A little grammatical errors here and there but hopefully you enjoy~ Any comments or opinions are greatly appreciated :)

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Chapter 2: Ill Fated Meeting

The young man woke with a start, thinking it must be daylight, then realized the security light of the sun was shining brightly on his eyes. He rubbed his eyelids to adjust to the sudden brightness, as he raised his burdensome back from the ground.

As if it was a natural thing to do, he immediately laid flat on the ground to go about his morning exercise. An hour of push-ups and sit-ups consecutively to stir every cell in his body.

After finishing his morning routine, Keisuke only then realized his current predicament.

He seemed to have woken up on a bed of leaves in this seemingly unfamiliar place that resembles a forest. When he looked around, the only thing that filled his view are trees. Trees that closely resemble each other surround him on all four sides. Different kinds of shrubs, plants, and greenery that he couldn't recognize.

"That's right... That psychopathic girl killed me... So why is it that I'm still alive?"

A worried voice came out of his mouth as he examined his chest for wounds. However, there are no such things.. No sign of getting stabbed but his uniform soaked in his own blood and memory, are proof enough that it happened.

"What in the world just happened? Is this a dream? Or is my soul now on it's way to heaven?"

Keisuke pinched and slapped his cheeks to wake himself up from this nightmare, yet the sensation of reality is there. Seeing no other choice, he quickly brushed the dirt off his clothes, and started to survey his surroundings.

Unlimited amount of trees as far as his eyes could see. Snatches of sky peek through the leaves, a mosaic in blue and green that shifts gently with the wind. Keisuke stare in it, allowing his focus to be stolen, looking beyond the leaves and branches. Bothered by his messy hair hindering his vision, he shove it back using both hands, giving him that slick look, albeit bloody.

"Can't believe I'll use my own blood like a hair gel... Oh well."

Continuing on, he passed through a sunlit clearing, and an amazing sight unfolded in his eyes. Standing on a high cliff, he saw a humongous tree standing tall like a wall, with branches that is thick enough to accommodate several tree houses and leaves that are so big he can use it as a bed sheet.

"Holy hell... Just like those Yggdrasil trees from the net games I play all the time."

Clearly, a forest as beautiful as this should be well known, yet no matter how many times he pondered, there's no recollection in his brain. Keisuke's not the best in his class but he's confident that he has good grades. Good enough at least to persuade himself that he is in an entirely different world. However, such conclusions needed more verification before he lands his final judgement. So he stared in pure amazement until a weird growl came from his stomach.

"I'm hungry..."

That feeling made him moved his legs to find something that could relish his hunger. The view didn't change much no matter how many times he continued moving forward.

Am I to die a slow death by myself in these woods? Whatever, thinking negative certainly wouldn't help me right now.

He set the dark thoughts aside and continued walking endlessly in what seemed like a forest labyrinth. To quench his thirst, he swallowed his spit several times already, but it didn't help. Not even a single drop of water has graced his mouth ever since he ventured.

For how long have I been walking? Even my sense of time had been lost.

His built up fatigue and dehydration is slowly vexing him, but with all that, he still proceeded to drag his legs forward. His eyes that were slowly losing hope went upward to the skies and wished for a rain, but with the sun shining ever so brightly, it was a hopeless wish. Instead, his carelessness caused him to trip over a gigantic root, and his back rolling against a tree. Several complaints left his mouth while his body groans in pain.

Ugh...Seems like I strained myself big time..

Not too long ago, he was just a regular student living a blissful life. Just when he thought he could finally absolve the guilt in his heart, this happened! If this is not heaven, then this must be hell in disguise.

"Herbs?"

A feeling of anxiety started to fill his heart when he suddenly noticed the patch of herbs on the ground in this wilderness. They are curious looking and even comes in a wide variety of colors.

Reminiscing what he remembered in class-- herbs contain a few ounces of water and maybe alcohol, while others contain a deadly poison along with different kinds of nutrients. It's certainly dangerous to just eat them carelessly without having the proper knowledge to ascertain if they are safe or not.

Heck, he's not even positive if these greenery in front of him are really herbs or what. Keisuke decided not to care anymore. Rather than dying out of thirst or hunger, he might as well be a little adventurous! He didn't waste a moment and started nibbling on the herbs right away.

