Novels2Search
Epic of Necessity
Chapter 2 - Little Machi Appears

Chapter 2 - Little Machi Appears

After the two disappeared, the mercenaries started to speak with each other. They noticed that a light appeared and disappeared, making them think that the little girl and Lecille already left.

"Boss, should we go back?"

The most intelligent among the mercenaries, Klirk asked their Leader as he walked beside him. The Leader listens to him most of the time since he always save their group because of his ideas. If only he was a little stronger than the Leader, the whole group will give the position of Leader to him.

"Hmm? Do you have something in mind?"

"I think that we should start a search on the boy. Our real target is that kid, the woman's just a bonus. We can let the woman away, but that boy should be killed or it's our head which will roll. The woman was wounded with a poisonous arrow so I think those two left to get that woman treated. The little girl might be a powerful warrior, but even if you add the time she was still a baby, she wouldn't be an expert of both weaponry and magic in that short time!

I think she has a Magic Tool in her disposal. We should find the boy before they could and leave this city... no, this country altogether! I heard that the City Mistress came from the neighbor city, so staying in this country would spell trouble if this matter get out. The little girl's background is also extraordinary based on her bearing, so if the woman wanted revenge, we would be the ones who will suffer greatly."

All of his words were plausible since all of them knew of the City Mistress' temper and also saw the little girl's bearing. They immediately approved Klirk's word and looked towards their Leader with expectant eyes.

The Leader looked at his brother and steeled his heart. He couldn't bear to leave his brother right now, but this problem was something they themselves caused so he can't turn their backs to this job now.

"You, bring my brother to Mr. Rupert! If something happens to him, you know what will happen!"

He pointed to one of the greenhorns, who instantly shivered in fear. Mr. Rupert is the best healer in the city and since most of mercenaries can only use weapons and basic magic, these kind of cases are left to the hands of Mr. Rupert.

The greenhorn supported Targ's body as they left the area. After seeing the two off, the Leader spoke in an imposing manner.

"Boys! This time, we should learn from this lesson! We can't play around our prey or it would be us who will become prey! If you see they boy, kill him immediately! The one who will get his head first will get a higher share on the reward!"

Meanwhile, their target was lost in the forest while waiting for his mother to find him. He was walking around for a while until he felt that his feet were giving up.

Then, he saw a tree which had a large hole on its trunk. It was large enough for hide Bellwick, so he crawled as he entered inside.

"I bet Mom's still looking for me..."

He sat there and waited.

One hour... Two hours... it continued until five hours had already passed.

"I'm hungry..."

Bellwick suddenly felt hungry. It was already noon, he and her mother escaped before they could even eat their breakfast, so the last time he ate was last night. Being unable to afford a decent meal and he was a growing kid, its not unavoidable for him to be hungry right now.

"Right! Since Mom's the one always looking for me, why don't I suprise her instead! Hehehe~!"

He was about to leave the hole but he felt something beside him. It was a little pebble embedded on the base of the tree. He accidentally placed his hand as he prepared to leave the hole.

Suddenly, a pressuring aura has surrounded the forest. Every inhabitant of the forest - from birds to land animals - left the forest, fearing that they would lose their lives if they stayed. The landscape gradually changed. The previously large forest turned into a plain. It was no normal plain, for every corner of this plain had a weapon embedded on it.

Axes, swords, spears, and even shields can be seen. It was like an ancient battlefield, with the exception that one wouldn't find remains of either human nor beasts in the vicinity. In the middle of the plain was Bellwick, still on his knees while facing an awe-inspiring yet weird weapon which was struck into the ground. It was in a form of a sword, yet it had twenty-two circular spaces inside - a quality that staffs and magical devices only had. Most of them were empty, except for the three slots within it. These small spherical balls have certain unique charms when one looks at them.

"Look! There's the godd*mned boy! Get him!"

Bellwick was still in a daze when a voice of one of his and his mother's pursuers entered his ears. Bellwick sprang up into his feet and looked at the bloodshot eyes of his pursuers.

"I don't know what sorcery had you done to this place, but you'll die soon! Your mother already left you in this blasted place so be obedient and let me kill you! Hahaha!"

