Damien's furry face wore a droopy expression as he let the green crystal slip from his grasp, its descent ending with a thud on the chamber's wooden floor.
Drool dripped from his mouth, completely coating the crystal, while his fur, once a striking mix of smoky grey with specks of black and silver, appeared dull and lackluster.
The dark flame markings that adorned his fur, stretching in linear patterns, seemed dimmer than usual as if their vibrant glow had faded.
His fiery dark orange eyes, usually filled with intensity, now shimmered with tears that clung to his gaze. Damien was overcome with a sense of profound sadness, though the reason remained a mystery.
Unfortunately, Dante found himself in a helpless state as his condition deteriorated, leaving him unable to take effective action.
He was gripped by agonizing convulsions, a consequence of his ill-fated venture into the Abyss Dimension, where he had unleashed a combination of powers he should never have attempted.
Such an action had it occurred in the real world, would have surely resulted in his death.
Compounding his predicament, Dante had recklessly depleted his remaining reservoir of mana, devoid of any semblance of control.
This lack of mastery was expected, considering he had only embarked on his path as a mage a mere two or three months prior.
After enduring approximately ten minutes of torment, the convulsions gradually subsided, granting Dante some respite from the excruciating pain.
Summoning his dwindling strength, he rose from the bed and directed his gaze toward the green crystal. However, instead of reaching for it, his focus shifted toward Damien himself.
In a surprising turn of events, Dante gently scooped Damien into his arms, aided by the wolf's small size. With utmost tenderness, he pressed his face against Damien's fur, expressing his emotions through tear-filled eyes.
"Good boy... Good boy," Dante murmured, his voice laced with genuine appreciation. "You have accomplished a great feat by retrieving the Boundless Crystal for me."
At that moment, any remnants of Dante's previous desire to assert dominance over Damien, a rivalry that had persisted since their first encounter, vanished into thin air.
The intention to exhibit his authority in Theia's absence dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the wolf.
In a sudden burst of energy, the chamber's entrance door swung open forcefully, revealing Atlas standing at the threshold.
Clutching a Classical Camera tightly in his hands, his countenance was marked by a serious expression as he swiftly surveyed the room.
Within a matter of seconds, his discerning gaze fell upon three revelations that left him visibly astonished.
(A/N: Anything with the designation Classical, was something produced or manufactured in the era before 'The Selection', like Kenji's Classical Diary)
First and foremost, the most glaring sight that caught Atlas's attention was a teary-eyed Dante, engrossed in rubbing his face against a wolf.
This display of emotion was utterly perplexing to Atlas, as he had never witnessed Dante expressing such vulnerability before.
Normally, Dante exuded an aura of cold indifference, making this behavior a stark departure from his usual demeanor.
The presence of the wolf further intensified Atlas's bewilderment—how had it come to be in this chamber? Thus, the existence of both Dante's emotional state and the mysterious wolf posed the initial quandary for Atlas.
Yet, the enigma did not end there. Atlas's scrutiny extended to a third element that added to his astonishment: a green, radiant but flickering crystal that emanated a mesmerizing glow.
The crystal stood as an enigmatic object, leaving Atlas puzzled as to its origin, purpose, and significance.
The combination of these three perplexing phenomena left Atlas grappling for answers, wondering how these elements were intertwined in the unexpected tableau before him.
With a mixture of shock and theatrical flair, Atlas knelt, still clutching the Classical Camera, and dramatically gestured through the air.
"Oh no! I have been subjected to a grand betrayal by my closest confidant. How many hidden truths have eluded my knowledge?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with melodramatic anguish.
The camera dutifully recorded every moment, capturing the essence of the unfolding scene.
In an abrupt turn of events, Dante's countenance swiftly transformed, regaining its usual composure.
With a surge of determination, he lunged towards the camera held firmly in Atlas's hands, driven by an urgent need to eradicate any trace of the unfolding scene.
"Destroy that piece of evidence!" Dante shouted, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and panic, his eyes widening in a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Atlas found himself caught up in the whirlwind of chaos, desperately trying to avoid Dante's frenetic advances.
He darted around the chamber in a comical display of agility, skillfully evading Dante's failed attempts to seize the camera.
Their dance resembled a slapstick comedy routine, with Atlas constantly on the move and Dante in hot pursuit, their actions resembling a comedic chase scene.
Amidst the chaos, objects were knocked over, furniture was toppled, and the once-serene chamber turned into a disheveled mess.
The sounds of Dante's frustrated growls and Atlas' laughter filled the air, creating a bizarre symphony of confusion.
Eventually, Atlas found refuge behind a towering stack of books, breathless and panting, while Dante momentarily lost sight of his target.
Seizing the opportunity, Atlas called out between gasps of air, "Dante, calm down! We can't destroy the camera. Let's take a moment to figure out what's going on!"
Dante, realizing the futility of his previous approach considering his strength, paused for a moment, his panting breaths gradually steadying.
