-ey! A...ou...kay?!
Ugh... What hit me?
-amn... -ha...ons...real...it...u hard...
I try to shake off the sudden dizziness as the voice begins to grow clear. I open my eyes and see a familiar face right in front of my face. Literally.
[Oh. Looks like you're finally awake, Half-Sign.] Acutus stands up and sighs. [I thought I would spend my entire fortune healing you up. Of all things I do, [Restoration Magic] isn't one of them.]
I can tell. But [Restoration]...
I quickly gasp and stand up as I realize something.
"Hang on! The doppelganger! What happened to him?!" I quickly flinch as I feel a shot of pain in my chest. Okay, bad idea to stand up too quickly...
[Hey! Easy there. You beat him,] Acutus answered. [The
It took me a few seconds to process the realization. But I let out a big sigh when I see my status window.
> [Wind]
>
> [Stats]
>
> [Race: Human]
>
> [Total Mastery Level: 16]
>
> [HP: 182/630]
>
> [MP: 98/240]
>
> [SP: 59/310]
I guess they aren't the healer type of NPC, but I'm grateful for their help regardless.
"In other words, I managed to defeat him. With my own two hands." I start to chuckle dryly. "To be honest, I thought I would have died from his insult than his copied arrows and sword. I'm glad I'm still alive after all that trouble..."
[I'm just surprised you kept your sanity after that. [Shadow Doppelgangers] are notorious for their sharp tongue and torturous illusions. Not many Insignis barely survive with their sanity and if they do... Let's just say it changed them for the better or worse. Thank the gods I didn't have to put up with it.]
Are they saying that it's not limited to non-[Insignis] like me? More importantly, I'm concerned about their wording.
"Are you saying those doppelgangers are dangerous? Why did they even put them in the trials anyway?!"
Acutus shrugs. [Don't know. Tradition or something? Either way, the Sages will do something about it. I heard some doppelgangers are getting more and more aggressive and it might be too dangerous if we keep their core for too lo- Huh?]
They quickly stop when they turn to me. I'm confused at their sudden interest until I noticed something shining inside my right fist. I open it and find...
> [Shadow Doppelganger Core Piece]
>
> [A part of the core that was used to summon a [Shadow Doppelganger].]
>
>
I gasp when I see this strange small black gem in my hand. I'm not the only one as Acutus stares at it in awe.
[No way. That's the part of the core I was talking about! Where did you get it?!]
Now that I think about it, my doppelganger gave me something before he died. Could it be that he gave me his core?
"I-I don't know. But I feel like my doppelganger entrusted me with it after the fight. I doubt he would let me give it to you even if you wanted it."
They sigh at this. Honestly, I wish I could give it to them immediately. But something about their words troubles
Huh, I guess there's a lot of lore that I need to study on.
[But seriously, I'm very impressed. You're a Half-Sign and yet, you survived both in mind and body from the last trial. You have guts, Wind. You have a bright future ahead of you.]
"Thanks. I think?"
I'm surprised Acutus of all people complimented me after they acted like a jerk. Either that's character development or they might have been scared straight by Veritates's threats. Speaking of which...
"By the way, where's General Veritates? I already beat the last trial, so shouldn't I get a verdict now?"
I quietly check on my [Quest] window and nothing seems to change on it after that. Did something go wrong with the verdict or do I need to do one more [Quest]? If it's the latter, I'm gonna scream in pain.
[No need to get all impatient, young man. Your health comes first.]
I turn around and gasp to see a familiar woman in a white robe and staff.
"Specta, right?" I guessed while trying not to flub her name. "And who's that?"
The old man behind her seems to be a bit pale. Yet behind his wrinkles are his muscles under his white sleeveless robe, blue pants, and white boots. He also has light blue short hair and purple eyes.
[It's been a while since I've worn these dreadful robes, but it's me, kid. The one who helped you with your first trial?]
First trial... Wait, don't tell me...
"G-General Veritates?!" I exclaim. "Is that you?! But I thought..."
[Don't get too shocked at my appearance. It makes sense you don't recognize me underneath my armor. Although, being a ghost isn't all cranked up to be.]
A ghost... Now that he mentions it, his body looks transparent.
[Anyways, I disappeared for a while to chat to ol' Specta about your test.]
[Old?!] Specta growled. [I have you know that I'm still in my 30's, you old coot! Just because my appearance doesn't fit my age doesn't mean you have to insult me like that!]
