Alexios was in the family library reading about the man Diogenes.
“What an odd fella, I’ll like to be free like that…. I wouldn’t shit on the floor though.”
“Alexios!” A deep rumbling voice echoed from the 1st floor.
“Up here dad!” Alexios answered
“Both of you shut up! I’m trying to study here!” A girl’s voice louder than the previous offenders chastised the father and son duo.
“”Sorry Luna!””
Lunafreya grumbled about how this is a library and went back to her books. By the time Alexios could put his book down his father was already up the third ramp way, not a breath out of place.
“Pater, what may i assist you in.”
“Pater? Brat, I remember when you used to call me papa. Also couldn’t keep your hands out of your pants. Ha but I suppose you still have that habit.”
Alexios let out a small growl
“Haha don’t growl it’s weird”
You’re the weird one Alexios thought.
“But enough of my nostalgic tangent. I have a mission for you!!”
Alexios stood up at full length 6ft tall almost reaching his father, A hand was placed on the latter's shoulder. A concerned look replaced Alexios's usual deadpanned face.
“Dad maybe you should lay off the anime for a bit” and the weed.
“I had a dream”
The concern looked was quickly replaced with sharp eyes and complete seriousness. Alexios knew his dad wouldn’t joke about a vision. Especially one he’s willing to share.
“Explain”
“Tokyo, Japan. In kokusai high school. 1st day of school everyone in class 3-C disappears. You know what that means?”
“...some kind of terrorist hostage situation?”
“No! They were teleported to another world!”
The other hand of Alexios rose unto his father shoulder
“Dad maybe you should lay off the weed for a bit.”
“You wound me Alexios I practice moderation. My body is a temple.”
A jojo pose Alexios didn’t understand revealed his father muscled figure.
“But it’s already been decided in the meeting that you are to go to Japan.”
(I ready have to start going to these meetings)
“But why me? Isn’t Adonis better suited for this going to a new world business. In fact, why you don't go it's your dream.”
“Haha they won’t let an old gruffy looking man like me into a high school. And while your cousin will definitely prosper in a new world. Only you can conquer it.”
Alexios tried to contain his laughter.
“Haha what are you saying dad? I haven’t conquered anything before, what makes you think I can conquer a world.”
“You conquered Samantha in the six grade no? And you don’t have to conquer anything. Assimilate into a position of power. Carve out a little piece of land for yourself. Learn the intricacies of magic. And open a portal from that world into this one. Easy peasy no?”
I regret telling him about Samantha, Alexios briefly thought.
“How is opening a portal between worlds an easy thing? I know nothing of magic and can still tell that’s not something anyone can do.”
“Haha I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Where there’s a will.”
“There’s a way”
“Now come, the family is waiting to say goodbye”
Alexios followed.
“Wait when am I leaving?”
“Today of course, here’s your passport,license and a debit card with 50k just in case.”
Alexios tooked the items as they walked toward the meeting room. He flipped through the little blue book.
“Really dad? John Hancock?”
“Haha you don’t think it’s believable? I guess you do look more like a Juanquin than a John. Don’t worry they won’t check you in the airport from here and they definitely won’t find it odd in Japan.”
“And you look more like Conan the barbarian than Atemu. But I guess I’ll take your word for it.”
Alexios and Atemu reached the room and were assaulted with loud talking and jeering. Alexios’s cousins shouted in unison
“””All hail Alexios, conquer of worlds. Avid reader of the twilight series and self proclaimed “sexy boy”!”””
The room filled with laughter and Alexios couldn’t help but laugh as well despite the jabs thrown at him.
Adonis stepped up with a voice louder than thunder.
“Let’s start with the gifts already!”
Walking up to Alexios with his hands full. Adonis started with some type of neckwear.
“Here cousin, four paracord necklaces. I made them myself. Each of these babies should give you 20 ft of rope.”
Alexios took the paracords, black and red the colors of war. My cousin knows my taste well he thought and proceeded to wear the necklaces. Before he can say anything Adonis started up.
“And this is my favorite book on bushcraft. You might not need it, but you never know when you’ll find yourself in the middle of nature. So best be prepared. And last and not least is this little care package. It’s a bunch of miscellaneous items. Mother Nature provides but she isn’t too keen on comfort.”
Alexios was short of words from the gifts he received and bit suspicious on how his cousin prepared these items so fast.
“I don’t know what to say cousin. T-Thank you.”
“Haha don’t get all mushy on me now.”
“Ahem it’s my turn.”
Lunafreya said as she marched over.
“For you cousin.”
She handed over a book thicker than oatmeal.
