Part 2: Training
I was teleported to a breathtaking cathedral. The ceiling rose above me, supported by tall marble columns intricately carved with scenes of ancient battles and peaceful rural landscapes. Sunlight streamed through massive stained glass windows, casting vivid shades of red, blue, and yellow on the stone floor, depicting creation myths and Luminara's divine interventions. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and a soft, ethereal glow radiated from magical crystal chandeliers hanging above.
Every inch of the cathedral seemed to speak of divine craftsmanship; the walls were adorned with so many detailed frescoes that they almost seemed alive. Angels, gods, and legendary creatures were depicted in motion. Along the edges of the wall paintings, gleaming gold and silver trims highlighted the delicate brushstrokes of the artists. Massive statues of saints, knights, and heroes stood with such realism that it felt as though they might step down and walk among the living at any moment.
I found myself in front of Luminara's magnificent statue; it towered over everything, radiating an elegance and majesty that made its surroundings appear small in comparison. Her expression was serene, her eyes gentle yet piercing, and the folds of her robes seemed to ripple as though caught by an invisible breeze. At her feet, golden flowers bloomed, and her outstretched wings, wide in a protective gesture, seemed to faintly shimmer, as if holding the light of the sun within them.
"Shinya," I heard her voice softly echo. Startled, I turned around to find myself alone.
"I think you're speaking from inside the statue, Luminara-sama," I said, shaking off my surprise.
"Yes, I use statues to communicate with my followers. They are scattered all over the world, and I have churches in almost every city. If you wish to speak with me, approach one of my statues, kneel, and pray. I will hear your voice and respond," she explained, her voice warm and reassuring.
"Luminara-sama, is this the person you're talking about?" said a man who appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties. Tall, strong, and muscular, he exuded both power and discipline. He had short, neatly trimmed brown hair, and sharp, determined brown eyes that measured me with calm precision. A light stubble covered his jawline, adding a rugged touch to his otherwise composed demeanor.
He had two swords by his side, each with intricately carved hilts; one was silver, bearing the emblem of the Knights of Light, while the other was black, engraved with ancient runes that suggested magical properties. His armor was a practical masterpiece for war. Made of sparkling enchanted steel, it fit him perfectly, covering his broad shoulders and muscular arms. The breastplate bore Luminara's symbol – a sun with a rose inside – inlaid with gold, and along the edges were faint magical inscriptions for added protection.
His gloves were equally formidable, strengthened with a strange material that gave off a faint gleam, reflecting the light.
The armor was designed for both mobility and defense; the joints were covered with overlapping plates that allowed him to move swiftly without compromising protection. His boots, lined with leather for comfort, were reinforced with steel to withstand even the harshest terrains. On his back, he carried a large but not overly cumbersome shield, adorned with Luminara's seal and faintly glimmering under the cathedral's radiant light.
Next to him, there was a little girl, no older than ten, shyly hiding behind the man.
"Yes, Fidelis. This is the one who will become the commander of the Paladins," Luminara said.
"Nice to meet you, Fidelis-san. My name is Shinya Kage," I said, trying to speak in a friendly manner.
"Nice to meet you too, Shinya-san. But you can just call me Fidelis; no need for formalities."
"Alright, Fidelis, please call me Shinya as well." I smiled, feeling an unexpected warmth from him. He seemed gentle and friendly.
"What about this little girl?" I asked, looking at the shy child hiding behind her father.
"She's my daughter, Felicia. Say hello, Felicia."
Felicia slowly emerged from behind her father, lifting her head slightly. "Hello, onii-san," she said, her voice high-pitched and tremulous. I smiled back at her, feeling a warmth in my heart from the innocence of this little girl.
Felicia had the same chestnut-brown hair as her father, but hers fell in soft waves just behind her shoulders, which reflected her youthful innocence even more. Her wide brown eyes resembled Fidelis', filled with curiosity, yet they carried a softer, more delicate expression. Her face had a gentle roundness to it, and her pink cheeks and small button nose gave her an angelic appearance.
While her father's sharp features exuded strength, the girl’s more delicate, almost ethereal beauty seemed out of place in the imposing cathedral. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress, adorned with delicate pale blue embroidery that matched the ribbons woven into her hair. Her skin was fair, with a warm, healthy glow, and her slender hands gripped the hem of her dress tightly, as if uncertain about how to behave in the presence of strangers.
Her shyness contrasted sharply with Fidelis’s stern and composed demeanor, yet there was no mistaking the similarity between them. Despite her timid manner, there was undeniable strength in her gaze—perhaps a reflection of both her father’s determination and her mother’s gentle spirit.
