"I don't know what's happening today, let alone what you just did to me, but you can lower me, skip me, release me, or however they say it in this place.
Oh, I'm sorry. She lets go of me, and I see how that large snake tail connects to the torso of that girl. Looking around more, I see that most of them have inhuman features. I approach my warframe and transfer back into it.
So it's really you, you're actually my familiar!" she says excitedly.
Familiar? Wait, the fact that I've been through all this here and there, was it your fault?
Well, you could say yes, but I didn't expect to bring someone like you.
(whispering) Well, this wasn't planned, but I guess I can consider it the first 'world' I 'discovered' with intelligent life. She comes closer and starts touching my back, my hands, arms, and finally my face. She also tries to grab my swords, but I stop her, pushing her away from me.
Wait, I don't know what you're trying to do, but I won't allow you to grab my weapons.
Why? You're my familiar, I should be able to study you to see what you're good at.
First, you're not my owner, I am free, and second… I exit my warframe and absorb it as I do with enemy agents.
Now you can't touch them, and what's this about a familiar? Am I your pet or something?
Well, technically yes, a familiar is a mage's or warrior's companion, your duty is to assist me in my adventures, you're the being that was granted as my partner.
... That sounds like slavery with some extra steps. I'll pass, so good luck getting another slave. I quickly ran through the people towards the exit. "Stop," a loud voice echoed, making my body come to an instant halt. I couldn't move a millimeter. She approached, wrapping me in her tail."
"Look at this mark on my hand, you also have the same mark on yours, this shows that you can't disobey me."
"I understand now, so please make it so I can move again."
She said loudly, "Move," and only then could I move again. This was something I hated, being at the mercy of someone, bound by something. It reminded me of them, but at least I can take advantage of this. I just have to figure out how to break this binding and get out of here. She looked very proud, and I felt like a dog on a leash.
A few minutes later
After some glances and being dragged against my will, I was brought to this room that makes me think that this world isn't very developed, yet there are three more people here with some animals, and I'm wrapped up in this tail. Is it strange that it feels somewhat comfortable here?
"Well, it seems that Thalía has succeeded, although to be honest, I expected something more familiar, but oh well, what can we do," says a girl with a cat near her.
"The real surprise is that she summoned a spirit? I really don't know what to call it, so I'm sorry if I offend," says the other girl with a small puppy in her hands.
"A spirit? True, I might look like something that would possess things, but I assure you I'm not."
"Isn't it strange that you can speak our language? Thalía, please enlighten us with your wisdom."
"You would know if you just read more about Tereria familiars, (sigh) well, it's not common for someone to bring a being that thinks..."
"HEY, that's very offensive."
"But in those cases, magic allows it to understand our words, and it ensures that we can understand it."
"That 'magic' seems to be able to do many things; I'm curious to learn it."
"And of course, you should, so I can show off to everyone that I have the best familiar in the world."
"Remember that besides thinking, I have feelings, and calling me a familiar as if I were a trophy irritates me."
"And what's your name? Mine is Thalía, the winged girl is Tereria, and she is Veronica."
"Well, I'm called Shiro."
"Doesn't that name come from the West? Are you from the West?"
"Can people from the West do the same thing as me?"
"I've never heard that they have something... like your 'armor,' but still, your name sounds like those from those lands."
"Actually, you're very interesting, Shiro, a 'human' with the ability to possess armor that isn't composed of pieces," said Tereria.
"Actually, I'm glad to have someone who shows more combat prowess. I hope I can learn from you," Veronica says as she settles her pet next to her bed.
After her comment, the other girls looked at Veronica with a look that said, "Are we not competent?"
"That's right! When you came, you had those two huge swords in your hands. You must be a swordmaster. Tell me (speaking in a somewhat seductive tone), would you mind teaching me?" Tereria says, approaching Shiro.
"First, we're not really close friends for me to be teaching you. Second, I doubt she's... A...l...(sounds of bones cracking and choking)..."
"Hey, Thalía, ease up on your grip. I think you've made it purple... No, you killed it."
"EEE WAIT, don't die, I didn't mean to do it, I'M SO SORRY!"
"What a way to end today's meeting. I'm going to bed."
The next morning
A bright light reflects strongly in my eyes, waking me up somewhat sore. After looking around for a few seconds, I see that three girls are changing in front of me. Girls? Wasn't it a nightmare? Am I really in another world?
