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Chapter One Part One: Last Memory

To be honest, it was a boring day.

I just got back from another day of High school. Senior high school, and I was all about ready to graduate. My big brother already did. My little sister hadn't and was a year below me, but still. She wanted to graduate as much as I did.

We had a future ahead of us and were ready to reach out for it. All of us already had our passions in mind and were ready to purse it.

Thus, we got complacent. Lazy. I hear it's called "Senioritis." Doesn't excuse my sister's laziness at the time, though.

So I lazed around a lot. Stayed in my room a whole lot, played MMORPGs late in the morning and chatted with my friends a lot.

Thus, I was hasty in a lot of things. Dressing up, using the bathroom... And well, cooking. Which is where this memory starts.

The Blue Wings orphanage has a lot of people visiting: its residents don't just include the orphans who live there. They also include their friends, their teachers and potential parents looking for adoption. It was a nice little circle, a hidden establishment meant for nothing but joy and whimsy. Sure it was rowdy, but it was my home.

And my father's little passion project.

I still hadn't fully grown at the time, so my father who was standing next to me was bear-like. Not in that he was just physically built, he was tall. I'd wager that he was around 6'5 too. Doesn't help that he has a lot of body hair, so yeah. The little kids in the orphanage who hadn't fully learnt English yet also called him bear too, so there's that.

So even though I grew up always helping him cook for the people in the Blue Wings Orphanage, I never got used to the sight of such a menacing looking man happily whisking dough and flour. With an apron that didn't quite fit him.

We were making brownies on this day. Because the kids (and myself included) love brownies. I was in charge of it, but... I noticed we were running out of ingredients.

No olive oil. So of course, I improvised and...

"?! What the hell?! This takes like crap, Reggie!" When it came time to taste test the brownies, my father literally choked. I saw him spat out the brownies straight into the trash can with good aiming.

He coughed a few times as I went over to him. "Dad! Are you okay?!" I asked. The thought that I messed up the brownies didn't even pass me at the time because I was that worried.

He waved the air in front of him, implying that it smelled. Though I didn't smell anything so this was probably just one of his weird little stims that he does.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine... I'm fine... If ya' call eating the worst tasting brownies in the world fine! Seriously Reggie, you're usually good at making them! What happened?!"

I flinched a little. It's rare to see him get worked up. So I exhaled. "I dunno... Though if I had to guess, it'd be the substitute I used."

My father lowered his eyebrow very low. So low that it could practically touch his eye. "A substitute?"

I gulped. Ohhh boy, he was probably mad. "Uh... Yeah. Substituted the missing olive oil for vegetable oil. You think we should ask Will to run over to the grocery to buy some?"

Then my dad stepped next to me and pat my back. Raising a finger in front of me, he spoke. "Okay, first things first, we ask Will for too much nowadays. He just got into college, so we should really cut 'em some slack. Secondly...

Vegetable oil is a terrible substitute for olive oil when it comes to brownies."

I looked over to the 16 brownies I just made. Father's the sort of person who can eat anything, so for him to spit it out...

Again. I gulped. I was probably in for a big lecture on cooking, which I haven't gotten in a while...

"But seriously, Reggie." Another pat on the back. "The grocery's just a ten minute drive away from here. Why didn't you tell me we were out of olive oil?"

I let out an exhale as I turned my neck to face him. The response was simple. "Well, I didn't wanna bother you. You're always so into cooking and you hate interruptions, so..."

A BIG pat on the back. It would've been enough to send me stumbling forward if I wasn't used to it. "Not when it's something important, kid!

Listen. I don't mess around when it comes to substitutions, Reggie. I haven't told you this since it generally isn't related to cooking fundamentals, but... It's more of a personal philosophy."

"Huh?"

He continued to explain as he stepped past me. Looking out the window.

"... I don't really like the idea of substitutions."

"Oi. That's it? I thought this was gonna be some big hot take that would make me reconsider what I thought of you as a father. Negatively."

"I was getting there, Reggie." Then he turned to me with his eyebrows in a glare. "And whaddya mean negatively?! Do you really think that low of me?!"

I snickered a little as I looked away. He simply put his palm to his face right after and shook his head. After a pause, he continued once more.

"Just... The idea that you can replace one thing for another and it'll work just fine doesn't ring right in my head.

Olive oil and vegetable oil got their own niches, and they should stick to those niches. They shouldn't try to fill the role of each other."

I blinked a couple of times in succession. "This is starting to sound less like cooking and more like..."

"... A personal philosophy, yeah? Cause that's what it is." My father put his hands in his pockets... As he turned over to me, his legs facing somewhere else. The exit.

