Martel, Freyja, and Morgan walked through the royal grounds for around ten minutes, making small talk, before they arrived at the Manor House.

“What do you think?” Morgan asked with a hint of pride.

“It’s well made.” { Martel replied with a nod.

“Of course. My home is the best for the best.”

“Your House?” Martel asked with a hint of disbelief.

“Oh my. Is your house lacking compared to this? Ha ha ha ha ha.”

[That has got to be the most painful forced laugh ever.] Martel couldn’t help but think

“Oh, it’s not hers,” Freyja interjected with a cute chuckle which caused Morgan to wince. “It’s a gift from our father for her coming of age.”

“If it’s a gift, then it’s mine!”

“Yes, yes. Father spoils you. I didn’t get anything for my coming of age.”

“Well, it was as good as ruined, thanks to Mr. Pervert.”

“Hey, don’t make it sound like an official title,” Martel retorted with a sigh.

A smirk appeared on Freyja’s lips which she quickly covered with her hand. “Still, to think the reason you requested it was to spend your first night as a woman with a man. I could never be as aggressive as you.”

“W-w-w-w-w-what are you talking about!?!?!? There’s no way in hell I’d ever sleep with a man I’m not wed to!!! Much less this pervert!!!”

[Are you implying I’m not even a man?] Martel couldn’t help but think. “Anyway, why are we here?”

“Grandma is researching the Magic in the bedroom where you appeared. It isn’t going away, so she wanted to investigate it.”

“Ya, thanks to you I have to sleep in a guest room.”

“Well, I’m sorry I didn’t have a choice in the matter. If I did, I would have landed in Freyja’s bed instead. Ouch!!!” Martel retorted as Morgan kicked his shin in the same spot. Her accuracy would be praiseworthy if it weren’t so painful. Martel looked over at Freyja who refused to make eye contact with him as she couldn’t hide her slightly blushing cheek. [Well, it looks like Ms. Mature is quite innocent in that area.] Martel thought with a small grin.

“We’re here,” Freyja said as she opened a door revealing a familiar bedroom lit by candles. As were most rooms often occupied by royalty, there were no windows, just another door on the other side for security purposes. The room reverberated with the movement of the old lady who worked at a table with various liquids and beakers. It almost looked like a mad scientist’s lab.

“Grandma,” Morgan said as she walked up to the old woman.

“Hiiiii! Don’t sneak up on me like that! Are you trying to kill me! I’m already weak enough as it is! Anyway, I’m attempting to figure out why the Magic suddenly intensi-... You!” She retorted before she pointed at Martel. “Quick, come here.” She prompted Martel, who complied. Her eyes got wide at his approach. “Incredible, the Magic gets stronger to your proximity.”

“I was brought here by Magic?”

“Yes, but I am unfamiliar with this Magic. It seems to have an additional factor that I’ve never known existed and is comparable to transportation Magic, but the fact that it brought a sentient being through unharmed is astounding.”

“Huh? Explain?”

“Freyja, why don’t you?”

“Grandma, why can’t I explain?” Morgan complained.

“Because I know you know the answer,” the old lady snaps back.

“Ahem, transportation Magic is of an unknown type, possibly Holy Magic, that can be considered ancient. A certain amount of material can be sent from one place to another, depending on the user’s ability. It requires the user to see the intended destination or have put a Magical Marker down. Given this, there are almost no practical reasons for this as something within eyesight is very inefficient and, to mark it, you have to go there anyway. The third downside is that it can’t send through life forms safely. Finally, it is simpler to transport them without Magic as it is both faster and more efficient.”

“Excellent, you get a passing mark.”

“What do you mean by ‘most life forms’?”

Freyja hesitates a bit before answering:

“Plants and the like grow fine after going through. Animals, however… We tried it with rats, and they went through, but, while they were technically alive, they refused to move and died a few minutes later.”

“That is a bit problematic.”

“That’s why you are such a mystery,” Grandma interjects. “I can identify that this isn’t transportation Magic, so I have to assume that is the reason why. You haven’t been affected much if you can manage to walk around with a beautiful girl on each arm ka ka ka.”

““Grandma!!”” both of the girls perk up in a slight state of panic.

“Um, why do you keep calling her Grandma?”

“Because she’s our Grandma, you dumb pervert,” Morgan replied, plainly annoyed. “She’s the former queen who retired to research Magic.”

