Chapter 9: The day off...(II)_An extra's guide to survive in the fantasy world

Time: 3:25 PM

Location: Braveheart Mansion, The Octagon

Railan's POV:

I am back at my mansion, me and Jim, we are sitting in my garden, enjoying tea. After my self-proclamation in my mind in his wagon, he didn't stop asking questions about my father. Well, I didn't know much about him, just the data from the official database of the web novel, but I was delighted to answer them to the best of my abilities as it sort of not only refreshed my memories but I was also feeling good while answering them, a little proud at the same time. No one ever asked me before about such stuff, so I was excited to share my knowledge, kinda like the feeling you get when you solved and answer a question in class that no one couldn't solve or you were the first one to do it, that even your teacher was amazed, kinda like that.

"Ah, Master Jim, I learned from Master Railan that you and him formed a pact to help each other out, do you mind, if we have a little one-on-one, sort of a mock battle?" asked my faithful guard Farkas.

"Farkas, he is a guest, we can't have him do that!" I said to him, I didn't want to displease my guest.

"No, No Railan, it's alright, it would be an honor to fight against the Right-hand of Sir Simon, will give me a reality check of my abilities too, well, it's kind of a long shot but Mr. Farkas, I would appreciate if you don't hold back," said Jim as he jumped out of his seat on to the ground in front of Farkas.

Well, I was also a little excited it would be my first time to see Farkas in action and probably a real fight in this world if we don't take into account the incident involving the Representatives.

"Sure, as you say Master Jim, but I'll warn you, you neither possess enough Aura nor Mana to handle a full-blown attack, but as I was the one who requested this mock fight, I'll let you attack first, your most powerful attack, and give myself another handicap by telling you that I mainly use dark and wind attribute, so you must have guessed using a Light attack can give me a difficult time," replied back Farkas, totally serious now.

"Master Railan, with your permission, I shall engage in the battle, and Miss Cerci here would be the referee, please allow me to continue," he said while bowing down.

"Ahh, if Jim has no issues, so do I, it will be interesting to see you both in action," I replied him back.

"Thank you so much, Master,"

"Both of you, are you ready? I am deploying a protective barrier around the area so that no damage goes out, Aria, deploy your barrier on Master Railan for extra protection," said Cerci as she cast her magic.

Cerci seems strong too! no wonder she is also my guard but I am really excited to see, Farkas in action! It's almost like I am cheerleading team Farkas.

THE POKER FACE is activated and helps you to control your emotions

"So, Master Jim, attack me whenever you want, I am ready," shouted Farkas as he assumed his battle stance.

"I have only heard of the tales of the Proud Wolf Clan, and their custom of telling their weakness in front of their opponent I am honored that you are taking this fight so seriously Mr. Farkas, here I go, let's see if you can take it all," jibed back Jim, excited!

"Sky God's Brilliance" As soon as Jim uttered those words, a golden light fell upon him, enveloping him, and lifting him up in the air, the light formed a sphere around Jim and then it broke suddenly and Jim's eyes started emanating that same golden light, as his body continued to float in the air, (it was a scene totally out of an animated action scene,)

"Mr. Farkas, you shouldn't have told me you were weak to light, it happens to be my strongest attribute," said Jim,

"let's see how you handle this," as he said that, he blasted a powerful golden beam toward Farkas, the beam destroyed everything on its path and laid down a track of molten ground as it traveled in a straight line toward Farkas with furious speed and power!

But Farkas seemed calm, he just adjusted his specs and called, "Howling Gale", and as he said, he blasted a destructive wind, that not only stopped that incoming blast but also completely cleared it

"Hmm, to be able to counter my Howling Gale, your attack isn't bad, Master Jim, you are a second-year right?, you must have just started learning Aura techniques," replied back Farkas.

I couldn't understand what was happening, that attack was clearly not weak, but that howl was even greater, and how does Farkas is so calm, clearly opposite from his reaction in the Principal's Office?

What sort of Monster are those people? King's Sword and the Pricnipal, that got Farkas so worked up that time!

