Inside a dark room, a figure could be seen on top of the bed lying face down, suddenly there was light softly entering the room, the world of darkness inside the room was lifted, from where the light came in one could see a beautiful morning the birds were flying and chirping happily, morning dews were dripping from the leaves and the people were working with a smile on their faces.
And there was I, yes, the figure in the pitch-black room was me. I lifted my face and body with heavy feeling and slowly walking to the bathroom. The bathroom was like a bathroom you found in a castle during the 19th century, a big basin freshwater and a small bucket made of wood, I guessed for a simple room this was enough. I scooped the water in the basin using the bucket and sprayed the water to my face without letting the water touched my clothes. Then I dried my hair with a simple cloth that was inside the bath.
I saw my face reflected on the water of the basin, a Japanese teen with black hair, bloodshot eyes and eye bag painted in black, why do I have bloodshot eyes and black eye bag? Let's turn back time a little.
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After I reached the room, I started to wonder why my job was Tentacle Lord. And that was not all, I just realize that my race had changed too, my race was [Tentacle] now. What the hell was a tentacle race!? Was it a god's trick or was it the template story where the demon lord was summoned along with the hero. But no matter how much I thought about it, it was futile. Because I had no way to find out about it with my current situation, so I stopped thinking about it. I changed gears and started researching about my abilities as a Tentacle Lord. In the status, I saw a column named skill. When I opened it, I saw two skills listed there.
[Tentacle Generation]
[Absorption]
I was not surprised I could generate a tentacle, I mean my job was [Tentacle Lord] while I wasn't surprised it just didn't feel right. When I thought of [Tentacle], I could only think of the women violator given the form of hundreds and thousands of pink feelers which excelled at breaking women sexually, mahou shoujo's natural enemy and the embodiment of carnal pleasure and lust. And that so-called embodiment of lust was in the form of a young man now.......me.
That aside, when I found that I could generate a Tentacle, I wanted to find out would this Tentacle be useful or not, as it was critical for me. So, I waited until midnight to experiment with this skill of mine. Since if I nonchalantly used the skill and somebody saw me, it would be dangerous for me.
I didn't leave the room and stayed inside the whole day, at lunch and dinner, a maid came and delivered a tray of food to the room. It consisted of a bowl of soup, bread, milk, and sausage. The soup tasted bland with few vegetable bits, the bread was hard to chew, the milk smelled and tasted funny, lastly, the sausage was blood sausage with a strong odor. I almost puked when I ate the sausage, all in all, the food tasted like shit. Not to mention, the maid was cold and I could even see the disgust on their eyes.
I was called here forcibly by you people, why should I suffer this kind of treatment?! I almost shouted but I hold it in. This was a foreign land, heck, it was a foreign world. I knew nothing of this world and I have no power here. I needed to watch out and be careful of everything. Thankfully, no one bothered with me and except the maid, nobody visited me throughout the day.
Midnight came, I closed the window and lit the magic lamp I got from the maid, the whole room was brightened up. Then, I make sure that there was no peephole and no more people in the vicinity near my room. After making sure that there were no people saw and heard what I did in my room, I started my experiment.
Because I didn't know where would the tentacle appeared from, I took off my clothes, leaving only my body bottom parts still clothed. I at least guessed that the tentacle would appear somewhere in my upper body. Opening my status and choose the skill [Tentacle Generation] then another list appeared beside the skill, when I looked at the list there was only one thing listed on it.
[Tentacle]
I could roughly guess the look of the tentacle if it was the same from what I saw in a certain genre of video. Without hesitation, I clicked the tentacle icon, suddenly something burst out from my back. It was red with a touch of pink in color with width as thick as a grown man's arm, yes, it was the feeler of the embodiment of carnal lust in all its glory, the tentacle. I was surprised to see it up close, in the flesh no less. After admiring it for a bit, I tried to touch it and its texture was really familiar, it was hard and soft at the same time. The first time I touched and saw it, I was once again convinced that the Tentacle was truly something that was made to attack a woman.
