-???? POV-
"Stop fucking complaining! This is why I hate going on missions with you!" A green haired girl shouted in frustration and anger at her partner, they both are wearing a special combination with masks hiding their faces.
"Im not complaining, im just stating facts! Going on missions with a weakling such as yourself is tiring and annoying. Is Lana-sama not aware of this fact? She is quite strong so she should know about this." The white haired boy placed his arms behind his head as he continued his mocking.
"Ugh so annoying..." The green haired girl seemed to accept that fact, as if she recognized being weaker than the white haired guy.
"Well at least nothing special happens in this part of the forest so you not going to drag me down too much. I'll allow you for this one last time. But I wonder why they send me to this trash bin. It's so boring and only weaklings walk around this place..." The two youngsters were having this conversation while walking through the elemental forest next to Daloria, and while the white haired guy was doing his complaining routine, his partner seemed shocked for some reason.
"Harry..." She barely muttered, it was a sigh she saw for the first time on her life.
"As I was saying I will fill a demand to change my post to another country since this shit is bor..." But Harry was immediately cut halfway through his sentence.
"HARRY! LOOK!" She pointed to her right.
"What the fuck do you want you midge..." As he followed the the way she was pointing to, his voice died down too.
"Hooo~ It seems it was not that boring after all." He rubbed his chin to calm his excitement.
"See you idiot? Never underestimate this job! Everything is possible." She crossed her arms under her chest.
"Shut it you midget. I have to do something." He ignored her once again while taking a certain device that should not exist on this era and this world.
"Im jealous, why dont I get a magical camera too..." She muttered to herself.
"This has to get to lady Lara, im sure she will pleased with that! Maybe she will transfer me somewhere more interesting?" He proceeded to take pictures of what he was looking at.
-Ayanokoji POV-
We decided to separate, Master wanted to try his abilities somewhere while I gather some information and steal money for him.
I was trained for everything so something like this is a child's play for me, in a normal world that is. Here the mana variable throws all of my cards away, if mana gives people abilities to sense their surrounding as a form of spacial awareness from danger then I might get caught and even beat up.
My fight with that examiner is proof of my theory, he seemed to expect my movement even the punches I threw from his blind spots, also his strength was no joke, also speed and defense. So the problem here is mana itself.
So this leaves me with the only option to collect information first, then proceed to steal money. This is why I am here at the outskirt of Daloria, I ended up secretly following a group of three young new adventurers, two girls and a boy.
I could hear their conversation while using my stealth techniques to track them unnoticed, I did not target strong or experienced adventurers and went with these one to not get into trouble and stay safe, I also have a plan B but this is not for now.
"Let's just take it easy guys, we are just starting so let's not rush things up" A teenager clad in a cheap looking and incomplete leather armor spoke to his two friends, trying to ease the mood.
"Y-yeah, its not as if i-its scary or something. We will only face low level monsters like slimes, right?" The pink haired girl asked, concern visible in both her face and body as she clenched her fists around her staff.
"Stop thinking about it so much guys, let's just get to it." Firmly spoke the last member of the squad, she seems to be the leader from her attitude, she walked to her destination as the two followed behind her.
As the adventurers ventured deeper into the forest, they came upon a clearing where a group of slimes writhed and bubbled, their gelatinous forms pulsating with a dim light. Ayanokoji watched with a calculated interest as the adventurers sprang into action.
The young female mage with an uncertain grip on her staff, summoned a small burst of flame that seared the air with heat. Ayanokoji noted the way mana coalesced around her and the way she channeled her mana through her whole body and the shimmering aura that danced in response to her will, after all, he could sense mana at this point.
The second adventurer, a stalwart warrior with a blade as broad as his shoulders, charged forward with a roar, his weapon slicing through the air with practiced precision. Ayanokoji observed the ebb and flow of mana within the warrior, a steady current that fueled his every movement.