"Ahh, we are just getting started, Farkas," and then he again fired the same blast and rushed towards Farkas at the same time,

This time Farkas(?), smiled(?) and then called, "StromWolf's WindClaw" as he, with lightening speed unleashed a flurry of precise and sweeping movements with his hands, akin to razor-sharp claws carving through the air with intense ferocity. Each strike was infused with the elemental power of the tempest, a powerful claw-like strike that travels towards his opponent with such speed and power that cut that beam into several tiny segments before the beam vanished, meanwhile, Jim, realizing the strength of the attacks dodges several of them coming at him at the same time with such high precision as if they appeared to him in a slow motion!

Jim is really something, he dodges those attacks in mid-air, bending his body with precision, as all the attacks then converged towards him at the same time, in a fraction of a second and he dodged them all, while the ground and the protective barrier behind him took the full brunt of Farkas's attack, as slash marks and craters formed on the ground, even he barrier got chipped and cracked where those claws touched it.

"Farkas, don't get excited, you will destroy Madam Amelia's precious garden at this rate, keep your attacks in check!" shouted Cerci, this might be my first time ever seeing her so worked up!

"Ya, I'll keep that in mind but it's your fault as well, you should have gone with your Grade 2 level barrier from the start, what was the point using a Grade-3 low-level barrier even?" shouted Farkas, clearly he didn't like his focus to shift from his fight

"And here I thought that in the presence of Master Railan, you would have the courtesy to keep yourself calm, during the fight," snapped Cerci back at him.

"I am so sorry Master, but your friend Master Jim, is exciting, it feels like I can let loose after a long time!"

What are these people? Am I in the company of some battle-hungry weirdos? Is my life even safe in their company? How are these guys so calm, as if they are walking in a park?

"I can clearly see, that Farkas's eyes have changed, normally they are those blue ones but now they are shining golden-yellow, ya his "wolf" side is coming up!

"Eyes here, Mr. Farkas, " and as Jim said, he punched Farkas in the face, but Farkas didn't even flinch, he just smiled, Jim could not believe it!

However, Jim continued fighting him in hand-to-hand combat, and Farkas was only defending the blows and not attacking, another thing that amazed me was, that till now, there was no cut or mark on Farkas's butler uniform!

While Farkas seemed calm blocking Jim's attacks, Jim on the other hand was all sweat, it was clear that he was attacking Farkas with all his strength, but Farkas's face didn't even show any strain, he was so calm!

"Master Jim, it seems like you are now slowing down, seems like you are feeling lethargy, I suggest we finish this battle and I'll bring you a change of clothes and some more tea, perhaps? I now have a clear idea of your strength and Magic Capacity," said Farkas still calm.

"I can still go on, Farkas, I haven't even given my 100% till now! let's continue" replied back Jim.

"I would love to Master Jim, but it's almost 3:45 now, you need to leave by 4:30, if you wish to reach your residence before your mother comes back, and I apologize to you, as Master Railan's bodyguard, I just wanted to gauge your power level, and I now have a pretty good guess, so there is no further need to exhilarate yourself," said Farkas, his eyes turning back to his normal blue ones.

"Ya, that sounds about right," and as Jim said this, suddenly, his eyes turned back to normal and his body started to fall, Farkas Leaped in the air and caught him, one could clearly see Jim, breathing desperately, as he tried to calm himself.

"Here, Master Jim, listen to this, Song of the wind" As Farkas said this, a slow breeze started flowing around Jim, and soon his body was calm.

"What was that?" asked Jim excitedly.

"Song of the wind, a spell taught to me by my mother when I was very young and easily scared by my surroundings, the spell calms you down and makes your breathing steady," replied Farkas.

"Can you teach me?" asked an excited Jim.

"Ya, sure if you have the wind attribute," said Farkas.

"Ya, I do", replied back Jim all star-eyed.

"Yes, definitely, whenever you are free next, visit this household and I'll be glad to teach you!" said Farkas.

"As you say, Teacher Forestwood," said Jim as he bowed down.

"It will be an honor, to assist a friend of my Master," said Farkas as he himself bowed down.

They both came out as Cerci undoes her barrier.

"So, Teacher Farkas, what do you think of my potential? strength and mana?" asked Jim curiously.

