…
"Creatures of the Void…" Rion muttered with a frown. Everyone in his group has the same serious look.
Creatures of the Void, that's what those monsters were called. It is a fitting name for those monsters that suddenly came out of nowhere.
Monsters that even the highest beings don't know where they came from…
A few minutes passed, and numerous shocking news was revealed to Rion and his group.
The most recent is the conference of all the leaders… The Universal Doomsday Conference.
After the conference, lots of information was revealed to the public, and each of them caused a massive shock wave that shook their souls to the very core.
The sudden invasion of these monsters, and why can they kill others with just their fluids…
The balance being broken, and their effects on how it will change the world…
The appearance of the mysterious priestess of fate… and the gathering of all the representatives of each race and faction.
The existence of the other universes and the fact that all the universes have merged into one…
The Protagonist and the Antagonist… special beings who defy common sense even in the eyes of gods…
Shit basically went upside-down for the public.
Would you be calm if you knew that there exist stronger beings who can potentially wipe out all the beings in your universe permanently?
Things were moving too fast for them to catch up.
Fortunately, with the guidance of the leaders, gods, kings, and queens they were able to calm down their respective factions to a certain extent.
And so…
Everyone took this opportunity to train tirelessly, especially knowing that the next invasion will happen a month from now on... Not to mention, dealing with other potentially dangerous enemies from the other universes.
The panic and mess the void invasion brought to them was already too much, and the news revelation of these illogical facts completely threw them off.
Everyone was starting to get anxious, and this is even more so for the leaders, progenitors, and gods.
They have started organizing all their defenses and war power, ready to take action when needed.
Everyone was caught and affected by this huge calamity.
... And the ones who are the most affected in this mess are the humans… specifically the humans on Earth.
They were thrown into this mess all of a sudden. There is no preparation or prior knowledge whatsoever.
The government sectors of all the countries are practically on the brink of breaking down, if it weren't for the support of the different factions in the mystical world, things would've been over for the humans long ago.
"How's the situation on Earth…?" Leona was a bit curious.
"It was hell… People were protesting, the economy is a mess, the buildings are basically obliterated, countless humans were massacred… It's like a fallout scene after a nuclear doomsday." James sighed as he leaned back onto the bench.
"Not like. It 'is' a doomsday for everyone, Earth had it the worst, I'm even surprised that they have still managed to make it this far… say ahh~." Mara corrected, while she busily fed Cindy with a cupcake.
"Nom~ nom~" Cindy innocently chowed down the sweets she was given.
"Ah~ what a cute girl! Let me be your big sister!" Looks like the twin-tailed tsundere is having a good time feeding the little girl.
"Human civilization is almost gone, just like that…" Leona shivered. The mother was thankful that they were saved that day.
"Well… The building part can be easily fixed, now that the mystical world has been exposed… Interventions from each faction would be common." Kristen added while she ate a slice of cake from her plate.
"I assume that each mythology saved their own country they originated from…?" Rion replied after thinking for a while.
"...That's not hard to believe." Daniel added after thinking about Rion's conjecture.
"... Why do you think so?" Giving a look of interest, James asked after drinking the beer in his hand.
"Ah, experience from reading novels…?" Rion gave an 'as-a-matter-of-fact' look to the leader.
"..." Everyone except Lance, Cindy, and Leona felt speechless.
Ehem.
"... Well, what Kurogane said is true. Now that the mystical world has been exposed, different factions would fight over the countries. It is easy to do so for the people who believe in their mythology."
"Just like how the Hindu mythology quickly spread their influence over India, when the sudden invasion happened. The same can be said for the US where Christianity is common." With a sip of her tea, Kristen finished explaining.
"I-i know I shouldn't intervene but, anyone would've done the same… Spreading their influence as much as possible and making their image brighten in a positive light is a big plus to everyone." The skinny man added his opinion on the matter.
"Still, that doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth on how they're seeing this situation as an opportunity to devour a big piece of 'meat' in front of their eyes." The tsundere snorted.
"Well, well. It's not like the humans were completely taken advantage of. In exchange for their beliefs and alliance, they were given protection and the necessities the humans need…"
"In a way, the humans are the ones benefiting greatly from this." James shrugged as he continued drinking his beer.
Rion felt like the situation was understandable.
Even in a relationship, it must be a give-and-take connection. Let alone an alliance.
Like they said: 'There is no free lunch in this world.'
…
Daytime passed and soon nighttime came.
After bidding farewell to James and his gang, the group went on a tour.
The group was able to grasp the layout of the area, after spending the whole day exploring town.
Along the way, the group was able to relax and enjoy the new things that were introduced to them.
Everything was practically different from the modern world they were used to.
Of course, the weeb brothers were the ones who enjoyed it to the fullest. They would probably engrave this memory in the depths of their soul.
The weeb bros felt like it was a great start! A brand new beginning of their life!
"Haaah~ …sleepy." Cindy yawned as she let her body fall onto the soft bed.