“Seems irresponsible.”

“Ka ka ka ka, I left that to my daughter. She has far more interest and ability in that area. Anyway, since you are here, I assume you want to find your Magical and Ki affinity.”

The sisters nodded.

“Very well, I have the tablet here.” Grandma looked at one of the attendants behind the sisters. “Go get the lad and tell him to bring the Ki water, I don’t want to make more, and he wanted to be here for this.”

The attendant bowed and left the room as Grandma brought out a stone tablet two feet tall and about a foot wide. On it, six emblems are engraved each as a small line carved towards a short cut in the center. Grandma pointed to the top emblem, which appeared to be a shield engraved with angel wings.

“This represents ‘Holy’ Magic,” Grandma says before moving to the bottom emblem. This one had similar wings, but they were upside down, and the edges were jagged instead of smooth.

“This represents ‘Darkness’ Magic. While both always give some affinity regardless of the person, Dark Magic is not well known and forbidden.”

She points to the top left, which has a pair of crossed tridents.

“This represents water.”

She pointed to the one below it which contains a breastplate.

“This represents earth.”

Below that was an emblem with a drawn bow and a quiver filled with arrows.

“This represents wind.”

On the top left, which was chainmail,

“This represents nature.”

Below that is an emblem which contains two crossing disks that seem to look like chakrams.

“This represents lightning.”

The final one has two crossed swords which appear to be set aflame.

“And this final one represents fire.”

“Why are there different weapons and such for the various elements?” Martel asked.

Freyja is the first to speak. “You remember how I told you that there were ‘spirits’ in the forest? Well, legend states that each element has a Spirit King. These Kings have dominion over their element and are sentient beings. We aren’t sure if all the spirits are sentient or only the kings, or even if the kings themselves exist. However, according to legend, these spirits gifted humankind with the tools of war.”

“Why would they give tools of war?”

“It was told that the land was peaceful, for the most part. There were wars and the like, most notable was the war when darkness threatened them, so this isn’t the first time.” Grandma replied.

“How long ago did that occur?”

“We think around 2000 years ago, though we don’t have any reliable written material for the first 1000 years. The only materials that survived were a few stone tablets that had eroded or a few books that transcribed them.”

“That is understandable. Are there factors that contribute to a particular affiliation?”

“It seems that bloodlines have some effect. Outside of holy and dark, an average person will have an affiliation with one, talented will have two, those with Magician bloodlines can have three, and a Le Fay has four.”

“I see, is this a hard rule?”

“No, it is a generalization.”

“Is that the reason why the Le Fay family hold so much power?”

“Of course,” Morgan interjected as she thrust out her chest. “Our family is superior in all things Magical.”

“Yes, yes. Anyway, what other factors for what particular element is usable?”

“It accepted theory is that the strongest emotion present is responsible for the initial affinity,” Grandma replied. “Any other affinities will be those that are adjacent to it.”

“So, for example, Goldie’s affinity is most likely fire.”

At this, Grandma looked at Martel wide-eyed in surprise, and Freyja looked away as her body slightly shook from her stifled laughter.

“Why do I feel like you just insulted me?” Morgan retorted in a huff.

“It’s all in your imagination,” Martel replied as he waved the question. “Anyway, what do I have to do to find out my affinity?”

Grandma took Martel’s hand, brought it over the tablet, and quickly drew a knife to cut his finger before he could react.

Martel eyebrow slightly flinched from the unexpected pain as he felt blood spill from the wound and drip down onto the tablet before Grandma brought his hand back and appeared to do something.

The tingling sensation on his hand prompted Martel to glance at the wound. “It’s completely healed.”

“Just because I’m elderly does not mean that I am incapable of the basic spells. At any rate, the results are coming in.”

A blue light began to emerge from Martel’s blood and proceeded to travel vertically towards the Holy and Dark Magic, which was an expected result. What happened next made the women in the room frozen out of shock. The blue light went not to one or two of the emblems; it went to all six, and they all lit up.

“I… I don’t believe it.” Freyja managed to speak out.

“You… What are you?” Grandma asked as she looked at Martel with wide eyes before she looked back at the tablet. “Your affinity with them is all of the primary quality. No, your base with holy and dark is above normal, so that may be an expected result. *kakakaka*, I feel young again! Like an infant who knows nothing of the world!”

“So I take it that this has no precedent.”

