The next few days went through the schedule of assistance in growth in the morning and them collecting the data in the evening. The afternoons are spent learning about the system. Initially by one of the subordinates of the mage and occasionally the mage takes some time out of his schedule to give some of the more important lessons himself. On one such class…

“We have already discussed about how skills work within the confines of the system. How they can evolve as you grow etc. But today, you learn about how you acquire skills that can be trained without purchasing them using the skill points.”

“Let me ask you this Mr. Inan, what do you think allows a skill to level up?”

In response to which, the said man opened his mouth before hesitatingly replying,

“They get better at the skill? More practised may be?”

“Sure, but like we discussed earlier, the system is all about quantifying things. So, how do you quantify the skill system?”

The mage only received a blank stare in response.

“Well, that wasn’t surprising. Considering that you weren’t born here, and I believe you have not acquired any skills after coming to this world and have no skills showing up in your personal info? At least I hope that is the case.”

The mage asked with a questioning expression on his face.

“Uh…now that you ask, yes I haven’t really learned any new skill after coming to this world. Wait I also do not have any of my skills listed in my menu. Should I be worried?”

“No, you won’t lose your skills, but you will be needed to demonstrate your skills’ aptitude for the system to give you the appropriate skill levels. No need to wonder. I know you must have displayed plenty of them during your time in the wild but fortunately, you did not have your EC organ developed at that time.”

“Fortunately?”

The man directed an uncomprehending look at the mage.

Surely, it would have saved a lot of time if he was able to acquire all his skills by now instead of wasting time on trying to remember all his skills from his previous world and showing it off again.

“Yes!”, resolutely replied the mage.

“That brings us into today’s topic. How to acquire skills by practise and the significance of the first skill.”

“Skills can be simply categorized into 2 types. You must already know this. Either the ones that are possible without the support of the system or the ones that are only viable with the help of the system. But a majority of them start as the first kind but transition into the second at some point.”

“Example, an attack move with a giant, great sword. It may be possible to some extent with swords that a non-system enhanced individual can wield. But most advanced warriors who use great swords can easily wield massive swords that are heavier than themselves. Even with their added strength by the system, some of the moves should be impossible from a weight balance perspective and yet they can.”

“You can only learn and acquire skills that belong to the first category. But you can’t just get the skill by demonstrating it once. You will need to master individual parts of a skills called aspects and you need to master a set number of them for each skill before you are acknowledged by the system.”

“And the first skill an individual acquires is special in that it can have lasting consequences. It may influence your future classes, special traits or even titles in rare cases. It is also much easier to progress in that skill in the future. For these reasons, noble houses train their children in their skill of choice for their entire lives before their system activates. We are also going to make use of your situation to get you to get an appropriate skill for the first one.”

“Wow! That’s interesting. So, I suppose it would be a good idea to get some kind of magical skill for my first one, right? You told me I have some trouble with magic so, this may be able to alleviate that.”

“Actually no. We cannot waste this opportunity on something that may not even be worth it. We will go with a skill that already has a high compatibility with you. Swordsmanship. I have prepared an excellent individual who is exceptional with his sword. I have already read about your experiences in the deep green and I believe there may be some compatibility in your fighting style with the swordsmanship he practises. It may not be the best fit in terms of style, but all the other factors are perfect, and it is difficult to keep you from accidentally gaining some stupid dancing skill or singing skill instead.”

[Wow! I just realized that I hadn’t even been singing any songs since I started the school. I guess that shows how bad my depression is. Maybe I should relax a bit more. Take some time to come to terms with my new life instead of constantly working and trying to forget my worries that way. Ahh I should tell Devian about my smartphone and see if he can charge it using some magic. Maybe I could have had some entertainment that way.]

A small smile blossoms on his face at the thought of music from the old world. That was enough to give him feelings of homesickness.

[Yes, I will do it after this skill learning session!]

“Yes. You’re right Mr. Devian! So, when can I start?”

“Right away. I have already invited Sword Master Vahir. He’s waiting downstairs at the training ground.”

“Oh! Alright let’s go then.”

