In my room, books of all kinds from dungeons, stories, guides, histories, learnings and so on; i'm engrossed at a knight focused book with some arsenal arts on it's galleries.
(Swords and Daggers, Katanas and Nodachis, Bows and Knuckles, Spears and Shields, Guns and Bombs; long as i get to dual-wield something, i want to train at least some of them when i get to some academy on the city)
Fully immersed, the book got picked up by someone at some point. "So here you are, Young Master!
I told you to have a bath first before touching the books!
I'll be returning this one to the racks". She goes to put it to the racks to our right near the door that was put in here after she became our housemaid and my indulgence in discovering things.
The bottom rack has fairytales that i don't get too much opinion at. The middle contains some interesting learning books, histories, and folklores.
The top is where she's putting it, alongside the other guides, dungeons and theories.
"Aah! Why?!"
"Because you are still dirty to touch books. Now come with me to the bath"
Elena is our housemaid that saw the post from my father to babysit me from the city.
Whether it's by paper or digitally she was found and hired, i do not know but she never lets me out of her sight.
She is my caretaker, after all, though i do find it disrupting that she always find faults at little things like this.
Honest, remindful and to the point where she'd pinch my cheeks because of how worried she is over me, sitting at the boulder where i usually spectate father and mother.
It has been at least half a year since then, naturally she's familiar with us and is recognized even as a part of the family, tells you what this Gritt family values to their closest associates.
(Was just having some quiet moment to myself on what academy i should choose first to learn weaponry.
Pretty sure there's the likes for Archers like Ranger or Scout Academy, if i were to recall it?
Woman just gotta headbutt in at that time, but at least she cares for me)
"Uwaah! But but bu-"
"No buts! For punishment, i will have to clean you more from the dusts that has been gathering around you"
Looking at my own body, i haven't showered this morning because i'm trying to go on the usual spot but it rained yesterday and i stumbled upon some puddles and after it dried from my clothes, turns into dusts. "Owh..."
I still can't speak clearly, the very reasons why i am reading is to learn the language of this world to make sure i can talk at least more of a kindergartener so i can ask permission to explore more of the house.
(And you just had to pick me up while i'm at it) "Ble~gh!" Pushing my right eyelid down with the right pinky and sticks out my tongue, i contempt her.
"Young Master, that face is not going to work on me.
But still, to talk while not even 6 years old in my hometown is an achievement in itself.
So don't be too angry about it, yeah? " She goes on to strip me off my clothes, before opening the door to exit.
(That silver tongue of her! So ferocious, i am jebaited and i so not want to say this, but guess i'll forgive you in exchange for the compliment)
Heads down, covering my vital parts with both hands following her to the bathroom. "... yesh"
. . .
After bathing and wearing my 'tiny' clothes again, which takes on the style of noble costumes from the good old 2D cartoons, i continued where i left off with my reading off 'A Handy Guide for Cowards in The Wilds'. Despite it's mocking name, it might just be 'handy' for some situations i don't want to partake in, so it's best to learn how i'd bode with them.
It explains on how to avoid traps, to not be detected by predators, and how to sneak up on lesser targets easily.
Why i read this is because of the '3 Main Coming of Age of Maturity'.
You can guess why it's named that way. Basically a 'Rite Of Passage', though it doesn't stop after you completed the 3 big numbers.
And this is also why my sister are out there, not at home.
(If she were to interrupt my reading session, i swear i'll hide from her sight just so she'll be stressed out)
At 7 years old, we are given the choice to pick our jobs / titles by visiting the kind that is most knowledgeable about land, the Dwarvenkin.
Thankfully, they are near Shaarik and are to be done with escorts, family or not.
At 14, the same but by visiting the kind most knowledgeable about water, the Seakin.
This is when we are to go on about our journey to a certain spot located within Ytris that has a coastline, 'Mirffa', either alone or along with those who also undergoes the journey but absolutely no escorts that already has underwent through this journey.
At 21, yet again but by visiting the kind most knowledgeable about nature, the Elvenkin.
The most secretive thus far, aside from knowing that it might be another journey to a forest of kind, the location and the rules is still not known to me.
