Chapter Two: Innate Abilities

World of Ingot

Year: 1479

When one stops moving for too long, it becomes harder to begin moving again.

Once everything calmed down, Noa and the siblings were able to regard their surroundings. The open field was gone and in its place was a bright hallway that was lined with dozens of doors on either side. Sorin’s mouth started to move, but Noa turned his gaze away. A feeling of incongruity churned his stomach.

Feeling such, and deeming that the words that were about to be spoken as not very important, Noa's attention was drawn to two unfamiliar faces, who were whispering between themselves.

An unknown voice that told them to wait rang in their minds. Their host would be arriving shortly.

The voice had given everyone a short pause, but Noa began to piece together his mixed feelings. It’s needlessly complicated.

As if to check something, Noa glanced at Crina and tilted his head, but her expression didn’t convey anything so his gaze moved towards the end of the hall. There was a distasteful melody that only he could hear. It was the source that caused the larger half of his convoluted feelings.

Noa gave a look of mild disgust but nothing more and turned his gaze back to the two he didn’t recognize. On first appraisal, he knew Sorin would be adding pages to his magnum opus on fetishes. That single thought gave him some peace of mind. There wasn’t a need to be so serious when he was with the two siblings.

As for the other two, one was a reptilian humanoid with skin covered in purple scales. She was the tallest in the room made even taller with an oversized pointed hat. Many of her features were hidden by her grey robes. However, it was the remaining person that caused Noa some grief.

Behind a set of dazzling white armor, two fiery blue orbs radiated out of a helmet that had the semblance of a lion. “You are looking at me with strange and perverse eyes.”

Noa shifted back and forth. Usually those words would be directed at Sorin. The thought was displeasing, but he couldn’t really refute her words. He had ignored the fact they were in a hostile dungeon, and although his eyes drifted about he had been almost entirely focused on her since they arrived.

Crina stepped forward, “Whenever something shiny catches his sight, he wants to possess it. He may be touchy but he won’t bite.”

Noa felt a slight headache developing as a low hiss was directed at him. The lizard pointed her staff at him, but he just ignored her and turned to Crina. “First, you make it sound like I’m some kind of bird or dragon. Second, I don’t think you realize what you just said insinuates.” Noa pointed. “She is not wearing armor. She is the armor.”

The girl in question spoke, “How did you know?”

At the corner of Noa’s vision, Sorin nodded his head and mumbled something; however, Noa overlooked it and concentrated on a spot on the ceiling. Something was crawling towards them, but stopped when it noticed Noa. Despite being covered in a black robe, it was unmistakably a mannequin of sorts. With its wooden arm it gestured Noa to remain quiet.

A sigh escaped Noa’s lips, “As much as I would like to turn our attention to the task that awaits us.” He could hear it happily humming above them. “It seems introductions are in order. I’m Noa, this gorilla girl is Crina, and the gorilla girl’s lecherous brother is Sorin.”

Crina flexed various postures while Sorin gave a handsome smile. The armor girl bowed in turn seemingly unfazed. “I am Sera. My companion goes by Gin. Please continue.”

Watching Sorin and Crina lean in caused Noa to massage his eyes. “This isn’t my real body. Like you I could be considered a part of the tsukumogami family. Furthermore, I have two noteworthy innate abilities. One, I have a natural ability when it comes to transmutation, and two, I can hear the sound of various objects.”

“Isn’t it rude to call a nice lady an object,” Sorin clicked his tongue at Noa.

“If she found it offensive then wouldn’t it be taken as an insult to myself as well.” Noa retorted.

Before Sorin could respond, Sera took multiple steps forward until she was directly in front of Noa and asked, “So what do I sound like?” Her fiery eyes seemed to pulse.

Noa leaned back and shook his head. “You’re too close. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’m like a monk that descended the mountain after shedding off all earthly desires all of a sudden being confronted by a girl walking out of an aromatic bathhouse with just a thin robe while going ‘ahh’ with her hands on her hips after drinking a glass of coffee milk.” He had rambled rapidly without being able to think what he was saying. It was mostly nonsense.

There was a hissing but Sera raised her hand. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“I don’t even understand, so don’t feel bad about it, miss.” Sorin said.

Sera nodded to Sorin, and while slightly bobbing side to side gave a look of intense thought. “But still you are the first one I met like me…” She paused and looked like she wanted to put her hand out but stopped herself, “So, I hope we can become friends. And at a later date, I hope you can answer my question.” She took a few steps back.

Noa once again realized he was susceptible to being caught up in the moment. Luckily, despite the elegant appearance of Sera’s armor, she had a cute personality. Still, Noa was embarrassed, so with a red face he scratched his neck,“It’s not a big deal, it's just bad timing is all.” With this, he gave their creepy host a death stare. It shrugged its shoulders and drooped down via strings.

When it was just above the group, it waved its hands and spoke in an uncharacteristically clear voice, “Heyo, customers!. I’m sorry I missed the introductions, but I’m the Puppeteer–the demon king in charge of this dungeon. I welcome you all to my little funhouse of death!. If you wish to give up, now is your only time.”