“None that I’m aware of.” A male voice Martel hadn’t heard before sounded behind him. The voice belonged to the young man who was next to the queen in the throne room. “Sorry, I showed up a little bit ago, but it was interesting, so I decided to watch,” He said with a big smile on his face. “How do you do? I am Duran,” He said while he extended his hand to Martel.

“A handshake?” Martel asked which Duran nodded in affirmation before they shook hands.

“At any rate, I brought the Ki water.”

Grandma retrieved the large jar of Ki water and placed it in a large bowl. “I can’t wait for the results. We had no reason to think that your Magical possibilities were without peer, and your child-like Ki also has no precedent.”

“I don’t have a deep understanding of Ki, so could someone explain?”

“I can do that,” Duran stated. “Ki is the power of the body controlled by the will. When we say you have the Ki of a child, it means your Ki is unstable. Usually, the Ki stabilizes before one is mentally of age to control it.”

“So then what exactly is this test for?”

“It is to test what type of Ki you have. Those who have learned to utilize Ki can all control it to some extent. There are two base practices for Ki. First is Release. You can control the overall output from your body explosively. While everyone has a set amount, you can temporarily increase it, which boosts your body’s capabilities. This technique is considered to be fundamental and problematic as running out of Ki is a death sentence on the battlefield. Second is Confine. It is the opposite as it keeps the amount of Ki one releases to a minimum. It is useful for hiding one’s presence, but it leaves your body more vulnerable to Ki and Magic attacks. This test is to find out which of the three specialists categories your Ki is.

“The first is Enhancer. This Ki type reinforces the body by compressing and solidifying, raising attack and defense substantially. Specialists can stop a regular sword with their skin alone. The next is ‘Manipulator,’ which is ones Ki within the body. It is basically a concentrated form of enhancement without compressing, but skilled practitioners can control the Ki a little outside the body and even put it into objects improving its quality. In essence, it gives Ki a defined shape. The third and final is Emitter. Like Manipulator, it is also a Ki focused outside of the body, but with far less control. It has far more power than manipulation Ki. It allows for ranged Ki attacks.”

“So is it similar to the Magic regarding affinity?”

“Unless specifically referring to you, no. Technically all three are usable, however, usually only one stands out compared to the others. The other two are normally so weak they can’t be practically applied. However, there are exceptions. Our father’s bloodline is known for having two types in prominence.”

“I see, so how does this test work?”

“By putting a part of the body, typically the finger, into the water, the reaction will be telling of the Ki affinity. An enhancer causes the water to increases, so it spills over. Manipulator creates a mini whirlpool. Finally, Emitter will cause the water to bow inward so that the finger will not touch the water. For example,” Duran placed his finger to the water as it caved in and spilled over the edge. After he had removed it, the water level was without noticeable change.

“So I take it you are both an enhancer and emitter?”

Duran nodded his head as Grandma spoke up. “It’s your turn now, boy.”

Martel moved his finger to the water and slowly put it in and... nothing happened.

“Uh, I’m afraid to ask, but I figure either I’m broken or the water is.”

“Strange, it usually will last several tests. Try again but imagine your bodies energy moving to your finger.”

Martel nodded his head and tried to imagine it. He slowly moved his hand towards the water. As he did so, the water starts to bulge inwards. At the center, a small whirlpool formed in the container and the water begins to flow over the edge.

“So… I take it this I have all three?”

Duran shakes his head. “No, once again, everyone has all three. This means you are proficient in all three. If I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t have believed it. Complete affinity for either Magic or Ki would have been incredible. You have both which is as a miracle. I wonder why?”

“Ahhh!” Grandma says as though she has an epiphany. “It’s probably his child-like Ki. I bet that everyone has proficiency in all three at birth. However, by the time they can consciously manipulate it, they have unconsciously set their trend.”

“That is a logical possibility. So much for being superior, isn’t that right sisters.”

“Humph, I’m still far superior to that pervert.”

“Yes, yes, Goldie.” Martel retorted.

“Goldie?” Duran asked.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Freyja looked out the door. “At any rate, the sun is setting. I’m sure it’s been a long day for you; for all of us.”

“That is probably a good idea.”

“When am I going to get my room back?”

“Probably not as long as this Hero is here,” Grandma replied.

Morgan gave angrily glared at Martel. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

“Morgan!” Freyja scolded. “Don’t talk like that. Sorry, Martel.”