The other girl, a nimble rogue with daggers glinting in the dappled light, danced among the slimes with the grace of a leaf on the wind. Ayanokoji's gaze lingered on the rogue, noting the subtle fluctuations of mana as she wove through the battle with effortless agility.
From the shadows, Ayanokoji continued his silent observation, his mind a whirlwind of calculations and deductions. Not failing to notice the small crystal shaped forms that fell from these slain creatures, each one resembling its wearer color 'The slimes'
"Their teamwork is very awful and they are not coordinated at all... Well this is not enough, Nouflex-sama will not be satisfied with this. I guess I will have to go with the plan B" Ayanokoji noted in his mind as he intentionally let his mana leak from his body, still hiding in the bushes.
As the battle reached its climax and the last of the slimes dissolved into shimmering puddles. The group of adventurer did not catch their break yet as they felt something unusual in the atmosphere.
"Guys you feel that right?" The young female mage being the one with best control and affinity with mana was the first to sense the weird mana signature roaming in the air.
"Yeah, someone or something is close..." The young man added, confirming the mage's doubts.
Turning to face the place where they sensed this mana leakage, the rogue of the team shouted from afar. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
In the bush 40 meters away from them a figure emerged in a rather spacial attire they have never seen in their lives, it was Ayanokoji with his usual expressionless face making them unable to read this guy's intentions.
"Sorry, I did not mean to scare you or something it's just that I was rather curious about mana and monsters that is." He said, his words carrying the weight of sincerity. "I mean you no harm."
The young mage tensed, her staff held at the ready, while the warrior's grip tightened on his blade. The rogue eyed Ayanokoji with suspicion, her daggers poised for action.
"I am but a starting adventurer, much like yourselves." Ayanokoji continued, his tone gentle yet persuasive, yet his expression did not waver for his bored usual state. "I am new to these lands, seeking only to understand and explore."
The mage narrowed her eyes, a flicker of doubt crossing her features. "And how do we know you speak the truth?" She asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Ayanokoji smiled, a warmth creeping into his gaze. "You can sense it, can you not?" He replied, his eyes flickering with a glint of otherworldly wisdom. "The resonance of my mana, pure and untainted by malice. I am not your enemy, im just trying to be friendly and have some information, maybe I can even help you someway."
The warrior exchanged a wary glance with his companions, uncertainty clouding his features. "What do you seek from us, why were you following us?" he demanded, his voice gruff but curious.
Ayanokoji lowered his hands, the glow of his mana fading into the shadows. "Knowledge." He answered simply, his voice carrying a note of quiet determination. "Knowledge of this world, its secrets, its mysteries. And perhaps, in time, companionship on this journey of discovery."
The rogue studied Ayanokoji with a shrewd gaze, her daggers still poised for action but no longer threatening. "And what do you bring to this companionship?" she asked, her voice laced with challenge.
Ayanokoji's smile widened, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Skill..." he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of confidence. "Skill honed through countless trials and tribulations, knowledge gleaned from a lifetime of exploration. And, if you'll have me, a friend who will stand by your side through whatever dangers lie ahead."
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Then, slowly but surely, the tension in the clearing began to ease. The mage lowered her staff, the warrior relaxed his stance, and the rogue sheathed her daggers with a knowing smirk.
"Very well." The warrior said, his voice gruff but accepting. I guess we could help a fellow."
"But we"re still newbies though, just like you." The mage seemed to relax a little but by Ayanokoji's expression
"We can help you with this knowledge you seek even though we lack it too, but telling you basics wouldn't hurt. But before that we have somethings to do." The rogue explained.
"Sure." Ayanokoji simply replied while nodding his head.
With the slimes defeated and their camaraderie solidified, the group of adventurers had business to attend to. They decided to bring Ayanokoji along to the bustling hub of activity known as the Adventurer's Guild.
As they entered the guild, Ayanokoji was greeted by a whirlwind of sights and sounds, some were reaction to his bizarre clothes while others were simple conversations between adventurers. Tables lined with maps and parchments stretched across the room, adventurers of all shapes and sizes swapping tales of daring exploits.
