I was surprised to learn that our destination was only a short hike away from the goblin encampment where Inari and I had met. After passing through several grassy fields, the tavern came within view at the bottom of a large hill. Excited she was almost home, Inari quickly picked up her pace to race me towards the lodging. Joining her in speed, we both arrived outside the old, wooden doorways. Sure enough, just above the doorframe, an ancient, faded board read “Paws & Beans Tavern”.

“Alright Ko, here we are, the famous Paws & Beans Tavern! Well, not “really” famous, but it’s one of the best places around for demi-humans and beastkin alike! Things are pretty rough in the human city of Solara, so a lot of us spend our time here while in the kingdom!”

“Sounds good Inari! Let’s head inside, I’m looking forward to meeting this Felice person! What are they like? I’m sure they have to be some crazy powerful wizard!!!”

My imagination began to run wild at the thoughts of meeting some ancient, wise person who had studied magic for millennium! Pictures of old, wrinkly human scholars with massive, white beards adorned my thoughts! I was expecting the most experienced of sages! Perhaps they would be something like that wise headmaster from a popular story involving a boy wizard with a scar across their head? As I was thinking about this, Inari gave me a lackluster reply.

“Ummmm, well, I’m sure they will introduce themselves quite quickly once we get inside! Just... Don’t be... Too, surprised?”

Alright, now I was curious! Eagerly, I pushed open the door spouting old, faded claw marks around the handle to reveal what I could only describe, as a chaotic zoo. All throughout the structure, was beastkin and demi-humans alike! There were so many different races it was a mesmerizing experience getting to see them all! Looking around, I saw a lot of cat and wolf-like beastkins, with a few lizards or dragon types as well! Some were even small like rodents or rabbits! Peering towards the bar area where food was being served, it was an absolute choir of howls and laughter from all sorts of animals!

I was so completely absorbed by the visual barrage of all these different fantasy creatures, that I had failed to notice a smaller, cat demi-human in a blue maid’s outfit, make a flying leap from across the hallway! With tears bawling out of their eyes like a waterfall, they completed a flying tackle into Inari, knocking her straight onto the floor!

“WAAAAAA!!! INARI NAYN!!!! I WAS SOOOOO MEOWIED ABOUT YOU MEOWN!!!!!”

Through loud sniffling and crying noises, the mysterious cat maid was ferociously embracing Inari, rolling around the wooden floor in an absolute frenzy! Inari was desperately struggling to free herself from the unconsented tackle, but was unsuccessful no matter what she tried! Shocked, I just merely watched and observed the shenanigans unfold.

Drawing my attention over towards the reception counter, I saw a near identical demi-human cat also sporting the same blue and white maid’s uniform! However, unlike the emotional, teary-eyed ball of fluff rolling around on the floor, they appeared much shyer, with just the tips of their ears and nose peaking over the counter to watch from afar.

“Gah! Felice! Please stop it! I’m fine... See? Could you please get off of—”

“NOOOO!!! INARI NAYN!!! NYME NEVER LETTING MEOW OUT OF MYAN SIGHT AGAIN!!!”

“Felice!!!!! Please!!!!! I... Can’t.... Breath!!!! Ko!!! Help me!!”

Huh, well, I did have to admit I was “slightly” disappointed that the wise, old human wizard I had pictured in my head, was instead a cute, demi-human cat maid. Irrespective as to what I imagined; I was still curious as to how gifted in magic this Felice was! After all, the individual before me seemed anything but an all-powerful master of magics, yet Inari was adamant from earlier they were incredible. So, I figured the phrase “benefit of the doubt” was warranted in this scenario.

Nonetheless, I was also trying to hold back from laughing at their manner of speech! They were seriously using cat noises while talking!!!!! I knew anime shows from Earth had rather annoying characters that would talk like this, and while I would often imagine this speaking behaviour was done purely for entertaining the audience, or annoying them, I always assumed an actual cat human hybrid would speak like a.... Well... Normal human?

Regardless, I figured I should eventually respond to Inari’s frantic pleas for help. So, I said while trying my best not to laugh:

“Sorry Inari, but I think this is an appropriate punishment for ignoring Felice’s advice! I mean, you did admit to sneaking out against their wishes you know?”

Eventually, the sniffling and accompanying waterworks started to ease in intensity, leaving behind a very tear-stained, red-eyed cat. They were still, however, tightly gripping Inari and refusing to let go of her.

*Sniff* “But... Inari!! I was so meowied about you!! *Sniff* I... I should have been meow assertive when I said nynt to weave! I... I had... Appraisal an—”

“Felice, I know... And I’m sorry for worrying you. I’ll accept whatever punishment you deem necessary for my adventurer’s training. Even if it’s herb gathering requests for a month!”

*Sniff*

Felice had finally started to wipe their snot filled face after heading Inari’s apology. Then, in a matter of seconds, they regained their composure and were staring very deeply towards my direction. Well, guess now’s as good a time as any to introduce myself.

“Hello there! My name is Kotato, and it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Felice. Inari has told me all about how you are an amazing magic user and I would love to have a conversation with you about my circumstances. You see, we were attacked by bandits and managed to work together to defeat them. However, I appear to be in a rather unique situation which might pique your expertise. Would Inari and I be able to chat with you privately?”

Even though I thought I had worded my introduction rather well, Felice was continuing to stare at me in silence. Their green eyes appeared lost in thought as they scanned me from top to bottom. I got the feeling I was being examined more than just visually, almost as if they could see everything about me. But, even if they could do incantationless casting, if they used appraisal on me, surely I would have felt that weird sensation, no? Eventually, the cat responded, accompanied by a jump, twirl, and nyan pose, landing on their feet!

“Nyan! That would be a puuurfect meowpertunity to acquaint meowselves. Kotato nyan, please follow nyan. I meowself have plenty of questions to nyask you and Inari nayn as meow!”

Seemingly as if nothing strange had happened moments before, Felice began prancing off towards the reception counter in blissful happiness, oblivious to Inari still lying on the wooden floors. Looking around the tavern, the commotion had become noticeably quieter as well. I could feel the piercing gazes from the patrons as they were examining me and my demeanor. Additionally, I was also still being spied on by the shy demi-human at the counter, although they were attempting to peek at me more often now though, they were very clumsy in their attempts to hide their curiosity.