A pillow is thrown, hitting Shiro in the face.
"HEY PERVERT, DON'T WATCH YOUR TEACHER WHILE SHE'S CHANGING!"
Minutes later, in the corridors.
"I... I'm sorry about last night... The truth is, she can be a bit of a joker sometimes, and you shouldn't take her seriously, hehehehe."
"Is that your way of apologizing for strangling me last night? Thalía?"
"Sorry..." in a low voice.
"Well, that's something." Long sigh. "On to something else, why am I being carried by your tail?"
"Because she felt bad for strangling you," Tereria says.
"And she couldn't keep you like the other family members," Veronica adds.
"I can make excuses for myself, thank you!"
"I have to admit, girls, you almost went unnoticed," I say as I'm set down, with a bit of difficulty I start walking alongside the trio, and on the way, several gazes stay fixed on me, and the whispers become more and more obvious.
"We have magic class today and then sword practice. I wonder if the teacher will be in a good mood," Tereria says, somewhat nervous.
"Magic, huh... I'm really curious about it," I said as we approached a door.
"Well, maybe today you'll learn something, so pay close attention," says Thalía, taking a book out of her bag. "Here, take this, it will help you practice the scripts we use here."
"T... thank you," I replied.
I honestly didn't expect her to give me something, but I always appreciate the help. The magic class began, and even though I couldn't understand what she was writing on the board, I somewhat grasped how it works. Magic is composed of water, fire, earth, air, and arcane. The latter wasn't specified much. These abilities can be used by users who have an affinity for a certain element. The stronger your affinity, the stronger the magic will be. There are also users who can control more than two elements, and the rarest are those who can control all four.
"Excuse me, teacher, what about arcane magic?" I asked, raising my hand.
"Hmm? Oh, so you're Thalía's familiar. Well, the truth is that there isn't much clear information about that magic, and since there's very little information available, there are only a few spells," the teacher explained, returning to the lesson.
This world was indeed very interesting, not just because of the magic but also because of its inhabitants and the creatures that inhabit this world. Maybe I'll reconsider my plan to escape much later than I thought. For now, I'll focus on observing everything I can... Observing... I forgot that all of that is in the ship. I wonder how things are over there.
Meanwhile, on the ship
"The preparations are complete. The engines are in perfect condition, and for now, we have a location where Shiro might be."
"I hope you're sure about his location, Cy. How could I lose my operator like this? I'm supposed to serve him perfectly, but... but he just vanished."
"Well, Miss Elizabet, please take control of the ship and proceed with the rescue mission."
The warframe nodded and hurried to the front of the ship, taking control and heading toward the last location Shiro had marked a few hours before they lost sight of him.
Back with Shiro
"Well, this book actually helped me understand some of the characters in this world, but I still have half of it left to read. I think I'll have to go through it again."
"I'm glad you like it. Actually, Veronica came up with the idea of giving you that book."
"Well, since magic doesn't help me understand the scripts, I thought of giving you this children's book to practice with."
"Well, that's very considerate of you. It also relaxes me since I thought the writing in this world was very primitive," I say as I put the book in Thalía's bag.
"And you're not upset? They're literally giving you a book for 2-year-olds. You're not thinking, 'Do they consider me a little child?' or something like that?" Veronica asked, somewhat disappointed.
-Well, the truth is, she thought it through. How else did they plan for someone to learn to read without knowing the essentials? -
Her response is marked by silence.
-Well, now it's time to go to the training field, - Tereria says.
The four of us walk through the corridors until a crowd of people blocks our way. None of us can see beyond, but Thalía stands taller, looking somewhat surprised by what's on the other side of the crowd.
-They're all gathered around the heroes; I can't believe they're studying here. -
-Well, I guess we have more celebrities at this school now, - Tereria says while scratching her head.
-Well, I suppose we'll have to go another way, - Veronica says, stepping back.
The four of us exchange glances and turn around, but suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, I grab the hand, take a step back, and push forward, causing the person to fall backward. As I look at him, he appears to be a guy wearing a very different uniform from the others.
-Can you tell me what you're doing touching people's shoulders? -
-...Ow, that hurt. And what are you doing throwing people to the ground? - the mysterious guy says.
He gets up and dusts himself off a bit.