[Yeesh! Even your feisty attitude hasn't changed from your magician apprentice days,] Veritates says as he backed away. [You really took after your great-grandfather.]
[Well, flattery will get you nowhere.]
I shouldn't ask about their relationship in the past. Doing so might lead to my second, but unnecessary [Death Penalty].
[Right then...] Specta clears her throat. [Wind, you have shown us not only your courage against adversity and let your convictions and perseverance overpower your insecurities and doubts about yourself. Never in our lives did we witness a [Half-Sign] conquer all 3 trials without losing themselves in the process and learned their loss from the first. Congratulations. You have passed the [Test of Courage] with flying colors.]
With those words, another window pops up, fully confirming that my [Hidden Quest] is finally finished. Thank god it's over!
Specta approaches me and hands me some kind of a medal. [To pass the [Test of Courage] is to show how much you mean to the Signatio culture and the [Insignis] themselves. With this medal, you are welcomed as one of us and you can visit our country whenever you want as a licensed citizen and Adventurer.]
> [Signatio Citizenship Mark]
>
> [A medal that shows you have been recognized as a trustworthy ally to the [Insignis]. Holding this will gain high affection to [Insignis] NPCs and have access to a certain country without fail.]
>
>
Citizen? Licensed adventurer? I doubt I can blend in with the other [Insignis] NPCs, but I'm genuinely happy about this accomplishment. I don't know if I can visit it in the next update, but this means I can go to any related places with Kazu without being judged on my character's [Race].
"I don't know what to say, Madam. But thank you," I say. "I'll make sure not to betray your trust. I promise."
And that's a fact. Nightmarish [Hidden Quest] and snobbish Acutus aside, the NPCs here are like real people that I can relate with. I have a feeling I might meet them again someday. However...
"I'm sorry to be rude, General Veritates. But now that my test is over, what will you do now?" I ask. "Are you going to..."
I don't have the heart to finish that sentence. I turn to see Acutus and I can tell from their bandaged face that they seem to feel guilty after our battle.
[Right. I should tell you about it now. As you all know, I came back from the afterlife to help with the Sages for this ceremony. However, something came up and it cannot be ignored any further. I have no right to interfere since I want the next generation to take care of this world without my guidance. But at the same time, I cannot ignore the consequences of the disaster that would come to
Both Acutus and I widen our eyes when we heard this.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
[Partial...]
"...reincarnation?"
Veritates nods. [It means it's time for my reincarnation to take the reins to help them deal with the new threats and undiscovered lands coming our way. And I trust you two to help them if you run into them.]
[But what about you, Master?] Acutus asks.
[I will stay here until I can come back to rest for real. Some of my memories and personality will be gone due to the process, but I will still be here in spirit.]
Acutus gasps when they hear this. [B-But that means you're not gonna be you! You're going to lose memories of me! Of your apprentices! It's not fair you're going to sacrifice them just so your reincarnation can move forward!]
I don't know what to say. I still don't know what's the deal between Acutus and Veritates other than being formerly pupil and master respectively. But I can't believe he would do this for the sake of others.
[I know how you feel, Acutus. I don't regret taking you as my pupil. However, there's a day when you need to sacrifice something for the greater good. But you can't do that willy-nilly. You have a good reason to do so. A conviction that will motivate you for the sake of others. I'm doing this not only for
Acutus's eyes start to tear up as they quickly hug Veritates. [M-Master... I-I can't... I don't deserve this!]
[Yes, you do. And the same can be said with your former opponent.] Veritates turned to me next. [That lad shows promise not only as a warrior but also as a hunter and an adventurer. He might be a good ally for you and my reincarnation. I know you will make the right decision. Now it's up to you to forge your path and the path of this world.]
I can tell from their jaw drop that they are too speechless to respond to their former Master's speech. I have a feeling they might still be reluctant to accept, so I might as well step in.
"The general is right, Acutus. I think it's time for us to step forward and become what he and the others want for this world. We can't exactly become them, but we can at least try to become something to change the world even with one simple action. I don't have a goal, but I plan to keep traveling around
I can see Acutus's eyes widen once I declare this to them. [T-Travel? Are you saying you're not planning to become part of the [Insignis Scouts] or this kingdom's military?]
Is that the reason why they were hostile in the first place? I don't even say I want to be part of them. Heck, this is my first time hearing all of that!
