysterically. Her eyes are distant, unfocused, as if her entire understanding of reality has just been rewritten.


    ¡°Perfect enchantments every time? Am I dreaming?¡±


    ¡°Told you,¡± I say with a satisfied smirk. ¡°Now you know that it¡¯s not impossible, you can do it too!¡±


    Hearing that, Sophia lifts her head, blinking at me in utter disbelief. ¡°Huh? I can¡­ too?¡± she murmurs.


    ¡°Of course!¡± I assure her.


    That seems to motivate her a bit.


    Her expression flickers¡ªfirst doubt, then curiosity, and finally, determination. She squares her shoulders, pushing herself up.


    And so, she tries.


    With my guidance, we work. One enchantment after another, pushing past every previous limitation. Over a hundred blank weapons, one by one, testing, learning, refining.


    Then, at attempt 126¡ª


    ¡°I DID IT!¡±


    Sophia¡¯s voice bursts with exhilaration. She stares at the dagger in her hands, eyes shimmering, her breath caught between laughter and awe. ¡°Jack, I DID IT!¡±


    She holds it up¡ª


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 9


    - Sharpness + 9


    Enchantment points: 0 (decreased by 26)


    I chuckle, genuinely proud. ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    Sophia clutches the dagger, her fingers trembling¡ªnot with fear, but excitement. She lifts it high, her face radiant with pure, uncontainable joy.


    And at that moment¡ª


    For some reason¡ª


    The world around her seems to shine just a little brighter, and there¡¯s a weird feeling stirring inside my chest.

 Chapter 36: Enchantment types

    For the next several days, I dedicate myself entirely to refining my enchantment skills, perfecting each inscription, from the simplest fundamentals to the most intricate and complex. As expected, the advanced enchantments prove to be significantly more challenging, demanding extreme precision and deeper understanding. However, with time and relentless effort, mastery is inevitable.


    Enchantments fall into five distinct categories, each with its own unique characteristics and applications:


    Type One: Basic Enchantments


    These foundational enchantments modify an item¡¯s inherent physical properties, such as Sharpness, Weight Reduction, and Durability. They function without requiring any interaction with mana, operating passively at all times. While some enchantments in this category exhibit a greater level of complexity, they rarely reach the same intricacy as higher-tier enchantments. Their simplicity and reliability make them the most commonly used.


    Type Two: Mana-Interactive, Spell-Casting Enchantments


    The name is self-explanatory. These enchantments, instead of altering the item¡¯s physical properties, work by interacting with mana, either within the item or in the surrounding environment. For example, a Fireball enchantment gathers magical energy surrounding the user or a power source within the item to fund the spell. There is no need for chanting or user mana input, and the only intention that matters is when performing the enchantment itself. These enchantments are more advanced and require much more complex codes.


    Type Three: Conditional Enchantments


    These enchantments activate only when a specific condition is met. They are among the most versatile, encompassing action-based, phrase-based, and time-based activations.


    Action-Based Activation is the most common subtype, often overlapping with spell-casting enchantments. A sword that releases flames upon being swung, a shield that deploys a barrier when struck, or a staff that amplifies spells based on movement patterns all fall into this category.


    Phrase-Based Activation requires a spoken command¡ªsuch as a secret phrase¡ªto trigger an effect. The entrance to the black market, which only opens when given the correct password, is an example of this.


    Time-Based Activation allows enchantments to function on a set schedule. For instance, enchanted clothing might clean itself automatically once per day, or street lamps might illuminate precisely at sunset without manual intervention.


    Conditional enchantments can range from straightforward to exceedingly complex, making them highly adaptable to a variety of uses.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Type four: Supporting enchantments


    These enchantments support another enchantment. It is common to see a weapon with a very advanced central enchantment and up to a dozen supporting enchantments. In most cases, they increase the effect of the main enchantment by a certain percentage. However, they can also be used to suppress an enchantment, reducing its side effects or, in rare cases, sealing away the power of an item.


    And lastly, Type Five: Reality-Altering Enchantments


    The rarest and most advanced form of enchantment, these inscriptions have the ability to bend the very fabric of reality. Unlike other enchantments, which work within the established laws of physics and magic, reality-altering enchantments rewrite those laws entirely.


    Some can manipulate the passage of time, creating areas where time flows differently¡ªeither accelerating or decelerating within a localized space. Others can generate pocket dimensions, forming independent spaces that exist outside conventional reality. Some go so far as to override gravity, change elemental properties, or nullify the effects of natural law.


    Due to their immense complexity, these enchantments require an exceptional understanding of Arcanum and are notoriously difficult to execute. Even the most powerful enchanters struggle with them, as a single miscalculation can result in catastrophic failures¡ªor worse, irreversible consequences.


    Among the most coveted forms of magic in existence, reality-altering enchantments remain the pinnacle of the enchanter¡¯s craft, pushing the very boundaries of what is possible.


    However, I propose adding a sixth category¡ªInformation Enchantments.