“Don’t worry about it. At any rate Freyja, I will take you up on retiring for the evening, though I don’t know where to go.”

“No problem, one of the assistants will see you there.”

“Excellent. I would also like a private audience with Their Majesties.”

To this request, Freyja narrowed her eyes and gave Martel an inquisitive look. “How private?”

“Private enough so that those outside the royal family won’t hear. If it isn’t much trouble, I’d like to ask some questions that I feel they would want to discuss in private.”

“I see, I will request it. Have a good evening.”

“You too.”

...

Freyja walked through the palace dimly lit by the setting sun. [Today was so eventful and exciting. He is... different. He shows respect and courtesy, yet he treats us as equals. Unlike all the others, it feels like his flattering is sincere and without ulterior motive though that could be because he didn’t know my position at first.

[He also seems to absorb information well. Come to think of it, he understood and accurately evaluated most of the topics that were brought up. Could he be a noble and just be playing dumb? No, that is unlikely. All of his affinities are probably the best evidence that he isn’t from our world.]

She entered a room lit by candlelight. Inside was her mother, the queen, who was preoccupied with the various parchments of the status of the kingdom. Freyja waited patiently until the queen finished before she went over most of the conversation between herself and Martel, a little on his personality, and the results regarding his affiliation.

“Can he be trusted?” The queen asked after Freyja finished.

“It is too soon to say for sure, though I would say he is straightforward and honest which is in his favor.”

“Does he intended to fight for us?”

“He didn’t explicitly say. I believe he is going to tell us tomorrow. He has asked for a private audience and has asked that only the royal family be present.”

“This includes you too?”

“I believe that is his intent. Perhaps he feels more comfortable with someone he has privately conversed with being present.”

“I see. Very well. Tomorrow evening, I have to meet with some squabbling nobles in the morning.” She replied as she rubbed her forehead. “They all want to meet with him, mostly to introduce their daughters to him, as many believe him to be the Hero.

“Very well, I should take my leave.”

“Ah, one moment. There is something I want to discuss with you. When do you intend to be wed?”

“Mother…”

“Your younger brother has not only married, but he is expecting his first child soon.”

“Don’t compare me with him! He had extreme circumstances.”

“Circumstances you envy, no? I’m afraid what you are looking for may not exist.”

“All of them see me only as the next queen and reek of their alternative motives!”

“It is your job to ensure that you become their motive. At this point, I’m willing to slightly concede as you do not need to marry a man of noble birth. So long as he has something to back him, like fame or a strong bloodline, then I will accept it.”

Freyja couldn’t help but narrow her eyes when she realized why her mother had brought this up at this time. “What are you saying?”

“Exactly what I said. Now then, it’s getting late.”

“As you wish,” [At least let me be selfish this one time in my life.] She thought as the door made a muffled bang as she closed it behind her.

Without another notable thought, she made her way to her room, prepared for, and went to bed. It was only then that she began to settle down from the day’s events. [My mother never gives up does she. She’s also as witty as ever, trying to kill two birds with one stone. Well, it doesn’t matter. At any rate, I am having a little trouble understanding Martel. As we talked, he seemed to get more relaxed. He slowly started to change from speaking with high respect to being more comfortable. But still, even for being relaxed there were some… interesting discussions. Especially with Morgan though it also puzzles me. He got angry at her but seemed to forgive her without reason, and all the anger disappeared... Like it was all an act...

[To have both complete affiliations with both Magic and Ki. It is incredible. Still, I can’t shake this uneasy feeling. His Magical affinity. His affinity with all the elements, higher than average with Holy Magic but…. The strength of his Dark affiliation was higher still.]

With that final thought, the fatigue of the day took her.

Around the same time, in a room lit only by a candle on a table, lay Martel.

[What a strange day. No, I was unconscious for one day. What an odd couple of days. I would never have expected my knowledge of history and mythology would come in handy here. Well, let’s see if my gamer tendencies will help out next.] He thought with a small smile as he relaxed on the bed.

On the desk lit by a candle lay a piece of parchment with writing that the indigenous people could not read.

To-Do List

Gather Information (ongoing) Obtain a base of operations obtain a staff diplomat military adviser spymaster literary researcher Magic researcher Magic trainer combat trainer writing translator general staff Create a path for communication to and from home

End of Day -323