The deranged man charged towards Bellwick. Bellwick was still at loss when he heard the man's words. His body lost its strength and his eyes lost its luster, as he found no hope in life anymore. His mlMom left behind, so in his mind, he thought of the worst scenario that could happen.

"N-No.... Noooooooo!"

His voice was weak since he already wasted his energy after walking and waiting for his mother for hours. It was not enough to struck fear into the charging man's heart but it was enough to make a miracle happen.

《Fingerprint required. Hold the HILT to REBOOT.》

A woman's voice came out from the weapon. It was cold and monotonous voice. Bellwick returned to his senses, shocked and turned his head back to the sword.

There, he saw the world turn black and white. The charging man's axe was suspended above his head, stopped before it could chop his head into two. The other mercenaries can be seen around the area, most of them with smiles on their faces.

Bellwick moved his body away from the axe and looked at the sword embbeded into the ground.

《Fingerprint required. Hold the HILT to REBOOT.》

Bellwick didn't notice that his hand was reaching out towards the sword's hilt. When he got hold of it, a small pin pierced a small layer of his forefinger's skin, making a small amount of blood come in contact with the sword. The blood instantly vanished and the voice returned without any change in tone.

《 Blood Sample retrieved. 》

《 Checking compatibility... 》

《 Compatibility at 68.39% - Rating = Fine Match. 》

《 MACHINA System - Ready to go Online. 》

A large number of words emerged as Bellwick remained holding the sword. It was from a foreign language, but even if it is from Fortis' common language, he wouldn't be able to read it because he didn't have someone to teach him, however these word are some kind of a part of in

After the two disappeared, the mercenaries started to speak with each other. They noticed that a light appeared and disappeared, making them think that the little girl and Lecille already left.

"Boss, should we go back?"

The most intelligent among the mercenaries, Klirk asked their Leader as he walked beside him. The Leader listens to him most of the time since he always save their group because of his ideas. If only he was a little stronger than the Leader, the whole group will give the position of Leader to him.

"Hmm? Do you have something in mind?"

"I think that we should start a search on the boy. Our real target is that kid, the woman's just a bonus. We can let the woman away, but that boy should be killed or it's our head which will roll. The woman was wounded with a poisonous arrow so I think those two left to get that woman treated. The little girl might be a powerful warrior, but even if you add the time she was still a baby, she wouldn't be an expert of both weaponry and magic in that short time!

I think she has a Magic Tool in her disposal. We should find the boy before they could and leave this city... no, this country altogether! I heard that the City Mistress came from the neighbor city, so staying in this country would spell trouble if this matter get out. The little girl's background is also extraordinary based on her bearing, so if the woman wanted revenge, we would be the ones who will suffer greatly."

All of his words were plausible since all of them knew of the City Mistress' temper and also saw the little girl's bearing. They immediately approved Klirk's word and looked towards their Leader with expectant eyes.

The Leader looked at his brother and steeled his heart. He couldn't bear to leave his brother right now, but this problem was something they themselves caused so he can't go back to his job now.

"You, bring my brother to Mr. Rupert! If something happens to him, you know what will happen!"

He pointed to one of the greenhorns, who instantly shivered in fear. Mr. Rupert is the best healer in the city and since most of mercenaries can only use weapons and basic magic, these kind of cases are left to the hands of Mr. Rupert.

The greenhorn supported Targ's body as they left the area. After seeing the two off, the Leader spoke in an imposing manner.

"Boys! This time, we should learn from this lesson! We can't play around our prey or it would be us who will become prey! If you see they boy, kill him immediately! The one who'l8l get his head first will get a higher share on the reward!"

Meanwhile, their target was lost in the forest while waiting for her mother to find her. He was walking around for a while until he felt that his feet were giving up.

Then, he saw a tree which had a large hole on its trunk. It was large enough for hide Bellwick, so he crawled as he entered inside.

"I bet Mom's still looking for me..."

He sat there and waited.

One hour... Two hours... it continued until Five hours had passed.

"I'm hungry..."

Bellwick suddenly felt hungry. It was already noon, he and her mother escaped before they could even eat their breakfast, so the last time he ate was last night. Being unable to afford a decent meal and he was a growing kid, its not unavoidable for him to be hungry right now.

"Right! Since Mom's the one always looking for me, why don't I suprise her instead! Hehehe~!"