-Well, I think I'll start over. I'm Leonor, and I'm a dwarf studying metallurgy. I wanted to ask you a favor. -
-Well, I'm Shiro. And what favor are you going to ask me for? -
-The truth is, when you appeared and I saw those beautiful weapons, I couldn't get them out of my head. Several people in my class felt the same way. That's why I want you to lend them to me so I can study them. -
-NO - I said that and returned to the others.
-WAIT, PLEASE. I KNOW WE CAN COME TO AN AGREEMENT. I'LL GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU WANT.-
-Don't you give up? No means no. I haven't even let her touch them, and do you think I'll do it for you? -
He looks at Thalía, and she nods. In the midst of this, the other students turn to look at us, causing several of them to start whispering again.
-Well, I'm leaving now. -
In the end, the guy just stood there, looking until he lowered his head.
-Poor thing, he just wanted to see your sword. Why don't you let him, even if it's just to take a closer look for a moment, Shiro? - Veronica said.
-I don't like anyone touching my weapons without my permission, and even less for them to be studied. Besides, I don't know him, so I can't say I can trust him. -
-And me? Will I ever get a chance to see them in more detail? I also want to touch them, - Thalía said.
-It's possible, but if you do something weird to them, I'll take them away from you-
-And what about me? I also want to try them out - said Tereria as she made hand gestures.
... I think I'll reconsider before doing anything.
And so the four of us headed towards the training area. It was a type of coliseum with stands on the sides, and the space in the middle was very spacious. It was perfect for training with both long and short weapons.
The girls went to the changing rooms, and I stayed outside in the field with the book, reading and reviewing some characters. However, three shadows appeared in front of me - a guy and two girls. Even though they glanced at me, they just walked past. The girls went into the changing rooms, and the guy struggled to put on a lightweight leather armor.
I diverted my gaze and returned to my book. After a while, the girls came out in different clothes. I just watched them as they said their goodbyes. They formed a group with other girls in the middle of the coliseum, and on the other side, there was a group of boys.
-Well, students, from today onwards, we will train together with the heroes. I hope that everyone helps each other progress and that you also get along-
-YES, PROFESSOR!-
After memorizing a few things, I decided to watch the training. Everyone had a wooden sword that they swung up and down several times. Watching them reminded me of the basic training we received from various sword master clans. In those days, all I wished for was the end of the brutality of training. Now, I can only be grateful for everything I learned during those years.
-HEY YOU, THE WHITE-HAIRED ONE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE DAYDREAMING?!-
The same professor called me from where she was. But since I didn't want anyone bossing me around, I decided to look away.
-Hey, Thalía, your companion, can it even fight?-
-Well, I haven't spoken much to him, but I suppose he can handle a heavy sword-
-Well, tell him to come and practice with the others-
-Why does the professor want him with the others?-
-(sigh) If he doesn't train, how will we know what he's capable of? Also, when I saw him that day, I got curious, and the other professors also want to know what he truly is-
-Well, with his attitude, I don't think he'll come-
-NO ONE ASKED IF HE WANTED TO. BRING HIM!-
-... Alright.-
As I turned my gaze back ahead, I saw Thalía approaching with a fake smile. Before a word could escape my mouth, she wrapped me in her tail and dragged me along. I don't know why I'm getting used to this.
-Well, I brought him, professor-
-Can I know why you're dragging me to your training? - I said as Thalía let go of me.
-I want you to give me a demonstration of what you can do-
The professor handed me a wooden sword and then a leather shield. As I looked at them, I said to myself, "How on earth did I end up in this?"
-Alright, we're going to have a duel now-
-... I don't want to-
-Wait there! I need to test you to see if you can defend your mistress-
-First, I don't need to prove anything, and second, I'm not anyone's slave to blindly follow orders-
-Shiro, please, just give them a demonstration - Thalía said.
I looked at the wooden sword and then at Thalía looking at me. Well, she and the others gave me a "warm welcome," so at least listening to them would be fine. Besides, stretching a bit wouldn't hurt either.
-Fine, Verónica, can you lend me your gloves?-
She throws me her gloves, the professor gets ready with a wooden longsword as she steps into a circle drawn on the floor. As I positioned the shield inside the circle, a student held a flag, waiting for both of us to be ready.