And from that point on, those whose kind we visits are random and the time is unspecified, so there is almost no patterns for me to learn on what to prepare after the coming of age 21 at the future.
How do we get the instructions for these are still unknown, because yet again, until my 'time comes'.
Also, the age of the inhabitants of this world is severely different, humans normally age up until 120 with the oldest having the records of aging until 210, more or less.
That said, there are some words that i have been troubled on what they means so, i guess i have to ask for help.
Even if it's embarrasing with my way of speech.
Towards the housemaid, i lift the book to show her a page of the book. "Missus!"
The woman is sweeping the floor off the dirty waters after bathing with a broom. "Yes, Young Master?"
Pointing a specific sentence, i yearn for her to translate it. "Can't... read... hard words! Don't understand! Read for... me! "
She puts away the broom, nearing me before sitting on my right. "*chuckles* With pleasure, Young Master"
(I get that i'm cute and all, but-)
Lifted by the arms, i then got put down feeling some plump meat all around my back. (Uh... This is embarassing... Breasts are touching my back...
She's fine, but, i'm not...
Eh, won't be having this again when i'll experience my first 'Age Of Maturity', might as well enjoy the sensation)
" 'A Handy Guide for Cowards in The Wilds' ?
Uhuh~. This is quite the taste you have here, Young Master.
So, where is the one you don't get at?"
(. . . I'll pretend i didn't hear that first one just now)
"This this!" I point the sentences again with my right while my left pulls hand pulls her left arm.
It shows the one letter that is like a mix of r and g along the others after it.
The writing style is a mix of Arabic along with the twists of Java's exotic language, Aksara.
(Why'd it gotta be these?
I don't get my local language well, and off all places to have them again is here?
Bastards, should've gone with some normal gibberish like Tolkien did)
"Hmm? This reads as : To be 'precise'.
Is there anything else?"
"Read more page... To fe precshise!"
I just bit my tongue at the most unfortunate time.
The shame i have to endure, and i just know she's having fun right now. (Ach! The stupid long teeths! Why is it so wolf fang-like?)
"*giggles* With pleasure, Young Master~
So to know whether there is an animal occupying an area, all you need to know is to search for the signs of. . . ". She goes describing the contents up until some pages where i can understand to some degree and make sense of them.
. . .
Minutes passes, and the heaps of letters and words i never knew then was taught by Elena seconds later was very valuable. Her teachings are slightly better than father's, i admit.
I guess i need to tell Elena to ask for her help to tutor me from tomorrow onwards, but for now i'll ask her to stop.
" *yawns* Miss Elena?" I pull her clothes lightly as i am drowsy.
She shut my still open mouth with her right index. "Ey! Bad manners~! Cover your mouth when you yawns next time, Young Master"
I put her hands away, covering my mouth while i finish yawning. "Mmm. Yesh... Can i sleep now?"
She stands, kisses me on the forehead, put a mark on the last read page by flipping a little of the page before taking it from the bed. " *kiss* Yeah. I'll go out of your sweet dreams, Young Master~"
I touch the place where she kisses me, and i cuddle myself around my bed. (Since everyone in the house always kisses me on the forehead and cheaks, means i'm to be fabulous, won't i? Hehe)
She walks to the shelves, put the book on the top, and goes for the lights' switch. "Alright, i'll put out the lights so have yourself a nice dream, Young Mast-"
"Miss Elena?" Interrupting her, i want so say something i've saved for her all these times.
Stopping herself from turning off the lights, looking behind facing me. "Hmm? Yes, what is it, Young Master?"
I put on a wide face with my genuine smile. "Thanks phor awhaysh taking care oph me~!"
She stood there, as if she's dumbfounded and i noticed both her pupils dilates, and i found out what that means. (Wait, did she just... No, nonono~!
That means she'll be eyeing me intensely from now on, won't she?)
"Uhmm, Miss Elena?"
"Oh! Uh yes. Ahaha~.
Have a Good Night, Young Master!!" She turns the lights off, while still looking behind the door.
Still with the smile i have, i wave at her. "Yeah! Miss Elena too, Haph a Good Night!"
