Hey everyone. This is the first chapter of the second book that focuses on the adventures of Nu-Ru’s group. I chose to make book 2 about Nu-Ru because I wanted to let one of the other mc’s besides Drakus have a point of view for the second book. Don’t worry book three will be about Drakus and Altina’s adventure. In addition, I have not at this point decided how many chapters each book will be. Also you should not assume that the other books won’t be as exciting since the two strongest within Crimson Strife aren’t in them. There will be plenty of battle, intrigue and romance as well. There might even be one or two army battles. For the most part though there will not be any major army battles at this point for books two or three since they are in the human kingdoms and focus much more on intrigue as well as character development with some romance mixed in. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.

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Book 2- Chapter 1- Capital.

Nu-Ru POV

Near the Holy empire laid a vast land with hills and forest scattered about. Plots of lands were cultivated with farmers at the helm. All the roads from around the empire leads directly to the Capital of the empire, aptly named the Holy Capital. A certain carriage filled with several individuals was making its way to the Capital.

“Wow, what a wonderful view.”

Driver: “First time in the countryside young man?”

The one who responded was the driver of the carriage. The man looked to be in his early sixties with short grey hair and wrinkled skin. He had a small hunch, making him seem quite small.

“In a long time yes. Where we’re from, we don’t see much serine areas like this.”

Driver: “Take it in as much as you can, it ends essentially when we reach the Capital by the hour.”

The old man let out a warm chuckle before turning his attention back on the road. I got off the of the passenger seat and climbed back in the carriage where Shae and Sirva sat. I sat down across from them.

“We’ll be reaching the capital by the hour, wonder what we’ll see there?”

Shae.Alpha: “Humans of course.”

Ever since Shae became an android her emotions were altered in some way. She still felt them but her body and face sometime fail to express them, often coming out as monotone. I suppressed a chuckle at her mute response.

“What about you Sirva?”

Sirva: “I do not know now master.”

Sirva sat kneeling down towards me. When she replied to my question as she bowed her head, a small bell chime could be heard. The reason for this was the Empire hated demi-humans and considered them beneath them. Often many demi-humans are subjugated as slaves, elves were among the popular slaves.

Before we left we decided that Sirva would need to at least play the part so I gave her [Alert choker.] It’s a choker item with a special ability imbued into it. Should the user be in danger it will send an alert to all party members. The design itself resembles that of a collar, the only thing left was painting symbols on it to make it look authentic. She was dressed in a rather plain tunic and pants, albeit enchanted by me. Although Sirva was quite ok with it, I voiced my displeasure of it when it was suggested.

Us on the other hand looked much more fashionable. We decided to not wear our best gear as they would draw enormous amount of attention. I settled on an outfit similar to my old one. A tunic underneath some scholarly clothes with vest. I still had my inventory bag, so we had our best gear should we need it. I’ve also used my illusion magic to conceal my ears and eyes to pass as a human.

I’ve was even able to disguise Shae mechanical parts to make her look fully human. She wore an outfit similar to mine. All of our equipment were still high level so we didn’t have to worry about much.

For the past hour, we simply did nothing. Shae brought along a book for her to read while I stared out into the distance. Time seemed to slow down as I admired the wonderful scenery. As we got closer to the capital, more and more villages came into view. I looked at the people working about with curiosity.

*Hmm, I wonder. |Identify|*

After activating my skill the same game window popped up just like it did back when it was still a game. Everything in my sight was divided into the same category. Their name was unknown as I didn’t know them. However their levels were visible along with health and mana level. I casted every villagers I could in my vision to try and get a feel for it.

*Most are below level 10, while those city knights from last time were around low 20’s.*

I continued my investigation as we passed them onto the next village. Like before it had the same result, most were very low level. One of the villagers had what seemed like a rusty short sword. When that came into view I was able to identify it. The name of the weapon, it’s stats, and it’s rarity.

“Are we really in another world?”

Shae.Alpha: “Huh? What are you going about now?”

