PoV: Arthur.

... ouch. This just hurt, and I can't see for a minute. Did I activate the device, too soon?

And now ... what's this? I'm somewhere else other than the magic lab in the wizard's tower, and now- WAIT A MINUTE! SOMETHING JUST HAPPENED! My device to split the mana stream clearly did not explode ― thanks to my clever handling, no doubt ― but SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENED! I ... I'm ... somewhere else!

Whatever happened also changed my vision, for a moment. First ― all I see is black bleakness to then it's clearing up now but only so slowly so I'll bide my time while things clear up yet. It's a different room around me I see too. No not the flowing whirlwind of custom created spells in the air, following their near perfect paths I set up. No not ancient but hardened walls of mana stones which form the wizard's tower walls and ceilings and floors to resist abstract and specific 'mishaps'. No not even the two 'assistants' who knew not the full madness of this project ... or how catastrophic it could end-

-but a more royal looking chambers ... with, people. And unlike I saw of the last world ― how do I know it's a new world, here ― unlike the former place, no catkin here but ... humans. I'm not sure whether to feel relief or not, yet.

Someone speaks. "Oh s, sire ... the s, s, summon is ... h, here."

-summon?

This ... explains a lot. Sadly, too, it's not even my first time summoned. But with it having been so long since the first time, I'd thought I'm more or less free of it. It turns out, I'm practically a commuter-

-but I don't want to be here, send me back. No truly; before things go critical-

-wait though, why can't I move freely ... aah, they think to put a hold, on me. How childish of them, and it's not even done right. Only this too makes it seem it's not a hold in the style I know; but it does have ... some other effect on parts of my body-

Oho wait, no it's not even a hold even if they turn their heads sideways; but it's a ... no, I can't, I just can't. This effect is a trick for bedroom use!

"Oh! Yes I do see, Priest Belfer ― an excellent job in working this holy rite; definitely an excellent job done here. Hmm, yes I see, he seems to be in excellent shape; maybe a little on the thin side for what we need of him, but oh well."

... it's beginning to tickle, it's serious now ― this effect is like a full body caress, or masturbation of my skin layers-

"B, but Your H, Highness! Why is he n, n, not moving."

... and they are still talking about me, instead of to me? Ridiculous! Well fine, I don't wanna talk to them either then; I'll hold out until ... unf- seriously it's like a whole body orgasm by now. They should know better ― use of this spell is cruel and unusual punishment in my books! I just ... unloaded, a lot-

"I don't know ... you did say all the words, even pronounce the difficult ones with the right accent?"

"Y, yes you are c, c, correct s, sire. I s, speak it w, well."

"..."

"... I s, speak well s, sire!"

-withholding a snort of derision, here; nothing to see, move along-

"As you say, then. Belfer. He can see us, hear us ... right?"

"Yes, s, sire; it should be like a f, fog, at first. S, s, see sir. His hand, moved. I think he is f, f, faking it."

He saw this? Indeed my hand did move; but with the ... ahem ... incident just a second ago, I thought only to ... cover an accidental spot in these pants-

-time to lock myself in place for a while. I won't like it, but at least even if I can't escape in a single second, at least no movement from me will betray how alert and ready I am.

"Aah okay. Well then, let's get on with it." The king leaned to one side, let out a long fart noise, then shifted in position on his throne as his regal gaze turns upon me. "Well then! Young man ... a wondrous adventure awaits you, here in this world. You have been summoned into this glorious kingdom that is called Povrah. Which is also my family name, by the way, because I am the king you know. So here's the situation. We who have just done nothing to warrant it are now besieged among our outer territories by a demon lord ― a foul creature of pain and torment and filthy lusts. And so if you will, please do become our Hero! And please do fight to cleanse our world of its presence!"

He's coming into focus now, more so, but I'm not liking it. His stance, even seated, is one of having delivered a perfect speech ... yet why do I feel like it's so anticlimactic?

"S, s, sire. P, please do hurry, the hold weakens."

-seriously, you still call this a hold ... I should kill you where you stand ― for not knowing what a true hold is!