"Nice to meet you, Felicia-chan." I offered a reassuring smile, hoping to make her feel more at ease.
"Fidelis," Luminara's voice was gentle but authoritative. "You will help Shinya to become the commander. He will be under your responsibility. Teach him history, monsters, the world, and how to fight. Make sure Oscard and Zenita also teach him their skills. I must go now. Shinya, if you wish to speak with me, use my statue. If I can, I will answer." With that, Luminara's voice faded into silence.
"Who are Oscard and Zenita?" I asked, curious.
"Ah, the Knights of Light are divided into three groups," Fidelis explained, taking on a teacher-like tone. "Mages, Healers, and Paladins. Each group has a leader. Oscard is the High Priest who leads the Healers; Zenita is the Archmage in charge of the Mages, and you will be the Commander who leads the Paladins."
"In that case, I will be the Commander, leading the Paladins," I said with a tone of determination.
"Yes, but not until you have successfully completed your training. That’s why Luminara-sama has given you three years to prepare," Fidelis replied, his expression serious.
"How will I complete my training?" I asked, a trace of concern creeping into my voice.
"You must defeat me in a sword fight, Zenita in a duel, and if you have proficiency in healing magic, you will also need to pass the healing exam prepared by Oscard."
As I felt like I was embarking on a challenging journey, I nodded with determination, seeing the trust in Fidelis's eyes.
"Sounds... manageable," I said, trying to add a bit of humor to the situation. "I mean, what's a little pressure, right? Just a sword fight, a duel, and a healing test; nothing to exaggerate."
Fidelis chuckled, clearly amused by my humor. "You'll get used to it, Shinya."
"Great. I've always wanted my life to be at risk while studying for a test," I replied with a grin.
"Just focus on your training," Fidelis said with a smile, nodding his head. "You'll be fine."
"Shinya onii-san will succeed," Felicia chimed in, her shyness gradually fading as she started to feel more at ease next to me.
"Thank you, Felicia-chan. I feel even more motivated now," I said with a warm smile, and she responded with her own bright smile.
"You must be tired, Shinya. Let me show you to your room. The servants will bring you some food, and if you’d like a relaxing bath tonight, there’s a tub. Tomorrow you’ll meet Oscard, Zenita. A commander should always look his best," Fidelis said.
He was right; I was a bit scrawny. I was muscular, but I didn’t have the build to match at my age. My voice still carried that typical teenage tone. I must have been around 15 when I died, the age I was when I left my old life behind.
"Thank you, Fidelis. You're the first person I've met here, and you're very kind to me. I hope we get along well," I said, hoping to establish a good relationship.
"Absolutely, Shinya. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out," he replied, giving me a reassuring smile.
Fidelis led me to my surprisingly ordinary room. It had a single bed, a small wardrobe, a nightstand, and a desk with a chair. There was a toilet and a tub as well, and I found myself wondering how they managed to get hot water in a place like this.
I must admit, I was a little disappointed when the servants brought me my meals. They didn't resemble the Japanese dishes I loved, and the lack of spices made them quite bland—there was only salt for seasoning. At least I reminded myself that they were nutritious.
After dinner, I took a bath to relax from the day's exhaustion. The water was warm and soothing, helping me unwind. Then, I got into bed. It was soft enough for a good night's sleep, but there was a mix of excitement and anxiety inside me. After all, this was my first night in another world. At least I was in a good place.
Kazuki, Isekai really does exist, I thought, a mocking smile spreading across my face. I wondered how he would react if he went to another world. But I guess I would never find out.
As these thoughts swirled in my mind, I finally drifted off to sleep.
"Hello again, Shinya. It's nice to see you once more," said the man, his voice soft and calm. He was wearing a hooded cloak that concealed his face, and he reminded me of the person I saw before I died—the one who gave me the tarot card.
"You're here again. Did you come to check up on me?" I responded with a mocking tone.
"Observing you is my job, Shinya, because you are very important to me," he said, his glowing eyes reflecting an unexpected pride.
"You still haven't told me your name. How should I address you?" I was trying to unravel his mystery.
"My name doesn't matter. You can address me however you like," he replied, his demeanor unchanged.
"Then I’ll call you ‘the weird man who enters my dreams and gives me weird cards with weird meanings,’" I said, adding a touch of humor to my words.
"Hahaha, I like it! It's nice to see your sarcastic side, Shinya," he laughed, clearly enjoying our conversation.
"Alright, weird man, what do you want from me?" I asked, eager to get to the point and understand his purpose.
