CRACK-CRACK-CRACK-crack.
"Wow Kiyo is holding his own against instructor Mark pretty well with the bo staff." Remarks Lucy.
Crack-crack-crack-crack.
"Tell me about it. He's able to use all the weapons here." Comments Matsuri.
Crack-crack-crack-crack.
"Meown, I'm fighting him next." Brittney excitedly proclaims.
Lucy, Matsuri, and Brittany are observing Kiyo and Mark, who have been dueling for the last forty minutes with neither one landing a clean hit on the other. Brittany, who was caught sleeping on the job by headmaster Brett, is now out with the others. And as punishment she is to clean up the training grounds on her own.
Crack-crack-crack-crack.
"Alright that's it." Calls the headmaster. "Let's head in and get cleaned for dinner. Brittany once you get everything put away then you can go eat."
"I'm meown it headmaster." Brittney replies.
"Thanks for the match Kiyo. I haven't been pushed to my limit like that in awhile."
"No problem Mark. Anytime you want to go again let me know."
"Kiyo, you and I are heading into town to meet a friend of mine. So we'll eat then."
"Sure headmaster let me get cleaned up and grab my gear."
*
Five minutes into their walk.
"It seems you have mastery over multiple weapons. How is that possible?" Asks the headmaster.
"My sister and I came from another world. The Gods that sent us here gave us pretty much anything we asked for. From combat skills to the laws of this world etc, etc. Even my Twin Blades, Onyx and Snow were crafted by a god."
"I see. That does explain a few things."
"However there are some things we don't know."
"Such as?"
"I had a run in with a group calling themselves True Believers. What can you tell me about them?" Kiyo asks.
"The True Believers appeared about twenty years ago. Trying to force their beliefs on humans while killing all non-humans along with anyone who opposes them. They started with the elves living in the White Forest. However at the time Queen La-Tif's son Prince Teru and first daughter Princess Shiori happened to be visiting the elves on a diplomatic trip. Those two aided in helping the elves repel the invading forces. But because they acted without permission from the Queen and got involved with another race's conflict while visiting under diplomatic status. They were originally stripped of their titles of prince and princess."
"So how did they regain their titles?"
"The elders of the elves and the Queen had a closed door meeting and after a couple days it was agreed that those two would have their titles restored to them, but in name only. They can never ascend to the throne to rule over The Netherlands. Since then the True Believers pop up every now and then attacking non-human settlements killing most, forcing survivors into slavery and then torturing those survivors until they die."
"What caused this way of thinking?" Asked Kiyo.
"Don't know. From what I've been told every time an arrest is made they refuse to talk or if they do say anything it's always the same mantra, 'All heretics must die for that is the will of The One True God.' Some even go as far as to commit suicide so no secrets are leaked while under magic manipulation."
"The One True God? Hmm… Does that make them a religious cult then?"
"Yes. And because of that religious belief it makes taking out the whole cult in one shot very difficult."
"These True Believers come from the Marijuana Empire don't they?"
"Yes, roughly eighty percent of the empire follows this belief. How did you come to that conclusion?" Inquired Brett.
"You said it's a part of their religion, and marijuana from my world is a type of plant that holds great religious significance in some regions of the world."
"Does your world also have issues with discrimination of other races?"
"Yes. It seems no matter where one goes discrimination will appear."
The two walk on in silence for a bit until the pounding of hooves on gravel can be heard coming up from behind them. A dark red carriage, with glittering gold trim passes them and then stops a bit ahead of them. The driver climbs down and walks over to the window.
"That's Countess Bathorthy's carriage. I wonder what brings her out this way?"
"Who?"
"She rules over this region of the empire." Answers Brett.
"Boy come over here to the window, would you?" Shouts the driver. "The Countess wishes to speak with you.
Kiyo looks over at Brett who only gives him a head nod and then approaches the carriage.
"Yes ma'am, how can I help you?" Kiyo asks as he stands by the carriage window.
"First please forgive me for not stepping out and greeting you properly. I'm not feeling the greatest at the moment. But could you tell me your name?"
"My name is Kiyomaro Kurosaki."
"Going off your appearance and name. Do you hail from the Nihon Empire by chance?"
"…"
"Well, are you going to answer me or not?" Demands the Countess.
"Sorry, please forgive me. You took me by surprise and yes I do come from the Nihon Empire."
"Thank you for your response Kiyomaro. Driver lets go."
As the carriage takes off Kiyo turns to Brett with a puzzled look on his face.
"The Countess is a bit…" Brett trails off not finishing his sentence.
"Strange."
"Sure let's go with that. Anyways, didn't you say you came from another world with your sister?"
"I did. And to answer your next question, Nihon is another word for Japan which is the name of my home country."
"That's why you didn't answer her right away. You never thought you'd hear the name of your birth place in this world."