"Master Jim, you are certainly one of the stronger 2nd years of the academy, your spell, was also pretty powerful, it is not a simple strength booster spell, however, its current level is low, if you increase its power level it will surely be an almighty asset in your arsenal. Your blasts were decent as well as your punches. You continuously attacked with equal strength in your punches. And your speed it's also pretty decent, being able to escape my barrage of claws in a fraction of a second! I really hope to see how you will grow in the future!" said Farkas as he smiled and appreciated Jim.

"However, my one piece of advice for you will be to focus on trapping your opponent, currently your fighting skills are good but they cannot trap your opponent in a way that you can maximize your hits, so I would suggest you think on that, rest do strength exercise, and running, you are already going at a good pace".

I couldn't say anything, everything that happened before my eyes was surreal. Guess, it made sense why Farkas in the original novel became Siddhanth's Mentor. He clearly has a knack for assessing someone's strengths and weaknesses.

But what the f**k, Farkas is so strong, if he is this strong what about characters like Lucius, Principal Adolas, and my father, are these guys just some monsters? Shivers ran down my spine, just thinking about it.

"Farkas, how strong was my father?" I asked purely out of curiosity.

"Well, Master Railan, let's just say, the current me would have been in Master Jim's place and Sir Simon in my place if the fight were between him and me," said Farkas bowing down.

Both Jim and my faces dropped the moment we heard this, none of us could believe it! what we just heard!

Just as I was about to say something, Cerci said, "Apologies Master, for the disturbance, I suggest Master Jim, relax a little bit before leaving, he must be tired, I have prepared a bath for him, and I'll bring over the change of clothes for him, these ones are now dirty! will you follow me, Master Jim?"

"Sure, Sure no issues Cerci, Jim, we'll chat sometime again, first you go and lighten up yourself, let's talk once you have changed" I motioned my hand directing towards Cerci,

She bowed and asked Jim to follow her as she takes him to his prepared bath!

I just sat down, I just wanted to relax after such an ordeal I saw!

"Hey Aria, what are we going to do about the molten ground there where the fight happened?" I asked Aria in my mind.

"Don't worry Master, Madam Amelia cast a spell here that as long as this mansion remains her garden can automatically revive itself. Also, we have our gardener, who can also patch up the things when needed, you don't have to strain yourself, Master!"

Ya, it's fine, I just wanted to make sure that my mom's things are not damaged!

That's when I noticed a notification sort of thing jiggling in front of me! I didn't understand it at first, but then it struck me that it those messages again:

I just directed my eyes toward that notification, no one seemed to notice that a screen was in front of me, so I assume no one could see this:

Being able to overcome your insecurities is an achievement only few can accomplish.

Reward: 500 SP

Interacted with the character Jim Berns, as well as giving him an opportunity for growth. Paving the way for the character to grow strong. Another achievement.

Reward: 150 SP

Total SP: 650

Available upgrades:

1. Increase the level of THE POKER FACE --- 1000 SP

2. Unlock the ability: Scan(Category: C-grade) [Expand]

3. Invest in Physical Stats --- 50~300 SP.

Hmm, this is new, so I can use SP points to modify my abilities? and gain new ones? I can also invest them in stats. this is getting weirder at the moment.

Wait, how can I just unlock an ability? does it mean that I always had one?

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let me expand on the 2nd option:

ABILITY: SCAN

Description:

Peering beyond the surface, this skill unveils hidden truths. As the veil of perception is lifted, this skill bestows upon you the power to delve deep into the essence of beings and objects alike. With a focused gaze, they penetrate the very fabric of existence, unraveling the intricate tapestry of individuals', essentially stats, talents, and hidden abilities. Moreover, this unparalleled ability pierces through the facade of inanimate objects, exposing the threads of curses, traps, and secrets, allowing you to navigate treacherous paths with unwavering foresight and unyielding advantage.

Active Ability: SCAN

Category: C-grade( upgradable )

Current Level: Low( E )

COST: 650 SP

Unlock: YES | NO

NOTE: The current level and grade of the ability is low, however, it is a GROWTH-type ability, that improves as the user's perception and character evolve. The current Level only works on a few objects and assists the user in determining the veracity or authenticity of certain objects if they have been previously encountered or interacted with.

Hmm, this ability is good, but the current level is of hardly any use. So should I invest in this or go for physical stats improvement?