"You will face many challenges in this new world. You will experience both good and bad. No matter what, I want you to keep moving forward. Use your logic and trust your heart. Both will guide you. I won't interfere with your actions, but when the time comes, I will return to give you another card."
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"What is the purpose of these cards?" I asked with curiosity.
"These cards show what could happen in the future. They don't specify when or whose life they will affect; they only show you the possibilities. I'm giving them to you because I want you to be prepared for every possible outcome."
"I think I understand now, weird man. I'm glad to hear you won’t interfere with my life. Are you going to give me a card?"
"No, Shinya. I’ve come here to observe you. For now, focus on your training. When the time comes, I will meet with you again," he replied and disappeared from sight.
As soon as he left, I opened my eyes to the soft glow of the morning light. So, he visited me in my dream again, just like he always did. As he had said, I needed to concentrate on my training for now. Until I became a commander, there was nothing I could do. Then, we would see what the future held.
I heard a knock on the door. "Excuse me," a voice said from the other side. When the door opened, it was Fidelis standing before me. "Did you sleep well, Shinya?" he asked.
"Yes," I answered, stretching slightly. "The bed, the food, the bath... Everything was great. Honestly, it was probably the best sleep I've had in a long time," I added with a satisfied grin.
"I'm glad to hear that," Fidelis said, nodding. "Now, get dressed. We’ll have breakfast, and then you’ll meet Oscard and Zenita. This way, we can come up with a proper plan for your training." His tone had a teacher-like authority to it.
"Okay, okay," I muttered as I began to get dressed. While I prepared, Fidelis waited patiently outside my room.
After breakfast, we headed toward the High Priest’s quarters. We knocked before entering. Oscard was in the middle of a conversation with three priestesses, their faces filled with respect as they listened intently. He was speaking with them in a fatherly tone, calm and wise.
Oscard appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties, with small, round glasses perched on his sharp nose. His face bore the marks of age and experience; deep wrinkles etched into his forehead and around his thin lips gave him a harsh and calculating look. His eyes, hidden behind the reflection of his glasses, seemed to gleam with an intensity that made it hard to read his true thoughts. He wore a long, flowing white priest's robe adorned with intricate golden patterns that shimmered in the cathedral light, radiating an air of authority. A tall, imposing hat, resembling a mitre worn by Christian priests, contributed to his dignified posture, making him seem even more formidable.
As I studied him more closely, I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling creeping up my spine. There was something off about Oscard. Despite his outwardly sacred appearance, I sensed a hidden darkness within him. His smile, though polite, seemed forced and cold. There was a faint aura around him—something calm and priestly on the surface, but underneath, there was a dark and deceptive undertone.
I couldn't put my finger on it, but it felt as though Oscard's very presence contradicted the sanctity of the cathedral surrounding us.
As soon as Oscard saw me, his face twisted in apparent disgust, as if my mere presence displeased him. It was clear that I hadn’t made the best first impression.
"My children, go now and offer your prayers to the Goddess. I have other matters to attend to," Oscard said, his voice carrying an air of authority. The priestesses obediently lowered their heads and quietly exited the room.
"Is this little brat really the one who’s supposed to be Commander?" Oscard asked, his tone dripping with disdain. His words cut deep, and I clenched my fist in anger. Fidelis, sensing my frustration, placed a calming hand on my shoulder.
"You should be more respectful when speaking to Shinya," Fidelis said, maintaining his composure despite his evident irritation. "He was chosen by the Goddess herself."
"There must be a mistake," Oscard mocked, his face twisted in disgust. "He’s not even from this world. Young, naïve, and with no idea where he is."
I locked my gaze onto him, my voice as cold as ice. "What’s your problem, Oscard-sama?" I asked, my words sharp and controlled.
"You’re a freak from another world," he spat, his anger growing with each word. "You’re worse than demons. You should be enslaved!" His face twisted with fury, saliva flying from his mouth as he raged like a rabid dog.
"Judging someone without knowing them is never wise, Oscard-sama," I replied, maintaining my mocking tone. I forced a smile, trying to stay calm despite the burning anger inside me.
"Children like you come from the slums in this world," he sneered. "And their mothers work in whorehouses. I’m sure yours is no different."
At that moment, everything around me seemed to turn red— or maybe that was just the fury clouding my vision. His words had struck deep, hitting a raw nerve. Fidelis looked at me, and for a brief second, I saw fear in his eyes. My eyes were locked on Oscard, blazing with rage. It felt like they were burning, fueled by the fire of my anger. Hatred swirled inside me, and in my mind, a voice whispered, Kill him, kill him. But I knew that if I acted on it, it would be disastrous.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to suppress the fury boiling within me. "You should be the last person to speak about my mother, Oscard-sama," I said, narrowing my eyes.
