Re: Ascension Rebirth – Toward the stage that is the Northern Capital

Chapter V

PART ONE

[Eternum Calendar - Year 988]

Having calmed Lina down we decided to go straight for the Northern Capital where her mother was waiting. While it would’ve been better to go back home and apologize to mother before leaving, we didn’t know how much time Lina’s mother had left. The letter had specified that she was suffering from some illness and that it was terminal, thus we didn’t want to take any chances.

Besides we’ll definitely come back and give a proper apology to my mother of this world. Though in all honesty I think this may have just been my attempt at absolving my own guilt for not being there as my mother was passing away from my old world. That’s probably why I was trying desperately to help Lina, it would’ve been nice if Lena could come too.

My father, as in [Mardoc Fallon], is pretty perceptive so if he notices that we don’t return it’s likely he’ll understand the situation and bring Lena along.

It might be a little terrible to think in such a manner but, helping Lina reunite with her mother was a secondary objective to me, if I really had to say, my true motive lied elsewhere. What I really wanted to do was take advantage of this situation to do a little more research on how to return to my previous world. Sources were extremely limited in such a small town and the place we were heading to was the capital of [North Ariadyne] after all.

“Sorry young master, for you to have to accompany me like this.”

“It’s fine. I can’t exactly leave you to go by yourself.”

I replied, feeling a little guilty.

“Ugh~ I get the feeling I’m being treated like a child.”

Lina says dejectedly.

“If you don’t mind can you tell me why you and Lena fought? I’ve never seen Lena get so emotional like that.”

Her expression darkens a bit before deciding to reveal her secrets to me. It may have been a little unfair of me to ask her this while she was emotionally vulnerable but I don’t think she’ll easily expose herself if I didn’t take it this far.

“Our mother… she worked as a courtesan for many of the wealthy nobles, because of that we don’t know who our real father is but we were told it was one of mother’s… customers.”

While tearing up she continued to tell me her story.

About how her mother was never really there to see them when they were children. That she was always off ‘working’. That there was always another man even at home after work. It was to the point where her mother tried to abandoned many times but she never could.

Eventually when they were truly abandoned at the age of 6, it was at the worst possible time. Lina had fallen ill due to a plague that was sweeping the city and when her mother couldn’t bear the sight she just left them, never to return. Because of this Lena had never forgiven her mother, which is why she was so adamant about not acknowledging her mother.

It was all pretty heavy.

Stress, neglect, poverty, illness and an unhealthy upbringing. Though they were all terrible stuff I couldn’t help but think that many of the peasantry live in such conditions. In that aspect I suppose I was very lucky to have been born from two loving parents and a small amount of wealth.

In the end, as much as I wanted to, it wasn’t like I could go back in time to help correct her life. All I could do for her now was to stay close as she cried to her heart’s content.

“Young master, please keep this a secret. Even I don’t want people to know what kind of life I’ve had.”

I don’t think anyone would judge her for that kind of life but I understood that even she wanted to keep up appearances even if it was a little vain. Behind that easy-going persona that she carries herself with all the time there is a sad and lonely girl. I just hope our home was accompanying enough for her to substitute for her actual home.

Understanding her intentions I gave her a nod.

“Thank you.”

She replied with a cute smile, one that I had never seen from her.

* * *

After much deliberation we decided to walk to the capital and hitchhike rides if we came across such a chance. Thinking about it now it was my first time stepping outside of that small town, unless of course, if I include my little excursion into that forest a month ago. In any case, although a little immature of me, but I couldn’t really hide my excitement about exploring new places.

Human beings by nature were curious beings so it should be forgiven even if I’m a tad out of character, right?

“Huhu~ are you actually getting excited that we’re going to such a big city, young master?”

Noticing my quiet anticipation Lina asked, catching me off guard.

“Ah… no, not really.”

To think that I let her get a glimpse at my true thoughts, how shameful of me. She didn’t reply but she had an obvious arrogant smile on her face that seemed to scream out that she was looking right through me.

Like this our journey on foot continued for a little longer before we were able to hitch a ride on one of the cargo carriages that passed by. It was stiff and uncomfortable but it beat walking on foot any day. Luckily Lina had prepared a small amount of money for travel in case such a scenario like this ever arose. I don’t know if she was crazily over prepared or just got by with sheer luck.

