The butler began laying out the information with precision, and I listened intently, trying to absorb every detail of this unfamiliar world.
“There are three major kingdoms that hold the most influence in this world,” he began, unfolding a large, detailed map on the desk. The map was marked with various kingdoms, cities, and regions, each labeled in elegant script.
“To the north lies the Kingdom of Frostgard, a land where the cold reigns supreme. The winters there are harsh and unrelenting, and the people are as resilient as the land they inhabit. Frostgard is known for its formidable warriors and its unyielding fortresses, built to withstand the harshest of climates. It’s a kingdom of ice and steel, where only the strong survive.”
I looked at the northernmost part of the map, where the land was depicted in icy blues and whites. I could imagine a vast, frozen landscape, where survival was a constant battle against the elements.
"Hoh? The relentless cold huh... Then, I better invest in a good coat. Maybe even a few snowshoes? I wonder if this world has frost resistance items.”
“South of Frostgard, across the Great Divide, is the Kingdom of Ahsahar,” The butler continued, tracing his finger down the map to the southernmost region. “Ahsahar is a desert kingdom, a land of scorching heat and endless sands. The people there are known for their resourcefulness and their mastery of trade. Ahsahar’s wealth is unmatched, built on the backs of merchants who traverse the treacherous sands to bring exotic goods from distant lands.”
As the butler continued describing the Kingdom of Ahsahar, I thought of something.
“You know, it’s such a typical cliché in novels, isn’t it? The desert kingdom is always the center of trade, full of merchants and exotic goods. It’s like they couldn’t come up with anything more original.”
The butler took my comment in stride but completely missed the humor. He nodded seriously and began to explain. “Indeed, my lord, it may appear as a common theme, but there are practical reasons for this. The desert’s harsh conditions make it difficult to produce food, leading the inhabitants to focus on trade and commerce as their primary means of survival. The strategic location of Ahsahar, situated between several major trade routes, has naturally made it a hub for merchants from all across the continent. The abundance of rare resources, such as spices and precious stones found only in the desert, further solidifies its status as a center of trade.”
I blinked, taken aback by his thorough explanation. “Uh, I see...”
'It was just a joke.'
“In the heart of the continent lies the Holy Kingdom of Valoria,” The butler said, moving his finger to the center of the map. “Valoria is a land of balance, both in climate and in its political influence. It is the most powerful of the three kingdoms, revered for its divine authority and its connection to the gods. The Holy Kingdom is also the spiritual center of the world, where the most sacred relics are kept and where the High Priest rules with divine wisdom.”
Valoria was depicted in rich greens and golds, a land where prosperity and piety went hand in hand. I could almost see the grand temples and the powerful clerics who wielded both faith and power in equal measure.
As the butler described the Holy Kingdom of Valoria, I couldn't help but feel a slight unease. The place sounded grand, powerful, and deeply religious, exactly the kind of place that might have a problem with someone like me.
“So, let me get this straight,” I interjected. “It’s called the Holy Kingdom, which means they’re all about divine authority and probably don’t take too kindly to, uh, undead folks like me, right? Should I be worried about a torch wielding mob if I ever set foot there?”
The butler’s expression turned serious as he nodded. “Your concern is not unfounded, my lord. The Holy Kingdom of Valoria holds strict beliefs regarding the sanctity of life and the natural order. As such, they may view beings like yourself with suspicion or even hostility. It would be prudent to exercise caution if you ever find yourself in Valoria or dealing with its representatives.”
"Great..." I replied as I rubbed the back of my neck.
As the butler continued detailing the Holy Kingdom of Valoria, he mentioned "It is also the grounds where heroes are raised."
I found myself lost in thought. “So, it’s not just that heroes are chosen or born. In Valoria, they actually train people to become heroes if they meet the right qualifications?”
He nodded. “Precisely, my lord. The Holy Kingdom emphasizes rigorous training and education to mold individuals into heroes, provided they demonstrate the requisite skills, virtues, and dedication.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Great. Just what I needed—an entire kingdom where anyone with the right qualifications could end up being a hero and potentially a threat. I suppose it’s time to strategize how to handle this...”
That damn God...
The butler gave a respectful nod. “It would be prudent to prepare for such eventualities, my lord. Understanding the dynamics of Valoria and its heroes will be crucial in ensuring your safety and achieving your goals.”
“Yeah,” I said, trying to remain optimistic. “I’ll definitely have to be on my toes. It’s not just about surviving anymore—it’s about navigating a world where even the ordinary might have the potential to become extraordinary.”
