Joharis stood there in temple, a game window floating before him. This revelation was quite astonishing. Did it imply that levels truly existed in this world? Could he and other to level up as in the game? What was perplexing was that only Joharis could open the status window; even though they shared a mind, Evilian was unable to do so.

The most plausible explanation seemed to be that the status screen was a result of the blessing, which only extended to Joharis’ body. However, there was also the possibility that it was due to their minds becoming slightly more distinct from one another. Over the past month, Joharis and Evilian’s minds had adapted to their unique situation, and they now subconsciously filtered out what the other body was thinking and feeling. They could still access these thoughts and sensations, but it required conscious effort on their part. Even their shared memories were now housed in two separate compartments, no longer interwoven.

“It’s... incredible!” the High Priest breathed, his eyes wide with awe, revealing his excitement.  “The hero has been granted the holy weapon,” the High Priest continued, admiration clear in his voice.

Joharis blinked, the priest’s exclamation pulling him from his thoughts. He followed the High Priest’s gaze and found a golden spear resting in his hands. The cool metal sent a shiver down his spine as he traced his fingers over the intricate engravings etched into its surface. The weapon hummed with power, sending a current through his veins.

As Joharis studied the spear, another game window materialized above its tip. “Golden Rose (Sealed),” it read. But why was it sealed? And what was he going to do with it? He was supposed to tour the capital after the ceremony, but walking with a golden spear would undoubtedly draw curious gazes. The weight of it would also be a burden.

As if sensing his concerns, the spear began to vanish into his hand, the golden hue transforming into a rose tattoo that gracefully wrapped around his bicep. Joharis marvelled at the sensation. The weight of the weapon disappeared, leaving only the faint pressure of the ink on his skin. Focusing on the spear once more, it reappeared in his hand, cool and solid to the touch.

“I’m glad that’s taken care of,” Joharis said, a wry smile playing on his lips as he glanced at the spear. He had little time to further explore his new ability, as the king and High Priest approached, their footsteps echoing softly through the hallowed halls.

“Joharis,” the High Priest began, his voice firm yet compassionate, “the training you’ve undergone so far was meant to prepare your body for the goddess’s blessing. Now that the holy ceremony is complete, your true training can begin.”

King Verlon III smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. “But today, you can explore the capital with my daughter. You’ve both spent so much time in the palace; I think it’s time you enjoy the city.”

Joharis hesitated, sensing the king’s intentions. He liked Jezebel but only saw her as a friend. The complexities of his situation, including his bond with Evilian, made any romantic relationship feel irresponsible.

“I would be honoured, Your Majesty,” he finally replied, choosing to keep his reservations to himself. After all how long could an infatuation last?

Jezebel’s footsteps approached, and Joharis felt her delicate hand slip around his arm. “Let’s go, shall we?” she said, excitement lacing her voice. “I can’t wait to show you the city.”

It seems that while he was undergoing the ceremony, Jezebel had changed her attire to blend in with the townspeople, her royal gown replaced by a simpler dress. The fabric accentuated her natural grace, making her beauty all the more striking.

As they stepped out of the temple into the warm sunlight, Joharis caught a whiff of the city’s vibrant aromas – the sweet fragrance of flowers from a nearby market, and the distant hint of the sea. The bustling sounds of the capital enveloped them as they ventured further, with guards subtly flanking them, a silent but ever-present security.

“Have you ever been to a place like this, Joharis?” Jezebel asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Joharis shook his head, allowing a hint of wonder to touch his voice. “No, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this.” While he had seen cities like this in the game, the tangible sights, sounds, and smells made this real-life experience entirely different.

Jezebel’s face lit up as she led him toward a bustling marketplace. “Then you’re in for a real treat! There’s so much to see and do here. I know you’ll love it.”

“You sound like you travel to the city very often” Joharis said “You must really like sneaking out of the castle” He added teasingly.