That’s when I realized something weird. This was an official adventurer’s guild branch in the kingdom, yet there was a suspicious lack of other humans in attendance throughout the hallways. Correction, I appeared to be the only human in the building. Was there some type of social conflict between the various races of this world? What was really going on in this kingdom? Why would adventurers be agnostic about different races. Shouldn’t they work together to brave adventures and slay dangerous monsters? Greater strength through differences?

Not wanting to get completely lost on my thought tangent, I returned my mind back to the present situation. Reaching my hand towards Inari, I grabbed her paws and helped her back on her feet. Felice was already well ahead of us and appeared to be humming to themselves as we made our way towards them.

“Inari, is Felice always like this?”

“Thanks for the help Ko, and yes, this is normal Felice behaviour. While they’re a bit... Quirky at times, they truly are a great magic user, I swear!!”

“Hmmm, well, lets hope they can shed some light about my status screen’s condition.”

Inari let out a cute laugh at my comment.

“Hehe! I’m sure they will completely surpass your expectation Ko! Come on! Let’s not leave Felice waiting. I wouldn’t want you to meet their angry side today as well!

As we continued walking towards Felice, they motioned for us to follow them to a backroom behind the counter. This was probably the direction of the headmaster’s chambers? Perhaps this individual would also be taking part in the examination process!

As we walked behind the counter, I made sure to make a friendly handwave towards the suspicious feline still spying on me. Seemingly shocked at my unexpected pleasantries towards them, they hastily covered their face by pulling their maid’s bonnet overtop in a silly attempt to conceal themselves. Looking at them, it was an incredibly cute reaction that was sure to make many a connoisseurs of adorable characters squeal at the cuteness overload!

Eventually, Inari and I entered a larger room that was adorned with several paintings, regal furniture, and formal setting. Well, to draw comparison, it was the type of room I would expect to host a meeting with management in at a corporate office, except with a fantasy twist, such as the lack of fancy computers and projectors. As I was admiring the room, it didn’t take long for Felice to speak up.

“Inari and Kotato nayn, puurease feel free to take a seat. I’m sure meow have pawlenty to talk about meown!”

“Thank you Felice, I am looking forward to your keen insight. I have plenty of questions I would like to ask you about this world and the kingdom I am currently in! Speaking of which, is this the headmaster’s room for the branch? Will they also be joining us? It looks rather fancy compared to the rest of the tavern.”

Felice continued to stare at me while making glances towards Inari, whose facial expression slowly started shifting from one of happiness, to guilt. I started to feel bad for them. Even though they had made it back safely, I was sure Inari was going to be punished for disobeying her master. Predicting this, I wanted to do my best in my conversation with Felice to help alleviate or even eliminate the penalties she might incur. After all, I couldn’t imagine a master would be completely heartless to their pupil if they helped save someone in trouble! Looking at Inari though, her ears were completely drooped in sadness. I did genially feel bad seeing her like this. For sure I would have to mention how amazing they were during our conversation!

Finally, after a moment of silence that was starting to get uncomfortable, Felice spoke to me in a cheerful, yet confident tone.

“Ny apologise Kotato nayn, but I do believe a purroper introductions is due on meown part.”

Offering a proper curtsy, Felice briefly bowed while lifting some of their maid’s dress up at the frills before continuing.

“Meown are almeowdy speaking with the headmeowster of the Paws and Beans Adventurer’s Branch in the Kingdom of Solara nayn! Meown name is Felice, and I am puureased to meet you Kotato nayn!

Neown, I undmeowstand you would like to ask me ameowt meow circumstances nayn? Shall I purpare some tea meown?”

“Why of course Felice, that would be most wonderful!”

I did my best at a polite bow towards them with my response. By no means was I aware of how to be polite or follow social customs in this world, but I figured similar mannerisms from Earth would be comparable and did my best.

Felice seemed very surprised that I bowed before them in my response, but was happy at my agreeance at accepting their offer of tea! While I wasn’t much for drinking the warm beverage on Earth, I was curious to compare the differences, if any, for this world. After all, this was a rather exciting experience which could potentially shed insight to how multiple worlds share customs amongst each other! Perhaps tea itself was a universal theme to drink during such occasions!

“Of course meown!”

Then, with a flick of their wrist, Felice summoned an arrangement of fancy cups and kettles. The energetic utensils floated in through the open door we entered from and neatly lay themselves out before us on the table! Next, with a snap of their fingers, the kettle began to bubble and whistle as the water inside reached its boiling point. The whole atmosphere was incredible and really portrayed the point I was clearly in a different, fantasy-like world. Finally, clapping their hand together, the door to the room closed and the kettles poured each of us a fresh cup of tea!

“That’s ameowsing Felice! Apologies if my pronunciation was off, but that was a very entertaining use of magic! Is casting something like that easy to learn?”

“Hehe, flattery won’t get you far with me Kotato nayn! While I do apprreciate meown attempt at beastkin, feel free to speak normally with me meown. After all, I have a feeling we meow be chatting for a while nayn!”

And so, I began retelling my experiences from the day, starting from when I fell from the sky, to the headaches and vision problems, strange voices in my head, and my fateful encounter with the bandits and defeating them with Inari.

All throughout my explanations, Felice calmly sat there gradually sipping away at their tea. Their attention was focused on me while their green eyes occasionally darted back and forth. When I began talking about how the weapons had suddenly appeared, their expression became furrowed as if in deep thought at the mysterious appearance. While talking about the items in question, I placed the serpent sword and shield onto the table. Felice looked at them, and sparks appeared to shoot out from the blade and shield before dissipating.

After I finished my explanation, Felice spoke after placing down their now finished, cup of tea.

“I see, very interesting indeed Kotato nayn! If you don’t myind, may I cast the “Appraisal” spell on you meown? It might feel a little funny nayn, but I’m sure Inari nayn already meowtioned this to mew?”

“Of course Felice, feel free to cast Appraisal when you’re ready!”

“Puurfect nayn! One fabmeowlice Felice Appraisal coming right up meown!

World reveal onto me the secrets within, show me all that lies inside, Appraisal!”