Luckily for us, since this path was one that was frequently traveled by merchants and such there were no threat of monster attacks. A fact that slightly relieved me but at the same time I couldn’t help pondering the advantages of running into monsters being good experience.

* * *

Since there wasn’t much to do while hitching a ride, though it may be a little abrupt, I’ll explain how this continent operates. This continent is known as the [Ariadyne Tetrarchy] or better known as the [Center Continent] for the layman. As the name implied there were four allied states in this continent. An interesting concept, however it had been done in my original world as well, during the third to fourth century Rome.

The basic gist of it was that there were four co-dependent feudal lords that oversaw the government of their own states and often met up to discuss the government of the entire continent as a whole as well. That being said, there is actually five governmental powers on this continent and not four.

I’ll explain.

Four families control each of their own territories; north, west, east and south.

As such the four corresponding Tetrarch houses were:

The [Mil Avon Ariadyne] who ruled the northern territories, otherwise known as [North Ariadyne].

The [Crow Xix Ariadyne] who ruled the western territories; [West Ariadyne].

The [Gladestone Lux Ariadyne] who ruled the east; [East Ariadyne].

The [Ra Lue Ariadyne] who ruled the south; [South Ariadyne].

Now as I said before there are actually five governmental powers in this land. Though not as large in size as the other territories there is a fifth country on this continent known as the [Grand Capital] which is located at the center of this continent. It was akin to the Vatican in my original world, just on a completely different and much larger scale.

Due to how the governmental structure is set up in this continent there is actually no family that’s directly in charge of the [Grand Capital]. Thus the one who is actually in charge is the head of the [Adventurer’s Guild]. The Guild is arguably stronger than any of the four continents despite the fact that it has no direct soldiers. They do, however, have considerable wealth and with it also control the [Merchant’s Guild] which has become a subsidiary company.

Because of this, through their massive wealth, they are able to move adventurers by offering them rewards. If I had to say, they currently have a similar position that [Mobius Industries] had, they’re the epicenter of all economy and military power.

As for who’s the head of the guild, well no one actually knows. They haven’t made a public appearance in the last 30 years. Whether they’re a man, a woman, or group. Various investigations have gone into it but no direct confirmation has been made.

Which brings me to my next problem. I know I’m going to the Northern Capital in search of sources that may help me get back to my original world but my hopes of actually finding an actual source isn’t high. That means, at some point I’m going to have to get access to the Guild’s resources, but without knowing who’s leading them it could prove to be quite troublesome.

If all goes well in the Northern Capital I have nothing to worry about but…

For now my focus will be on what I can do. My father worked as a [Praetorian Knight] for North Ariadyne so using his name I should be able to gain access to a few resources. That is if nothing troublesome arises… I just can’t help but get the feeling that something is looming on the horizon.

From carriage we should be able to arrive within three days, six or seven if we had to walk. Realistically I’m looking at a four day’s worth of travel time with a combination of both. While I admit that the first time riding behind a carriage was a little exciting, usually the feeling of experiencing something foreign can stimulate a person but the uncomfortable nature of the ride really wore me out.

Sitting next to me was Lina who had a deep contemplative expression as she peered out beside the carriage and onto the landscape.

“…”

As I stared at her she noticed my glance and returned a cute smile. I could feel my face heating up so I quickly averted my gaze.

“Huhu~ young master is cute.”

She says as she rests her head on my lap. I was taken aback at first but I didn’t exactly hate this feeling. The slow movement of the carriage plus the serene environment, it was an otherworldly experience; bliss, of sorts.

I gently stroke through her hair gently. How nostalgic I thought to myself, this is what she would usually do for that other me, before I regained my memories. Having the positions reversed like this, I think she realized it herself as she turned her face away from my view, but I could see a glimpse of the red that appeared on her face. Ah, no good, I never knew stroking a girl’s smooth hair would feel this good, I might develop some sort of weird fetish if I continue. I should restrain myself but… this feeling…

Ah… I guess just a bit won’t hurt. Right?

