I'm in a good mood today, so I'll be releasing the chapters all the way to the last one.
"Well, that being said, this isn't exactly my world. This is the inside of your consciousness." Kenneth explained to the still dazed Karman. "Not yet? Well, I'll keep going. My spell taps into the person's mind, and it shows their most treasured memory."
"You must've had an uneventful life if your most happy memory is that of the time you enjoyed yourself in the playground. And oh, hold on a minute." Kenneth snapped his fingers, the sound that was emitted seemingly louder than a normal snap.
In an instant, the Karman was able to speak in this world's language. Although it wasn't used to it, it fumbled its way through.
"Don't worry if you can't understand everything I just sent you. You'll just have to pick them up as you go. Now, let's start, should we?"
"Here's a basic question. What's your name?"
"X... Xargred.." The alien replies. It shocked itself upon hearing itself speak in a language that wasn't his.
"Well hello there, Xargred. Welcome to Krodoa. If I were to be more specific, welcome to the City of Fahndra, located in the human continent, Gaia. What is your buisness here?"
"We were told to steal mana from this world." Xargred replies.
"Any idea as to why?"
"No-no.."
"Good enough. Come closer." Kenneth beckons to the Karman, who hesitantly approaches closer to him.
"Is there anything you'd like to vent about?"
"What...?"
"Anything, really. Is there anything at all in your life that you are unsatisfied about, yet can't say out loud for fear of losing your reputation, status, wealth, or respect?"
"Say it here. I will personally listen to all your problems. Think of me as your therapist. Whenever your ready."
The two just stood there for a few minutes, no such conversation was being made. There was just this pin drop silence that seemed to encompass everything.
After a while, the Karman soon spoke up.
"Okay.... I.. never had a fun life. The last time I remember feeling excitement... was during my visit to the playground when I was younger."
"I can see that." Kenneth turned his head around and looked at the barren playground. The swing-set was somehow moving, yet no one was riding it, nor sitting on it.
There was just this creepy swing that moved constantly, never stopping. It would never go faster or slower than the last time.
Amidst the Karman's venting, Kenneth listened to every single word that he had to say.
"I see. Stuck with endless work, no breaks. No fun. Heh, you remind me of a certain someone." Kenneth replied.
"Really...? Who?"
"Heh, I won't tell you that just yet. Let's analyse the problem. No fun, you said? Why not just take a break every now and then? Use your vacation days and call in a holiday and relax?
"What is.. a vacation day?"
"Your kidding me? You guys have no vacation days? Are you not allowed to at least call in sick?"
"No... they don't let you. If you come late to work or don't meet the quota... there will be punishments."
"Sheesh, sounds like a tough life, alright. I guess I understand you. That's why I've got a tiny proposal for you. Join my army."
"You don't like your life, right? Why not throw that all away and join me on my conquest?"
"Con-quest?"
"Right. I'll be taking on very fearsome opponents as I grow older. And for that purpose, I need allies. Strong people who can help me achieve my goals. And for that reason, I'm inviting you to join us."
"Can I.. really?"
"Sure you can. I'll give you your freedom to act, unless you go out of line and attack somebody. My only request is that you aid me in my battles."
"I.. will. Xargred has had enough of his life."
"Good for you. Come closer. Nope, closer. Okay, bend down a bit or something, my arms can't reach your forehead."
Bowing down so that the baby could reach the Karman's head, Kenneth gathered his mana onto his fingertips as he focused for a spell.
"I print this contract onto the mind of Xargred. He is free to decline if he so wishes. From now on, Xargred will be under the command of Kenneth, and will adhere to his demands. In doing so, Kenneth will grant the Karman his freedom to act."
In the Karman's view, words began to appear in front of him. He was first startled, but calmed down upon seeing that they were being written in his language.
"I accept."
"From now on, Xargred is now servant to Kenneth. I grant thee name, Sabik, as "the one who comes first."
"Your.. wish is my command." A somewhat transparent glaive appeared beside the newly named Karman as he took up the weapon and stood straight.
Holding his chest high, the Karman saluted, vowing to offer his life to this new master of his.
"Thank you. Should we go now?" The playground was disintegrating into golden particles. Piece by piece, every part of the area turned golden and flew into the sky.
***************
In the outside world, time hadn't passed by much. It had only been a few minutes.
Kenneth soon removed his hand from the Karman's head. Seeing that he was awake, the silence was broken and his siblings greeted him a welcome back.
"Alright, alright. No need to get so teary, big sis. Nothing went wrong. Could you guys release him now, and heal him while at it? We've just had a hopefully valuable addition to our team."
"Wait, what? Release him?" Lucas replied, confused.
"Yes, you heard me." (Kenneth)
"Are you sure about this, my lord? Although he does seem to not be struggling anymore..."
"It is as young master says. We must release him immediately."
*************
"He should be all healed by now, my lord. Aurelia said, wiping off the sweat that had built up on her forehead. Using Overgrowth for an extended period of time is taxing."
"I'm sorry. But thanks for doing this." (Kenneth)
"It is no matter." (Aurelia)
Soon the Karman's eyes opened. Looking at the siblings gathered around him, Sabik looked around until he found his nearby glaive on the ground.
He reached for it, which prompted Lucas to act warily. The awkward mood was soon removed as Kenneth coughed.
Finally reaching the glaive, the Karman used it to assist himself, and stood up straight.
"Leader Kenneth, Sabik is here. Reporting for duty." The Karman puffed his chest eye and took on a salute.
A series of surprised reactions ensued. Most of his siblings were confused with the unprecedented loyalty towards Kenneth. He only replied to them with a single line.
"Sabik, the one who comes first. But he is not the last. No, far from it. He is just the beginning."