The butler's professionalism was unwavering. “Indeed, my lord. I shall assist you in any way necessary to ensure you are prepared for the challenges ahead.”
"I guess so..." I replied, I looked at the map again and looked at the east.
“To the east,” The butler continued, “the land is divided between two factions. The first is the Elven Dominion, a realm ruled by the elves, known for their long lives and unmatched mastery of magic. Their cities are hidden within ancient forests, and they remain largely isolated from the rest of the world.”
I glanced at the eastern part of the map, where the Elven Dominion was marked in deep greens, the forests almost seeming to blend into the paper.
“Wait, did you say elves? Like, actual elves? The kind with the pointy ears, magical abilities, and… you know, stunning beauty?”
The butler, ever the professional, continued without missing a beat. “Yes, my lord. The elves of the Dominion are known for their long lifespans, mastery of magic, and, as you mentioned, their exceptional beauty, which is often celebrated in various cultures.”
I couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across my face as my mind immediately raced through all the manga and novels I’d read featuring beautiful elves. “So, they’re just like in the stories? Mysterious, graceful, and, uh, maybe a little aloof?”
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The butler nodded, completely oblivious to my enthusiasm. “Indeed, my lord. The elves are known for their reserved nature and their tendency to keep to themselves. They value their privacy and are highly protective of their lands.”
“Man, this is like something straight out of a fantasy novel,” I muttered to myself, almost giddy at the thought.
'Oh wait, I am in one...'
The butler paused, giving me a curious look. “I’m glad to see you’re enthusiastic about the prospect of encountering elves, my lord. However, it is worth noting that the elves can be quite formidable, especially if they perceive any threat to their territories or their way of life.”
“Right, right,” I said, trying to rein in my excitement. “I’ll keep that in mind. But seriously, elves! This place just keeps getting more interesting.”
“And then there is the Eastern Shogunate,” The butler said, moving his finger slightly south of the Dominion. “A powerful faction known for its strict codes of honor and its highly disciplined samurai. The Shogunate maintains a delicate balance of power with the Elves, and their territories are a mixture of dense forests and open plains.”
The Shogunate was marked in bold reds and blacks, a stark contrast to the softer tones of the Elven Dominion. I could picture the disciplined warriors, standing tall in their armor, ready to defend their lands.
My eyes widened in surprise. I was jolted out of my daydreams about elves.“Wait, hold on a second—samurai? Like, actual samurai?”
The butler nodded, not missing a beat. “Yes, my lord. The Eastern Shogunate is known for its strict codes of honor and its highly disciplined samurai. Their warrior class is deeply ingrained in their culture and traditions.”
I leaned in closer, my mind whirling with possibilities. “So, this world has samurai, huh? That’s pretty amazing."
Did God bring the concept of samurai into this world?
or maybe, a person from Japan was reincarnated here and thought to establish it...?
The butler’s finger moved north again, this time to a mountainous region. “In the northern mountains, the Dwarves have made their home. Though they remain neutral in most matters, their craftsmanship is unparalleled. The Dwarves are masters of the forge, and their weapons and armor are highly sought after by all the kingdoms.”
The mountains were depicted in dark grays, with small symbols indicating the hidden dwarven strongholds deep within the peaks.
Finally, he moved his hand to a small island off the western coast of the continent, isolated and seemingly insignificant compared to the vast kingdoms surrounding it. “And here, my lord, is where we are located—a small island, far removed from the mainland.”
I leaned in closer, studying the tiny island. It was surrounded by the vast ocean, with only a few markings to indicate any points of interest. A frown creased my brow, a sense of confusion washing over me. “Why are we here? On such a small, isolated island? It seems… out of place.”
The butler’s expression remained calm, but there was a hint of gravity in his voice as he replied. “My lord, this island may appear insignificant, but it holds a responsibility of great importance. We are in charge of managing and safeguarding the dungeon that lies beneath it... a dungeon that is infamous across all the kingdoms.”
“A dungeon?” I repeated, my curiosity piqued.
“Yes,” He confirmed. “The dungeon here is known for containing one of the most dangerous relics in existence—the Relic of the Sin of Pride. It is said to hold immense power, power that could bring devastation if it were to fall into the wrong hands. That is why this island, despite its size, holds such significance. And that is why you, my lord, have been entrusted with its protection.”
