V3 Chapter 49
This is not like those similar to movies, right?
Rain furrowed his brows.
Those movies where reality one knows suddenly became an illusion, a dream, or perhaps, even just a part of a virtual world.
Thinking about it, his heart pounded in worry. After all, he was already getting attached to the life of this world. And he would never want to think that this world was actually a lie all along, and suddenly woken up in a world, and learning that all of this is actually just a dream. That would be devastating. Even for an open-minded person like him.
The prospect of Zarda and Lafetti being not real is something extremely painful just by even imagining it. That would surely make him fall to despair.
Fortunately-
[That’s what we call the world outside of this universe. The world where the master was living before arriving in this world. But fear not, it’s not what the Master is thinking. We call it the ‘Real World’ because this universe was initially created by that world—or more specifically the people in that world. The existence that was made through the powers of the accumulated thoughts of the people that imagined, or believed they existed. The Monsters, the Magical Beasts, Magic, and Supernatural skills and so on, everything was created because of the accumulated thoughts of all people living in the Parallel Dimension. The Real World.]
“So that means my previous world was the original world?”
[That’s also less accurate. The First World was the one created by the One Above All—The Creator. The Eden. One they call the Garden of God or The Seed. And that’s also where the first creation of Mankind happened. But because of a single mistake, the first humans had been exiled from that world. But because of the love for his creation, the One Above All, couldn't leave his creation to disappear like that, instead, he created another world mirroring the original world and sent his creations to that world to live and survive.]
"... ..."
[Humans are creatures gifted with intelligence and imagination. And the so-called Desire. The moment possibilities appeared, it also affected the ever-growing Universe. One world becomes two, and so on... multiplying because of existing probability as time passed by—as long as many people thought that such a place, being, or existence existed, or wanted to believe that they existed somewhere, it will manifest into reality, causing a new branch of the time and space to manifest. And this world developed awareness over time, and become a new [Possible Universe]. This world is among them.]
[Every minute, hour, or day, a prospect of another world existed. Which, in time will solidify and becomes a true world. Like growing branches of a Tree—this is the true identity of what you have known as [Yggdrasil]. The Tree of Life and the connection of Worlds.]
Rain was surprised hearing about this things. It actually subverted almost everything he believed in and learned. And for some reason, hearing about these things, brought him a stinging headache. But it was not as painful that he could not ignore it. Or rather, the Grimoire would not tell this to him, if it's considered some forbidden knowledge he should not learn.
“So is this world an illusion, or not?”
Still, however this world was created, is not important for him, but rather, whether this world is real. And that his life in this world, truly happened and existing. He wanted a proof, or anything that can relieve him from those worries.
[It’s both, and existing.]
[The only thing that was made of pure thoughts was the first beings or the so-called Ancestral Existence of this world. Now, this world had become a real-world of its own. An independent world that can stand up on its own.]
“You sure know a lot. And is that even alright to tell me?”
[I exist as a support for the Monarch. Furthermore, it’s just about the creation of the world. There’s nothing sensitive about them to hide them from the Master. Though, other information about the world apart from that, as well as the truth of existence is, considered a forbidden knowledge. Hence, I cannot say more about it. It involves the secret of Creation. Master's level is still far from acessing those information.]
“Hmph! We are just completely different, okay. I’m still much better than it!”
As Rain was listening to the Grimoire’s explanation, suddenly Sylphy’s annoyed voice rang out inside his mind. His lips curved into a wry smile—why is she starting to get competitive?
“I know you are—though, I don’t think there’s any reason to be competitive about it. I still like you, and that would never change.”
And to compare Sylphy to the Arch Grimoire in terms of usefulness is like comparing who’s smarter; Tony Stark or Dr. Strange.
There are things that only Sylphy or the Arch Grimoire could do. And they have their own aspects and specialization that is unique only to them.
And all of them are much more important than anything in the world for him.
Without them, he was nothing, and he would never have anything that he has now. That is why, he is thankful for their existence... more so, his most trusted ally: Sylphy Systema.
[Indeed, as long as I can fulfill my purpose, I can be whatever the Master desired.]
“You make me feel narrow-minded. What a damn book. Hmph, whatever!”
Rain shook his head, somewhat feeling amused. Though, deep inside him, he felt somewhat excited.
Right now, he possesses two incredible supports. Sylphy, the God-given wisdom. And the Book of Knowledge connected to the legendary, and mysterious Akashic Library that is said to hold all information about life and the truth of the universe.
Either one of them is something any person in this world longs to have, or obtain. And yet, he actually has two of them.
“Still, let’s go back to what we are talking about before, Ark. Are you saying that whatever I do will become a skill? Even those that are not included in the fixed Skill Set of a Human Being could, and should only possess?"
