After that strange encounter and the subsequent headache, I hurried back to the house. I didn't even pay attention to whether Jack was around or not – I just went straight to my room.
Sitting on my bed, I started thinking about what had just happened.
As soon as I saw Liza, I got this weird headache. It wasn't a normal headache with actual pain, but more like a strange feeling in my head.
But that's not why I left so quickly. After that headache, something even stranger occurred. I started remembering things, like bits of memories popping into my mind. It wasn't memories of Vaelen's life like earlier; these were memories from the novel I'm stuck in right now, 'The Truth of Acalis.'
I began to regret not paying more attention to those memories earlier. Even though I don't plan to get involved in the story, having some hints about the future plot would have been helpful.
But here's the catch – the memories I got were only pieces of the novel, not the whole story...
*Sigh....
I'm at a loss for my next step.
I wonder if searching for more fragments of my memories is the right course of action. But how would I even do that?
When I mentioned remembering memories earlier, let's break it down into the four main components of a novel: plot, characters, settings, and themes.
Among these, I've only retained memories related to the second component, characters. I can recall the people who were mentioned in the novel. This could actually be helpful, allowing me to recognize novel characters if I encounter them in reality. This way, I can steer clear of them and avoid any potential trouble.
From all the novels I've read, one thing is abundantly clear:
'Main characters are the epitome of trouble.'
They're like magnets for chaos, causing problems wherever they go. Its like there only purpose in this world is to bring trouble here and there..
Well...I dont have any right to belittle them
At least they have a purpose, even if the purpose is a little twisted..
and I'm determined not to get tangled up in any 'plot' mess they might bring.
But even if I manage to piece together those fragmented memories, what would be my course of action?
The original Vaelen hardly had a significant presence in the novel. I dont know what really happened to him since I cant seem to remember about the plot. And there is too little character information about him.
'Will I remembered it If I rest a bit?' I pondered
Since arriving in this world, I've been under constant mental pressure. I thought I had enough rest after last night's sleep, but even during my peaceful slumber, I had to dream about the past of all things.
They say that giving your brain sufficient rest can help you recall forgotten memories.
Or perhaps this body needs more time to adapt to my soul?
'Sigh....' I sighed again
I gazed out of the window. It was afternoon, and the outside was still illuminated by bright daylight.
The greenery that surrounded the house was a sight to behold, with trees swaying gently in the breeze. The sky above was a breathtaking shade of blue, adorned with fluffy clouds that seemed to form whimsical shapes.
I couldn't deny the freshness of the air. Maybe it's due to this being a fantasy world, but there's no denying the calming effect of the outside air.
Inhale...
Exhale...
"Wow!"
It's amazing how simply breathing can have such a soothing impact.
While I was lost in the beauty of my surrounding....
'Wait...'
I realized that I have been avoiding something much more important.
What exactly happened to the real Vaelen?
Remember, this was an incomplete novel and my memories are cloudy at best. I'm missing the critical details of what fate befell the real Vaelen.
Did he die?
There is a high possibility he died, seeing how weak he is....
Given how our protagonist is as gentle as a kitten with a ball of yarn, I highly doubt he orchestrated Vaelen's early exit just because he is a Third-rate villain.
And even if Vaelen met his maker in some other convoluted way, doesn't that put me on the highway to the same fate?
.
.
"F*ck!!"
Just when I was spending some peaceful moment, life decided to re-gift me a box of worry!
It's like the universe can't resist crashing my chill time!
Will I die no matter what I do!?
And all I can do is watch from the sideway!?
Now, I'm genuinely growing a grudge against the author...
"At least have the decency to wrap up what you've begun, you literary trickster!" I launched my silent curse, wishing I could throw it at that scoundrel right to their face. But, oh well, they're a phantom ghostwriter – I don't even know their real name or gender.
Wait..... how many genders were there on Earth anyway?
.
.
"Fuuu..."
Let's take a breather for a moment...
I rose from my bed and made my way to the study desk around the corner.
Sinking into the chair, I focused on sitting up straight and closed my eyes...
It's become a bit of a ritual for me. Whenever stress or fatigue creep in, this practice helps me find my center and calm my racing thoughts.
After a while, I allowed my mind to settle.
Then, I began to recite the mantra I created for moments like these.
'Reach to the bottom and you will find the answer'
Since the situation is already abnormal, I have to think outside the box.
First, I died without knowing how and the next thing, I woke up with a slap on my face..
As far as I know I didn't have any grand decease that would cause me to die without knowing.
So how did I die?
Did someone kill me?
As far as I remembered, the last memory I had was being in front of a classroom and being murdered while in school? There is a low possibility of that happening.
Then who?
Was it a god or the author himself?