I accidentally spoke my thoughts aloud, enough for Shae to hear me. I was about to dismiss it but if anyone would understand what I’m thinking, it would be her,

“For a while now, I’ve been using my identification skill. And it’s just like Eternia, the stats, level, name, everything. We can interact with the world like it’s a game but the world is real at the same time.”

Nothing made sense. The more we discover the more the questions piled up. The biggest of them were, are we really in another world. Much of the evidence supports it but at the same time, there is also evidence of the game as well.

Shae.Alpha: “Quite frankly I don’t care if this world is real or a game world. All I care about it is getting back in my old body again. If we can achieve that then it doesn’t matter if this world is real or not.”

I stayed silent for a bit, contemplating her words. Thinking about it, she was right. I couldn’t help laugh at the rather simple answer.

“You’re right. Guess I’m just overthinking it, again.”

Driver: “We’re at the outskirts of the Capital, we’ll reach the checkpoint within minutes.”

The old man’s voice snapped me back to reality. I stood up to get a better view of the capital. I couldn’t help but let out a gasp of air at the site of the huge capital.

Even from a far distance it was massive. A gigantic wall was erected around the Capital, spanning as far as the eye could see. Even with that, there were a couple of buildings that stood tall. What seems like the top of a church was seen, along with tall buildings and spires. The most impressive was a tall spire building in the middle of everything.

Within a couple of minutes the wall was looming over us. The carriage suddenly stopped and we got off.

Driver: “This is as far as I can take you. Just head to the checkpoint over there and you’ll be good to enter.”

“Thank you for driving us this far. Here.”

I kindly thanked the man and presented him with two gold pieces. Gold in this world was a bit more valuable than in Eternia. The currency went along the lines of copper, bronze, silver and gold coins. Also the conversion rate was that 100 copper=1 bronze, 100 bronze= 1 silver and 100 silver = 1 Gold. Thanks to the gold from the princess and my alchemy skill, I was successfully able to mass produce their standard gold coins. All members have at least around a million gold coin should any situation come up.

The moment I brought out the coin the old man looked like his eyes were going to fly out.

Driver: “This...This is too much.”

“I insist, you drove us all the way here. It’s the least we can do.”

The man cupped the gold coins as if not to lose them. He became teary eyed as he constantly thanked me. After saying our goodbyes we followed the path to the checkpoint. The surrounding area wasn’t much to look at, a couple of merchants here and there with stalls.

Fortunately for us there were multiple lines so we were near the entrance in no time. A pair of guards waited for us. They had on full body armor of a silver color. They didn’t have a helmet and in their right shoulder guard was the symbol of the empire.

“Hello. We’re new to the empire. We would like passage for three please.”

The guards looked at us with mild suspicion, namely they looked at me and Sirva.

Guard: “What might be the reason for you coming here?”

“Why to be a part of the empire of course. When we left, we decided to go here as this was the pinnacle of humanity.”

The guards cracked a small smile before one of them walked inward into the city. The Holy empire were a rather conceited bunch. They believed that humans were the apex of lifeforms and everything else was beneath them.

*Looks like Drakus advice worked out after all.*

Within a minute the guard came back, carrying some small card shape paper.

Guard: “Hold out your hand. We’ll mark you as a civilian of the empire.”

We did as we were told. It looked to be similar to a washable tattoo stamp. They placed it on our arm and sprayed some light substance over it. Soon there was an imprint of the empire symbol on our hand. I looked over to Sirva to see her with the slave symbol on her hand instead. I suppressed the urge to frown and looked ahead.

Guard: “You’re now official residents of the empire. The total cost of admission is one gold for all of you.”

I payed the guard and we made our way in. They did a little check on our goods and equipments. They checked my bag but luckily they didn’t activate the inventory so it seemed like an ordinary bag. They quickly finished up and we were on our way in.

At first I was rather surprised at the civilization of the empire. The streets were wide enough for people to go to and from. There was even a road payment for horses and carts to move around. My original expectations were somewhere along the lines of medieval style living so its surprising. Something I immediately noticed was that every demi-human that I saw was walking alongside a human, never by itself.