"Shinya, there's a strange aura around you," Fidelis said, his voice trembling with fear.
"As I said, he is—"
"Shut the fuck up, you bastard!" I cut him off, my fist flying toward his face. The power of the anger coursing through me seemed to focus into my punch. It was a powerful blow. Oscard was sent sprawling backward, his jaw snapping with the force of the hit. For a brief moment, he was speechless. I wished he'd stay that way forever. But, quickly, he began to heal.
"You’ll pay for this," Oscard hissed, starting to cast a spell. He didn’t get to finish his incantation before Fidelis intervened.
"That's enough, Oscard. He is under my care," Fidelis said firmly, his tone grave. I couldn't tell if he was angry with me.
"Then punishing him is your responsibility," Oscard hissed again, the arrogance gone, replaced by a mixture of fear and hatred.
"I’ll punish him. Don’t worry," Fidelis replied authoritatively. "And then, you’ll teach him how to use healing magic."
"Fine, fine. Just get him out of my sight. I can't stand breathing the same air as that disgusting thing," Oscard hissed. With that, we left the room.
"It got a bit out of hand, but it’s fine," Fidelis said. His tone had shifted; instead of the stern authority of a father, it now carried the calm wisdom of someone giving advice.
"Aren’t you going to punish me?" I asked, genuine curiosity in my voice. I knew I had gone too far, but he had insulted my mother. Even though she wasn’t here, she was still my mother. I couldn’t just ignore that.
"An eye for an eye, Shinya. You threw a punch, and now you’re going to take one," Fidelis said, raising his fist. I closed my eyes, bracing for the blow.
"Here we go!" he shouted, and I waited for the sting of a hard punch. But when his fist made contact with my face, I didn’t feel any pain. It was more like a light, almost playful tap, like the kind a baby might give.
"Was that the punishment? Why?" I asked, shocked. I had been expecting something much harsher.
"Shinya, sometimes our actions may not be easily understood by others. You were right to punch him; no one has the right to insult you like that. Oscard got what he deserved," he said, speaking like a teacher giving a lesson.
Fidelis was hard to understand. At times, he was like a strict, authoritative father, and other times, like a protective older brother. One thing was clear, though: I was glad to have him around.
We made our way toward Zenita’s room. As if expecting us, the door opened on its own. The moment we stepped inside, a sweet, dizzying scent hit me. It was an aroma with an almost aphrodisiac quality, and with every breath, it intoxicated my mind.
The room was filled with rich colors: plush velvet cushions scattered on the floor, dark red and purple curtains hanging from the ceiling, and flickering candlelight casting a warm glow. Shelves were filled with bottles containing mysterious liquids, and magical symbols adorned the walls, adding a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere to the room. The combination of the intoxicating scent and the room’s allure created a dizzying attraction, making me feel as though I had stepped into a captivating world.
Zenita sat comfortably in a chair, her legs resting on the table. Her appearance was perfectly in tune with the room’s mystical ambiance, striking and enchanting. She was dressed in a witch-like fashion; however, unlike the typical dark colors, her outfit was dominated by shades of pink. Made of soft silks and leather straps, the outfit accentuated every alluring detail of her figure.
The top was deeply cut with a wide cleavage, drawing attention to her curves. The dress was short, moving just enough to reveal glimpses of her undergarments. The thought crossed my mind, and my heart began to race as I felt a slight flush creep onto my cheeks. I couldn’t help but stare, almost mesmerized by her calm and confident demeanor.
Although Zenita appeared to be in her twenties, she exuded a wisdom beyond her years, carrying an almost timeless presence. Her striking pink hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her flawless white skin. But what truly captivated me were her eyes—vivid and deep, sparkling like precious gems. With every glance, they seemed to pull me in. There was a predator-like gleam in her gaze, as if she was aware of the effect she had on me and reveled in it.
Her full, dark red lips curled into a mocking smile, as if she was about to make fun of me or gently humiliate me at any moment. Her body moved with graceful fluidity, every gesture and glance radiating incredible charm. She exuded a dangerous allure, turning the atmosphere into a dizzying one. Despite the magnetic pull of it all, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her; I was struggling to maintain my composure in the face of her presence, fighting to suppress the admiration and fascination I felt. Zenita’s charm was undeniable, and I was desperately trying not to lose myself in this irresistible allure.