He was about to leave the hole but he felt something beside him. It was a little pebble embedded on the base of the tree. He accidentally placed his hand as he prepared to leave the hole.

Suddenly, a pressuring aura has surrounded the forest. Every inhabitant of the forest - from birds to land animals - left the forest, fearing that they would lose their lives if they stayed. The landscape gradually changed. The previously large forest turned into a plain. It was no normal plain, for every corner of this plain had a weapon embedded on it.

Axes, swords, spears, and even shields can be seen. It was like an ancient battlefield, with the exception that one wouldn't find remains of either human nor beasts in the vicinity. In the middle of the plain was Bellwick, still on his knees while facing an awe-inspiring yet weird weapon which was struck into the ground. It was in a form of a sword, yet it had twenty-two circular spaces inside - a quality that staffs and magical devices only had. Most of them were empty, except for the three slots within it. These small spherical balls have certain unique charms when one looks at them.

"Look! There's the godd*mned boy! Get him!"

Bellwick was still in a daze when a voice of one of his and his mother's pursuers entered his ears. Bellwick sprang up into his feet and looked at the bloodshot eyes of his pursuers.

"I don't know what sorcery had you done to this place, but you'll die soon! Your mother already left you in this blasted place so be obedient and let me kill you! Hahaha!"

The deranged man charged towards Bellwick. Bellwick was still at loss when he heard the man's words. His body lost its strength and his eyes lost its luster, as he found no hope in life anymore.

"N-No.... Noooooooo!"

His voice was weak since he already wasted his energy after walking and waiting for his mother for hours. It was not enough to struck fear into the charging man's heart but it was enough to make a miracle happen.

《Fingerprint required. Hold the HILT to REBOOT.》

A woman's voice came out from the weapon. It was cold and monotonous voice. Bellwick returned to his senses, shocked and turned his head back to the sword.

There, he saw the world turn black and white. The charging man's axe was suspended above his head, stopped before it could chop his head into two. The other mercenaries can be seen around the area, most of them with smiles on their faces.

Bellwick moved his body away from the axe and looked at the sword embbeded into the ground.

《Fingerprint required. Hold the HILT to REBOOT.》

Bellwick didn't notice that his hand was reaching out towards the sword's hilt. When he got hold of it, a small pin pierced a small layer of his forefinger's skin, making a small amount of blood come in contact with the sword. The blood instantly vanished and the voice returned without any change in tone.

《 Blood Sample retrieved. 》

《 Checking compatibility... 》

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

《 Compatibility at 68.39% - Rating = Fine Match. 》

《 MACHINA System - Ready to go Online. 》

A large number of words emerged as Bellwick remained holding the sword. It was from a foreign language, but even if it is from Fortis' common language, he wouldn't be able to read it because he didn't have someone to teach him, however these word are some kind of a natural part of instinct, something that he didn't need to learn and knew how to understand them unconsciously.

《 Do you want to see a new future? Yes or No? 》

"A new future..?"

A world without his Mom and just knowing that he would continue living without her... for him, that future can't be called a futute anymore.

"Can you give back Mom?"

That is the only question he wanted to ask and have answer. It was enough.

《 Answer: Yes.》

《 Explanation: Everything that existed in the past can be returned. Warning! Memories during the "Blank Time" can't be filled. Slight time disorientation can be felt by the target. "Blank Time" means period of non-existence of the target. 》

《 Requirement: All Arcana Stones and 100% - Perfect Match Compatibility. 》

Many technical terms had emerged which none of it was understood by Bellwick, however he saw everything that he needed.

"Y-Yes, I want a future with Mom."

A world without his mother is not a future he wanted to accept.

《 Confirmation has received. 》

《 Establishing covenant. 》

A large array of symbols had emerged on the ground. It started to rotate with the intensity of the pressure emitted by it. Bellwick's blood suddenly boiled and his body ached like it was pricked by thousands of needles.

《 Covenant complete. 》

《 ■ □ □ Rebooting... 》

《 ■ ■ □ Checking system... 》

《 ■ ■ ■ Complete. 》

《 MACHINA System is now operational. 》

《 Human form can be used. Proceed? Yes or No?》

The sword spoke continuosly until it gave Bellwick choices. He was shocked about a sword turning into a human, however he thought that it would be awkward to continue speaking with a sword, so he approved the idea.