After the long tour, they went back to the room.
Currently, they were living in a mansion, it looked pretty modern at the same time classy.
The mansion was owned by the Alchemical Witch.
As one of the superior witches, and the head of the alchemy department Francia had a lot of benefits, and this mansion is one of them.
Although, she just lived with it once, and never used it again, as she often sleeps and basically lives in her own personal laboratory.
Lyria and the two other maids thought they would forever clean an 'ownerless' place as Francia forbade them from entering her laboratory.
But now, she just gave this mansion for the group to stay.
"What are you talking about, little girl? This is just the start of our great adventure." Lance raised his glasses. He had an adventurous tone and aura as he made his point.
"Man, how can you still have energy even after all that touring…?" Daniel said dryly.
"..." Rion smiled wryly.
He understood how the student feels, I mean this is every otaku's wet dream!
Getting transported into another world!
The only thing that's lacking is the common harem and the overpowered skills.
And speaking of overpowered skills…
"..." Rion looked at his status.
'I should probably thank her right now… and ask her about something.' Rion felt mixed emotions over her decision to save him, so he decided to meet this witch.
But most importantly, he shouldn't delay things that are important to be said, immediately.
…
"Madam Hanelin, Mr. Rion is here."
"The door is unlocked, come in." A charming voice can be heard on the other side of the door.
Lyria guided Rion to the Alchemical Witch's laboratory after getting the witch's affirmation.
To be honest, Lyria wasn't sure if she should disturb her master's working schedule, as she was commanded not to disturb her when the witch is researching and doing her work.
But the man's serious look when he suddenly asked to meet Francia, convinced her otherwise. As such, she gave her master a call and much to her surprise, Francia asked the man to meet her.
"... It's like a magical science lab." Rion mumbled looking at the laboratory.
Despite calling it a lab, it's more of a personal space compartment. Each corner is filled to the brim with different materials.
Herbs, animal body parts, books, runes, and different glass containers and contraptions can be seen arranged in different transparent cabinets that have magical patterns on them.
"..." At the corner of the room, a seductive witch can be seen working on different types of mystical herbs.
Her violet eyes seem to be focused on the reaction to the glass contraption that she's currently using.
"... Not enough Gàmgrodia." The witch muttered as she tried to find something in the 'herbs' cabinet near her.
"Madam Hanelin."
"Yes? Oh… You're here." The witch stopped searching as she popped her head to the side.
"My name is Kurogane Rion, it is my pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hanelin." Rion snapped out of his daze, as he assumed a professional introduction.
"It is nice to meet you too, Mr. Warlock." Francia nodded with a smile. She accepted the man's handshake.
"Mr. Warlock?"
"Oh, it appears Lance has not told you yet about your circumstances?"
"No… not that I've heard about it." Rion's face right now was full of questions. He believed that Lance wouldn't forget something like that, so he can only assume that the student left the topic to the witch for a better understanding and explanation.
"Well, I'll make the explanation brief."
"You are a special being called a Warlock. It is basically a naturally born 'male' witch, and before you ask, yes, magic is only innately born inside the delicate souls of the females."
"That's why you are an exception. A warlock is a once-in-a-millenia-born prodigy with monstrous potential. They can be awakened at any age, depending on the circumstances… A warlock has a bright future waiting for him."
"So far only two warlocks have been recorded, each having earth-shaking contributions and achievements."
"So yes, you are quite special." Francia gave a summary of his potential as a warlock.
"But I don't remember my abilities being changed this much… Just what is this elixir that you used on me?" The man really wanted to ask this question.
"... Elixir of Awakening, an elixir that has the ability to change and lengthen a person's potential… Well, at least that's the goal." Francia explained after a moment of silence.
"For now, as much as I wanted to, the only thing it can do is awaken and maximize a person's potential that is dormant within them."
"... But that doesn't explain why I have some sort of phoenix abilities and I became some sort of immortal being." Rion still felt confused.
"Oh, that's because I used an ancient phoenix's blood and the water from the spring of immortality…" Seeing the curious look from Rion, Francia wryly smiled.
"Err… This might take a while to explain…"
…
"... I see, so basically you saved me because I am an exceptional prodigy that might be useful to you and the society?" Rion stated a brutal truth based on his understanding, after a long time of QnA from the Alchemical Witch.
"... That's part of the reason." Francia's smile almost broke.
After understanding why his skills changed so much, the topic soon changed into a question of why she would use the Elixir of Awakening on him… Although he understood he's an exception because he's a warlock.
Somehow… He's not convinced that's the only reason.
"The other part of the reason is because of Lance and well… My instincts."
"... Instincts?" The Lance part he can understand, and he can't be thankful enough for his help, but instincts…?
"Yes, I had a strong feeling at that time when I saw you… You being a warlock and Lance asking for my help was the one that pushed me to help you at the expense of my lifelong work." The Alchemical Witch nodded as she promptly explained.