My body tingled as usual when the holographic status screen appeared in front of Felice. But unfortunately, it was still a jumbled mess:

---

Ṋ̵͑ä̸́ͅm̸͎͂e̵̼͐:̵̪͂ ̵͓͘K̷͉̉o̸̮̿t̵͚̃á̴̟t̵̢́o̵̬͝ ̸͉͊Y̸̫̏a̷͓̚ṁ̸͙a̶̩͝t̵̥̋a̶̢̒ ̵̣͌L̷͕̕ē̸͜v̵̧̛e̸̞͝l̵̞̊:̷̯̑ ̷̯̈1̶̘̓

̴̠̏

̷̠͂Ṙ̷̘a̵̜̋ĉ̶͙ȇ̷͔:̵̝̚ ̶̞͝Ḧ̴̼u̵͆ͅm̵̱͋a̶̜͠ǹ̷̫ ̶͔̔ ̷̧͝H̷̘̀P̸̘͛:̴̦͝ ̶̝̌6̵̼̿0̵̦͗/̵̩̒6̷̤̑0̵̦̚ ̷̘̒M̷̛̰P̸̗̓:̷͓͐ ̷̧̿6̷̪̔0̸̡̽/̵̪͐6̷̳͒0̴̧̔

̸̦̉

̵̆ͅA̷̙̎g̵̫͑ḛ̷̄:̵͕̂ ̴̭͋2̴̪͊5̶̩̓

̴̺̅

̵̮̇P̸̛ͅr̸̹̂o̶̍͜f̵̹͗e̷͙̐ś̵͔s̴͓̀i̵̮̓o̶̻͘n̶͛ͅ:̵̟̂ ̴̯̍Š̷͓p̷̙̎e̴̼̔l̴̟̈́l̴͚̔ ̸̟̃B̷̜͂ĺ̵̨a̴̾͜d̸͚͛e̵͉̊

̴̺̋ ̷̨̒ ̴͍͋ ̶͔̄ ̴͗ͅ ̶͔̾ ̵͎̚ ̴̛̻ ̵̙̋ ̷͎͆ ̶̜͝ ̵̺̏ ̸̯̔ ̷̺̕ ̴̱̓ ̴̦͑ ̵̰͝ ̷̬͑

̵͚͗S̸̹̄ẗ̷̥́ä̴͎t̸̰̊u̵͙̎s̴̩͑:̶̯̐ ̷̆͜ ̵̫͛ ̸̭̅Ś̷̙t̸̬͑r̶͆ͅe̷̗͝n̸͍̽ğ̵̥t̵̻͐ẖ̵̚:̵͎̐ ̸̮̾2̶̥͘0̵̤͌ ̷͙͝ ̶͙́ ̶̼̏ ̴͓̉ ̷̒͜ ̷͔̑ ̸̜̿ ̵̺̑ ̶̭͝ ̶̚͜ ̷͇̿ ̷͍̂ ̵͈͛D̵͎́e̴̗̒f̵̢̚è̵͉n̴͍͝s̷̼͝e̵̻͛:̸̑͜ ̸̼̉2̴̫̃0̷̙̈́

̵̙͂ ̵͝ͅ ̶͎̔ ̵̖̈́ ̴͖̇ ̴͍͋ ̴̮͛ ̶̧̓ ̷̗̇ ̴͉̌ ̸͔͊ ̴̣̓ ̸̯̊ ̷̦̑ ̶̨̛M̵̯̂a̶̻̚g̸̤͗i̶͎̓c̴͕̍:̸̰̊ ̶̖̓2̷̗̋0̷͍̄ ̴̯̋ ̶͇͒ ̵͉̈́ ̴̣̾ ̵̫̚ ̶̳̄ ̵̹̊ ̸̝͊ ̶̘͛ ̷̨̉ ̶̫̉ ̵͘͜ ̶̗́ ̷̣͗ ̶̃͜ ̴͈̃ ̵͚̿D̶͚̃e̸̖̎x̷̩̋ṯ̵̏e̷͎͛r̶̹̍i̴͕͊t̸̥̍y̸͉̆:̷̬̽ ̴̭̊2̷̠̒0̷̘͠

̸̖͗ ̵͓̐ ̶̟̓ ̶͙̀ ̸̖̎ ̶̧́ ̴̺̾ ̵̳̎ ̸͓͌ ̵̪̅ ̶̹̑ ̷̳͌ ̵̜̓ ̶͛͜ ̴̤̚ ̶̙̾ ̷̛͓ ̸͙͑

̴̠̆Ŝ̵̩k̸̝̓ï̷͓l̶͍̈́l̶̡̄ ̷̱̚Ṗ̵͜r̶̟͂o̵̝̊f̶̨̏i̸̺̇c̷̡̉i̸͖̔e̵̞͛ǹ̵̼c̸̙̍i̵̤̾ḛ̸͘s̷̰͠:̵̨̿ ̴̡̂[̶̡͠G̸̘͋r̸̰̈ǒ̴̥ẃ̴̼t̶̪̀h̸͖͗]̸̡̋ ̷̞̚[̴̣̊S̴͇͝ū̴͎m̶̋ͅḿ̶̭o̷̞͐n̷̡̄è̷̯d̷̘̔ ̸͕̌H̶͍̐ë̴̺r̵͔͐o̴͚̓]̵̖̎ ̶͖̿[̵͇̔W̶̟͑o̶̭͛r̴̙͠l̴̝̐d̴̻͌ ̷͓̕S̸͈̆è̸̯r̵̼͂p̴͉̿e̴̥͊ň̷̗t̴͙̀ ̶̜̐Ǎ̶̰ṕ̴̻ô̷̯s̶̟̉t̴̞͊l̵̫͑ē̷͓]̴̗̎ ̵̭̓[̴͕̏?̶̬̄?̵̜̓?̴̖̽]̷̻͊[̷̲͋?̵̦̿?̵̼̋?̴̯́]̴͇́

̷̟̈

̵̺̍Ṭ̶̕į̴̄ẗ̶͎́ḷ̵̛e̴̯̓s̷͍̉:̷̝̅ ̵͓̔[̵̥̔?̷̰̒?̵̹̍?̵̳̾?̸̝̏?̶̼̈́?̶̳̄?̴̫̆?̷̛͕]̸̯̽

---

Felice appeared shocked at seeing the jumbled characters as well! So, I figured now would be as good a time as any, to describe how these seemed like “glitched characters” from my world to see if that contextual information would be useful.

“Hmm, so it seems even a stronger version of Appraisal still results in the same messed up status panel. I’m not sure if it would help Felice, but even though the information isn’t legible, it appears similar to a phenomenon in my world when computers make an error in displaying information. My current hypothesis is that this world doesn’t know how to display my data. Have you ever heard of something like this before?”