Shae.Alpha: “Hey! Stop daydreaming.”

Shae’s sudden shout brought me back to reality. She was ahead of me so I sprinted to catch up to her. We continued on our path to the our destination, the center of the empire.

Shae.Alpha: “So, where is exactly is this Holy academy again?”

“If I had to guess it would be the one with the large spire that we saw when we’re outside the wall.”

Shae.Alpha: “You think they’ll just let random people join their Holy Academy’?”

The Holy Empire values power above all else, especially magic. According to the princess, the Holy Academy was built to train and hone the power of those who have it. It was also a sign of status as well. Commoners were those with no power or strength. Next are the villeins, and the middle class who possess talents. The nobility class is divided into Barones, Marquise and Dukes. All under the royal family.

“If the princess information is correct there should be an evaluation test for applicants of the academy. So long as we show our strength, it shouldn’t be a problem. But we do need to limit what we can or can not use.”

Shae nodded and we continued to discuss future matters. While doing so I started to notice something. We were being watched by everyone around us. They would take quick glances at us from all direction.

*Are we standing out? Is it our clothes or is it because we’re new here?*

I couldn’t help but get cautious as we should have easily blended in with the crowd. I ignored them and we made our way forward. Eventually we decided to stop at some diner. The tables were set outside with a couple inside the stores. It was one of those open air restaurants. We took our seat as a female elf came to us and took our order.

XXX: “Ummm...What would you like today?”

We asked for what they offer. Eventually we decided on a meal that was big enough to feed all of us. The elf quickly sprinted away with our order, as if she was afraid of being there for another second.

It was that moment I realized something. As soon as we sat down, all chatter stopped and the customers all around were talking in whispers. All of them staring at Sirva. At first I was confused by that fact, trying to figure out why so until a voice called out.

XXX: “Excuse my boy. Excuse me!”

A sudden voice called out that grabbed everyone’s attention. I looked back to see a small puggy fat man making his way over to our table. The oddest thing about him was the way he was dress. Unlike the people around he wore an outfit reminiscent of a suit. He was smoking on a pipe with a monocle on his left eye.

He wasn’t alone however, what seemed like a sheepman man accompanied him along with another female sheepman carrying several goods. They both wore a butler and a maid outfit. He made his way over, seemingly hopping along the way. He stopped just beside Sirva and excitedly inspected her.

XXX: “Wonderful! Simply wonderful! A genuine dark elf!”

*A dark elf? What does that have to do with anything? Unless…”

Back in Eternia there were different categories of elves. The most common were the wood elves and the dark elves. The dark elves were the classical image, a darker skin elf. They were typically proficient in arm combat compared to the elves magical affinity. The lore told that they were extremely ruthless and tough enemy. In fact among the top 10 most popular created NPC’s monsters, dark elves were ranked around 2nd place.

I looked over to Shae and our eyes meet. She also seemed to have found out as well. I turned my attention back to the man who was eyeing Sirva as she were some grand item.

XXX?: “Exquisite ! Absolutely exquisite! My boy is this dark elf yours?”

“Yes she is.”

I replied with a forced cheerful smile. He simply nodded before returning his attention back to Sirva.

XXX: “Tell me me my boy where did you obtain such a wonderful item?”

I quietly clicked my tongue in annoyance at him referring to her as an item, but kept a straight face.

“You know it’s quite rude to not introduce yourself before engaging in a discussion.”

XXX: “Of course! where are my manners? I am Baron Matwain. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

*A baron? That means he’s among the lower nobility faction.*

I kept the thought to myself trying to keep my facade on.

“Hello Mr. Matwain, my name is Nu-Ru.”

Matwain: “Nu-Ru? An odd name don’t you think my boy?”

“I’ve not from around here. I came from a far away place.”

Matwain: “I see, I see. Forgive my boy. If you don't mind me asking again, where did you obtain her.”

