The two extra horses were tethered to the wagon’s sides and would follow along.

"So, where is this place that I asked you about?"

“Not far,” Cinder pointed down the winding path, “Few miles, that way.”

Mike cracked the reins, and the horses pulling the wagon began moving forward.

“Until we get there, I have questions that I need answered. Where am I? What country is this?”

“This is the Verdantwood Province of the Dracaryan Empire.”

"What about the local government, who’s in charge here?" He wanted to know if there was any top brass nearby.

Cinder shrank back slightly. “Baron Thalion Greenwood... but, uh, I ain’t know much 'bout anyone higher, sir.”

Mike waved off her concern, his mind racing. “Never mind. How large is this Dracaryan Empire? How much of the continent does it take up?”

Cinder’s gaze fell to her feet. “I... don’t know, sir. Please forgive my ignorance. Never learned about the size of the Empire, nor what a continent is.”

Her speaking made it clear she expected punishment, but her answer didn’t surprise him. A slave educated in geography would be an unusual find.

He needed to get his hands on a decent map, though that was probably a lot to ask for in this era. In a world with magic and monsters, there was no telling what the planet’s topography looked like, even the arrangement of the continents. He had traveled across countless earths, but much of his experience was now obsolete.

“Relax, I’m not about to punish you for not knowing. Just keep answering my questions as best as you can. This place, Verdantwood Province, is it rich or what?”

“I ... don’t know for sure. Perhaps there is rickes in the capital,maybe, but here’s just countryside.”

“And the government? Does it operate under a monarchy? Or do they elect their leaders?”

Cinder blinked, confusion clear as she looked at him like he had spoken in gibberish.

“Does it have a king or queen?”

“Oh, no, sir. There is the Emperor and the royal family, but that’s all I know.”

“What about money? What do they use?”

“Coins, sir. Gold, silver and copper.”

Mike retrieved one of the guard snakeskin coin purses and emptied it out onto the seat between them. It was about a dozen bronze coins and a few silvers. He expected the other two held a similar amount. Expect more in the mage purse.

“How much would you say this is? Would you say it is a large amount of money or not much?”

Cinder hesitated, then took the coin, examining it. “Don’t know. I’ve never handled money before.” She picked up one of the silver coins and showed it to Mike. “Five of this is what I’m worth.”

Well, that’s a depressing thought. But he had to know about the value of others, "What about the other slaves?"

"The males should be around a silver… the females two to three."

Mike didn't need the answer to guess the reason. He had already lived in many medieval eras. Youth, sex, and usefulness. Young slaves are desired, and females could be used for sexual pleasure. The males are only good for heavy work.

“What season is it currently?”

“Mid spring, sir.”

That was good for Mike. To get a foothold in this new world, he’d need ample time with the chances of survival at their highest. Winter would hamper his mobility and possible actions and make life much harder.

Had he appeared in this world a few months earlier, he could have easily frozen to death before reaching civilization.

“And these monsters, what’s the big threat?”

“The biggest danger is the drakes."

"Is that what making those roar?"

"Yes, but they normally stay deep in the forest. Wolves, are more of a danger to travelers. They travel in packs and kill whatever they see. There are also bears, large spiders that hide in burrows, and goblins.”

Giant spiders and goblins? This world is getting more fantastical by the second.

Mike turned toward her, “Goblins..? Tell me about them.”

“They are small, only about the size of children, and maybe as smart. Small, crafty, armed. They have weapons and often ambush travelers.”

“And that old man, what was his trick with the fireball? I’ve never seen anyone do that before.”

“Magic, sir.”

"And the warrior?"

“Also magic. But maybe... Of lesser quality. I don't know for sure.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Was it? Only after the old man was dead he got the system. There was nothing when he killed the other two. Is there a difference between them? “Magic, huh? Tell me everything.”

“It’s... a gift from the gods, letting people call down divine retribution upon their enemies. Fire, water, strength... Different kinds, like make you stronger, and do all kinds of things. There are many different kinds of magic users. Heard of some of them; mages, paladins, warriors, shamans, but don’t know what they can do.”

“What kind was the old man?”

“A mage, I think.”

“So can anyone use it? Or is it passed down through blood?”

Cinder’s shoulders slumped, “I don’t know, sir.”

That was a problem. If it was an ability passed down from parent to child, he was screwed. It means that there would be a larger percentage of population under Lorelyn System.

The other two guards didn't trigger the System, so either it was exclusive to a select few, or maybe something else in play.

His glitchy reincarnation left him with the normal genes of his last parents. Still, he got Bloodline, even though it's censored.