    Though not widely used in practical applications, they can serve a unique and invaluable purpose. Unlike other enchantments, Information Enchantments do not produce any direct effects. Instead, Arcanum itself can function as a covert communication tool among enchanters.


    One key reason for this is that ordinary individuals cannot perceive Arcanum. Furthermore, lower-ranked enchanters are incapable of reading enchantments beyond their skill level. By embedding hidden messages within high-tier enchantments, I can effectively control who has access to specific information, ensuring that only those with sufficient mastery can decipher its contents. This makes Information Enchantments a powerful tool for secrecy, encoded messages, and restricted knowledge.


    The perfect example for it right now is already inside my pocket.


    The Serpent¡¯s invitation.


    Enchanted using Serpent¡¯s Tongue.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After finishing our enchantments, we sell all the items back to the Guild. Needless to say, it has been causing quite a ruckus.


    ¡°A Grandmaster Enchanter from overseas is unleashing their stash! Only limited stock! We need to buy quickly!¡± the customers say.


    But on the other hand¡­


    ¡°Fuck! This is so stupid! The market is crashing! I can¡¯t sell my items!¡± all the other merchants panic as hell.


    No one has ever performed perfect enchantments before, but now, hundreds of items with perfect enchantments are flooding the market! Even if we price them ten times higher than items with the same but imperfect enchantments, they sell out within minutes. No wonder the merchants are fearing for their lives.


    Fortunately, we¡¯ve conducted all our transactions anonymously. Our names remain unknown, shielding us from potential backlash. I have no desire to shatter the confidence of local enchanters or disrupt the existing economy any further. So, after raking in a fortune¡ªa casual couple million crowns¡ªwe decide to call it quits.


    Easy money.


    Now, instead of cheap blanks, it is time to up the play. We go around the city to find the best blanks possible so that I can gear myself up. In the end, both Sophia and I are armed to the teeth.

 Chapter 37: Gearing up

    Now, we each have a full set of enchanted clothing, meticulously crafted to provide both protection and utility. Except for the backpack, each piece is infused with at least five different enchantments, making our gear far superior to anything ordinary soldiers or adventurers might possess.


    Sophia¡¯s and Yumi¡¯s set:


    Shirt: Self-Cleaning, Thermal Regulation, Reinforced Fabric, Penetration Resistance, All Attribute Resistance.


    Pants: Self-Cleaning, Reinforced Fabric, Anti-Fatigue, Minor Healing, Penetration Resistance.


    Boots: Enhanced Agility, Self-Cleaning, Impact Resistance, Silent Movement, Minor Speed Boost.


    Gloves: Grip Enhancement, Self-Repair, Shock Absorption, Minor Healing, Magic Enhancement.


    Cloak: Self-Cleaning, Minor Spell Reflecting, Minor Shielding, Camouflage, Wind Resistance.


    Backpack: Weight Reduction, Spatial Expansion.


    My Set: Shirt, pants, boots and backpack are the same as Sophia¡¯s. However, my gloves have Enhanced Strength instead of Magic Enhancement for obvious reasons. Additionally, my cloak has a single conditional enchantment: Invisibility.


    Upon command and up to twice a day, it can cast an Invisibility spell on me that will last for five seconds. It¡¯s an extremely advanced enchantment that consumes many points, but it can help me escape dangerous situations or infiltrate highly secured areas. Five seconds is not long, but for someone who can move fast like me, it¡¯s good enough.


    As for weapons, Sophia now has a small wooden wand that can cast Lightning Bolt with a ten-second cooldown, along with two very sharp knives for self-defense.


    For myself, I enchanted my own army knife from Earth:


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    [Mysterious knife from other world]


    - Weapon Rating: 656


    - Weight: 425 grams


    Attributes:


    - Sharpness: 78


    - Durability: 547/600


    Special Ability:


    - Wind Cutter level MAX


    - Spell Enhancing level MAX


    Enchantment:


    - Sharpness + 10This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Sharpness + 10


    - Penetration + 10


    - Durable + 10


    - Wind Cutter + 5


    - Spell Enhancing + 10


    Enchantment points: 1 (decreased by 162)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    It¡¯s quite a surprise. The knife actually has a lot of points for enchantments. It¡¯s actually even exceeding the best knife I can find in the market. With the Weapon Rating of 656, it has become an Epic Tier weapon. In this world, weapons are categorized into six tiers based on their Rating.


    Novice (0-200)


    Adept (201-400)


    Master (401-600)


    Epic (601-1000)


    Legendary (1001-5000)


    Mythical (5000 +)


    I deliberately avoided overloading the knife with Sharpness enchantments due to diminishing returns. Beyond a certain threshold, increasing Sharpness further barely enhances its cutting power and can actually weaken the blade, making it more prone to chipping or breaking. Instead, I allocated the remaining enchantment points toward something much more valuable¡ªa special ability.


    Windcutter level MAX.