“I have already given him a brief run down about you. Of course, I omitted all the confidential information. That should help make things easier for you. He is also discreet enough that he won’t be prying for any information not already given to him. So, you just have to be sure that you do not accidentally say something you shouldn’t. Good luck!”

With those final words, they headed out to meet with the Sword master.

The Sword master is a tall man about 190cm. he had a sharp gaze with a chiselled face. The raised nerves on his forehead as he swung the sword only added to his intimidating demeanour. He was muscular but not big.

He stopped his practise as they approached him.

The mage sighs, noticing the sweat on the sword master.

“Why are you swing your sword at this time? Couldn’t you just wait for us?”

“Apologies city mage. One of your men woke me up and bought me here as soon as I did. I didn’t have the chance for practise. So, I had no choice but to do it here.”

“…it was past noon.”

“…I had …things I was busy with last night.”

“…sure. Anyways, this is Mr Inan. I hope you remember that he is here as a guest to the city lord. Be nice to him.”

The man cocks an eyebrow at that.

“’Be nice’? How am I supposed to do that when I’m teaching sword play?”

The mage just gave him a stare and left.

“Right. So, hello mystery man! I’m Vahir, as you probably already know.”

“Hello Vahir! Nice to meet you!”

“That’s Master Vahir to you!”

Spat the sword master.

[I have a feeling that this is not going to be as easy as I was hoping it would be.]

“Yes! Master Vahir!”

The sword master nodded at that and lead him to a place with a few dummies set up with a rack of wooden swords with different sizes and shapes. He casually picked up a sword and tossed it to the man.

“Right, I heard that you might already have some sword skills, even if not yet recognized by the system yet. Let’s see what you got. Swing at this dummy.”

The man had an uncertain expression at that. After all, even if he technically possessed some skills with a long, double edged blade, he never actually held a typical sword. He tried to remember how swords were help in the movies he remembered and imitates it.

Instantly, the Sword master scowled at the sight but held his words to let the man finish the swinging.

‘Tick!!’

The swing was mediocre at best even by the man’s standards. The sword masters face was a mask of disappointment and slight anger.

“Skilled my ass. You can’t even hold a sword properly! A 6 yr. old street urchin with a day of instruction could do a better job than you so far.”

The man instinctually opened his mouth to protest but held his words as he found it difficult to explain his circumstance.

Alright! Observe my grip and repeat this swing of mine for the rest of the day and probably the next 2 days, looking at your level.

[I KNEW this wasn’t going to go as simply as the mage said.]

The man resigned to his fate and worked hard on his sword practice for the next month while he took more classes on this world’s mysterious system and the general knowledge required to survive on his own.

Like that, another month passed. The wolf was declared cured of its Blood Curse and he finally had enough knowledge about the system to get a decent understanding of the laws by which the new world runs. His EC organ growth rate was further slowed down and about a week ago, it was deemed that further artificial growth is not a good idea. It will still take a few more months till a full growth is achieved, a level comparable to a 25 yrs. old human of this world.

“Mr. Inan, you have done well the past few weeks. You are more knowledgeable than most when it comes to the primary rules by which the system operates, and your pet is cured. Although, it suffers from a similar condition to yours when you first came to us. It’s connection with the EC organ is damaged due to the damage to the brain. It will form back much faster than having to grow a full EC organ but will still probably take about 6 more months. Probably in time by when your organ will reach full maturity. The only shame is that we still couldn’t get you the first skill I promised but I understand your predicament even if Vahir doesn’t. We should leave it to the waves of fate to choose your first skill.”

[That was the one regret! I tried my best, but I only have 6/9 aspects I need to form my skill. Those stupid forms! Why do they have to be so hard?! I wish I could just use my baby (His blade that he bought with him) to earn those 3 skills. Urgh….]

“At this point, Mr. Inan, it is only detrimental to you to continue to stay in here. It is time for you to go out and earn some experience.”

“Yes Mr. Devian. It’s still not over yet though. I mean regarding my skill. My session for today still remains. Maybe I will earn the skill today.”

“Perhaps. Regardless, I will send someone to the training grounds by today's evening to get some basic equipment before your go out and they'll give you some pointers for your planning of the first venture outside.”