"Oh right. Um. So! You, dear summoned one. See to fight this 'demon lord' kind of thing, because he's so strong and powerful, and has resisted our manifest rights in this world, we need to 'assist' you. And well, for that, we have this leather collar ― see this, so pretty with all those little gems, right. It really will give you a ... well a 'boost' and make you more able to go forward, without fear-"

-what-

---

Oho, so this time is *this script* I am called into, this time-

They summon to have someone to fight in their stead; they don't want the blood on their hands or something? And too, I am hating a whole 'manifest destiny' plan right now; nobody has the right to just declare themselves granted a right of dominance! Not on Earth, not on the last world of catkin, not on this one!

But if it's this type of plans ... then I have some serious accusations ― of their plans, as well as attack their premise before I'll just ... escape. I know already from what I can analyze of the room and its inhabitants, they don't have enough of them, in strength or mana, to hold me. Maybe nobody in this realm does? That's fine, so even if my mana sense also is fogged at first, it's clearing up too; I'll escape without a problem ... or, serious problems, anyway. And even if they did have something strong enough to fight me ... I'm not afraid to go down swinging, either. They kidnapped me!

Next thought. Me, faking this? Faking? No, not so; it's not like I cannot manage to fake my way out of situations ... but I have an ability to stay still like this, for a moment longer. Even standing stiff this way, I got my trained magic skills ― along with training as a wizard myself ― to 'look' at the room and people in it, in ... other ways. I count in this view the number of people here. Three members of 'royal family' (king and queen and princess), a priest plus son, a slave (the only nonhuman, half dark elf), and ten muscle men I believe are knights. And, me of course.

I know my own true self in any world: I am Arthur Franklin King, and I have now become summoned the second time ― and hope it's the last. I came from Earth, just two months shy of ten years ago, on another world; and have now arrived here. But in the previous world, those nine and four fifths years, I have had far more adventures than I care to do, all over again. Just because 'some king' wants a person to do what he cannot ― I ... I won't. Because I quit heroics in the old world; I'd quit here too even before I get started. But still ... they gape and gawk at me, just standing so silent and still-

-aha, yeah, so from my perspective I can see how they would wonder if I can hear or not, see or not, or anything ― since I am standing silent. Oh yes I can. I can hear them completely well. See them, hear them ― heck, even smell them, from across the room. Ugh, his malignant fart odor just now reached me. Did this so called excuse for a king within a royal kingdom in this world not know of the proper forms of sanitation? At this point ... maybe no?

As the room goes ― stretching out in my mana sense ― it seems to be roughly 10 meters wide by 30 meters long but only 3 meters tall. The front 3.3 meters rise 18 cm in the right and left thirds, 25 cm in the middle third, a step half this distance at the left and right sides. I see the patterns in thirds here. It also might not be a proper throne room. While the front of the room has a throne with a king, a queen, and a princess ... in reality it's just not so lavish decor, as I knew from before. No; this chamber is likely a minor throne room, or gallery, where occasions such as this ― a summoning ― could occur. A place where key persons could be in attendance yet keep it closed off.

Which depressingly seems to indicate this goes on much too much. Why did they summon a person like me, who was busy in the middle of so many tasks ― didn't they know it could go so critical? Even I was experimenting with high tier stuff, I barely conceived some of the things; and to get interrupted now of all times-

-it also screams out to me ― again ― the scripted nature for this setting. As in ― even before the first summon I was aware of the story trope, though I did not childishly follow more than a few stories, for kicks and giggles. Truly? It cannot be any less the 'summoning story' than this? Only thing missing ― since this seems to be a kingdom setting ― is a minstrel somewhere, playing a lute to the tune of some medieval theme. But no, it could be out of place, maybe ― outside the high windows I do hear faint traffic, ironclad hooves and wagon wheels and feet clapping along stone streets. And in point of fact these people do look as if this rite is a well practiced event for them. How long, and how regular, have they done this exact same summon step?