    It¡¯s a wind-type elemental infusion, giving the knife the ability to project a sharp gust of wind with each slash, with cutting power equal to 80% of the knife¡¯s cutting power. The big downside of using a knife is that it has a very limited range. But with this, I can extend the range of my attacks easily.


    Thus, this beast of a knife can now easily be worth hundreds of thousands of crowns. Well, I¡¯m not very surprised though, since this is the best knife that I could find on Earth.


    But of course, it is not the only weapon I enchanted.


    I enchanted some of my bullets too.


    Piercing Bullets (x20): Enchanted to penetrate even the toughest armor.


    Explosion Bullets (x20): Detonate upon impact, causing high-impact area damage.


    Unenchanted Bullets (Remaining): Reserved for future enhancements, allowing me to adjust based on upcoming battles.


    Unfortunately, platinum bullets¡ªthe most powerful rounds I have¡ªcannot be enchanted. Their anti-magic properties make them immune to any form of enhancement.


    When it comes to my lovely Deagles, I¡¯m still uncertain about the best enchantment setups. Accuracy and weight reductions are common for bows, but my guns are already quite light, and with Sapphire¡¯s aid, further accuracy enhancements seem unnecessary.


    An alternative would be to infuse bullets with kinetic energy or raw mana, effectively increasing their impact force. However, no one has ever attempted this before, meaning there¡¯s a real risk of damaging the guns when firing. Since there¡¯s no data on potential side effects, I¡¯ll need to run tests and experiment carefully before committing to any enchantments.


    As we pack up, I turn to Sophia with a curious thought.


    ¡°With all this gear, do you think I could take on a Champion Rank fighter?¡± I ask.


    She pauses, considering the question carefully. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say,¡± she admits. ¡°If we¡¯re talking about a Champion Ranker without top-tier gear, then maybe. But from what I know, anyone who reaches that level is incredibly wealthy. Their equipment is going to be leagues beyond what we have right now.¡±


    ¡°Ahh¡­ makes sense.¡±


    Even with perfect enchantments, our gear is still crafted from mid-quality materials.


    Weapons and armor that haven¡¯t been enchanted yet are called ¡°Blanks.¡± The higher the quality of the Blank, the better the final product. No matter how good an enchantment is, it can only elevate an item so far if the base material is subpar.


    Right now, the best blanks I could find in the market are B-tier.


    A-tier or higher blanks require custom orders and rare materials, which take time and connections to acquire.


    The best blacksmiths and tailors are exclusively employed by noble families, meaning they don¡¯t work with just anyone.


    That said, Sophia has connections in the black market. She confidently assures me that she can track down the right people to forge superior-quality gear. Given her history and expertise, I trust her judgment on this matter.


    Now that we¡¯re fully geared up, it¡¯s time to make even more money!


    There¡¯s an auction house within the Guild, where I¡¯ll be selling my latest epic creations. If things go as planned, this should net us a small fortune¡ªenough to fund our next step forward.


    I turn to Sophia with a smirk.


    ¡°Ready to go?¡±


    She grins back. ¡°Of course.¡±

 Chapter 38: Auction

    As evening descends, Sophia and I head toward our final stop before returning home: the Enchantment Guild¡¯s prestigious auction house.


    Unlike before, we won¡¯t be selling our equipment directly to the guild. This time, we¡¯re aiming for something bigger¡ªputting our best items up for auction.


    Naturally, both of us wear masks to conceal our identities. While Chameleon Earrings allow us to disguise ourselves, they can only store one alternate appearance per earring. Since we had already used them earlier, changing into an entirely new identity wasn¡¯t an option.


    Still, for something as simple as auction paperwork, a mask would suffice.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Upon entering, we are greeted by a middle-aged clerk standing behind a polished mahogany counter. His gray hair is neatly combed, his glasses perched perfectly on the bridge of his nose, and his uniform immaculate¡ªthe very image of professionalism.


    But it¡¯s his sharp, assessing gaze that immediately catches my attention. This is a man who has seen thousands of enchanted items pass through these halls, and his experienced eye is already sizing us up.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± he greets smoothly. ¡°Are you here to auction your enchanted equipment?¡±


    His name, Mathew, is inscribed on a small silver nameplate pinned to his lapel.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sophia replies, placing our carefully selected items onto the counter:


    Five daggers


    Three swords


    One spear


    One bow


    Mathew arches an eyebrow as he examines them.


    ¡°These appear to be basic Guild weapons,¡± he remarks. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re worth auctioning?¡±


    His voice is polite, but there¡¯s an underlying skepticism. He adjusts his glasses, his fingers briefly skimming over the weapons¡¯ hilts and edges.


    ¡°I understand that these are the highest-grade blanks available through the Guild¡ªB-tier, if I¡¯m not mistaken. However, that alone doesn¡¯t mean they meet our auction house standards.¡±


    I nod slightly at his assessment. He¡¯s not wrong.