Let's see them first:

Stats:

Strength: current + 2%

Speed: current + 2%

MP(Mana/magic Capacity): current +3%

Intelligence: ~

Stamina: current + 3%

The numerical value of the [%] will be [%] of the current.

Total SP: 300

NOTE: You can spend more or less SP or spend all on just 1, however, this is the most optimum combination calculated for the amount of SP mentioned above.

Hmm, if I think about it, I don't know my current stats. I do have that stat report but is it really an accurate account of my abilities? And even though these stats appear cool, if my current level is really low it won't have much of an effect!

Now, I opened both windows side by side to evaluate them.

ABILITY: SCAN

Description:

Active Ability: SCAN

Category: C-grade( upgradable )

Current Level: Low( E )

COST: 650 SP

Unlock: YES | NO

Stats:

Strength: current + 2%

Speed: current + 2%

MP(Mana/magic Capacity): current +3%

Intelligence: ~

Stamina: current + 3%

The numerical value of the [%] will be [%] of the current.

Total SP: 300

NOTE: You can spend more or less SP or spend all on just 1 stat, however, this is the most optimum combination calculated for the amount of SP mentioned above.

Before deciding let me ask Farkas, this one question:

"Farkas, did my father or mother, ever mentioned an ability like "Scan" that allows one to see someone's information?" I asked him.

"No, Master, nothing of the sort" replied back Farkas.

That's strange, maybe they knew about it but never told him, in that case, they must have used this ability in front of him but never mentioned it!

"Oh, that's fine, however, did they ever know about anything by just looking at it or know about any anomaly?" I asked him trying to be as broad as possible.

"I am not exactly sure, Master, regarding the answer you are searching for, however, I do remember one time when I was traveling with Sir Simon before he met Madam Amelia, we were in a group of 4 people and one of them consumed some plant or fruit of unknown origin and it was poisonous, while we were away from any sort of civilization or any hospitals, we were actually on the now known as "Whisperwind Valley" and we even had a healer in our group but even that healer wasn't able to cure him but could only slow down the poison, that's when Sir Simon ordered me to go and find out some herbischa leaves ( common in that region), some boro tree roots and sap from a young yok plant. And then he immediately formed a potion of them, that cured that person. It was unbelievable, we had never heard of anything like this! Even the fruit was unknown and we did find a few samples that we brought back with us, however, they just became flaccid upon leaving that area." He said, trying to remember the incident to the best of his ability.

"Hmm, ya, no worries, It was just a random question that popped into my mind" I replied him back.

It seems like the way he knew about that poison as well as its antidote, it seems that he must have a similar ability. It is even possible that he might have had a stronger version of his current ability. It seems that my father kept this ability a secret and didn't tell about it to people, there must have been other instances as well but this might be the one that Farkas remembers well!

I think it will be worth it if I spend on this ability right now. And then whenever I earn more points, I can definitely increase my physical stats.

So let's go, I'll unlock this ability, Select "YES" and here it comes:

You have successfully unlocked the active ability, SCAN.

Description:

Active Ability: SCAN

Category: C-grade( upgradable )

Current Level: Low(E)

NOTE: The current level and grade of the ability are low, however, it is a GROWTH-type ability, that improves as the user's perception and character evolve. The current Level only works on a few objects and assists the user in determining the veracity or authenticity of certain objects if they have been previously encountered or interacted with.

{Active Ability implies that I need to invoke it to be actually useful, unlike Passive Ability which activates on its own in case of emergencies.}

Well, I think this ability will be pretty handy, now the only things left are to improve my stats, and for that, we'll need a proper plan!

"Master Railan, I apologize for the interruption, Master Jim, is ready to depart and wishes to bid you farewell," said Cerci.

"Ok, I'll be right there, you go ahead" I replied.

"Railan, I had a really good time today, and the next time, I will be the host, Thank you for this wonderful evening!"

"The pleasures all mine, you really helped me out, today, I was kinda spiraling down in my own thoughts and you really helped me out there! Definitely, I would visit you sometime, it was great having you here!" I replied to him back.

"Just out of curiosity, where were you coming from, when you met me? If that's fine to ask you" I asked him, just cause I was a little curious.

