I stepped in side by side with Ryo and the maid that assisted us, the outside of the guild looked amazing, when you see it you'd have alot of expectations for the inside too. Although I'd never expected that it would be this good. The walls looked like they were just newly built, the paint was shining like it was made of the finest materials and the stone was as smooth as can be! The floors were spotless and they glistened a faint white glow because of the light. The guild itself was brightly lit and it looked more like a modern mansion than an old guild! Of course I'm speaking in terms of comparing this to the previous world.

A look of shock passed through my face but I retracted it as fast as it appeared. Ryo glanced at me for a second then he turned to face forward once more. The maid went ahead of us then turned to face us and said in a cheerful voice gestured towards me.

"I welcome you to Blue Waters, savior of our young master."

"T-thanks."

I'm not used to this sort of treatment. I lowered my head slightly and followed Ryo as he stepped into the hall on the left.

We conversed as we walked as he thought about something he asked me.

"Are you restricted by anyone? Curfew? Or do you live with someone else?"

"I'm currently staying at an inn with my mentor."

"I see.. I can arrange for you two to stay here, how does it sound?"

"If the arrangements are to her liking and she wants to stay here then I will have no say in the matter."

"Then bring her here and when she likes the settlements then I will immediately let you two live here."

"Nn."

I nod slightly as I voiced my agreement. He might be a bit too trusting for someone he's just met because an accident is easy to encounter. If by any chance that he encounters an accident and meets a person harboring ill intentions towards him then he might be in a whole lot of trouble. For a young master of a guild he doesn't seem to be all that threatening, even more so because of the guild he is in.

Blue Waters is the strongest guild around here and can walk around with pride that nobody can be their match or so I've heard. The main reason for this is because they've learned [Redirection Arts], I've heard that so far they can only deflect physical attacks but it is possible to deflect magic attacks. Physical attacks enchanted with magic are still counted as physical attacks so things like the [Iron Rock Clan Secret Art: Mountain King's Fist] and [Stone Breaking Fist] would be blocked easily. [Knights] have a zero percent chance to win against them if they are smart. There are two types of [Redirection], one is turning the kinetic force into magic and releasing it all at once resulting in a stronger attack and the most basic one, reflecting the kinetic force and make it hit the target all at once, the former is the strongest because magic is still overall stronger than physical attacks.

This is true for most people but I heard that in this world there are things called [Bodies]. A [Mage] when strong enough can acquire [Magic Sage], a [Knight] when strong enough can become a [Sage Knight], a celestial can get [Celestial Body], and a [Druid] can get [Natural Body]. They all have different attributes and can vastly increase the skills of a person by over tenfold! It can be acquired at the level of 300, which almost nobody in this continent has reached. I've heard that Gaia has five continents and the power gap for each one is as high as the heavens. The continent I'm in is the weakest where a level 300 is the pinnacle existence and only appeared once is called the Red Sky continent.

The strongest is called the Heavenly God Continent, the reason why it is the strongest is because it has the most abundance of light energy so it can greatly increase light magic's attack power and also [Angels] and [Gods] are frequently found there. The reason it is called that way is because apparently a [God] rules that continent, nobody from the other four continents have heard of his title so they just refer to him as [Heavenly God] which later became the new name of the continent under the [God's] decree.

He is one of the very few [Gods] who have settled down and is known by [Humans], [Gods] do not want the company of other races so I can't imagine what was going on in his head when he thought of that.

When I left the Blue Waters and headed back to the inn, the sun has already set and the crowd from the Martial Court earlier have dispersed. I walked through the Martial Court then straight into the inn, the lady from before is back on the counter smiling as I entered.

"Welcome back dear customer."

She said to me with a smile on her face that would say 'I'm pleased to see you'. I've said it before but I'll say it again, her looks are above average and could charm any man if she wanted to, I'm no exception but since I am technically 29 years of age already I have a certain amount of immunity. I nodded slightly then walked towards the stairs.

"The meal will be delivered shortly to your rooms."

"Thank you."

