Sora’s POV

*Focus*

Meditating in this ‘game’ is very different from meditating in the real world.

When I used to meditate in the real world, it was simply some breathing exercises which clammed my mind. It was a relaxed state of the mind.

However, ever since I have arrived to this world – I sensed a difference. Initially, I was unable to focus on anything around me – the searing hot pain that ran through my body made it impossible for me to relax or focus. But as the days passed by, the pain subsided and I was able to finally attain the ‘relaxed mental state’. It was when I attained this mental state, I noticed that in this world there is scope to go further….

I can draw my consciousness out of my body. I find this difficult to explain – I may have my eyes closed but I know what is in front of me. I can almost see it – but my eyes are closed. I don’t see the objects but I see lucid moving colours and shapes. I instinctively recognize those shapes and colours – I know what is a tree and what is the ground. How can I describe this – I can see but not see.

When I began exploring this mental state of meditation – I noticed that I could see in more detail and further than with my eyes open. To begin with I could sense the movement of the cool wind that gently brushes past me or simply listening to the tiny sounds made by insects. If I focused on any particular detail, the background became foggy and obscured. No matter how much I tried, I was never able to see everything in complete detail and clarity in one go.

But that all changed after the strength of test which Mizuki imposed upon me. Since then my ability to comprehend the world around me has increased, I have become more self-aware to the feeling of being surrounded by spirits. Now when I expand my consciousness, beyond myself and into the expanse, I have been able to see everything in one picture. It is like the seeing all the details in the world in a single photograph.

Although, this ability is highly useful, there are some restrictions to it. There seem to be certain magical barriers in this dungeon, like the walls, which my consciousness cannot cross. Some of these barriers are like invisible and some are opaque. The boundaries of this dungeon are like the opaque walls, my consciousness cannot cross them nor see what lies beyond them. However, the Gatekeeper chamber’s has an invisible wall. I can only see a distorted image of what lies inside the chambers – the beautiful woman who is trying to kill me. It is like see something through glazed glass – you can’t be too sure of what you are seeing in front of you. There is another type of barrier – people’s mind; or at least those who defend it. I can’t describe what it looks like. However, unlike the unbreakable magical barriers, if I exert myself against these – I can break into someone’s mind.

Before I met Crayford’s party, I was able to break into the mind of every monster on the fifth floor – they mostly have useless trash thoughts pertaining to animalistic tendencies. Since I accepted the role as a Gatekeeper, I haven’t met Mizuki or the Mokanas. Hence, I haven’t tried breaking into their minds. But, I am certain they would be aware if someone tried attacking their consciousness – just like how Crayford was instantly aware that I broke into his mental defences.

There is another limit to this ability, or should I say a limit to what my current self can do with this ability; I am unable to go back to seeing spirits that I saw previously during the test of strength. Last time, I was able to see them because of the ‘orb’, but on my own I am unable to see them. I can sense the various energies the spirits give off around me, but I definitely can’t see them. However, I am certain this has more to do with training and less to do with the limits of the ability itself.

In the past, I used to meditate because it was fun and had a calming effect on me. But now, I am interested in maxing out this skill. I want to see how much further can I expand this ‘mental power’. I would certainly like to see the ‘spirits’ again and relive that moment – how can I describe that wonderful yet addictive feeling? It is a high that I have never tasted before but am desperate to taste again. There is another reason why I am meditating – my control over this ability is directly related to my magical output. The better grasp I have over this, the more mana I pack into a single attack – the more devastating is the attack.

With the sole thought of becoming stronger – I am now training my mind. I begin my training! My presence is extending from my body and growing outwards. Crayford’s party is now encompassed by my consciousness….I will now proceed to peek into Waifu’s tent. She may be hiding in a tent, but can she escape my ‘x-ray vision’? I will learn everything there is to learn about Waifu’s proportions….

Eh?

Is this a mental barrier or a magical barrier?

I ram myself against the barrier – but it doesn’t shake in the slightest. It’s an impregnable fortress…

T_T Waifuuu!!! Why do you do this to me!!!

***

I open my eyes – I can sense he is sitting in front of me. I am uncertain how long has it been since I began meditating – but it must have been long enough since Crayford is wide awake and appears to be completely refreshed.

“Did I disturb you?” Crayford asks politely while seating himself on a rock in front of me.