    In this auction house, only the most exceptional enchanted equipment from renowned enchanters are put up for sale. The unspoken rule is that blanks must be at least A-tier to even be considered.


    But that¡¯s only if they were enchanted by a normal enchanter.


    Mathew is just a clerk, not an enchanter, so he can¡¯t immediately sense the sheer power infused within these weapons. At a glance, they look like ordinary gear, but if he knew what lay beneath the surface, he wouldn¡¯t be questioning us.


    Sophia crosses her arms, a sly smirk playing at her lips.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she says smoothly, ¡°but I don¡¯t recall reading anywhere that an enchanted item must originate from A-tier blanks or higher in order to qualify for auction.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Mathew frowns slightly.


    ¡°In fact,¡± she continues, tapping a finger against the auction house¡¯s registration guide, ¡°there is no such official rule. Am I mistaken?¡±


    She¡¯s right.


    An unwritten rule is not a law. Technically, as long as an item meets the auction¡¯s general enchantment criteria, it cannot be outright rejected based on the quality of the blank alone.


    Mathew hesitates for a moment, clearly caught off guard by Sophia¡¯s challenge. He exhales through his nose, his lips pressing into a thin line before offering a small, professional smile.


    ¡°All right, if you really want to proceed,¡± he sighs, folding his arms. ¡°That will be two gold coins per item¡ªor two thousand crowns¡ªas a handling fee. And on top of that, we take a 30% seller¡¯s commission on all sales. Let me know if you still wish to continue.¡±


    Ah. Now I see how they operate.


    That commission is absurdly high¡ªeven on Earth, the highest auction house fees rarely exceeded 20%. But here? A staggering 30%!


    It suddenly makes sense. This is how the auction house ensures only high-quality items make it through. At such steep rates, it¡¯s pointless to auction low-tier goods¡ªthe seller would barely break even. Naturally, there are ways to negotiate lower fees, but as first-time sellers, we don¡¯t qualify for any special treatment.


    Sophia glances at me, silently seeking approval.


    I nod. I know exactly how valuable my items are. They¡¯ll sell regardless of the commission rate.


    Without hesitation, she retrieves twenty gold coins and places them on the counter, covering the auction fee.


    Mathew accepts the payment and slides a stack of paperwork toward us. Routine formalities. I sign without a second thought.


    And then¡ªeverything changes.


    The moment Mathew catches sight of my signature, his entire demeanor snaps like a bowstring.


    ¡°W-WAIT! ASTERIA?!¡± His voice cracks with disbelief as he nearly falls out of his chair.


    The sheer shock plastered across his face is almost comical.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re Master Asteria?! The one who¡¯s been selling those perfectly enchanted items at the Guild these past few days?!¡±


    I raise an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? You know me?¡±


    Of course, I couldn¡¯t use my real name here. Nor could I use the Edward persona, as it¡¯s too easily traceable to the businessman identity I registered under at the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.


    So, I invented a new name¡ªAsteria.


    Mathew¡¯s panic intensifies. His hands tremble as he hurriedly adjusts his glasses, his earlier calm professionalism unraveling in real time.


    ¡°Of course, I know you! Everyone knows you! You¡¯re all anyone¡¯s been talking about! Your enchantments are legendary¡ªrevolutionary even! I¡ª I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually meeting the Master Asteria in person!¡±


    Just like that, his entire attitude flips.


    Gone is the rigid formality. Gone is the initial skepticism.


    Mathew practically radiates nervous energy now, his eyes brimming with admiration¡ªand a little bit of fear.


    Sophia, watching the dramatic shift in amusement, lets out a soft chuckle.


    Mathew, meanwhile, is visibly sweating.


    The once composed, indifferent clerk has been reduced to a flustered mess. Even I¡¯m surprised by how much influence I apparently wield.


    ¡°Then, about my items for auction¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course! If it¡¯s you, then we will give you the lowest rate! No, we won¡¯t take any fee at all! No handling charges, no commission! Please, auction with us whenever you like¡ªfree of charge!¡±


    That¡¯s¡­ pretty excessive.


    ¡°Huh? Shouldn¡¯t you ask your supervisor first before making that decision?¡±


    ¡°N-no need! The higher-ups already sent word that if you ever approached us, we should offer you the best possible treatment!¡±


    Sophia bursts into laughter.


    I sigh, shaking my head. ¡°That¡¯s nice and all, but I don¡¯t want to break the rules just because of my name. Take the handling fee. And as for the commission¡­ 10% is fine, which is your lowest rate.¡±


    Mathew¡¯s jaw drops.


    ¡°Are¡ªare you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I shrug. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like my items won¡¯t sell, right?¡±


    Mathew laughs¡ªthis time with a mix of relief and genuine enthusiasm.


    ¡°Sell? Master Asteria, these are going to be the most hotly contested items in tomorrow¡¯s auction!¡±


    Mathew then hastily reworks the paperwork, adjusting the commission rates accordingly.