"Don't go replacing other people. People are unique. There is no substitute for a person so... Live how you want."

"Dad?"

I noticed he was starting to walk off after that. But he was going over to the back exit. "Where are you going? Off to get the olive oil, right?"

He nodded. "Read my mind. I'm sure the kids won't mind if the brownies come a little later. After all, dessert's best served last!"

"Yeah. That's the definition of dessert." I responded wittingly.

But father didn't give a response. He moved over to the back door of the kitchen,

and I was left staring at his back as he left into the dark.

Father didn't show up to dinner that day.

Nor did he show up to the Blue Wings Orphanage ever after that conversation.

That was the last memory I ever had of my father.

I spent the next three years without him.

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Chapter One Part Two: Red Impulse

"And don't you agree that this is a lucrative deal, Reggie Marshall?!"

I let out a large grunt. I didn't know how these businessmen in front of me were unable to tell just how bored and fed up I was.

Right now, I was sitting at the second floor of the Blue Wings Orphanage, tugging at the tie of my suit. The second floor had some rooms dedicated to the people who worked and lived there, such as the maids and of course its owners.

This Orphanage... It was once a great place where not just orphans could gather, but all people looking for a family. I was an orphan myself until I was adopted by my dad: who owned this Orphanage.

Keyword. Owned.

Because even though it's been three years, he vanished without a trace.

I looked over to the business men in front of me. "With all due respects, uh..." Shit. I was struggling to remember what their company name was... "... Company Business?"

"Our company name is Greenhead Education, sir." One of the three business men responded, one with sunglasses.

I waved the air in front of me, continuing, "Right, right... Greenhead Education. Sorry, my mind just drifted elsewhere for a second.." To be honest, the name is slipping out of my mind already. But this is my dad's business. I have to take even shmucks like these seriously.

I looked at them directly. "So. Just to sum up, your proposal is to also integrate your schools into this orphanage? Send some of your teachers to teach here daily, yeah?"

A businessman nodded. "Yes! It will be a stable partnership. We'll provide your children with the proper education and care they deserve, and you share us some of our income. Far stable than what you have going right now, isn't it?"

Of course, I clicked my tongue. They were still going with this crap? "A big appeal of this orphanage is that its kids are able to go whatever school they want." I glared at them, making my animosity clear.

"We accommodate those desires and if they can't choose, we'll choose for them."

And then the business man in front of me responds like it was already pre-programmed. "But that takes quite a lot of time and it does take a lot of funds out of you. Not only that: but the time it consumes is too much and the logistics for that has too much complications. I'm sure you know full well just how unstable that model is. Especially considering your current financial state.

So it would be much more stable for you to hand the Orphanage's education affairs to us."

"Remove the word education in that sentence and you get what you actually want to do."

Another business man spoke up. I could see him almost stand up. It looks like I provoked him. "Excuse me?!"

"First, you get a hold on our education when it comes to the kids here. Then, you start asking for more. Perhaps you're gonna start taking care of the food too. Or the cleaning. You keep on expanding and expanding until this whole orphanage is yours.

I know how you people play. Get lost."

I don't care if this gives me or this orphanage a bad name. Don't destroy the livelihood that my father spent so long to build up.

The main business man in front of me stood up and said... "... That's not a very effective way of talking to potential shareholders. You should know better, considering you're the one who's inherited your father's business."

I snapped . I couldn't keep my voice lowered any longer. "It's his business, not mine!"

And the one with shades spoke. As he stared directly at me, or perhaps, deep into my heart. "Yeah. His business. You know, the guy who disappeared three years ago and hasn't even turned up in any searches since."

I gripped my fist. I felt the fabrics on my sleeve begin to tense as I looked right him... As I stared at all three of the men.

The tension was palpable and I felt like it could break into a messy fist fight any time soon. But we were in an orphanage.

The main and leading business man took an exhale. "My apologies, Reggie Marshall. That comment was uncalled for. We apologize for acting unprofessional. But I believe we've said everything we could."

The tone in his voice was of course, condescending and judging. It was as if he was telling me to apologize too.

But I don't apologize to people like these. Not ever. Hell would freeze over before I would.

I nodded right after, saying, "Yeah... Just don't expect me to consider your offers any time soon."

"But you should! Just my word of an advice from a senior, if you keep going on this way...

... This orphanage might not last."

Those were the last words I heard from the business men before they left.

I hated it. Because they were right. This orphanage...

... Might not last a few more months.

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Chapter One Part Three: Black Unknown, A Giant Creature (this is the part where he gets isekai'd)

Sitting on the veranda of the orphanage, I found myself here when I got confused. Always, always, always.