Red, blue, yellow, green, it doesn't matter what color it is! The only haven these herbs found is inside his mouth. Even dirt was consumed along with the herbs, but he still felt satisfied. Although that feeling of happiness didn't last as it was immediately replaced by a throbbing pain.

"Arrrrgggghhhh......!!!"

His body curled up on it's own, trying to subdue the distressing pain cursing in his nerves. All of the blood vessels in his body pulsated as if it they were alive, and his head ache as if someone is trying to tear it apart. Intensive pain shot from his stomach, ascending to his mouth, and out by a cough. The ground was stained with his blood, but he could do nothing to stop the blood from gushing forth.

"Haaaaaaaaaaa......!!!"

To subdue the unbearable pain, he grit his teeth and bashed his forehead on the ground, yet all it did was inflict him more suffering. Keisuke clearly wasn't thinking right when he rooted more herbs from the ground, and hurriedly shoved them inside his mouth.

As he crunched these newly picked herbs, the pain gradually subsided, but it was immediately replaced by a different kind of agony. His veins continue to pulsate and torment his mind, nonetheless, he still repeatedly consumed the herbs.

He put it around his teeth, squished it, and swallowed..

A moment of peace comes after but seconds later, the suffering returns with an even greater intensity. For countless hours, that horror went on again and again..

"Haa...Haa...Haa..."

Tears rained from his eyes and disgusting drool like bubbles left his mouth. After countless hours in misery, the pain finally dwindled by itself. From his hazy vision, there is only darkness.

"Ha....Its cold....."

Shivering, Keisuke closed his eyes to rest, while enduring the stinging chill that resides by the wind.

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Upon opening his eyelids once more, Keisuke felt as if a day had passed. The sun brightly envelop the cold dark forest with it's warm light. Even the slightest bit of movement sends his body screaming in pain. The leftover taste of the herbs is sweet but soon mix with the smell of blood and taste of iron.

The appearance of those herbs that almost killed him was deeply engraved in his mind and he soon began to call it  wicked herb. As if he was mocking death, Keisuke spat on the herbs and grinned.

If I spark any masochistic tendencies later on, it will be this herb's fault!

Pain, hunger, hatred... A mixture of those of emotions are stirring up inside him, but he won't be defeated! His spit was mixed with blood and certainly moving his mouth to a grin was a foolish move, yet he needed to disturb his thoughts somewhere else or the intense suffering would drive him mad.

It hurts like hell but its my fault for being foolish, so I have no right to complain.

To escape this feeling of starvation, he forced his still unsteady body to stand up and continued walking. Slowly, he dragged himself to walk while he bit his lips in silence, distracting himself from the onslaught of pain in his innards.

Saaa...

As he advanced towards the rugged path, he heard the faint sound of rustling water. Surely he thought his mind might be playing tricks on him, or the pain is causing him to hear deceptions. At the state of despair, his thoughts warped up, giving him energy from nowhere. But that useless excitement caused him to tumble and fall, with his left ankle twisting in an unsightly manner.

"Shiit.."

The fall resulted in more injuries and him kissing his left leg goodbye. With his current state, standing up to walk is but a dream, so he crawled and dragged his body using his dominant right arm. Keisuke persistently hold onto the dirt and pulled himself forward. From the narrow opening of his squinting eyelids are his bloodshot eyes, and his mouth drooling blood.

Persevere myself!!

Slight fear and excitement filled his body as he drew closer and closer to the noise.

Will it be a body of water? Or will it be a fruitless journey?

After finally making his way pass the bushes, what greeted Keisuke is a.....

"A Goddess..."

Those words unconsciously left his lips as he stared in awe at the glorious sight in front of him.

Long flowing blonde hair that shimmers even under the clear blue sky, paired with an ever so enchanting face. A delicate frame that has yet to be tainted and a bosom that hasn't fully matured! Just like the cold snow in winter time, her skin is clear and translucent as if it would melt at any moment. Her wet naked body is truly a sight to behold!

She doesn't have much boobs but no problem! I'm on the flat-chested side!

Her glorioussness is standing butt naked while enjoying the lake water to wash herself in this natural forest clearing. At the edge of the lake is a horse and what seemed to be a merchants backpack. However, Keisuke payed no heed to such trivialities. In his mind, the only thing that he wanted to know is what lies pass nirvana.