“It’s one of my first medical textbooks. Even though you’ll probably learn healing magic. A good foundation on basic human anatomy will help you advance. There’s also a few chapters on the most common illnesses. I also prepared you a first aid kit. Bandages,disinfectant,a few needles and some thread made of collagen, so you don’t have to remove the stitches. Your body will absorb them naturally. Remember cousin, science advanced enough appears like magic to the common man.”
“Oh and last but definitely not least. A carton of condoms. Just because you’re sniped down there doesn’t mean you can go free willy. Don’t come back with a super magic STD you hear”
The room once again erupted with noise.
“Woop woop!” Cousin Talket shouted
“Don’t go all Genghis Khan's alright! Make them last!” Uncle Darius gave his advice.
“Remember to trim your nails, lady killer!” Auntie Aziza dropping knowledge of sages.
“Sexy boy!”
Alexios looked over to the voice, feeling betrayed, his own father hit the nail in the coffin. His family was gasping for air laughing. Some were on the floor in a fetal position.
This new world thing is starting to sound appealing. Alexios quickly shelved the idea.
(Naw I'd rather be with my family.)
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
“Okay okay I still have my gift”
Atemu stepped up to his son crossing the distance in two steps. Not a bit apologetic for the laughing fit he started.
“To my son. I gift you this solar powered phone filled with the digitized knowledge of our family library. It’s also chuck filled with porn, anime, manga and light novels. (Of course it is) Remember son while you train for strength. The brain is the greatest tool, but like any tool it can become less effective or even break. Evaluate your stress levels regularly and act accordingly.”
Atemu led out a deep sigh
“I know I ask a lot of you my son.”
Atemu words hung in the air.
“It’s okay father, I understand this is for the family. And what’s the worst that can happen? I die?”
The room lifted with laughter when Alexios mentioned death. Even the kids running around who didn’t get the previous joke were laughing. Running around their big cousin Alexios while calling him a sissy for fearing death, not yet understanding the sarcasm of his words.
The evening was spent spitting ideas on how to topple a nation more effectively. Some argued you have to have the people on your side or a coup was inevitable. Others preferred to pacify the citizens with excessive amounts of entertainment, while they garnered military support and performance a silent takeover.
Alexios retreated from his family’s crazy talk. And made his way to the living quarters. He stopped when he heard.
“Yes! Finally done”
Alexios walked into his cousin’s room.
“Jafar?”
“Ah! Alexios my dear cousin, impeccable timing as always. I finally finished my gift for you, here.”
Jafar handed over a tiny black book, small enough to put in one's pocket.
“It’s a book of business ideas! Nothing major of course, just enough to get you by till I come and run a monopoly on all major trade, bwahahaha.”
Jafar broke into his signature evil laugh.
(He sure is cutthroat, but I guess you have to be in the world of business)
“Thank you cousin. I’ll make sure to amass a small fortune for you to play with.”
With that Alexios left towards his room, and packed his things in a thick green heavy duty backpack. That he once borrowed from Adonis and never returned. Other family members that were late for the meeting came by and gifted Alexios many items. From mundane things like a neck pillow for the long flight. To extravagant jewelry, Someone even gave him a golden olive wreath diadem. Alexios isn’t the type of person to wear jewelry, but he didn’t want his family to think him ungrateful.
His fingers were covered with golden and silver rings, each with different cuts of minerals, like emerald,sapphire and ruby. His neck is now heavy with two new additions. One silver chain with a polished obsidian ball held by a claw, and the other is a golden chain embedded right into a pearl. The Pearl is a bit feminine for Alexios’s taste but it paired nicely with the obsidian.
A heavy set of feet came into the room.
“Woah there big pimpin.”
Alexios growled at his dad
“Ready?”
Alexios don his long sleeved black hooded cardigan.
“Ready”
Atemu didn’t say anything else and left, alexios followed behind. They reached the east entryway where a black suv waited, already running. Opening the door revealed Adonis, strapped in and ready to go.
“Other door punk”
Once inside Alexios saw Adonis’s dad.
“Uncle it’s been awhile. Where have you been?”
“You know my dad probably somewhere shady”
The man spoke with a slow drawl. “Haha I've been around and about, wherever the wind takes me. Meeting with business associates and what not.”
Atemu hopped into the conversation while putting the car in drive.
“Apo-Oni you really should come home more often
“I told you not to call me that!” And like that the slow drawl was erased.
The rest of the way to the airport was spent harmonizing to a thousand miles. When they arrived all 4 got out of the car. Atemu Hugged his son and spoke
.
“My son, this new world will change you without doubt. Do your best to follow the family’s teachings, but don’t be afraid to evolve. It’s not the strongest creature that survives.”
Alexios hugged his dad tighter and finished the saying.
