“I welcome you to our realm otherworlders! You have been summoned to this realm to defeat the demon lord!” The priest proclaims.
‘Corny’ I think to myself.
“My job is to welcome and guide you through the start of your journeys, so that you may have an easier time adapting to this world!” Listening to the priestess’ speech, I couldn’t help but cringe in a vitriol disgust.
“We will test your aptitude for certain magics and martial arts, depending on what you get you shall be trained by one of the three of us here. If you are proficient with major magics, you will be taught by me, Arwin Ar Develiuse. If you have proficiency in defence, major tactics, or martial arts, you will be taught by Roland Vin Artreus.”She says as she gestures to the man in full plate armour.
Slightly absentmindedly listening to what the priestess was saying, I realise that she didn’t bring up the man in the cloak. Debating whether I should point it out, to my luck, I didn’t need to as someone else did it for me.
“Miss Arwin? What’s the third man's job and why didn’t you mention it?” A guy in what could be considered the front row asked.
“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK INFORMALLY TO HER HIGHNESS!” The man named Roland yells. In an oh so ironic turn of events, he draws his sword and starts to approach the boy who spoke.
“Lord Artreus, please refrain from attacking or scaring the hero’s.” The priestess says, stepping in front of the man.
“My Lady! This boy insulted you!” he says, still trying to get to the guy who spoke up initially, “They don’t know the etiquette of our home. And they are a summoned hero, so they have a position not that dissimilar from my own.” She lets the man go, seemingly convinced that he won't try to go for the head of the boy.
“Of course Lady Develiuse, my apologies.” Bowing down to the girl, he sheathed his sword, still scowling at the guy.
I'm not one to care about other people or sympathise with their feelings very often, but I can imagine how the boy must be feeling right about now. And seeing as he's shaking like a leaf and white as a ghost, I can pretty easily guess that I'm right about how he feels, terrified!
I can’t really help myself but grin slightly. Though knowing how unsightly people think how I’m smiling is, I try and partially succeed in hiding it.
The priestess, seemingly trying to redirect people's attention from the scene that just unfolded, continues her speech “This hero raises a good point. The third man here, Norsin Gloommoor, is the instructor for anyone who has any intelligence gathering or scouting skills. Which are quite rare, hence why I didn’t mention him at first.” successfully grabbing everyone's attention, she continues.
“Once you have been appraised, you will be briefly instructed on etiquette for two days, before you will be presented to his majesty, King Faroohk Aray Develiuse.”
Surprised, I question to myself, ‘Why would they bring newly summoned people to the ruler of a Kingdom after such a short period of time? Couldn’t it end up being disastrous?’.
“Having said all that. I shall now bring you to the appraisers, where a few attendants will answer any other minor questions you may have.” The priestess then walked out of the large room where we were all summoned, gesturing for us to follow.
I look around the room as we leave, appreciating the design of it. While I'm not a fan of overly colossal structures, I had to admit that the style of the place was very satisfying to look at.
I take the moment to completely survey the people who were summoned, seemingly consisting of people that seemed to be between 15-20, mostly being made up of 17 year olds.
Outside of that, gender wise, it was a fairly mixed bag. Not really leaning to one side or the other. And then, out of nowhere…
[Would you like to activate an area scan to inspect group of (Human: Hero)’s?]
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‘What? Is this truly one of those novels younger people read about systems and hero’s?’ surprised, I pause moving for a moment, drawing attention to myself. One of the other people seemingly not paying attention, bumps into me.
“Ah-, I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking at where I was going. My apologies!” turning to look at the kid, I watch him for a moment in silence, while he fidgets under my gaze, ‘Should I put up an act in this world too? That would be more convenient, but a hassle… not like I plan to stay in this place for long anyway.’
Turning away, I say “It’s no trouble, but be more mindful.” “ Wh- oh, uh, right. Sorry.” he says while slouching down. I continue to follow the group, ignoring the boy.
Thinking back to that message that I heard in my head, I try to figure out what it was, ‘is this the strength that god was saying it would grant me? And if so, how do I activate it?’
Was it chance? Putting my mind to it? A keyword? Thinking back, it was most likely a keyword, but what? What words did I think… ‘Scan?’
Nothing happens. I didn’t think of any other words that would make sense, so simply just thinking about it?
[Would you like to activate area scan to inspect group of (Human: Hero)’s?]
Well, I got my answer. I just simply call it up in my mind, deciding to see what it was talking about, I give a mental confirmation.
[Scan has been confirmed, please hold…]
…
‘Why is it taking so long?’ [Scan speed can be increased at later levels].
‘At least it's concise. Honestly though, it's been thirty seconds. How long will this take?’
[Scan has been completed, scan has confirmed the following: All beings in scan radius are Human. 43 have the class: Hero, 1 has the class: High priestess, 1 has the class: Royal Guard, 1 has the class: Mist rogue.
The stats are… ]
It cuts off. Wondering why, I wait a moment to see when I get hit by a massive headache.
[Statuses of all humans are:
Name: Maria
Race: Human
Class: Hero
Vit: 13
Agi: 9
Str: 7
Mag: 15
Def: 11
Name: David
Race: Human
Class: Hero
Vit: 14
Agi: 11
Str:13
…]
‘Stop! Not that much information!’ I stumble a moment. Quickly regaining my composure, I close my eyes hard for a moment, before opening them and blinking a few times.
[Command registered: Less information will be provided to the user unless specified when scanning.]
‘Thank god, that hurt more than I’d have liked.’ glancing around to see if anyone noticed, it seemed like I was in the clear.
Walking for a few more minutes, we arrive at what looks almost like an old bank. With ques and windows with a clerk behind them, at least the closest thing to what it looked like to me.
“This is the appraisal hall.” the priestess says, “please line up into one of the designated areas and wait your turn. When your turn is called, step forward and follow the instructions of the person at the desk.”
Sorting ourselves into several lines, I wait to be called forward. While waiting, I mess around with the voice in my head. ‘What do I refer to you as?’ I ask, [I am the :Voice of nothing:. I am your unique ability.]
‘Hm, simple. I like it. What is it you do?’ [I act as an information gathering and storing system, for ease of use you may refer to me as system. Along with my information based abilities, I can be used as a simple conduit for spells, and a second brain. At later levels you will be able to upgrade specific aspects of the ability, one of which is creating multiple sub-brains.]
‘...wow, okay then. That's gonna prove to be incredibly useful.’ Already seeing a future with multiple paths and few limitations, I started to grow anxious and excited!
“Next hero please step forward.” I realise that it was my turn, and settle down. Hoping that the clerk didn’t see my smile.