As we sat together, I elaborated further, "I have a leveling up system, every time I kill a monster or beast, or pretty much anything that is living, I gain experience. The more experience I gain, the higher my level becomes, and with each level, I grow stronger. It means more levels equal more power. Additionally, whenever I defeat something with abilities or skills, I can absorb and incorporate those skills into my own repertoire. That's why after I killed the first Lava Ryot, I stopped sweating and became heat resistant."
Aria looked into my eyes with a serious yet understanding expression. "You really think I'm going to stop being with you just because you're different? As I said, Tatsuya, I will stay by your side no matter what."
My relief was palpable, and I smiled at her words. However, I had one more revelation to share. "But there's one more thing, Aria. I come from another world. I've basically reincarnated into this world. I used to live in a 'normal' universe, a life without powers or anything like in this world. We were more advanced technologically as well. But after living 24 years in that world, I experienced a tragic death and ended up here. As a vampire with a leveling system."
Aria's playful response brought a smile to my face. She chuckled and said, "Well, Tatsuya, I hope you weren't a pervert in your past life!"
We both laughed together, and her sense of humor made me even more grateful for her friendship. It was a moment of relief and bonding between us.
I smiled at her teasing remark about my past life, "No, Aria, I promise I wasn't a pervert in my previous life. But I am glad you're taking all of this so well."
After a few days, I attempted to teach Kaori how to develop her magic, I couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. "Kaori, please concentrate. It's been three hours already, and you need to focus," I urged her. We'd been practicing diligently, and it felt like we were hitting a wall. But I knew that mastering magic took time and patience.
Finally, after hours of persistence, we observed a tiny spark of her magic. Aria, who had been observing our efforts, couldn't contain her excitement. She exclaimed, "Healing Magic?!?!?!" Her surprise was palpable, and it was infectious. After a moment, Aria composed herself and explained, "Kaori possesses Healing Magic, which is incredibly rare. Few people in this kingdom or any other possess such a magical ability. It's an extraordinary find."
I couldn't help but ask, "How do you know about this, Aria?" She responded with enthusiasm, "I've read about it in ancient books in the library and my sister also mentioned it. Healing Magic users are incredibly rare." The realization of Kaori's unique gift, combined with the knowledge of her ordeal with the bandits, left me feeling somber.
Turning to Kaori, I couldn't help but express my pride, "Well done, Kaori! I'm really proud of you." Kaori, who was still somewhat reserved when it came to talking, approached me and hugged me tightly.
Then, it struck me – I had no idea how old Kaori was. Curiosity got the best of me, and I inquired, "How old are you, Kaori?" Her timid response confirmed that she was only five years old. I smiled warmly and replied, "Thank you for telling me," as I returned her hug. At the same time, I realized my own eighth birthday was approaching on March 19, while today was March 2, making me contemplate how quickly time was passing by.
Curiosity tugged at my thoughts as I leaned in, asking Aria, "When is your birthday?"
With a gentle smile, Aria replied, "I will be turning 27 soon." I then asked what month. Aria replied "In Ventadora the 12th." I then asked super confused, "Wait what?! Ventadora? What do you mean." Aria then replied "You don't know the months?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she added, "Our world's months are different from what you're used to then."
Eager to learn more, I leaned in, and Aria began to reveal the enigmatic calendar:
1st: Novusary - The month of rebirth and new beginnings.
2nd: Auroros - A month marked by a brilliant and mystical phenomenon.
3rd: Verdantora - A time when the world is lush with vibrant, otherworldly flora.
4th: Igniember - A month of intense fire and passion, mirroring changes.
5th: Lunatrix - The month when the world's lunar energy is at its zenith.
6th: Etherion - A time when ethereal forces become prominent.
7th: Memorionth - A month dedicated to honoring and preserving the past.
8th: Revelesis - A period of profound revelations and discoveries that impact the world.
9th: Pyrocrest - A time when the world is ignited with the potential for transformation.
10th: Samsarasky - A month of contemplation and existential exploration.
11th: Nirvanda - A period of deep inner peace and enlightenment.
