Hiroshi awoke on Rina’s bed. Her room around him was a mess of unfolded piles of cloth and empty glass bottles. The only corners remotely livable were the bed itself, small and hard as rock, and a chest of drawers crowned with a large mirror, where a collection of small coloured bottles had been diligently arranged, an odd contrast to the rest of the place.
When he stood up, he noticed a small stool at his feet, where a white shirt and dark pants lay neatly folded under a note written in katakana; which Rina had not translated well. As soon as Hiroshi finished dressing, a subtle knock startled him, and not waiting for an inviting answer, Rina entered with resolution.
“They fit you, great. We can’t walk outside in those clothes from your world, can we?” she said.
The impressive change Rina had made to go out left Hiro speechless. She wore a black jacket with long sleeves and a high collar, fabric tailored perfectly to her figure. The jacket, adorned with intricate gold embroideries crossed the fabric like living vines, accentuating an exuberant body Hiroshi found extremely difficult to stare at for too long. Her long, straight skirt, equally ornate, flowed down to the floor, its fabric just as robust and richly decorated as the rest.
Though she was not in the bloom of youth, likely in her thirties, her allure was undeniable. Her golden mane, now styled into a high bun with a few artfully loose strands, framed her face perfectly and a minimal make up expertly applied, enhanced her natural beauty and charm without overshadowing them.
“What is it?” she said, slightly surprised by Hiroshi’s reaction. “Is the dress wrinkled? I haven’t worn it in ages.”
Hiroshi stood up suddenly to bow. “Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry for having to use your bed.”
Rina reached to caress her chin thoughtfully. “About that bowing. If you’re asked, tell them you’re from the South-west, from the Uhar Mountains. People there do something similar. Now, let’s go.”
The streets of Kalimborn Cityunfolded before Hiroshi like the mediaeval European towns he had seen in so many comics, shows, and games. Still, experiencing one first hand, breathing in the scent of freshly baked bread and flowers from the balconies, turned out to be a joy he had never imagined.
Of the dishevelled Rina of his arrival, there was nothing left. As he followed her steps, dodging passers-by, bowing to her presence, she spoke with elegant eloquence, words brimming with confidence about the city. Kalinborn, she explained, was divided into four districts, each split into four quarters. Her house was right on the south edge, between the middle-class neighbourhood of the southeast district and the poor slums of the southwest.
As they enter the middle-class area, he couldn’t help but rejoice at the marvels of narrow cobblestone pathways winding through rows of half-timbered houses, frames visible against walls of plaster painted walls. The houses, roofs covered in red clay tiles, enclosed the streets with upper floors jutting out over the ground levels. Above, the narrow space between the buildings offered a glimpse of the sky, often framed by fluttering laundry strung between windows.
The sound of bustling merchants carried through the streets, mingling with the distant clatter of hooves on stone, the occasional ring of a blacksmith’s hammer and the cheerful yells of playful kids. Hiroshi couldn’t stop shaking his head, taking in every detail and enjoying each moment. From the wooden signs of taverns and shops creaking in the breeze to the overflowing pots with geraniums resting at each window.
“Rina,” he whispered, “Do you... I mean, does this world have... monsters?”
Rina halted. “You mean like dragons? Right, your world is only for humans, isn’t it? No worries, the Southern Continent, where we are, is pretty safe. We have some trolls and orcs raiding from time to time, but nothing really serious. Wanna see something different? There are two dwarfs over there.”
He searched through the crowd, like a child visiting a zoo for the first time. Seeing nothing strange among the ordinary human people, Rina discreetly pointed. Hiro found himself puzzled as he observed the dwarfs before him. Contrary to the tales, they weren’t short at all—in fact; they stood as tall as a normal human, some even taller. Their muscular frames, with enormous arms and hands, that spoke of immense strength. To his satisfaction, they sported long, intricately braided hair, as good fantasy required. However, they defied expectations in other ways, eschewing the stereotypical horned helmets and furry capes in favour of more practical attire.
To tell the truth, no one seemed to wear armour or ancient outfits, neither pointy hats nor long staffs. Leather shoes and boots, trousers, skirts, shirts and vests were the norm. The most ordinary things of an era that seemed closer to modernity than to the Middle Ages. But what really stood out among such normality was the large number of people showing those strange runed tattoos. Some small, others forming intricate patterns similar to the ones etched into the floor of Rina’s home.
“Does everyone have powers here? the tattoos I mean.”
“Not tattoos. Although some can turn permanent.” Rina said. “And, yes and no. I’ll try to be as brief as possible. Neither of us is up for a long lecture.”
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Rina turned down into a widening street, lined with houses hidden behind fences and gardens full of colour. “Our magic works with runes drawn with Jinx-ink. It’s a special ink that can be infused with magic power. With a big pocket to buy the ink and a swift hand to make the runes precise, anyone can use the spells, whether it’s a worker who wants a blessing to be stronger, or a shepherd who needs to summon a dog for his flock. As long as you have knowledge of how the spell works, perseverance to practise until it works and endurance to withstand its use, it’s fine.”