Well, jokes aside, I tried to move it and it moves just like how I wanted, it felt like moving a part of my body. I guess the tentacle really became a part of my body now. And it was truly convenient for me, not only it moves as I wanted it to, the tentacles were strong and could grab almost anything. With only one tentacle, I could hold the desk made of wood that need two people two moved it easily and raised it with no trouble at all. With this tentacle, my chance of survival increased. Now, I could defend myself if the need should arise in the future, And this marked the end of my first experiment.
For the second experiment, I took the wooden spoon I used to eat and activated the [Absorption] skill. The tentacle moved on its own and engulfed the wooden spoon inside it, the tentacle was kind of transparent, so I could see the wooden spoon slowly melt inside it. When the spoon melted completely, I heard a cold mechanical sound in my head.
[Wood Tentacle] tree unlocked!
[Jasper Wood] version unlocked!
Wood tentacle? Jasper wood version? I drew blank at the announcement. I opened my status and clicked the [Tentacle Generation] skill, in the column, there was a new option.
[Tentacle]
[Wood Tentacle] NEW!
When I choose the wood tentacle, another tentacle burst out from my back. The new one was the same size as the normal tentacle, but the new one was like a living wood, the feel of it and its color was the same as the wooden spoon. But it wasn't stiff, it was as elastic as the normal tentacle.
I thought of something and tried something else, I took my miniature spear which I got from ordering a custom-made from a blacksmith. I used [Absorption] again and the spear was eaten by the normal tentacle. The spear melted inside it and another announcement rang in my head.
[Metal Tentacle] tree unlocked!
[Steel] version unlocked!
I quickly clicked the steel tentacle and it burst out from my back, a shiny silver tentacle. It was elastic and yet so hard when I touched it. Looking at the different tentacles, I'm beginning to understand what the [Absorption] skill was.
The skill absorbed the target and depends on the item that was absorbed, it would unlock the tentacle tree and the version of it. Like the wooden spoon, it was wood, specifically, it was Jasper wood, so it unlocked the wood tentacle and jasper wood version of it, or at least that's what I knew about it for now.
And I noticed that every time I generate a tentacle, it consumed my energy, but it was not my stamina. I tried feeling where that energy was and I found something inside my body that I never discovered before. It was like a ball of gases but a little bit more solid, it stayed in the center of my body and it connected to my tentacles. My bet was that this energy was what called mana, the fuel for magic, the staple of every game or story.
When I felt it, I instinctively knew how much mana I have. If I used it just for pulling out tentacles, even if I pulled out tentacles all day, it won't be emptied. Since pulling out a tentacle used so little of it. I tried pulling the tentacles back into my body and they just retracted inside my body. I wonder where they went and kept in my body?
Finally, I'm done experimenting for today and laid down on the bed, both the pillow and the bed were kinda hard. I turned off the magic lamp and the room descended into darkness, closing my eyes and thought about what my plan from now on. Unknowingly, I drifted to sleep.
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Back to the current time, I left the bathroom and sat on the bed. I've thought about what I should do from now on, that was to prepare myself for any possible situation. My current situation was not good at all, I was someone who was accidentally summoned with the so-called heroes party, and there was a twist that my job and even my race changed. From my knowledge of fantasy setting like this, I can predict what kind of shitty circumstances I'm in, I already made three main objectives of what should I do, that was:
1.Get as much as information from the kingdom
2.Train my body
3.Get out of the kingdom
With that said, I wore my clothes and exited the room. There was no one guarding the door, I guessed they were ignoring which worked in my advantage. With no one monitoring me, I could move freely. I should get things done while they still ignoring me, the faster I get out of this kingdom the better.
Now, to fulfill the first objective I went searching for the library, the best place to acquire knowledge. I walked around the palace as I was searching the library, I tried asking people but I was ignored, treated as if I didn't exist. The maids kept their distance from me, the guards ignored me even when I stood in front of them, the butler also act like they didn't even see me. The worse was the one dressed like nobles from anime or manga, they scoffed at me and even insulted me. If I didn't care about my life, I would be pummeling them to the ground.
With no choice, I just walked and tried to guess where the bloody library was. After about an hour and a half of walking, I finally found it. How did I know? Because there were big books carved onto the door.