"Uh... Yes, Please."

《 Affirmative. 》

《 Initiating structural reconstruction. 》

The sword starts to disintegrate until nothing was left. It was then replaced by a black spherical mass of matter suspended mid-air that absorbed the mana around the place. It suddenly showed cracks, which emitted blinding light. Bellwick can't take it anymore and covered his eyes in reflex.

The light dissipated, which was replaced by a cute little girl with blue hair and azure eyes wearing a frilly white dress. With her appearance, Bellwick thought that she was the same age as her. Her hair was tied into two pigtails, making her impression different from the cold voice earlier.

She fell with arms outstretched, expecting Bellwick to catch her. Even though he's already weak, Bellwick outstretched his arms, only to find out that the girl almost had no weight behind her. The girl left Bellwick's embrace, but her cheeks turned slightly red. She regained her composure and made a curtsy.

"Nice to meet you, Master!"

A cheerful voice replaced the monotonous voice. Vigor and happiness can be felt from it. If one would compare the two, the previous one is the coldest winter while the current one is a bright sun during summer.

"M-Master?"

Bellwick was at loss on how to respond. Living as a slave for his entire life, he never dreamed of being called Master by someone, especially an elegant, rich-looking girl who was about his age. Comparing his present appearance to her, he was dirt that could only corrupt this ethereal beauty in front of him.

"Yes! Master is Master so I called Master Master!"

She spoke like there was nothing wrong about her reasoning and smiled sweetly. The girl's smile was captivating and has the feeling of innocence. Bellwick had the characteristic of a child on accepting unexpected events like it was normal, but has the growing kid's capacity to be embarrased in front of new people.

"I-I'm not a master. I'm Bellwick."

"So Master wants Machi call Master Bellwick?"

The little girl named Machi tilted head in confusion. Unlike Bellwick, she didn't seem to have an interest on the situation but was more interested on her master.

"Y-Yes... You can also call me Bell if you like..."

Machi pondered and she tried to understand her master's words. After a few seconds, her confused expression turned into a bright one, as if she was enlightened by Bellwick's words.

"Machi understands! I will call Master Bellwick!"

"Mhm!"

Bellwick thought that Machi has understood him, but soon rejected that idea.

"Master Bellwick"

Bellwick thought it was hopeless. He can't understand what's on Machi's head. He used all his courage previously, so he was all burned up to continue arguing.

"Master Bellwick woke me up so Machi will follow Master Bellwick forever! Oh?"

It was then that she noticed the other humans around them.

"Machi detected bloodthirst and killing intentcon those big men! Are they enemies, Master Bellwick?"

After being reminded by Machi, Bellwick looked at man who was about to cleave his head into half. He look at them with hatred, but his fear and despair was still there. Even though they weren't moving, Bellwick was still wary of them.

"They're enemies! They killed Mom! Let's run, Machi!"

He wanted to avenge, but he was afraid that because of him, Machi will get involved.

"Eh? But..."

Bellwick grabbed Machi's hand and dashed away without a certain destination in his mind. He just wanted to live and bring back his mother.

"Oh well, if Master Bellwick is set on running, Machi won't be against it. Master Bellwick should use Machi!"

"Use... you?"

Bellwick thought that the sword previously was an illusion and the real body is Machi, so he didn't thought that Machi would say something like that.

"Just call my true name! I'll hear your voice wherever you are!"

"Machi's real name... Machina!"

《 MACHINA System initiated.》

A holographic screen suddenly appeared in front of Bellwick. It consists of large combination of letters and numbers. What caught his attention was a picture of his present self and the descriptions below it.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• Name: 《 Bellwick 》

• Level:《 1 》

• Age: 《 9 》

• Race: 《 Human 》

• Specialization: 《 None 》

• Condition: 《 Exhausted, Hungry 》

• Status:

•《 Strength :☆》

•《 Intelligence: ☆》

•《 Dexterity: ★》

•《 Agility: ★》

• Attributes:

•《 Fire → ☆》

•《 Air → ☆》

•《 Water → ★》

•《 Earth → ☆ 》

• Magic:

•《 None 》

• Special Skills:

•▲Bellwick

•《 Zeroth's Throne 》

•▲Machina

•《 Machina #7: Chariot》

•《 Machina #14: Temperance》

•《 Machina #21: World》

• 《 Machina Special Effect 1: Transfiguration 》

• Equips:

• ▲Weapon: 《 (Incomplete) Archaios Machina 》

• ▲Upper Body: 《 Old Leather Shirt 》

• ▲Lower Body: 《 Ragged Pants 》

• ▲Headgear: 《 None 》

• ▲Gloves: 《 None 》

• ▲Footwear: 《 None 》

• ▲Accessory A: 《 None 》

• ▲Accessory B: 《 None 》

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

P → Passive , A → Active ,

A.B → Active Backlash , A.L → Active Limit

《 Zeroth's Throne》

P▶ Ability to turn pressure into experience ◀

A▶ (Fragment) Gains strength in front of danger ◀

A.B▶ Enters a brief [Vulnerable] state, Defense - 70% ◀

《 Machina #7: Chariot》

P▶ Increases Movespeed by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to run any object regarded as [Vehicle] ◀

《 Machina #14: Temperance》

P▶ Increase Mental Strength by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to resist all Mind-related spells ◀

《 Machina #21: World》

P▶ Increase Mana Regeneration by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to see through every qualities of the target ◀

《 Machina Special Effect 1: Transfiguration 》

P▶ Unable to wear any [Weapon] item category ◀

A▶ Ability to turn [Machina] into a race akin to user ◀

A.L▶ Age limited to user's age ◀

A▶ Ability to turn [Machina] into a weapon◀

A.L▶ Weapon Strength depends on Weapon Mastery ◀

A.L▶ [Katana], [Dagger], and [Spear] are available ◀

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Zeroth's throne?"

Bellwick was browsing through his stats when he saw a skill which he didn't know that he possessed itself.

《 Query Received. Analyze?》

"A-Analyze?"

《 Analysis permitted. Analyzing... Complete. 》

《 Zeroth's Throne is an Unique Innate Ability once possessed by ■■■■■. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■. 》

After that brief description, long lines of boxes suddenly appeared.

"W-What's happening?"

《 Unique Innate Ability Data Corrupted. 》

Bellwick didn't understood any of it, but he knew that there's something wrong. He decided to stop it before something bad happens to Machi.

"S-Stop!"

《 Analyzation Aborted. 》

Bellwick sighed in relief. He suddenly noticed that time was already returned to normal. He was already far from his pursuers since never stopped running the whole time. His body's adrenaline ceased, making his body ache all over. He dragged his weakened body under a nearby trench, praying that his pursuers wont see him.

"M-Machi..."

Before he lose his consciousness, he called out the blue-haired girl, whose smile stopped his mind from breaking down. He waited for a few seconds, but no one responded.

"M-Machi?"

He became nervous. He thought that everything that happened this day was far from real. His mother's death, him being pursued for no reason, and him acquiring Machina, which led him on meeting Machi.

《 Don't worry, Master Bellwick. Machi's here. 》

The cold voice was coming from the ordinary-looking dagger beside him. He took it and lifted it up high.

"Is this a dream?"

《 Even if it's a dream, Machi won't leave. 》

《 Even if Master hate me, Machi won't leave 》

《 Even if Master hate the world, Machi is here. 》

The blade glowed briefly, but returned to it's former form. An etherial image of Machi appeared and placed the weak Bellwick's head in her lap.

《 Machi will never leave Master Bellwick. Ever.》

stinct, something that he didn't need to learn and knew how to understand them unconsciously.

《 Do you want to see a new future? Yes or No? 》

"A new future..?"

A world without his Mom and just knowing that he would continue living without her... that future can't be called a futute anymore.

"Can you give back Mom?"

That is the only question he wanted to ask and have answer. It was enough.

《 Answer: Yes.》

《 Explanation: Everything that existed in the past can be returned. Warning! Memories during the "Blank Time" can't be filled. Slight time disorientation can be felt by the target. "Blank Time" means period of non-existence of the target. 》

《 Requirement: All Arcana Stones and 100% - Perfect Match Compatibility. 》

Many technical terms had emerged which none of it was understood by Bellwick, however he saw everything that he needed.