“It's the one who learns to adapt.”
“Make sure you come back cousin, you’re the only left willing to spar with me.”
It’s cuz you hit too hard, Alexios thought, but held his tongue.
“I’ll make sure to return and wipe the floor with you.”
They both laughed and gave each other a man hug. 1 second embrace with a double tap on the back.
“Brother I’ll leave him to you now.”
“Of course”
An arm was thrown over Alexios and they walked towards the airport.
“Now Alexios, I’m gonna have you meet an associate of mine. He’ll help you get on and off the plane without pesky custom agents bothering you.”
(Great I’m being smuggled)
“When you arrived in the Tokyo terminal. I’ll have a business partner pick you up and take you to school. He’ll have my gifts for you, when he asks for you to uphold your end of the deal. Simply tell him Chiba, Ōhara station, Obamahachiman shrine.”
(Even better, now I’m a possible accessory.)
Alexios didn’t have time to confirm that he understood. Someone blocked their path.
“Apollo” the man dressed in pilot attire stretched his hand towards Alexios’s uncle.
“Javier”
Apollo took the hand and shook it
“This is my nephew I told you about. I trust he’ll be in good company?”
“Of course sir nothing but the best”
[Now boarding Flight…]
“That’s us” Javier said and bid farewell to Apollo. Alexios hugged his uncle and followed behind with his backpack on tight. Alexios was expecting some kind of FBI raid but it was shockingly easier to get into the plane.
13 hours to get to Japan. Alexios used the time to scroll through the anime on the phone his father gave him.
(In another world with my smartphone? That sounds like me, I’ll give it a try.)
After a few episodes, Alexios dropped it.
(What kind of shit was that? There’s no struggle for the main character to overcome. He just gets friend-girls like collecting Pokémon. And where’s the backstory how comes he knows how to fight? Where did he learn to wield a katana? Was he from a family of swordsmen or something? This is just wish fulfilment crap)
Half an hour later of scrolling through light novels Alexios found something that could help him. A novel with the same premise of another world. Only the mc wasn’t teleported, but reincarnated there instead. The kid was born as the third son of a duke. The story depicted his struggles, caused by his elder brothers feud for head of the household.
Alexios found the filler most enjoyable, he made sure to practice the way nobles interacted with each other. Unsure of how he’ll be treated by those in charge, he hoped by adopting their mannerism they’ll see him more as a person instead of a otherworlder. Therefore making it easier for him to wiggle into power.
Alexios’s eyes grew weary and he took a nap.
Alexios dreamt of reading in the library and losing to Adonis in a bout of wrestling. The dream shifted once more, and a slight upgrade in clarity told him this is a vision. An ocean of gray with a pillar of white.
“Ale..”
“xios”
Suddenly a new pillar appeared, a pillar of darkness.
Alexios awoke frightened, gasping for air and sweating buckets of sweat.
“Alexios!”
Turning his head towards the sound he noticed it was Javier.
“We have to get off, now” Javier was dead serious
Alexios understood he didn’t have time to think about what he saw.
“Of course”
He followed Javier off the plane and through a maze of hallways and eventually out the airport.
Javier eyed Alexios with concern and said.
“Goodbye, take care of yourself man”
“Thank you Javier” Alexios thanked him and appreciated the worry he held for him. They shook hands and Javier went back into the terminal.
(Perhaps I should call my dad and tell him of my dream)
A black sedan pulled up and rolled the windows down.
“Alexios?”
“Yes”
“Get in”
Alexios got in, not for a moment doubting the authenticity of the ride. He recognized the car’s puncture proof tires and thick bulletproof glass.
(This was one of ours) he acknowledged.
“Here”
The man with little words gave Alexios a small sliver case and motion for the driver to go. Alexios opened the case.
“Sig Sauer” nostalgia rolled off his tongue.
“You know your guns”
“No just this one. It’s the one I learn to shoot with.”
Next to the gun were two extra magazines filled to the brim with bullets.
“Here’s the last two things”
Alexios was handed a ziplock bag full of seeds and a tiny black book similar to the one Jafar gave him. Examining the seed revealed them to be brown and oval shaped, with small black lines. Each seed was unique.
“What kind of seeds are these?” The man was a bit confused.
“It’s cannabis seeds, and the book that's written in your weirdo cult language are instructions.”
Now it’s was Alexios’s turn to be confused.
(Weirdo cult? This man knows enough about my family to call it a cult? Uncle must really trust him. Well I guess that’s obvious since he had him pick me up)
The man said something to the driver which Alexios recognized as mandarían. The driver nodded and parked. Outside the window were kids around his age making their way into the school building.
“Now”
The man became serious and Alexios found it hard to breath.