    Once all documents are signed, he personally escorts us to the exit of the Enchantment Guild¡ªsomething I highly doubt he does for regular sellers.


    ¡°It¡¯s truly been an honor doing business with you,¡± he says, bowing deeply. ¡°Please return tomorrow morning for the auction.¡±


    I nod. ¡°Sure. See you then.¡±


    With our business concluded, Sophia and I leave the auction house.


    We then go to the library to pick Yumi up.


    Checking my watch, I note the time. 7 PM.


    It¡¯s been a long, exhausting day.


    And judging by the way my stomach is growling, it¡¯s time for a well-earned meal.

 Chapter 39: Ramen

    Upon arriving at the Library, we spot Yumi and Charcoal playing outside with Fufu.


    Somehow, the cat has managed to perch itself atop the floating cabbage, and together, they glide through the air, chasing after butterflies. Yumi chases after them, laughing as she tries to keep up.


    I chuckle at the sight. ¡°Hey! Looks like you¡¯re having fun!¡± I call out.


    ¡°Dad!¡± Yumi¡¯s face lights up with a radiant smile as she dashes toward me.


    To be honest, I¡¯m still not quite used to being called ¡®Dad¡¯ by a cute little fox girl. It feels surreal. But I imagine Yumi must feel the same way¡ªthis whole arrangement is as new for her as it is for me.


    ¡°Sorry we¡¯re a bit late, sweetie. Are you hungry?¡± I ask, ruffling her hair.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m starving!¡± she exclaims eagerly. ¡°Where are we eating tonight?¡±


    ¡°How about ramen at the central market?¡± I suggest. ¡°I haven¡¯t tried that yet.¡±


    ¡°Ohh, good idea! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The Library is somewhat close to the market, so we get there in just under twenty minutes. It¡¯s already 8 PM, and the sun has set, leaving the stage in the sky for the huge moon. When we were at the library, we could see the stars clearly. However, as we get to the market, we can¡¯t anymore because the light pollution here is too strong. It¡¯s weird when I think about it, that a medieval fantasy world like this would suffer from light pollution just like modern Earth.


    But well, even without the stars, Vera at night is still something else. No matter how many times I come here, I still can¡¯t help but be amazed. Sophia was right. This a city that never sleeps. The streets are lined with bright lamp posts powered by enchantments, and the vendors have colorful signs written with some kind of paint that glows. After a long day¡¯s work, people flood the streets to enjoy food and companionship. The air is filled with music and lively chatter. It doesn¡¯t feel like we are in a medieval city at all. It feels just like Tokyo.


    Weird, but beautifully weird.


    ¡°Helena, stay close to me,¡± I say to Yumi using her alias. Then, with Sophia and Yumi holding onto my sleeves, we navigate through the sea of people.


    A few minutes later, we arrive at the food section of the market.


    ¡°Darling, do you remember where the ramen stall is?¡± Sophia asks as we weave through the crowded market.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I already have the entire place mapped out.


    Most of the vendors here specialize in grilled meats, skewers, and sandwiches. There are also plenty of fresh salads and potato-based dishes¡ªmashed potatoes, fries, baked wedges.


    The food culture here leans heavily toward Western influences¡ªlots of sausage, meat, and carbs. The biggest difference? Instead of Earth¡¯s familiar pork, beef, and chicken, many stalls offer monster meat, cooked with bold, aromatic spices that make the air thick with their exotic fragrance.


    But tonight, we¡¯re here for something different.


    Yesterday, while wandering the market, I happened to notice a particular food stall¡ªTsukiyo Ramen.


    At the time, we were already too full to try it. But now? We¡¯ve come prepared¡ªwith empty stomachs.


    As we near the stall, the rich, umami scent of simmering broth fills the air.


    ¡°Wow! I can already smell the delicious broth!¡± Sophia exclaims, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she spots the giant pot bubbling over an open flame.


    Yumi is practically bouncing with excitement. ¡°Ramen, ramen! Dad, Mommy, let¡¯s go!¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Needless to say, I¡¯m just as excited as they are.


    But first, we have to queue up. The line is long, a clear testament to how popular this place is. As we wait, a thought crosses my mind¡ªthere¡¯s only one possible explanation for how ramen made its way into this world. Someone from Earth must have introduced it. The name of the stall, Tsukiyo Ramen, is proof enough. If we weren¡¯t currently wanted criminals, forced to hide our real identities, I¡¯d love to have a chat with the owner about how this dish came to be here.


    After a ten-minute wait, we¡¯re finally seated at a cozy corner table, and a cheerful, middle-aged woman approaches us, a warm smile on her face.


    From the information I¡¯ve gathered, she¡¯s the owner of this place and also serves as the waitress, while her husband works as the cook. Together, they run the business efficiently, selling nearly a thousand bowls of ramen per day.


    ¡°Good evening, dear customers! What would you like to order?¡± she asks, her voice bright and welcoming.


