I am stomped as to why this fogy won’t quit trying to get one over me.

Umm… Think back. Think back.

What was his focus?

…

…

…

Ah!!! Is that it?

Really???

I mean, it is one of the things I have of in spades.

But, I don’t know what special use it could have without any training or stuff, so I can’t be pretty sure that is what he is after.

My magic power.

It had a unit of 1500, so it was very impressive for everyone.

But… no one had any serious reaction to it, so at first I did not take it to heart much.

If that is what he is after…

I don’t think it can’t be anything good.

I can already infer that these baggy robed fogies are wizards or mages, so that means they do a lot of experimenting.

Would I become one of this fogy’s experiments?

…

…

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

…

…

No. Just thinking about gives me the shivers.

Nope. I have to fight this out.

No way in hell will I become a test subject for dissection.

Raise my head and give the oldie a mean glare. My actions surprise him, but not giving him any room, I turn towards the king. He is the only path to get out of this situation, since the fogy won’t give in anytime soon.

“Your Majesty!

I hope you could grant me the permission withdraw.

I am but truly unfit for such an arduous situation. And while only been relatively new to this world, I would like to go out and find something that I can truly help in this kingdom.

I do wish to aid, but I wish to find that with my own hands and ability.

I am sure, that the country of your majesty, that has fought so bravely and for so long, would definitely be a prosperous and powerful nation. Its many gears, running ever forward to power the country.

I ask you majesty, to please let me become part of that system.

I truly hope, you would grant my simple request with your grand majesty.”

I spoke up passionately and knelt down to one knee and tried to express as earnestly as possible.

The oldie that I ignored started grumbling. I could feel his wrathful look.

But I ignored it all. I kept my eyes on the potbellied king on the throne.

He nodded quite agreeing. He was apparently delighted with my words that sung such ‘sweet and emotional’ praises, so much so that he made a decree to grant me freedom in his country.

I was relieved and startled when he ordered a previously hidden person near him to make some arrangements and then told me to still wait around as they went over other details before I get escorted out to the town.

When all this happened, a few of the others from the group also murmured about considering leaving themselves.

However, nothing came to as no one spoke up after me. Not I particularly cared.

The old fogy that previously tried to coerce and jump me, also left quickly after I ignored him, and before the king granted me a sort of amnesty.

I waited on the side as the rest of the group went through a couple more inductions.

Some basic introduction as done on topics like skills, abilities, elements and equipment. I made sure to make a mental note of everything that I could use after I leave.

As I listened in and watched from a side-line, as they went around going all ‘woo~‘ and ’aaah!’, I was starting to feel melancholic at the thought of separating from this group.

…

I don’t know why though.

It’s not like I had any connection or sort of feeling with them.

Strange.

Sometimes I puzzle even myself.

After another hour or so of waiting, the man the king gave the order to came over.

He introduced himself as the prime minister. That left me shocked once more.

For the prime minister to have so little presence that I did not notice him in that hall while he was next to king until he moved for the order was absolutely surprising. Plus he had a deadpan expression on his face.

The prime minister however was oblivious or ignoring of my surprise and started a separate induction for me.

He gave me three things. First was a small pouch filled with 100 or so gold coins.

He said an extra was given at the order of king. Supposedly 20 gold coins would be enough to live for 6 months in the capital, in relative comfort.

The second was a set of maps. One for the city with few places like the various guilds, market, wards and areas marked. It wasn’t too detailed as giving away such maps would be a security risk.

The second map was a map of the Forman Kingdom. Highways, noble territories, towns, natural marks and the border were marked on it. It too wasn’t too detailed I was told. Only general knowledge areas of the kingdom were marked.

The last item I was given was a letter of introduction that I could use when joining any group, I chose. It was supposed to help me, who had no identification and looked foreign.

I was truly quite surprised by the excessive goodwill gesture of the king.

It seems he was truly a simple minded man who very much liked my praises.

The prime minister uttered quietly under his breath that I was smart at flattering the king.

I simply feigned ignorance at it, since I would rather not acknowledged something like that and get into trouble later.

The prime minister did not hold it against me as he quite amiably bade me farewell and had some guards escort me out.

It was slightly heart-warming, and would have been better if his face was not so deadpan all through the exchange and after.

After separating from the guards at the gate, I briskly walked into town and loose myself into the crowds.

Jovially, I took my first breaths of freedom, in an alternate world.

Eager for a fresh lease on life.