As we go, I started to ask her for information.
"May I ask what you can help me with?" I ask.
"As Athena said, I will tell you if the one talking to you is lying or not, their intentions and additionally, information"
"Information about what?"
"Each day I am allowed to tell you anything that is related here. Although there are some restrictions, I'll tell you when the time comes"
That is pretty darn convenient.
"Then can you read what I am thinking right now?"
"No. We gods respect your privacy since you are here risking your life and all to help another world. Although there are some gods who are interested at you, they won't go that far since it will cause them problems. It's not worth the trouble so I doubt that anyone will do so"
Why do I feel she's somewhat enjoying this. Having attention from someone I don't even know just feels downright weird.
"Also if you want to take a look at what you have, say 'Status'. Since almost all humans like games, we design it like that"
What is up with that.
"Status!"
[Status information]
Name: Michael Santiago
Class: Hero
Race: Human
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Level: 13
HP: 1,300/1,300
MP: 500/500
AP: 21,000/21,000
Strength: 37
Agility: 30
Stamina: 52
Intelligence: 134
Level cap: ???
Abilities: Soul, Divine healing, Aura
Blessing(s):
-Hero's gift
Title(s):
-The Immortal Soldier
+
They even added my title from my world. I am not really proud of me being called "The Immortal soldier" though. No matter how cool it may sound, the true meaning of it is pretty embarrassing.
There are some good parts here. Next would be my skills then.
[Soul binding contract: An ability given by the gods to perform a contract ritual that both parties won't be able to break no matter what. Usage: Two times a month]
A bit exaggerated, not to mention I can only use it twice a month. I have to use it as soon as possible. Next one is,
[Divine healing magic: An ability given by the gods to heal wounds. Current level is too low to heal diseases]
I suppose that's that.
"Pretty amazing right?"
"I'm sorry but why are you acting so smug about it" I ask.
"That is because I was mainly the on who created it! Hahaha!"
Since she is the goddess of truth I can't assume she is lying. How bothersome.
I continue to ask her about all the things I need to know. And apparently I don't have a talent for magic.
"Hahaha, seriously you are by far the first one I saw to have that low aptitude for it. Normally people with the highest skills and aptitude for the goals are selected, and here where magic is everything your abilities are lower than average. Hahaha!" She said while laughing hysterically.
From what she said an average mage have about 1,800 to 6,300 mana. And yet I have is 500! I have to think what to do or I won't be able to use the healing magic I have.
"Here, look at what is considered average for humans in this world"
A screen pop up.
[Status information]
Name: -----
Class: -----
Race: Human
Sex: -----
Age: -----
Level: -----
HP: 1,200/1,200 - 4,500/4,500
MP: 1,800/1,800 - 6,300/6,300
Strength: 28
Agility: 20
Stamina: 35
Intelligence: 15
Level cap: 50
Abilities: -----
+
As for the human race, this is what they consider as average. In terms of base stats, I'm already above them. But in a world of magic, having a low talent for it is a bit upsetting.
"I'm going to use the 'One question a day" I said.
"Sure, sure, what do you wanna know?"
"What is the mechanics of mana?"
"You do know you are wasting your question, right. Anyways, mana is everywhere. Some mages uses the mana around them while some uses the mana in them. When you exhaust your mana then your body will naturally absorb some from your surroundings."
That's perfect then! It may sound useless but for me who knows absolutely nothing in this world, having the knowledge about something normal is worth asking for.
"What are you smirking about?" She ask.
"Nothing!"
Continuing my walk and on listening to her explanation, we will be arriving at the Kingdom of Astel.
I finally escaped the forest with many tall trees. Is it even common in this world to have atrociously huge trees or did they just transported me into some random place?
That must be the castle walls. Since there are guards I should go there. They won't attack a twenty three year old guy wearing pajamas, right?
I squinted my eyes, thinking of how will they react. Should I just go over the walls?
"When you talk with them, show your right hand to them. Using that mark, they will recognize that you are the hero"
Mark?
I look at my right hand and saw a tattoo like symbol. What the hell is this?!
"I'm sorry but when exactly did I get this?"
"The moment you enter here. Did you not notice?"
The fact that I didn't notice hurts me. And here I am confident about my sensing skills.
"Also, me, a hero? Hardly! I am more of a madman than a hero!" I said.
The title of 'Hero' doesn't really fit my character to begin with.
I meet with the guards and show them my mark and they started celebrating. Moments after a luxurious carriage was presented and they said for me to go in so that I can meet the King. For a place like this to be so clean and yet this is only the outer ring. A castle far away from the palace.
"Are the kingdoms in this world hostile each other?"
"Something like that"
"Please explain it a bit more"
"Some are greedy and wants to expand their territories after suffering from the holy war a hundred years ago. Some are advancing their technologies for their own benefits. While some are going after their own interest. Many small villages on the outskirts of the countries are the ones that are suffering the most as they do not hold of much value to them, they are left to death"
"They are pretty useless to me base on what you just said that is"
"Poverty and famine is something that cannot be remove when there are so many self indulgent swines leeching off of others. And you know that better than anyone else as you have also experience it, no?"