"Y-Yes, I want a future with Mom."

A world without his mother is not a future he wanted to accept. He didn't know

《 Confirmation has received. 》

《 Establishing covenant. 》

A large array of symbols had emerged on the ground. It started to rotate with the intensity of the pressure emitted by it. Bellwick's blood suddenly boiled and his body ached like it was pricked by thousands of needles.

《 Covenant complete. 》

《 ■ □ □ Rebooting... 》

《 ■ ■ □ Checking system... 》

《 ■ ■ ■ Complete. 》

《 MACHINA System is now operational. 》

《 Human form can be used. Proceed? Yes or No?》

The sword spoke continuosly until it gave Bellwick choices. He was shocked about a sword turning into a human, however he thought that it would be awkward to continue speaking with a sword, so he approved the idea.

"Uh... Yes, Please."

《 Affirmative. 》

《 Initiating structural reconstruction. 》

The sword starts to disintegrate until nothing was left. It was then replaced by a black spherical mass of matter suspended mid-air that absorbed the mana around the place. It suddenly showed cracks, which emitted blinding light. Bellwick can't take it anymore and covered his eyes in reflex.

The light dissipated, which was replaced by a cute little girl with blue hair and azure eyes wearing a frilly white dress. With her appearance, Bellwick thought that she was the same age as her. Her hair was tied into two, making her impression different from the cold voice earlier.

She fell with arms outstretched, expecting Bellwick to catch her. Even though he's already weak, Bellwick outstretched his arms, only to find out that the girl almost had no weight behind her. The girl left Bellwick's embrace, but her cheeks turned slightly red. She regained her composure and made a curtsy.

"Nice to meet you, Master!"

A cheerful voice replaced the monotonous voice. Vigor and happiness can be felt from it. If one would compare the two, the previous one is the coldest winter while the current one is a bright sun during summer.

"M-Master?"

Bellwick was at loss on how to respond. Living as a slave for his entire life, he never dreamed of being called Master by someone, especially an elegant, rich-looking girl who was about his age. Comparing his present appearance to her, he was dirt that could only corrupt this ethereal beauty in front of him.

"Yes! Master is Master so I called Master Master!"

She spoke like there was nothing wrong about her reasoning and smiled sweetly. The girl's smile was captivating and has the feeling of innocence. Bellwick had the characteristic of a child on accepting unexpected events like it was normal, but has the growing kid's capacity to be embarrased in front of new people.

"I-I'm not a master. I'm Bellwick."

"So Master wants Machi call Master Bellwick?"

The little girl named Machi tilted head in confusion. Unlike Bellwick, she didn't seem to have an interest on the situation but was more interested on her master.

"Y-Yes... You can also call me Bell if you like..."

Machi pondered and she tried to understand her master's words. After a few seconds, her confused expression turned into a bright one, as if she was enlightened by Bellwick's words.

"Machi understands! I will call Master Bellwick!"

"Mhm!"

Bellwick thought that Machi has understood him, but soon rejected that idea.

"Master Bellwick"

Bellwick thought it was hopeless. He can't understand what's on Machi's head. He used all his courage previously, so he was burned up to continue.

"Master Bellwick woke me up so Machi will follow Master Bellwick forever! Oh?"

It was then that she noticed the other humans around them.

"Machi detected bloodthirst and killing intentcon those big men! Are they enemies, Master Bellwick?"

After being reminded by Machi, Bellwick looked at man who was about to cleave his head into half. He look at them with hatred, but his fear and despair was still there. Even though they weren't moving, Bellwick was still wary of them.

"They're enemies! They killed Mom! Let's run, Machi!"

He wanted to avenge, but he was afraid that because of him, Machi will get involved.

"Eh? But..."

Bellwick grabbed Machi's hand and dashed away without a certain destination in his mind. He just wanted to live and bring back his mother.

"Oh well, if Master Bellwick is set on running, Machi won't be against it. Master Bellwick should use Machi!"

"Use... you?"

Bellwick thought that the sword previously was an illusion and the real body is Machi, so he didn't thought that Machi would say something like that.

"Just call my true name! I'll hear your voice wherever you are!"

"Machi's real name... Machina!"