My brain went into overdrive as I tried to come up with a plausible explanation as to why a dark elf was under the command of a child. (Reminder Nu-Ru is 18 year old. Shae.Alpha is 19 year old.)

“It was a gift. A gift from my father.”

*When all else fail go with the pompous dad approach* I thought to myself while trying to put on a proud expression. It seemed to have worked as we continued talking.

Matwain: “My boy are you perhaps willingly to sell her?”

*So that’s what he’s after.”

Matwain: “I’ve been trying to get my hands on one for years now but to no avail. No adventure or mercenary group would go and find a tribe to capture one no matter how much I was willingly to pay them. I’m make sure you earn a profit of course. 600 gold.”

“No.”

Matwain: “I see, then 750 gold then.”

“I said no.”

Matwain: “You drive a hard bargain my boy. 1,000 gold coins. That’s my final offer.”

“And here’s my final answer, no!”

We stood staring at each other for a solid minute. Those in the store and around where watching our debate. It was when I finally gave my answer that something changed. There was a short changed in his demeanor but I caught it. He was annoyed, angry, frustrated that I was challenging him. Within that very second his expression turned back to the cheery, bubbling attitude.

Matwain: “I see. Well then how we do a Slave exchange then?”

“Slave exchange?”

I haven't heard that time before, even when I talked with the princess regarding the empire.

Matwain: “You don’t know what a slave exchange is my boy? Well it’s as the name suggests, we essentially trade slaves. However since you don’t want to trade then we can fight for it.”

*Fight?*

Matwain: “Basically we would fight against one another with our slaves as bets. The fights can range from simple games or a full on fight.”

I was about to immediately say no but I quickly retracted my answer and thought things out some more. He isn’t going to simply give up like that.

“Very well, I accept.”

A smile formed on his face but it was a cruel and sly smile.

Matwain: “Hehe, that’s wonderful. So name your price.”

“I want those two over there.”

I pointed at his slaves behind him. I caught another sly smile, this time much more revealing. Most likely he thought that even if he lose he could easily replace them. The smile shows how much confident he had in winning.

Matwain: “A fair deal my boy. We’ll fight it out, how does that sound boy?”

“That’s perfectly fine. If I’m not mistaken there is a large circular courtyard. We’ll fight there.”

I got up and walked towards the plaza with Matwain right behind me. We attracted quite a bit of attention as by the time we got there, there were a number of onlookers. We stood a couple of meters from one another.

I used my identification skill while he got ready. His full name popped up with everything as usual.

*Level 25. To me he’s really weak but that’s physically. To this world he must be a strong mage. But the problem isn’t how strong he is, rather how strong am I? I need to restrict myself, but how much?*

I cursed myself again in my mind for not asking about the magic of this world when I discuss some matters with the princess. Of course the very reason we were sent here was to investigate this world magic. I shook my head to focus on the matter at hand.

Matwain: “Are you ready?”

I nodded my head and ready myself. We would fight using spells. The winner would be decided when one of us falls to the ground.

Matwain: “|Air burst|”

The air in front of him compressed together and shot towards me. I easily saw through it and slid to my right to dodge it. However that didn’t end there, more bullets fire at me. For the next minute I easily dodged them. Before heading to the capital I broke in my body some more, learning how far I can push my body.

Although it isn’t to the extreme that Drakus or Arsenal can do like punch down a massive tree with a single punch. I’m still able to go beyond a normal human being. I jumped around with ease while dodging the attack.

Marktwain: “What’s wrong my boy? Am I going to hard on you?”

All he did was stood there while firing off spells. To an outsider it would seem that Marktwain was in the lead while I was simply trying my hardest to dodge. but it was going as I had plan. He used the same spell over and over again, giving me enough time to use a high level identification skill, |High Skill Identify|”

The skill was rarely used as it all it did was identify the skill name, and what it does. But the more powerful version, |High Skill Identify| allows the user to see everything, name, rank, range of damage, mana cost, etc….

Soon a ding noise was heard and a small window popped up. I quickly read all the text, namely the rank of the spell.

