I could only see a silhouette of the deer beast through the debris during the explosion, and the damage to the surrounding area appears to be extremely minor for the initial blast power. The explosion and I must have been reversed — did he also reverse a significant portion of the impact as well? I wave the smoke and debris out of my face, and I look towards the deer.
HENRY: Hey, you're pretty strong. Are you alright?
DEER: I just took a light explosion from a neigh mythical beast, you buffoon. Though you're quite right, that weakling has nothing on me.
As the beast turns to face me, his whole front is charred to the bone. His breast bones are singed from the explosion, his eyelids are drooping from being melted, and cartilage is visible on his two front legs. Not to mention the milky white eyeballs that turned black from being overcooked.
HENRY: BLLAUUUGHHHH!
I vomit due to the revolting and gruesome sight in front of me.
DEER: Time Manipulation Reversal!
HENRY: What the fuck, you asshole! Why show me that if you could've recovered?
Nonchalantly, the deer responds to me.
DEER: I thought it would be amusing.
HENRY: Aren't you supposed to be some kind of advanced sentient being?
DEER: Sentient living beings can't be humorous?
Being in the presence of this beast made me uneasy; my whole perception of reality was turned upside down — magic, reincarnation, and a talking wild beast were all unreal to me. What concerns me the most is that this has to be the work of a deity. Where were they when we screamed out for assistance? Hundreds of years of agony, and now I learn he exists?
HENRY: What are you going to do now?
It would probably be better to go with someone who is so physically strong. If the worst should happen, he would be able to defend me.
DEER: I have no option except to continue going forward without pausing. Believe it or not, I'm in a really vulnerable state at the moment, and I can't afford to get caught. In the present, a battle is raging in the shadows. Mythical beasts are already in danger of becoming extinct. I am one of the last few survivors, and we are continuously pursued by both people and beasts from the dark continent.
HENRY: How are you being pursued? Your abilities are amazing, and you appear to be in good hands.
DEER: Yes, I am one of the most powerful — but in combat, no matter how powerful you are — if you stay on the battlefield long enough, you will succumb. And that's exactly what happened to me; I was ultimately beaten in my weakened condition after facing many consecutive foes, I'm now unable to utilize all of my abilities, and I'll die soon unless I can merge and be connected with a powerful Mana-rich person.
HENRY: Do you believe you're on the verge of discovering someone special? I wish I could be of assistance after all you've done for me. You are one of the few individuals I have ever encountered who was willing to assist me, and for that I am very grateful. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.
Was he in such a vulnerable state? He probably could have dealt with a couple of those monsters without issue... What sort of beast managed to get the better of him is beyond me.
DEER: The future is unclear; I must gradually restore my strength, which may take years; even though I can push myself and use powerful spells like earlier, my life span has dramatically decreased as a result.
HENRY: How....how much time do you have left? All becau.... I'm sorry. You're only in this position because of me. The only thing I have is my life, I will offer it to you if that's what you desire.
DEER: We happened to meet paths by chance, I do think there is a method in which you may assist me further... Though at the moment, I'm very tired, I'll explain lat...er
The deer tries to speak as it goes unconscious.
HENRY: For fucks sake, man, you're huge! Don't expect me to carry you!
Deer: Weakling...*Smirks*
The deer says with a grin on his face.
HENRY: You know you're relying on me right now.... You jerk.
I look at him and feel bad since he has done quite a lot for me... I'm not that much of a douche.
HENRY: …You can rely on me, my comrade.
As soon as I said that, this menacing huge deer transformed into a tiny, cute wolf-like creature the size of a cat.
What the heck, that's so adorable — I'm curious whether this is his true form. Perhaps he doesn't have an option but to conceal his real identity in order to live and escape any conflicts. And then... My-idiot-self started a fight with him.
HENRY: This kid's awful karma is certainly rubbing off on me…
I cry, palming my face. I doubt I'll ever locate my things in this mess, and the crest seemed particularly significant; they may be able to identify who caused the mess here based on it. I'm not going to locate anything searching in the dark. I made the decision to keep moving ahead, and I followed through. While holding the tiny wolf and my sword, I began my journey. I had to walk through miles of rubble and deforested areas due to the previous battle.
HENRY: My legs are about to fall off because they are so bruised, goddammit.
While strolling, I started to recollect about the vision I had from a while earlier. This kids father explicitly said that this sword could not be reproduced, it seems to be a genuine piece of art. Does this imply that they utilized the most valuable resources on the planet, or maybe the last of them, to make this sword? They must have had high expectations for this troubled kid.
After a few hours, we came to the edge of the rubble, there began more forest which had one of the most breathtaking sights I'd ever seen in my short existence. Back in my world, the forests were used for hangings and tree cutting for supplies, but here they are utilized to preserve the natural life of the area. There are so many fireflies and glowing moss that they light up the dark and make for a beautiful sight. It almost feels like a miracle to be walking through this area. I'm curious whether it has anything to do with mana; in my previous world, I never went exploring, so I can't compare this to what I experienced before.