-Kid, if you beat me, I'll pay for the meal for all 4 of us. What do you think? A good prize, right?-
-I hope you won't regret it later-
When we both assumed our combat stances, the girl released the flag, starting the fight. We clashed our swords immediately, stopping for a second before stepping back. But I wouldn't waste that moment. I was ready to strike with the shield, aiming for her stomach. She noticed my intention, causing her sword to aim at my back. With the help of my sword, I managed to deflect her attack and changed the target to her right thigh.
My attack made her fall to the ground, but it couldn't end there. I jumped on top of her to finish her off with my sword, but she managed to prop herself up with her arms and kicked me, sending me flying. This woman had an incredibly strong kick. As I fell, I saw her preparing another attack. So, using Swift Step, I accelerated my descent and landed behind her, surprising her. I delivered a kick fueled by a Void Strike, causing her to roll a few meters and then get back up.
-Hey, don't you know you shouldn't hit ladies? - the teacher says as she takes her stance again.
-In battle, gender doesn't matter, only who remains standing-
I took my stance on the other side of the ring. We exchanged glances before moving towards each other. She attacked fiercely when I tried to approach, hitting me hard. I managed to barely block her strike with the shield, but it pushed me to the other side. She followed up with an even stronger attack, forcing me into a defensive position.
I used Swift Step again, repositioning my sword as a dagger and the shield as a lightweight one. She looked at me and launched another attack, which destroyed part of the ground. In that moment of vulnerability, I jumped onto her and placed the blade at her throat, signifying the end.
-I... (panting from exhaustion)... lost...-
I got off her back, feeling a bit sore. I didn't anticipate she would hit so hard. I walked over to some crates where they kept the training equipment and then approached Verónica, returning her gloves. After all that, I let myself collapse onto a crate.
-Hey, Shiro, are you okay?-
-Just a bit sore, Thalía. But well, at least I gained something good from this training-
-I never thought you'd be good with a sword... but using it as if you're an assassin seems a bit excessive-
(sigh) In battles, the most important thing is to always gain an advantage over your enemies and utilize your equipment. The enemy won't be ethical when attacking and will take advantage of any mistakes.
It seems you have more combat experience than one can imagine. - the teacher approached - Thalía, go on and continue training with the others.
Thalía left for the training field without saying a word of protest. The teacher took a seat next to me.
At first, I thought you'd just be a simple magician who pulled that stunt to take advantage of the situation, but now you've shown everyone that you're not just a magician or a simple warrior.
And to think those rumors were just a form of envy towards Thalía. Well, at least I won't hear them anymore. Also, professor, I hope you keep your promise because I'll really eat a lot.
-Have mercy on me... my salary isn't as high as everyone thinks-
So, that's why those rumors existed. "He'll take advantage of them," "just a magician who knows some good tricks," words that annoyed me, but I simply ignored them. I think it was the same for the others as well.
-Professor...-
-Call me Lancer, you've earned that right.-
-Okay, Lancer, tell me something about those heroes who appeared before me. Why were they brought here?-
It's clear you're not from this world like they are. You see, every so often, the Demon King returns to wipe out all the other races and bring them under his control. That's where the princess chosen by god comes in. She brings warriors capable of wielding divine gifts and killing the Demon King.
-So, technically, they'll be the ones doing the dirty work of killing that Demon King?-
Well, if you put it that way, it sounds bad, but that's how things are. Nobody from this world can wield those weapons. The training time ended, and the girls gathered around me as we headed to another place.
-Shiro, you were amazing back there. I didn't know you could use wind magic to propel yourself like that, - Veronica said.
Well, I've practiced various fighting styles for a long time, but what you saw wasn't magic. What I did was Swift Step, a trick that I and several of my companions use to move through the air.
-Hey, Thalía, maybe he can help us improve our weapon handling-
-He could "help" you, but I won't teach you anything further. But that will come with a condition-
-Remember that you're my familiar, so you should obey me without hesitation, - Thalía said with a somewhat terrifying expression.
-I'll be your familiar and all that, but I also have to get something out of this. So, how about this: I'll help you in exchange for your help-
-Well, honestly, the way you put it sounds reasonable. What do you want in return?-
-Well, you see, before you summoned me, I was in the midst of searching for new things beyond my original system. So now that I'm here in a completely different world, I want to learn more about this world. Would you help me?-
-Of course! - they all said at the same time.