“No, I am just as confused as mew are Kotato nayn. I guess even the ameowzing Felice has their limits too!”

“Even so, the letters seem to appear less jumbled than when Inari cast appraisal on me. Would this issue be resolved with time?”

“I can’t quite say Kotato nayn, this truly is a meowstry.”

Hmmm, well I guess it isn’t an urgent problem to get resolved. After all, the headaches are almost completely gone and my vision is considerably better compared to earlier. Maybe this problem would eventually get resolved as I stayed in this world longer?

While thinking about my status, I remembered back to when I was pressuring Inari about incantationless casting and her avoidance of the subject. Figuring I was in the presence of a skilled magic user, and unconvinced by her attempts to hide knowledge about the subject, I figured I would ask the friendly feline before me.

“Oh, also, while I remember Felice, I didn’t exactly mention it during the bandit encounter, but incantationless casting of magic is possible right? Or is that something impossible for magic users? There were several times during the fight I would imagine what I wanted to achieve with a spell and say the words in my mind to produce the effect.”

Felice appeared startled at my explanation and shot Inari a very stern look. Well, they attempted to hide their glance towards her, but Inari was all too telling about the expression as she was visibly sinking into the nice, comfy sofa trying to hide from the problem. Yep.... You could tell I had stepped on a potential land mine with her attitude! Her reaction was like reading an open book! I’m sorry Inari, but I have to know if this is possible, so please forgive me later! Nervously, Inari responded to my statement.

“Hehe, Ko, I already told you tha... That incantationless casting is im-impossible! Remember? Surely you wouldn’t need to bother Felice with something as outrageous as casting spells without speaking right? I mean... You clearly heard Felice speak to cast their own Appraisal spell! And since they are incredible at appraisal magics, surely, it’s a silly thing to think we can cast spells without talking! All spells require speaking to be cast!”

Inari continued to ramble while sinking further and further into the comfy sofa fortress. But her attempts at hiding the truth weren’t getting past me! Clearly casting magic without speaking was possible, but why hide this fact? Looking towards Felice, they continued staring at Inari while making small glances towards my direction.

“Also, Felice, I can’t quite say for certain, but I have a feeling you were potentially doing incantationless casting as well!”

Slowly, they turned their attention back to me, giving me a careful examination with their piercing green eyes.

“Nayn? When exactly do you believe I did incantationless casting meown?”

“Well, a recent example would be when you summoned all of the utensils for tea time of course! Those were all completed with hand motions. Not a single word was said by you Felice.”

“Meown, with enough practice nayn, even basic spells can be completed as such meow. These are referruued to in the meowgic field as cantrips nayn! However, its as Inari nayn said meown, all spells do require a verbal component to be cast, especially the more intricate ones such as appraisal nayn!”

“Hmmm, while I may not understand all of the nuances about the uses of magic in this world Felice, I still feel like it is possible to cast without speaking. I was able to accomplish this myself during combat and I am very confident I observed Inari casting spells without speaking as well! Also, my gut is telling me you’ve been doing some incantationless casting as well! Your eyes move differently sometimes during our conversation, almost as if you’re actively viewing additional information while we talk!”

Inari was now very clearly trying to hide herself from the situation I had created, dropping all attempts at concealing her actions. She was covering her ears and hiding her face behind one of the many pillows on the couch in a desperate attempt to escape the uncomfortable conversation. Finally, Felice’s serious expression faded as they let out a sigh, shrugging their shoulders. Then, in a relaxed tone, Felice spoke to both Inari and I.

“It’s alright Inari nayn, you can stop trying to burry meowself in the pillows meown.

Kotato, you’re right, incantationless casting is indeed pawsible with meowgic. However, it is a difficult concept to grasp and almost no humans are able to achieve this meown. Even their best scholars struggle to cast powerful magics after meowny years of study! But please, try meow best to keep this a secret nyan. There could be pawblems for mew if your capabilities are discovered meown.”

So I was right! But really? Doing something like casting magic without speaking is something humans have been trying to achieve, yet beastkin and demi-humans can do so easily? Why isn’t there more communication between the different races?

“But even so Kotato nayn, what you and Inari did was reckless! You should consider meowselves lucky you even survived meown! Those bandits were each level 5 and had many murders under their status nayn! If what mew said is true, and you were indeed summeowed to Terra, then things could get very bad meown.”

“I see, thank you Felice for confirming my thoughts on the matter. But if that’s the case, do you have any idea what I should do? Are people not normally summoned to this world?”

Felice’s facial expression slowly faded from a happy tone, to one of sadness. They appeared to be deep in thought about how they should proceed with our conversation. To my right, Inari had finally started to calm down, but was still acting nervous. She was fidgeting with her paws while watching Felice. Eventually, the cat maid broke the silence and continued our conversation in a serious demeanor.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Inari nayn, while I’m glad you managed to survive, I’ll still have to pawnish you for disobeying meown orders as your mewtor meown. Please return to your lodgings for the nynt, I wish to speak with Kotato nayn a little longer... — Privmeowtly.

And don’t bother with meown listening meowgics, I’ve almeowdy detected them and neutralized their meowfects.”

Surprised, Inari’s ears drooped again as she looked rather disappointed at her mentor’s words. As for me, clearly I had missed a lot of extra happenings during our conversation. Apparently, Inari had attempted to cast another type of magic to listen in on our conversation, while Felice had already nullified the effects? I made a mental note to myself that I would have to be super diligent in any conversations I had with people! Magic evidently created a whole new way of approaching conversations and intelligence gathering through subterfuge methods I would need to keep an open mind about!!

“Alright Felice, I’ll head back to my room. — But please, don’t be too hard on Ko. They’re a good person... Ko... Have a good night...”

While sounding rather sad, Inari said her goodbyes, then stood up from the couch and neatly rearranged the scattered pillows from her earlier attempts at hiding. Then she bowed towards Felice and waved goodbye to me with a slight smile across her face.

After Inari had left the room, Felice turned their attention towards the pillows, then clapped their hands together producing a nice audible *Smack*. I felt the shockwave from the handclap pass through my body and that pesky warning triangle appeared in my peripheral vision again!