[Not all. The Skill Creation doesn't work as easily as that. It has its own formula and requirements to satisfy. But the probability of success will be raised significantly. And, indeed, included those that are beyond humanity's fixed parameters. This is because, the Arch Grimoire is connected to the Akashic Library, and can derived skills through obtained requirements or information that can be used to manifest a skill or ability.]
[Learning skills is not actually as simple as it sounds, however. It’s not created or obtained from nothing but through meeting factors required to obtain such skills. And these factors are basically a key to open a doorway to the wonders of the world that are unreachable by humans or any other beings even the Gods themselves—the Akashic Library.
The accumulation of Knowledge.
And once you are able to successfully create a pathway of knowledge, my existence will then provide support, giving the Host an access to a part of the information which would manifest into a skill. And as the factors for the acquisition of the skill accumulated, such as Mastery, which Master calls [Experience], the pathway of knowledge will become wider and wider as you use it—this is what the people in this world see as Level, making the skill stronger and far better than their original standards. In simple terms, the level of the skill is like gathering more information about the acquired skills or abilities one has, to make it more detailed, or more comprehensive.]
[..Master’s Pure Soul made you the Child of the World: A Chaos Seed, one that has their soul untainted by [Limits of Imagination] that all citizens in this world have- one that is only possessed by someone nurtured in the original world- the world that progressed in knowledge, further beyond possible, without the infection of mana. This made the Master capable of accessing the outer layer of the Library much better than anyone in this world. And it was even boosted by a Support System created by a Celestial, giving the Master a free, and already paved path to a secret backdoor to the Akashic Library, which you can use to access more knowledge than normal.
Therefore, you are capable of obtaining skills faster than anyone in this world.
And with the Arch Grimoire's knowledge and authority as a Fragment, the probability of success is the further increased.
Though, unlike the all-rounder, but a Direct Support System a God created for the Master- since I’m the [Fragment of Conquer], all I can do is help you obtained skills you needed for your rise as a true Monarch.
Even if the skills and abilities are then which derived not of humanity's parameters but to that of Inhumans. Giving you access to that of the boundary beyond of Human Category.
As an example of this, the skills you’ve gained through sexual intercourse is deemed necessary for your growth, hence, they are created.
Love and Affection is a necessary aspect of a true Monarch. Being without emotion would only lead to doom and failure, so the matters of the heart and pleasure is also involved in the Grimoire's Power. However, this kind of aspect is still weaker and inferior to that of the more specialized Grimoire- such as the Minor Grimoires - [Book of Desire] and [Song of Pleasure]]
“What a very strange grimoire…”
Rain smiled wryly from the explanation given by the Grimoire.
“And what’s with you, I told you this many times, but I’m not dreaming of becoming a King, or a Monarch or whatever it is you want me to be.”
[I understand. The Master can be whatever he wants, and I shall support you whatever it is you so desire. That is my purpose of existence.]
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You can really say that when you’re so eager to make me into a King.
[Though a piece of advice. It's not Master's will, but that of Destiny and Fate which mostly stand victorious. They will guide the Master to your own, intended path. I am just a tool for that necessary completion.]
Are you hinting at something?
Rain's brows furrowed, and he was somewhat upset. Is the Grimoire telling him that Fate has its own plan for him? And that he has no choice but to obey?
Something like that makes me quite pissed.
Just so you know, my Class is not just for show.
Fate or Destiny, I will break them if they displease me!
However, Rain knows better to care about it, or throwing arguments with an unfeeling Grimoire. It would be like barking at a stone. He shook his head, somewhat with a wry smile.
“But still, are these strange, vulgar skills really necessary? Though, I can indeed say the additional experience can be quite useful.”
[Master can think of them as Bonus. But skills to pleasure one's partner can be important to one's life. It's the duty, not only as a King, but that of a Man, to satisfy their lover.]
“…Whatever,”
Rain shook his head with a wry smile when he felt Lafetti stir beside him. He turned at her—well, as long as it’s safe and it would make him stronger, then he is good with anything.
What he wanted in this world is not to become a King or anything. All he wanted is to be with them, and protect them. If this can help him achieve that, then they are welcome. For them, he can do anything. He can be anything.
Stretching his hand, he brushed away the strands of hair that covered her eyes and smiled sweetly. Looking at her, her beautiful emerald hair seems a bit disheveled and her brows look somewhat furrowed. Though, for some reason, amidst this exhaustion, there’s also a bit of satisfaction.
Her tightly purse up lips is a bit pale and there is almost no trace of color on her face. One can imagine how much wind she was exposed last night and how much she had made an effort to try and manifest the symbol of their love and adoration for each other.