This garden of forbidden delight awaits me!!

Its like the devil is whispering in his ears to fully witness her glorious body. Unsatisfied with his position, Keisuke crawled his way pass the remaining bushes up until to the very last one. He kept his eye back from a gaping hole, like a sniper keeps his eye back from a scope. Its as if he had forgotten all of the pain tormenting his body just moments ago.

Weeeshhooo!!

An air of mystery veiled the girl and Keisuke suspected that her secrets were extraordinary.

Curiosity drew me to her, his thoughts trying to justify his perversion.

"Ahh....."

Unknown to Keisuke, his dark thoughts were already leaking out and the girl perceived his ominous desires. Upon realizing that a certain Keisuke is peeping, she turned her gaze towards his direction, and angrily wrapped a towel around her petite self! That reaction alone is enough for him to realize its a death flag.

"XX-XXX-XXXX!!!"

The girl shouted with an angry expression on her face. Weirdly, he could not understand a single word that left her mouth. But Keisuke still thought of answering, for he felt that if he didn't, he'll be roasted alive. And even if he disguised himself as an animal now, it most probably won't work.

"I am but a tree!! Please do not mind me and continue!! This tree will now become one with the others."

Panic clouded his mind and whatever excuse that he was thinking left his mouth at the same time. However, such flimsy excuses just dug him deeper towards his grave. The girl immediately conclude that Keisuke is a pervert.

"XX-XXXXXX..."

"Haiyeee...!"

Keisuke tried to get away, but it was in vain! The girl mumbled some words at a distance, aiming something at Keisuke's direction. Keisuke felt a weird concentration of energy gathering around her, as she continues her spell-casting-like behavior.

"XXXX-XXXXX-XXX!"

Wind accumulated on the girls hand and soon became an electric current that flew towards him! Keisuke, out of frenzied mode, couldn't do anything but wait for the lightning bolt to struck him.

"What the shit--! Aiyyyaaaaa!!"

Keisuke squealed like a little girl, barely avoiding death thanks to the shrubbery that is shielding him. In turn, the shrubbery surrounding him had been burnt to crisp.

Lightning bolt. One of the basic forms of lightning mastery.

The power is weak but the pain it inflicts prolonged to the target, paralyzing their body.

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For a wounded pervert like Keisuke, it's more than enough. Keisuke tried to lift a finger, yet he couldn't. The only thing that he could muster in his dire position was an apology. Apology for the sudden genocide of his partner in crime, shrubs.

The girl then cautiously approached him afterwards, carefully observing his reaction. Making sure if her recent attack really did have an effect or not. Their gazes met and Keisuke started to plead like a beaten up dog.

"Please! Let me expl---!"

The girl violently whacked his face with a wooden stick without even letting him finish. Such brutal actions coming from a girl possessing an angelic appearance! Keisuke felt heartbroken and thought, Is what they call a 'Tsundere'?

The girl's action were certainly brutal but everything was his fault to begin with. Blood started dripping from his nose and the intense suffering in his head resurfaced.

"XXX.. XXXX!!"

A fearsome aura shrouded the girl while her beautiful green eyes suddenly flash red, staring at him blankly. Keisuke knew the girl mistook him for a pervert, and his actions clearly justifies that impression. Yet he wanted to made it clear that that wasn't his intention.

"XXX XXXXX XXX XX XXXXX!!"

"No... Please!! Please stop!! Ai--AIYEEEE!!!!"

And after that, Keisuke was mercilessly beaten up. For the girl, it was a nice stress relief.

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Night had come and the pervert continuous to sleep. Erin dragged the boy's wounded body towards the campfire she just made, feeling somewhat remorseful that she knocked him unconscious. While maintaining her distance, she watched Keisuke with an unusual curiosity.

"His black hair... It's the first time I've seen one..."

Because of Keisuke's asian heritage, his eyes and hair are black. To where he came from, it's the norm. However for Erin, the color black represents a malicious entity. It represents something diabolical, something that was taught in her childhood. For the only people that boast black hair and eyes are the apostles of the God of Destruction.

[Levasti, is this what they call a human?]

[No doubt about it, judging from the shape of his ears, that can only be the logical conclusion.]