《 MACHINA System initiated.》

A holographic screen suddenly appeared in front of Bellwick. It consists of large combination of letters and numbers. What caught his attention was a picture of his present self and the descriptions below it.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• Name: 《 Bellwick 》

• Level:《 1 》

• Age: 《 9 》

• Race: 《 Human 》

• Specialization: 《 None 》

• Condition: 《 Exhausted, Hungry 》

• Status:

•《 Strength :☆》

•《 Intelligence: ☆》

•《 Dexterity: ★》

•《 Agility: ★》

• Attributes:

•《 Fire → ☆》

•《 Air → ☆》

•《 Water → ★》

•《 Earth → ☆ 》

• Magic:

•《 None 》

• Special Skills:

•▲Bellwick

•《 Zeroth's Throne 》

•▲Machina

•《 Machina #7: Chariot》

•《 Machina #14: Temperance》

•《 Machina #21: World》

• 《 Machina Special Effect 1: Transfiguration 》

• Equips:

• ▲Weapon: 《 (Incomplete) Archaios Machina 》

• ▲Upper Body: 《 Old Leather Shirt 》

• ▲Lower Body: 《 Ragged Pants 》

• ▲Headgear: 《 None 》

• ▲Gloves: 《 None 》

• ▲Footwear: 《 None 》

• ▲Accessory A: 《 None 》

• ▲Accessory B: 《 None 》

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

P → Passive , A → Active ,

A.B → Active Backlash , A.L → Active Limit

《 Zeroth's Throne》

P▶ Ability to turn pressure into experience ◀

A▶ (Fragment) Gains strength in front of danger ◀

A.B▶ Enters a brief [Vulnerable] state, Defense - 70% ◀

《 Machina #7: Chariot》

P▶ Increases Movespeed by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to run any object regarded as [Vehicle] ◀

《 Machina #14: Temperance》

P▶ Increase Mental Strength by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to resist all Mind-related spells ◀

《 Machina #21: World》

P▶ Increase Mana Regeneration by 30% ◀

A▶ Ability to see through every qualities of the target ◀

《 Machina Special Effect 1: Transfiguration 》

P▶ Unable to wear any [Weapon] item category ◀

A▶ Ability to turn [Machina] into a race akin to user ◀

A.L▶ Age limited to user's age ◀

A▶ Ability to turn [Machina] into a weapon◀

A.L▶ Weapon Strength depends on Weapon Mastery ◀

A.L▶ [Katana], [Dagger], and [Spear] are available ◀

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Zeroth's throne?"

Bellwick was browsing through his stats when he saw a skill which he didn't know that he possessed itself.

《 Query Received. Analyze?》

"A-Analyze?"

《 Analysis permitted. Analyzing... Complete. 》

《 Zeroth's Throne is an Unique Innate Ability once possessed by ■■■■■. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■. 》

After that brief description, long lines of boxes suddenly appeared.

"W-What's happening?"

《 Unique Innate Ability Data Corrupted. 》

Bellwick didn't understood any of it, but he knew that there's something wrong. He decided to stop it before something bad happens to Machi.

"S-Stop!"

《 Analyzation Aborted. 》

Bellwick sighed in relief. He suddenly noticed that time was already returned to normal. He was already far from his pursuers since never stopped running the whole time. His body's adrenaline ceased, making his body ache all over. He dragged his weakened body under a nearby trench, praying that his pursuers wont see him.

"M-Machi..."

Before he lose his consciousness, he called out the blue-haired girl, whose smile stopped his mind from breaking down. He waited for a few seconds, but no one responded.

"M-Machi?"

He became nervous. He thought that everything that happened this day was far from real. His mother's death, him being pursued for no reason, and him acquiring Machina, which led him on meeting Machi.

《 Don't worry, Master Bellwick. Machi's here. 》

The cold voice was coming from the ordinary-looking dagger beside him. He took it and lifted it up high.

"Is this a dream?"

《 Even if it's a dream, Machi won't leave. 》

《 Even if Master hate me, Machi won't leave 》

《 Even if Master hate the world, Machi is here. 》

The blade glowed briefly, but returned to it's former form. An etherial image of Machi appeared and placed the weak Bellwick's head in her lap.

《 Machi will never leave Master Bellwick. Ever.》