    ¡°An extra-large bowl of pork ramen, please, with four extra eggs on top,¡± I say.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go for the chicken one, medium size,¡± Sophia adds.


    ¡°I¡¯d like pork too, but small size, please,¡± Yumi orders.


    ¡°And for the cat, could we get a small bowl of cooked chicken?¡± I ask.


    The woman chuckles at the request but nods kindly. ¡°Of course! Coming right up.¡±


    As we wait, Charcoal hops onto the table, his tail flicking curiously. I glance at him, realizing once again just how well-behaved he is. Of course, we always keep him on a leash when we go outside, but that¡¯s more of a precaution than a necessity. He never causes trouble and rarely disobeys either me or Yumi.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get your food soon, Charcoal,¡± Yumi assures him, scratching his chin.


    The cat meows in response, his eyes narrowing in bliss.


    Before long, the vendor returns, balancing steaming bowls of ramen in her arms. The moment the bowls are placed in front of us, the rich, savory aroma of the broth floods the air, making my mouth water. The way the ingredients are arranged¡ªthe chashu slices, the marinated eggs, the delicate sheets of nori¡ªeverything is just as you¡¯d expect from an authentic ramen shop on Earth.


    Even Charcoal¡¯s bowl arrives, and to my surprise, his portion is fairly generous¡ªtender slices of chicken arranged neatly over a small mound of rice.


    As Yumi picks up her chopsticks, she instinctively clasps her hands together and begins to say¡ª¡°Itadaki¡ª¡±


    She freezes mid-sentence, realizing her slip. Her face reddens. ¡°Ah¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have said that. Sorry.¡±


    I smile reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I almost said it too.¡±


    Her fingers tighten around her chopsticks. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ this feels like home, you know?¡±


    Her voice is quiet, almost hesitant, and for a moment, the lively market around us fades into the background. I can tell¡ªshe¡¯s thinking about her family again, especially her father.


    ¡°Itadakimasu¡± is what Japanese people usually say before having a meal. But again, we are wanted criminals and have to be careful with everything we do.


    Sensing the shift in mood, I turn to Sophia and lower my voice. ¡°Hey, do fox-kin have a phrase they say before eating? Like a prayer?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s ears perk up. ¡°Ooooh! Yeah!¡±


    Considering we¡¯re disguised as a family of fox-kin, it¡¯s always a good idea to learn more about their customs.


    Sophia extends her hands toward us. ¡°Here, hold my hands. Let¡¯s say a prayer to the Moon and Stars.¡±


    Yumi and I immediately comply, clasping Sophia¡¯s hands as she closes her eyes.


    ¡°Now, repeat after me.¡±


    Her voice turns soft, reverent, as she recites an ancient fox-kin prayer:


    ¡°In the radiant light of Luna,


    We gather to share in this nourishment,


    Blessed by the abundance of the Earth, Terra.


    May this food fortify our bodies and souls,


    And may our deeds uphold the harmony of the cosmos,


    As we tread gently upon the world.


    Grant us wisdom and insight,


    In our passage through life¡¯s mysteries,


    And may our spirits be as pure as Luna¡¯s glow.


    In the name of Luna, the Goddess of the Moon and the Stars,


    And Terra, the Goddess of Soil and Life,


    We offer our gratitude.


    So mote it be.¡±


    ¡°So mote it be,¡± Yumi and I finish.


    The prayer is strikingly similar to what I¡¯ve read in books about beastfolk culture. Like elves, the beastfolk worship three major deities: Luna, the Goddess of the Moon and Stars; Solis, the God of the Sun; and Terra, the Goddess of Soil and Life. During the day, they pray to Solis. At night, they offer their gratitude to Luna.


    While I had read about these traditions before, the books I studied were a bit outdated, which is why I had Sophia lead us instead. After all, she used to have a close friend who was a wolf-kin¡ªsomeone who must have taught her their customs.


    That guy was none other than Curtis, the sly bastard who scammed us when we bought the Chameleon Earrings.


    Speaking of Curtis¡­


    ¡°Your wolf friend¡ªthe guy who sold us the earrings¡ªare you still in contact with him?¡± I ask casually.


    ¡°Huh? Of course not!¡± Sophia¡¯s brows furrow in annoyance at the mere mention of his name. ¡°Why do you ask? If you want, I can help you find him. But I doubt he¡¯d have the guts to show his face after what he did.¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing. He just crossed my mind, that¡¯s all.¡±


    I shake my head, dismissing the thought. There are more important things to focus on right now.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re done with our prayers. Let¡¯s dig in!¡±


    ¡°Yayyy!¡± Yumi cheers.


    We lift our chopsticks, and the moment I take my first bite, I know: this ramen is incredible.


    The broth is rich and deeply flavorful, the noodles have the perfect springy bite, and the pork melts in my mouth.


    It¡¯s so good that Yumi and I both end up ordering extra bowls.

 Chapter 40: Twenty million crowns

    As morning arrives, we make our way back to the Enchantment Guild, eager for the day¡¯s auction event. The moment we step through the grand doors of the auction house, Mathew is already there waiting for us.