Always when I was stuck on a math problem as a kid.

Always when I had girl troubles as a teenagers.

And always... When I had to deal with stuff like this just for being related to my dad.

For some reason, the scene of watching children in front of me play got me to focus and clear my head. The kids here would often play all sorts of games: from Football, to Frisbee, and even some Asian games I've never heard of. Father liked to bring in orphans who were expats who were missing their parents: a thing that happened an odd amount of times. I seriously don't know how we had so many.

But that isn't happening right now.

The small field in front surrounded by a forest had no one in it. No one but the wind kept me company.

... So it made sense. On why I couldn't clear my head.

Looking at my body didn’t clear much either, as per expected. My hair was average and so was my height. My build was a little more fit than the average person though.

But noticing just how poorly I kept myself kept my mood low. I still haven’t groomed my hair nor have I properly done my clothes. The hoodie I’m wearing still has dirt stains on it. I haven’t gone to the laundry in a while.

"Tea, Reggie?"

"?"

I looked over behind me and saw a man that I knew all too well. So I'm not sure why I was startled by his voice.

It was a rather short man, shorter than me, but one that I'd be proud to call my second father. Despite the fact he's almost always in home clothing, he's one that I respect. A half Japanese man by the name of Robert Ichida.

Robert's one of my father's most trusted companions, and one of the longest caretakers of the orphanage. Apparently having been here since it was founded, though oddly enough none of the pictures of the early days feature him.

I put my palm to my face as he sat next to me. "Oh, it's just you. Hey, Robert."

"That surprised to see me?" He said with a chuckle. Robert sat down next to me as lively as ever, placing down two cups of tea. "How lost in your mind WERE you?"

"Just sorting out the things I need to do for the day. Sorting dad's orphanage isn't easy. I still... Haven't gotten used to it." I said, gripping my shoulder tightly.

Robert gave a soft chuckle as he sipped his tea slowly. He liked to savor his, so we spent a while in silence.

Of course, he didn't know how to respond to me. So he shifted the topic. "... Still not going into College?"

"No time."

"I hear your old friends Luke and Adam are third years already."

"I haven't talked to them in a while."

"And your brother..."

I hung my head right after that. Looking directly to the ground.

I didn't wanna hear anything more after that. Robert noticed this and stopped.

He read right through me with just this one sentence. "You miss Will and Annes, don't you?"

A moment of silence. A wind blowing past, a leaf being lifted up. The response I gave was painfully obvious.

"When do I not?"

Again, silence. Robert took a while with sipping tea. But this time it felt like he was taking longer than usual.

I didn't want to sit in my mind for long, not when my siblings were brought up. Not when...

"Will ain't gone, you know. He's just travelling abroad."

Oh thank god he spoke. "Yeah. But Annes is. And Will's been gone for..."

"... Just as long as your Dad. I know." He lowered his tea to his lap. With a turn of his neck, he tilted and looked over to me. "You haven't been reading those letters from Will at all."

"A lot of things come up in my emails. I don't really check the physical mail anymore."

"He misses you a lot."

"I know he does. Because I do."

I gripped my knees tightly as I gritted my teeth. One day...

Will, my brother, just up and left for college. Abroad. Left for the United Kingdom.

Ever since then, he's been too devoted to his studies. He barely has time to message me or his parents.

Sometimes I feel like he's forgotten about me completely, but... Well, just him sending letters is proof enough that he still cares. But I don't read them. They mostly just say the same stuff anyways about how much he's having fun, and if there's any urgent stuff in there: Robert would tell me.

I just don't have the time to read them. Not with all this work I have to do in keeping up the orphanage.

"You didn't have to bring up Annes, by the way. That was an unneeded blow." I said, with venom in my voice.

... That name is sacred. It shouldn't be brought up in a situation like this, where it's just small talk.

Robert took a fast sip. "Listen- my point in bringing her up is... It's clear. We all see it. Me and the rest of the caretakers.

You really miss your family. But moping around and drowning yourself in the orphanage work isn't gonna help you overcome that empty feelin' you got. I can see just how stressed you are just with how you sit down. Reggie, you've gotta spend some time for yourself."

My eyes met Robert directly. I let him keep speaking.

"You haven't talked to your friends, haven't gone out to go have some fun nor have you even thought about college man! You're still a young adult and you should be having fun! Instead of having to burden yourself with this work...

I've been by your Dad's side, so it's really fine! I can handle this orphanage, while you..."

"... You're trying to take the orphanage too, aren't you?"

"What?! No!" Robert shouted.

"You're trying to take it from Dad."

"Like hell I would! I was here since the start, I know how much this means to him!"