“No….It was time to stop anyways…” I reply – no matter how much I tried, I was unable to get past Waifu’s barrier. It was time to admit defeat and give up.

“You haven’t changed at all…” Crayford said – there is hesitation in his eyes. “Nothing can change you…”

“Hmm? What do you mean?” I ask in a manner which conveys my low interest in the subject.

“Be it Royal Road or here….you still meditate….” Crayford said.

“I like meditating….it is a good way to relax and unwind yourself. You should try it.”

“Your inconceivably strong as always, you even overwhelmed my mental defences.” He complimented – what is he getting at?

“Fluke.” I casually answered. “You were too emotional at the time and I saw a gap. That is all.”

Crayford appears to be shifting uncomfortable on his stone seat – I can sense he wants to talk to me about something but doesn’t know how to bring up the topic. For now I will pretend as though I don’t know this.

“Sensei…what are your plans from here on now?” Crayford asks with much difficulty and deep contemplation.

I have a bad feeling about this….Sora Lesson in life #221: Whenever someone is interested your life’s plan – they aren’t interested in your life’s plan.

“I was thinking of exploring this world. I have only been to one city – a bad experience. I want to learn more about this ‘world’ before taking on any major projects.”

Crayford smiles weakly – did I disappoint him?

“Exploring this world might take a life time.” Crayford says feebly. “It is eight times larger than our own planet and can be divided into numerous dimension….even a life time is too little.”

Is he trying to deter me? Why?

“Then, it is a good thing adventurers live forever?” I say – reaffirming my position that I have no intention to deviate from my plans. What will you say now?

“Sensei…adventurers don’t live forever…” Crayford sheepishly replies to my ignorance.

“Eh? But aren’t you of human race and over six hundred years old?” I ask out of curiosity; unable to hide my surprise.

“I am indeed a normal human. However, due to certain experiments and rules I have created, I can prevent dying of old age….” Crayford explains.

“Immortal?” I confirm with him.

“No, longevity…” Crayford explains – his voice is heavy and emotional; I sense pain. “As a human I cannot escape death….but with the help of rules I can postpone it….”

“That is convenient….” I remark. I wonder if I should create similar rules for myself? I guess it is not needed as an undead or slime….

“All adventurers who prefer a longer life cycle create such rules. It is not that uncommon. The > of creating this rule is also low as long as you understand what rules to create….” Crayford explained. “But there is no escaping the wounds of time….I may look young but that is a side effect of the rules I created. In reality, my body is edging towards its end….” He said those last few words grudgingly.

“You sound like you are an old man who is dying…but from the way you fight, I wouldn’t believe it.”

Who is he kidding? Edging towards his end? He fights like a monster. I don’t disagree with him when he says he is old, there are wrinkles at the edge of his eyes…. but he isn’t doesn’t appear that old. Why does he want my sympathy?

“Heh….I should have died a long time ago, Sensei….but I won’t be satisfied till I have my revenge. That is the only thought that keeps me going. Till I don’t avenge my wife and child, I will not stop.” As Crayford spoke, in a shaky voice, these words his eyes were red and watery.

He is staring at me – what should I do? Console him? Ask him what happened to his wife and child? Does he expect me to help him? I should just turn him down. What a six hundred year old monster can’t achieve; it is certainly impossible for me.

As I am about to speak, Crayford kneels on the ground and bows down to me – in a kowtow position. This is very similar to when we first met. However, the feel to it is completely different. Previously, it was a bow of respect. Now, he is pleading me.

“Sensei! Please help me get revenge for my family!” Crayford shouts out sincerely while not looking up.

“Get over them and marry again.” Sora shot back.

“I can’t….no one can replace their position in my heart…Just this one battle…please!” Crayford grieved.

One battle against the Empire? Are you f*cking insane? Do I need to remind him they have a hundred monsters called Cardinals? Each Cardinal is a million times stronger than me. Even in my current form, I am not sure if I can defeat even one of them – a hundred is impossible!

Awkward moment of silence – Tch! I should have spoken sooner…turning him down now is so much more difficult. But it still needs to be done…

*Deep Breath*

“I refuse.” I reply firmly.

Crayford looks up at me with imploring watery puppy eyes - looking for an explanation.

“What is impossible for you is impossible for me.” Should I elaborate?