All in all, the air was alive with the hum of excitement and opportunity, typical adventurers guild you would find anywhere in those novels and mangas.
The group approached a counter where a grizzled guild clerk awaited them, his eyes sharp and shrewd. With a practiced ease, the adventurers placed the crystals they had collected from the slain slimes on the counter, and the clerk inspected them with a keen eye.
Ayanokoji watched with interest as the clerk appraised the crystals, noting the way his fingers deftly turned them over, the glint of recognition in his eyes. The clerk nodded approvingly, and with a swift motion, he produced a very small pouch of coins, the clink of metal echoing through the guild hall.
As the adventurers accepted their payment, Ayanokoji leaned in closer, absorbing every detail of the transaction. He observed the way currency flowed in this world, the value placed on rare materials, the intricacies of trade and negotiation.
With each passing moment, Ayanokoji's understanding deepened, his mind a sponge soaking up the nuances of this new world. He listened intently as the adventurers conversed with the clerk, learning of quests and bounties, of dangers lurking in the shadows and treasures waiting to be unearthed.
He is the perfect human, he could memorize and understand anything in a blink of an eye.
That continued until it was already the sunset, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the rugged landscape, the group made their way to the edge of the forest, where the kingdom's walls stood tall against the encroaching darkness.
Here, they made camp, kindling a fire that crackled and danced in the gathering twilight.
Sitting in a circle around the fire, the adventurers began to speak, their voices mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of nocturnal creatures. They introduced themselves one by one, each revealing their name and their chosen path in life.
The young mage, called Nathalie her eyes bright with the flickering flames, spoke of her studies in the arcane arts, of the spells she had mastered and the basic mysteries she sought to survive
The warrior, called Lucas ,his form illuminated by the fire's glow, regaled them the story of how his uncle who was a military solider trained him the art of the sword in order to make a living and go on adventures, his sword a steadfast companion at his side.
The rogue, Kora her smile as enigmatic as the shadows around them, spoke of stealth and cunning, of secrets uncovered and fortunes amassed.
After the short introduction, he noticed that each one of the group shared one common dream, 'To become the strongest', maybe every adventurer dreams of this. Still needs to be confirmed later.
And then it was Ayanokoji's turn. "I am Ash." He began, his voice carrying a melodic cadence that seemed to reflect his bored expression "As I said im new here I came from a very far place and I know nothing about mana so Im trying to find someone who at least would teach me the basics."
Ayanokoji hearing their will to help him learn, he sudeently shifted his attention to the topic of magic. "Guys please tell me. How does one go about learning magic in this world?"
The young mage Nathalie, her eyes alight with passion, was the first to respond. "Magic is a gift from the gods." She explained, her voice resonating with reverence. "But it is also a skill that must be honed and mastered. Most people have an affinity for one element, such as fire, water, or earth. Some are fortunate enough to have an affinity for two elements, but they are rare."
Ayanokoji nodded thoughtfully, absorbing this information. "And what of those who have only one affinity?" He asked.
The rogue Kora chimed in, her tone pragmatic. "For those with only one affinity, learning new techniques of other affinities can be a costly endeavor." She explained. "You see, there are scrolls available that teach specific skills, such as a fireball or a lightning bolt. But these scrolls are expensive, beyond the reach of most adventurers."
The warrior Lucas grunted in agreement. "Aye, I've seen those scrolls." He said, his voice gruff. "They cost a small fortune, and even then, there's no guarantee of success. Many a novice has wasted coin on a scroll they did not know how to learn and master."
Ayanokoji furrowed his brow, considering this information. "So, what you're saying is that to learn new techniques, one must either have a natural affinity for the desired element or be willing to pay a hefty price for a scroll?"
Nathalie nodded, her expression solemn. "That's correct." She confirmed.