PART TWO

When we arrived at the nearest village it was a lot bigger than Karta. For starters this place had a functional inn, which also doubled as a tavern and makeshift [Adventurer’s guild] branch.

When we entered, my eyes started to dart all over the place. It was like something out of an RPG game. Several strong looking adventurers equipped with professional looking armor and weaponry. Most of them were human but there were also some elves as well.

One of the tavern maid was a fairy as well! A FAIRY!

This place was noisy and smelled of alcohol but it was undoubtedly full of life. I think I had a big, dumb, blank expression on my face from the sheer closeness it was to my mental picture of such a place.

“Because you’ve lived in a peaceful village all your life, a place like this with lots of different people really stimulates your adventurous spirit, doesn’t it young master?”

No, what really surprises me is the sheer amount of people carrying around weapons and armor. This scene would never happen in my previous world, you’d be breaking some sort of weapons law if you gathered so many people all with their own weapon. Heck you’d probably arrested for attempted instigation of terrorism or something.

But I should play along.

“Ah, I can’t deny that. How should I say this… adventurer’s are cool, huh?”

“Aha, that’s right. I think so too… they always seem… free.”

Lina replied with a somewhat solemn voice.

Growl

That wasn’t me. I think. It was probably Lina, yeah it was definitely her.

“Aha~ we should buy something to eat.”

She tried to cover it up with an uneasy smile. Well I wasn’t the one with the money so that was her decision, but I couldn’t deny that I was somewhat hungry myself. Thus I gave a nod to her suggestion.

Even though this tavern reeked of alcohol and smoke, surprisingly they had normal food, in fact I daresay that I was edible food.

Lina ordered something that resembled and smelt like hamburger steak. How cute. The sight of her happily eating that steak was rather cute, she really reminded me of my own younger siblings back in my original world.

"Ahnt oou ooing oo order anyfing, ooung mashtah?"

Aren’t you going to order anything, young master? Is it?

“Don’t speak with your mouth full, it’s inelegant.

“Sowwie.”

I turned to the counter where the tavern keep was conversing with some people. I lightly interrupted him to order something.

“Excuse me, could I have some of that fruit?”

I pointed towards the fruit that closely resembled grapes, but they were a little more reddish than I remembered.

“Here you go.”

He gave me a small bowl’s worth.

“Could I also have a cup?”

“Is that all you’re going to have young master?”

“Yeah, I don’t feel all that hungry anyway.”

Well that wasn’t really true but I’m just worried about the amount of funds she brought along. I know she wants to put up a front and act like a responsible adult in my presence by taking care of my meals but I took a glance at her funds when she was doing transaction before and I could tell that she didn’t have all that much. If we manage it properly it should be enough to last us until we get to the capital but we should also consider the possibility of an emergency arising, thus I was being a little more conservative.

“That’s no good, you have to eat a lot since you’re a growing boy.”

She retorts but as my gaze slowly lowers to her chest area I feel like I should be returning those sentiments in full. She’s only 16 and I don’t need such a child to care for me to that extent; I’m a grown man, I can take care of myself.

I lightly tapped her shoulders then pointed towards her steak to urge her to continue eating without argument. Though she seemed slightly interested in what I was going to do with the fruit. I did have some doubts as to whether this would actually work, while they look and smell like grapes, it doesn’t mean that they were.

I took one and popped it into my mouth.

Hmm… yep, definitely tastes like grapes too.

I lightly cast [wither] on the grapes causing it to rot and the juice contents slowly filling up the small cup. Lina tilted her head to the side in confusion since she didn’t understand what I was doing.

“That’s amazing young master. What kind of magic is that?”

“Mmm? It’s [wither]. Remember I accidently destroyed mother’s flowerbed with this?”

“Ahaha~ ah… that time was pretty interesting.”

She forced herself to laugh. I guess I shouldn’t have brought up my mother since she was still feeling guilty. That was my mistake.

Squeezing all the ‘grape’s’ juices into the small glass cup I lightly stirred it. I placed it near my mouth and took a small whiff. Certainly smelt like wine. Then I took a small sip.

Yep. Shitty, cheap wine. The best kind there is.