Life would get exponentially harder if magic couldn’t be learned or acquired. Then, there was the mention of gods. Either tool used by the Nobility or maybe the gods are really here.

He had spent several lifetimes searching for signs of the existence of God, some presence of divinity that might end his existence, but he always came up short. However, in a world where magic existed, perhaps the gods here might as well.

As they made their way through the dense foliage of the forest, Mike thoughts drifted to the system screen that had become his unexpected guide in this new world.

With the wagon jostling beneath him, each bump and dip a stark reminder of the luxuries of his past life, he couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrast to modern conveniences.

Even the so-called cushion, a meager comfort left by the old man, offered little reprieve, feeling akin to sitting on a rock.

He turned his attention inward, calling upon the system's interface with a focused thought. Thankfully, the system was straightforward and opened when he gave a nudge.

At least I don't have to look like an idiot to call the screen.

Ignoring the others small details for the moment, he focused on the main advantages that he got.

..

…

[ Skills ] / [ Quests ]

Both the Skills and the Quest options are available, so he opened the Skills first.

A new menu flashed across his eyes, replacing the old one containing all his skills.

Skills:

Mage Class Skills (Max: 5)

* No skills acquired

Slave Master Sub Class Skills (Max: 5)

* No skills acquired

For a moment, Mike just stared at the screen, the words "No skills acquired" seeming almost to mock him with their stark simplicity.

He let out a string of curses under his breath, directed at the system for its cheap nature. After getting the class, he was hopeful of getting some skills, but it was not to be.

There was also a limit, he could only have five skills. Hopefully, he could increase that or at least switch his skills for new ones.

Yet, he couldn't truly say he was surprised.

Coming into this world, he had nothing but his soul and the vast experiences of his past lives—neither of which, apparently, translated into immediate magical prowess or command over others.

He closed the Skills menu with a thought, the system screen fading from his vision. Let's see what my Quests Menu have. A new screen flashed with all the Quest and for once there was a touch of smile on his lips.

Active Quests:

* World Quest: Prepare for the World Integration

Log Entry: Upon reaching a critical Soul Strength for a Human, you've unlocked the World Quest due to your Immense Experience and Soul.

Objective: With the world set to integrate with the Multiverse in about 20 years, strengthen your soul to influence the integration process. Integration Control: Command the integration process, shaping the future of the realm and its denizens. (Deadline: 19 years, 327 days) Progress: 0.000000000017 % ( 12.24575 % Lvl Locked )

* Initial Class Quest: Mage

Skill, Mana Sense: Remove the veil and sense the energy of the World. Take your first step on your path to becoming the strongest Mage.

* Initial Class Quest: Slave Master

Skill, Bond of Servitude: Establish a magical bond with another being, compelling obedience. The strength of the bond depends on the caster's power and the target's will.

Mike read the screen a few times that popped up in his view.

The idea of joining the multiverse? That was... well, it was a lot.

He squinted at the part that said his level wasn't high enough yet. Great, he thought, not only do I have to deal with all of this magic stuff, but I also have to grind for levels.

Mike wasn't the type to back down from a challenge, but this was like being told to run a marathon when you've only ever jogged for a bus.

He also didn't like the fact that he was sent here only due to that woman.

Being not in control of a situation was not new for him, but this was his first encounter with magic and in a long time he felt excited to do something new. A new adventure, as she promised. But at what cost?

But as he thought about it, a hope began to take root. Maybe, just maybe I will get my chance to…

Before it could consume him, he quelled those thoughts. Hope is just a farce given to weaker men. Knowledge and Power would make my wish come true.

And there is whole new world full of knowledge waiting for him.

If it's about leveling up, then that's what I'll do, Mike resolved. I'll learn this magic, figure out how to strengthen my soul, and whatever else it takes.

If this world's going to join this Multiverse, whatever that means, I want to make sure we're not just tagging along. We're going to be a part of it, a big part.

There were also Class Skills. Though, it didn't come with a manual. Only the name and vague details of the skills.

[ Mana Sense ] could be fascinating, a direct interaction with the world energy in a way technology never allowed.

[ Bond of Servitude ] also looked like a great skill for his current situation.

Both also felt like starting skills in their respective class. At least he had a rough idea of where to begin.

And the idea of bonding another being to his will with magic? That was something else entirely. "There's got to be a way to use that... somehow," he mused.

A slave would undoubtedly be helpful if it were somehow reliable. If I had someone to do mundane things, then there'd be more time for him to focus on major things.

There was also a spark of idea. In the back of his mind, Mike wondered if there was a way to reinterpret the role defined by his subclass. Could a Slave Master become a Leader type class, like a protector, Captain, or maybe even Ruling class?