"... Still though, is that enough for you to use your most precious work on some unknown stranger?" The man still has his doubts about this.
"..." The witch didn't answer, but instead gave him a meaningful look that took Rion by surprise.
"... You're right, that's still not enough." Francia gave a long sigh.
"... I plan to make you my apprentice."
"... What?"
"I saved you to make you an alchemist that can help me in my research… It might take a long time but I'm sure you'll manage to surpass my level."
"... Wait, you don't mean–" Rion felt a bad premonition coming, and her crafty smile didn't help ease that feeling.
"Yes, I plan to teach you alchemy… In exchange for saving your life, you must now dedicate your time to learning alchemy." The witch 'innocently' smiled.
"..." Rion didn't know if he should be happy or not. To be honest, he will greatly benefit from this too.
"Well, before we delve into the basics of alchemy, you must learn first about the fundamentals." The witch summoned a flame and a ball of transparent wind from her hand.
"The four basic elements that are the structure of the planet are
"The two rare elements are
"Beyond those elements that I mentioned are various elements, such as the divine elements which are the innate elements of both angels and demons."
"The divine elements are composed of
"Umm… Ms. Francia, I know it is rude of me to interrupt your explanation… but, the experiment that you left doesn't seem to be looking good."
"Eh?" Wait… She completely forgot that she was concocting a new potion!
Francia quickly looked back, only to see a strange fluid overflowing from a heated flask.
"W-wait!" Completely flustered, she ran back to settle the mess, while Rion smiled wryly at the scene.
The witch suddenly became so engrossed in teaching magic that she forgot that she was still in the process of concoction…
So much for the seductive first impression.
Still, hearing the witch discuss the elements reminded him of the good old times when he memorized and tried to understand the descriptions and power concepts in each MMORPG game he played.
Somehow, thinking about the things he's about to learn makes him eager to know more.
"... That was close, I forgot I'm still in the middle of the work…" Francia felt relief, at the same time, annoyed that she was disturbed in the middle of her explanation.
"Haaah… Looks like I have no choice." Francia went to a bookshelf section, where she pulled multiple books.
"Here… Here and here."
"..." Rion stared at the 'encyclopedias' on his hands with dead eyes.
Aren't these books too thick…?
The books have eye-catching titles such as, 'Basics of Magic', 'World's Energy Theory, and 'Basic Elementary Alchemy'.
"Hmm. That should be enough for now." Francia nodded. She first decided to let Rion study about the 'common sense' in this world.
"I can't teach you every time as I also have work to do, especially since the void invasion happened, the supplies for different potions have been in demand to the point that we're fastly losing our storage stacks."
"Then, I assume everything you want to explain is already in these books?"
"It's good to be able to catch up quickly." Francia nodded in satisfaction, as she added:
"Now that the Earth has been exposed to the mystical world, everyone would get an education about the 'common sense' in this world. All kinds of energies, the factions, how everything works in this mystical world, the status, races, currency, etc…"
"But I'm sure they would first be taught about how to use their awakened abilities and elements." Francia sighed with complex emotions.
Two days after the invasion, the reports of people being able to use magic and other types of energy completely shocked everyone.
It appears the refugees can now harness different energies, most are magic and ki.
It didn't take long to find out the reason behind the mass awakening.
Apparently, there is a sudden dramatic increase of energy in the atmosphere, which caused the mass awakening!
It was a weird phenomenon. Many beings and researchers speculated that the balance being broken is the reason behind the increase in energy.
As of now, many are still trying to find out the changes that have transpired in the world.
"I see… Well then. I am in your care, shishou!" The man bowed, a bit excited, to the point he even used Japanese to call his master.
"Shishou?"
"Ah, never mind that… What I meant was master."
"Alright… Well then, as my first apprentice, your first task is to get used to the basics of magic and alchemy." Francia gave her first task to her disciple.
"Yes!"
"Oh, by the way…"
"Yes?" Rion was about to open the door, but he stopped hearing the voice of the witch.
"The things we talked about today…"
"Yes, you don't have to worry about it, master."
"I'll keep my mouth shut about it." Rion promised.
He knew that what she used on him was something she wouldn't reveal to anyone whom she couldn't trust.
And for her to say it to a stranger like him…
"..." Francia smiled in appreciation.
"Oh, before I forgot… Our queen might invite you for a talk considering you have now woken up."
"The Queen of Witches? What for?.... Oh." A realization soon struck Rion.
Of course, he would get summoned by the queen. He's a goddamn once-in-a-millennia prodigy with a very bright future!
'With all these big events… Are you sure I'm really not the protagonist?' Rion had this ridiculous thought for a moment.
"I see… Thanks for giving me a heads up, also, I can't emphasize it enough, but…"
Rion respectfully bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you." No need to add more words, that 'thank you' contained so many meanings and emotions, which made the Alchemical Witch smile gently.
"You're welcome, my apprentice."
…
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