Her face slowly instills a trembling grin, and her pupils dilates more to the point half her retinas are covered in black. ". . . Mmhm, Night Night~" Waving behind the door before closing it, i hear her footsteps getting faint.
Back to my normal poker face, i try to sleep as usual but my thoughts haunts me over something. (... Did i just see that right? I kind of feeling a little creeped out by the face she puts just now.
And, why am i starting to get chills even after she closes the door?!)
After that night, the atmosphere in the house changed a little.
At some point, i realized a 'Slight' change in the maid's behaviour.
It's more like a doting sister than a tutoring babysitter.
And my parents, of course, realized this too.
And so they encouraged her to teach me more of this world, leaving me in her hands.
With that, my relaxing life starts to be more...chaotic from then on.
. . .
Just as i was turning 4 this month, i've come to know more of this world, Altaris.
Yes, the name of the game company i worked from.
(Just Why TF is the game named 'Projekt Greyworld', then?
Will some kind of war erupts that'd make the setting bleak so that it matches the name?
I know there's the 'grey' elements around the world and i guess that still holds true, but still)
The continents that i have come to know from the books around me are:
1. Burga, most of it lands is in the deserts and is the one with the least people in it because of how hazardous the heat is. (Basically Egypt, but no pyramids, heat multiplied plus monsters roaming around)
2. Follig, rather than a continent, it's thousands of islands close to each other and is interconnected by the sea. (Closest resemblance i can give is Indonesia, and even that country doesn't suffice for the amount of islands we've put in)
3. Krysk, the most unexplored continent to date, covered by thick fog and are the most researched by explorers currently. (If there's fog, means it's gotta be cold, filled eith miasma or the likes of Alaska, Antartic or the Arctic, maybe)
4. Omron, the floating continents with each islands having their own distinct wilderness, which for some reason had some of it's lands float adrift to the others', and so far no one still has not found out why. (Floating continent 'cause, why not?
Might as well satisfy RPG fans that always have these)
5. Nurfi, the continent that we live in right now, is the most developed and prosperous up to date and still has many uncharted dungeons and wilderness. (It's your fraking beginner Isekai template, 'cause screw originality. Hope this is the first place players'll be Diving first if the project where to finish this year)
'There are still some unknown continents out there that hasn't been discovered and if there are new ones, they are restricted to be investigated from the public in fear of unknown conflicts our country country may not have known.
When you get older, you'll find out why that is the case' is what father said... such a thing to say to a little kid.
Ugh, despite being one of the 'writer', if you can call it that anymore, there are still many things i haven't come to know.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
The surrounding continents contents like countries, it's status, history and conflicts is just not my stuff.
Because the stuff that is for worldbuilding is not done by me but unfortunately i still have to learn them.
Rather, what part i have done is the mystical ones like the dungeons, the sky fortress, and the unknown entities.
(Pretty sure i've pitched an enemy idea that's like came from the Void itself, memory's hazy though so i can't recall what it is... Eh, we still have Hero vs Demon Lord, usually involve continental war and mass genocide, so that's a good enough reason for me trying to find my way out of the Dive)
Now, what i'm trying to learn is a guide on how to conquer ancient and rare magic books from my mother's researching room.
I found one book that picqued my interest, and search for a spot away from the maid.
It's below some tables in the living room, where the tablecloths helps me being hidden.
(I did as i swore back then, and i needed it, honestly)
What i'm reading now is 'The Existence of Known Rare and Ancient Magic and What to Do If One Is Near You' under the staircase. That's a mouthful.
I read this just in case like, Just. In. Case i stumbled upon one out there... and why of course, because i yearn to be one who wields them, as a soon-to-be Taskmaster.
Gotta take all possible advantages like acquiring a the 'job' so i won't be hindered learning them... Though, why i do it here is because Elena starts to get aggressive in her teachings lately.
" (faint) Young Master! Where're you hiding? Please come out so we can continue our homeschool lesson!"
(NOPE, no way do i want to.
Can't count how many times have i told her i do not want to learn etiquette since that night?
Like i want to give myself ways to hold utensils, cup of glass, and greeting formally your noble associates!
Don't know what she's planning with the sudden proposal, but i am Definitely not going to give in easily)
" (faint) Young Master! Where are you! I made your favorite chocopie so please come out!"