He looked around at the chaos they had inadvertently created and sheepishly nodded in agreement.
As the commotion settled and the chamber's chaos lingered in the air, Atlas and Dante exchanged sheepish glances, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
They couldn't help but burst into uncontrollable laughter, their previous antics now transforming into a shared comedic memory.
"Woah, Dante, that was quite the chase we had there!" Atlas exclaimed, wiping away tears of laughter from his eyes. "I never knew you had such acrobatic skills!"
Dante, still catching his breath, managed to chuckle between gasps. "Who would've thought, right? I guess you bring out the hidden parkour artist in me, Atlas!"
As they caught their breath and the laughter subsided, Dante finally asked, "So, what brought you here barging into my room?" as if he had forgotten the reason for their previous game of tag.
"Well, I received a message from Arthur with two interesting pieces of information, and I thought I might catch you off guard and create an amusing moment," Atlas laughed, realizing he had captured a cinematic gem and now had some leverage over Dante.
Curious, Dante asked, intentionally disregarding Atlas' hint about recording their previous unusual scene and their playful antics, "So, what did Arthur say?"
"Well, he mentioned that he managed to expedite our arrival in Oxford City. Instead of the usual three-day journey from Chester, we'll reach there in just about a day.
"He did it because things have started intensifying, and the external forces behind the civil war are making significant moves.
"He also mentioned that we won't be able to contact him for a while, and our main priority should be to survive and save the other students from the academy who went ahead on the mission," Atlas explained.
"And what's the second piece of information?" Dante inquired.
"Well, it's not important right now, but I'll let you know when the time is right," Atlas replied.
"Okay," Dante said, shrugging his shoulders as he returned to his usual self.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have an impromptu cinema session," Atlas said with a mischievous chuckle as he exited Dante's exclusive train chamber.
Dante shook his head and turned to face Damien, who was perched on his shoulder. Surprisingly, Atlas intentionally ignored the wolf and the green crystal that had initially caught his attention.
Even now, as he made his way back to his chamber, he planned to edit out these two details. Despite his playful nature, Atlas had high emotional intelligence and could read the room.
Aware that Dante might have valid reasons for keeping certain information to himself, Atlas decided not to press the issue.
In their magical world, everyone had their secrets, and he had witnessed people both lose their lives and take lives to safeguard the truths they held dear.
Returning to our main character, he found himself vigorously shaking his head at his foolishness.
It wasn't in Atlas' case, as he willingly partook in their earlier playful game of tag, but rather due to his susceptibility to Damien's manipulative display of sorrow.
As the realization dawned upon him, Dante couldn't help but feel a tinge of foolishness coursing through him.
The wolf had managed to deceive him successfully, and he couldn't deny a pang of disappointment in himself for falling for the act.
Shaking his head, Dante paid no heed to the resounding voice of Damien, who had now left his shoulder and positioned himself opposite Dante.
"Hehe, I only helped you obtain that delicious crystal so you would owe me a favor. I never anticipated you would cry and smear your snotty nose on this distinguished master.
"But now, I've recognized the weakness of my master, and soon enough, I shall ascend to become the new master,"
Damien proclaimed in Dante's head, his fur billowing dramatically in the stale wind, his voice laced with both pride and disdain towards Dante.
He punctuated his departure with a childish display, blowing raspberries at Dante.
At times, Dante couldn't help but be astounded by Damien's intelligence, and he couldn't deny pondering the potential usefulness of the creature if it simply submitted and obeyed his every command.
However, any amazement he felt at Damien's intellect, which was in stark contrast to other beings of its level, swiftly gave way to his previous stance on asserting his dominance as the master in their contract.
Dante knew he had to maintain his authority and ensure that Damien understood his place.
Dante cleared his mind, eager anticipation bubbling within him, as he gingerly picked up the Boundless Crystal, its surface sullied with drool.
Using his haori, he wiped away the saliva, settling himself into a meditative pose. He couldn't help but notice that the crystal's luster had faded, likely a result of his intense battle with the lava golem.
This explained the enhanced system, now providing accurate measurements of his abilities on a metric scale.
As if to confirm his musings, a notification materialized before him:
[Ding! The Immersive Editor skill has been activated - 34%]
[Skill Description: Crafted by the illustrious Goddess Theia, the Immersive Editor strikes fear into chaos and disorder, possessing the innate ability to reshape reality.
This skill allows its user to become an immersive editor, capable of rewriting their lamentable fate into a destiny that falls just shy of the supremacy of Goddess Theia herself.
Yes, even a useless host can alter their destiny, as this extraordinary skill will do the heavy lifting.]
[The system is undergoing its full update, allowing the host to embark on their journey as a member of the Goddess Theia Celestial Race.]
Before Dante could voice his criticism of Theia's exaggerated description, evident from her distinct prideful disposition all over it, exhaustion overwhelmed him.