Hmm; my analysis isn't seeming to work fully, so I can't trust all I think I see. I'll take an even deeper look with my own eyes then, as I suppose I'll see further hints-

The bellicose king, is maybe a male early forties human with scratchy beard, well trimmed so maybe his beard's hairs are all less than five or six centimeters. Sitting central on the stage in the largest throne chair, he seems to have been a bold adventurer at some status in the past. But in recent times it seems it's his waist which is growing, not adventure power. He might be okay to deal with, if I can keep this fair and square between us ― but, I just do not think things are aligning to my expectations-

To the king's left ― to the right of him, as I am seeing ― sits a queen. She is also maybe early forties, mid to late thirties at the earliest; but seems much more fit than her husband. Hmm; maybe like the last world I lived in, this queen too also had her 'extracurricular/nocturnal activities' to keep her trimmed. She's okay looking, if I had to say; not breathtaking, or anything. Kind of a brownish red hair down to mid back length, but braided as a special treat for today; her cheeks appear freckled boldly, while her face looks mute. If I didn't know better I'd say she was an Irish lass plucked straight for the highlands. But in the end, this queen is so different than the last one; she seems powerless, just a mere affectation to the king. So royals summon for their mating and patrilineal regulations too? I will pass on observing her more or now.

To the right of her father the king, appearing to the left of him as I look at them ― the princess sits in a chair next to the throne. She has the tired look about her too, maybe tired of the routine as well. Maybe resignation at whatever would be the result of today's summon ― me, as it turns out. She might be more near perfection than her old man, maybe even than her middle aged mom, too; but from my limited senses, I smell perfume coming from the girl. Her lips seem painted by some glossy peach substance but a corner of her mouth has a cold sore ― at least I suppose it to be so. Assuming sanitary states follow through at all tiers of daily life ― it doesn't look good for her health. Also if the status screen is correct; uh it's ... "that time" in her periodic life ... I don't wanna know-

And then ― off to my left, I sense a bright spot which still seems weak next to what I used to see in the past world; that's their high priest? Yeah, he seems magically weak too. When I first realized I came here, even a hint of view showed him holding his arms out with a scroll unfurled, glancing between the page of words and me. But now it's coiled as he stares ― his hand reaching. I see his skills; all weak attempts at learning some simple things which I learned so long ago, and also passed them by ― I'm far more powerful than him. He's the one trying to 'hold' me here? HAAA! This moment is laughable-

Next to this priest is a young boy, sort of looks like his father the priest; but I note something of disgust shown in his status screen. He's holding a silver tray, with a ... oh my word, is this the slave collar. It's funny how they could try to present it as something I could want to take, though. I get chills recalling my own event like this, in the last world; it's why I'll never put one on, they'd have to force it upon me. Me, put on a slave collar myself? Inconceivable! With my ballistic levels of hatred of slavery, I'd end it ... well I would!

-say, just for the sake of my curiosity, I wonder how many summoned ones truly do put on the collar? Maybe with more beauty from a queen or princess, maybe ― I ... I'm already thinking far too many young boys would do it, without thinking the reason through to the end-

The final person in front of me is the slave girl. Not a human at all; she's a half dark elf ― trace of the same slave magic found in the slave collar ― meaning, she's a slave. Pretty enough, about the same as me for height; soft, chocolate colored skin which made her look more latina than anything. Pure black hair grown down all the way to her waist no less, but not cared for in any way. It's as if for her status of being a slave does not allow her the time for personal care. Ears are these elongated things running half her head height, canted at a thirty degree angle from vertical, and maybe ten degrees to the rear. Eyes with such a vibrant green gleam; it's almost unnatural for the green shade but glowing from the light in the room. So much like a human, I'd swear she was one if I didn't see the elfin features on her. If she's as summoned as I, I now get how either summons can be human or not human. Or did something change her to this?

But so I can diagnose things better, this isn't the only thing about her. A similar slavery magic is a thing in this world, same as in the last one, too. This 'spare' person, the slave girl, seems to be only at about twenty years old or so, if I can guess the age. Thin, barely over the starvation limit, an age worn collar tight on her neck; but dressed in clean clothes for the occasion. I would bet her robe here is a loaner, and after this she'll be back wearing plain rags. But yeah, she's a pretty girl, half human half dark elf if her status screen can't lie, but looking like she's caught in this, too ― or maybe was. Eh ... was she the previous summoned one before me? Her status screen has glitches in it; it's a curiosity I'd like to unwind and examine. This should almost certainly hint at the routine timing at which this kingdom will summon others.