As I got up, nothing particularly changed, except the killing intent I feel coming from the door. I shuddered as I remembered my mistake, I haven't told Aine-san about me going to the Blue Waters and she expected me to stay in the Martial Court. It is also late since dinner was about to be served. I'm guessing that she went to the Martial Court shortly after me then found out that I wasn't there and got angry because I was leisurely walking around with a whole faction hunting me.

I gulp and head towards the door. As I opened it I saw Aine-san with an irritated face and a menacing aura behind her.

"I-I'm back."

"Kai..!"

She angrily said my name which made me shudder a bit, Aine-san is here for the purpose of protecting me and I casually stroll around the first town we've come in contact with, on the first day too! I'm guessing she wanted to survey the city for a bit before allowing me to stroll around. I also didn't achieve my goal of training for today but I only planned to scout the Martial Court anyway.

"Want to explain why you were with the Blue Waters on the first day?"

The intimidating aura behind her suddenly increased.

"Err, I saved the young master of Blue Waters and he invited me into their guild."

"What did you say?"

"I haven't accepted yet, I told them I'd consult you first."

The aura behind her slowly died down but it was still there.

"You planned to ask me their background, right?"

"Nn."

She sighed and held her forehead. She made a face that has 'What am I gonna do with this kid?' written all over it.

"Alright, I'll tell you."

I gulp and listen to her attentively.

"The Blue Waters, as you've most likely heard, are in control of a powerful Art. The [Redirection Arts], therefore [Knights] are pretty much useless against them, and with the long casting time and the lack of [Mages] in this city, they became the strongest. Though, this magic is not as simple as it seems. For something so strong there has to be a stronger backlash, and I only figured this out accidentally while using my [Clairvoyance] skill."

I listen to her attentively and the moment she stopped, I gulped and asked her in a solemn voice.

"What's the backlash..?"

"Before I tell you, I'll explain what [Redirection] really is, it can defend you from people with a mana equal or below oneself completely, basically it will make you invulnerable to anyone weaker than you. If used on a slightly stronger enemy, it will consume mana and you will not be able to block one hundred percent of the attack. But if used on an enemy even stronger, then it consumes..life force."

"!"

Life force?! Doesn't that mean if you want to use it against stronger people, you'd have to chop off bits and pieces of your lifespan!?

"Of course, I said mana. If a person has high affinity for mana, say twice the amount of a regular person at birth, then in the future I doubt any [Knights] could cause trouble because [Knights] rely on their physical attributes rather than their mana."

[Knights] aren't an exception when using mana, using skills and spells require mana. Those who weren't born with mana can only enhance their physical attributes and are weaker than regular [Knights]. If I learn [Redirection Arts], I can probably not be stopped by any [Knight] in the whole continent, I can't say for sure because there exists something called a [Magic Knight], they use magic along with a sword. When they reach level 300, they can alternate between [Sage Knight] and [Magic Sage]. Mixed classes are the strongest of all because of this. A [Magic Knight] can cover the weaknesses of a [Mage's] casting time and a [Knight's] range. I also plan to become a [Magic Knight] in the future hence I am learning martial arts.

[Knights] learn martial arts while [Mages] learn spells. If one wanted to become a [Magic Knight] he must be experienced in both.

"When using it on weaker opponents, it consumes mana but only a fourth of the enemy's attack. But when used on a slightly stronger or equal enemy, it consumes at least half of the enemy's mana used in the attack. But when used on a stronger one, it consumes ten percent more mana than the enemy's attack, and if the mana is drained the life force is drained, hence makes it the biggest weakness."

Her expression softened.

"Of course, it is rare to encounter someone twice as strong as oneself unless they travelled."

She stopped for a bit and let me digest the information.

"Now I'll tell you how the Blue Waters are in possession of such a powerful Art. Back then during the creation of the city, the founder wielded the [Redirection Arts]. She built this city along with her friends, but she was the only one who had the power to learn it. She stumbled into the [Redirection Arts] in a book from a dark cave located two hundred miles east of here. She and her friends tried to learn it but she was the only one who had the abundance of mana to do so. Mana can also be transferred from bloodline, if a person has high affinity for mana there is at least a seventy five percent chance for the offsprings to acquire this affinity too."

That means my parents must've been great [Mages].