Again, Robert shook his head over and over again. Even shaking his hands in front of me to show how much he detests the idea.

But... I don't know if it's because I'm feeling irritated or not. Because at this moment, I really do doubt him.

"Everyone keeps treating Dad like he's gone. You didn't mention him at all- you're acting like he's already dead and gone, with how you're saying I'm handling this..."

"I never said that!" He cut in. "Listen, I'm not here to talk about the business, Reggie. Sure, it could be better. Sure, we're kind of struggling right now, and..."

He paused.

"... I was gonna save this for later, but I got some good news." I lowered an eyebrow as I looked at Robert. His hand was slipping into his pocket. "While checking the mail today, I found something real interesting.

Here."

Robert slipped it out really quickly and gave it to me just as fast. In a complete rush and hurry to let me see.

And what was in his hands...

"...!!!"

An envelope with a golden crest. I tore it out, practically almost breaking it.

All to read the inside.

"Dear Reggie Marshall, my beloved son.

Yes. I know. The three years since I've vanished haven't been easy. I know I left abruptly and I know it was sudden.

Robert's probably been busy managing the orphanage since then, since he's the one I trust the most with it. I'm guessing with him running it now, it isn't the same now huh?

But I hope the same smiles and same cheers are still around in the Blue Wings Orphanage. The same joy from all the kids and the same parents gathering around to sing around Christmas carols... And of course, I hope you're a part of that joy too, Reggie.

But I've had a life that I've been keeping secret up until now. It's the sort of life that I wouldn't like to share. One that I wouldn't tell even if my life depended on it.

It's the type of work that deals in blood money. Favors and jobs paid not through money but rather corpses and arms.

I've killed, Reggie. I'm not a good person.

Which is why I left without a trace. But I'm guessing, that must have been unfair.

So I'll offer you something. When I was young, I didn't know what to do with my life. I didn't even take College until I was much older.

When you're lost in the world like that, you take a journey. Travel the world with nothing but your two feet and a briefcase in hands.

To find out where I belonged in this world, I had to go discover all sorts of worlds. Like the age of discovery, be a pioneer to your own future.

To be honest, I'm still going on that journey myself.

But if you want to find me, you're going to need to embark on a journey of your own.

So here's where you should start."

"Edegere town..."

I spoke out loud. After that last line were a bunch of instructions on how to get to that town. It seems I'd be taking a bus trip that would last the whole day.

Then. I looked over to Robert.

"That's a good smile." He spoke first, however.

"Huh?" I moved my hand over to my face. I didn't notice...

That just by reading a letter from my Dad who was gone- I had already given a genuine smile. Soon after, I gripped my fist in courage.

It wasn't the seething rage I had earlier. This was resolve.

"... Well, I just wanted to apologize. For speaking at you earlier like that..." I closed my eyes.

"It's just- I've been so on edge recently. Dad was a really good man, you know?" Even after he claimed to have killed someone and been a part of some dirty business in this letter, I... I still can't think of anything other than just a good man.

"He sang songs to kids, played guitar to help them sleep, cooked for them... This entire orphanage was made just because he loved them. And he adopted me because his love was real.

So to see business man after business man come at this establishment without any of that love, it's just...

Life's hard."

Robert put my hand on my shoulder.

"That's a dangerous way of thinking you know.

I don't think life's hard. Some people just find it hard to walk."

"What are you getting at here...?"

"Your father's a wild man with a lot of schemes, even for simple things. When he was a kid, I remember him being quite the prankster. A scheme like this to send you on some sorta journey of self discovery... Honestly? I was expecting crazier from him.

So go on that trip. I mentioned you should spend some time for yourself earlier, right?

I wanted to ready yourself for this."

I... I hadn't realized that Robert was looking after me in much more ways than just my wellbeing.

He was asking those questions and starting a conversation with me to take care of me, that much I knew. But I wasn't aware that he was also preparing to send me off on an adventure of my own.

Robert IS one of Dad's best friends. So of course they'd be similar in a manner.

Looking ahead of me, not just one step ahead, but multiple steps ahead.

I slowly let out a warm grin. I hope Robert doesn't notice it, though.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"Thanks, Robert. Really, I... I don't know how to put it into words."

"No need to. Fact that you already look like you wanna get up and pack is proof enough.

Bring that slacker back. Not for the orphanage or for me- but for yourself."

...

"Huh?"

I was still really groggy from having slept for so long. Not to mention, hungry.

The time on my watch suggested that it was 8 PM, but it was so dark out that I was willing to guess that it somehow broke along the way. Because it's that dark.

Or maybe it's because I'm in a forest.