"Yeah you're right. Do you know where this empire is?" Kiyo asks.
"Across the ocean. It takes about a week by ship. I'll show you a map when we return to the school. So for now let's get to town."
"Thank you headmaster."
"Not a problem Kiyo."
Kiyo and Brett finally make it to town and are now standing outside a shop.
"So this shop is known as Four Anvils." Brett tells Kiyo.
"Leo, a party member of mine mentioned them when my sister and I arrived in Snapdragon Village while giving us a brief tour."
"Ok good, so you at least have some knowledge about them. But If you're not sure just look at the sign above the door. The four anvils on it are a good indicator."
"Any chance Dwarves work here?"
"Yes they do, but not just here. They run all the Anvil, and Four Anvils shops. They also teach others who are skilled enough to learn the craft. So let's go in."
"Hey Brett! How are you?"
"I'm doing just fine, Reigget."
"And who might this youngman be?"
"I'm Kiyomaro Kurosaki, but you can call me Kiyo."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Reigget Brewriver. So what can I do for you guys?"
"Well Reigget, Kiyo here has something that'll set your blacksmithing soul on fire."
"Not likely." Scoffed Reigget. "I've been around so long nothing surprises me anymore."
"Kiyo, would you mind showing Reigget your swords?"
"Not at all headmaster. These are the Twin Blades Onyx and Snow." Kiyo draws both blades and places them on the counter.
"These are...I can't...this craftsmanship is…"
"At a loss for words are you?" Smirks the headmaster.
"These blades were not made by Dwarves. I'm positive about that. So please tell me who made them?"
"A God named Hephaestus."
"Who?"
"I can explain who that is in a moment." Kiyo says. "What I want to know is why the headmaster brought me here? It's more than just showing you my blades."
"You're right Kiyo. I want Reigget to perform an analysis of your swords to help give you a better understanding of what they are capable of."
"No disrespect to you Reigget, but are you even able to? You yourself just said you've never heard of their creator."
"None taken, and your right Kiyo I've never heard of this God. However it would be an honor to study them, to try and learn from them. I only hope I'll be able to tell you anything if at all what I discover."
"…Alright Reigget I'll entrust you with Onyx and Snow to learn what you can."
"Thank you Kiyo."
"I should bring my sister Kino over. She also has something made by Hephaestus."
"Where is she now?" Asks Reigget.
"The Assassin School."
"My brother works at the Four Anvils shop near there. I'll send word to him."
"I'll also reach out to their headmaster. We used to adventure together once upon a time." Brett chimes in.
"So how long will it take?" Asks Kiyo.
"I honestly don't know, but once I'm done I'll inform you right away."
"Very well. Thank you Reigget."
"No thank you Kiyo for this honor."
"So now that's settled, would you like to hear Kiyo's story?" Brett asked.
"I would, yes. If that's alright with you Kiyo?"
"It is."
"Alright come on back, I'll make us some tea. Would you two like some?"
Reigget offers.
"Yes, but given this late hour, how about Rose Tea."
"Yes, Rose Tea sounds wonderful." Agreed Kiyo.
"Sure thing. A pot of Rose Tea, coming up."
*
𝐿𝑒𝑡'𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑝 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝐼 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚. 𝐼'𝑚 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝. 𝑂ℎ 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑙𝑒𝑡'𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛.
It's been a month since Kino arrived at the school. Having gotten word from Kiyo that the Twin Blades were being studied to better understand their capabilities. Kino agreed to let Reiggets brother Dougrur study her shoes. In the meantime Kino's gone through intense training. She's been blindfolded for the past week to help sharpen her other senses.
𝐻𝑚𝑚, 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒. "Silent Mind."
This is a new technique she learned from the headmaster. By entering a calm state of mind all of her senses are heightened to such a degree that Kino can't be touched for a brief time.
"We…lost…again." Lee proclaims breathing heavily.
"Even without her sight and shoes she's still unbeatable." This comes from ChiChi lying on her back.
"True, but because of her we've gotten a lot stronger. Kino didn't have to help us at all." Dawn remarks.
"Can we go eat? I'm getting hungry."
"You're always hungry Kino. You're like a bottomless pit." Lee points out.
"And yet she looks like that. It's not fair." Complains ChiChi.
"You guys want to train some more after lunch?" Asks Kino.
"Can't we're on patrol today." Answered Dawn.
"Hello everyone, how was training?"
"Kino, won like always, headmaster." Lee grumbles.
"Hey, don't sell yourself short, Lee. You all have improved a lot since you started training with me."
"Kino's right. We couldn't have come this far in such a short amount of time like we have." Acknowledges ChiChi.
"It's rare that someone of her caliber is willing to train us lower ranks. She is a great mentor." Says Dawn.