"Nearly thirty years have passed since the creation of the village and the [Redirection Arts] were lost. The founder died three years after the creation, she was a young woman in her mid-twenties, she died by assassination from a neighboring village."

".."

She looked at my reaction for a moment before continuing.

"After the span of thirty years, a man in his late-twenties appeared and self-proclaimed himself to be the descendant of the founder and proved it by showing the [Redirection Arts] and the book that was lost. The founder's friends revealed the secret that the founder was in love with a man during their travels and they stayed together for a year before they had to leave and she gave birth during the time."

"..Eh?"

Doesn't that sound a little too suspicious? It was really convenient too.

"Looks like you find it too convenient, it's true though. They have conducted blood tests and it was confirmed."

"I admit, it did make me a bit hesitant to believe it."

"That's what I happened to me too."

Aine-san looked at me and smiled a bit.

"You don't talk or act like a kid you know?"

"Haha.. yeah."

I need to brush off this topic, I shouldn't let anyone know about my reincarnation.

All of a sudden a rustle was heard behind the building, faint but noticeable if you have keen enough perception. I turned around and looked outside the window and saw there was something in the bushes but I can't quite make it out.

"[Vision]."

My perception became keener as the outside turned bright and I saw every minor movement. Checking for movements at this distance is as easy as breathing. There was a black cloth sticking out the bottom part of the bush, the figure of the body was pretty thin, definitely an assassin. By the structure I'd guess it's a male. I look back towards Aine-san and the expression on my face changed.

"Aine-san, we're being watched."

"..Where?"

She got the hint and lowered her voice and acted like we didn't notice.

"Is he strong?"

"No, I can kill him without him noticing."

"Then please do so."

I nod slightly then walk outside the room.

"[Mana Surge]."

I said in a low voice as I opened the window and jumped out at great speed, nearly leaving an afterimage behind.

The man was inside the bush surveying the window.

"The kid left, I was informed that the kid is a [Mage] who gained recognition from the young master of the Blue Waters."

He said to himself in a low voice.

"Oh well, what can one kid do?"

He continued to look through the window and took out a dagger from the scabbard attached to his left leg. It had a green color at the blade and has signs that it has been dipped in poison. The dagger itself was regular, except for the mark on the handle. It had a black skull with red eyes. That is the symbol for the Dark Guild, all of their weapons and armor are marked by it. The man slowly walked outside the bush and inspected the area around him, once he was finished he turned to face the window and had his right hand in front of his mouth with his index and middle finger up. He was chanting something silently.

"[Oh cover of the night, repent thy sins as thy think be necessary and help thy with your power.]"

The man's cloak looked like it was being swept up by the wind and a black light surrounded him like it was trying to conceal him.

"[Camouflage]."

In this world there are spells, skills, chants, curses, and many other forms of power. Chants are longer and strong types of magic, spells are instantly cast but when facing a spell casted from a chant head on, it has a disadvantage.

The man disappeared in thin air and it was like he was never there before.

'Tch, hiding himself? How can he hide himself from my eyes?' I thought to myself as I scanned the area for any signs of movement. A part of the grass in the area was being pressured. Got him. I jump immediately and rammed the invisible man out of his [Camouflage] and unsheathed my shortsword and left scratches almost everywhere on his body. It may seem like I'm attacking at random but I am actually hitting his muscles and joints so he won't be able to maneuver properly.

"Gah!"

The man spat out blood and knelt on the floor. He looked up to see me holding a shortsword with a look of terror in his eyes.

"I..thought you were a magician!"

The man hoarsely screamed. Disbelief could be heard from his words, he couldn't believe that a kid not even a third of his age would be able to sneak up on him and injure him without even fighting back! How could he accept that? Any [Assassin] won't, that includes him too!

"Stop your screaming, it hurts my ears. Nobody'd hear you anyway, I set up a magic field around us that negates sound."

"So it's true, you're a magician!"

"So what? I don't need to be recognized by a dead man."

The terror in his eyes was even more noticeable now. Beneath the terror there was arrogance, but once he heard those words the little bit of pride and arrogance he had left, disappeared.

"Who.. are you?!"

The man screamed which almost seemed like once he knew he'd get vengeance but at the same time it was a desperate attempt to live!