"Ah, welcome, Shinya-kun. I’m glad to meet you. I’m Zenita, leader of the mages," she said in a sultry tone. My excitement surged even more.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Zenita-sama," I said, trying to remain calm. I gave a slight bow to show my respect.
"My my, you’re such a polite little boy. It excites me even more," she laughed. With every word, the warmth in my face increased, my heart raced, and my breathing became uneven.
I could die here, I thought to myself.
"Zenita, can you speak a bit more normally? You’re making Shinya uncomfortable," said Fidelis, noticing my unease. Honestly, I didn’t care. I could talk with Zenita for hours.
"Alright, alright," Zenita said, still grinning. "Shinya-kun, I’ll be in charge of your entire magic training. Don’t worry, our lessons will be quite fun; I promise." She winked, and in that moment, I felt like my heart was about to leap out of my chest.
"Magic has nine main elements," Zenita said, now speaking in a more serious tone. "The basic ones—Water, Earth, Fire, Wind, Ice, Nature, and Lightning—can be wielded by most mages. However, there are rarer and more powerful elements: Light and Dark. Most people can only master two or three elements, while someone who can control more than three is very rare."
"As the future commander, it’s essential for you to master Light magic. You will learn Light magic that can be used with a sword and shield," Zenita added. "But first, I want to see your mana capacity and your affinity with the other elements." She pointed to a glowing orb on the table.
"Place your hand on this orb. It will show your mana level and which elements you are most attuned to," she instructed.
As soon as I placed my hand on the orb, it began to glow a bright yellow. I guessed this represented the Light element.
"Just as I expected—" Zenita's words were suddenly cut off. I looked back at the orb and saw what had surprised her. Alongside the bright yellow, another color had appeared: a dark, abyssal black, filled with swirling red lines. Both colors were intensifying, and the orb was becoming brighter and brighter.
After a while, the orb exploded with a loud bang. We were all thrown back; luckily, none of us were injured, but the power of the explosion left a silent tension that filled the room.
"What just happened?" My head was aching; I must have hit something hard during the explosion.
"You have an affinity for both Light and Dark magic, which is impossible," Zenita said, nearly fainting with excitement. She looked far more eager than when we first met.
"No one has ever had this ability. Not even Milanus de Fortrand had it," Fidelis added, looking at me with wide eyes.
"Milanus de Fortrand?" The name sounded unfamiliar, so I asked curiously.
"He was the legendary hero and first king of Ardoria, 348 years ago. He mastered all the fundamental magical elements and Light magic. He could use them at a god-level. That is the highest possible level," Zenita explained, taking on the tone of a teacher. "But you, Shinya-kun, are special. Not only can you use Light magic, but you can also wield Dark magic. Since you shattered the orb, your potential might reach god-level, just like Milanus." Her voice was filled with awe, and before I could fully comprehend what was happening, she pressed her chest against my arm and leaned toward me.
I felt a wave of warmth rush through me. My heart was racing, and I could feel myself sweating. Resisting her seductive touch was becoming increasingly difficult.
"Zenita, we can't speak about this to anyone. If the Goddess or Oscard hears of this, Shinya could face serious consequences," Fidelis warned, his expression serious. Zenita nodded in agreement.
"But why?" My voice was full of concern; would they kill me for this?
"Because anyone with an affinity for Dark magic is seen as evil by the Goddess," Zenita explained. "According to Goddess, anyone with high-level Dark magic must be executed."
Her words deepened the anxiety in me. I had thought everything would be fine, but now it felt like my life was once again being dragged toward tragedy. Had I been cursed with bad luck?
"Don't worry, I'll keep your secret, Shinya-kun." Zenita noticed my concern. "But I'll be spending more time with you to observe your powers," she said, licking her lips. The thought of what this might lead to stirred a mix of fear and excitement within me.
"Thank you, Zenita-sama," I replied, bowing my head.
"My dear, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Zenita, okay?" she responded in a playful tone.
"Okay, Zenita. I'm looking forward to working with you," I said, trying to send her a cute smile, despite my heart racing. I felt some relief inside, glad that I hadn’t fainted just yet.
"That smile makes me want to teach you all day. Unfortunately, I’m busy today. I look forward to our lessons, Shinya-kun," she winked, leaving me excited and somewhat overwhelmed.
As I left the room, I couldn't help but feel that my new life was becoming increasingly intriguing. A protective figure like an older brother and an authoritarian father, a seductive woman, and a man who seemed to hate me just because I was from another world... What else awaited me in this new world? My thoughts were a complex puzzle, each piece pulling me further into curiosity.
to be continued...