Fiona was 9 years old when she lost her father. The latter was a general in the Demon King’s army who perished while resisting the humans. After his death, she had no place to call home and hence wandered from town to town like a vagabond. The conflict between humans and demons was endless, and she didn’t wish to get caught up in the middle of it. Fiona shall never forget her father’s last words: he had hoped from the bottom of his heart that the little one would survive and triumph against the cruel nature of this world.
When she was 11, Fiona reached a Temple in the town of Avaron. The Duke who was in charge of this place was kind to all, human or not. Thus, it was a safe zone for a dwarf. Famished, she ran towards the main Temple where she was greeted by a caretaker at the door. Tall and muscular, Fiona was quite scared of the giant until he cracked a smile.
Guard: What brings you here, my child?
Fiona: Could I get a bite to eat? I’ve ventured out on foot for the last week or so, and I am really hungry.
Guard: But of course. What would you like? A basket of fruits, or some eggs maybe? Take your pick, and I will alert the cook. Step inside and wait. Don’t go running off now.
Fiona: Alright sire. Some eggs and bread would be nice.
Once she stepped into the Temple, Fiona’s eyes drifted in the direction of the altar. A large stone figurine with two horns stood there. He was surrounded by 4 animals and his face wore a wide grin. This God’s worship was widespread in this region, and Duke Charon’s elder brother was the Chief Priest. However, he was nowhere to be seen.
The kid sat on the benches and rested her head for a while. After a few minutes, a loud voice beckoned to her.
Guard: Here you go, kid. Fill your stomach to its brim. You can rest in the quarters of the Temple if you are tired and need some shut-eye. My name is Zorro, if you need anything just come to me, I’ll always be there to help.
Fiona ate ravenously. As she was munching, the door of the Temple flew open. A masked man stood there while the caretaker readied his weapon. The child had never seen someone like the cloaked figure before. His clothing made it seem like he was from a distant nation. Even though he appeared human, something about the fellow didn’t quite make sense. Thus, Zorro remained wary. The stranger raised his hands above his shoulders as a sign of submission.
Masked Man: Relax. I come in peace. Just needed to rest for a while. Do you know where I can find an affordable inn?
Zorro: Of course. Go straight into the market square and ask for Mr. Deflake. Do not be unnerved by his appearance, people of all races live in this town side-by-side, harmoniously.
The man’s eyes lingered on Fiona for a while. Even though she couldn’t be sure of it, the girl knew he was staring at her.
Masked Man: Thank you, my friend.
The cloaked gentleman went up to the altar and bowed before the Deity. He let his left hand hover over the Blessing Device before departing.
Masked Man: Nice to meet you, dwarf kid. By the way, I am presuming that the Adventurers Guild is near the market square?
Zorro: That guess of yours is bang-on. Just look around and don’t forget to ask for directions if you feel like you’re getting lost in the maddening crowd.
The door closed behind him as the fellow left. Fiona was done with the meal, and she felt satisfied. After patting her tummy, she bid goodbye to Zorro and headed for the Temple’s inner chambers.
4 hours later
The evening had arrived. The dwarf child was still in bed when she was woken up by the priest.
Head Priest: Hello kiddo. My name is Faron. Tell me, where is your family?
Fiona: I don’t have any. My father passed quite a while back and I’ve been trying to find a place to crash since then. But considering the fact that I’m a dwarf, humans are petrified and greatly detest our kind.
Faron had a sad look on his face. He had seen so many runaways after the last war that such occurrences have become increasingly common in Avaron.
Faron: You know, our Lord Kit is quite merciful. For generations, my family has been praying to him. He is a lover of all animals, which is why meat is prohibited in this town. I have a suggestion for you. Stay here and serve the Lord. Or you can become an Adventurer. But you are too young to opt for the latter option…
Fiona: I like this place. It’s pleasant, it’s peaceful, and no one gets hurt. I will take you up on that offer.
The genial Priest was happy to hear those words.
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Faron: The rest of the crew will be returning for the night prayer. May I ask one more thing?
Fiona: No problem Priest. Go ahead. This is your place after all.
Faron: Are you aware of who your parents were?
Fiona: My mother died when I was born. My dad’s name was Orion.
The priest shuddered, then steeled himself. The Demon King’s ex-general was a formidable figure. Legends say that he dispatched 600 human warriors to death’s door in a single day. To think that a nonchalant child like the one seated before him was his ward…
There was a knock on the chamber’s doors. A voice rang out and a hooded woman poked her head inside.
Junior Priest: Sire, it is time for supper. We have to get ready for the final prayer quickly.
Faron: Ah yes of course. See you later, kid.
A rumble escaped Fiona’s stomach. She felt sheepish and buried her face in her hands. Faron laughed.
Head Priest: Don’t fret dear one. Come, join us. You can learn some of the prayers if you are piqued
Fiona: Yay! More food for me!
_______
Meghnaad had reached the adventurer’s guild following a short stop at the Temple. He had come across a dwarf child inside the abode of Shiva. The demon wondered who she was. His outfit invited stares from all those around him.
At the front desk, he was greeted by a blonde elf.
Receptionist: Hello sir, what do you need from us?
