Neagi, the world born after the death of the old earth. She replaced the metal world of old with green sceneries. Many unfamiliar species of animals were born coexisting with the survivors. Plants were never seen before sprawled here and there. The untainted waters of the sea and fresh cool air of the surroundings were enough to bring the people with so much joy. 

This was a new world and their new home.

Neagi’s heart was singe from the guilt, seeing her inhabitants suffer from the calamity she caused during her succession.

Thus, to further ease their hearts, she gave a blessing, the power to make their lives easier on this world.

The people were thankful for all the blessings they receive. This was the power to manipulate laws of the world, beyond the comprehension of science. [Magika]

A few years went by, the people had adapted their new way of life. They harnessed their gifts and life indeed became easier.  

But a place which blessed by beauty is fated to be destroyed one day.

Space vibrated and dark cracks formed. From the deep wounds of the space, the creatures from the different realm came to light.

Why have they come?

None of the people proposed an answer. But one thing's for sure they knew the purpose of their power.

War will happen.

And it did…             

 

The world had changed so much from the world three hundred years ago.

There are still so many mysteries that have yet to unravel. And many unknowns that have yet to be discovered. New plants and animals as well as different people and creatures are now dwelling in this world. Even after three hundred years, the Neagians are still struggling to know the truths of the things that lie before them.

As a philosopher, isn’t it normal to thirst for the knowledge this new world has to offer?

I want to know.

“I want to know many things about this world.”

Not by books, not on the internet. Not by the reports of the House of Eclipse. I want to see them with my own eye

That’s why…

            "I want to go on an adventure"

 

-\(0.0)/-

 

“Sir…?”

“Your Eminence?”

“Oh, sorry I was just lost in thought”

The boy was dragged out from his world by the voices of the two persons around him. The clattering of hooves on the stone pavements became more evident as it resonated with the voices of people outside the window. This noisy atmosphere gives a different vibe from what he was used to. The boy must be wondering where were they are now so the woman in front takes the initiative to answer his stored question.

“We are now entering on the capital of the kingdom of Richfield, Roseburg, Your Eminence”

“I see… any sign of them, Mr. Smith?”

“None, Sir. But they are scattered all across the globe. They probably notified their insiders on the capital”

The coachman Gilbert Smith responded, swiveling his narrowed eyes to his surroundings as he held the reins of his horses.  

Their vehicle is now traversing slowly on the downward slope of the hill on the grass-covered field. Several carriages passed them by with creak of its frame, resisting the pressure of the full number of people inside.

People were walking on the side road like the party of warriors with their armor clattered on every move. Their also wizards whose garbs were fluttering as they flew on a magic carpet. These numbers of people kept increasing as were they getting closed to the capital.

They have travel for several days with no incidents so far and they are thankful for the safe journey. But sometimes trouble always comes when times your guards are down. That's why Gilbert had always put the utmost vigilance even if his job is already near over. There's a chance those guys will show up.

“Knowing them, it's only a matter of time before you get caught, Your Eminence," she said

“That time will probably take several years, you don't have to worry about me, Miss Everdeen.”

The boy consoled her temporary maid, Rebecca Everdeen with a smile. But that smile warped to an innocent grin as he says something like it was the obvious thing.

"Not matter what they do, their hands will never reach me. They might catch me in their eyes, but that's all they can do"

"You're a master of escape after all, Sir."

Gilbert supported the boy's remark. Knowing her friend which had a good always made a good judgment. Rebecca sighed as her concerns were unfounded. She had a rough guess of how powerful the boy was. But a guess is nothing more than a guess. Gilbert's words are more than assuring for her.

After a few minutes, a long queue of people was already in their eye's reach. Their destined kingdom was celebrating their one-week founding festival so it's reasonable if many people were going to attend but, they were probably not expecting this much number of people.

Gilbert can only smile wryly at the scene akin to the great migration. The boy poked his head out, but in contrast to gilbert, his eyes shone brightly instead by scenery before him.

They came a long way and finally, they were here.

“Stop the carriage”

“Sir?”

Gilbert asked, bewildered by his sudden command. They are still a few distanced between them from the long train of people. With such a short distance, isn't better to escort him to the end of the line? But for the boy, this was enough.