With that, the man leaves to meet with the Sword master.

“Okay, I was informed that this will be the last session of ours for a while. Probably ever. I plan to leave the city in a while. Alright! Let’s start with the basics and then we move into the forms!”

“Yes sir!”

After an hr of intense practise

‘sigh’

“Okay that’s enough! It’s alright Inan. Just because you put more strength into your practise, you won’t get the skill. You tried. Let’s take a break.”

The Sword master gave him a complicated look before sighing again.

‘sigh’

“I don’t understand. You easily learned 3 advanced level moves and I didn’t even intend to teach them to you before you learned 1 of them completely on your own. Then why the hell do you have trouble with a bunch of stupid sword forms? You’re clearly talented with your blades too. It’s a shame.”

“What? I’m not the weird one here. Those stupid sword forms are definitely not easy. Stop bullshitting me.”

“You’re probably the only idiot stupid enough to even say that in this entire world. I don’t even begin teaching any advanced moves to those who can’t master those forms. Those 3 moves you learned have small parts of the forms you are having such a hard time with. If that is not weird, what else is?”

“Okay, I’m not earning my skill chatting here with you. Let me keep trying. Maybe I will earn at least one of them.”

‘Haa….’

And so, the man adamantly, kept trying for the rest of the afternoon. A few minutes before the sessions end, he is completely tired, and he collapses without anything else to show for his effort.

“It’s okay. Forget it. The mage was right. Let’s leave it to fate at this point. Either way, your aspects are strong. You should have a strong swordplay skill once you do get it. I’m assuming you already understand the difference in skill strengths, even at the same levels?”

“…yeah.”

The man lies sprawled on the ground as he weakly replies.

After a minute of silence, his eyes brighten up suddenly as he springs back onto his feet and runs into the mage’s establishment.

“Alright, I’m leaving then. Take care! I’ll be in the city for a couple more weeks at least.”

“No…Wait here!”

Shouts the man as he runs inside. The Sword master, although perplexed, decides to wait and see what he is up to.

He comes back after a dozen minutes, only with the wooden sword tied to his forearm with a rope, tightly. He moves before the dummies and starts showing all his best moves that he learned from the old world. Some of those are the ones he had to use in the forest to survive and fight against his then nemesis. He finishes his flurry with a running jump using one of the dummies and a very fast, strong slash onto a dummy behind the one he jumped over. There was a very vague halo around the blade right before impact and it shatters into splinters with the pole of the dummy ending up slightly broken and tilted backwards. There was a moment of incomprehension in the eyes of the panting man due to the unexpected occurrence, but it is immediately replaced with delight and eventually, joy.

He laughs like a maniac as he heaves and walks towards the Sword master, shaking all over from intense exhaustion.

“What? What happened?? What was that?”

The man just keeps laughing and almost falls before being supported by the sword master.

“I got it! I got the god damn skill!”

Replies the man with a triumphant grin.

The Sword master is momentarily at a loss for words.

“How? Why now? But wait. Explain what that whole thing was about first!”

“I’m sorry. I can’t explain everything, but I’ll just say ‘I really did have some skills with a blade before this. It’s not a normal sword I had practise with.”

“…I see. I won’t ask what I don’t need to know. But this is great!”

The Sword Master finally lets his happiness show through a smile at his disciple’s success.

“…Ahem.”

At the sound, both snap their heads towards the person that was standing behind them, a bit away. The sword master narrows his eyes at the newcomer as he failed to notice their presence till just now.

“It seems all the effort the City Lord and the City mage poured into you isn’t a waste after all. Anyways, I’m here to help you purchase and help you prepare for an expedition outside the walls. As for my name, you have no need to learn of it for now. If there is nothing else, let’s move out right away.”

The other 2 gave each other a confused look at the odd words of the newly arrived man. They decide to keep their mouths shut to prevent any additions to their already existing confusion. They took a few minutes to wash themselves and tidy their appearances, their clothes still a bit dusty, before joining the unnamed man.

“It seems you haven’t had a chance to experience our magnificent markets after you arrived at the city. Let me broaden your horizons.”