Meghnaad: Well, I plan on becoming an adventurer. But I have no experience in the field. Can I sign up here?
Receptionist: Certainly. But since you are a novice, we will have no idea about your strengths. Adventurers are divided into 6 classes. I am sorry to say but you have to start from the bottom, i.e., Class 5.
Meghnaad: So the top-ranked ones are 0 eh?
Receptionist: Right you are! We just need a drop of your blood on this card and then you can take the jobs assigned to Class 5. By the way, my name is Ela. If I may ask, where are you from?
Meghnaad: An island called Lanka.
Ela: Never heard of it. Still, thank you for providing your home address.
The elf took a golden knife and make a slight cut on his finger. After the completion of the signing, his eyes darted toward the board.
Ela: Killing any creature is prohibited in this town. Thus, you have to step outside if you are taking any job associated with shedding blood.
Meghnaad: Isn’t that hypocritical?
Ela: Some species are invasive. For instance, slimes, giant salamanders, and dragons can destroy farms, plantations, and anything in sight. Slimes usually hunt in groups, and the other two are solitary beings. If you can locate any of these creatures in the confines of the town, you are free to do as you, please. Just make sure to collect proof otherwise we won’t be able to boost your rank in the system.
Meghnaad: I understand. So I have to locate and wreck 500 slimes if I am to move to Class 4?
Ela: Correct. I hope to see you again soon, Mr. Indrajit. Thanks for choosing to be affiliated with our Guild.
Indrajit: Alright Miss Ela. Appreciate the help.
It is too much of a task to look for 500 slimes, the reincarnated demon muttered to himself. He set out for the lake at the periphery of the town. As he inched closer to the waterbody, he heard a weird noise.
Looking to the ground, Indrajit saw a blue brute that had its mouth open. Two fangs were visible clearly. The beast was almost transparent and would have been a pain in the arse to deal with for a newbie. But Indrajit was an irregular after all.
Indrajit: Use Spell- Deconstruct
Once the demon was aware of the necessary statistics, it was time for the final move. The entity was rushing towards him at an alarming rate. With a single swipe of his finger, the slime was reduced to nothing, leaving behind the two fangs.
Indrajit: Now then, let us search for more. Use Spell- Detect Specimen Slime. Use Spell- Soul Copy.
The task was completed. Within 30 minutes. That wasn’t hard eh?
At the Guild, Ela’s jaw dropped as Indrajit let a thousand slime fangs fall at her feet.
Indrajit: Well Miss, can I have the promotion now?
Ela: Definitely sir? I must say this is a first. Usually, people spend days sometimes weeks looking for slimes.
Indrajit: I am not like most people.
Ela asked for his card and made a few changes. The other adventurers were now observing IJ with great interest.
Receptionist: Here you go, sir. You are now in Class 4. The payment for the accomplished activity is 100 silver coins.
Indrajit: If I may ask, how many from this town are ranked at Class 0?
Ela: Just one sir. The Duke's daughter.
Indrajit: Fantastic. Now I gotta hit the bed. Where is Deflake’s Inn?
Ela: Right down the lane on the right of the Guild sir.
Indrajit: I bid you good day ma’am.
______
The inn looked shabby but Indrajit didn’t wish to sleep at the structure he had constructed a few days ago. He would use that palace only when necessary. He met Deflake at the door when the disgruntled owner was arguing with a temporary resident.
Visitor: Come on, old man. Cut me some slack. I’ll pay you later, y’know I am good for it.
Deflake: I do not care. If I have learned anything as a businessman, everybody is a potential backstabber, even your own family and friends. You either pay or I call the Law Enforcement Officers.
Indrajit giggled at the owner’s comment. He was reminded of his uncle’s actions in the previous world. That betrayal cost him his life.
Indrajit: Right you are sir. Can I get a bed for a week? Here, I will pay upfront.
Deflake had tears in his eyes. Finally, a decent customer had landed at his inn.
Deflake: That will be 3.5 silver coins, sir. 7 if you want the double bedroom.
Indrajit: I shall take the double then.
The old man was overjoyed. The masked fellow didn’t even bother to bargain. Lord Kit must have showered blessings on him.
Deflake: Here is your key sir. Enjoy your stay. You will receive a complimentary breakfast since you took the deluxe double option.
Once he reached the room, Indrajit jumped into one of the beds and buried his face in the pillow. From outside the inn had appeared murky but he was mistaken. As he closed his eyes, the demon dreamt of his past battles.
______
Glossary:
Lord Kit: Another name for Lord Shiva on Planet Scalon.
Indrajit. A name assigned to Meghnaad. The moniker was provided to him when he defeated the King of the Gods using the power of illusions (maya). Slime: A somewhat cute but deadly creature
Dwarf: A humanoid species. Short in stature but great at metallurgy. Some are exceptions (like Orion the Warrior General)
Elf: A humanoid creature with a much longer lifespan. Most are proficient in magic.
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO): Those who maintain peace and harmony in the town of Avaron.
The Deconstruct Spell: Helps MC analyze the abilities of friends or foes.
The Detect Spell: Can be used to locate items and living beings.
The Soul Copy Spell: Creates a strong duplicate of the MC.