From her village's teachings, humans are known as vile creatures. They are the type of creature that will not hesitate to stab you in the back, friend or foe, just to satisfy their needs. The types that would do anything to succeed, no matter how dirty they become. Humans live a much shorter lifespan compare to them, but their tenacity for victory and thirst for knowledge has made them one of the most dangerous race out there.

[That is correct. But what I find confusing is that I can't trace The Goddess Aestrea's blessing inside his body. It's as if he came from a different world.]

[Then what does that entail to?]

[My apologies, but I do not know.]

Erin crouched down and stared at Keisuke's dire position. His body covered in cuts and his clothes smeared in blood.

[Should I cast healing magic after all?] Erin said with a sigh.

[That would be a foolish move. Until we confirmed his reasons, he can only be hostile in my eyes. Then again, the only price for peeping, is DEATH!] Levasti replied. Her tone was that of an angry mom.

Erin's face relaxed into a smile but all too soon it fades. She shook her head and threw off the odd thoughts. Keisuke smiled in his sleep and for Erin who's observing him up close, he was a disgusting sight.

[He's gross alright...]

[I suggest you tie him up...]

Contemplating Levasti's wonderful idea, Erin forcefully stuffed the cloth she used to clean her horse inside Keisuke's mouth. As if that wasn't such a horrible deed already, she then tied him up like a worm.

Looking down on Keisuke's miserable state, Erin smiled with childish delight.

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It was already late night when Keisuke awoke to the pleasant warmth of the cracking fire in front of him. The ground was made to be his bed and a few ways besides him is a small dark lake reflecting the moon.

In an attempt to move his body, Keisuke immediately realized that he passed out again and his body was then tied up like a worm and a piece of clothing was forcefully stuffed inside his mouth. His tied up position is making it hard for him to look and move around.

Tak.. Tak.. Tak..

"MMMMM!!! MM!! MMM!!!"

Keisuke's senses suddenly reacted to the creeping noise approaching him. He heard soft footsteps slowly closing in from behind his back. With his position, he couldn't see what it is. Is it a demon, or is it death himself finally?

Suddenly, a foot comes hurling towards his face, hitting the tip of his nose right on, banging his eardrums in the process. The damage that was inflicted immediately showed on his nose, as the fresh smell of blood started to drip down again.

"XXXX XX!"

A girl's voice?, Keisuke finally remembered! It was that violent girl earlier! Never judge a book by it's cover indeed!

Just when he thought her angelic appearance is there to soothe his pain, she just traumatized him even more. Tears started to accumulate in his eyes and his calm reverie was shattered. Keisuke's in a state where his heart would break and fall apart any moment now.

When the girl entered Keisuke's line of vision, she glared back at him with eyes of disgust. Ignoring Keisuke with a " Hmph! ", she proceeded to make a pot of hot soup.

Cutting the unnecessary side of the vegetables with her knife, adjusting the fire properly using her magic, and last but not the least is the seasoning. After a while, she transferred the contents to a smaller bowl making Keisuke smell that delicious aroma.

The scent wafting through his nose, as it leaves a tingling yet burning sensation. It aroused his stomach so much, to the point where his mouth watered down. Using all of his remaining energy, Keisuke -- spat as hard as he can, forcefully removing the gag outside of his mouth -- did the impossible.

"Cough Cough!!"

His actions drew the girl's attention and she walks up to him with an irritated expression.

"XXXX XX XXX XXXX?"

"Please.......ma.y...I....have..some?"

His mouth devoid of water made it painful for him to speak. If not for the blood, snot, and tears that flowed down to his mouth, he felt like he would have already collapse. Even if the mixture of those three liquids that came from within him are disgusting, he still savored it.

"XXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX......"

The girl replied, as if saying that she won't share anything to him. The soup's aroma continue to fill his lung with flavor, only to put a damper on his taste buds after realizing that he can't taste it.

Could this girl be afraid of what I'll do if my hands are free?

The girl ignored him throughout the night no matter how many times he tried pleading.

Morning had arrived and Keisuke's situation has gone from bad to worst! His mouth is still dry and his body is itching all over. The blood from his nose had dried up, blocking the air from entering his lungs comfortably.