"I am fully aware of that"
"What is your plan though. I am really curious to find out"
"I guess I will make them swallow their pride"
"I forgot to mention, in using magic there are three classifications in it. Normal magic spells, grand magic spells, and forbidden magic spells. Simply put, normal magic is what everyone can use. Grand magic is a spell that affects a whole place or many people"
"And I am assuming that forbidden magic spells are spells that either bend or break the laws of the world"
"That's right. The higher level of magic requires an even more complex magic formation which is why people chant when it is too hard for them"
"What about skills? I took a look at my skill list earlier but I'm sure there are still a couple of things I still need to know"
"Skills are categorized in five major classes"
"The [Innate skill] which is the very first skill that an individual gets at birth. [Normal skill] that you get through a spell book or by leveling up. [Unique skill] are skills that are pass down through lineages"
"Like blood line skills?"
"Yes. [Extra skills] are skills that can be learn by simply being thought on how to do it, a good example would be the sword techniques in the empire. Lastly, [Special skills]. These skills have a wide variety. In summary it can be either skills that originate from Gods or skills that can naturally bend a or any law of the world"
Does that mean my phantom world is a special skill?
"The next ones would be the artifacts"
"Artifacts?"
"Yes. In your world, I believe it is better know as a magical equipment"
"There are three category for artifacts. [Normal grade] are normal weapons or equipment that absorbed mana which then became an artifact. When you make one, it will also be classified as a [Normal grade]. [Unique grade] are hereditary artifacts. How? Because the owner would leave a sigil onto the artifact to make sure that only his kin can use it. [Special grade] are artifacts-"
"Are artifacts that possess a tiny bit of power from a God, right?"
"Right"
The classification between artifacts and skills are pretty much the same.
...
Several hours passed and we reached the royal palace before nightfall.
There sure are a lot of people wearing fancy dress here. Is it just me or are they looking at me with disgust. Having these clothes is unavoidable when I just got here suddenly. Better put up a show then.
I took a step forward and kneel.
"It is an honor to meet your highness! I am the hero selected by the gods and I am here to meet you all. May the God of Life bless thy land and thy people!" I said.
Base on Veritas, this is how you were supposed to greet the king when you are someone who doesn't have any social status. Though I do have some authority, these royals and nobles still have their own customs. How troublesome.
As I said my greetings they seemed to be rather surprise. They must have thought that I do not know such things since I just arrive.
"I am happy to finally meet you Sir. Hero. May I ask what your name is?" The king ask
"My name is Michael, your highness"
Ugh, this kind of role play is not really my thing.
"Sir. Michael you must be tired from your journey. Please have a rest at a room. I promise you to give you the best hospitality we have. Later we can have a banquet in celebration of your arrival" The king said.
A maid gestured me to follow her with her hand and so I did.
"The king did mean what he said about giving you his best hospitality, however he thinks of you as a pawn. Some kind of weapon to save his kingdom." Veritas said.
If that is the case I have to gather information first.
The maid open the door and we went in. I have to say the room is good, simple but beautiful.
"My name is May. Sir. Michael if you have any question or concerns please do not hesitate to ask me anything." May said.
"Then please do not disturb me until the banquet. I would like to have some time for myself."
"Understood!"
She gracefully bowed ninety degrees and left the room quietly.
"Did she meant what she said?" I ask.
"Yes, she did. Rather, she seems to like you" Veritas said.
Me? I'm not even good looking to begin with. I'd say I am somewhere barely average in terms of looks.
"Right, I remember. What am I supposed to call you?"
"Your polite tone is gone. I'm a Goddess you know" She replied.
"I'm pretty sure you would prefer if I'm honest as well, right?"
"True! Then you can call me Rita"
"Okay"
I started to look around and found a map of the kingdom in the bookshelves. I started to memorize the layout of the map on a chair but it seems Rita is bored.
"Even if you don't say anything, I can tell you are sulking" I said.
"That's because you are reading a map. What are you even thinking?"
"Secret!"
Afterwards, I went outside using the window and wander around in the shadows. There are only few places where light can be found making my little adventure easier.
After a while, I accidentally eavesdrop on someone by the road and it seems they were transporting slaves. Human trafficking, huh.
Sigh.
The kingdom of justice in this continent have people like this? How unreliable can they be? A small kingdom who boast about justice let people do this in their capital?
Since there are hardly any lights in the night, they are confident that they wouldn't be caught.
I started to follow the man around with the carriage with the said slaves and found their 'storage'. Most of them are females, though that does make sense.
After observing a bit more. I went in and knock out some guards, silently.
A man appeared.
He took out a wand and pointed it at me.
"Fiiiireeeebaaaall!"
I negated the 'fireball' using aura.
What the hell, that's so embarrassing.
