I've lived a decently long life—at least, I think I have, by my standards.
My point is, I've seen a lot of things in life. I have experienced quite a variety of odd situations. Heck, I'd say I've experienced them far more than the average person. What can I say? My life was a hectic one.
Still, none of that could've prepared me for the situation I had found myself in at that moment. In a bizarre, foreign world, I had somehow ended up causing an elf to piss herself.
Why? Why had that happened? All I wanted to do was settle in by getting all formalities out of the way.
"Uh…" I spoke up, not sure what to even say.
Whatever I might've come up with was left unsaid, as boisterous laughter caught my attention.
Turning my head, I found myself facing yet another elf, who had just stepped out of an elevator.
"Looks like we've got an unusual visitor today," the elf spoke in a hearty manner as he observed me from head to toe.
He looked oddly similar to the female elf. Perhaps, a relative of hers? The key difference between them was the color of their eyes. His were green.
I was at a loss, unsure about what to say. Should I just greet him?
"Good evening," I uttered after a brief contemplation.
"Good evening, good evening," he responded, smiling widely before his gaze shifted to the female elf. "It seems like you've given my granddaughter quite the fright."
Granddaughter? He looks to be thirty at most. Then again, elves are a long-living race. At least, my guess about them being related was spot-on.
"About that," I began, "I have no idea what's going on."
"No worries," the man waved his hand dismissively. "I have a firm grasp of what must've occurred."
"If you would be so kind as to clear my confusion," I said with a nervous chuckle.
Hey, I didn't exactly enjoy making an elf piss herself in what appeared to be sheer terror. I kind of felt bad—though I was secretly hoping her reaction was some form of trauma triggering not me just being traumatizing or something.
"Leya over there is overly sensitive to Channelers."
"And those would be…?"
"Ah… you're from a closed-off region?" he asked, tilting his head.
"You could say so," I responded, deciding to omit the actual truth of me being a damn otherworlder.
Heck, I was entirely committed to keeping that bit of information to myself. Who knew what sort of horrors awaited someone like me?
"Well, Channelers would be those capable of manipulating Prima in the air."
Prima… From the way he's speaking of it, it must be some form of energy all around us. Perhaps something like Mana?
"I see…" I said, deciding to investigate properly later. "And what does that have to do with me?"
The elf gave me a weird look before responding, "Do you not realize it yourself? In her eyes, you're practically a monster composed purely of Prima, with the way it's coursing through you."
While I wasn't sure how to feel about being called a monster—especially after having dealt with the Nightmares—though I kind of got what he was referring to.
I considered a few possibilities before ultimately concluding that Prima must be what had been letting me freely materialize whatever the hell I wanted (besides anything living, anyway).
"Well, not much I can do about that, can I?" I decided to just shrug the ordeal off.
I was given another weird look. I wonder what's going on in his head right now.
"You can, in fact, do something about it," he explained.
Well, fuck. Is it something that's common sense around here?
"Just where are you from?" the elf asked, raising one brow, his tone dripping with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
"Well, you said so yourself," I said with a faked chuckle, "somewhere rather secluded."
"To the point of being unfamiliar with Prima and its usage?"
"Can't say much about that. Didn't exactly have anyone to teach me about that sort of stuff."
The elf took in my words and nodded solemnly before speaking. "In that case, it would be best for you to attend the academy. There is only so much you can learn from others. Given the way things are here, you might very well end up dead before finding out much."
"I suppose so. Though, what is this academy?"
"One of Pera's most well-known spots—the Auralis Academy."
"What exactly is taught there?"
"Mostly what's essential. Though, there are branches you could delve into if you're interested."
I considered the notion. A new world was something that needed proper research. Initially, I was planning to visit the local library to do so, but the academy sounded like a far better alternative.
Not only would it allow me to obtain proper information as I had intended, but it would also grant me a few other benefits. Namely, connections and a "background" that could possibly ward off suspicion about my origins.
"I would like to attend this academy. What do I need to do?"
"Do you, now?" the elf questioned with a grin. "In that case, leave it to me. I'll handle your enrollment."
"Is that so? Thank you."
How convenient - I mean, nice of him.
"You're most welcome…" his voice trailed off with a tinge of expectation, which I assumed was him asking for my name.
"Mikael. Mikael Lightburn," I spoke.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Lightburn. I am Leron Greene, son of Arden Greene, who is commonly known as the Sixth Progenitor."
"Likewise, Mr. Greene," I responded.
"Please, just Leron will do."
"Got it."
In all honesty, I wasn't surprised by the revelation. An elf with so much poise and control in the City Center? It didn't take a genius to make the connection between him and the so-called Sixth Progenitor.
Then, I remembered something crucial: Ah, the female elf!
I turned my head, only to find that she had disappeared. When did that happen?
"Do excuse my granddaughter. She needs some space at the moment. Though, I must say, I truly hope the two of you get along in the future."
Yeah, right. That first impression is going to be one hell of an obstacle.