The otherworld-er simply gave him a dead pan look before saying,

“Sure.”

Either the unnamed man didn’t pick up on the almost disdainful tone or just chose to ignore it.

They proceeded to the part of the town the otherworld-er hadn’t been to yet via a carriage. Soon, the ambience noise is composed full of various announcements of the stalls, stores and temporarily shops on wheels. The centre of the road is free for the carriages and horses to move about with the extremities of the street packed full of people. Surprisingly, there was a parking facility for the carriages and horses. The three left their carriage there and started on foot.

“Looking at your outfit, you probably don’t have many clothes, not supplied by the City lord?”

The otherworld-er makes a slightly embarrassed expression at how dependent he was on his host.

“No.”

“Okay, in that case, we should start by getting some appropriate clothes for you for adventuring outside. I was told to mostly stick to a modest budget for your equipment. If we just cover you with too strong an equipment, it entirely defeats the purpose of this expedition. I will only take you to the right places to purchase your equipment.”

“No, I have already received too much help from the city lord. Monetary or otherwise. Please convey my gratitude to the city lord. I would do it myself, but I can only meet him when I’m ready.”

The unnamed man gave an acknowledging nod before leading them to a much quitter part of the market. The stores here were bigger and had some space between them. Some of them were too luxurious looking for his budget.

The sword master, being more familiar with the city, looked more and more dubious at where the unnamed man is leading them.

“Excuse me but aren’t we at the wrong place for being in a ‘budget’?”

“I know we are supposed to prefer function over form right now, but I can’t have someone associate with the city lord while looking shabby. Don’t worry, any added costs due to fashion will be compensated by me. You will pay a mostly fair price for the equipment.”

[That is a weirdly roundabout way to make it work in the budget. I have a feeling this was an arbitrary decision made by him instead of being instructions from above.]

“Wait why are you here again master? It seemed like you were going to leave after our session?”

“Well, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t make any stupid purchases. Consider it my gift for finally getting that skill.”

“Uh... thank you I guess?”

They soon arrived at a very large store that was slightly less luxurious compared to the other shops in the neighbourhood.

The unnamed man quickly flashed a badge representing the City lord and gave a brief explanation for what we’re looking for. Then turned to the otherworld-er.

“So, what is the most important part of the equipment for you then?”

“Umm I think I want to purchase a good pair of boots and then a warm, durable jacket and good gloves. The rest, I’ll leave it up to you and the remaining budget.”

“Interesting choice with the boots being the most important but sure. Let’s go with that.”

A pair of good boots with shin guards were bought before him to check.

“Well, I like them, but my ca you make these changes for a better fit?”

The unnamed man gave an understanding nod before they purchase an appropriate pair and the rest of the equipment. He had to pay more than half of the cost to fit it in their decided budget.

“Next, I’d say storage is what you would need.”

They moved to a more common looking store away from the expensive area and bought a backpack that sticks to the body when moving around in combat. It had an enchantment to keep food from spoiling too quickly, it was made from waterproof materials and was told to be durable. It took a fair chunk of the budget but would be incredibly useful for surviving away from the city for any significant amount of time. Normally, some amount of money is to be set aside for a horse for travelling but the otherworld-er decided his pet can be used at least partially for transport or carrying luggage. And so, they were able to have some budget remaining for a weapon.

“If it was me, I’d have bought the best possible weapon and then some armour. Extra clothes and shoes you purchased were a total waste. When I was young, I survived for an entire month in the wilderness with nothing but a weapon, some beginning armour without any footwear or gloves.”

The sword master said as he shook his head.

“…And you’re supposed to help me make the right purchases?”

They entered a modest store with some impressively shiny weapons. They had swords, maces, scimitars, great swords, giant clubs, giant pair of machetes, massive war axes, shields, spears, and other pole weapons. They even had a few straight bladed weapons that looked like one half of the blades that the otherworld-er bought with him. His gaze was instantly drawn to it.

The weapon’s most noticeable feature is its gold colour and the embedded gems in its handle. The engravings were very intricate but seemed entirely there for the looks.

The otherworld-er frowned as he noticed that the blade was more form than function. He would have preferred one with a simple design.