Chocopies, is some of the only snacks i get to have here aside from cakes occasionally when mother comes home. (Guuh! Of all things to have chocopie served, it's Thursday, and that's today!
Why can you just let me off the hook for a sec and have peace and tranquility in my reading?!)
The noises here are disrupting me, so i plan to have myself some other alone time to the spectating spot by going out the nearest windoe that i can sneek off to.
(Sayonara, nanny)
I did so after stowing the book i'm carrying to the ground below as quiet as possible, and i try my best to close the windows off a little so she won't notice a thing.
(Hope you'll fix this overbearing attitude of yours, woman. It's kind of your fault that this happens)
While i do plan to run straight to the place, i want to take a look at the exterior of the house.
Where i am standing is the garden at the left side of the house that expands to the front and the right side. Most of the plants here are quite normal like spiky flowers similar of Perennials, white-leaf tree of White Poplar, round Dandelions and others that's blooming this season.
(A season, a day passes by on the outside world, i guess?
*sighs* I miss home)
Walking to my right, behind the house, is the place where mother always clean and dry off the clothes under the sun.
The line for drying them is set from two normal green-leaf trees facing the opposite, surprisingly no small animals and bugs walks on them.
(If they were to tell me how this could be, maybe it'd help mother back on the outside world from the damned red ants)
Going to the other side of the house where the garden stops expanding, then to the front is the porch. Not much else is there aside from a lone growing tree, though it feels great to lay down on the grasses and just relax when the weather's normal.
There's rock fences circling the house that has gaps and doors for them.
(Welp, not much has changed, time to go)
. . .
I'm going to the direction where both of my parents usually have their duels, while bringing the book with me.
I usually just spend at least a solid 20 minutes, just sitting and reading while enjoying the calmness around me.
While it feels great knowing the contents of the book, i'm starting to be wary of past events where she catches me off guard.
(I guess now she'll be starting to look for me outside the house, but where should i go?
Come to think of it, i never explored the riverside, haven't i?
Might as well do some sightseeing, reliving myself from all the stress i've pent up)
I put the book down just below the spot where i usually sit on some boulder, and starts to walk around the river enjoying the quiet scenery of nature.
(*inhale* Ah, nothing beats the smell of fresh air)
The sound, the quietness, the smell and the views are endearing to all my senses.
The wildlife i encountered here are all harmless, thankfully.
Flying bug that looks like a mix off a dragonfly and mosquito.
Amphibians that looks like a mix off a frog and rays.
Rodents that looks like a mix of squirrel and guinea pig.
Birds that looks like a mix of a woodpecker and owl.
(Eccentric, look like they come from an anime-inspired English animation i used to watch)
I came to notice a cave in front of me, it's gaping entrance makes me fear of what's possibly inside
(... There won't be feral wolves, right?... Gotta mske sure)
I grab on to some pebbles, hide behind some bushes and threw 3 consecutively just to draw out some potential dangers...
Seconds passes by...
There's nothing, really... Though, i do feel a little bit of deja vu.
(Huh, experienced because of a dream.
I did had myself an all-nighter on some survival games, so it's plausible i'm just concious of my surroundings.
Alright, time to check out if this could be a good hiding place)
I walk to it, entering while maximizing my focus to hearing. Leaving any stray thoughts, just pure focus.
The lights that seeps in is sufficient for me to see most of the insides, and there's glowy mushrooms and plants all around for the extra help.
A little far from the entrance, i see something laying on the ground behind a dead end.
I approach it, and squints my eyes.
What's there is a little bag that looks like it has been left for sometime.
I rummage the bag, and my hands stumbled on something thick and heavy.
I look on the inside, and being out all that is inside:
A letter and a tablet like the one i used to have from the outside world, though more rusty and old.
The letter said :
'Through the [error]-ge of Maturity', all that's left is self-sati[error]. I've been on the journey for the [error]-r years, trying to find yet another purpose to live on. And so i did. I found [error]. '
(... That's a little vague, heck's this supposed to mean?) I inspect the tablet, and there's the usual volume up and down button on the right side, power button on the left side, audio jack-in on the top and lastly, there's no charging hole anywhere.