    ¡°Master Asteria!¡± He greets us with a deep bow, his right hand placed over his chest. ¡°Please, this way.¡±


    Lined up beside him are several other staff members, standing in perfect formation, ready to serve us. Mathew and his team escort us not to the bustling main floor but to a private, secluded room, far removed from the public eye.


    Inside, the atmosphere is refined and elegant. The room is cozy, yet opulent, with a plush couch that practically invites us to sink into its comfort. A soft glow from enchanted lamps casts warm lighting over polished wooden furnishings. The faint aroma of exotic tea lingers in the air. Staff members move gracefully, setting down trays of steaming tea and delicate pastries before retreating.


    Once we¡¯re settled, I turn to Mathew. ¡°So, you¡¯ve appraised the items, then?¡±


    Mathew¡¯s eyes light up, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. ¡°Yes, and they are excellent! As expected of Master Asteria!¡±


    His voice carries an unfiltered excitement, and I can tell from his expression that the results must have really impressed them.


    ¡°The Master Enchanter who inspected them was so shocked that we had to re-appraise them three times,¡± Mathew continues, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°The enchantments are all perfect and synergize really well with the materials. The Arcanum symbols are impeccably written and uniformly arranged. And on top of that, all of them have zero enchantment points left! To think that you could plan everything ahead and execute the enchantments this flawlessly¡­. This is amazing. Truly amazing! It¡¯s been such an eye-opening experience for me and all the other Guild members!¡±


    Sophia and I exchange glances. Her expression is calm, but the way her lips curve slightly upward tells me she¡¯s just as pleased as I am.


    ¡°So, in terms of combat potential, do they meet your expectations?¡± I ask.


    Mathew laughs, nodding eagerly. ¡°Meet them? They exceed them! Even though you used only B-tier blanks, these weapons turned out stronger than those made from A-tier materials¡ªor even S-tier! To be completely honest, none of us thought it was possible to create such powerful weapons from mid-tier blanks!¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s our honor to witness such craftsmanship firsthand, Master Asteria. However, if I may ask¡­ why did you choose to work with only B-tier blanks? If you had used better materials, wouldn¡¯t the results have been even more astonishing?¡±


    Mathew¡¯s curiosity is justified. Normally, enchanters seek the highest-quality materials they can afford to maximize the potential of their creations.


    I shrug. ¡°Oh, I just wanted to practice a little bit, so I didn¡¯t want to waste precious materials. And on top of that, we are new here. It¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve been to Vera, so we haven¡¯t established our connections with your craftsmen yet.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see¡­ That makes sense,¡± Mathew nods. ¡°Then, if you wish, we can arrange introductions to some of our finest blacksmiths, tailors, and jewelers. These are individuals who work exclusively for high-ranking nobles and elite warriors.¡±


    That¡¯s exactly what I needed. ¡°That would be great. I¡¯ll look forward to it.¡±


    ¡°It would be our pleasure, Master Asteria.¡±


    With that out of the way, I turn to the topic at hand. ¡°Now, about the auction¡ªwhen is it scheduled to start? Shouldn¡¯t we be heading to the auction hall soon?¡±


    Mathew hesitates for a moment before his expression shifts. ¡°Ah, well¡­ about that¡­¡± He clears his throat. ¡°Someone has already bought all of your weapons.¡±


    Sophia takes a sip of her tea¡ªonly to choke violently the moment she hears his words.


    ¡°Wha¡ª¡± she sputters, her eyes wide in sheer disbelief.


    I barely manage to suppress a laugh at her reaction.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°And how much did they go for?¡± I ask, intrigued.


    Mathew¡¯s lips curl into a satisfied smile. ¡°Twenty thousand gold coins.¡±


    Sophia nearly drops her teacup.


    Twenty thousand!?


    I had expected a decent sum¡ªperhaps one or two thousand gold coins¡ªbut this? This is ten times that!


    Doing some quick calculations in my head:


    One gold coin equals one thousand crowns.


    Twenty thousand gold coins equals twenty million crowns.


    And given that one crown is roughly equivalent to a dollar back on Earth¡­


    We just made twenty million dollars in a single day.


    Jackpot!


    ¡°Of course, if you¡¯re not satisfied with the price, we can still proceed with the auction tomorrow. There might be a chance for an even higher bid,¡± Mathew quickly adds.


    I shake my head. ¡°No need. Twenty thousand is already beyond what I expected.¡±


    Besides¡­


    ¡°The buyer made additional requests, didn¡¯t they?¡± I press. ¡°Is that why you called us into a private room?¡±


    Mathew¡¯s expression shifts ever so slightly¡ªjust enough to confirm my suspicions. He exhales a breath and nods. ¡°You¡¯re quite perceptive, Master Asteria.¡±


    Apparently, the buyer is someone of extremely high status¡ªhigh enough to warrant a personal meeting. Even with perfect enchantments, the value of my gear alone doesn¡¯t justify that absurd twenty-thousand-gold price tag. No, their interest isn¡¯t in the items themselves.