After the unnamed man was done talking to the storekeeper, he bought one of the shop keepers to the otherworld-er.

“Good sir, it seems that blade has caught your eye?”

The storekeeper said as he showed an amiable, business like smile.

“Well, I do like the design, but do you have it in a plainer appearance? This is too…ugly looking.”

The unnamed man just frowned at the comment and the storekeeper just looked confused between the otherworld-er and the man sent by the city lord. The Sword master was the only one who let out a small chuckle but kept quiet.

“Well, let me check if we have other weapons of this style.”

The storekeeper was about to move to the counter at the front to check before he was stopped by the unnamed man.

“No need! We won’t be purchasing these weapons. Besides, I’m sure that one is over budget.”

“Over budget? Surely you jest sir. The city lord can buy the whole shop if he wanted to.”

“Can doesn’t mean that we want to. Besides, the city lord won’t be paying today. That would be Mr. Inan here. Now, please take us to your back store.”

“Back store?!...well, if that’s what you want.”

They were taken through a path that bought them behind the store and then they entered a very large building that seemed more like a warehouse than a typical store. They proceeded to a deep end of the warehouse and into another smaller storage room.

“Well, these are the good we have to offer. Of course, not all of them are here. These ones are just the old or used equipment. Some of them aren’t actually used as much but were considered failures or incomplete goods by their respective makers. I would recommend you just tell me what kind of weapon you need, and I will fetch a properly restored weapon of that style.”

“I want a blade type weapon that can be firmly attached to my arm if necessary, during combat. So that they move as one. It should not take too long to remove or equip.”

“I’m a little lost here. Can you draw a simple picture of the design good sir?”

The otherworld-er was a bit troubled now. He cannot exactly draw his blades with the Exo-suit. After some deliberation, he decided to draw a weapon that had similar wielding design from his old world. It had a H shaped handle which allows for a grip on the weapon that will let the user wield it similar to how his own blades work on his suit. It was called the ‘Katar’ in his previous world. He just drew the blade to be a bit longer and straighter to match his preference.

The sword master was the only one whose eyes lit up when he saw the design. The other 2 just looked at the design, confused.

“I see. But that doesn’t look very wieldable to me Good sir. Are you sure? I’m sure we can find some similar design in the pile of the rejected weapons, but I do not want to sell a useless weapon to you.”

“Yes, I agree. The weapon should be something you are comfortable with, but this design looks a bit impractical Mr Inan.”

The sword master just chuckles at those remarks.

“You are both mistaken. That is an actual weapon. My first time hearing about it was on an expedition to the southernmost city. I was on a bandit extermination mission. The lunatics were working with a young ground drake. during that time, I heard of a people from beyond the great desert that use a weapon similar to it. Now I understand why you had so much trouble with those forms. Even those 3 moves you performed in the end are very compatible with this weapon style.” he finished with a smile.

Hearing his words, the unnamed man fell into contemplative silence and motioned the storekeeper to bring all the weapons similar to it.

The design seemingly being very foreign to this area, the otherworld-er wasn’t expecting him to return with many weapons but was surprised to see him bring more than he could count at a glance. There were more than a dozen blade weapons of various appearances. The first to catch the man’s eye was a simple straight bladed weapon with a slightly more ornate handle. It had a slight gold sheen to it.

The storekeeper didn’t miss that his customer noticed that weapon and started explaining the weapon in detail, saving the cost part for the last.

In short, it was a very well-made weapon with only two magitek mechanisms. One of them being the magical edge, a translucent extension of the blade that also makes it sharper for most normal usage scenarios. It was a bit special in that the user is able to control the shape and size of it to some extent but the other mechanism was a weird one that makes the weapon one with the arm that is wielding it, locking it in the same posture as it was held before it’s activation. It only boosted the attack by a small margin and the additional cost to make the mechanism was a burden to the store in finding a potential buyer. It also didn’t help that it already pricy to begin with due to the base materials used in its creation.