Behind me are eight strong men ― plus one by each door, left and right ― by now I can assume they are indeed knights, and such. Strong men is such an apt descriptor; it's like they are here ... to contain me, should I reject their collar. By no means do they want a summoned one to run free? Did something happen in the past to warrant a full team of knights here? And ... it's also a clue this kingdom and kings of the past might not have been so equitable with the summons. So, why need so many knights if their summon attempts are on the up and up? But yet, here they are, seen plain as day in my examination of things. Even if I did not like the layout before this, I am not liking it any more for examining these people through what this situation says for them.

And so the shape of this room is itself a feature to analyze ― it's where the summoning has brought me, so it's important to them. And if it's important to them, it's equally as important to me, for the clues it gives. I sense a door behind this throne ― hidden behind large curtain drapes ― an escape hatch in case this summon goes so wrong. But then the more notable exits are those to the left and right, a third of the way down the length of the room from the throne end. In front of each door stands a husky knight or heavy armed soldier. And behind me ― one of them is the head knight, the largest of them; his seven subordinates each likely have their personal strengths too. I think ... because the magic here is maybe weaker ... maybe they think they need to brutally overwhelm a new summon by force, if they do not submit?

A weaker mana world ... is an additional thought. It changes things, both subtly and enormously so.

This pretty much defines the scope of this place. I do sense others beyond here meandering about this castle like place; but for now it's these people who I will have to contend. A king who farts, a queen and princess who're both bored and mere pawns or property to a king, a priest and his son, and ten knights of varied strengths. And, one other former summoned slave, who is a conundrum I want to explore-

---

I am silent yet for many reasons ― not the least of which because I am now certain ― I know what happened since the first few seconds of my being here. And as I would have and did in the last world, I am building up a list of thorough charges against them all. It's my means to accuse them if I have a chance and moral imperative to do so. Well maybe not the princess, as she's likely the most innocent one here ― but ... you get the idea.

Charges? Yes, charges; like a listing of crimes against the person of me, if not all who came before this time. I could think of some truly critical ones. And since I can, I am ― since I'm taking the time here to view them as has been their view of me. Hmm well let's review shall we.

Strike one: they summoned me against my wishes! Not only because it took me away from my magic research trying to 'split a mana stream' to find a higher power mana/energy resource. But because I was in the final stage of building said mana splitter. Tricky stuff; lots of handmade, intricate spell patterns in motion. Probably went off and left a small crater where the wizard's tower used to be, if it turned super critical; it has this potential ― at the extreme least end. Um, then if it did, all I can say is ― sorry former queen, it wasn't my fault this time! Mostly-

-but also, it took me from my family. At least they're safe, not here-

Strike two: I can clearly see the spell this priest here has cast. Even with this magic knowledge from being my former queen's hero as well as Wizard Trainee, it's so easy to see. But here's the main thing ― I don't think they know I can see it. It's an attempt to hold me here, so they can talk to me, to 'convince' me of their plan or purpose for bringing me here. No, it's no mere 'hold' spell but more like a badly done body massage skill; I feel this alternating vibration across the surface of my body, still going on. If he is trying to give me a deep muscle massage, it's too much! And if he is trying to hold me in place, he's using it wrong ― so who am I to tell ― but it tickles. Seriously, I'm holding back a laugh!

Strike three: oh hell no, they did not just try to convince me I need to put something on my neck so clearly analyzed as a slave collar! It's a thick leather device which no human should ever need to wear ― except when one seeks to demean the one wearing it. It's also jeweled with faceted gems, clear shades of red to green to yellow to turquoise to median blue. All of the jewels look firmly set in place, small scratches all over these collars, but at most near the gems themselves ― yet no hint one ever broke loose. They were probably designed and constructed by what this world considers 'master craftsmen' ... but mostly allowed to work for the royal family or to the slavers out in the world. I get shivers just thinking of it all ― even to be standing so still, otherwise-

... and as if I actually need a 'strike four' ― fine then, I'll call it what it's become-

Strike four: those who make their problem, someone else's problem. I cannot stand people like what I'm seeing, here. Eh ... maybe the king is right in how a demon lord was or is attacking, first; or maybe not. So far I'm not seeing things on the same logic plane as the king though; if it were a real demon lord, this royal family should be showing more fear. They aren't, I'm not, but it still cannot add up to concern over some demon race. And I'm starting to feel far past riled, more than a small bit. Ever see a Wizard get riled ― like, truly riled up? Do you wanna?