“I take it from here.”

Gilbert probably understands what he meant by those words. He steered his carriage to the nearby tree a little far from the side road to unload his precious passenger. The beat of hooves slowed down until horses came to halt.

The boy opened the door and set his feet to the foreign ground. He took moment to feel the atmosphere of the place as the wind brushed his ashen hair and making his white coat aflutter.

He turned around to see the two persons he share a little time with standing behind him. He gazed at them for a little longer with a warm smile.

His journey has been fun because of these two helpers. Now it's time to part their ways. The boy bowed his head to offer his heartfelt gratitude.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Gilbert and Miss Rebecca. I caused you guys trouble…”

“Don’t be sir, as a Household of Amity, It's our job to provide any assistance to our citizens who are in need of help. We're truly sorry that this is all we can do for someone as your status"

 “G-gilbert is right, your eminence. We’re sorry we can’t provide anymore better assistance than this”

Gilbert shooked his head in disagreement instead, he offered an apology for the meager help they provided. While Rebecca shrieked her agreement with him as she waved her hand wildly in protest.

They probably assaulted by guilt to see someone with a high status bowing his head when they can’t even provide that he truly needs.

But to the boy, their efforts are more than enough. After all, with his situation, it's no exaggeration to say that no person will help him. He's grateful for the experience they share with him.

“No… You guys have done plenty enough. Thank you”      

He retreated a few steps from them to gaze the towering castle of the capital which visible around the vicinity. This castle was what posted on the internet. And now he's here. The huge difference in reality from the virtual for the boy was gratifying.

He doesn't have any baggage around him. For a person who sets out a journey, its common sense to bring any necessities. But these two servants knew he already has everything he needs except for that one thing. As if to prove their thoughts, haven raise his hand to a snap –

The space in front was drilled to a ball size dark void. He moved his hand inside the space to get his favored head gear out in the open –a white hat and a white mask with x marks as its eyes. The portal shrink to nothingness right after the hat was out. He donned his hat and his mask before facing them again.

“I’ll be going now, Ms. Everdeen and Mr. Smith.”

“Farewell.”

He nodded his head while holding down the hem of his hat before flashing a bright smile. This must be probably the first time they saw the brightest expression he had far. Even in their journey, he always shows a little emotion. It’s not because of his situation, but that was what he truly was. Both of them astonished for a moment, but they recover quickly since they need to return that expression after all. They need to send him off with their brightest smile of their own too.

“Godspeed on your journey, Sir!”

"Always take care of your health okay, Your Eminence! Always eat your meals on the right schedule!"

The boy slowly turned his heel and begin his first step. The two watched his retreating back with satisfaction. This was a big achievement after all. At least for them.

How I wish Mom would also send me off like them.

He was happy that he was out of his protective shell and some people help him to get through it. But at the same time, he is sad since everything has to be this way.

He can only bitterly smile. But he can let this dark emotion weigh him down for much longer.  

I’m having an adventure.

This what he decided and he will list down every knowledge he learned on his adventure just like he promise to his father.

So he walked forth, not minding the heat of the sun and the billowing dust as he went straight to the long line of people.

 

-\(0.0)/-

 

 

I arrive at the end of the train people and was welcomed by three queues. I have an idea what line I should pick but just to make sure, I asked a random person. According to him:

On the left side-gate was a queue for people on foot. The middle was for the carriage which passed through the main gate. On the right side-gate was for the people with special passed, this also includes the people living in the capital.

 

But I didn't march on the end line of the left queue. It's better to assess the situation first before I move. Thus, I take some time and observe.

 

"This is hopeless". After a few seconds, this is only I can say.

 

I was amazed earlier since I was an observer, but now that I have to join the line – not possible – I can only smile wryly just like Mr. Gilbert. He must have already imagined what I have to go through when saw this number of people.

 

Not only by number people that made this a long line, but the flow was also on a snail-pace. The sun had already reached its zenith. And with its scorching heat and a scant of breeze that passed sporadically, people are long since voicing out their complaints. A merchant grumbled with a bead of sweat trickled down his beard

"I can't believe this! Do they know how valuable my merchandise is!?"