Jezebel grinned, her enthusiasm contagious. “Just wait, there’s so much to explore!” She led him toward the lively marketplace, where the aroma of fresh food and spices was filling the air.

As they walked, Joharis playfully nudged her. “You seem to know your way around. Do you sneak out of the castle often?”

Jezebel laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “What can I say? The palace gets a bit dull at times.”

They meandered through the market, stopping to admire the colourful textiles, the shimmering trinkets, and the savoury scents of food vendors. Joharis observed as Jezebel expertly negotiated with a merchant, her charm and wit on full display.

Drawn in by the sound of laughter and music, they discovered a group of street performers. A juggler tossed gleaming spheres into the air, catching them with effortless precision, while a fire-breather sent plumes of flame skyward, leaving the onlookers in awe.

“Is it always this busy, or is this some kind of special day?” Joharis asked curiously, wondering if such activities were normal occurrence in this city.

Jezebel shook her head. “It’s not always like this, but it does happen once a week. It’s a great way for the city to come together and enjoy themselves.” She pointed to a nearby game stall. “How about giving this a try?”

Taking a deep breath, Joharis accepted the challenge. The wooden bottles toppled as he threw the ball, earning him a small prize, which he handed to Jezebel with a triumphant grin.

Her eyes sparkled. “You’re a natural! I knew you’d be good at this.”

As the sun began to set, they reached a hilltop park that offered a breath taking view of the city. The sky was awash with vibrant hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the landscape below.

Jezebel sighed, her voice barely audible. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Joharis nodded, lost in the moment. “It truly is.”

 

Joharis closed the door to his room, the lingering scent of Jezebel’s perfume and the echoes of her laughter still with him. He flopped onto the bed, feeling the cool sheets beneath him, and stared at the ceiling.

“What am I doing?” he whispered.

The memories of their shared smiles and the warmth that spread across Jezebel’s cheeks when he handed her the prize lingered, leaving him to wonder about the nature of their relationship.

Evilian’s voice whispered into his thoughts. “Quite an enjoyable day, wasn’t it?”

Joharis hesitated, his voice soft. “Yeah... it was.”

“Something’s bothering you, though.” Evilian’s words were laced with curiosity.

Joharis hesitated, his pulse quickening. “I... I don’t know. I spent the day with Jezebel, and... well, you saw it as well.”

Evilian’s silence hung heavily in the air, and Joharis could sense her understanding. “You’re starting to feel something for her, aren’t you?”

His breath caught, but he said nothing. It wasn’t a question; they both knew the answer. They were one and the same, after all.

Evilian sighed, her voice gentle. “It’s only natural, to get closer after spending so much time together, you know. But we should be cautious. Our situation is far from simple.”

Joharis traced his fingers over the sheets, contemplating Evilian’s words. The princess had undoubtedly captured his affection, but he couldn’t overlook the disparity in their mental ages. As silence enveloped him, his thoughts tangled with doubt and uncertainty. His entire identity hinged on being the hero. But what would happen if people discovered his unwillingness to fight the Demon Queen or even worse, if they found out he was the Demon Queen himself?

 

As the sun ascended the following day, golden beams filtered through Joharis’ window. Embracing a renewed sense of purpose, he cast aside the doubts from the previous night and focused on the day ahead.

Upon stepping outside, the crisp morning air welcomed him, carrying the scent of dew-kissed grass. He made his way to the designated training grounds and found a familiar face awaiting him.

Blaze, the youthful court mage with fiery red hair, flashed Joharis a grin as he approached. “Morning, Joharis! Ready to finally dive into the world of magic?”

Joharis nodded, curious about the limitations he had faced so far. “I am. I’ve been wondering how magic actually works.” He had tried casting spells using Evilian’s knowledge and experience, but no matter how he attempted, he could only conjure a few sparks. Clearly, her methods were incompatible with his body.

Blaze chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Well, then let’s not waste any more time. Today, we’ll start with the basics and build from there. After all, your mana pool is still low.”