(I guess Mana the life battery in this, just how is it charged?
Hmm, i'll try booting it up)
Holding the power button, blue lights from the top to the bottom goes round and round to the upper side until they stop.
[ Aeon ®, The Greatest Fusion of Technology and Magic ]
It cuts to black, before some white light from the bottom comes.
I try swiping it up and as expected, [ Password is Required ]
Below the texts are 6 empty boxes.
(It's a 6-pin password, this'll take just a moment)
Tapping on the first column, the 0 to 9 numerical of this world came out in the shape of a rectangular.
(0 on the left end and 9 on the right end, what's there to guess?)
I tapped the numbers of the '3 Main Age of Maturity', 7-1-4-2-1- ... and what's left is just one number. Noticing that the years this 'wanderer' has journeyed is four years after thinking aloud off 0 to 9, i inserted the number 4.
[ 7-1-4-2-1-4.
Lock opened.
Initiating unlocking procedures]
The screen cuts to black again.
And so with that, the job is done.
(Now all i have to do is wait for the screen to come up)
... A solid of 20 seconds i waited, and it's still not doing anything. (Nothings going on, but i do feel a little bit sleepy)
My head starts to feel heavy, my eyes are cloudy, my skin shivering like it's been crept up and my body starts to feel like it's electrocuted. (Ugh, what's going on with my body?)
My eyes got the worst drowsiness i've ever experienced, but i punch the wall so the pain can keep me awake for the time being.
( *thud* Woops, almost closed my eyes right there, in the afternoon where there could still be roaming animals.
*yawns* I guess it's time to head back.)
I put down both the letter and the tablet, not knowing if they're left behind on purpose or is there to trap someone
I exits the cave, started trailing back to where i put my book and run as fast as i could, feeling the calm breeze passes by me until the front door...
(Wish there's someone to race with, this isolation's killing me)
. . .
Arriving at the front porch, i slow myself down and try to open the door slowly
(Hmm, how come i didn't hear her voice when inside the cave? I'm pretty sure she's still searching for me around the-)
*Door Opens*
The door suddenly opens, and i shudder in fear seeing the one that waits for me.
The housemaid, Elena, she just stood there, menacingly with both arms crossed and heads high looking down on me.
Her expression is a mix of anger, confusion, and regret.
(Ugh, don't look at me like that!
Here i thought i'm about to be grounded at the spot but the way she stares at me makes me feels guilty.
I guess i need to apologize but i'm scared if she suddenly slaps me or pinches me again.
I'll, close my eyes for now.)
Bowing down, i replicate the formal greeting that a noble does for apologizing. "Sorry for playing outside without asking a word, Missus Elena. I will accept any possible punishment with my best"
(Go on, then, tell me i won't be getting my chocopie or you'll be keeping my favorite reads for a week)
... I lift my heads up, noticing what horrible deed i've done.
Full of tears, her face is drenched while still trying her best to maintain her face.
(... OH, Oh No!)
"Uhm, miss? I think we should get inside, i'll hear you out in my room, okay?"
Nodding, after i come inside she closes the door while walking a few feets away from me.
(Ugh, man, this blows)
. . .
*sobs and sobs*
Being used as her stress pillow, i can only glance at her covered face from time to time with the feeling of guilt. It doesn't help that her assets are all over my back.
The sight of someone being caressed by a kid 2 decades younger is not something you'd see often in, well, Anywhere... and that's exactly what's happening right now.
After at least drying up her eyes onto my hair, which tickles a ton, 2 minutes and a half, she calmed down.
"There, there now Missus, don't cry~ .
I said i'm sorry Missus Elena, don't cry.
It hurts me that you're hurt because of me, so " Covering her face with both hands, i help wipe the tears off of her with my tiny weeny hands.
"*hiccup* It's your fault. I'm worried about you, you know? *sobs*
I thought i lost you, i thought you were kidnapped, i'm scared thinking about it. *sobs* "
"... *sighs*. Missus, can you release me for awhile? I want to show you something"
She did as i told, sulking and not looking at me. "What?"