As the percentage continued to climb and the radiance of the Boundless Crystal faded, he succumbed to slumber.
-----------
-Knock- -Knock-
After several failed attempts to rouse Dante, Atlas forcefully entered his chamber, only to find him sprawled on the wooden floor, fast asleep. A smile crept onto Atlas' face as he watched Dante for a moment before finally waking him up.
Dante opened his eyes, feeling a haze of grogginess dissipate as he emerged from a much-needed slumber he hadn't even realized he needed.
While his physical body had never ventured into the Abyss Dimension, and time seemed to stand still outside while he was there, the strain on Dante's mental faculties and the constant drain on his energy and stamina were always burdensome.
There were no free lunches in this world.
As Dante rose and washed his face, preparing to leave his chamber, Atlas halted him with a reminder, "Remember, we mustn't attract unnecessary attention. Drawing too much notice could complicate our mission."
"Of course, I'm well aware," Dante replied, and they finally exited the chamber. Completing the necessary procedures, they made their way out of the train station toward the designated spot where their Uber Carriage would arrive.
With the glimpses Dante had caught of the developed regions in Central State, his homeland, he had expected notable differences between there and Britannia due to their distinct traditions.
However, upon visiting Chester City, all he found was a slightly less underdeveloped city, hardly comparable to the advancements of Central State.
However, that notion was swiftly dispelled as Dante surveyed his present surroundings.
He found himself amidst a sea of individuals clad in robes, some clutching suitcases, while others appeared to be part of the cleaning staff from the nearby quill printing company, located a couple of blocks away.
The sight of authorized mage knights soaring on brooms with grimoires securely fastened to their hips, and the majestic presence of flying dragons and unicorns in the sky, all pointed to a singular fact—this nation was undeniably and significantly distinct from Central State.
However, he couldn't fully immerse himself in the breathtaking spectacle before him, as another scene captured his attention.
It was a scene he would typically remain indifferent to, having witnessed countless similar occurrences during his ten years of fighting for survival.
Yet, the individuals involved and the intense emotions emanating from his partner, Atlas, as evidenced by his aura, prevented Dante from simply dismissing the scene.
The scene unfolded before Dante's eyes like a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. A young Mage Knight, his face twisted with anger and frustration, stood in front of him.
His hand barely stinging from the force of the slap he had just delivered to a running thirteen-year-old girl. The girl, her face marked by shock and pain, had unknowingly stepped on the Knight's metal-covered feet, unintentionally triggering his volatile reaction.
Beside her, a bleeding boy, presumably her brother, added a chilling layer to the already distressing tableau.
His presence served as a stark reminder of the consequences of this heated encounter. Blood trickled from his wounds, painting a vivid picture of the physical harm inflicted upon him.
But the scene took a sudden turn. In a split second, before the Knight could even raise his hand to strike the girl once more, a flash of greenish metallic sheen sliced through the air.
A punch, fueled by anger and a fierce protective instinct, landed squarely on the Knight's face, driving him forcefully into the unforgiving ground. The impact reverberated through the air punctuated by the shocked gasps of the surrounding onlookers.
Dante's heart clenched as he watched the events unfold before him. His outstretched hand, now empty and futile, hovered in the air, the weight of his powerlessness settling upon him.
The realization dawned upon him that he had arrived too late, unable to intervene and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
His fingers, once eager to grasp Atlas' flying military jacket and halt his actions, now hung listlessly in the air, a testament to his missed opportunity.
Now, Atlas had assaulted a person who was essentially a police officer in the esteemed Kingdom of Brittania.
And now, their original mission had taken an unforeseen detour, veering off course as the intensity of the scene consumed them...
#£#£#£#£#£
Brittania is a captivating backdrop, a world filled with thrills and the opportunity for Dante to encounter individuals with diverse backgrounds, complex histories, and compelling motivations.
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[Fifth Character Illustration]
Atlas Patton, an 18-year-old Earth Mage, possesses a striking physical appearance. He boasts a lean, muscular build with dark skin and captivating green eyes.
His black hair is short, spiky, and styled with a subtle undercut that accentuates his features. Above his left eyebrow, a small scar serves as a reminder of his past training.
In terms of attire, Atlas dons a green military jacket over a fitted black t-shirt, adorned with patches showcasing his battle scars and affiliation with the Hell Squadron.
He pairs this with black cargo pants and combat boots, exuding a practical and rugged vibe. Around his neck, he wears a silver necklace with a stone pendant, concealing a magical charm that enhances his earth magic abilities.
Fingerless gloves with metal studs on the knuckles protect his hands during combat while allowing him to cast spells effectively.
Atlas's fashion sense reflects his military background, combining functionality and style. His appearance commands respect and signifies his formidable combat skills.
Despite his intimidating presence, he possesses a playful personality that adds a touch of charm. With unwavering confidence, Atlas embodies the fusion of strength, resilience, and a captivating aura that sets him apart.