"Oh, ya that's fine, you know Professor GrimBold, he is a senior Professor at the Academy and one of your classmate's uncle, Prince Thorinn actually, I want to take his elective next year but I have no idea about casting and art of making weaponry, so I am kind of "working under him" now, well, mostly it was a part of my punishment from the Academy, but in reality it turned out well for me. I was made to be his "material bringing/carrying mule". He is very particular about his materials, normally, he gets them from his Kingdom Ironhelm, but for certain materials, he only buys from very particular suppliers and you might call it luck, My uncle happened to be one of his suppliers, so he asked me to get it for him, though I could have just used the portals, but I am currently on suspension so I had to travel by foot. And when my uncle came to know, he gave him a discount, so, right now I guess, he is pretty happy with me!" finished Jim, having a satisfactory smile on his face.

"So, you have to deliver him the materials, right now?"

"Ya, I'll just drop them on my way back to my home, no worries?"

"Are you not late for the delivery?"

"No, no, you don't have to worry, I have time, I just have to deliver them by the end of today," he replied back calmly.

"Well, if you say so, It was nice having you today, Jim, feel free to drop by whenever you want, I really appreciate your help today!"

"Oh, It's no big deal, thank you for having me and Teacher Farkas, and Madam Cerci, I'll see you in a couple of days, I just cannot wait to learn from you both!" he replied back as he went inside his carriage.

He waved goodbye, as his coach driver started driving his carriage.

----------------------------------------

Time: 7:20 PM

Location: Railan's room, Braveheart Mansion

Kalkin's POV:

"Today, was not bad, I finally have a way forward now, it's not easy but I will give my all."

"It's funny how this world works, the concept of time is the same, we have 24 hrs in a day, also the exact same number of days and the same 12 months, however, the only difference is the name, they call it. I didn't pay much attention to this detail while I was just reading it, but now as I am living here, it feels different. I mean it's good that it's this way and Railan's memories do help me out, with the association as I can just go back to my world's analogy if I feel confused:

So here it is: The days of the week are as follows:

1. 1. > Solarday. - (Sunday): It represents the first day of the week, carrying the significance of light, and warmth. It is the day when people ready themselves for their jobs or whatever other tasks they might have.

2. > Emberday - (Monday): 2nd day of the way and represents a day of fiery energy and passion. It signifies a time for action, creativity, and the spark of inspiration.

3. > Starday - (Tuesday): Day of wonder and cosmic connection, inviting inspiration and exploration.

4. > Wildeday - (Wednesday): It suggests a day when one can embrace the untamed forces of nature, symbolizing adventure, freedom, and a break from routine.

5. > Shadowday- (Thursday): This day represents a transition towards the end of the workweek, a time for introspection.

6. > Spiritday. - (Friday): As the name suggests, this day represents the time for inner healing and strengthening the bond with the divine, and pursuing inner growth and reflection.

7. > Lunarisday - (Saturday): As Solarday draws attention to the Sun, signifying the start of the week, this day draws attention to the moon and signifies reflection, intuition, and the serenity associated with the moon, thus, represents the last day of the week.

Similarly, we also have the months of the year:

1. 1. > Dawnbreak - (January): First month of the year. It represents the beginning of a new year and signifies a fresh start. "Dawnbreak" captures the idea of a new day dawning, symbolizing the start of a new year and new opportunities.

2. > Glacius - (February): associated with cold weather and winter. It evokes the idea of icy chill and falling frost that characterizes this month, as well as the frozen nature of winter.

3. > Moonshade - (March): is often associated with the changing seasons and the celestial presence of the moon.

4. > Ignatia - (April): signifies the transition from winter to spring, bringing about the rekindling of life and warmth.

5. > Astralis - (May): represents a time of growth and blossoming, often associated with the beauty of nature and the night sky.

6. > Solstice - (June): "Solstice" refers to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year that falls in this month.

7. > Umbra - (July): is a month of long days and shorter nights, with a touch of mysteriousness. "Umbra" refers to the shadowy essence that accompanies the longer days.

8. > Tempestia - (August): Tempestia often brings about intense storms and turbulent weather patterns in many regions and alludes to the powerful and tempestuous nature of the weather.

9. > Somnia - (September): This month represents a transitional period, where summer slowly gives way to autumn.