With giant trees, farther than the eye can reach and some blocks of trees even blocking the sky.

Even if it was day, visibility would be terrible here.

At literal end of the road, the bus I took to get to Edegere Town stopped. Except there is no town, there's just this forest.

So I looked back over to the bus driver. "Um. You sure this is Edegere Town?"

The bus driver, who was looking as tired as all late night bus drivers do, responded with a sigh. "Yes. Where ELSE would it be?"

"A forest."

"Are you stupid?!" Then he pointed. I wasn't sure what he was pointing at though... Until he spoke. "Follow the path. Edegere's a town with very little technology, so they don't have lights along the way.

Just don't stray from it and you'll be fine. Not my fault if you get into trouble if you stray off."

Oh. There's a path.

I gave a soft bow as I reached into my wallet. "Thanks. A tip." But for some reason, the bus driver froze.

"... Holy cow, THIS is your definition of a tip?!"

...

Duffel bag in hand, since I don't have much personal belongings, just my clothes.

So I didn't bring a proper luggage, just this bag. It's much lighter than luggage though.

Yet for some reason, now it's getting tired. How long have I been walking for though?

Twenty minutes? Thirty? An hour? Because it sure feels like it.

The path hasn't ended yet and is still going on. Made out of stone, even if it was dark, I wouldn't be able to stray away since I could feel the stone.

Fortunately. No creepy crawlies or any bears in sight, so this was fine. I used to do Taekwondo back in the day so my stamina is good enough to walk this far.

Though. My breaths are getting erratic and my footsteps are swaying. If the town doesn't show up soon...

I swear. The first thing I'll do when I meet my father is to roundhouse kick him. Or maybe a side kick would be better.

The first thing he does after not making contact in three years is to send me on a trip... Honestly...

Though, with how much side stuff he claimed to be doing when he was still here... I have a feeling this isn't the craziest thing he's asked someone to do.

- ?

Hold up.

The trail ends here. I was walking for a bit, then I noticed I wasn't stepping on stone.

With a look down, I could confirm that there WAS no stone path ahead. Even though the trail was supposed to lead to the village.

"Oh hell no. Did I just get scammed?"

I spoke out loud due to sheer frustration. There is no way. There is no ACTUAL way the trail ends here.

There's no way that people GENUINELY walk this long with a trail only for it to end. How do people even go in and out of the village?!

Or is this the type of village filled with hermits who never leave or do any trade!? If so, then why is there a bus stop here!? And why does my Dad know about this place?!

Actually, the last one is probably one that'll never get answered, so uh... Other questions, other questions...

Okay, I've got one. Why is there a skeleton standing upright in the forest.

"Wait, what?"

Blink blink blink. I haven't gotten crazy nor am I seeing any images in the night. And I also have never experienced sleep paralysis before, but...

To my right, about 3 meters away from me is a skeleton. And it isn't one of those skeletons which are like lying down, or stuff and... Okay: it's standing up. And that's weird.

No, that shouldn't even be physically possible. Nothing's holding it up and there aren't any strings that I can see- and it's walking to me.

Oh my god.

"-! Guh!?" It reached out to me- and swung.

Swinging with a clear intent to damage, I instinctively got back. What the hell!?

That was when I heard it.

The rattling and cluster of not just one skeleton, but many. All emerging from all around me.

But the scariest part is...

They were armed. Some with armor, but many with axes and maces.

I did what any sensible person would. And screamed.

"AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH?!!??!"

And booked it! I didn't even know where I ran, but- shit!

By a quick look down, I didn't see the trail at all! Okay, so easy enough!

I might be experiencing some supernatural bullshit, but I've always appreciated my wit in situations like these! The easiest way to get out of this... Was to stop and run back where you came from instead of throwing yourself deeper in the forest. Doing that would be stupid, as I'd probably find more of these skeletons.

Here's the issue though.

"THERE'S THAT MANY ALREADY!?"

Right where I came from... There were about 40 skeletons charging at me. 40 was a guess by the way, there's probably way more.

And up ahead, more. More, more, more.

But this wasn't impossible. Sure, they ran as fast as a human. But I'm faster than them, provided I have stamina.

There's still a bunch of unknowns in play, such as if these armed skeletons have infinite stamina, which would really suck. Or if I was heading straight into the lair of these skeletons.

The chance that I had was that the skeletons ahead of me were spread a part. There were gaps that I could cut through. If I ran behind me though, I'd practically be running into a tsunami.

Even just by trying to bumrush it or shoulder dash into it... I see some holding spears. The chance that I would be impaled is not zero. And if it's any more than zero, in this unlucky situation, that's the same as 100%.

So forward is the only way to go.