The black robe covered most of the puppet’s frame, but its face was revealed. It seemed similar to a drama mask but it wasn't a mask. It was quite capable of shifting through a variety of emotions but all of them were dramatized.

The sudden appearance of such a thing caused a mix of reactions. Crina took up a combat stance, Sorin gave a shriek, Gin nodded, and Sera tilted her head without expression.

“You can relax Crina. If it wanted to attack it would have done so a long time ago.” Noa said.

“I know it won’t attack, but it still looks funny and I want to punch it.” Crina admitted and Noa nodded in response. He understood that sentiment; and honestly, he wouldn’t stop her if she tried.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Sorin with a half tear rolling down his eyes grabbed Noa’s shoulder. “Next time you have to let me know in advance. I have my pride.”

“Sorry, I was preoccupied. This thing just sounds repulsive while Sera sounds….” Noa coughed and bowed towards the puppet, “Anyways, I hope no offense was taken. We will be in your care.”

“Kekeke…It’s fine~~~ I wouldn’t take offense even if you threw up, tried to punch me, or shrieked aloud like that boy did!”

Sorin looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself. Maybe it was the pride he mentioned that held him back. Whatever it was, using that gap to assert herself into the new conversation, Sera asked, “Can you elaborate on what our objectives here should be?”

Meanwhile, Crina put her fists together, “Will I get to beat up a lot of things?”

“Hmm. Right now we are at one of the entry points into my world.” The puppet pointed to all the doors, “Once you enter there will be all kinds of things for you to fight young miss. I’ll even give you a warm up, but you must all accept a contract first.”

“Can’t I just punch things now?”

“No, sorry but this is a must. All kinds of otherworldly adventurers seeking thrills come here, and to achieve the most fun this method is best. Plus, me and your headmaster are in a relationship.”

“Oh you know Headmaster Gorilla?” Sorin asked. Apparently he had calmed himself, or maybe the word relationship had got his attention. Regardless, Noa hoped Sorin wouldn’t develop a mannequin fetish. He couldn’t dismiss the possibility.

“Is that what he is going by these days? Well, I was the one who killed him and made it so he could never return to this world.” The puppet twirled, “You don’t seem too disturbed. Just so you know even this body could kill all five of you in seconds. Ahh, sweet youthful nutrients.”

Noa answered, “Well that is all the setup isn’t it. How can we fault you for beating that old gorilla, and if we are too weak then it is our own problem.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Although, I’d prefer to avoid being spawn killed. It would be too embarrassing. Any tips would be appreciated.”

“Oh I see. Although I wonder if you are really just good at hiding your emotions....” The puppet trailed off slyly and changed his tone while bouncing up and down, “Don’t worry the exam is easy. It is a week long, but just think of it as a vacation to get to learn about your new friends.” It winked at Noa before continuing, “You will get three freebies! No need to say your thanks. But if you die a fourth time then the dungeon will take something in exchange and you will fail your test.”

“What do you mean the dungeon will take something,” Sera asked.

“Hmmm. I don’t know. It is up to the dungeon, but it will be easy on you guys unless you make it mad. If it was too greedy to young adventurers like yourself then we would get less customers, no?”

Gin hissed and spoke her first words aloud to the group, “If this is a dungeon. Is there a lot of loot?”

“Indeed. Since there aren’t many adventurers. There is plenty of loot to be found, but most of it is out of reach in areas swarming with monsters. That said….” the puppet looked at them with puppy dog eyes. “I’m not supposed to do this....”

“Who would dare stop the majesty of a demon king.” Noa offered, his greed calming his heart.

The puppet tapped his arms back and forth as he danced in the air, “You’re right. Here I’ve gathered some treasure chests for you. There is one for each of you! It’s not like I like you guys or anything. I just think it will be annoying to what was it again… Ah yes, Headmaster Gorilla. Also I got to see something interesting~~~~”

With a clap, five chests appear out nowhere. Noa would have liked to see the puppet as a pushover, but he knew better. As long as this thing was nearby, his nausea wouldn’t completely go away.

Noa stole another glance at Crina, who was quite quiet. There was the look of deep thought despite her previous statements. Nonetheless, he popped open the lid of his chest and found that inside there was a handgun of sorts.

Because there was no manual, most people would have to analyze it with a magical technique, but Noa could substitute that process if an object resonated with his innate ability. The process depended on a lot of nuances. It was more of a personality thing than a complexity issue. In this regard, the ability was a lot more complicated than the innate physical abilities that Crina and Sorin possessed.

With a mere touch, the truth of the firearm was revealed. Despite the form the gun had taken, it was just a simple tool that activated one spell. In this case, it turned sources of magical energy into magical projectiles.

“Can I use this?” Noa placed his hand on the empty chest.

“If you have a use for it you can go ahead and use it.”