Hm, looked like the people who designed this castle and rooms really liked to use gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stone as a construction material. Almost all the rooms I saw after I exited the throne chamber yesterday until I reached my room, statues even the walls were all gold with diamonds and precious stones as decorations. Was this kingdom so rich they could effort to built this castle and decorated it with all this gold and diamonds? As I was thinking that, I opened the library door the people inside the library ignored me in a second they saw it was me who opened the door. the people in this castle sure loved to ignore me? but I guess it was better for me if they ignored me, with them ignoring me, I didn't have to worry about being watched. It makes me wonder why though.
First thing I searched in the library was books related to monsters, plants, season, history, environment, races and all the things I needed to survive in this world, but I was stopped not by the people, I was stopped by the language barrier. I was careless, just because all the people I talked to were using Japanese, I thought the written language would be Japanese too but I was wrong. I guess there was something that translated their spoken words to Japanese for me, probably the effect of the summoning.
I was there sitting in front of a large desk with many books in front of me but I wasn't reading. Both of my hands were on the desk, continuing flipping the pages of scribble-like words. The people around me noticed that I couldn't read the books and were laughing at me. I was angry but I couldn't say anything since I couldn't read the book was a fact, I clenched my hands so hard until someone patted my shoulder, I turned around and was stunned.
Behind me was a knight in white armor, his semi-long purple hair was smooth and reached his nape, his hair was like a certain reverse-trap detective from a game. He was tall, about 175armor in height. He was wearing a kind of gaudy white armor with golden lining and jewel decorations, his body was smaller than average but was brimming with energy, on his waist was a similar design as the armor. What truly stunned me was his face, it was perfect! A beautiful face like a girl but also could be said handsome, a perfect blend of the two genders! The gorgeous androgynous knight looked at me, puzzled as to why I looked at him blankly.
"Um.. Are you okay?" (???)
"Ah? Oh, oh yeah. I'm okay I'm okay, sorry about that." (Kagero)
Ah, even his voice was pleasant, it was neither rough or gentle, it was a neutral voice but as soft as satin. I stood up and the difference in our height became apparent, the beautiful knight looked up when he spoke to me, I caught the admiration in his eyes when he saw my height.
"It's okay. Um, you are someone who was accidentally summoned with the heroes, right?" (???)
"Yeah, that's right. How did you…" (Kagero)
"Well, rumors travel fast in this palace. And also, I can tell from your clothes." (???)
"Oh, right." (Kagero)
I looked down at my uniform, I should change clothes, maybe that way I could blend in and someone who only heard me wouldn't recognize me. I extended my hand to the bifauxnen knight.
"I'm Kogami Kagero, and you are.." (Kagero)
The knight grabbed my hand, he got quite the grip.
"Sorry for the late introduction, I'm Kanbara Tsurai, like yours, Kanbara is my last name and Tsurai is my first name, a knight of the second corps. Pleased to make your acquaintance." (Tsurai)
We let go after sharing a handshake. His black eyes were clear, it didn't contain disgust or disdain like other people I encountered. His pink plump mouth showed a smile
"Kanbara? Are you also from our world?" (Kagero)
"No, born and raised here. My last name originated from my grandfather, the martial artist from the former member of the heroes party, Kanbara Juugo." (Tsurai)
"I see. Wait, does that mean…. The heroes didn't return?" (Kagero)
I was too blinded by the thought of escaping this kingdom, I forgot about the most important thing, the way to return to our world. If they had a descendant, didn't that mean the heroes didn't go back but stayed in this world? Or was it that they had descendants first before they went back? My face grew pale as I thought about the worst case, the hero couldn't go back. Sure, I had few attachments to my world but my whole life was there. My parents, home, games, and manga. This world may be the world I've been dreaming about, a world of sword and magic, but that didn't mean I wanted to come and stay in this world. Looking at my pale face, Tsurai asked me worriedly.
"Are you okay?" (Tsurai)
"I-I'm okay…" (Kagero)
I took a deep breath and calmed myself down, panicking wouldn't help me. Tsurai was a descendant of the former member heroes party, he should know whether they went back or not.