While wine might not be too good for a child’s developing body… eh it’s only one glass it probably won’t affect me all that much.

As I was thinking that something happened. Something most horrible that almost prompted me lose faith in this life. Something so terrible that I thought I couldn't live on with this.

A small interface box appeared before me with the words:

[New skill acquired: [Toxin Resistance(Passive)]]

I felt my world shaking apart as I closed the interface box and pulled up the skill description menu.

[Toxin Resistance(Passive): Regulates toxin within the user’s body and reduces the effect of harmful ailments]

What this basically means is that I will never ever get drunk. Oh, how horrible! Truly there is no god in this world, for such evil to exist and be flaunted in my face so!

“Y- young master? Are you okay? You’re shaking…”

Lina lightly tapped my shaking shoulders.

“Ah… it’s nothing, I think a part of me died just now. Perhaps it was the best part.”

I can’t deny that this skill will be useful but to prevent becoming drunk… that’s just too cruel. The worst part is that I don’t even know if I’m going to regain my old body when I return to my original world, but if I still have to live with this body that means I will never achieve that drunken haven ever again.

“Mmh!”

In my self-pity I heard an odd sound. When I turned to see what it was I saw Lina choking on a piece of her steak. Quickly and hesitantly I offered her some of the wine.

“Keh! Cough! Cough! What’s this?! So bitter!”

While we never had anything like wine in our house, father often drank beer with the garrison. That being said I don’t think Lina or Lena ever had tasted alcohol before. This was probably a bad idea as she likely had low alcohol tolerance.

“Are you feeling okay, Lina?”

“Mmmmmm~? What’s thish? Young mashtah, you care abowt mwe so moch?”

So fast! Eh? She was drunk already?

“Ah, wait here Lina, I’ll go get you some water.”

“Okaaaaayyy~ hve a safe twip~”

After briefly leaving my seat and getting a glass of waterm when I returned she wasn’t even there. I literally only left my post for thirty seconds!

“What was that you bitch?! Say it again!”

“Ahahaha! I said you’re a whimp!”

“Gh! OH you’ve done it now!”

She was provoking a man twice her stature! What a terrible drunk! The man was bald but wore a fully metal suit and had a two handed sledge hammer strapped to his back. I don’t know how much experience he has but he seemed quite strong.

Taking precautions I checked out his stats.

[Neil. Level 26, Warrior]

So slightly stronger than our garrison.

“Ahh! Please stop!”

I ran in to intervene.

“Young master~ oh right. Look ‘ere this young mashtah can beat you up! Real easy! Ahaha~!”

“Hahahahaa! This puny little child? Beating me up?”

On a one on one fight I’d probably lose so it’s best if we just stop this charade and went to our rooms and sleep it off.

“Sorry, she’s a little drunk, please forgive her.”

I said as I slowly pushed Lina away, leading her to her room.

“Heh, you little brat. Do you think I’d let her just walk away with mocking me?”

“Pahaaha! What’s there to mock? You’re weak!”

She just wouldn’t shut up.

“Gah! Hah~ whatever, since you have a nice body I’ll forgive you for everything you just said. But you’re going to have to sleep with me tonight. Hehehe.”

I’ve never actually encountered a villain, well I guess you could say I fit that role moderately back in my original world, but I would never have guessed that it was possible to see witness someone play that archetype so perfectly. That being said I couldn’t give up Lina’s chastity for a few insults.

I thought Lina would probably lash out so I was bracing myself for that but she unexpectedly didn’t. When I turned to face her she was in tears, that man’s word probably reminded her about the kind of life she lived before when she was living with her mother.

“N- nooo~”

“What’s wrong? You getting cold feet now? After all those words? Well I ain’t about to give up now.”

The man slowly reached forward, particularly in the direction of her breasts.

“No!”

She slapped the man’s hand out of the way and dashed out of the tavern. That wasn’t good she was drunk as well. I immediately followed after her. I thought this was going to be a repeat of what happened earlier today but it doesn’t look like that was going to be the case. She was just crouching down near a tree, sobbing away.

“Lina.”

“No!”

I lightly placed my hands on her head again, gently stroking her hair. She then embraced me from that crouching position and continued to cry on my small, unreliable chest.