I hug her as much as i could, what with the body i have. "It's alright Missus, it's my fault, and i will try my best not to sadden you again"
". . . *sobs* Yes... You said you'd accept anything, like, Anything?" She looks at me with the eyes of a puppy.
I back off, seeing that makes me a little more guilty. "Ngh... long as it's within my power, yeah"
(Hope it's not gonna involve some freaking fetish)
"Mmm... Alright, i'll have you abide me on something.
For starters, firstly i'll accompanying you in bed every once in a while" Crossing her arms, shutting her eyes, and movements on her face it's as if she's debating with her own minds.
I froze, thinking the acts that she may possibly do while i'm asleep. "... Hmm? You said that as if you have more to come, why not tell me everything now?"
Opening her eyes, a wicked smile was put on and she covers her mouth with her right hand. "Mhm~, won't be a fun punishment if you know them now, won't it?"
I drop myself from the bed, walking towards the exit. "... *sighs*. Yeah. I'll have myself a bath, if you don't min-" Before i am able to twist the door handle, she halts me by holding my right hand captive. .
"Actually, I Do Mind.
Secondly, i'll wash you Even More thoroughly inside the bath"
I try to twist it harder by putting my other hand. "Haah? No, come on, i can do it myse-" And so, both hands is on her leash.
"Aah! No going back now, Young Master! Now, onto the cleansing~! " She picks me up, forcing me to piggy ride her before exiting.
(*chuckles*. Least she won't be That Mad at me.
I only hope she won't be destroying my privacy entirely with the punishment game.
But, eh, it's just a game for now so i'll enjoy it while i can)
. . .
*clack*
The lights on my bedroom was turned on by the housemaid in her own sets of pajamas.
The windows and curtains of those windows are shut tight.
And for the last thing she'll be asking me tonight, bedtime stories.
(Now that i think about it, i never had an older sister figure bsck on the outside world)
She goes on sit behind me acting as my stand, where i rest my back on her front. "Here we go, then, Young Master! 'The Elves View Of Loving Us As Pets' "
Tilting my head to her, straight to the eyes. "From the sound of it, seems like you liked this sad story, Missus?"
Patting me on the head, she smiles brightfully. "Yes, because unlike us, they live at least up to 400 or more years and in all that lifespan, they always see people come and go like yesterday came by"
I can't help but lift my eyebrows in curiosity. "Then why do they view us as such? Pretty sure there's lots who are married to elves, both light and dark elves. I too want to marry one or more"
" *snickers* You sure dream high.
*sighs* Have you ever had a pet before, Young Master?"
Shutting my eye, i put on a thinking pose. (If there's a raptor-like dragon egg or baby alligator and croc, i'd ask for them)
"No? I haven't seen anything that can be worthy to be captured as pets around here"
"Well, if you were to love them truly, what you don't know is that pets age faster than us all"
"Huh, does that mean they pity us?"
"No, because we are the one that mostfully pity them because, they have to endure the pain of living without their beloved thst once were by their side.
Hence, Pets Are Replaceable"
My drowsiness increases as time passes . "... Ngh. Does that mean i should never marry an elf?"
"It means, that you should uplift them and have them strong In and Out as to make sure you both do not become a burden to each other... Ahaha~, how come i'm talking philosophy with Young Master, i'll start reading the story now."
I cover my face from my gaping mouth. " *yawns* No, please~, i want to sleep"
"I'm glad you remembered what i taught.
Alright, i'll turn off the light, now you go on sleep first, Young Master"
Getting down from the bed, she goes near the exit to turn off the lights off, and goes back to sleep beside me and she lays her left arm towards me. "If you want to, you can sleep here instead"
No hesitation given, i switches my head pillow to her arms. "For, making you cry today, Miss Elena"
She pats me yet again, rubbing them a little softer than before. "You're going to be a good boy, Young Master"
"... Thanks. Good Night, Miss Elena" i closes my eye, preparing to descend into dreamland once again.
"Mmm, *kiss* Good Night, Young Master Arlan" A kiss on the forehead, together we fall asleep, along with her hectic breath that kind of creeps me as i try to pretend sleeping.
(Whatever, not like i will have something bad happen to me in the near future, right?... Possibly no)
. . .