"I realized that staying in one place won't help me grow as a person.
I raise my hand to offer it to the archer NPC.
"And you."
[M-Me?] Their eyes dart around while frowning. [But I acted like a jerk to you. Aren't you still pissed that...]
"It's already in the past!" I declare. "If you want to give me forgiveness, then start by acting like you learned your lesson. You won't atone for your actions by words alone and the only way to do that is to learn from your mistakes and change yourself for the better. That's what I'm planning as I continue my job as an adventurer to find myself in this world."
I'm not good at role-playing, but those words are true. I originally planned to leave the game once Kazu is old enough to play by himself. But after playing this game long enough, I’ve realized that the NPCs and stories in this game are too good to ignore. The first major expansion will expand the world for us to explore and skipping all of that means skipping precious memories with not only my brother but old and new friends I might make in this artificial fantasy world. I've made my decision and this is my true feelings for this world.
"Heck, by the time we meet again, we're going to be more than rivals." I move forward and offer my hand to Acutus. "Not only that, we're going to be strong enough to have a rematch. No trials, no handicaps. Just good ol' fashioned spars and duels."
Well, I consider archery-type duels as a handicap, but it's close enough.
[Alright. I'm looking forward to that day, Wind.]
With that, we shake our hands to finalize our promise. A promise made by two new friends in the world of
As soon as we do, we turn to see General Veritates's ghostly body starting to turn transparent.
[It is almost time. We should get you to your brother very soon. I am planning to go where he is currently staying right now.]
My eyes widen when I hear this. "You mean you already knew where he was the whole time?!"
[Not exactly. He managed to complete his [Sign Creation Ceremony] a few hours ago and I only got the news right a few minutes before you finished your trials,] Veritates clarifies. [He should be at the [Awakened Sage's] chambers...]
"YEAAAAAAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!"
We gasp as soon as we hear a muffled scream. It seems like it’s coming from above us.
"What the hell was that?!" I exclaim as I feel my heart skip a beat from that scream.
[It came from the [Awakened Sage's] chambers,] Sentio answers. [Oh, I fear the worst from that man...]
[We should check it out, Wind,] Acutus says. [I fear someone might have tried to assassinate the sage!]
I would ignore it, but Veritates said Kazu is in that said chamber. So I nod to them. "I'm right behind you."
I quickly follow Acutus and run out of the room. I hear Veritates call us out to stop running, but I decide to ignore him. It might be rude considering his time in the living is seemingly almost up, but I can't ignore my brother any longer!
----------------------------------------
Eventually, we come across in front of the stone door adjourned with strange runes and gems around it. Of course, maybe I should have followed his advice since I'm still not healed from that fight. So I ended up exhausted more than ever.
"Is this it?" I asked while trying to catch my breath.
[Yep. The gems that protect the chambers from any danger the [Awakened Sage] would come across in his tenure,] Acutus said. [But how in the world did they bypass it? No one without magic should have gotten through it...]
Before we could wonder about it, we heard an even louder scream from behind the door.
"Let's ask more questions later! Come on!"
I let Acutus step forward to use their magic to unlock the stone door. As soon as they use their mana, the gems glowed and I hear several clicks behind them. Once I see them, I push the door with ease, it didn't take long for me to rush in with my sword out.
"Kazu! I'm here!" I called out. "Now why don't you leave him and the sage...alone?"
I quickly drop my sword at the shocking sight. Instead of seeing an intruder trying to kill the sage and Kazu, I see the latter sitting on the man with a white robe. I can hear him crying on the sofa and yet, Kazu is suspiciously frowning for some reason with his arms crossed while holding his [Crystal Staff], which is something he never does unless someone like Dad messes up.
[Wha... You're one of the [Sign Creation Ceremony] participants!] Acutus exclaims while holding their bow. [Where's the intruder? What happened to the sage?]
I quickly gesture for them to stop. I don't want to make any misunderstandings here, but I need to clarify something first.
"They're right. What happened here?" I ask. "If this is another [Hidden Quest]..."
Kazu suddenly huffs before I can finish my sentence. "Dad deserves it! He's the one who made you go through that final trial! You could have died there or worse, quit as an adventurer because of it! Not to mention he separated us without our permission! Can you believe that?!"