“Hehehe~ what’s this? You didn’t even run that far. Well you saved me a lot of trouble so I’m thankful for that. Now why don’t we continue on with what we were doing?”

The large man came following after us.

I instinctively felt my hands drawn to the center of my eyes. Even though I didn’t wear glasses anymore this habit still persisted.

“Please leave.”

I told him in a firm voice. I don’t think at this point I can mediate this any further, if it devolves into a brawl it will be troublesome. His only advantages were that he had bigger muscles and experience as an adventurer, though I can’t say that I had any major advantages myself, I had the experience of training with a [Praetorian Knight] every single day and access to [Necromancy] which is something that he probably isn’t expecting.

“Get out of the way brat. I’m not letting that woman go.”

“I don’t think you understand, you gorilla. I said leave.”

“You insolent! I’m giving you one last chance here, boy. Don’t tempt me any further, even I don’t like harming children but my honor has been damaged and retribution needs to be paid in full.”

I sense clear bloodlust coming from his eyes. Certainly, it’s not like I don’t understand that man’s anger. He has been insulted and to save face he think he needs to do something rash, or I assume that’s how the minds of these barbaric kinds work.

That being said, I don’t plan on standing idly by and let Lina’s purity be tainted by this man.

“That’s fine, please, by all means. Come at me.”

“Guh!”

The man raise his hammer at me, ready to swing but I am unable to dodge because Lina is clearly too tired to move away and if I left she would be the one in danger. Then there’s only one thing I can do.

“I see, so that’s how it’s going to be. You barbaric beasts only know how to use violence huh? I should’ve known from the start that you creatures from low birth are all like that. Honestly from where did your life go so wrong that you’ve arrived at this point?”

I started to provoke him. Immediately his face becomes redder and redder, I swear I could see steam rising from his ears. So then, why was I provoking him? Why that’s easy, I was trying to lower his mental defences so I could use my [Enchanting Voice]. They say anger dulls the blade after all.

At the same time I was also casting [life drain] directly at him and [decay] towards his large hammer.

Unable to endure my mental taunts the man charges at me. Just before he begins to unwind his attack I throw out an order with my [enchanting voice].

“Cease your barbaric actions. It’s unsightly.”

Of course I wasn’t expecting it to fully take effect, just stopping his attack halfway is enough. Since he was swinging around his giant hammer like an amateur he had a large opening towards his front so I decided to attack from there. I dashed towards him and tackled him down; normally such an action wouldn’t really affect such a muscle bound man.

However there were a few things on my side that helped me. First was that his hammer was behind him as he was winding up his attacks and I was applying [life drain], thus his balance was thrown off.

To be honest all of my actions were fairly vain, all I wanted to do was buy time for [life drain] and [decay] to show real effect. From his groggy stance it appeared that he was being worn down by my skills. He lifted his hammer once more but this time I knew it was all in vain, because even in the eye of an amateur I could tell that his hammer’s durability was all spent.

He swung down as hard as he could but I simply replied with a backhanded slap causing his hammer to shatter into tiny pieces. His eyes widened with surprise but even at this point I was continuing the [life drain]. After a while he just couldn’t keep focus anymore and fell unconscious.

Before I knew it a gallery had formed around us. People were whispering things but I was too tired myself to acknowledge any of them. As the fight ended a familiar interface box appeared before me.

[You have gained (4) level(s)]

When I opened my [skill list] I noticed that [life drain], [decay], [enchanting voice] and [life force sensory] had all leveled up a few. It’s useful to know that it’s possible to gain levels even without specifically killing the opponent. Even if it is a different world I’ve no intentions on giving up my human heart and start to mercilessly kill people, though of course that begs to ask; how much of a human was I in my previous life to begin with?

Nonetheless, now wasn’t the time to be thinking about such things. Dismissing the interface box and my macabre thoughts I turned back to Lina. I crouched down to the weeping girl that I took for as a younger sister type and tenderly placed my hands on her head once more. Since she was fairly intoxicated I don’t think she registered any of what just went on.

“Lina, you’re tired. It’s time to head to sleep.”

“… Yes.”