Blaze gestured for Joharis to follow him as they walked toward a towering structure in the distance. The mage’s wizard tower loomed, its enigmatic aura drawing them in.

As they entered a chamber Joharis had never seen before, the air around them pulsed with energy. Floating orbs of light cast dancing shadows around the room, and a large crystal hovered in the centre, bathing the chamber in an ethereal glow

Blaze’s turned towards Joharis “First things first, Joharis. Understanding magic means grasping the concept of mana. It’s the fuel that allows us to cast spells and create enchantments.”

As Blaze continued, Joharis listened intently to every word. He knew the basics from the game lore, but now, experiencing it first hand, he sensed he might have might have missed something crucial.

Blaze gestured to the hovering crystal. “For your first task, I want you to focus on channelling your mana into this crystal. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and feel the energy circulating within your mind.”

As Joharis followed Blaze’s instructions, he realized the source of his past failures: he’d been using the wrong source of energy. Evilian’s demon core was in her heart, but humans didn’t have a core, so they stored their mana in a different way.

Focusing on the sensation of mana within him, he felt the connection between himself and the crystal strengthen. But when he tried pushing mana through, it dissipated before reaching the orb.

Blaze’s voice held encouragement. “Don’t worry about failing. With time, you’ll learn to control the flow of your mana. Patience is key.”

Joharis nodded, a newfound clarity emerging in his understanding of magic. He realized that mastering magic again from scratch would be challenging, but he was ready to adjust Evilian’s knowledge to his human form and embark on this journey.

Time slipped away in the chamber as Joharis honed his ability to channel mana. The air thrummed with energy, echoing the deepening bond between him and the crystal. Sweat glistened on his brow, evidence of his unwavering dedication.

Finally, Joharis felt he mastered mana control enough to try casting the most rudimentary spell. He let a spark ignite within him. Focusing intently, he coaxed the flicker into an flame that danced above his palm casting a warm glow on his face.

Finally confident in his progress, Joharis decided to attempt a simple spell. He felt the spark come alive within him, and with laser-like focus, he coaxed it into a flame that danced above his palm, casting a warm, inviting light onto his face.

Blaze, who had been quietly observing, broke his silence with a chuckle. “You’re a quick learner, you know? A real shame you’re a hero. You’d be a promising apprentice.”

Joharis managed a tired grin. “I owe it all to you, Blaze. Your guidance made the difference.” And he meant it; without Blaze’s help, he might have spent weeks trying to understand why his magic didn’t work.

Blaze’s eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement as he replied, “Well, we’ll see how well you’ve really learned week later. I will talk to Roderick so we can put your new skills to the test against real monsters in a controlled environment. After all, what good are your skills if you can’t use it when it counts?”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the chamber’s shadows deepened, and Joharis realized how much time had passed. He extinguished the flame in his palm, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. The thought of facing real monsters was daunting, but he trusted Blaze and Roderick to guide him through the experience.

“Get some rest, Joharis,” Blaze advised, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Tomorrow’s lessons will require your full focus and energy. We’ve got to get you ready for a test within a week after all.”

Joharis nodded, his muscles aching as he stood to leave. “Thank you again, Blaze. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

With a parting smile, Blaze watched Joharis exit the chamber, then turned his attention back to the crystal. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in the progress Joharis had made. The young hero had come so far in such a short time, and Blaze knew that his potential was only just beginning to show.

As Joharis returned to his room, his thoughts swirled with uncertainty. The trials ahead were countless, and he wondered if he could truly handle all the challenges that lay before him. His newfound abilities brought a sense of responsibility that weighed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t want to let people down, but he also didn’t want to fight himself.

In the quiet darkness of his room, Joharis lay down, his body exhausted from the day’s efforts. Sleep came slowly, his dreams filled with the flicker of flames and the echoes of battles yet to come. The path ahead was filled with obstacles and danger, and he could only hope that he was prepared for whatever fate had in store.