"Haaa... Haa... Haaa- oh you've gotta be fucking kidding me."

A cliff. I ran and stopped and the forest cleared... To a damn CLIFF.

To add insult to injury? There's a TOWN BELOW THIS CLIFF. With small houses, smoke coming out of chimneys and lights coming out illuminating it...

I now understand what people mean when they say "so close, yet so far." Even just climbing down won't be possible because it's a straight plunge down.

Behind me- I didn't hear just rustling. But loud stomps that I only heard from construction equipment.

What emerged wasn't a machine.

It was a giant skeleton wielding an equally colossal greatsword, far too heavy to be called a sword. It was more like a hunk of iron.

Again. I screamed. "What the HELL!?"

Was this it, Father?!

Did you somehow discover a death trap filled with skeletons and send me here?!

No- maybe I shouldn't have gone here in the night! Maybe they only show up in the night! But wait! Buses don't operate this late in the night! Maybe I was supposed to camp out?!

Where in the hell was that mentioned in the letter?! It just said to go to this town!

This town, which has a trail that BROKE OFF and the trail didn't even lead to the town! It just led to somewhere OVERLOOKING that town!

Is this how I die?!

"- EXPLODE!"

I noticed sparks on the ground as soon as I heard a shout. A loud shout that came from a woman.

Those sparks... Erupted into a wonderful blaze.

Some pillars of flame that burst up like geysers. Some, explosions like beautiful fireworks. That combustion... Saved me.

Because, as comical as it was, seeing all those skeletons being blown a part into pieces- legs and arms being blown away almost looked beautiful.

I was saved.

And the person who did it slid right in front of me.

- Black and blue clothing. An azure skirt, but the rest was ordinary. A jacket and a shirt.

Her hair was long and unkempt. Almost like bed hair. And in her hands was... It...

It's a staff. Like one you'd see in a fantasy show with a gem at the end at all. Maybe scepter is more appropriate?

The first thing she said to me was this.

"Okay, what the HELL are you doing in a monster infested forest at ELEVEN PM?!"

"IT'S ELEVEN PM?!"

"NOT IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW!"

I could tell immediately that the woman was a vulgar sort. Immediately, she turned around.

Only about 6 or so skeletons were left. Including the giant one, which stumbled back several steps. Strangely enough, the forest wasn't burning.

4 approached her. Two unarmed. One with an an axe and the other with... Knuckle dusters. Probably the last weapon I expected.

Another thing I expected. As hard as it was to believe, I just saw some magical sparks fly up and some explosions. So this person's probably and most definitely a mage.

But then she charged forward.

The azure woman raised her black staff and instantly thrusted it forward horizontally like a jab. This parried the swing of the axe skeleton.

Immediately- the knuckle duster skeleton lunged at her. But one pivot from the azure woman, and she spun her staff and deflected the punch. Holding the staff with one hand...

She punched the skeleton.

And it blew up.

"Holy shit." I audibly said. Nothing was left of that skeleton but its head.

Somehow, it seemed much more high power than the literal fireworks and pillars than before. But that didn't stop just yet.

Stepping forward twice, I saw the azure woman lower her stance and sweep the three skeletons with her staff extended outwards. Once they were down at the ground- she pointed over to them.

"Rattle your bones in HELL!"

- BOOM!!!

An explosion more powerful than the fireworks were shot out a the three. Now only two remained.

A small one, which... Scurried off into the woods. And the giant lumbering one.

It slowly raised its colossal greatsword and raised it skyward. Of course, I cowered. My body took a step back- then stopped once I noticed I was on the edge of the cliff.

The black haired woman looked over to me. "Hey, clueless idiot who got lost at eleven fuckin' PM. Help me out here."

"First of all, clueless idiot?! Second of all, help?!" I gestured to the beast. We sure were lucky it was slow, because it hasn't swung yet.

"What do you want me to do about that?!?!?!"

"Can you at least manage basic Circulation?! Shoot like... A mana blast at it or something."

"Circulation???"

"Huh?"

And then the both of us were left confused. We both stood there...

Until the woman's ears twitched. She must have felt the wind tensing up- as it moved.

The skeleton began to swing downwards, swinging that massive hunk of iron with nothing but strength. The woman shouted. "ROLL OUT OF THE WAY!"

My body instinctively did so- as we both dodged different ways. Her left and me to the right, and... Oh lord.

That blow from the skeleton blew apart the ground. Dust and pebbles flew everywhere. As a hole in the shape of the sword was left as the skeleton slowly lifted up the sword.

"You mean you don't know how to Circulate?!?! AND YOU WENT OUT IN THE WOODS?!?!"