12th: Harmonysol - The year ends with a harmonious and unifying energy.
As Aria described the essence of each month, my imagination was captivated. The names of these months painted a vivid picture of the world she came from, and I couldn't help but marvel at the richness of her culture.
Our conversation deepened our connection, the tapestry of her world weaving itself into my understanding, while Kaori played in the background.
As the door to the tavern swung open, Hoki, the friendly bartender and host, greeted us with a warm smile. His voice was as inviting as his hospitality. "Hey there, folks, what can I get you today?"
Aria and I exchanged glances, considering our options. I was the first to respond, "I can't really drink any alcohol; I'm still a child." I wasn't quite ready for the complex flavors and sensations that came with alcoholic beverages.
Aria, on the other hand, had a more adventurous spirit when it came to trying new things. She turned to Hoki and said, "Just give him a normal drink, and I'll take anything as well. Thanks, Hoki."
Hoki nodded, his eyes twinkling with understanding, and began to prepare our drinks at the counter. He was skilled at mixing and pouring, and the atmosphere of the tavern was filled with a comforting hum of laughter and camaraderie.
As I waited for our drinks, my mind began to wander. I couldn't help but think about the differences between our worlds. "So if March 19th was my birthday in my world," I pondered silently, "then in this world, my birthday would be at Igniember 12th." The idea intrigued me, as it gave me a sense of connection to this new place.
As Hoki returned with our drinks, setting them down on the counter, I noticed that my glass held a refreshing and unfamiliar beverage. Aria's drink, on the other hand, was a mysterious, colorful concoction. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, realizing that this would be the first drink I'd taste that wasn't water.
With a smile, Hoki encouraged us, "Enjoy, folks! And if you ever need anything else, just give me a shout."
As I took a cautious sip, the flavors danced on my tongue, and I marveled at the sensation of something new and different. It was a symbol of the fresh experiences and discoveries that awaited me in this captivating world. I glanced at Aria, who was savoring her drink with delight, and I knew that this was just the beginning of our incredible journey together.
The tavern buzzed with life, a haven for travelers and locals alike, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be part of this vibrant tapestry. My adventure was only just beginning, and with each passing day, I was sure to uncover more about the world, its people, and myself."
The scene transitioned, and we were presented with a different point of view. From the outside, we gazed upon a magnificent, towering castle. Its grandeur was nothing short of breathtaking, with tall spires and fortified walls, casting long shadows that reached across the land.
The camera panned inside, revealing a room shrouded in darkness, but not entirely devoid of light. At the center of this dimly lit chamber was a throne, an imposing and ominous seat of power. Seated upon it was a young woman, her appearance striking and mysterious.
She possessed short, dark blue hair that framed her face, contrasting with her pale, almost porcelain-like skin. Her eyes, as black as the deepest abyss, glistened with an unsettling intensity. Her attire was equally enigmatic – a black top that left her midriff exposed, and long grey pants that began above her waist and stretched all the way down to her feet. Her black shoes completed the outfit.
The young woman, a ruler by the look of it, was not a figure to be underestimated. Her presence was commanding, her gaze penetrating, and the aura of authority that surrounded her was undeniable. She reclined on the throne, her posture relaxed yet bearing an air of deadly elegance.
Beneath her, a group of twelve individuals knelt in submission, their faces obscured by hoods. They formed a circle, their heads bowed in reverence to their leader, whose name was known only to them. Each member of this shadowy council was bound by an oath of loyalty to the enigmatic ruler.
She began to speak, her voice carrying authority and a chilling undertone of menace. "You all must find him, and kill him," she declared with an unshakable resolution, her eyes gleaming like a hunter stalking its prey. Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her command.
The council members nodded, their faces hidden, but their compliance apparent. The task at hand was clear, and they would carry out their ruler's orders with unwavering determination.
As the scene lingered in the dimly lit chamber, it was evident that a complex and shadowy plot was unfolding, one that held the promise of intrigue and danger. The enigmatic ruler and her council were ready to set a plan in motion, with their target marked for a fate unknown to anyone but them.