"We can do anything about it, master. With this festival, they will put tight security. So the verification of entry pass will be slowed than normal" chided by apprentice

"I've been waiting here for hours now!"

I can understand your feelings too. Since I cast cooling magic, I will always stay fresh and free of sweat but that's not enough to help my mood. I chuckled wryly at their conversation. As I do so, my attention was grab by another complaint. But this time it's a party of adventurers.

“Hey! Why does that good looking carriage cutting the line!” (Bearman Warrior)

“Are you an idiot? That’s a noble’s carriage” (Elf Mage)

“T-then why does noble are cutting the line?” (Human Priestess)

“They can cut the line exactly because they are nobles” (Human Monk)

“Screw them!”( Bearman Warrior)

 

As the monk said, nobles can easily pass the entry gate. But their cutting of line is also an addition to the reason of the slow transit. They had already capital implemented one-way transit so lessen the burden; this will be the entrance gate and another gate around the surrounding walls would be the exit. But with this number of people, it seems not enough. The only people who had not so much struggle in this situation are people possessing special pass on the right as their line was smooth sailing.

By my rough estimation, I probably can arrive in the afternoon. This is really not funny. I'm still hadn't taken lunch yet. It's only a matter of time before it begs for food. Ms. Rebecca even earlier to have a meal at the right time.

I got no time idle here.

I guess this calls for that.

The nobles are not the only ones who can cheat their way through. I have my own cheat as well – with magical means that is.

The reason why I hadn't use it was that casting magic outside the intrapersonal space may give away my mana signature.

Mana signature is unique to any individual just like how fingerprint to a person. This was also useful to search down the person who was involved in mystic crime. In other words, casting my magic is like saying "I'm here" to my pursuers. That's why none of us had ever cast magic during our trip.

But I got no other choice. This is way better than waiting with an empty stomach.

It will be bad if I cast magic out in the open and attracts attention so I retreated from my spot and leave the long train of people.

           

Now for a good place…

I guess the tree which I parted with Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Rebecca was an ideal spot.  

Soon as I arrive, I immediately set up a picnic blanket for lunch. Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Rebecca were not here anymore and probably on their way back now. I hope for safe travels on their way back.

I produce the steaming hot lunch boxes other foods from my void storage. Fortunately, my [void storage] is a spell that can open a portal through the void in which the concept of time was not existent. I'm glad that I learn this spell first which the reason I can enjoy Ms. Rebecca's prepared lunch just like how it was fresh from the kitchen.

I'm in a hurry to enter the capital but I didn't go as far as wolfing down my grilled meat. I decided to take my time to indulge my lunch while confirming my plans today.

I don’t have any problems in terms of food. And for lodging…

I don’t have money right now to afford a room in an inn. This was the one and the most important thing that I need but Mr. Gilbert and Ms. Rebecca failed to procure – Money.

The otherworlder’s countries are still using coins, compared to Neagians obviously use paper bills long since the old earth still existed.

My country uses cyber coins or bitcoins but whenever we got out of the country our bitcoins will have to be converted to gold coins – our physical currency. But because of my situation – I can only sigh.

If they are thinking this was enough to make me surrender, then they were dead wrong. I will get through to this with my own hands.

            While resolving myself, I get back on the plan.   

So I guess my option right now was to sleep on any ideal spot outside just like this tree. I don’t have any problem sleeping outside but this will pose some trouble for my future self.

            I'll go take this as an alternative plan.

Now, going to the next option, the fastest way to earn money in this world was to become an adventurer – whose job was to hunt down monsters and sell the materials to the adventurer’s guild.

With my strength, I can probably hunt down a strong monster for big money. If I did that…

Hmmm….I’ll stand out…

I have already been briefed about the adventurer system of the otherworlders by Mr. Gilbert. He pointed out that starting adventurers jobs usually went for community services such as cleaning sewers, finding lost objects, and collecting herbs to the mountain. The prize money for that job is just enough to buy a single meal. So not an option.

My pursuers will definitely notice a strange rookie adventurer that just hunted down high-class monsters.

But what if I hunt down low-class monsters?

Hmm… the result will still be the same huh.

The price of low-class monsters was also low that a lodging on the cheapest inn is out of the question. With the festivals, prices probably rose on the ceiling by now. I have to hunt a number of them to equate the price of a high-class monster.