10. > Oakheart - (October): The tenth month of the year, it is often associated with the vibrant colors of autumn and the strength of ancient trees. "Oakheart" symbolizes the enduring power and resilience of the mighty oak tree.

11. > Mistsong - (November): November represents the arrival of misty mornings and the gradual descent into winter. "Mistsong" evokes the ethereal melodies sung by the mist.

12. > Argentia - (December): Embodying the brilliance of silver and the radiant glow associated with the winter season, symbolizing the end of the year.

Well, this is the followed named convention of the months and days throughout the continent of Eldoria. There are, of course, regional conventions as well, for example, Argentia is called Silverlight in Avaloria as it captures the radiance of winter that has short days and longer nights while Sylvanara calls Argentia "Evershadow" which signifies longer nights as well as the shadowy or gloomy nature of the woods in this month whereas Frostholm calls this month as Yulefire - to represent the warmth and festivities of the season's end.

Currently, I am writing all this information in a personal diary, my mother left me behind, it was supposed to be a parting gift of sorts as Cerci tried to explain to me today, in the morning when she gave me this, as my mother told her to do that once I reach my seventeenth. It's interesting because, it's actually empty, the first thought I had was to check it using my new Scan ability, however, it just said, "(???) cannot decipher", which intrigued me but right now, I am focusing more on the things I can do and you know and take on one thing at a time, one day at a time.

According to Cerci, my mother may be the reason why I am alive despite the curse of doom! but I am absolutely sure that this question will undoubtedly link me to the whole dark continent thing as the curse is supposed to be generated from there, so I have decided to put a pause on the search for truth for "the reason" behind my existence and focus solely on surviving this world. My stats according to the Academy are the lowest of the low, but that is a good thing in the sense that it will allow me to be excluded from more dangerous activities so I can solely focus on building my own strength. And I do have a method for that.

"Oh, ya I suddenly remembered:

"Aria, where are you?"

"I am right here, Master"

"Do you know where is my crest?" I asked her.

"No, master, but I can scan you and find out?" she replied back.

"Wow, you can do that? Why didn't you tell me about it before, can you do that to other people as well?"

"Master, I am not sure, why you don't know it, I can tell anything about you, that's my dominion or my power, about others, you first need to have dominion over them and they need to accept it as well, then I can tell about them as well. Everyone in this household follows you, so I can tell about them but not outside right now!"

S**t, I forgot about this power, it was mentioned in the novel as well, it was with me all along and yet, I forgot about it! How could I, how could I, seriously, I can't believe myself it's the power of Just Dominion!

But first things first,

"ok, now Aria tells me where I have the crest," I said avoiding any question.

She scanned me, the green light came out from its center and it just went over my whole body.

"Master, you have sort of a crest on your heart," she said after a moment.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked confused

"Master, I cannot explain it, usually crests are very clear in depiction, but yours is not clear, it's as if the ink has fallen over it, that's very strange," she replied back confused.

"Do you want me to bring Cerci over and discuss it with her ?" she asked me.

"No, no, not right now, One more thing, how do one know that they have gained a crest or enlightened?"

"Master, there is a sort of like a power dissipation that happens and like a force field of energy forms around them, that's what is regarded as "crest manifestation" she replied back.

"Hmm, I get it, so tell me, is there a possibility that someone may use magic without crest manifestation?"

"From a theoretical point of view, it's possible, however, you can definitely use mana internally, it's just that only crest bearers can give an output, however, people without crests are not taught and hence, the possibility of wielding mana is almost impossible for them,"

"Hmm, ok, I understand"

I have more questions, once again, why is my crest like that, should I even call it a crest? or am I still unawakened? But they cannot be answered now!

"Since when are you with me, Aria?"

"Master, every 25 years, when the ancient ceremony happens, people from around the world are chosen, it's a possibility that no one might be chosen or someone from the royal bloodline may be chosen, or someone random, you were around 5 years of age when I became attached with you, Master Railan."

"Hmm, ya, thanks you are free for now, do whatever you want," I told her.

"As you say, Master!"

Well, there are so many questions in my mind with no answers in front of me, only time can give me answers ahead. No need to overthink now, it's a long journey, but as they say,

"A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step"

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To be continued

Chapter 9: The day off...(II)

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