“Sensei….how…” Crayford was struggling to find the words with all his emotions swirling wildly inside him. “I always strove hard to be like you….chasing your shadow….but no matter how much effort I put in the gap was too wide and then my life in that world came to an end…”

“…”

“When I was reborn in this world, I decided to be like you – no surpass you. From the day I was born, I worked relentlessly…at one time; I truly believed I accomplished my goal. However, after I lost everything did I truly realize that … no matter how much I tried…there is a boundary I cannot cross…”

How do I reply to this? Aren’t his expectations unrealistic? Why is he pushing his expectations on me?

“That kind of thinking…” I begin muttering but am cut-off by Crayford.

“Sensei please.” Crayford implored with two soft streams of salted waters running from the corners of his eyes. “You are the only one who can make the impossible possible.”

Oye! Wait! Isn’t the expectation setting to unrealistic? What kind of request is that?

Before, I can say anything, he whispers softly – almost as though I am his last hope. “Please help me.”

He is still facing the ground. The parched dusty earth is now moist with tears.

***

Sora stood up and looked down at the pitiful tearful Crayford. Sora then did the unthinkable; he placed his skull foot on Crayford’s bowing head and pressed it against the dirt. Crayford offered no resistance.

“Will you submit to me completely?” Sora asked as his eye shined with a malicious and vile fiery red.

Seeing no resistance, Sora continued. “Do you admit you can never be great as me?”

“STOP IT!” A female's voice pierced through the air; it was Claire.

Sora shifted his attention to Claire; she too was humbled into tears. She could no longer watch a skeleton warrior humiliate her Master. She had been eavesdropping their conversation. But seeing her master being ridiculed, she could no longer hold herself back…

“Claire stop!” Crayford shouted out firmly while still in a kowtow.

“Master, get up!” Claire begged while crying. “You don’t have to do this….”

“You should listen to her.” Sora advised with a malicious intent.

“Sensei, I submit to you completely. So please help me.”

“Master! Don’t! Master!” Claire continued to beg.

Annoyance.

“Then, will you take his place?” Sora was irritated with the repeated interference.

Claire, suddenly dropped into a kowtow. “Yes, I will.” She said firmly.

“Claire, you!” Crayford angrily cursed.

Sora chuckled, this scene amused him. A broken disciple and a broken master.

“Will you listen to everything I ask of you?” Sora asked with a lustful ring to his voice. “Let me remind you, I am a very ecchi-ero monster…”

“If you want my body, mind or heart. You can have it.” Claire bitterly agreed. “Just help Master.”

“Hmmm? Body, mind and heart?” Sora repeated. He removed his foot off Crayford and walked towards Claire.

Claire felt a cold chill run through her spine as Sora approached. If it was this much she would willingly sacrifice herself for her master. She would save her Master from this monster - so that he could save him from the ridicule....her Master became really pitiful after he lost the ones he loved...she could no longer stand to the side like a stranger while watching him lose every shred of dignity he had remaining....

Sora placed his bony fingers on Claire’s shoulder. She shivered slightly but continued bowing firmly.

“Tch…You guys are too boring…” Sora muttered as though he was completely uninterested and bored of them.

You both pass…I have said this before I don't trust people easily....

***

He offered no resistance – he had submitted completely. When I was stepping on his head and pressing his face against the ground, he didn’t move. Was he expecting it?

When I tested him further…his stupid disciple interfered….

One willing to give up everything for the sake of revenge and another willing to give up everything to save the Masters dignity…

Ah! These kind of person is completely broken! Emotionally damaged goods. The grief of loss overwhelms him completely. And love overwhelms the other…both are fools.

*Sigh*

Sadly, I cannot even imagine their hardships. It must have been difficult for him not being able to share his burden…and I must be the biggest fool for agreeing to help them....a fight with the Empire…Huh?

Muahahahaha! This is getting exciting! I already had a reason to pick a fight the Empire….but still the Empire…a hundred monsters…an impossible challenge….this really is too exciting.

Coming to this 'world'....is not a decision I regret.

I look forward to what the future holds for me...

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Author's Note:

1. With this we come to the end of Arc 2. :3

2. This chapter is dedicated to FSGIsainity (and other readers!)

3. Suggestion for names with chapters may earns you a mention! (so does favourable comment ratings....and cookies...and becoming my slave)