[Warning! Magic Nullification Zone Detected – User Is Under The Effects of Magic Nullification & Unable To Cast Spells]

Curious, I attempted to try casting something by forming images in my head, but nothing would happen! The best analogy I could describe for the sensation was I could picture the word, but then it would instantly become a foggy, blurred mess in my head, and mana would fail to gather or move based on my thoughts. While the sensation was weird, I didn’t feel any ill intent from Felice, so I figured this was a means of helping keep the conversation as private as possible.

Then, the cat pointed towards the pile of pillows with their hand. Light formed at their fingertips, then shot itself towards the unsuspecting pile of softness, encasing them in a translucent bubble! Clicking their tongue, Felice began speaking to me again.

“Tch, that Inari nayn is really starting to get good at her illusion magics meown. I’m sorry Kotato nayn, but she made an attempt to listen again before leaving nayn. I am sorry for her behavmeower.”

Felice bowed towards me while apologising on Inari’s behalf. Collecting my thoughts, I decided to respond to Felice as best I could.

“It’s alright Felice, I’m not offended. She’s very curious about my situation as well so I don’t blame her for attempting to listen in. Actually, if I was in her scenario, I might have attempted the same thing, so no need to apologise.

If I’m being honest, is there a reason why you wanted to exclude Inari from the conversation? I don’t mind her being present.”

Felice paused, staring straight into my eyes from the other side of the table. While I didn’t feel anything particularly odd about the uncomfortable stare, my gut was making me feel very, very nervous. I felt like my entire being was being examined, and Felice was in their own world doing so. Eventually, they spoke to me again.

“Kotato nayn, what I’m abmeowt to say should never leave this room meown. Am I clear?”

While I wasn’t expecting things to move this quickly, I understood what Felice meant and braced myself for whatever it was they were about to tell me.

Signaling I understood, I simply remained silent, and nodded towards them.

“Good.

Kotato nayn, the ability to summon individuals from another world, is a meowgic that has been lost to time. Such a feat is currently impossible. Howmeowver, since you are clearly here, somemeown has discovered or recreated summoning meowgics. Based on meow observations, you were probabmeowly meant to be summowed in the royal palace of Solara meown.

Legends have said that summeowing magics would only appear when the world faced a great danger nayn. If that’s the case, mew should head to the royal palace. Meow guild branch will prepare a puurrroper introductions so meow can easily meet with King Solar. There is a good chance they attempted summoning meowgics and you somemeow appeared outside the castle. This meowgics is tricky, but I still wasn’t expecting royal meowgicians to miscalculate this much nayn.

King Solar can probabmeowly explain furrrther. If something truly is threating Terra, then it is a nation’s problem meown.

This is a problem for meown adventurer’s guild, Solara, and you, Kotato nayn. I would like Inari to remain unare of this so she can continmew her adventurer’s training nayn! She doesn’t need to be aware of these dangers. These are strictly for humowns to solve with a nation’s help meown!”

Ok, now I was getting somewhere! Thank you quest flags! Clearly something had gone wrong during my summoning process and I was suppose to be in a royal palace! Man, all of those Isekai anime shows were right! Additionally, based on what Felice is saying, I am probably a summoned hero needed to defeat a demon lord plaguing the world of Terra!

“Meown, I hope it’s not the case nayn, but this means the demeown lord might have resuuurrrected!”

Haha! That is so cliché! Alright, so I am probably a summoned hero needed to defeat a resurrected demon lord! Following this thought, I just need to make my way to the royal palace, then they will help me get stronger, I recruit party members, then we save the world! I also already appear to have cheat-like powers with my mysterious weapons and the ability to do incantationless magic, so this all makes sense!

My mind had already begun to wander, thinking about all of the typical fantasy scenarios I’ve encountered during my anime and video game days! A scenario like this was something many people dreamed of happening to them, and low and behold, IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! I could hear Felice talking to me, but I wasn’t listening to a thing they were saying! My mind was racing on and on about all the potential encounters I would face, the strategies I would need to develop, and the friendships I would make when—

*Smack!*

A pillow hit my cleanly in the face, bringing me back to reality with a very annoyed cat. Felice was pouting at me with a rather cute expression! She looked absolutely adorable! Just like the other demi-human at the reception counter!

*Thunk!*

Another pillow to the face!

“Kotato Nayn! Are you listenmeowing???!? I’m talking to meow! This is serious meown!!! And stop staring at meow with that funny face of yours nayn... It’s creepy meown.”

“I’m sorry Felice, but I just got incredibly excited as you started talking! This is very much like a scenario I’ve seen from the countless video games and movies from my world!”

“Well, I can assure mew this is very real nayn. So please take what I’m saying seriously meown.”

“I’m sorry Felice, please continue”

Then, for roughly the next hour, Felice talked to me and explained the circumstances of the Kingdom of Solara.

During their explanation, I was able to learn that the Kingdom is a human dominated society ruled by a monarch, King Solar. Generally speaking, humans are the superior species in this kingdom, while demi-humans and beastkin are treated like slaves. Correction, some of them are slaves under Solara law. Next, I received a quick crash course on their currency, Solara. Essentially it worked like currency from my world. 10 bronze would equal 1 silver, then 100 silver would equal 1 gold. Most commoners would earn 1 bronze Solara a day, with fractions going towards living expenses. There were also different kingdoms with their own currencies, but Felice didn’t expand into them too much.

Presently, I was located in the Kingdom of Solara, a few hours outside the main city hub. Roughly to the north east of us was the Kingdom of Valoria, a very religious kingdom, and to our south-west near the ocean was the Kingdom of Colosseum. There was also the Kingdom of Thalassia, which was home to the beastkin and elven peoples, then Drakonia which was home for a dragon race of denizens. Finally, there was the abandoned Kingdom of Damonius, which was ruled by the demon race before they were annihilated in a great catastrophe.

Finally, Felice briefly mentioned the adventurer’s guild and how it fit into the ecosystem of the various Kingdoms. Essentially, all adventurer guild branches were deemed to operate separate from state and considered neutral in all nation affairs. While some local laws still needed to be followed, being an adventurer largely exempt you from pressures levied against you by a kingdom. While it didn’t provide true political immunity, you were generally free to travel between kingdoms without issue if you were a valid adventurer.

Generally, everything seemed similar to the various shows I had seen before about Isekai adventurers. There were minor variations, but the overall theme was consistent amongst them. This made following along rather easy.

Finally, Felice’s explanations came to an end, leaving me with a rather large grin across my face!

“So Kotato nayn, any questions?”