"How to Circulate?! I don't even know WHAT you're talking about!"

"HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT?!"

She shouted. But the moment she finished that... We noticed the skeleton lifted up its sword. It was readying another attack.

The woman took three paces ahead. She pointed her staff, as... Something unimaginable happened. Well, a lot of that has happened in the past hour, but really.

Bright lights and red flames swirled around the girl. "Okay. Fine. Whatever. Sure. Maybe you're just an idiot who's lived in these exact woods for your entire life.

But I'm an even bigger idiot for using my mana reserves-"

- A bright flash, a red impulse shooting into the dark unknown.

A red beam, similar to the lightning bolt, shot like a bullet. A red arrow.

The iron that tries to kill me is completely and utterly blown away by the explosive flare that tries to save me.

The red beam shot at the head of the giant skeleton exploded and combusted, as the head of the skeleton was totally obliterated. Not only that, but most of its upper body.

It stood still, smoke having surrounding it.

Until eventually... It collapsed.

"- To save a dunce like you."

----------------------------------------

Chapter One Final Part: Golden Invitation

"So you somehow don't know anything about Circulation."

"Uh-huh."

"And you don't live here."

"I just followed the trail until it stopped."

The woman stopped. We had to take a long route to the village, so we're currently trailing the cliff. According to her, there should be some stairs down to the town.

I don't live there though. I just have to get there.

A lot of things were swirling in my mind. Such as who this woman is, those powers she showed and of course the skeletons.

... And I was still reeling from having been in a life or death experience. All because I wandered in a forest.

I could have lost my life there.

Regardless of it, I just had to accept it. That I was no longer in the world of the ordinary.

As much as I'd like to think that this is a dream or anything like that... I can differentiate dreams from reality.

And this was reality.

The woman stopped and looked over to me. "There IS no trail in that forest.

That forest is a monster infested one. No one just goes and builds trails in places where they KNOW monsters live in."

I lowered my eyebrows. "So my witness account isn’t enough for you..."

"Witness testimonies are unreliable as fuck and you know it."

She turned around and let out a sigh. "Anyways, here's another question. How did you GET here?

We're on an island, you know."

"You're kidding me." My arms fell limp as I faced her. I stopped walking. "I took a BUS to get here. New Zealand's pretty small, but it's no island."

And... The woman said something strange as she tilted her head. "Huh? New Zealand?" Then she shook her head. "Listen, I hate to jump to conclusions...

... But if you're some criminal who ran into the woods and trying to pass yourself off as a traveler- it isn't working."

- !!!

Instantly, that woman turned over her staff to me. The one that can blow shit up. The one she used to fight skeletons at a close range like a practiced martial artist.

She glared. "I'll have you know, I'm an Arcanzar Military Academy student. I have the right to arrest you if you're a criminal."

I threw up my hands like my life depended on it! Because it did at this very moment!!! "Woah, woah, woah! I didn't do any of that! I promise! What I'm telling is the truth!"

She inched closer to me. "But that doesn't line up with anything at ALL!"

I was sweating. "Trust me, I'm just as confused as to how I got here as you!" I nodded up and down. I had to get out of this situation. "I've never seen monsters such as that before and I certainly have no idea what the hell a Circulation is, so..."

The woman sighed. "But again, that seriously can't be. The Arcanzar Region is known for having 80% of its population having at least knowledge of magic."

"???"

Magic.

That one word instantly sets off a switch in my brain.

Because she showed it and later confirmed exactly what I just saw.

What I saw was magic. And I have entered... A world of fantasy.

Without even knowing how I got here.

"... You'll just have to take my word for it. I followed some directions from a letter from my dad, telling me that I'd be able to find him in this town."

I reached for my pocket and pulled out the envelope again. Though it was a bit torn due to how excitedly I pulled the paper out.

Dad always puts a signature golden crest on his envelopes. Probably to look fancy.

As the woman's pupils shrunk.

"You...

... How did you get that envelope?"

"Uh? I just said. My dad gave it to me."

She shook her head again and again. As she slapped her sides.

Then she walked around... And pointed at me with her finger.

"Your name?"

"Reggie Marshall."

"There's no way."

"... Why? What's yours, anyways?"

The woman let out a sigh. As she crossed her arms, looking at me.

But I could tell she was surprised, just trying to mask it up with sass. "Iris Blackwell. But, just...

Do you not know who the hell you are?!"

I blinked. "Uh..."

"Shouldn't have asked that. Knew you were a clueless idiot who's probably been living as a caveman for the past few years."

"Hey." I said, gesturing my arm over to her.

"Regardless, that's REALLY your name?"