Even if a god was responsible for my demise, it still doesn't explain the logic behind transporting me into this particular world. And where's the said god, anyway?
Shouldn't there be some mystical old dude with a beard showing up, blaming his cosmic mishap for my death? And in a grand gesture of apology, he'd offer me a ticket to a world filled with swords, magic, and, of course, a harem of alluring creatures from different species?
But alas, no divine apologies or fantasy invitations awaited me. Instead, it's like I got dumped in a forest by a particularly sadistic cosmic janitor. And all I've got to keep me company is a story about a bunch of monkeys and their everyday forest drama.
Then did the author actually cause my death? Or is the author some kind of divine being, capable of such immense power that they could end a life and transfer it to a different world?
Even if he did.....Why?
Due to my past experiences, I've come to realize that nothing in this world is handed out for free. Everything comes with a price, and if you fail to meet that price, you might end up facing dire consequences, and nobody would bat an eye.
Looking at it from that angle, I might consider myself lucky in an odd way.
No family ties, no friends to miss me if I vanished into thin air...
It means I can meet whatever conditions are required to get thrown into another world. If, for instance, my lifeless body was discovered in my room, it's doubtful anyone would give a second thought. They might even decide to use it for some bizarre experiment.
So, in a twisted sense, this chance could be a real blessing. I can essentially start anew, from rock bottom. With all this talk of swords and magic, it's an opportunity to forge a life that's truly great. If I can recover the memories I've lost about the novel, I'll have a golden key to unlock success. I'll have the power of foresight on my side.....While other might just live their life while using the novels information, I can't shake the feeling that it sounds almost too good to be true.
I've got this deep-seated wariness toward others. It's almost as if I've developed an inborn sense of doubt, one that is making me doubt even my own motives and deeds.
I don't know if it was linked to that betrayal from Malty....
I am still not sure...
.
Well, there's no use crying over spilled milk. Since I can't seem to find the answer now, it's probably best to set it aside for later.
Now comes the real question....
'How the hell did I receive this two skills...'
"Soul book" I mumbled
Right after that, a book with ancient texture appeared on my hands. I opened it and looked at one particular part.
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[Proficiency:]
-Swordsmanship (Beginner-level)
-Marksmanship (Beginner-level)
-Cooking (Beginner-level)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We've all come across that saying, at least once in our lives:
'Basics are the foundation of everything.'
Honestly, I can't dispute it – without a solid foundation, moving on to the next level is quite the challenge.
But... this world takes the concept of 'basic' to an entirely new level.
Here, kids can only awaken 'Swordsmanship (Beginner-level)' when they hit the grand age of sixteen, and being considered a prodigy might shave that down to a tender fifteen once in a blue moon.
Now, I'm only fourteen this year!
Is this what they call a transmigrate bonus or something?
I distinctly remember from Vaelen's memories that he never really took swordsmanship seriously... Even during his time at the center, he'd focus on studying because he wanted to follow Liza into the academy.
Well, since he couldn't qualify for combat class due to his inability to fight, he planned to enter the academy's scholar class. He'd study day and night, all for that goal.
But as for me, in this body, I don't plan to study or join the academy. My apologies, Vaelen bro! While studying has its merits for those aspiring for intellectual advancement, in this world, being a mere scholar won't offer much long-term benefit, especially considering the looming future.
Now, you might wonder how I know the future seems grim, given my memory lapse about the plot?
Earlier, I mentioned how I recalled the characters, which led me to realize that there's a 'Hero' who is also the protagonist of this world. And when we talk about a hero, we can't overlook the demon king, can we? And the presence of a demon king implies... world destruction or world domination!
Every person who has some connection with manga or something like that can easily answer this question.
Then I suddenly remembered that Vaelen had a wooden sword Liza had given him after their first fight.
I headed towards the bookshelf where he had kept it because I was curious and couldn't help but notice how it was placed prominently on the top shelf, almost like a prized possession.
"Did he worship it or something?" The question slipped from my lips, my gaze locked on the sword resting on the top shelf. It was displayed almost like an altar
"Just how obsessed was he with Liza?" The bitterness I felt was undeniable; I knew all too well how Vaelen had cherished every gesture, every thing Liza had given him.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I reached out and picked up the sword. The touch of the wooden handle against my hand felt cool and slightly unfamiliar.
After that, in a fit of inspiration, I decided to imitate those epic samurai moves I've seen on TV.
I stood, feet slightly spread, bending down like a pro, and raising my sword...
'Wow, dont I look exactly like those samurie from TV!!'
I summoned all my strength and determination, ready to unleash the power of my sword..
*Slice
*Crack
"AHHHHH!!MY BACK!!!MY BACKKK!!"