???: Hello~ I came here for the job proposal. I am to train Mythria, Ulroy’s daughter. The name is Zerocrane.
The person claiming to be Zerocrane approached one of the three guards stationed at the mansion gate. Normally, people would immediately recognize. After all, Senoxus Zero had been a living legend. An existence often referred to as the God of the Sword. With that said, it’s not like everyone knew of his appearance. The new guards stationed at the gate knew of the stories, but not of his face.
Guard A: Umm… We would like to apologize, but Zerocrane is an extremely popular name. If you would be so kind as to wait, we would like to verify your identity with the Master.
Zerocrane: Sure. It’s good that you’re being cautious. I’ll be waiting.
One of the guards went in to notify the master, leaving the two guards to secure the gate.
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**Knock, Knock**
Guard A: Pardon the intrusion, Master Ulroy. A man claiming to be Zerocrane is at the gate. We decided to first let you know, just in case it’s an impersonator.
Ulroy, the master of the guild, had lifted himself up from his chair to open the door. He was at his bedroom enjoying a novel when the guard called out.
Ulroy: Good job, newbie. Caution is a very important thing to have, especially when someone is claiming a reputed identity.
Guard A: Thank you, master Ulroy.
Ulroy: So, what does he look like?
Guard A: He’s neither tall nor short. I’d say he’s about 180 centimeters in height. He’s got a slim build. It isn’t obvious at first glance, but he’s quite muscular which suggests he’s got training and experience. His hair is short and quite unkempt which makes me think that maybe he doesn’t care much about his appearance. His eyes bears a sharp look, but surprisingly enough, they don’t strike me as bad. I’d say he’s a decent man judging by the book.
Ulroy: Sounds about right.
Guard A: Should we let him in?
Ulroy: I’ll personally welcome him.
He tapped the shoulder of the guard who had been kneeling before him, prior to speaking once more.
Ulroy: Come on, we might as well walk together to the gate.
The guard went with an “Y-yes sir! It is an honor to be able to walk alongside you.”, but Ulroy laughed at him, telling him that he is also human like them, and that there’s no need for them to idolize him so much.
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Zerocrane: Heh, long time no see, Ulroy!
He raised his right arm for a wave.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Ulroy: Haha! You look as energetic and youthful as you’ve always been. That’s nice. To be honest, I missed you.
Zerocrane: Come on, I’ve only been gone for two years.
Ulroy: You do realize two years is quite a long time for us humans, right? Anyways, let me see you to your room. We can talk as we walk.
Ulroy ushered Zerocrane.
Zerocrane: I know I’ve been here before, but man, this residence really is huge. I remember I would often get lost finding my way back to my room in the past.
Ulroy: Haha! In the end, Mythria would escort you back. Quite uncool, being saved by a girl younger than you. People would laugh at you if they hear that.
Zerocrane lightly slapped Ulroy at the back as payback. It shouldn’t have contained much force, but Ulroy still went with an “ouch, please be gentle with this old man.”
Zerocrane: You’re not even that old. You’re only 42.
…
…
Silence descended for a mere few seconds as they kept on traversing the overly huge mansion. Zerocrane, who had been thinking about something, broke that silence with a serious expression.
Zerocrane: But teaching, hmm… I may be good with the sword, but I know nothing about teaching. In fact, Mythria will be my first apprentice. Don’t you think it better for her to get a more established teacher?
Ulroy placed a hand on his chin before responding,
Ulroy: hmm… Let’s see. First of all, everybody has their firsts. Even those established teachers also had to take up their first apprentice. Consider this a valuable experience in your life as a swordsman. And to be honest, it was Mythria who specifically requested you to be her trainer. I know you aren’t oblivious, but let me say it anyway. You have been my daughter’s subject of admiration ever since she first met you. It saddens me that she seems to think more of her crush than she does her own father, but what can I do? She’s at that age, after all.
Zerocrane: Aren’t you being a bit too talkative right now? But… Admiration, huh…
Silence had visited them once more as they continued to ascend the stairs to the fourth floor. That was when Zerocrane noticed,
Zerocrane: Hey, my room isn’t actually on the fourth floor, right?
He said that with one of his brows turned up in doubt.
Ulroy: Come on, now. Your room should obviously be on the fourth floor. Why would we be here otherwise? I want to see you getting lost around the household like the good old times. It’ll be fun.
Ulroy let out a thumbs up and a huge annoying smile, while Zerocrane could only mutter an “It’ll be fun for you, not for me.”
After walking the number of steps comparable to a round trip of a small village, they finally reached their destination. Ulroy hurriedly opened the door in anticipation of a certain someone’s reaction.
Ulroy: Jajaannn! Presenting Zero’s personal room in the fuuurttheest corner of the building!
Zerocrane: Seriously. Looks like I’ll need my own personal escort around the household.
What appeared beyond the door was a bedroom so large, a party of four people would have no problem sharing it among themselves. Imaginary question marks appeared on top of Zerocrane’s head as he wondered about why his room was of that scale.
Zerocrane: Hey…. Isn’t this a bit overkill?
Ulroy: What do you mean?
He looked at Ulroy with disbelief, his brows furrowed,
Zerocrane: Haahh… Would it kill you to provide a more normal room?
Ulroy: Err, there’s nothing normal about you though…
Zerocrane: That’s not the poi~
Just as he was reasoning out, Ulroy interrupted him with “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll regularly visit you for a drink. A small room would be boring.”
Zerocrane let out a “tch” as a final show of reluctance before chasing Ulroy away.
Zerocrane: Go, go. I’m tired from all the traveling. I’ll be sleeping early.
Ulroy: Seriously? You could’ve reached your destination within a few minutes just by leaping.
Zerocrane let out an “Just go!”, pushing Ulroy out of the room before slamming the door shut and locking it.
Zerocrane: Heh heh heh… I may not like that the room is so large, but the bed also being stupidly large is a welcome thing. I can roll around as much as I want! 1… 2… 3…!
He jumped onto his bed, anticipating the bouncy feel of the foam, while also taking note of the soft and pleasant texture of the bed sheet. The size was enough for at least two people to sleep together in it, which to Zero was a welcomed thing as he liked rolling around as he slept.
In but a mere 5 minutes, he had fallen asleep with a smile on his face. Without knowing that a fountain of drool was about to gush forth from his mouth.
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Chapter Afterword: Heya! Not sure if anyone still remembers me, but I'm making a comeback after a long period of hibernation. You may be wondering why the format is kind of... weird? or awkward? Not sure what the right word is, but hopefully you get the point. Okay, so first, this story was originally meant to be written for an RPG Game ( release when? well, not in a long while. ), however, I'd like to think that I've got a pretty solid idea of what I want to do. I wanted to write a proper story that can be read like a book while I'm waiting for the game ( not even sure if the game will actually be developed. At this point, there's nothing but plans ). The cover art is an original art designed by my friend. I like it. Simple, but it works. Then again, I'd like to think that my sense for designs is broken. Also, apologies for the half-assed first chapter. I know it's not very interesting, but that's the point. I don't want it to be interesting. I don't want people to put me on a pedestal, treating me like some god only to be disappointed once they notice that my future releases aren't as good as the previous ones. Instead, I'd like to start the other way around; Make you think that the story is not interesting, and then slowly better it as time goes by ( although this might just be my excuse for being a trash writer. Being trash is my default state. )
Well then, thank you very much! =)