The first thing that filled his view was the violent girl who's busy cleaning her campfire. She looks like she's about ready to leave while he's still there lying on the ground.  After seeing that she had no plans to release him, the tiny glimmer of hope Keisuke was holding onto was rendered, and he felt his death looming. Keisuke gave up on struggling for it would only be in vain.

He closed his eyes and thought, at least like this, I could finally rest in peace.

.....................................................Tik.......

Just when he thought death had claimed him, he felt a drop of water on his cheek. That single drop of water eventually found it's way inside his mouth, giving him the necessary energy to plead one last time. Unknown to Keisuke that drop of water came from the horse's peepee.

"Please...........my..bind.....off...."

"XXXX..."

Seems like his final attempt to survive was ignored and the only replied he heard was her sighing. Keisuke closed his eyes again as he wait for his inevitable death to come.

..............................

"XXXX XXX XXXXXXX XXX."

All of a sudden, the ropes that are binding his body had been cut off and and his hands were freed. As soon as Keisuke felt his limbs attaining freedom, he immediately went to the lake while crawling on all fours like a madman, drinking as much water as he can. Safe or not, it surely rejuvenated his dehydrated body.

"Ahh... Feels good..."

Being able to move freely is truly a wonderful thing. For Keisuke, that was first time he's ever been so thankful, yet the hatred he's feeling for the girl hasn't weakened at all.

The first idea that came to his mind was rape. To addle her mind and body in repeated humiliation. An impish grin surfaced on his face and gradually, his mind is getting unstable. Keisuke's thoughts are getting darker and darker. The darkness that is swallowing his heart and soul is slowly corrupting him.

"XXX'X XXXX."

"Ehhh?"

The girl approached him and casually sank on the ground beside him, clasping her soft hands on his broad back. Keisuke felt a weird energy accumulating in her hands and a few seconds after that, he felt a warm and comfortable sensation cloaking his entire body.

Most of the internal pain from eating those wicked herbs and the injury she inflicted on him gradually subsided. Above all, the broken ankle that was tormenting him from before reverted back to normal, or the right word was that it was Healed.

All of the dark thoughts occupying his mind had been washed away and in an instant, he saw the world in a new light.

The girl brushed the dirt off her clothing, and quickly sprang back to her feet.

"XX, XXXX."

She lowered her hand towards Keisuke with a simple smile on her face. Although for Keisuke, that simple smile saved him from succumbing to his emotions.

Just like a ray of sun, her smile was brilliant, brilliant in it's warmth. A curve of sensuous promise, chasing the dark emotions away that were circling in his mind. It was a very beautiful smile that fixated his eyes on her. The two of them gazed at each other for what seemed like an eternity. And then, it ended as if it was a fleeting moment.

How odd, he mused, but then thought better of it. Keisuke took her soft hand and arose from the ground like a phoenix.

"Thank you."

"Hmph.."

She crosses her arms and Keisuke knew immediately that her worries had returned. Yet surely, Keisuke was positive he had seen that smile and posture somewhere.... And her face strikes an eerie similarity....

Where have I seen......  Ah..... Reina? No... She's dead... This must be the effects of those wicked herbs...

Reina's hair is so dark that it was virtually black, and the girl is a green-eyed blonde, yet they were alike enough to be sisters. Both were 160 cm tall and slender. Each have delicate features and winning smiles.

Keisuke fought the urge to reach and touch her face. It was hard. To suddenly appear in front of him in this form, the Gods must be mocking him.

But still... Elven ears?

Keisuke couldn't see much yesterday but now that he's looking at her up close, he noticed how her ears are much longer and pointier compared to his. Just like those elves from the net games that he plays all the time.

Witnessing a mythical forest dweller he thought to be pure fantasy just now made Keisuke realize, that it really is a different world. One that is fundamentally different from where he came from.

To relieve the girl from her worries, Keisuke smiled idiotically. Funny, her mouth curved into a silly way as soon as she saw him smile.

Wait.. Was that a smile or was she mad at me?

Either that was a smile or something else, Keisuke found a purpose in this parallel world.

At that very instant, Keisuke promised to himself; I want to always see her smile.

Yes, look alike she might be but Keisuke doesn't want to lose Reina all over again. It's a disgusting thought for him to compare a girl he just met to his love one, yet he could not help it. Although the real meaning behind those words, and how heavy they are won't mean a thing to Keisuke until later on.

Yes, this all began when he met her.