"Hm..call me.."

The man listened attentively as he gulped. He was shaking from head to toe and looked around for any escape routes but how could he escape? Even if he found an escape route, the kid in front of him is nearly ten times as fast as him! He knew it was time for death but he had not lost hope, he had a secret item with him that lets other members know if he died! If he died near this inn then the people will immediately know the mission he is in is currently dangerous and there maybe a chance that he'll be avenged!

"Oh wait, before I tell you, I'd like for you to take your mask off."

The man knew he had no choice so he took it off after a slight moment of hesitation.

"Now tell me who you work for."

"Why would I tell you?"

The man said in a hoarse voice. The blood from the cuts was gushing out and he knew the kid in front of him had cut his muscles.

"You'd tell me either way. I have ways to make you talk."

"I'd rather die than do that!"

The man used one last bit of his power to take out his knife and stab himself.

I sighed.

"[Time stop]."

Everything turned pale and the knife had almost reached his heart. The tip was also covered on the poison so if I was only a second late the man would've died.

I took the knife from his hands and threw it at a distance. I put my thumb on the middle of his forehead and my other fingers on his head.

I closed my eyes.

"[Mind Search]."

All of a sudden memories have popped into my head at a frightening pace. I memorized everything I needed from top to bottom. [Mind Search] is a skill I developed after the attack at my house, I realized that if I wanted to interrogate people without putting them through misery, I should have means to do it. I spent a couple of days for just this one spell but it is worth it. It searches the target's memories according to the user's wishes, if the user doesn't want to see a certain memory, the user won't. Of course it needs a frightening amount of concentration to pull this off or else I'd suffer backlash mentally.

As I scanned the man's memories, I found out that he was from the Dark Guild, it looks like he hasn't figured out my identity but he has been ordered to because some person saw me interacting with the Blue Waters, also this guy has an [Imprint] on him. [Imprint] is cast by a magician of a higher level than oneself and does not give any effects other than the caster knowing where they died. It should be really easy to erase at my level.

In a blink of an eye, twenty seconds had passed.

"What t-?!"

In the instant time started I imbued my palm with mana and struck at the man's chest.

"[Erase]".

[Erase] is another skill I learned after the attack, it dispels magic. It is very useful against [Enchantments]. [Imprint] can also be counted as an [Enchantment] because it is imbued inside the body.

The man's chest glew faintly and disappeared shortly afterwards.

"What..did you do to me?!"

"I erased your [Imprint]."

The man shuddered like he was experiencing an earthquake inside his body. He took a brief moment before continuing to speak.

"That's impossible! Our branch guild's great mage used that on me himself!"

"Ohhh really? Well that means your 'great mage' can't even take me on at his full power."

[Imprint] is only possible to erase when the person erasing it is stronger because it is imbued with the other person's consciousness.

The man turned pale as I finished what I said.

"Please..great one don't kill me! I only did this because I was hired to!"

"Ohh? But I saw in your memories that you volunteered for it."

"My..memories..?"

The man's complexion turned even paler than before.

"Am I really that scary?"

He crawled backwards slowly until he backed up on a tree.

THUMP

He turned around to see that he had been cornered.

"Curse you!"

The man jumped directly towards me and I sneered.

"You haven't learned your lesson?"

The man looked like an animal backed into a corner, these types are the most dangerous of all but against me, how could he fight back even the slightest?

As he neared, I released my magic pressure to crush him on the floor. The man's leap crashed into the floor and he was being buried slowly.

"Gah!"

The man spat out blood as the impact left a crater on the floor.

"I'll end your life quick, I don't have any gain from torturing you, you're just a bane on my side."

I take out my shortsword once again and channel my mana.

"[Enchantment: Sharpness]."

I added another field that negated sound, it's a skill I thought of on the way here. [Sound Barrier]. I placed one earlier but I set it up around us so I could still hear the sound.

"You can rest now."

I sliced his neck as fast as I can to avoid giving him any misery. I still have enough humanity left for that.

"[Fire]."

I set his corpse on fire to not leave a trace of evidence and left the scene after making sure he was ash.

"Dark Guild.."

I muttered in a low voice.

"I guess I found my enemy."