"Tsurai… your grandfather, the martial artist, and the rest of the heroes party, did… did they go back? To their own world, I mean." (Kagero)
"Grandfather? Yes, I heard he went back after he witnessed his first child born, the other heroes also went back after finishing their business in this world." (Tsurai)
"Ah, I see… good good." (Kagero)
"Are you really okay?" (Tsurai)
Tsurai looked at me questioningly but I ignored him. I felt relieved so that the heroes party really went back, that meant the kingdom probably had some kind of return magic to sent us back. That said, it was kind of irresponsible for the martial artist to leave when his child was just born. But with this information, my plan needed to change a little.
My plan was too shallow, even if I ran away from this kingdom, it wouldn't solve my problem, it would only make my situation worse. I needed a concrete plan, I need more information. So far, I only knew the kingdom had the return magic, that meant I couldn't get away from the kingdom. And the kingdom would only use the magic when the heroes fulfilled the kingdom's wish. I doubt that they would use the magic to just send me back even if I asked. Should I help Saya and the other from the shadow?
I should help myself first before I thought about them, first I need to learn the written language then trained my body. After I finished putting my thoughts together, I snapped out of my daze. The beautiful knight, Tsurai, was staring at me.
"Sorry, I was caught up in thinking." (Kagero)
"No, it's okay. It seems you have a lot of things to think about. If you want someone to talk to, I'll be happy to listen if you don't mind." (Tsurai)
"Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer later." (Kagero)
"Of course." (Tsurai)
The corners of my mouth tugged up to a smile, he was the first one, the first person of this world that was kind to me. Tsurai returned a sweet smile of his own when he saw mine, the smile lit up his whole face, it was dazzling. When he smiled, he showed a strong feminine charm, my heart thumped hard and I began to doubt whether Tsurai was actually a woman or am I actually gay. I averted my head to the side, hiding the blush on my face. Tsurai glanced at the books behind me.
"Kagero-sama." (Tsurai)
"Ah, just call me by my name, Kagero." (Kagero)
"Then, Kagero, are you having trouble reading the books?" (Tsurai)
"Yeah, although I can speak this world's language, I can't seem to read it." (Kagero)
I looked at the books behind me and sigh, I should learn the language first.
"If you don't mind, I can teach you how to read." (Tsurai)
"Really? It will really help me, but won't it take your time? And is it really okay?" (Kagero)
I looked around and saw people in the library focusing their attention on us. They, who were laughing and having fun looking at me, were now staring Tsurai. They didn't bother hiding the unkind intention in their eyes, Tsurai smiled and shook his head.
"It is okay, the Imperial Knight's training temporarily stopped and focused on training the heroes, so I have a lot of time. And I don't mind the stares, my grandfather once said to help his fellow otherworlder if our family ever meet one." (Tsurai)
"I see, your grandfather must have been a kind man. And you're an Imperial Knight? impressive." (kagero)
Thank you very much, Juugo-san, I owe you. Looking at his slim body covered by the armor, I kind of guessed he was an important knight with such armor, but an Imperial Knight, huh? I never would have guessed. Tsurai smiled, he then grabbed a book sat down on the chair beside mine.
"Please sit down." (Tsurai)
When I sat down, a sweet scent drifted to my nose. It was a light and fresh scent, I glanced at Tsurai, why was he smell so good? Was this perfume? I couldn't help but took a deep breath, ah so fragrant. Wait! WTF?! Wake up he's a dude! I'm straight!
While I was busy convincing myself, Tsurai opened the book and started teaching me the alphabet.
"This is called Castarian language, almost all human race uses this language, except for a few exceptions. There are thirty alphabets, and this is our world's number. Now, let's start by remembering the alphabet." (Tsurai)
I stayed at the library all day, learning from Tsurai while taking notes. Mid-way, Tsurai went to the counter of the library and asked for a notebook and something to write with. The lady behind the counter face was displeased but she couldn't just deny Tsurai's order nor could she give a bad article, in the end, she gave Tsurai a book with black cover with a place to keep a feather pen and ink at the book spine. It was a good book that could be carried around and used anytime and anywhere, Tsurai handed the book to me.