-I know quite a bit about beasts... and many magical creatures, so... I hope that information helps you in some way, - Verónica said.
-I can also tell you a lot about how the world works, - Tereria chimed in enthusiastically.
-And, of course, I, as your teacher, will teach you everything about history and magic that you want to learn. So, you also teach us to improve-
-Sure, I'll teach you as much as I can!-
Honestly, they're not that bad even though it's only been two days. I believe my time here could be enjoyable. Now that I know some things, I'd like to learn about the education and training of all the intelligent races.
Without realizing it, we arrived at a large dining hall where everyone gathered to eat. Since I hadn't eaten anything other than fruit since I came here, it's probably a good idea to try the local food. As we approached the area where everyone was ordering their meals, someone approached me from behind.
-Well, as promised, I'll treat you all to lunch today. But seriously, don't order anything expensive... my wallet hurts.-
-Don't worry, with my size, I can eat for a dozen people, - I said with a small smile.
After having some fun with Lancer and with the help of the girls, we chose something from the menu and moved to an empty table.
-Well, since we'll be working together, I don't see why we shouldn't get to know each other better. So, each of you can ask me a question, and then I'll ask each of you-
They all looked at each other for a while as if they were agreeing on what to ask me.
-Well, I'll go first. Who are you really? - Thalía asked.
Well, that question has multiple answers, but to summarize, I'm a relic from an ancient civilization that ruled in my world. I was a warrior who served greedy emperors covered in gold and who could live forever. When they tried to kill me and my siblings, we took up arms and killed them. In the end, chaos and confusion remained, but things eventually settled down after years.
-So, you killed your former lords?-
-Yes, even though they were immortal, we managed to kill them. They truly deserved it-
She looked somewhat concerned, but it seems any thoughts she had were put at ease for the moment.
-So, that war lasted for a few years? - Lancer asked.
Well, I don't know why I should answer that question to you, but fine, that war didn't last a short time. It must have lasted at least 25 years. It was a brutal war since we were outnumbered. We weren't many, but we weren't weak either, and in the end, we gained the freedom we had been seeking.
-But you seem quite young?-
-Well, I'm around 375 years old-
Everyone let out a small surprised cry and looked at me as if I were exaggerating my age.
-But you look so young... I can't believe it.-
-Well, believe it or not, I can't die of old age, and I'll leave it at that.-
-And do you have any family? - Verónica asked.
-Yes, I have my older sister, Elizabet. She's the only family I have, and you'll probably get to know her, although I'll tell you that she can't speak. It's more complicated than you might think-
-Did your sister also come here?-
-Yes, she came just moments before I appeared on that platform-
-Well, for the last question, what's that "armor" of yours? - Tereria said.
---------------------------------------
-That "armor" is called a warframe. Originally, they were warriors who were sent into battle but proved to be ineffective. That's where my siblings and I came in. With our power, we could control the warframes and fight. There's more to it, but I'll tell you more about it later-
I take a few spoonfuls into my mouth and swallow before continuing:
-Alright, now it's my turn to ask questions. How long have you known each other?-
-Well, I was Thalía's neighbor when we were 8 years old. As far as I remember, we both dreamed of becoming great adventurers and leaving our marks in this world-
-Yes, Tereria has always been a dreamy person. But... I can't deny that I was also excited about the idea of having adventures. And because of that dream, the two of us signed up here together. We took the entrance exam together, and we'll also graduate together-
-And what about me? Did you forget about me? (Verónica pouts)-
-Hahaha, Verónica joined us when the two of us entered. She became our roommate, and over time, we became good friends. Many things happened in these 2 years. I'm glad the three of us will be graduating together-
-It's been a long journey to get here, and I hope the adventures are just beginning, - Verónica said, raising her glass of water-
They all raised their glasses, toasting with joy, while I looked on with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. I knew what it was like to belong to a group where everyone supported each other. Seeing this scene fills me with pain.
-Well... Well, the truth is, I have a rough idea of your relationships now. That's enough for me. I know that we'll gradually get to know each other better, so now I hope we'll get along even better than we do now-
We continued chatting as we finished our meal, and I simply enjoyed the atmosphere. It reminded me of days long gone by, when I also shared moments with my brothers-in-arms. Those are days I would wish to return to. Now, I have a new adventure and a new world ahead. I wonder, what would you say if you were here with me?