... I can't promise stuff is not going to blow up again, though. M, maybe. We'll see ... what side they take once I fight back ... if I do not just leave them to their doom!

To avoid suddenly turning everyone here to ash or to stone ― by accident or intent ― I break eye contact with the king, to slowly examine the others in more detail. Why have these women ― both a queen and princess ― here though ... if they seek to collar me, to control me? Are they not just attending for their royal duties, but also 'eye candy', a visual treat to draw my attention toward them? A faint hint of promise, for me to 'have' one of them if I be calm and wait, and just ... put the collar on first?

... well I hope this isn't what they consider beauty, here; in a beauty contest my own wife in the last world would run circles around these two, in a heartbeat. The closest I see to beauty in this room, is ... yeah, the slave girl. Also one of the male knights but I'm not even gonna include him; I've seen the 'pretty boy' types before. But she is looking this way too, with a mute mundane sentiment, as if she is sorry I am also dragged into this scenario. It's not much; but I can assume at least she feels either sympathy or empathy ― whichever works ― for me and my state. Her forehead wrinkles sharply, as she holds hands to her head, as if suffering from a migraine; a pain I have known too. My eyes linger slightly on the girl, to note her slowly return to a calm 'I am not here' stance; then I break my gaze softly to continue the scans.

Despite my own status, I truly don't want to do any damage here too. I was the Hero in the former world, forced to serve as one there, but then retired to play at being a wizard ― once the queen's edicts became ... unusual. I still retain all those skills and abilities I learned in the last world ― as they summoned me first. Plus, one new plant growing item I will have to try ― it's about planting if the system identifies as 'Cultivation', isn't it? So, I think I got this; and maybe I'll even have fun with it, in taking them all to task. Yeah it's time to use the old noggin, like I did the first time I 'broke' a kingdom ... er, queendom.

... wasn't my fault, okay. M, mostly-

-hey, at least I finally managed to 'break' the slave magic upon me ― mostly so ― and the slave collar too back then, alright!

"-aah," I begin to emote to the group, followed by clearing my throat for overacting a part. I glance toward the princess, playing as if I am smitten with a sudden idea, but truly I am not. Married back in the former world to a beauty greater than this ... this girl; why should I drool over mere salad, when I had the full course meal, before? But oh well it's a part to play ... and I do consider myself a talented actor ... when required-

-m, mostly. Blow stuff up, other times; maybe three times in ten. Average. Sorry, not sorry!

"-oh! Um, yes. Yes! Hi there. How clumsy. Let me introduce myself again. I am King Bonner Povrah, again of the Grand Povrah Kingdom. This here woman is my precious Queen Carissa, the young woman there is my beloved daughter, Princess Candra; the rest of my family you can meet soon. And, this is High Priest Belfer, who performed the ritual to call you here. And, well ― his idiot son too-"

I am not going so far in introduction, just the basics. They leave the moment hanging, as if it's automatically inferred I should say my own name; but no, I won't say it. I won't let them know my true power either, until I can turn this bus around-

-I do see the princess sit upright, more erect to the realization of my glance ... as her eyes keep peering this way, but now her eyelids 'flutter' so briefly. It's a moment of ... oops all interest is gone, sorry not sorry princess but ... no thanks! The 'interest' wanes, more by my intent than if I had any in the first place; but still she turns to her father and licks her lips to speak softly-

-oh, then it means she's on a script too, for her part in this ― interest or not ― I am feeling insulted for it-

"Father please do hurry this day along, it is almost time for lunch, and ... I do so wish to go riding in the carriage through the city once more."

This last part was heavily accented, skewed toward coaching her voice more to the sweet sounds which would draw me back to her, or to hold my gaze on her. Her mother the queen seems to exhale sharply, as if she missed some critical word; but still the princess just leaves it, as is.

"Um yeah, sorry for the wait but ― this will be done quick; maybe you can even have a young gentleman escort you, too. Perhaps even this young man, at your side? Eh young man, um, but first if you take this collar, it will help you-"

So, so, so damn scripted. I think I should be properly far beyond offended, at this word play. But first, maybe I should try a counter play of my own? Time to finally speak, then.

"Wait! You said, demon lord, just then? Is it such a thing ... truly ... some kind of demon race, on this world?"