"Glad to hear it. Now you three go eat." Orders the headmaster. "I need to speak with Kino."
The headmaster waits until the other three are gone before speaking.
"Kino you can remove your blindfold. I just got word from Dougrur. He's done with his analysis of your shoes."
"I'll go get them after breakfast." Kino said.
"So will you be leaving us then?"
"Yes, I've been anxious to explore some more."
"What about your brother Kiyo? Don't you want to see him?" Asked the headmaster.
"In time. Kiyo knows I love to travel, and explore."
"Alright, well go eat then, and afterwards come to my office please."
"Yes headmaster."
*
"Sorry it took so long Kiyo."
"It's fine, Reigget. It gave me a chance to learn a lot more about this world. Along with learning new fighting styles, and developing new techniques." Responds Kiyo.
"Glad to hear it."
"So what can you tell me?"
"Ok so starting with Onyx, I`ve learned that it can take on all elemental attributes."
"So it can become say a Flame Sword, Ice Blade, or a Water Blade?"
"Yes, but there are a few unknowns. For example, how long will it maintain that element? Does the rank of the spell caster make it stronger or weaker?
Seeing how your SS ranked would that even matter? The only way to know for sure is to try it out."
"Um, actually I found out I have the extremely rare skill: Command Over The Elements."
"…What!!!" Shouts Reigget.
"Yeah, so it turns out I can use any element I want."
"Well then this blade was made for you."
"What about Snow?"
"That's the thing. Even after all this time I don't know what it's capable of.
I reached out to many other skilled blacksmiths for help but to no avail.
No one has a clue as to what it can do. Not to worry though if anyone learns anything they'll leave a note of discovery in your file. You can use the Black Mirror to check."
"I see well thank you for everything Reigget. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing, just being able to analyze these blades was beyond anything I've come across in my life. That is payment enough."
"Again thank you Reigget."
"No problem, come back anytime."
With the Twin Blades back with Kiyo, he says his goodbyes with everyone at the school, and returns back to Snapdragon Village.
"Hi Kiyo, welcome back."
"Hello Rin, how is everything?"
"Everything is good, and I have a letter for you from Leo. I was instructed to give it to you or Kino upon your arrival." Rin hands him the letter.
"Thanks Rin. Let's see he's staying over at the Snapdragon Inn, and wants to introduce two new party members."
"Two new members that's awesome, bring'em on over, and I'll add them to your party roster."
"Sure thing Rin see you later."
"Bye Kiyo."
"Welcome to the Snapdragon Inn. My name is Erica. How can I help you?"
Erica is an eight year old who helps out her parents when she can. Nanasay, her mother who is twenty-nine handles cooking, laundry and manages the books. Masato, her father who is thirty, handles the bar, does handyman work and other odd jobs. They're the owners of the inn. They have five employees to help run the place, and all eight of them are red panda beastkin.
"I'm looking for Leo. Is he around by chance?" Kiyo asks.
"Yes, I believe I saw him in the dining area."
"Got it thanks Erica."
"Kiyo, welcome back."
"Thanks Leo it's great to be back. Have you seen Kino yet?"
"No I haven't."
"She's probably taking her time no big deal. I expected it. So are these two the new members?"
"They are, ladies, please introduce yourselves." Asks Leo.
The first to stand has long silver hair that goes halfway down her back. Her eyes are a dark emerald. She stands at one hundred and sixty-five centimeters. She's wearing a blue canvas short cloak, with a silver canvas blouse under it, her suede skirt is black with blue leggings, and black shoes. She's holding a bronze scepter with a dark blue orb on top.
"Hello I'm Luna Crestfall, I'm 15 years old, and a D ranked Mage."
The other girl has her blond hair tied up in twin ponytails. Her eyes are baby blue. She is one hundred and fifty-four centimeters, she has on a white skirted cotton bodice with a dark green layer lace skirt, and black shoes. She has a white grimoire in her hands.
"Hello I'm Alice Rose, I'm 16 years old, and a C ranked Healer."
"It's nice to meet you both. I'm Kiyomaro Kurosaki, Kiyo for short.
I'm 16 years old, and a SS ranked Warrior."
"Wow! So Leo was telling the truth after all."
"Hey now why would I lie about that Alice?"
"Can you blame us for doubting your story?"
"No I can't." Sigh's Leo. "But now you can see for yourselves. It wasn't a lie."
"So Kiyo is your sister also SS ranked?"
"Yes, Luna she is. Hopefully she'll be back soon."
"So Kiyo, do you really want us to join your party?" Asks Alice. "We are low ranked after all, and most higher ranks don't want us weaklings around."
"Yes I do."
"Really. Why?"
"Why not."
"What about Kino, will she be fine with your decision?" Luna asks.
"Will I be fine with what?"