"He shouted as if he was doing his special move and only a small ball of fire came out"
"Just so you know, a fireball with a diameter of five meters is the average size for fireballs in this world" (Rita)
"Eh? How come? In my world, those from the magic clan can shoot out several elephant size fireballs in one go"
"The word 'average' for both worlds are different"
Does that mean I'm already one of the strongest here as is? No way, right.
I immediately went to the prison right after hiding the bodies of the guards. I did not kill them just for the record.
Fortunately, the system has an auto-translation feature which is why I was able to understand their language with ease.
After arriving in front of the cells, the're females who barely have any clothes, wounded, and have the eyes of those who have lost everything from them stared at me with disgust and caution. They must have thought I am some noble or another one of those trashes.
As a soldier, this isn't really my first time seeing this kind of view.
I release and healed all of them. Fortunately, not all of them were seriously injured so I divided the healing as best as I can.
Man, this healing is exhausting! It is fascinating though. The wounds are vanishing. The one with the fever who can barely move is walking normally.
I should experiment it later on. I did chose 'healing' but it still feels weird using it.
If only I knew I had so little mana I would have ask for an artifact that can make my mana pool bigger overtime. Of course, I don't regret having this kind of artifact.
I then destroyed the collars on their neck using aura. I enveloped the collars and destroyed it in one go to prevent any unnecessary damage.
My mana may be low but I still have my aura.
Apparently, it is use to 'discipline' them using magic. The one earlier who have a wand must be the one keeping all of them in check.
"Who are you?" One of them ask.
"You all don't need to know who I am. However if you want to get out of here then I suggest you all to follow me." I said.
They nodded and followed me all the way out. Far away from the building.
Since the security is rather lacking, I suppose this is just some trading spot.
Right after they thanked me they left and one guy stayed.
"That guy is from the beast clan." Rita said.
Well I can see that. His tail and ears give it away after all.
"Do you need something?" I ask.
"I... I would like to ask for you help!" He said.
"What do you need?"
"My little sister was taken into the household of a noble. And I can't even begin to imagine what's going to happen to her. Please!" He begged as he kneel down shivering from hunger and fatigue.
"Just so you know he meant everything he said just now." Rita said.
Knowing all that, now I don't have any reason to refuse.
"Sure. We have to be quick though, so explain while we go and lead the way."
I can't heal him right now since I'm already out of mana.
He nodded and and quickly led the way. He said that he can smell the scent of her sister so he was able to locate her. Afterwards, we arrive at a mansion. Their security is tighter than the previous one(The building where the slaves where). Still, if I compare this to the training I had this is nothing for me.
We wore a mask that I got from beating the guards earlier and sneak in the mansion. Going down all the way to the basement. And knocking some guards on the way.
We found a door and open it immediately. There we saw a girl laying down, bruises all over.
Blood lust burst out from the beast man.
He exuded a lot killing intent.
"Calm down. I will heal her so you should keep on lookout." I said.
"Understood"
He grit his teeth and went out.
If there was anyone who can feel blood lust here we would be found out right away.
His expression just now moved my heart. Though he can't control his emotions means that this is the first time something like this happened to him. I'll have to use that to my advantage later on.
I cast a healing spell on her with the little mana I have accumulated. Although she is still unconscious, all her injuries were healed with no scars left.
I carried her and went out with haste with the boy.
After getting far away enough, a loud commotion can be heard. I guess they have already found out someone sneak in and took the girl. Hahaha.
"Right, I haven't ask your name yet?"
"My name is Alfred, Sir. Again I thank you for also saving me and my sister. If there is anything I can do please tell me!" He replied.
"Then can you turn around and let me touch your back for a while?"
"Of course!"
He turn around and I put my hand on him. I learn a way to see others status from Rita earlier and someone like this guy would be convenient for me
[Status information]
Name: Alfred
Class: None
Race: Beast man (Wolf tribe)
Sex: Male
Age: 18
Level: 9
HP: 300/2,400
MP:200/200
Strength: 45
Agility: 32
Stamina: 104
Intelligence: 5
Level cap: 210
Abilities: None
Attributes: None
Blessing(s):
-God of War's gift
+
After taking look, his overall status is really high. As expected, after all he was able to keep up with me even though I was already using a bit of Aura to physically enhance myself. Not to mention he is exhausted and hungry before we started.
I look at him in the eye and I ask him with a serious expression.
"Do you want to take revenge on the people who did this you?"
He looked back. Eyes filled with hatred.
"I do!"
"Then will you follow me?"
"I will! I believe you are someone that I should trust."
"Then sign this contract"
A paper appeared.
"This is one of my abilities. A soul binding contract. Here it says that you two shall be under my protection and that I will be teaching you, of course your revenge is part of it. In exchange you will become my subordinates" I said.
He seems to be hesitating. Does he not want to? Was I being too pushy?
"You mean... that not only will you help us, you will also protect us?" He ask with shock expression.
"That's right although it will only be until you can actually protect yourselves."
Alfred started to cry. He then sign it with his blood swearing loyalty to me.
The contract was made and they become officially mine. The two who will surely be of huge help to me is now mine.