Misled by my clever timing plus eager side glance ― I hope ― the king hurries to another type of description; probably to keep me from becoming doubtful. I'd think by now, they should be getting frustrated I am not going for the collar. And yes, I'm sure they have their backup plan, wrapped up in these knights; only, I'm also sure by now they're not so adept at anything fitting of magic use.

"Oh good for you, for noticing! You are a fine young man, astute too, I would think. Hmm. Maybe have you heard of magic? We have a Magician's Corps too- Um. This old 'demon lord'. Yes ― he does exist. He is the bane of our culture, our existence! This year alone, seven hundred soldiers have died, fighting his armies-"

Well ... so what? Those are all people who might not have had to die at all ― you big bully! Like, why send out soldiers to fight something which is not a problem until you poke it!

"... and you say he attacked, er besieged, your lands? Is it true, would a demon king do this? Is he so near then, to be such a concern ― or, why-"

I fade out, because I see the priest has been moving the other hand, the one not directing this spell of his, to get the king's attention. It won't work to overplay my attempt to direct things.

"M, m, my lord. H, he is, maybe-"

Uh oh, maybe the high priest is suspecting me though? Gotta keep their talking going, so I can work out the way out ― which also as I keep them talking will give me more clues to this kingdom and world-

"You definitely said magic!" I emote even louder, over the sudden attempt of this priest to reveal me. Plus I'll give an opening for them to further woo me, as I did on the previous summon. "Magic, is real though, a real thing here? On my world, it was only ... theorized-"

"-oho, why yes. Yes certainly. Yeah you are in for a treat, to realize something you thought of as theoretical. Why even in time, a couple years maybe, you could learn from my high priest such high level skills as summoning a pet or creature to fight at your side!"

-nope; it should not take so long as this. Only took me five days; why the heck should it take this stuttering fool so long?

"Then if magic is real, and ... and you have a Magician's Corps, and ... then there's the demon lord ― doesn't this make this world a scary place? Doesn't everyone here then live in fear?"

"Oh! Right you are, young man. It indeed can be a scary place, even with so many of us civilized humans and our beastkin allies ― those are animal like races but nearly human too. But see here, this collar can help, it will let you fight without having this 'fear'. Maybe help you to grow stronger because of its built in qualities. See here starting with its large blue green gem, it helps your courage-"

Liar. I can clearly see the status screen shown on this damn device! And its gem stone shows as the pain controller!

"-b, but it, it looks like a-"

"-ah! Well never mind how it looks, for now; consider it a relic, an artefact of our ancestors ... ahem," King Bonner began to sweat with the stilted words. "See it's like this ... yes it's looking a little worn; but once you take it and wear it, you won't need to worry any more. It's because it will help you not feel-"

"-honey ... no-"

I see faint hints of worry, or concern, upon the queen's face, even before she interrupted with a sudden gasp; maybe a touch of it on the princess' face too. Queen Carissa truly did look like she swallowed the tart lemon. I get the sense even 'their side' knows he, the king, just verbally slipped up too. But the high priest here, he's ... starting to put things together, even more than the others. I'll have to react soon, make my play for my freedom, or else. Just a little while longer in my play-

"-b, b, but I cannot go up against such a creature! Even if I have the best things to help me! I'm not ... so strong!"

... true; I'm not so much strong, as I am smart. Smarter than these fools? Let's see. (At least they seem to have bought how I seem fooled by their words yet.)

But admittedly I'm not so weak, either. I've still got my wizardly equipment on, which came along with me from the former world. With these, I could probably take on all of them ... which I am not wanting to do, just yet. I don't know anything of this world, and ... as a wizard in training from one world, I do not like going into situations without knowledge. My master Neytaan taught me this value-

Cape of Sheer Invisibility ― more than a piece of sewn fabric, it's my relief ― truly, every summoned human should have one, if a king has a slave collar readied. Shirt of True Magic Shields ― since, even a real wizard might need an infrequent protection against an enemy (or even his own magic research). Pants of Physical Defense, again because of ... the usual. Belt of Inventory, those thousands of cubic meters of space, which I could access too no matter what world I'm on; though I do have my personal Inventory as well. One item my 'Pendant of Many Portals' ... which I'm not sure works here, but might be a way home or at least back to the last world. The socks are ordinary but both the shoes are Shoes of Stability Mk2, for the times when I need to be surefooted. Boxers of Virile Force ... now stained ... let's not go on; it gets more personal too.