I stared at the map, my mind racing. A dungeon, a powerful relic, and I was somehow responsible for it all. This island, this mansion—none of it was as simple as it first seemed. I felt a mix of apprehension and determination. Whatever this new life was, it was clear that it came with immense responsibility. And I was at the center of it.
I stared at the butler, my mind still racing from the revelations of it all. There was one question that kept gnawing at me. “If I’m being honest, I’m still a bit confused. Why was someone like me, an undead, tasked with managing this dungeon? It seems like an odd choice, given the circumstances.”
The butler paused for a moment, his usual composure giving way to a more solemn expression. He seemed to gather his thoughts before speaking. “My lord, there is a significant reason behind your current role. Before you became an undead, you were a distinguished knight who served the Holy Kingdom of Valoria with great honor.”
I blinked in surprise. “I was?”
I did picked a card, where It shows of my future being a knight clad in armor of golden hues.
The butler continued, his tone serious. “Indeed, you were once a great knight, celebrated for your bravery and dedication. You were bestowed a special status and assigned to oversee the affairs of this island and its dungeon. The task was given to you due to your exemplary service and your proven ability to handle dangerous situations.”
I frowned, trying to piece together the puzzle. “So, what happened?”
The butler took a deep breath before explaining. “There was a significant incident involving a dungeon break, a periodic event where dungeons release monsters into the surrounding areas. Normally, these monsters remain confined within the dungeon. However, in rare cases, they find their way out, causing chaos and danger. During one such dungeon break, a party of adventurers unknowingly allowed a lich to possess their group while they were exploring.”
I winced at the mention of a lich. “A lich? That sounds like a serious threat.”
He nodded. “Indeed, it was a grave threat. The lich, having possessed the adventurers, caused a considerable rampage upon escaping the dungeon. You were the one who managed to subdue it and prevent further disaster. Unfortunately, during the battle, you were cursed by the lich, which led to your transformation into an undead.”
I was taken aback. “So, the curse turned me into an undead?”
As the butler concluded his explanation about my past and the dungeon, he looked thoughtful for a moment. “There was one additional aspect I should mention, my lord. When you were first transformed into an undead, there were concerns that you might become a threat to the city and its inhabitants. It was feared you might turn into a Dullahan and wreak havoc.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Really? And what happened?”
The butler, continued, a hint of amusement in his otherwise serious tone. “To everyone’s surprise, instead of descending into chaos, you simply passed out and awoke with no memory of your transformation. It was quite unexpected, considering the usual reactions to such curses.”
I blinked, trying to process this new piece of information. “So, everyone was expecting me to turn into a Dullahan and cause destruction?”
The butler nodded. “Indeed, my lord. It was to their surprise to see you just passed out, thus earning you the praise of the Uncursable Hero."
"That's such a cheesy name... But I'm still a dullahan though. I woke up without my head attached, it was quite a difficult predicament..."
"The curse might have taken effect late. However, it seems that you retained more control over your actions than anticipated. The fact that you woke up with no memory of your past and requested an explanation about the world suggests a remarkable level of restraint.”
Well, maybe because I'm not actually from this world.
The butler’s expression softened slightly. “It has been a rather unique situation. Your reaction was indeed different from what was anticipated. It seems that your current state involves more complexity than was originally understood.”
I sighed, feeling a mix of gratitude and amusement. “That’s good to know. I suppose I’ll take it as a compliment that I’m not living up to the worst expectations.”
As he finished explaining the details of my past and the nature of my role, I found myself grappling with the unexpected turn of events. I couldn't help but be surprised by the fact that the butler remained so dedicated and loyal to me despite my current state as an undead.
“You know,” I began, still processing everything, “I’m honestly amazed that you’re still sticking by me, considering I’m no longer human. Most people would probably have bailed or at least shown some hesitation.”
The butler chuckled softly, a rare hint of amusement in his otherwise composed demeanor. “My lord, there’s no need to worry about such matters. In fact, I find myself more comfortable with the situation now than before.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “More comfortable? Why’s that?”
His expression was calm and reassuring. “It is because, as it happens, I am not entirely human myself. I am, in fact, a being of a different nature, much like yourself.”
I blinked, taken aback by this revelation.
“Wait, you’re not human either? What exactly are you?”
He smiled slightly. “I am an entity with my own set of origins and purposes, but I am not bound by the limitations of humanity. I have served various masters throughout my existence, and my loyalty is not dictated by one’s human status but by the honor and duty I uphold. I am a butler.”
I stared at him, trying to wrap my mind around this new piece of information.
“O-oh really?”