PART THREE

I guided Lina back to the tavern and rented a room. We didn’t really have too much money so we could only afford a room with a single bed. As I laid her on the bed she mumbled something in her drunken sleep.

“You… you can’t young master… you… changed.”

‘Changed’ huh? If we’re comparing personalities from before and after regaining my memories then I suppose there is some merit to that. So even to Lina it was obvious. Though I don’t believe that this change in my personality is a bad one, but I can’t deny I’m a little more cynical thanks to that.

I laid her down and come back downstairs to get some fresh air. Everyone stared at me and was whispering things. The contents of it were fairly trivial; about how I beat ‘Neil’.

I decided to take a walk outside in the cold night’s air. It was the first time that I fought with another human, at least if you don’t include my daily training with father. I won’t say anything like it was a ‘piece of cake’ or other such arrogant things, because in truth it really wasn’t.

It was unexpected, that real fights could be so mentally exhausting. Perhaps it was simply because I was in the body of a seven year old that this was the case or it could be that for most people first fights are always like this. I understood that real fights were different from training; real fights required, skill, tactics and instincts.

I don’t quite have many of such talents, after all, things like battle senses were unnecessary in my previous life. However if it’s about strategizing and planning ahead several moves then that was something that I could do well enough. Thinking that way it was obvious I should raise my [status points] in a manner that reflected this.

I pulled up my [status menu] and dumped all my free stats into [insight].

Closing the interface box I stopped to gaze up at the brightly colored moons high above orbit. This world had two moons, one red and one blue; like rubies and sapphires that seemed to be embedded into the sky, they hung elegantly.

“Dual full moons are often quite the sight.”

A man’s voice came from my right; a voice filled with charisma and allure. Turning to my right the figure of a tall, slender man entered my sight. Presumably in his mid 20s, he wore a long white overcoat and an eerie white, laughing mask. His hair was a clear blonde and through the eye slits I could tell that behind that mask were sinister red eyes.

From my instincts alone I could tell that this man was probably not human. Dangerous, cunning, elegant, those were the words that popped straight into my mind as I observed him as he did me. His demeanor carried an air of nobility but also an aura of subtle maliciousness that were not unlike a serial murderer’s.

Taking this opportunity I squinted my eyes to pull up his stats.

[Kyrios. Level 139, Vampire Lord].

…

I subconsciously took a few steps back in awe. My previous assumptions that he wasn’t a normal person was right on the money; a level 139 [Vampire Lord]. I’ve met some high level entity right off the bat huh? I get the feeling that I’m standing before someone who should be classified as the final boss of an RPG. No wait, I guess that honor should really go to the [Demon Lord] who was a higher level than him.

Hmm? Oh, could it be that he’s also part of the Demon Lord’s army? I guess it couldn’t hurt to find out.

“As expected of someone chosen by Lord Astaroth. It seems that you’ve already figured out who I am.”

Well, that answers that question. Did he say I was ‘chosen’ by Astaroth? What was that supposed to imply? I mean in these kinds of stories isn’t it supposed to be a god who chooses a hero, and not the Demon Lord?

Actually taking a closer look there’s a small icon below his [status]. Curious I reached out and tapped on it to inspect what it was.

[Aura of the Vampire Lord; periodically deals damage to enemies and heals allies]

Wait what? That seems like a super useful ability; I definitely want that. So I guess that was a passive skill equivalent to my [life force sensory]? I feel like my one’s a lot less useful than that but I guess I’ll live.

From the fact that his passive ability isn’t dealing damage to mean would probably mean that I’m not considered to be his enemy. That’s good, a level 26 warrior I could take on but a level 139 Vampire Lord is a different story.

“Vampire Lord. Kyrios.”

I casually revealed his title and name in the most dramatic manner I could. Though I must admit that that mask and large overcoat really makes it hard to read his body language and hinder my ability to cold read. Perhaps I should also start wearing a mask to defend myself against other potential cold readers.

“Most impressive, Morgant Fallon. You were able to figure out who I was from a single sentence.”

“It comes with the job.”

I replied, though he seemed confused by that statement.

“Don’t worry, but for someone of your caliber to have come to greet me personally, I’m safe to assume that you have something that you want to ask of me right?”