*Rank 3? If everything is converted into Eternia gaming terms then that means their spells can possibly go up rank 12, or even higher. If he’s a rank 3 then what about potential other powerful mages, how strong are they?*

Questions formed in my head that wanted answers. However I couldn’t fully concentrate because I was still in a fight. I finally stopped and stared back at him.

Marktwain: “What’s wrong? Do you want to surrender? Well I don’t blame you.”

“No, no. I just extended the fight for a little experiment. Now then let’s finish things up.”

I brought up my hand and pointed my index finger straight at him. “|Pulsating mana burst|” Mana concentrated around my fingertip until a small orb appeared. It radiated power that even caught Marktwain off guard. I fired it at him which he barely blocked it.

He apparently activated another skill in which wind formed a barrier around . The shot hit the barrier with full force but was deflected because of the wind current. It headed towards the fountain and destroyed it along with destroying the pavement around it.

Water spurted everywhere catching everyone off. The only sound that could be heard was the water raining down as everyone eyed me with awe and terror.

*That was one of my weakest rank 4 spells and it did that much damage. I need to be more selective next time.*

I quickly turned back to Marktwain while trying to keep my surprise at a minimum. He jumped back a bit when our eyes made contact.

“Care to continue?”

He looked at me as if I suggested if he wanted to jump off a cliff without a parachute.

Marktwain: “No...No! It’s your win, take them please!”

He backed off and seemingly bowed down. I notched my head over to tell Shae and Sirva to come over. Following them were the sheepmen. Several guards walked over to see what the disturbance was. I quickly explained the situation along with paying for the damage and we were on our way.

We continued further just around the time the sun was starting to set. I asked the two if they knew any good inns or resting spots. They lead us through another district before coming across an inn similar to a four star hotel. We rented some rooms, one for Shae, Sirva and I. The other was for the sheepmen.

After settling in, I called the two over.

“I would like to know your names.”

XXX: “Baa, I’m Bamen. This is my daughter, Bamun.”

The sheepman, Bamen, replied with a loud baa at the beginning of every sentence.

“From now on you’ll serve me. I will not treat as you object or tools but rather as living beings. Work hard and diligently and you’ll be rewarded.”

Bamen: “Baa, As you command.”

I pulled out a small pouch in it was filled with around six gold coins.

“Use the money in their to buy some new clothes. The rest that is left, you may keep.”

The girls eyes widen at what I said. The father grasped the pouch and bowed, thanking my generosity. They were on the their way out but the girl stopped and said ‘thank you’ to me before closing the door.

Shae.Alpha: “Hmm, I thought you were going to set them free. What’s with the change of heart?”

“Of course I want to set them free, however we need them as well. The plan is to learn as much as we can. In order to do that, we need to reach the top. Every noble has tons of slaves, we need to at least keep up the image.”

I didn’t turn to face her and responded with my back to her. I heard the sound of the mattress as she sat down.

Shae.Alpha: “You know ever since we got here, you’ve been in a sour mood. Normally you’re quite stoic and calm. When you were facing that guy, you seemed unhappy.”

“Let’s just say I hate that kind of attitude. Those type of people get on my nerve.”

The room stayed silent after that. Soon I heard Shae get up again and made her way to the door.

Shae.Alpha: “I’ll be heading out. Kind of want to explore more, I’ll be back before night time.”

I simply nodded as she left the room. I then turned my attention to Sirva.

“Sirva, I have a task for you.”

Sirva: “Yes!”

“Scout the entire capital. Map out the area and report back to me.”

She nodded her head and within a couple of seconds disappeared within a puff of shadow. Finally I was all alone. I let out a long and heavy sigh before jumping backwards onto the bed.

I faced the ceiling with the orange and yellow color of the falling sun permeated the room.

*Wonder how the others are doing?*

I closed my eyes with those thoughts in mind. My brain and body was tired, and soon I was asleep.

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Hi everyone, hope you liked the chapter. Unfortunately, I'll only be able to post one chapter next week due to being overloaded with college work. Sorry in advance.