Then, he turned to the other side and saw Zarda happily snuggling on his arm. She looked so cute, and beautiful with her hair being normal human hair. A beautiful shade of emerald green.
She was still sleeping. Her arm was draped heavily across him. That part of her was handsome. Muscular. Yet slightly slender, with the right amount of muscles. Her hand was lying against the bed, her pretty and slender fingers grabbing on the fur.
Looking at her, it suddenly struck him that this exact moment personified everything that was Zarda Amani—soft and caring but ruthless and hard when protecting those she cared about. He already knew that from her lovemaking. And now, she would become the mother of his child—and although he was worried if he could become a good father, nevertheless, he was somewhat excited.
He would finally become a father…though, a very young father.
Rain ran her own fingers along the back of her hand, contemplating how beautiful it was. He knew her by touch, and he used those familiar sensations of her to calm himself as he gathered the strength to finally accept this dream-like reality.
Whatever the future holds, I would surely protect them and made them the happiest women in the world.
Getting out of the bed quietly with a gentle smile, he pulled the covers up over the two tired Lamians. After freeing herself from the bed, he then started to grab his things and got dressed as quietly as possible. Then, using his best impression of a ninja, he slipped out of the bedroom.
Entering the living room, he found his equipment in the corner; his sword, armor, coat, dagger and bag pack. He still has many things to do, one is repairing his equipment and organizing all the loots and spoils they have found inside the Dungeon.
To this, Miyabila and Sarete would surely be in a festive mood for the variety and rarity of his souvenirs. Not only items and magical weapons, he too had gathered countless materials and precious herbs and plants found inside the Dungeon. So the two Lamians would surely be happy in sorting them out.
Imagining their happy and excited faces, Rain couldn’t help but feel somewhat excited himself as well.
Thinking about all the things he could do with them, he went towards the kitchen to fix a meal for him, and for the two tired Lamians as well.
“Now then, what should I make,” he wondered as he entered the kitchen, and he was somewhat surprised by what had greeted him.
The kitchen had turned into something from a horror story. Racks upon racks of cured meat, still on the bone, hung from hooks hanging on the ceiling. On the floor, there is still some meat lying around, frozen in ice, and blood splattered everywhere.
It was very obvious that the kitchen had not been cleaned for a week or so—and perhaps since they were stranded in the Dungeon.
Rain knew that Zarda was a bit better in cleaning than Lafetti. Sometimes, she would even take the initiative to clean the house. But to think, the kitchen is like this… did she have no time cleaning because she was extremely worried about them, while also being busy doing everything she could to find them?
Thinking about her, it brought sweetness in his heart. The feeling of a place to go back to, a home to return and people waiting for you—
Rain felt the happiness of having a true family.
But still, this place really needs a major clean-up.
He let out a sigh as he look through the meat scattered in the kitchen. Ever since Zarda had become aware of his Unique Skill: [Predation], she had started to bring back any number of monsters and beasts for him. And in the end, she began feeding him various things to strengthen him.
In fact, Rain was very much grateful for her support. Because of her, he was able to quickly reach the stage he was in. That goes the same for the other Lamians as well, since they were the ones who actively hunt down many, powerful and incredible monsters and magical beasts for him.
Without wasting time, he started cleaning the dirty and messy kitchen.
With magic and incredible superhuman physical attributes, cleaning was never a problem. He first started organizing and moving the cured meat and monster carcasses into the storage room, a small cabin that can be found behind the house. Then, he started wiping and cleaning blood and grime off the floor and furniture. Cleaning took quite a while, actually.
When Rain finished cleaning, the sun was almost at its rightful throne in the heavens.
Breakfast is certainly impossible—guess, I’m going straight for lunch.
The current season is turning cold. Although not chilling cold, but it was safe to assume that winter is coming.
"I think it’s better to make some nice, hot food that can defeat the cold."
Lafetti dislike cold, so in this kind of season, she would surely prefer hot food. He turned towards the meat he had set aside for cooking, and immediately decided the menu.
I guess I’ll be making a stew.
Actually, Cooking in this world is not complicated compared to Earth. It’s simple as one plus one. Roasting, grilling, and making broth or soup. Although, there would be those flashy meals, but it’s only commonly seen among nobles or royalties.
For normal people, cooking is done simple as it could possibly be—as long as one can fill the stomach, then it’s deliciously done. It’s just meat, vegetables and seasonings all mixed together. And of course, only if they even have vegetables, meat, or seasoning.
Poor people even used grasses or plants found around them that can give enough nourishment for cooking. And one of the best examples in terms of simplicity in that were the Lamians.
