With sluggish movements, my body limped down the road towards the corner shop. A slow trickle of blood flowed down my right arm. Purple shades of pain were forming around my left eye.
"Why did I think it would be a good idea to go downstairs when he was drinking? I thought I was smarter than this." A deep sigh trailed after the voice.
Not looking where I was going my foot hits the side of a step. Blood rushed to my head as I started to fall over. On instinct, I go to move my arms to cushion my fall, but my right arm just argued back with pain as its excuse. Clamping my eyes shut I wait for the pain that will follow. Today really isn't my day.
With great elegance and a pinch of stupid, I face palm the ground. Startled my body instantly jumped up. When I had landed my face hadn't collided with the rock hard concrete, but something slightly soft and itchy. Looking down I see grass. It wasn't the crappy dying grass you see in this neighbourhood; the grass was a lovely green that made me want to become a cow.
The sounds of birds chirping echoed in my mind. Earthy smells bombarded my nose. Only now did I notice that it was day time.
"Where the hell am I?"
I swear I was just walking to the corner shop for some rubbing alcohol. There isn't some sort of hobbit fantasy forest on the way to corner shop right? Did they add it as some sort of tourist attraction?
While my mind was pumping out weird ideas, my ears detected movement. Scanning the area I turn towards the direction the sound came from, my body tensed up. My blood ran cold as I started to sweat profusely. With trembling hands, I try to rub away the nightmare standing in front of me.
Black beady eyes stared into mine. Blood dripped from its beak as the smell of iron wafted past my nose. Dragging my gaze from its eyes I inspect its body. This thing must be at least 6 foot. Evil black feathers formed a deathly coat around its body. Talons the size of my forearm protruded from its feat.
"Fuck me sideways is that an Argentavis?"
With fluid motions, the Argentavis appeared in front of me, before I could even exhale the shock from my body. Did I spook it by speaking? Maybe it was attracted by the blood dripping from my arm.
Once again all I could do was clamp my eyes shut and wait for the pain. The Argentavis' beak was currently heading for my bleeding arm.
I really did live a shitty life. I had an alcoholic for a Dad who would beat me at least once a week. My mum was too scared to tell anyone and she didn't work so she didn't have the money to run away. School life sucked because I never had the time to study with 3 part time jobs in the attempt to save up so I can run away. I never really did have a childhood, I guess.
A sudden sharp gust of wind caused me to roll backwards. Snapping open my eyes I try to see where the Argentavius is. Underneath a tree close by I see it pinned with a spear through its neck. Serves you right you damned chicken.
With the threat now gone my body releases a pent-up breath. All of my muscles relax. My mind goes clear as the darkness slowly creeps in from the corner of my vision. Ah looks like I'm going to pass out. Just before I pass out I see a tall elderly human figure stand in front of me.
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Sounds of glasses clinking against one another are the first thing I hear when I wake up. With rigid and slow movements I look around.
I swear my scenery is changing too quickly nowadays. I'm currently laying in an old fashioned bed made of what I presume to be straw. Around me are stone walls that look like they have been ripped from a castle. Next, to my 'bed' there is an old rickety wooden chair. Opposite me is a wooden door with a black metal lock and door handle on it.
Have I been imprisoned? Did that old man take me back to his sex dungeon while I was passed out? Guess it's better than outside with the big ass angry birds.
While I was using my arms to prop up my upper body the wooden door swung open. The old man entered the room with a glass of whatever that green liquid is.
The old man wore a neat white robe that came to his shins. He had short spiked grey hair that didn't show any signs of leaving. For some reason, he had bright purple eyes that looked just like a child's when they got a new toy. I KNEW I WAS IN A SEX DUNGEON!
With slow strides, the old timer made his way over to my side and sat down on the chair. The whole time I was backing further into the corner of the room. How the hell did this old guy give off such a powerful aura just by walking?
Eyes shining bright and what I presume to be an excited smile, he stuck out his hand, which caused me to recoil slightly in fear.
"Tobias Stern and you?" The old man's voice was deep and powerful, but you could feel the playful side to it.
Well, at least he was direct with his questions. Granted it doesn't make him any less terrifying. With great effort, I manage to stammer out my reply.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"n n Nikolas Blesi, most people just call me Nik for short. Thank you for saving me earlier, I really appreciate not becoming pigeon poop."
A little hesitant I lightly shake Tobias' hand. When I started talking his eyes became even brighter. Why do I feel like I am the first person he has spoken to in a while?
"Why were you on my land if I may ask? I doubt you just randomly strolled here and the only people remaining on this world are very powerful so I doubt they would have a near-death experience by a mere Argentavius."
I don't like how he says this world or the fact he used the word remaining. Oh god some crazy old man has taken me to his sex dungeon. What does he mean a mere Argentavius? Like that shit ain't normal, they aren't god damn common birds. I'm fairly certain they are extinct. Why do I feel like I'm going to regret asking?