“No Felice, I think you did a great job summarizing the workings of this world. Thank you, I really appreciate it!”

With a slight smile, they bowed towards me, happy with my response.

“Thank you nayn! I appreciate your generosity towards me.

Meow, with that said nayn, I do believe it would be a puurfect time to retire for the night! Kotato nayn, please follow me. I should have a spare room for you to stay in for the nyte!”

With that, Felice finally stood up and walked toward the door, motioning for me to follow. Not wanting to be left behind, I quickly joined them as we entered back into the tavern proper!

Looking around, the atmosphere had gotten noticeably quieter. The bar area was now sparsely filled compared to it’s once crammed quarters, and the commotion was now filled with quite talking amongst patrons. Following Felice, we went towards the staircase to the 2nd floor and ascended. The stairs creaked ever so slightly under my bodies weight. I also took the time to run my hands along the railing, feeling the grooves embedded in the handles. They appeared to be well worn as time and claws left their marks etched behind.

Felice continued to lead me down a winding stretch of hallways until we eventually came to what I could only describe as an “abandoned” section of the Tavern. The lighting was suspiciously absent compared to the previously well light passageways from moments ago. No lamps or candles were present along the walls. Cobwebs and layers of dust littered the wooden beams above us with their unnerving presence. The only thing illuminating the deserted hallway, was Felice, who had conjured a small, speck of light to float around their head.

Finally, we reached the end of the path. Before me stood an old, wooden door that clearly hadn’t seen much use recently. Dust covered the metal handle. Then, Felice spoke to me in their usual, cheerful tone:

“Alright Kotato nayn! This will be your room meown! Sorry about the mess, but I’ll make sure to clean it properly tomorrow! After all, it was quite unexpected having you arrive nayn. Please, go inside! There should be a light on the right-hand side of the wall!”

“Thanks Felice! And don’t worry about it, today sure has been a little crazy!”

Without hesitation, I gripped the cold, metal handle and opened the door to reveal a room completely bathed in darkness! Woah! What a surprise!

...

Needless to say, I began feeling for some type of light switch or magical device along the right hand-side of the wall. While I was struggling to find anything of interest along the wall, my helpful internal monologue of an assistant decided to chime in to offer their words of advice!

[Compensating – Adjusting Mana Wavelength Perception For Enhanced Night Vision]

Man, this was a really handy feature! Gradually, my eyes started to adjust to the darkened room. I found I was able to see quite well considering the sheer lack of light! But something was off, when I focused my vision, the room wasn’t very large inside. It was filled with shelves, stocked to the brim with cleaning supplies, all of which were covered in a thick layer of dust and spider webs.

Hmmm, this is a rather odd room to stay in, sleeping here would be rather uncomfortable. But what could I do, this was short notice after all, so an abandoned storage closet wouldn’t be completely out of the norm!

So, I stepped into the room so I could get a better look at the wall. I was still struggling to find this mysterious switch when:

[Warning – Magi—]

“GAH!”

I was violently thrown into the room with such force, I collided into the stocked shelves, breaking them, causing an explosion of wooden splinters, glass fragments, and dust to fill the air! While I was very confused by the sudden rear assault, I was more shocked that my impact made no audible noise. I coughed as I struggled to catch my breath, my head was ringing in pain and I couldn’t think straight. A loud noise was filling my head making it excruciatingly difficult to concentrate! My torse was throbbing, and I could feel blood dripping down my face.

Then, I felt my body get lifted off the ground by some magical force. Nothing physical was touching me, but it was as if a pair of magical hands hand lifted me up and spun me around. The skin around my neck began to feel constrained, almost as if I was being strangled by an invisible force. Correction! This was exactly the sensation I imagined people felt from that popular space sci-fi series from back home! I struggled with my hands, clawing away at my throat in a desperate attempt to remove the invisible hand’s clasp. But, all of my attempts were for naught.

Managing to focus, I brought my eyes towards my attacker’s direction. I felt like my neck was going to snap at any moment. My vision waned as my brain screamed for oxygen!

However, standing before me was my unexpected assailant. With their right hand raised, tightly gripping the air, and staring at me with now piercing, glowing blue eyes, was the friendly cat maid Felice!

My mind began racing, franticly scouring over the last hours of events. Why were they doing this to me? Weren’t they a friend? What did I do to deserve being chocked to death in an abandoned closet?!?! I struggled, staring into their blue slitted eyes. I remembered them being green before, but now any trace of that emerald wavelength had seemingly vanished and was replaced with a cold, dark, bluish hue. All emotion was gone from their face as they stared at me. Finally, Felice spoke to me in a tone I had never heard before. This didn’t sound like Felice, but someone else all together! Furthermore, all of their cat-like accents were seemingly non-existence as they spoke in a dark, calculating way towards me.

“I’m sorry Kotato, but I cannot allow an abnormality like you to live. The amount of danger you pose to the world is too great, and I must execute you to preserve life as we know it.”

Shocked at what Felice was saying, I was completely helpless in this situation. I was in trouble, and I couldn’t imagine my luck would hold out again for an encounter like this! Flailing around, I managed to make sense of the warning and alarm bells going off inside my head—

[Warning! Magic Nullification Zone Detected]

[Warning! Sound Nullification Field Active]

[Warning! Soul Ripper Detected! Danger! Danger!]

Looking at Felice’s left-hand, a small, pillar of light was violently shooting out of their palm. At best, I could only describe it as a small, powerful flame from a welding torch. An army of warning triangles and flashing symbols accompanied this column of light. Clearly, it was bad news. Perhaps this was the “Soul Ripper”? Based on the name along, I didn’t exactly want to find out!

My eyes darted back and forth, desperate to find anything to help me. My sight started to fade as darkness creeped in along the edges of my vision. Slowly, Felice walked towards my suspended body while raising their left hand towards my eye.

Shit! What could I do in this situation?!?!?

“Harbinger of destruction, I have made sure all attempts at surviving have been eliminated. Magic, sound, and divine intervention have all been nullified. Any attempts at resistance are futile. Accept your death as I erase your soul so Terra may live.”

Fuck!!! This is not good at all!!!! Why did the cute cat maid character turn out to be a complete psychopath!!!?!?! Was this really how I was going to die!?!?! Think Ko, think!!! Time felt like it was beginning to slow to a crawl again as that pillar of light gradually approached my right eye. I instinctively knew that if it made any contact with me, more than just my body would be killed!!!