I continued going until we came to a river, where I decided to conceal my existence once again by climbing a tree. I despise not being in shape and in my heart, I wished for my agility and ability to fight properly. Before I head into any civilization, I must train to re-establish my strength. With this child's luck, who knows how soon I'll die. Truth be told, this planet is already no game. Not to mention the giant bear that came for my life. There's no way this bear was an accident — that bear had been following me since I left that location in the woods. I could hear its roars and continued running, so it didn't catch up with me straight away. It was clearly after me, and I was going to die. It took a legendary beast to defeat it, and I'm prepared to wager that this bear was priceless. They invested something of significant worth in order to keep me here. Is it because they are so wealthy that they don't care?
An animal that could rival a mythical beast whose one of the strongest? Someone wanted me to stay hidden here, and they placed this bear in this location to ensure that I remained in place. I raise my head and look up to the sky, noticing that the sun was rising. It was gorgeous, and after a chilly night, it was wonderful to be in such a warm environment. As soon as the light touched my face, I closed my eyes and let myself be carried away. I sigh in the appreciation of having found peace to myself for once. After coming here, I can finally rest, albeit it is still uncomfortable to be in someone else's body, though I am slowly coming to terms with it.
**GROWWLL**
Oh man, I forgot I went hunting for a reason. The adrenaline surge probably repressed my appetite, and now it's much worse since I forgot. At the very least, I still have my sword with me to go hunting with. After I get some sleep, I'll get up and we'll go hunting when this man wakes up. But there's something more essential I need to ask of him, and I need to ask it soon.
*ONE MONTH LATER*
*...Heavy Breathing*
In order to regain my former strength, I'm now undergoing training. It is slowly but steadily returning to my physique, and I am beginning to taste the strength that I once had in my body. Anyways after I described to Leo what I had seen in my vision and where I had come from, he seemed to comprehend it and be unbothered. It didn't appear to worry him in the least. He went on to tell me about how he believes I am endowed with tremendous power inside me. He then went on to discuss tales about individuals possessing magic from other planets and the like. What I'm guessing is that this is magical power from my planet that has yet to be discovered.
LEO: Come on, you idiot, get a grip.
The hostile deer's name turns out to be Leo, and he's really a wolf who was attempting to keep a low profile until I wrecked his plans for him. After just one month on this planet, I've already gained a great deal of knowledge thanks to him. The kid's body I am in is some snobbish aristocratic child, as already knew. According to the memories I have, he is believed to be devoid of any magical powers and was subjected to very harsh treatment by his family.
LEO: Run 100 meters and return, do it three times.
HENRY: AAUUUGGGHH!
*GRUNTING*
In one recollection, his father publicly disowned him in front of all of his family members, and he was ordered to remain concealed here so that the rest of the world would not learn of the Magnolias' most egregious failure. This child was predicted to be one....no to be THE most powerful wizard in their family if not the kingdom, and the amount of money spent on preparation for his birth and development is staggering.
LEO: It's back to sparring with the tree and do it all over again.
He smirks, seemingly to be enjoying watching me struggle to keep up with my training.
HENRY: Stop enjoying this, Leoooooo!
I grunted at him.
As a consequence of his family's dismissive attitude toward all of their other sons and daughters, because of the preparation of his birth, they all came to despise him as a result… Which is quite a leap, considering that they started to despise an unborn child, it would make sense for them to direct their rage towards the parents. What was the most unexpected discovery was the realization that I really had abilities of my own, although not those associated with this world.
Indeed, it was confirmed my ancient earth did have magical powers, but we did not have the means to access them. However, since I have a unique connection to that world here, I am able to drain Mana from those who do not have access to it in that world. This means that I am unable to use spells from this world, but I am able to strengthen my body with magic, which is similar to how an Aura user works in this world.
LEO: Kid, remember what I warned you: you must exercise great caution while using your powers. Remember that although Aura enhances your body, if it overflows and begins to leak out, it has the potential to hurt everyone in your surroundings — and not to mention the toll it takes on your body. It can potentially cripple you completely.
HENRY: Yes, I recall, and I vow to use caution.
According to what I've learned, I can also use my Aura to enhance my sword. I've had some blade experience, but I'm not the most qualified person, so I'll have to work harder in my training. Since beginning my training and gaining the ability to utilize my Aura, my strength has grown exponentially. However, despite appearances, the training I'm doing is not intended to enhance my strength, but rather to suppress my current level of output. That's quite an accomplishment given that this body is only twelve years old.
LEO: Unfortunately, I don't have a martial arts style to pass down to you... I am a wolf after all, but that's for you to learn. As of now, all you have is your insane strength and speed — and as I have advised you, do not under any circumstance use any weapons unless your life is in danger.
HENRY: Ahh, hahaha, yeah...