By my expanding sense of mana, I have 'seen' the eight big men behind me ― though I have not let myself turn to see them. This same scenario as I had got summoned to face this last time. Hmm. But, in the first place it had been only four of them ― and when I resisted they had grabbed me to force on the collar; it wasn't a competition. Yet here, it would take ten whole men just to subdue me, their one summon, by their calculation?

As a user of magic I should not like the implication of how I am summoned, into a 'magically weak' world. I shouldn't. Magically weak because what else can I call it when a world or a kingdom has such ... laughable, sorts of magic users being so ineffective and not know it? But it works out even better for me, how I only have to disappear, and step aside if not outside, then watch all the confusion. Confusion, at how they cannot see or sense me, because I can hide. I might have a sort of concern now, how the slave girl might be able to see me somehow ... but it's a concern for ... later-

Off to the back right side though, catching glimpses of this same slave girl in the room, I wonder. A half dark elf girl who might be ... maybe assassin? Glitched status screen. Yeah probably yet a new option against me, should their summoning go wrong. But wait, so does this mean other races from other worlds also get summoned? Or are they always human like me ― but they can get transformed, into another race? So many questions, based on the only other summon I can see here-

Pretty, thin, maybe near starvation thin ― but standing as a servile slave. The collar around her neck seems ― like mine once was ― worn and scratched too; as if she herself tried to remove it but failed; and they left it like this. For no other reason than ... just because ... it stops the attempts. I will feel sorry for her, if I have to end her life just to save mine. But more likely if I can find out what side she's on, or how strong the slave magic is or if she resists ― maybe rescue her if the way exists? It's not as if she doesn't have a reason to live, too!

And finally, my attention is drawn back to this high priest's young son, holding the silver tray with the free collar. The accursed collar I see there, I would like to see destroyed, as I would like to see all slave collars destroyed. I think, I ... maybe I am feeling not so good about this world, and the reason a kingdom here would summon someone, to fight an endless war. Whether from the hunger even from the last world ― I worked late at the mana splitter project ― my stomach acid is building, leaving my stomach in turmoil. Control of my facial expression also weakens, as I contemplate if the time to act is yet-

"-g, grab him!"

Uh oh, the priest just called me out. Time to drop the pretense, and just vanish!

---

-vip-

With such a faint sound, I feel the mana imbued in the cloak wrap around me, as I 'vanish' as intended. Then I quickly try to turn and step to one side without sound, and move out of the way. I can see and hear too the line of men drawing swords, to cautiously swipe at the air in front of them, turning and hopping nervously, then repeating-

-but they've neither caught me nor even seen my escape path. I see the king, queen, princess, priest and son; and each of the knights seem to be at a loss. They just ... can't see me.

Perfect; I am even able to reach the left side of the room, and back behind the high priest and son. The chaos arising in the next few seconds ― priceless.

"Hey what-"
"The bastard-"
"Hey where-"
"Where is he-"
"You stepped on my foot!"
"C, Commander uah you sliced my ass!"

I'd laugh but it may give away my presence. Not gonna even breathe, more than calm streams of air ― in fear someone near here might hear it. In a brief instant it's over, and the king wants answers. he glares first at the joke of a high priest. He speaks an accusation as the priest readies his defense comment.

"Belfer you pussy ― you messed this up!"

"Your Highness, I ... s, saw him think, like he knew-"

"Idiot! I told you to hold the little bastard ― until he was ready to take the damn collar or we force it on him!"

"Why not get him to speak?" adds the young boy next to the high priest, sweating too.

"Idiot, like your father!" glares an unhappy king. "Well duh he won't talk ― it would give his position away!"

Hey, this doesn't sound like it's such a nice happy little kingdom ― like everyone is happy and getting along well ― and so it isn't. More proof I was right.

"Seal the chamber!" bellowed out the chief knight, who'd come near me. I see he's a wall of muscle, but he's not dumb either ― his intellect is in combat skills.

Doors, not just here but also outside the range of this room, all slam in an instant. Crap. I should have at least went for the door. Aah no, I did see men at each open door all along, and so I could not have fit past them either.