Uh, okay? That's a new level of role-playing I've never seen before. First, the ceremony, now he treats the [Awakened Sage] NPC as our father? That's...one way to cope...
And hang on a second!
"Died?! Don't tell me you saw everything from that last fight?!" I exclaim.
"Of course! I finished my [Hidden Quest] not too long and now, I had to watch you barely surviving against your evil twin thanks to our big meanie Dad!" Kazu explains. "It's just like the time we had to face our evil clones in our last adventure before we officially became adventurers!"
At least Kazu didn't forget that RPG campaign and cared about my well-being after that mess. But that's odd... He's not usually this tense when he was role-playing except in the cases where Dad screwed us over thanks to our fumble rolls.
Now that I think about it, something about that sage seems odd. Instead of the blue crystal floating above him from my UI, he has a green one like all players have. I thought the game glitched, but rubbing my eyes doesn't seem to change the color of the crystal. So if that's the case, then...
"AH!"
I gasp as the man raises his head while Kazu jumps out from his back. As he catches his breath, I notice that the sage has short bluish-white hair and green eyes like me. Heck, his hair looked very familiar. It's as if he's a splitting image of...
"Kaz! Your mother will be mad when she learns that you almost hurt your..." The sage quickly turns to me and his eyes widen. "...father?!"
I become speechless. His baritone deep voice... It's too much of a coincidence that he voiced like him...
"U-Uh... Hello. W-What brings you to my chambers?"
And the stuttering... That always happens whenever we catch him in the act (like trying to abandon family night for last-minute work).
At that point, it took me a few seconds to process until I make a big realization of what Kazu slyly tried to tell me.
"...DAD?! Y-You're Dad, right?! The player version, not the NPC, right?!"
I don't want to believe it was true. But with a slight nod, I almost faint from this revelation when he said, "Y-Yep. That's me. In here, I'm known as
Of all the people who are playing [Isekai Online], it has to be our Dad. What is this real-world coming to?!
But if that's the case, then...
"Look, I can explain. It was not my choice to become a [Role-Player]!"
"Oh, I know. But I also know you had a choice in my near-traumatic suffering back there." I quickly turn to Acutus with a smile. "Can you give me a second? I need some much-needed bonding time with my father."
And I said that in the best loving voice while trying to restrain myself from punching Dad right in front of them.
[Ooookay? I'll be outside waiting for Master to come.]
"N-No! Acutus, wait! Don't leave me with them! I need to brief you on something! Please!"
[I wish I can, but since you're busy, I'll just wait. Hope you have fun with your sons.]
And with that, Acutus leaves the room. A perfect time to give Dad a well-deserved payback.
"D-Don't do this, Hayate! Attacking another player without any self-defense proof will label you as a player killer!"
"Kill you? What are you talking about?" I ask as I draw my bow from my inventory. "We're just going to have a nice long talk. Don't worry, I'm only using the blunt side of my bow."
Kazu smiles at me as he walks a few feet away from Dad. "Go ahead. I’ve already had my fun."
And I will. I flash a grin as I approach Dad intending to teach him how not to throw his sons into an in-game quest that would have traumatized them for life!
"GAAAAHHH! Tsukiko, what the heck did you teach our kids while I was at work?!"
----------------------------------------
> Current Quest: Test of Courage ***
>
> Type: [Hidden]
>
> Status: Complete
>
> Party Members:
>
> [Wind]
>
> Reward(s):
>
> [Signatio Citizenship Mark]
>
> [Incomplete Mark of the Signed]
>
> [Tome of Runes]
>
> [Guide of Signs]
----------------------------------------
Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 23
[Woodcrafting] Level 10
[Swordsmanship] Level 24
[Cooking] Level 9
[Wind] Level 17
[Physical Enhancement] Level 18
[Hunting] Level 17
[Blacksmithing] Level 18
[Dagger] Level 8
----------------------------------------
As Acutus sighs while standing behind the door of the chamber, they notice Veritates walking towards them.
[So... They already know?]
[Yep,] Acutus nods.
[Are they...] Veritates starts.
[Definitely pissed.]
Veritates sighs. [I already expect it to happen. May the gods have mercy on the [Awakened Sage's] soul.]
The two remain silent for a while as they ignore muffled screams behind the door. That is until Acutus darts their eyes around before turning back to his former Master.
[So how did you know about the [Awakened Sage's] sons?] They ask.
Veritates chuckles. [It's a long story.]