Rina’s words faltered, and suddenly the sorceress bent, seeking support on the fence. Her breath turned into ragged gasps and her face twisted in pain.
“Rina! What’s wrong?”
She pulled a sleeve up, revealing a forearm filled with runes, barely any skin visible beneath them. “I’m fine. Just exhausted.”
Reprising her walk, this time much slower and less steady, she continued. “Jinx-ink can be just one word or an entire story. It depends on how complex the spell is. Both of yours, for example, are to change sound waves, and require an incredibly complex design. The more intricate, the more powerful, the more you use it, the more it drains you. Magic can’t work without endurance. That’s possibly why you fainted yesterday. That’s definitely why I’m going to faint now.”
Rina opened a little gate door and entered a beautiful garden filled with many flowery plants. After ringing a bell, the main door opened. Hiroshi held his breath at the sight of the gorgeous girl who greeted them. Dressed in a sky-blue tunic, the slender girl with silver hair and pointed ears spoke in a sweet voice. “Master Bokorov! Grandmaster Saphirin was not expecting your visit.”
“I know. My deepest apologies, but it’s a matter of great urgency. Could you please announce our arrival? We can wait as long as necessary if he’s busy.”
The girl moved aside to let them in and escorted them to a pair of armchairs in the foyer. “Close that mouth Hiroshi, haven’t you ever seen an elf?” Rina sighed. “Of course you haven’t.”
Minutes felt like hours, and the ticking of a large wall clock didn’t help. Footsteps that approached the beat of the clock. The small, plump figure, no taller than a toddler, crossed the hall with a stiff posture, only to stop before an astonished Hiroshi. Equally stiff, the little man with a round face, gigantic round ears and a big rounded nose turned around. “Good morning, young man.”
Two more steps, and the gentleman turned to Rina. same stiffness, same politeness. “Master. See you well.”
“See you well, Sumusel.”
When Sumusel closed the entrance door, Rina leaned in to whisper. “That’s a gnome.”
When the elf girl returned, the Master sorceress sat up suddenly. “Give us a moment, Hiroshi. And remember, in this world, people speak what needs to be said. If you keep your words behind a curtain of politeness, you’ll have a hard time here.”
Soon after, it was his turn to follow the elf to an office that was not too different from Rina’s. Although much larger. In the centre were two sofas, one where Rina rested and the other where there was a small man, with a swollen belly and a friendly face. What little hair he had left on his head, he made up for with a long grey beard, and the small eyes behind rounded specks, shone slightly more than his nose’s reddish skin. “So, this is the Champion, uh? Have a seat young man.”
Saphirin raised a piece of white broken glass close to the nose and adjusted his glasses. “And you say it was infused when Testa brought it to you? Well, no one knows better than you. The Sphere could sometimes act on its own. Dearest Katherina. Why it has brought someone after so many centuries may forever remain a mystery. He appears healthy, doesn’t he? I sense two Inks on him. I assume they are the standard ones for communication. Nothing more?”
“Nothing unexpected, so far.” Rina said. ‘But I ‘ll definitely let you know if anything impossible appears.”
“Improbable,” Saphirin said, holding a chortle. “But now is not the time for prophetic discussions. You look pale, dearest. I suggest you arrange the lines of Hirrde’un in the inner circles. And place greater emphasis on the words of Karkato. It will enhance the influx of the outer flow. Right? And about the young man. Well, unlike you, he needs exercise, not rest. He fainted because the journey between worlds can be utterly draining. Some fighting in the arena would do him good. Join Testa. I am sure your old friend will be pleased.”
“I can’t believe you said that, Master.” Rina said, deflated of all her energy.
“I don’t think I’d be of any use in arenas, Master,” Hiroshi said. “I’m not a fighter. Not a real one.”
“Everyone is a fighter in some way or another, young man.” Saphirin said. “You possess two jinx-inks now, both of considerable complexity. Unless you intend to learn our language, you must train your body to withstand the magic Katherina infuses on them, or you will faint daily.”
“How about returning me home?” Hiroshi said. “This place is great, but I was pretty happy with my life in my world.”
Saphirin caressed his beard, his little eyes piercing through Hiroshi like invisible laser beams. “Where you? Interesting. Well, regarding that matter, I’m aware there are some Families with sphere shards, and it is possible the Houses of the elves may have some as well. However, we must exercise caution in discussing this openly. The wrong individuals knowing about you may pose a significant danger. It can be done, though. I shall pull some strings. But as for the power to send you back? That is a different challenge entirely, my young friend. Perhaps a Cambion or a Nephilim could. Others, I doubt it. In the meantime, you should make the most of your time here. And you, my dearest, take care. It brings me great pleasure to see you faring well, given the circumstances.”
Sephirin stood, and so did Rina and Hiroshi right after. Nothing else was said, and Hiroshi and Rina returned to the street in a gloomy state. Rina halted to take a long breath and reached for his shoulder, seeking support for the walk.
“Rina, are you feeling ill?” he said. “Is this because of the ink on my neck?”
“No, it’s not. I have plenty more over me doing the job. But don’t you worry, everything is fine.” She said, forcing a smile. Then she squeezed, prompting him forward to a pitiful shuffle to head back home.