I never imagine that a time would come that I would be flat broke.

Forget about standing out, I’ll be casting grand magic in the end anyway so it all ends the same way. If that’s the case then I’ll go for the big catch here.

Conclusion: Become an adventurer, kill high-class monsters, and earn money for lodging before sunset.

            With this in mind, I pack up all my things right after I finished my lunch.

 

-\(0.0)/-

 

…Hmm this is perfect.

A flock chicken size birds are Flying in a well-ordered crane formation. But as if it was drawn to something, one of the birds casually withdraw from the row. It somersaulted on the air before going for a nose dive heading in my direction.

Actually, I called that bird using telepathy.

The flock doesn't bat an eye to the rogue member and just continue flying on their intended destination.

The solution that I came up with to enter the capital was to open a portal there from here. But the bad news is my ability will only work, only if I have an idea of where I connect the two spaces. That means it must be the places that I'd been to before. Unfortunately, I have never been inside the capital so I have no distinct images to base on.

But this bird will take that job.

If I’ll make this bird share its sense of vision to me and find a suitable hidden spot inside the capital –

Voila! Instant portal gate.

The bird gently lands its feet on my raised arm. Its wings flap wildly as it stabilizes its pose. It is a good looking bird if I say so myself.

This one is called Critule. It’s one of the races birds that migrated from the other world. What I found beautiful about this creature was its pure white feathers and long two feathers that protrude out the rest of the tail. But what impressive about this bird was its intelligence. I was a little surprised about the weight since it doesn't match up to its size. It's so light like holding up a chick. But upon closer inspection, I found out that this bird has a lot of mana and now is currently using gravity magic. It's commendable he's thoughtful enough not to put a burden on his new master.

            I relayed my orders and the bird nodded in confirmation.

"Impressive…" I said. 'It did understand what I'm trying to say.

I cast a familiar-magic [nota] before I send it off. I watched its figure getting smaller and smaller as its soars to the air space of capital.

With this, all that’s left for me was to inspect the capital from its eyes.

 

            From the bird's eye view, it doesn't take much time before I find a hidden place.

I opened a [portal gate] and found myself on the dead-end of the back alley.

The tall buildings seem to block the sunlight and the air was a little humid. The hubbub of the crowds can be heard past these buildings yet I find this place to be quiet. There were several crates piled up on weathered sidewalls, running cracks on several bricks.

I not sure where I am, but from the critule eyes, I guess I'm on the farthest area or near the border of the business district. Further outside from this area would be the slum. We are far away from the main street.

The critule slowly descended from the sky were I saw myself from its eyes raising arm for a landing branch. As soon as it stabilized its balance, I cut my connecting sense vision and stroke its smooth white feather as my form of gratitude.

The bird also responded by snuggling its head and body in my hand. I can't help but smile at its cute behavior.

"I guess it time for us to bid our farewell, my feathered friend"

Saying so, I raised an open palm that glowed a golden light together with the bird. This what also happened when I cast the [nota] which grant the caster a shared senses form the target, but this time I nullified its effect. With this, the bird will regain its freedom once again.

I lift my arms to send the bird up to the air. As its flaps its wings I wave my hands so send it off but-

“….”

The bird came back

My arms are in no position for landing so it zeroed on my shoulder which is a little small for a landing area. It tried best to secure a strong foothold and span its wing to balance its position making sure not to fall.

I cock my head in bewilderment.  I don't know the reason for its return so I hold him both on my hands to ask some questions using telepathy.

Using telepathy doesn't mean I can converse with it with words. Telepathy can provide more vivid information since it was brain to brain conversation compared to the usual conversation where we use our mouth to express our idea as words. Since I'm the only one with the telepathy between us, I can provide more information to the bird than the bird was to me. But it was better than nothing.

 

(Why did you come back?)

(Croommm…croom)  “Croommm…croom”

I have no idea that means.

But its big sad soulful eyes with his mournful tone was somewhat…  

Does he want to come with me? If so then I better have to confirm.

(Do want to come with me)

(Crom! Crom! Crom!) “Crom! Crom! Crom!”

The bird screamed its agreement both outside and inside my head with its head wildly nodding.