"Ah, I'm sorry I don't really know. All I remember is going to the corner shop, tripping and then landing in that forest. Honestly, I think I'm out of my depth. Can I ask what you meant by remaining? Was there some worldwide epidemic that I don't know of? Did North Korea actually screw up?"
Tobias looked at me like I had just hit him with a whole bucket of confusion. Slowly he rocked his head from side to side as if he was playing tennis with his thoughts. Did I bore him to death? Maybe he is talking to his split personality? Is he planning what positions he will use me in first? I REFUSE TO LOOSE MY V CARD TO SOME CREEPY OLD MAN!
Before I had the chance to speak Tobias started to speak.
"How very strange. My land has a barrier around it that no one on this world should be able to break. What is this corner shop you speak of and what is a North Korea? To answer your questions, about a month ago there was a battle between Ying and Yang. The battle went on for two days. Most people weren't strong enough to protect themselves and ended up dying. Only about 10% of all humanoids are still alive."
At Tobias' words, my mind went blank. So Ying and Yang that fantasy shit had a fight and pretty much killed everyone in the process. What the fuck? That can't be, right? Surely the nuclear missiles would have been set off by the fight or nuclear reactors would have melted down and destroyed the earth. The fact that he doesn't know what North Korea is just strange. So not only is he a crazy ass pervert he is also a hermit. What does he mean by humanoids? Don't tell me I have come to some different world?
"A corner shop is a shop that is on the corner of a street. It usually sells basic essentials, sweets and stuff like that. North Korea is a country ruled by a man-child with deadly toys. This might sound weird, but what planet are we on?"
At my explanation, Tobias looked even more confused. How do you think I feel? I suddenly woke up in some strangers house.
"Your right that is a weird question; the world we live on is called Oasis. Surely you know this much, right?"
What the hell is this shit? This ain't some elaborate joke, is it? I'm not on some foreign world with no clue what's going on correct? Guess there is only one way to find out.
"Marco"
Tobias' face went blank at my response. Ah, I think I broke him. I'm sorry Tobias I didn't mean it. Please just say Polo. Please let this all be a dream.
"I'm sorry what does Marco mean?"
GOD DAMN IT ALL!
"It's nothing, don't worry about it. Can I ask how we are capable of understanding one another? I'm fairly certain we are speaking in different languages right now."
I had noticed it from the second he had started talking. The words coming out his mouth did not match its movements.
"I'm currently using the basic spell,
What the fuck? Did he just say spell? Does this world have magic? Actually, why wasn't I suspicious of the spear. Who the hell decides to battle an Argentavius with a spear unless they are crazy or in a game. This world is a fantasy world of sword and magic isn't it. What kind of shit fest is this?
I'm going to need Tobias' help if I want to survive and make it back to earth aren't I. Sigh. Guess I'll tell him my identity.
"Thank you for being patient. I'll tell you who I am now. So from what I have gathered, I have somehow managed to travel to your world. My original world is called Earth. It is a world without magic. Sadly, I don't think I will be able to get back so soon and I must ask you to burden yourself with my problem. Please help me return back home."
With my last words, I bowed my head towards Tobias. I think this is the first time I was this respectful towards someone. Maybe that's why people don't like me. When I look back up I see Tobias looking at me with gleaming wide eyes. Without even blinking Tobias responds.
"I will gladly help. Don't expect me to help a random stranger without getting anything in return though. I want you to tell me all about your world and help me protect my home. There is a way to travel between worlds, but no one on Oasis has been able to do it. To be able to use the spell you need to be very strong. In terms of strength, you need to be able to take on a nest of Argentavius' barehanded. The other broken condition is that you must have past experience travelling through space. I guess it is my job to toughen you up then. Deal?"
Tobias held out his hand and I strongly shook it.
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200 years in the future
At the moment a rough looking middle-aged man is standing in front of a run-down stone castle. He is wearing a long white robe that comes down to his shins. The man had short spiked raven black hair and pale blue eyes. On his right hand were a variety of different rings. This man was Nikolas Blesi.
It has been roughly 200 years since I have come here. I have spent this whole time killing beats and protecting Tobias' home whilst learning magic from Tobias.
Sadly, Tobias died of old age about 50 years ago. Since then I have been travelling the world and collecting rare herbs and perfecting my magic. Before Tobias died I had already surpassed him in strength.
Slowly a black ripple formed in front of me. It gave of a cold, but equally warm temperature. The inside looked like it held a thousand and one mysteries. With a thought I set my destination to Earth. The surroundings were slowly being sucked in and the ground was cracking.
"I need to go or this will end badly."
With heavy steps and a somewhat awkward smile on my face, I bid farewell to my temporary home, Oasis, and said hello to Earth.
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The surrounding light bulbs smashed as if they suddenly had too much energy supplied to them. Cats screamed and dogs howled from the sudden outburst. The smell of damp and the collected dust started to spin on the ground like a small tornado. A black ripple appeared and slowly a handsome young youth stepped out.
"I'm home"