Before Rain appeared, the Lamian’s only diet is meat, and meat, and meat…nothing else.
Truthfully, the Lamians were not picky about food, however, ever since they had eaten his cooking, they can’t return to the raw meat, or bland taste of simple roasting anymore. They preferred eating properly cooked meal with seasonings. Now, each and every Lamians are starting to eat proper meals now compared to before. To them, it’s already something very good, but for Rain, it’s still somewhat lacking.
He wanted to fix a great meal, one that can satisfy him. But the materials and ingredients present holds him back. There’s not even soy sauce in this world, much less MSG. Nevertheless, it’s not like he cannot make a Michelin-Tier meal. The saying ‘Even the cleverest Housewife cannot cook rice without rice’ saying doesn’t apply here. After all, there’s Magic.
That’s right. Magic.
… Or in this case, Skills.
This is one of the most interesting part of this world. Skills seemed to dictates everything, or at least, has a great influence on things or actions done by people.
Despite how one simply made the meal, as long as one possesses a [Cooking] skill, they would always turn out great. At least, better than normal. And the higher the level one has in his [Cooking] Skill, the more delicious they become as well. It’s like a cheat—an auto-assist system like in online games. It truly does not follow any logic or reason at all.
Of course, it doesn’t mean if you don’t have a [Cooking] skill, you cannot cook. But without one, it would always turn out normal. No matter how many ingredients you use, or how fresh they are, or how careful you are in cooking, a person without a skill can never defeat an amateur with a skill, even if it was the latter’s first time cooking. That is why; the Village is quite addicted to his cooking.
Rain not only has [Cooking] skill, but also had reached quite a high level on it as well.
If before they were not picky about foods, and can eat almost anything, even raw meat, now, they too had started eating cooked meals as well. Especially if it’s Rain’s masterpiece. Even Zarda and Lafetti couldn’t eat raw meat again, or simple overcooked roast meat. If possible, they would eat his handy meals as much as they can.
This too had become one of the Great Changes that Rain brought with him to the Village.
Now, all Lamians preferred to eat properly cooked meals rather than raw meat. Occasionally even, they would ask him to teach them some cooking methods or recipes. And Rain was extremely happy about this change.
"Mixing makes it much more delicious."
Using a clay-made stove, Rain easily ignited the dry firewood with magic. In an instant, the fire burned majestically, with a pot hanging above it to be used for cooking.
Depending on the fire the food can be prepared in numerous ways. But Rain wanted to stick on the usual method as much as he could.
First, he peeled the potatoes, carrots, and onions—though, they looked slightly different in appearance from what he had known, after testing it before, he was certain that they are similar to them.
The next thing he did, chop them down to an appropriate size. At the same time, he had also started to prepare the meat.
Taking bite-sized meat chunks from the shank, he started slicing the meat and makes it even thinner, then season it with salt, and a bit of pepper, before dropping it into another pot he had prepared.
The meat of the Magical Beasts are quite hard and tough, and it would take a quite a long time for them soften. So, he makes it as thin as possible, making it easier to soften the meat.
He cooked the meat until it begins to brown, then he added the onions and carrots and stir-fried them for a while. Taking them, he poured them all into the broth he had made beforehand, using another pot.
He waited for a while, until scum started to float to the top. He had skimmed that off, then finally added the potatoes and seasonings he had in hand. As soon as he dropped those into the broth, it changed to a reddish color.
It’s almost done.
He waited for a while, letting it simmer when a spicy smell exploded into the area. His lips curved into satisfaction as he scooped a bit and tasted it. It’s good!
“Four-eyed Boar Stew is finally done! Now then, how about the others…?”
He turned and looked towards the bedroom. But it seems like Lafetti and Zarda are still both asleep, so Rain can only eat ahead first. They should wake up much later—
He wondered if it’s because of the new skills he got that he was able to recover fast.
‘An incredible skill I got here,”
Anyway, with this, he should be able to at least, cater to their sexual appetite until they are satisfied. So, just like the Grimoire said, it's really a useful skill for him. Especially, when the Mating Season for the Lamians is coming.
Although Rain had some inkling on what will happen to him, in fact, he actually has the urge to run away—having a harem full of beautiful Lamian is great. But he would certainly be sucked dry. And Lafetti and Zarda would surely not give asylum to him at that time.
Perhaps, they would even push him to them—like a ready-made meal to the wolves. No, rather, he might actually be a wrapped meal for the Serpents.
Just thinking about it, he couldn’t help but shiver in fear.
Would it feel insensitive if he asks them to look for some men instead?
But that idea would only become a kidnapping plan. Something he doesn't want to resort into.