My mind began racing, images of my life flashed before me. I remembered my childhood, embarrassing moments from school, landing my first real job as an adult, all of the games and movies I had played! Pictures of my parents, my family, my friends, all bubbled and rushed to the surface in a violent array of memories.

The spell was now mere inches from my face, and my brain was at it’s limit. Almost completely starved for oxygen, I could only imagine I was remaining conscious from the sheer power of adrenaline coursing through my veins!

Just before the soul ripper pierced my eye, the images flashing through my head stopped.

I remembered the moment I entered Terra and met Inari, trapped by the bandits. The battle played out like a slideshow, event by event flew by until finally, it stopped on an image of Inari, smiling at me. It was when I had just woken up from the encounter and we were talking. Her emerald green eyes were shining, and all across her face, was the feeling of pure, innocent happiness.

---

I stopped resisting.

I was going to die, but I felt at peace.

While I didn’t accomplish much during my short lifetime, I felt a genuine happiness that I had managed to help save the life of someone like Inari. I imagined she would be sad at my sudden disappearance, but was still glad I somehow, managed to change fate for one individual. At least I managed to make a small difference, I thought to myself.

I closed my eyes, ready for death and whatever unimaginable pains it would bring, when suddenly, the pressure around my neck started to ease.

---

I could breathe again.

I opened my eyes. The piercing column of light was still uncomfortably close to me, but when I looked at Felice’s face, it was filled with steams of water flowing down their cheeks, many of which, were dripping onto the wooden floor below.

Suddenly, I fell to the ground as the invisible force suspending me by my neck disappeared.

*Gasp!*

I violently coughed trying to catch my breath. Looking up, Felice had also collapsed onto their knees, tears were now violently dripping down their face. Their eyes were also once again their usual green colour, except they were now brandishing a new tint of red and watery gloss from all of their crying.

I didn’t try to run or flee; I was still in pain and struggling to catch my breath. My throat was on fire and my head was still ringing. Next, I felt the presence of the magic nullifications fade. In their absence, I was able to hear Felice sniffling. They had also finally cancelled the soul ripper spell from their left-hand, with all traces of the spell’s effect vanishing. Eventually, they spoke to me through heavy tears and a cracking voice:

“I’m— I’m sorry Kotato nayn. I— I was supp— *Sniff* suppose to kill you nayn but *sniff* but— She was so— Happy...”

Felice fully covered their face with their hands as they sobbed uncontrollably into them. Any attempts to muffle their cries were futile as emotion poured out from them. I was speechless, with no idea what I could possibly say in this scenario. I simply stayed on the ground, watching the demi-human cat maid cry into their hands.

*Sniff*

“Jus— Just leave Kotato nayn! Head to the city meown. You’ll be more than safe on the roads at nyte, especially with your com— Combat status nayn! Please, ju— Just leave meow here and go! You don’t belong here meown!”

Felice readjusted themselves to sit leaning against one of the shelving units. They were now holding their knees tightly to their chest as they continued crying into their legs. Their ears were completely pinned back. This whole situation had become very emotional for the both of us, especially her. There was still a lot I still didn’t understand, but seeing her crying like this, I felt really bad. Even if moments before they were trying to kill me, everything about this scenario was confusing. I didn’t know what to do.

Finding the strength to move, I decided to reposition myself beside Felice, instead of leaving the storage closet. They were still sniffling and crying. Then, without thinking, I grabbed Felice’s head and pushed it towards my chest.

*Nayn!!*

They let out a shocked, adorable cat noise as I pulled them close, clearly surprised at the turn of events.

“Kotato nayn! Wh— Wha—*Sniff* are you *sniff* doing nayn??”

“It’s alright Felice, I don’t blame you”

I managed to say to them in a calm voice. Subconsciously, I had already begun stroking their ears in an attempt to calm them. I ran my hand through their hair as I petted their spotted ears. The ears twitched ever so slightly each time I touched them, but eventually began to relax as I continued petting them. Slowly but surely, the crying and sniffling noses began to fade. Felice was now tightly gripping my shirt. I could feel them tugging it slightly trying to wipe their face from all of the tears. Finally, they spoke to me again in a crackling voice:

“But— I— *sniff* tried to kill you meown! Why are meow holding me! This— This isn’t right meow!!”

To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure myself. Any sane person would have fled the moment the opportunity presented itself! But I didn’t. I stayed here and attempted to console my potential killer. But I had no regrets! I felt like my actions were the most appropriate for the situation, but how would I explain it to them?

Looking down at the bawling bundle of fluff, I figured I should at least say something in response:

“Because it felt like the right thing to do Felice. It’s just that simple.”

Felice managed to look up, staring into my eyes. Their sharp pupils attempting to find some kind of fault in my words. While they were looking at me, I continued to speak.

“I may have only known you for a bit Felice, but every action you’ve done has had a purpose. I don’t believe you would have tired to kill me unless you had a good reason. While I don’t exactly know what that reason was, I don’t blame you for your actions. You were only trying to protect your friends.”

Tears once again swelled in their eyes as they began quietly crying into my chest. I had inadvertently caused another round of torrential waterworks! Well... Ok... Maybe what I said could be taken a little emotionally in this situation...

Not saying anything more, I continued holding Felice in my arms as they continued to cry away. I could feel their weight pressing into me as they attempted to get closer. Their arms and torso were light and thin, and the pressure they produced was all but soft and gentle. Before I could let my mind go too much further in it’s thoughts about how feminine their body was, I finally decided to ask Felice about the elephant in the room.

“Felice, if you don’t mind me asking, but why did you try to kill me? What was this Harbinger of destruction you were talking about?”

Through quite sniffles, Felice looked up at me, then casually began poking their fingers in the air, almost as if they were typing on some invisible keyboard. After finishing their typing motion, they swiped their hand to the side and a holographic status window appeared in front of me! However, I wasn’t at all prepared to handle the information I saw displayed.

Before me was my status screen, completely free of corruption and glitched characters:

---

Name: Kotato Yamata Level: 1

Race: Human HP: 60/60 MP: 60/60

Age: 25

Profession: Spell-Blade

Status: Strength: 20 Defense: 20

Magic: 20 Dexterity: 20

Skill Proficiencies: [Growth] [Summoned Hero] [World Serpent Apostle] [Hidden] [Magic Affinity - Hidden] [Hidden] [Hidden] [Awakening – Hidden]

Titles: Spell-Blade Hero – Placeholder Text While Terra Continues Attempting Assimilation Of Title Parameters – Unknown Entity & Designated Individual Permitted By World Serpent – Error – Entity Unknown Or Unrecognized By Administrator – Error.