"Why are you dragging this out so much?! My name's Reggie Marshall! Don't tell me you're going to doubt that!!!" I shouted out loud. It might've been clear that I was starting to get fed up. But this was a different kind of fed up. It was mixed and blended with sheer confusion.

"It's just- I can't believe it.

Are you really the son of Claude Marshall?"

I tilted my head. This person knew my father...?

No- he was a good man who had many connections. What I'm more surprised about is how this woman, who's around my age, and wields magic apparently...

Knows my father.

And if my theory is correct about this being a different world... Then how did someone from another world know who my father is?

I thought quick. "His signature is in this letter he sent me." I fished the letter out of the envelope. "So, here. Have a look." And...

Wait.

This isn't the letter I read.

"To Arcanzar Military Academy,

This is an official request from Claude Marshall, the Golden Sorcerer. I acknowledge that my three year disappearance from Arcanzar has caused many problems, especially when it comes to dealing with the Moonlit Enclave and the Neo Markov succession wars. However, I assure you that I am working behind the scenes and in a different region to assure that things don't fall apart. There are certain things that I can't even disclose to my Alma Mater due to how important it is that this information will not be leaked out.

Nonetheless, despite that, I would like you to entertain a request. My son, Reggie Marshall, in either three years to five years from now will most likely end up in Arcanzar. He has special circumstances and is not knowledgeable about Shamanism nor Circulation, but he will be a great addition to the Military Academy. His sheer grit and loyalty matches even mine and may perhaps surpass it if it is cultivated.

I will not accept rejection as an answer. You are to expel him if he causes any disciplinary action of course, but you can take my word for it: he is one worth keeping. And this may be what he needs the most.

Please entertain my request. It may turn the tides.

- The Golden Sorcerer, Claude Marshall."

"... This wasn't the letter I was given."

I spoke out loud as I read it- and showed it to the woman named Iris.

And of course. She was still looking with extreme disbelief. I could hear her mutter the words "The Golden Sorcerer" however.

Then... Again with another shake of her head, it was an indication that she either realized something or has changed her approach.

Immediately.

"-?!"

She started tugging at my arm and dragged me with great force. "Hey, what the?! Where the hell are you taking me?!"

"Arcanzar Military Academy. The Golden Sorcerer wants you in, so you're getting in."

I tried kicking my feet to stop her from dragging me... But Iris was just too strong. It didn't even look like she had much muscle on her, so how is she pulling me so effortlessly?

"Getting in!? You just said this was an island! We're going there now?! I haven't even had dinner yet!"

"Sucks for you, but we're going!"

"Wait!!! At least let me stop by the town to eat at least a slice of bread or a bowl of rice!!!"

"You can eat it at the Academy!"

"LIKE I SAID! That's probably gonna take way too long, so let me eat!!!"

Iris then quickly stopped... "Should've figured you didn't notice it by now, but we're already super close to the academy."

With a raise of her finger- she pointed up. Directly up and sky high without even looking up.

What she was pointing at were...

Crimson Wings.

A giant steel behemoth was above me, like a fusion of a plane and a boat. Easily as big as entire town though>

But it was flying. It was an airship.

And apparently it was an academy.

"THAT'S Arcanzar Military Academy. Not so far now, is it?"

Author's Note

Hello! Thank you for making it all the way of the first chapter! I've dreamed and wrote many revisions of the first chapter for a while now and it's gone through a lot.

The original first chapter was going to feature two perspectives. One of Reggie already 2 months into the Military Academy with him having to deal with midterms. Then the other him years before, showing the last time he ever saw Annes and Will (who's full name is Willard). Eventually as the chapters progress the first perspective would go backward while the second went forward. But that got really complicated to tell so I scrapped it!!!

I'm still a little bit iffy on the isekai happening so late on, but now we're in full fantasy mode. When it comes to my works the focus is really on the character though, so I hope you've gotten to know Reggie through his time in the ordinary world.

Below by the way is a bonus note and will feature trivia for some relevant characters featured in the chapter!

Bonus Note

Reggie Marshall - 21 years old. Proficient in cooking and could become a professional chef if he tried hard enough. However, lacks the discipline in order to do that, so an unstable life is more suited for him.

Robert Ichida - 48 years old. Usually made fun of for his height, which then never comes up again when he shows just how good he is at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In his hay day, he used to be a coach for it.

Willard Ferrer - 22 years old. Not related to Reggie, as Claude never had any biological children. Was adopted at 14 years old so he remembered his last name, though Reggie still treats Willard like a good brother.

Iris Blackwell - 23 years old. Self-trained in quarterstaff combat. Could become unstoppable if she received training for it, but she hasn't felt the need to.