“Thank you then.” It was an object birthed from a dungeon, so it possessed more energy than a random object. A glow emanated out of Noa’s hand and the chest vanished. In its place several orbs of lights appeared. These lights fluttered about before dissolving into the gun. They would serve as future bullets so Noa didn’t immediately have to tap into his own mana.

“Oh, that looks cool. What did you do to my chest though.”

“It’s the other ability I mentioned.” Noa put a finger to his lips, “Don’t tell anyone. It is just a secret between the two of us.”

“My lips are sealed!”

“So what did everyone else get?” Noa asked.

“No,” Sorin and Crina immediately rejected Noa.

“Come on...don’t be like that, I'm just going to analyze the objects.”

“That is what you said last time and your analysis disintegrated the object.” Crina frowned.

“In my defence, I didn’t know that would happen and it was the easiest way to learn how to create the magic circle inscribed on the objects. I promise I probably won’t do it this time.”

Sorin relented and passed him a crude spear saying, “He is just going to bother us until we hand it over anyway.”

It was just a pointed metal stick. Noa gave his deepest sigh yet and with a look of dejection just handed it back. “

Crina looked like she was about to whimper but she extended her object to Noa. This time it was just a plain metal stick.

“It’s fine. I’m not interested anymore….at least it suits you. Just keep it.”

Crina hugged the object and acted like she thought she was never going to see it again. Her happiness caused Noa to furrow his brows slightly, but he still appreciated what he had gotten so his mood was alright.

To the side, Gin was admiring some kind of book and Sera hid whatever she got. Noa didn’t know them like he knew the siblings, so he didn’t say anything and just turned to their host. “First, thank you. Second, when does the exam officially begin?”

“Oh how polite. It isn’t a problem, and how about we just get things started~~~” As it said these words, an illusionary prompt appeared in front of everyone.

Contract with the Demon King: The Puppeteer

Applicants to Sol Academy must survive in the World of Ingot for one week. Every applicant gets three lives. In the event of fatal damage, the dungeon will restore the applicant to perfect condition at no cost. At that point, the applicant can choose to be transported to the site of injury or at a random location. A fourth death will result in disqualification and the applicant will then have to pay an undecided fee to the dungeon. Points will be tallied based on an applicant's performance. Furthermore, special awards exist for those that perform well, complete hidden trials, or develop a separate contract with any remaining inhabitants of Ingot. Do you choose to accept these conditions? The dungeon and the demon king in charge will not be held responsible for the circumstances that befall the applicant.

Yes/No

Once all five of them clicked yes, the mechanical sound of cogs once again rang through their heads. The closed doors that lined the hallway opened one by one.

“It’s sudden but like I mentioned I provided you all an additional percent!” The sound of snarling could be heard as zombie-like creatures shambled their way into the hallway from the now open doorways. There were dozens of them, but they were slow. “This should be good practice for you all~~~”

“This is what I’m talking about,” Crina shouted as she swung her new favorite toy against the skulls of various monsters. The sounds of bones breaking could be heard as body-shaped dents appeared on the walls.

Sorin took a deep breath. “Am I cut out for this?” Despite saying this, his spear found its mark and pierced the chest of one of the zombies that got close.

“Stop trying to act like some edgy protagonist.” Noa fired several bullets. Although he wasn’t too familiar with this type of weapon, he didn’t miss when his targets were up close.

“Don’t be jealous if my charms work on our new friends.”

Gin gave her classic hiss. “The only thing you will get from me and Sera is our sincere and heartfelt...pity.” She twirled her staff and several icicles pierced the enemies that surrounded her.

“I prefer people that are honest.” Sera admitted as she fired a bow that she summoned. It was slower than Noa’s firearm, but her arrows split apart and hit multiple targets at once.

It didn’t take long for dozens of corpses to pile up in the hallway. The puppet above them merely rattled about as they fought. When the last monster died it said, “Splendid work. I told you it would be easy for you guys! That said these were only fodder monsters. Also, If you leave the monster cores behind then the dungeon will give you more points. ”

Crina stretched, “It was a good exercise.”

“What now?” Gin hissed at the puppet.

“You may choose a door. Each of them is connected to a part of the dungeon. You may or may not find similar doors throughout the next week.”

When they looked through the doors, they found they all led to some part of a massive city with towering skyscrapers.

“Anyone have a performance of where we go?” Noa asked.

“We’re too lazy to make such a choice,” Crina put her arm around Sorin as she said that. Noa turned to Sera and Gin.

“I don’t care.” Sera said.

“Same.” Gin added.

“This way then,” Noa was cynical and didn’t even scrutinize the world behind the door. Weren’t the doors just an illusion of choice? Or maybe you could see the doors as a way to showcase the scale of where they were going.

When they stepped through the door, only Noa could hear silent laughter pulling further away from them. He closed the door extra tight, patting it three times to make sure it was firmly shut, and then took a deep breath. A surreal breeze greeted Noa as he turned to look at the true appearance of the fallen world: a metal labyrinth that stretched in all directions.