Hidden Title: Harbinger of Destruction – Holder of this title is the destined individual who will destroy the world of Terra, ending all life as it’s known. This title cannot be changed and provides no additional status effects to the holder.

---

What the heck was this???! “Placeholder Text”??? “Hidden Title”?!?!? How was Felice seeing all of this information???? “Destined individual who will destroy the world of Terra”?!??!?!?! Why the heck does my status screen have such messed up information in it!!! Administrator?!?! Is this world inside a computer?!?!?

While I was in shock reading over my status, wondering how everything was legible, Felice started speaking in a gentle voice explaining everything.

“Kotato nayn. There are only three individuals in all of Terra meown who can cast “Absolute Appraisal”. I am one of them meown. This is the strongest meowgic known of the spell and meowviels all details— No exceptions nayn. The target also doesn’t meowtice they’ve been scanned meown. It’s very pawerful meowgics.

I lied to you and Inari nayn when we meow talking earlier. I had already seen all of your status and purrrposely revealed the corrupted version nayn. I mew nothing about you nayn, but knew that hidden title would become reameowlity meown. So I lied to my Inari nayn and planed to eliminate mew before— Befor—”

More tears rolled down their face as I just gentle hugged Felice. They wiped their tears away on my shirt before they continued their explanation.

“But I couldn’t meown. Before I destroyed meow soul with forbidden meowgic, I saw all of your memories nayn— Inari nayn, I— I had *Sniff* I had never seen her so happy before nayn! How could somemeown who will destroy Terra, make her smile like that meown!

---

That’s why— I couldn’t kill you meown!”

I was shocked. Actually, I don’t even think shocked is the correct word here based on the information I had just learned from the cat maid curling into me.

Apparently, I, the awkward, and weird, Kotato, was destined to destroy this world, and there was nothing I could do to change that! However, I didn’t want this to be true. Why would I—

No.

There is no way I would do something like that! I was already having a difficult time following all of the events for the day, and my ability to think critically was basically at it’s limit. I was already struggling to comprehend everything, and now I had to deal with the fact I was essentially a “demon lord” who would destroy the world???

Something definitely didn’t sit right with me. While my brain hadn’t quite realized it yet, my eyes had already made a connection as I continued staring at the dreadful holographic screen. Finally, I spoke to Felice to clear my doubts.

“Felice, there is absolutely nothing that remains unknown when you use “Absolute Appraisal”?”

“Correct meown, everything shown is the absolute truth of the world meown.”

“Then I think there is still hope Felice.”

“Nayn? That’s impawsible meown! What part abmeowt absolute do you not understand Kotato nayn!”

“That’s just the thing Felice, look! In the actual title section, there are words like “Placeholder Text” and “Error” or “Unrecognized by Administrator”! Have you even seen these words before?”

“I mean— No nayn, I hav—”

“Exactly! I’m a true abnormality as you said. Even under the skill proficiencies, some of them are filled in, but others still have a “Hidden” text embedded inside. That means that there is still some information that is unknown. Or rather I should say, the world doesn’t even know!”

“But that still doesn’t change anything meown, the hidden titles are alwa—“

“Always right? The hidden title section may be filled in, but if there are errors and problems with the earlier portions of my status, why are we taking everything at face value? Doesn’t that mean there is a chance the hidden title section could be incorrect as well? I can’t say with certainty, but unless everything is known and displayed properly, I refuse to believe I’m the individual who will destroy this world.”

That’s right! Even with their “Absolute Appraisal”, information was still unknown about me. That was more than enough to tell me there was still a chance things could change! Perhaps my confidence was truly born from ignorance, but I was willing to take anything I could in this scenario!

“Kotato nayn... I— I don’t know meown. I— I want to believe you meow, but... But...”

“No buts about it Felice! I promise you that I will do everything within my power to change my destiny! I won’t destroy Terra, no matter what some “hidden title” says!”

Felice raised their head to stare directly into my eyes. Their watery, green pupils were looking through mine like open windows, peering deeply into my soul. Time felt like it came to a crawl as both of us were staring at each other for any sign of hesitation or doubt in my words. Finally, after a rather long pause, they broke the silence, speaking in a pained, and muffled tone.

“You— You promise... Kotato nayn? Promise to defy an impossameow fate? Promise... That you won’t destroy the world? To prove Absolute Appraisal... Wrong?”

Unconsciously, I found myself squeezing their soft and delicate hands all throughout their reply. Thus, with all of the confidence and calmness I could muster, I once again, gave the sniffling cat maid my reply in earnest.

“Yes Felice, I promise.”

Eventually, their puffy, tear-stained face loosened into a smile as they squinted their eyes in happiness towards me.

“Alright meown— I’ll... I’ll believe in you Kotato nayn! Show nya... Show Felice you can change meow destiny nyan!!!!”

With all their might, Felice squeezed me as hard as they could. They were still crying, but trying there best. So, I responded in kind, hugging them tightly back. Their speckled tail excitedly flicked back and forth as I continued petting their ears in an attempt to calm them again. I was happy I had managed to convince them of my resolve.

Eventually, the crying turned into gentle snoring sounds as they had managed to finally find sleep while snuggling into me.

---

Well, I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting to happen, but I guess this is an appropriate punishment for my actions...

I was now trapped, with a cute cat maid sleeping on me, in a wet, snot covered dress shirt.

“Heh, well, it could be worse I guess.”

I quietly muffled to myself. Today had been an absolute crazy adventure. What started as a normal day at the office had somehow transformed into a life-or-death fantasy world adventure, featuring myself, as the protagonist. So many interesting things had happened to me over the past 24 hours, and I was sure the next days to come would be filled with just as many hardships.

While I was worried about what the future may hold, a part of me was still screaming internally in excitement about the whole ordeal! Something I had always dreams of, had actually happened to me! My once boring, daily life now had a new sense of excitement and adventure! I could hardly wait to explore this world and do everything within my capabilities to change my horrible fate.

And so, before finally closing my eyes to bring an end to the day, I found myself saying to myself in a cheerful, enthusiastic tone:

“Welcome to Terra, Kotato—”