“Uphold your end of the deal.” The words were spoken like a code.
“Chiba, Ōhara station, Obamahachiman shrine” Alexios parroted what his uncle told him.
“Good doing business with you”
Alexios grabbed his backpack the gifts Apollo gave him already stored away.
“Thanks for the ride.” Alexios said while he opened the door and walked out. The black sedan pulled out as soon as the door closed. Alexios began walking to class.
“Who’s that?”
“A new student?”
“No way. He isn’t wearing a uniform.”
“A new teacher then?”
“I haven’t heard anything about a new teacher”
“Look at all that jewelry he’s wearing. Maybe he’s a foreign celebrity, here to talk to us for the opening ceremony.”
“That’ll be nice, the principal's speeches are so boring”
The students talked as Alexios walked by. He didn’t understand a damn thing but knew they were talking about him. He stuck out like a sore thumb, being 6ft and brown was enough not to fit in here. But being decked out in jewelry made it worse. Luckily he had his hoodie on, blocking the olive wreath crown. Even in the most diverse of societies, Alexios, as he is now wouldn’t be able to blend in. Soon enough he was in the school, looking for class 3-C. The rooms around him had the number one on them, so he went for the stairs.
Walking up the stairs he tried calling his father. But failed, he forgot that he had no service. Alexios quickly found an unlocked WiFi network and connected. He then downloaded a social media app with calling. The app used a new number for him and Alexios quickly went through the work of providing an email address and skipping things like adding a bio. He finally got the call to go through.
(Come on dad pick up)
Alexios has gotten over the initial fright of the vision he had but the unknown was unsettling and he had to let his family know.
“Who’s this” Atemu’s voice sounded hard like steel
“Dad”
“Alexios? Haha what’s wrong son? Got the first day of school jitters. I remember the first time you went to school. Papa I’m”
“I had a dream”
“Explain”
“I was in a ocean of grey, a white pillar stood then a black pillar appeared”
“Black? But that’s never happened before. There’s nothing in the family archives about this.”
“I know that’s why I called”
“How did you feel when you saw the black pillar?”
“I-I don’t remember I woke up soon after. But I was sweating and scared.”
“Were you scared of the darkness itself? Or of the unknown?”
“I don’t know”
Atemu let out a sigh and said.
“I’ll leave it to you son, if you wish to return home or go forward. Only you can decide.”
Alexios didn’t have to think about it. The backpack he carried seemed a bit heavier, the jewelry he wore felt like it wanted to bring him to the earth’s core.
“I chose to go forward, father.”
When he reached the third floor he resumed the search. Suddenly someone spoke to him in perfect English.
“Hey! You look lost, what room are you looking for?”
A kid about a head shorter than Alexios asked. Alexios first noticed his skin was a shade darker. But his eyes were definitely Japanese.
“Room 3-C”
“That’s my homeroom! You lucked out man. Miss Anderson’s a total babe. Follow me!”
Alexios followed the kid who’s eager to help.
“My name is Hiro Jackson. What’s your name?”
“Alexios”
“What’s your last name? People here are gonna call you by your last name until you get to know them.”
“I don’t have a last name”
“W-what how?” Hiro was confused but Alexios looking ahead noticed the classroom.
“It seems like we arrived.”
“Huh? Oh yeah.” Hiro smothered the questions that were bubbling inside and opened the sliding door. Hiro spoke Japanese.
“Miss Anderson I brought the new student!”
The class ignited in chatter.
“Shit I was hoping for a girl.”
“He’s tall. Even taller than Hiro-san”
“Let’s try to get him in the basketball club”
“I heard he’s related to a famous foreign celebrity.”
“Enough! Quite down.” Miss Anderson controlled her class and turned to Alexios.
“Introduce yourself”
Alexios turned to Hiro and whispered.
“What did she say?”
“You..”
Alexios watched as the wheels in Hiro’s head turned, not being able to understand how he was a student here.
Hiro got closer too whisper.
“Do you not know Japanese? Why aren’t you in uniform and what’s up with all those rings? Are you a pimp or something? What…”
“Stop whispering sweet nothings to each other. Jackson-San take your seat. New kid introduce yourself we don’t have all day. We got the opening ceremony to attend.”
Hiro whispered
“She wants you to introduce yourself”
With that he left and took his seat at the back of the class, closest to the window.
Alexios walked to the front of the classroom.
“My name is Alexios, I’m a student of history and I’m here to conquer.”
No one had time to comment. A white light appeared from below. Sigils with such complexity it hurts to look danced around the floor like a group of synchronized swimmers. From that’s moment on, the world was forever curious to what happened to the people of class 3-C.