“Well, one of our employees had to offer to purchase the full inventory of an up and coming master smith to get him into our fold. This was one of his experimental products that refused to sell due to its second mechanism being practically useless and by design, weakening the first by its mere existence. But this is a fantastic fit to you dear sir! Normally, this would be a badly made weapon for the price. On account of giving the city lord some face, I’m willing to give you a discount of 40%. With that, the price would come to 2 gold and 5 silver. What do you think?”

The man asked them with a very flattering smile.

[That sounds like a good weapon for me, but I’m not so interested in it that I’m willing to be in debt to someone for almost 1 gold. I know that is a lot if I intend to pay it back with simple jobs around the city. Wait, what’s that…]

The otherworld-er moved past the arguing storekeeper and the man sent by the city lord. His eye caught a very weird looking thin blade with a small hand guard attached to it with chains. The handle looked somewhat ugly, but half of the blade is covered in weird, almost circuits like pattern. That is twice as dense as the last weapon the blade’s material looked dull. He started observing the weapon and it took a while for the arguing duo to notice it. There was already a small, amusing smile on the lips of the sword master who was noticing the whole situation.

“Good sir, that is a bad choice. Please trust me on that. It was from a discarded pile of a youngster in smithing school, aspiring to become a master smith. He was a mad man who wasted his life savings on bizarre, broken, and ugly weapons as trails, just so he could make a single good weapon. I’m not even sure if he was able to become a master smith in the end. Even though that thing looks so ugly, the raw materials were unnecessarily overpriced and if not for one of our young ones practically being scammed, you wouldn’t even see it with us.”

The sword master personally examined the weapon and explained its functions to his student.

“Okay well take it.”

Declared the sword master with the otherworld-er giving an acknowledging nod as he continued to examine the weapon.

“But- “

The sword master raised a hand to stop him. The storekeeper just sighed in defeat.

“The lowest I can go is 1 gold and 47 silver. Before you say any more, it’s raw materials alone would fetch us 1 gold. We are already making a heavy loss on this one but you seem really taken with it and I think it’s proper for a weapon to land in caring hands rather than one’s that will hate its uselessness or worse, be scrapped.”

Once the man finished, the unnamed city lord’s servant asked only one question.

“How much did you purchase it for?”

The storekeeper looked extremely ashamed as he raised 3 fingers, looking down, averting his gaze, indicating 3 gold.

“So, how much do we have left?”

The otherworld-er asked, an almost prayer in there somewhere, hoping they had just enough for it.

“We’re short by 25 silver.”

Came the reply.

“…I see. I guess we return something to get back some money then.”

“Don’t worry. I will pay for the extra.”

Volunteered the sword master.

“Are you sure my master?”

The otherworld-er asked with a raised eyebrow at the unexpected offer.

“You’re both my best and worst student and I’d definitely be the worst master if I didn’t do anything for your spectacular way of earning your first skill. Consider this a gift for that.”

“Yay….?”

Replied the otherworld-er, almost confused at receiving an almost compliment.

With that done, they had a quick bite before each left on their ways. The otherworld-er visited his pet. He was happy to find out that it was free of the curse and although weakened, it was looking much better and he was assured it is a lot less cowardly too. He secretly rejoiced at the last bit.

Early next morning, he woke up with a spring in his step, almost enthusiastic for being able to be free and outside, adventuring after so long. He met the city mage outside the gates, along with his pet, who was now carrying a couple of small sacks, with some camping essentials.

“Mr. Inan, I wish you were well taken care of yesterday? Debra can be quite pedantic sometimes and his loyalty towards the city lord can also hurt his ability to do his job. But he means well.”

“He was a great help, honestly. I wouldn’t have been able to get half the value as I did, with his help. Also, it’s amusing that you so easily told me his name while he kept it hidden throughout yesterday.”

The mage just snorted at that.

“Well, take care! Be sure to return to us in one piece. Your ‘pet’ should be very useful in keeping you alive. Oh! And, the city lord will give you an audience once you make it back from the expedition.”

“Wow! So, I’d be finally ready huh? Alright, wish me luck and you guys take care too. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

The otherworld-er waved to the mage and turned towards the wilderness and started walking along with the massive black Alpha wolf to begin his adventure and his quest to find his answers in the new world.

End of arc, The New world.