“Oh? You could tell?”

“Yeah, sort of.”

“I see. Yes you are right, I came to you for a small favor. Whether you decide to accept it or not is entirely up to you.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. I’ll hear you out.”

“Much appreciated. Now then, a subordinate of mine was in the Northern Capital for a mission, but during her stay there a young girl was captured and framed for a mistake made by my subordinate.”

So he’s asking me to clean up his mess? As much as I would rather not it does provide a good opportunity for me. I wouldn’t mind someone as powerful as Kyrios owing me one and meeting someone more familiar with the Northern Capital might be beneficial.

“So then, you’re asking me to save that girl?”

“You catch on fast. Yes, that’s the basic gist of it.”

I wonder, there’s probably a hidden motive in his request, I just can’t see someone like him asking to really clean up a mistake just for the sake of making his subordinate feel better. Unfortunately as I said before his body language is mostly covered by his clothes so it’s a little hard to get any conclusive evidence. For now I don’t mind playing along though.

“I’ll at least hear out the details of this ‘small favor’ of yours.”

He gives me a nod.

“The girl’s name is [Elise Noire], while my subordinate was on a protection mission a certain situation arose leading to an assassination of an important duke. However instead of my subordinate, that girl was framed for the murder, it seems my subordinate and that girl had a rather close relationship.”

Seriously, what kind of missions do you guys do that results in the death of a human duke? I thought demons stayed out of the affairs of other races.

“It was necessary to expand our society and to integrate with other races. That was the basis of the mission.”

As if to read my mind he further comments.

“She’s just a normal human girl right? Why do you want to help her?”

He paused briefly before giving me a completely made up answer. One that was obviously a front.

“It seems you think we demons are heartless creatures. That’s not entirely true, we make mistakes as well, and when we do we wish to fix the problem. That’s all.”

He probably knows that I know he’s just giving me an excuse. Yet he still says that to me, he has some guts. I was about to place my hands near the center of my eyes again but stopped short, things like this should be taken care of professionally.

“Hmph. Very well then. I’ll see what I can do but I also have my own business to do there as well so don’t expect too much from me.”

“I appreciate your assistance. I’ll transfer control of my subordinate over to you when you get there.”

Not even going to acknowledge the possibility that I’ll ignore your favor huh?

“How old is the girl?”

I asked.

“She’ll be 6 this year.”

Hmm, still young but to framed for murder, I do feel a certain amount of pity for her. Although I’m not exactly the type to prod into other people’s business without reason after hearing something so tragic I don’t think I could easily stand idly by.

“In any event, I hope to hear good news from you soon.”

He says as he disappears in a shadowy effect similar to Astaroth’s.

PART FOUR

According to the watch that I received from Sebastian for my birthday, I slept at 3AM yesterday, or early today. I didn’t think I spent so much time talking to Kyrios. After waking up I checked the time; it was 7AM. I only slept for four hours.

Actually recently I’ve discovered that sleeping for about 4 hours is really only all I need, most likely due to my RPG like ability. Lina on the other hand…

“Ugh~ why does my body feel so heavy?"

She had a terrible face. A hangover from the alcohol yesterday. To be honest it wasn’t even that much, about a small cup’s worth but she didn’t have any tolerance to alcohol so I guess that’s to be expected.

As for me, it’s a little sad but since I attained the [Toxin Resistance] passive skill I was feeling fairly refreshed.

“Are you okay?”

I know it was a stupid question but I asked anyway. I would feel rather annoyed if someone asked me that question while I was in a groggy state, but Lina tried to smile and answer my question, albeit she had sickly face so it came out looking horrible.

“Sorry young master. I don’t feel too well.”

“I see, here have a drink.”

Knowing that this would happen I prepared a glass of cool water from downstairs.

“Thank you.”

The most effective way to recover from a hangover is to have a heavy breakfast.

“You should eat breakfast, you’ll probably feel much better if you do that.”

“Is, is that so? Then I’ll do as you say.”

For breakfast I had a toast and some kind of strawberry jam, that was orange. It was a bad taste, though if I had to I could actually get used to it through routine. I made sure Lina had some heavy breakfast; some toast, eggs, bacon, sausage or at least I assumed those were the corresponding food I recommended to her.