I am trapped ... more or less ... inside this room. Invisible, and thus not subdued ... but still ... trapped. Like the old saying; 'trapped like a rat in a cage'.

-but fortunately an escape is not so out of reach; I have my pendant with its 'stored portal nodes' bound to it. Inaptly, those other portals are yet attached to the other world ― where I live ... lived before now.

---

Could I still access them here though? Can I even try them ― no should I? Not here, not now, that's for sure ― a buildup to portal placement takes a precious few seconds, for which I will want no detection around me. No, this real worry would be ― if I tried to access one such portal, would these people in the sealed room also see it? I shudder, to think ― this kingdom would be the invaders into my own personal realm. No; let's not place it here, not if I cannot help it-

Sixteen slots. One remains saved for a special purpose, only ― my way home, back into Earth ― but the other fifteen, I'd more or less 'locked' at key points in the other world. I truly will save this slot for 'home', my Earth-

One slot into a room within the wizard's tower ... not going to touch this route. And it might be 'radioactive' now, if the mana splitter failed after I was there but did not hold the pieces together right, or it might not. As I left it, I was playing with putting together a massive mana splitting system! Massive 3D spell objects which extend through a four hundred cubic meter room!

... speaking of, I don't properly know what to expect if it did go 'boom'. On building and unlocking a portal node, it resolved into a black ― pure black, darker than black, like absence of light black ― rectangle. Each one a rectangle of void while not yet initialized, imposed on a flat face of the portal stones. I have a faint hope if they go boom, they return to ... pure black.

One slot into my 'home manor' in the country, where my wife and servants are probably still preparing lunch, and my son plays about his room. My wife ― she figures I'll be home within another half hour ... definitely gonna keep this one, for good. So freeing to know, the princess there tried so hard to be my wife, to be the one to fix my meals and stuff ― and I loved her for it. Even if I could tell she sometimes burned the food ... like, bad-

One slot with a view into the lusty brothel ... I think I'll keep set aside ... just in case. For ... reasons. Yeah any normal male would too, if they could see what some of those lamia slaves do to please a man and earn their coin!

One slot to the former hall of the ... well I guess it's a moot point; if I defeated its demon lord there ... a demon lord doesn't need a castle, right? But as a ruined structure, it's still got so many secret treasures, I'd love to return and dig through the wreckage more for a proper search. The one room barricaded by dense demonic magics was too much for me alone to bypass ... at least five years ago-

One, no two slots for various parts of the queen's private residence ... oh, heck yeah, definitely. I get a kick out of watching her bathing room, and then again her bedchamber. Truly, she should not be so active at night; even her servants are beginning to talk ― the widowed 'grand dame' and her lovers.

Two slots into the royal summer palace ― so peaceful ― I will also keep, because ... sometimes in all the day I just need to 'sneak away' for some private time. Plus the mostly empty castle there works. Yeah, so if the queen is not there, why not go have quiet time with the domestic staff assigned to it?

The remaining seven slots are all into places of the queen's adversaries; or at least nearly all of them views to the 'ladies of the house' of those enemies. Eh ... I can say, being told to 'watch Lord Nyahbell close' means to also watch Lady Nyahbell, as close ― doesn't it?

... eh. If I had to give one of the portal slots up, just to escape here ... it would be the spare, the first one I listed. But then it might be more or less permanent to this world, I would still have a tie back here, through it. But ... only if ... I cannot get back to Earth.

It might not be so bad if somehow I cannot get out of this world ever? I mean ― look at both these girls ― a queen and a princess. I wouldn't mind peek- uh, spend time 'watching the kingdom from afar' through the portal back here. Not as beautiful as my wife; but still not so bad looking, if a look is all the further it will go. But just this ― look but don't touch; I'm much more reserved at picking a mate for life, you know-

Okay it's settled; I just gotta sneak around this inbound small group of men, and-

-hey ... what? This slave/assassin/girl seems to be following my movements, with her eyes? I just noticed it, now, as she does look this way as I'm still subtly moving. I ... I am still cloaked, invisible, right? Er ... right?!?!

Her eyes divert, just once ― to the king ― and then to me directly again, with a shocked look, not vague ― but to my specific spot-

-gulp-