Ayanokoji's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he considered the matter of determining one's elemental affinity. "And how does one discover their elemental affinity?" He inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
Nathalie sighed softly, her gaze turning to the stars above. "There is a way, once a person reaches the age of sixteen, they can undergo an appraisal test at the Magic Academy."
"Aye." Lucas interjected, his brow furrowed in thought. "The academy evaluates your magical talent and affinity. Those with exceptional skills may be scouted for the military or even sponsored to study at the academy."
Kora nodded in agreement, her lips pressed into a thin line. "But there's a catch." She added, her voice tinged with resignation. "If you're over sixteen, you have to pay a gold coin for the appraisal. Not an easy price for most folks, especially for a starting group like ourselves."
Ayanokoji glanced around at the makeshift campsite, his curiosity piqued. "Forgive me for asking, but why are we sleeping out here in the forest instead of staying at a hotel?" He inquired, his tone tinged with genuine curiosity.
Nathalie with an awkward smile, her expression somber. "It's simple," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of their circumstances. "We're broke, Ash. The only things we have are the gear on our backs and the coin we made from the slime killing."
Lucas nodded in agreement, his features grim. "Aye, staying at a hotel costs coin, and right now, we don't have enough to spare."
Kora chimed in, her tone pragmatic. "We have to make do with what we have." She added, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest for signs of danger. "And besides, sleeping out here isn't so bad. It's peaceful, and it gives us a chance to bond as a group."
After the explanation, a suddent awkawrd sIlence fell in the group due to the lack of topic to speak about, something Ayanokoji waited for from the beggining to start his plan. And as the fire crackled and the night deepened, Ayanokoji's gaze lingered on the flames, his mind calculating and precise.
He knew that now was the time to weave the threads of manipulation, to plant the seeds of influence that would bind these adventurers to him.
"My friends." he began, his voice soft but commanding. "We stand on the cusp of a great journey, a journey fraught with peril and uncertainty. But together, united as one, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our path."
As Nathalie, the petite naive girl of the group nodded and was about to agree, Kora with her sharp eyes. "But how do we know we can trust each other?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
Ayanokoji smiled, a glint of confidence dancing in his eyes. "Trust is earned, not given freely." He replied, his words a whisper on the wind. "But I believe that true companionship is forged in the crucible of adversity, that in the face of danger, we will stand together as one."
Lucas nodded in agreement, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Aye, I've fought alongside many in my time." He said, his voice gruff but earnest. "But few have proven themselves worthy of trust and friendship."
Ayanokoji's smile widened, a flicker of satisfaction playing across his features. "Then let us prove ourselves." He replied, his voice ringing with conviction. "Let us stand by each other's side, through thick and thin, through victory and defeat. Let us be the companions we seek, the friends we long for."
Kora watched Ayanokoji with a shrewd gaze, her expression unreadable. But then, a smile spread across her lips, a spark of something warm and genuine lighting up her eyes.
"You speak truth, Ash." She said, her voice soft but resolute. "And I, for one, am willing to take that chance. To walk this path together, to face whatever may come, as friends."
And with those words, the bond was sealed. The adventurers clasped hands around the flickering fire, their hearts united in a common purpose.
For in that moment, they knew that they were not just companions on a journey, but true friends, bound by the threads of fate and the promise of adventure. And in Ayanokoji, they had found a companion, a guide, and a friend who would walk with them every step of the way.
"But now it's getting late, we are waking up early tomorrow morning, go to sleep guys." Kora tossed her twin daggers next to her as she curled on the ground ready to sleep.
Lucas did the same placing his sword next to his body, as well as his leather jacked that was providing minimal protection to his upper body. "Right, energy is very important when fighting monster." He said lying in the ground.
As for Nathalie, she hugged her staff. "Good night guys." She muttured. Everyone was tired after their first fight and adventure.
And finally Ayanokoji did the same, as he lied down to the ground to rest after the long day.
TO BE CONTINUED --->