The feather pen was black in color just like the book, it was hard to use and needed to get used to, not to mention, it was a pain to dip it into ink every time. The book's paper was rough with no lines. I really missed my pen and book, I just realized how good and convenient my life back in my world.
The Castarian alphabet here was like the Greek alphabet in appearance, the number was the same with Arabic numerals, but with an added flare of this world. After studying all day, I managed to memorize almost half of the alphabet, now my head hurt. To my already hurting head, the sound of the echoing bell was excruciating, the bell sound echoed every hour and could be heard throughout the capital. The bell started ringing at six o'çlock in the morning to seven o'clock in the evening, the bell rang seven times, that was the last bell of the day.
"It's this late already, let's stop at this part for today. Please review what we learned today, okay? We'll continue at the same time tomorrow." (Tsurai)
"Thank you for teaching today, Tsurai." (Kagero)
"It's my pleasure." (Tsurai)
We tidied up the place and left the library, I held the black cover book in my hand as we went out. We walked together through the darkened hallway with only sparse light of fire lamp on the wall. Along the way, I saw maids lighting the fire lamp with small fire magic. Maybe I was too focused on searching the library, I didn't realize that I passed such a big training ground on the way to the library. It was located right beside the castle with oval shape field, there was a big hut at the corner of the ground.
"Let's partway here, I have reached my destination. See you tomorrow!" (Tsurai)
"This is..a training ground? Are you going to train? Can I see?" (Kagero)
"Well, you can, but it's not something special though. I'm just going to practice basic moves." (Tsurai)
"It's okay, I just want to see." (Kagero)
"The, okay. But, please be silent and don't disturb me, okay?" (Tsurai)
"Of course." (Kagero)
Tsurai told me to just sat down on the ground, and so I did, while he grabbed the weapon from the hut. A while later, he came back with a round shield and one-handed sword. It was different from the decoration equipment he currently used, the round shield was a simple bronze shield without any decoration or jewel, it was fixed on Tsurai's left forearm with straps. The one-handed was the same with the shield, there was no decoration or jewel on it, a simple iron blade with black handle.
"Tsurai, didn't you already have a sword on your waist? Why not use that?" (Kagero)
"This sword might be higher in quality, but it was unwieldy because of all the decorations and jewels." (Tsurai)
Tsurai wryly told me that. Ah, so there was another person with the same thought as me, and it was an Imperial Knight, no less. If even an Imperial Knight said that the sword was unwieldy, why not just change it? From Tsurai's expression, he must have tried to change it but was not agreed by the higher-ups.
"I'm starting now, please be silent, okay?" (Tsurai)
I nodded, Tsurai took a deep breath and went to stance, his left leg in front and bent, his left hand held the shield up covering half of his face and upper body, the sword in his right hand was hidden behind the shield. His aura turned sharp but concealed, like a sword hidden in the scabbard. Suddenly he moved, the hidden sword thrust out and his sharp aura was revealed like a drawn-out sword. Overhead slash, side slash, sweep, backhand slash, upward slash, shield bash, shield swing, move after move was thrown out.
I didn't have any experience or knowledge about sword art, but I thought that his move was beautiful. The moves flowed out like a wave without stopping, without interruption, it was like his performing a dance, a violent but beautiful dance. Under the moonshine, he was like an elf dancing on the surface of a lake. I couldn't help but stare at him.
…
…..
.....
...…..
WAKE UP!
PAAAAAKKKK!!!
I slapped myself hard and woke up, the stinging pain on my cheek kept me cleared my head bit-by-bit, I almost opened a forbidden door there, how dangerous. Tsurai had his back facing me so he didn't see my antics, he was still practicing. His face was truly a fatal-attraction to me, who loves reverse-trap character. Should I distance myself from him? But he was currently the only one who I could interact within this palace.
While I was thinking, Tsurai was already done with his training. I stood up and after talking a little, we parted ways and I headed back to my room. Even after thinking about it, I couldn't reach any conclusion, so I just threw the issue to the back of my head and went to bed. Maybe I was just too excited seeing a high-quality bifauxnen, I would get used to it. I'm definitely not gay!