    It¡¯s in me.


    In the entire Valeria Kingdom, there are only two known Grandmaster Enchanters, both revered as living legends. The mere possibility that another Grandmaster-level enchanter has emerged is enough to shake the foundation of the kingdom¡¯s magical hierarchy. The exorbitant bid isn¡¯t just a purchase¡ªit¡¯s an invitation, a calculated move to lure me into their circle.


    A generous gesture for a first meeting.


    Well, not that I actually am a Grandmaster Enchanter. My rank is still undetermined¡ªbut given my impeccable enchantments, it¡¯s only natural for them to assume I am one.


    ¡°Then, when can we meet the buyer?¡± I ask, intrigued.


    ¡°They are here right now,¡± Mathew replies, straightening his posture. ¡°If you wish, I can take you to their room immediately.¡±


    I set my teacup down. ¡°Alright, lead the way.¡±


    We rise from our seats and follow Mathew through the Enchantment Guild, heading towards its upper levels. Each step reveals the gradual transformation of the guild¡¯s character.


    The Enchantment Guild has four floors. The first floor is the market, bustling with eager enchanters and noisy traders. The second floor houses the main auction hall. The third floor is more subdued, dedicated to private consultations and intricate enchantment services, frequented by more experienced enchanters.


    But the moment we step onto the fourth floor, the ambiance transforms completely.


    The air is cool, perfumed with luxury. The clamor of business fades into an elegant stillness, as if sound itself dares not intrude on this realm of nobility. Few people walk these halls, and those who do wear exquisite attire, their movements deliberate, their gazes sharp.


    Everything here screams opulence.


    Velvet drapes cascade down the walls, and the floor is adorned with intricately woven carpets, soft underfoot. Display cases line the halls, showcasing enchanted artifacts like priceless works of art. These aren¡¯t just tools¡ªthey¡¯re masterpieces.


    Curious, I activate UV Sight¡ªand for a brief moment, the entire room bursts into an overwhelming glow.


    Legendary-tier Arcanum inscriptions cover the surfaces, their power woven so densely that even I struggle to decipher them. There are symbols I¡¯ve never seen before, their meanings obscured by complexity beyond my current understanding.


    Beside me, Sophia instinctively tries to activate her Enchanter¡¯s Sight. But before she can activate it, I grab her wrist, stopping her cold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I whisper, my voice low and firm. ¡°You¡¯ll go insane instantly.¡±


    Sophia gasps, eyes widening.


    She knows the rule.


    The Rule of Reading Arcanum: Never attempt to decipher enchantments beyond your current level.


    Or else¡ª


    Suffer the consequences.


    Soon after, we arrive at a grand mahogany door, its polished surface carved with elaborate sigils.


    Mathew steps forward and delivers a polite knock.


    ¡°Milady, Master Asteria has arrived.¡±


    A moment of silence. Then¡ª


    ¡°Enter.¡±


    A smooth, velvety voice beckons from inside.


    Mathew opens the door, and as I step through the threshold¡ª


    A hand suddenly grips my sleeve.


    I stop.


    It¡¯s Sophia.


    Her fingers clutch at my coat, trembling.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I whisper.


    She doesn¡¯t answer.


    But her hand won¡¯t let go, her body rigid, her breathing shallow. Confused, I turn to look at her fully¡ª


    And that¡¯s when I see it.


    Her eyes are wide with horror. Her skin has lost all color.


    Before I can react, a young woman¡¯s voice fills the room.


    ¡°Master Asteria,¡± she greets, stepping forward with an elegant stride.


    She is dressed in a dramatic crimson gothic gown, the fabric cascading around her like flowing blood. Pearlescent white hair tumbles down her back, its soft waves framing a face of ethereal beauty¡ªthe kind of beauty that draws you in, only to ensnare you.


    Her crimson lips curve into a perfectly smile.


    ¡°It is a profound pleasure to finally meet you.¡±


    With a flourish, she lifts the edges of her gown and dips into an impeccable curtsy, every motion exuding a noble¡¯s grace.


    ¡°I am Ariella. Ariella Harrow, daughter of Archduke Eldric Harrow.¡±


    Her name rings through the room like a curse.


    For a brief moment, the world stills.


    Even I freeze.


    The blood in my veins chills, the name echoing in my mind.


    Ariella Harrow.


    Daughter of Archduke Eldric Harrow.


    The man who murdered Sophia¡¯s family.


    Suddenly, everything makes sense.


    The tremor in Sophia¡¯s grip.


    The way her breath quivers with suppressed fear.


    The way her entire body has gone cold¡ªnot from surprise, but from something far, far deeper.


    And now, standing before us, is the daughter of the very man who destroyed her life.


    A shiver crawls down my spine.


    No wonder Sophia is reacting like this.