It's crucial for me to explain: It turns out that my ancient earth was filled with magic; it had been all around us the whole time, but we had no way of accessing its power. However, as a person from that world who maintains a bond to that universe, I am able to drain Mana from that realm. At the moment, I'm not sure whether I have any magic spells that I can summon up from that other realm. However, I should continue to study as much as I possibly can. That Mana is channeled straight through me, implying that I am a Mana bank for every drop of Mana from that planet. I'm blessed with billions of people's Mana, not to mention that they are continuously generating it as well.
**FLASH BACK — 2 WEEKS PREVIOUSLY**
This morning, Leo and I came to the conclusion that I should be able to enhance my physical body with some of the magic I can summon. He believes that depending on the findings of today's test, this may either be the greatest or the worst thing to do right now.
LEO'S POV
LEO: Okay, now put as much of that Mana into your fist as you possibly can, and when you are no longer able to withstand it, punch with all your might.
Given the fact that this child has an excellent Mana pool, he should be able to release enough pressure to blow away a couple trees despite his inexperience.
HENRY POV
The feeling I was getting as I channeled Mana into my arm was a searing heat that went from my chest to my arm. I had to grit my teeth and maintain tremendous concentration since it seemed as if losing concentration even once would be enough to cause harm to myself and others around me. The strength in my arms continued to grow, and my arm was beginning to cramp up. I knew in my heart that this would be a deadly punch, and I had to unleash it immediately.
HENRY: Leo, are you certain about this feeling...I can't seem to sense an end to the surge of strength coursing through my arms.
I screamed at him.
LEO POV
LEO: Believe me, child, you're only twelve years old and you're not going to cause any trouble.
Throughout this nation, it is possible to come across a huge number of magicians and Aura users, all of whom are capable of wreaking havoc worldwide. Many bright young people are now enrolled at the Aetas Special Academy, they're children with tremendous potential who are capable of competing with the finest of any empire… Let us see where you stand within this empire, young man.
HENRY'S POV
My arm is shaking, and I'm unable to put any more force into my fist at this point. It's almost as if this
HENRY: This...could have been a mistake.
My voice quivers.
LEO: Just let it go, you idiot.
This jerk doesn't seem to grasp the fact that my arm feels like it's going to snap. I'm at a loss on what to do...I have no choice but to release it.
**SKKKZZZZZBBBOOOOOM**
I could feel the strength go down my arms, down to my fist, and out the other side. Almost immediately after the explosion left my fist, everything within a hundred-meter radius shattered, and everything ahead of me for another three-hundred meters became a pile of rubble in the middle of the forest. When I turned to look at Leo, what I saw was an expression of complete astonishment, with his lower jaw practically touching the ground, and his eyes almost completely out of his head...
LEO'S POV
What the hell's going on... This child's abilities are already on par with those of the Academy's second-year students. Moreover, since he is three years younger than them, if he were to enroll in three years, he would be as strong as a B rank adventurer as a first-year student. When they graduate, the vast majority of the royals will only be C rank. He would be stronger than even the seniors at the Academy when he joins...
**BACK TO PRESENT**
Leo: Hey there, child. It's past its time for you to pay back your obligation to me. As I was trying to convey a month ago, before I lost consciousness, I was going to ask that we make a pact with me.
HENRY: Obligation?? - (I say sarcastically) What's a pact?
LEO: Yes obligation you weakling -(Says sarcastically) It is a connection formed between a man and a beast, in which you are given the opportunity to name me, and we may share each other's strength. You will have access to a version of my time ability, and I will be slowly reformed by your Mana over the course of many years — the more Mana you pull into this world, the better my condition will become.
HENRY: Is it going... to require... a blood sacrifice? Back in my world, our voodoo magic required many sketchy objects to perform rituals. Though the success rate was never...
LEO: No, you fool, a name will suffice, as I've already stated.
HENRY: Alright alright...Let's see, sense you seem like a sinister fellow, I will make sure to give you a proper name. Among all the folktales told around the campfire back in my world, this one always gave me the creeps. I always feared this story in particular.
LEO: There is no need for anything sinister; Literally anything normal will suffice.
He shows he is obviously worried with a slight tremble in his voice. So I took advantage and contorted my face in a funny manner to make this even more spookier.
HENRY: There was a myth of a fierce madman in my world, one who had no mercy and had been a skilled carver with a dagger. It is said he became a professional by practicing on live humans. He was a creature whose wickedness had no trench in which to bury it... His true identity was so shrouded in mystique that it was impossible to distinguish amongst wild tales about him and true events.
LEO: Hey, hey... I'm not a terrible person you know... You're grooming this guy to be a real menace.
HENRY: His name was... Jack the Ripper!
JACK: Oh, that's real underwhelming — that's not sinister at all.
HENRY: Well he did only have 5 confirmed kil...
SSSSKZZZZBZZZZZBBBOOOM!!