She was a little taken aback seeing how little I was eating compared to her portion, but I told her not to mind.

“Huu~ I think I’m feeling much better. You were totally right, young master~”

She says with a hearty, cute smile.

“That’s right, I know everything.”

“Aha~ is that so? You really have changed young master…”

She muttered that last part under her breath but I could hear it, though I decided to ignore it.

“Ah!”

She suddenly let out.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick again?”

I asked in a slight panic.

“I get it now! Huhu~ how mischievous of you young master. Your intentions were to make me fat right?!”

…

“Yes, you’re totally correct. Oh, you have seen through my ruse, whatever will I do now that you have found out the truth?”

“Ugh… I get the feeling you’re mocking me.”

I lightly tapped her on the head.

“Don’t worry about it.”

After breakfast we packed up the little things we had and left the tavern. It was just a straight walk towards the capital and the roads were open so there wasn’t too much to worry about in terms of safety.

PART FIVE

Four days had passed since the initial journey began. We were able to hitch various rides along the road, thus we were able to make it here quite faster than scheduled. We were just on the outskirts of the Northern Capital.

Already I could see high, defensible walls surrounding the city. Things like that was a fairly common sight among highly populated areas, or so I’ve heard from father and mother’s stories.

I just hope nothing bad happens when we reach there. Since the Mil Avon family was supposed to be close with my family I might be able to gain their aid if things turn a little dicey.

“Look! Look! Young master it’s the Northern Capital!”

She jumped for joy as we were approaching. I wonder who was supposed to be the child here?

“Yes, yes. Calm down, we’ll be there soon.”

“Boooorrinnnggg~ young master’s reaction is boring! You should show some more excitement, you know?”

The structure of the city was a circular shape with lots of buildings inside, the exact diameter of the city wasn’t known to me and I have no real way of finding out right now. Next to the city was the clear blue ocean, so naturally there was a busy port as well.

The structure of the buildings were vaguely western, castle-like structures were protruding over the 10 meter high walls surrounding the city. I could sense a great deal of culture from this place. I was starting to now get a little excited, but I did my best to not let it show as it would only make Lina more annoying than usual.

I hear a lot of adventurers frequent this town because of its boastful market. Blacksmiths, armor smiths, alchemists, merchants, inns, taverns.

Everything was there.

I'm looking forward to it.

But before I forget I have three objectives to complete there.

The first is to make sure Lina is reunited with her mother.

The second is to rescue Elise Noire. I still don't have a solid plan regarding her rescue. I can't just simply break into the prison and escape with her, that itself would be a criminal act and I don't want to interfere too much with the legal system here.

I don't really understand it all that well so it would not be a good idea.

The third being given access to any kind of archive about other world transportation, though admittedly the chances of finding such source material was close to none.

My intentions were meeting with the Tetrarch of this city.

I heard it from father but the Tetrarch of this city was someone named [Rodric Mil Avon Ariadyne]. If I can get an audience with them I might just be able to do something concerning Elise Noire's case.

Well, first things first.

It's time to reunite a parent and child.

END REPORT

[Status Menu]

Morgant Fallon. Level 15

NECROMANCER

DEMON GENERAL

Strength: 68 (55 + 13)

Dexterity: 12 (5 + 7)

Magic: 9 (5 + 4)

Insight: 46 (35 + 11)

Agility: 11 (5 + 6)

[Status Points: 0]

[Skill List]

(PASSIVE) [Life Force Sensory]: Level 12

(PASSIVE) [Toxin Resistance]: Level 1

(AUGMENT) [Enchanting Voice]: Level 6

(ACTIVE) [Life Drain]: Level 11

(ACTIVE) [Wither]: Level 4

(ACTIVE) [Decay]: Level 9

[Equipment]

[Shard of Tyrving]

+ 4 [All Stats]

[Sebastian’s Pocket Watch]

+ 3 [Strength]

+ 3 [Dexterity]

+ 3 [Insight]

[Father’s Sword Hilt]

+ 6 [Strength]

+ 4 [Insight]

+ 2 [Agility]