Oh! My eyes slightly bulge. I never thought I found a companion so soon. What's more it's my benefactor, so I more than happy to have it part on my journey.

Since it’s no longer a wild monster, so how about I gave it a name?

I raised the critule in my hands commenced its baptism.

“Album, From now on your name is Album.”

“Crom! Crom!”

Album danced in the air celebrating its new name. I don't what its gender so I choose something androgynous. But based on his radiance of energy, I judge that it's a male.

Since he likes it so much, I inadvertently bloomed a smile that I almost forgot that I was in a desperate situation because of warmness inside.

We can’t linger in place any longer. I still have my pursuers to think about.

“Let’s go Album”

“Crom”

I hold Album on my arm and begin our journey together.

 

We are heading outside on this dead-end.

As we are getting closer to the exit, I catch several footsteps from faraway rushing straight our direction.

"….."

Are they here already? Nope… it’s not them. Those guys don't make any kind of sound. Are they thugs? It's reasonable since we are on the back alley.

I detected eight life signatures coming from the right side of this T-intersection. Based on their energy flow, they are feeling restless.

I turned to the right to figure out what's happening.

As I do so, eight individuals stop at five meters before me with ragged breathing from all those running.

I don’t what they’re up to but I’m pretty sure it’s not something good.

These guys flashed a villainous grin with their tongue poking out to catch their breath – just like dogs.

One man steps out from the rest of the group, brandishing a short knife. He stops three meters away from me with his eyes glinted with greed.

"Leave that bird together with your money, kid. If you don't," he roughly played the dagger on his hand before he continued "you're gonna get this kid”   

Are they from the slum? Possible, since it's just a walking distance from here. But even if they were poor so much that they want Album for their meal, I will never hand him to them.

But because I don’t want any trouble, I guess I'll just have to do what he has told me to do.

I let go Album from my arm.

Time slowed for captain and seven lackeys as album flaps his wings, pushing the air to lift its body.

Their jaw dropped in disbelief with their bulging eyes followed his ascending figure above the roofs.

Since their eyes still fix on my album, I say some words like it’s a matter of fact to grab their attention.

“I just leave the critule here just like you said… But I guess your brains are so tiny to think it will just stay here and never consider that it’ll fly away”

From the soaring bird, they simultaneously creak their heads like a badly oiled gear on my direction. They face were painted with dark emotions probably from the insult and humiliation.

I suppressed my laugh at their comical action. And their expression, if I say so myself was epic. They really were after my friend.

I ignored the captain, whose teeth are grinding in anger with one of his eyes twitching, and continued the words I left.

“If you wish for money, I also wish it too. You’re not the only one suffering in this world.”

These thugs probably had enough with my antics, they all start brandishing their daggers.

I calmly observe what they can do. With my abilities, I can just knock them unconscious within my arms reach.

 

But as they begin to charge.

“__”

 I detected another four life signatures behind them.

**pyu! pyu! pyu! pyu! pyu! pyu! pyu! pyu!**

No sooner than eight simultaneous muffled gunshots ranged on the alley than the heads of thugs was pierced with bullets, spurting the dark read liquids and gray matters from their drilled heads.

Eight lifeless bodies drop like a doll whose strings were cut then followed by a dull thud.

 

Four… five, eight, ten… Oh, there's sixteen

As if replacing the thugs earlier, sixteen individuals, including those four people in front, had surrounded me from a different location – on the rooftops, back alleys, and from roads behind me.

They were dressed in a dark military uniform with a touch of witch-hunting garb. Their lower face was masked, nevertheless, their serious eyes give a hint of their expression.

A man from the four men equipped with silencer-equipped-handguns steps forward.

He stores his gun on his breast pocket including the other the three behind while stopping from the spot where the leader of the thugs was supposed to be standing.

Not minding the corpses and the puddle of blood, He removed his black hat and hold it on his chest.

He then gave an elegant bow but he utters words that betray his curtesy.

"Good day, your eminence. Would you please be so kind as to surrender?"

I sighed. Well, this is much expected.

I idle too much so my pursuer finds me sooner than I anticipated.

My pursuers.

The people who oversaw the world from the shadow – The House of Eclipse.