I bumped into a topic i should have never talked about and being reminded of a war that i already know off, with Mother being one of the people who are directly involved with it and you can say i have such a lively morning.

Here i am in the dining room, with Elena and Father taking care of Mother. (The room is, lively. Well, Me and Father is alive, so that must've count)

Eating the red meat that i'm still having a hard time chewing on. (The breakfast i've had is delly. They're cold because of me)

I stare at the ceiling. ( *sighs* How bad is my luck to begin with, early in the morning? Well, to the point it'll stick out for days, that's for sure)

As i clean my teeth with a toothpick, unproportional of my age, i look at an Aeon Tablet that is on the table.

I flick the pick to the bin, unsuccessful, i swipe up the screen of the tablet to access it. (All the woe's aside, i've done it!

I finally have the permission to tap back into technology!

Father will lend me his tablet when he's home from now on and currently the feels are all right at home.

The screen, the buttons, the weight, the functionality, the search engine, the wide web and all that is here at my hands!

Ahh, technology~, i'm back again!)

Inside of it, there's not that many applications from what i expected. And their names are basic, the 'Newly Found' kind of basic.

You've got :

[ Record ], [ Maps ], [ Browser ], [ Messages ], [ Flash Light ], [ Calculator ], [ Notes ], [ Contacts ], [ Compass ], [ Audios ], [ Videos ], [ Calendar ], [ File Manager ], [ Settings ] and etc.

I don't see any App Store of a kind for me to see what's available to be downloaded.

Neither did i see any applications that is what i'd expect of a Mana-dependent world like Mana Tracker, Inscription Codex, or Grimoire and the likes. (Not enough fantasy and science)

But at least now there're many things to be researched about with the internet now accessible to me.

With the [ Maps ], i can guess that it'll show the layout from a satellite or less.

The ruins, the dungeons, the uncharted areas, the arsenals, the known developed prototypes by the nation, the floating islands, the histories and many more.

I snicker, being the happiest i've ever been in this world now that i have a tool for searching the first clue to get out of the Dive. "Ehehe, *sniffs* Ehehehe-"

"...an? ..rlan. Arlan!". Behind me is Father, pinching my ears.

"Ow, Ow Ow Ow!". I try to release his grip, didn't do much.

"Awake yet, you rascal? While i'm here taking care of the pots and plates, here you are smiling eerily looking at the screen". He releases his hands off of me.

I caresses my stinging ears, and remembers why he's here currently. (Ah, right, he's washing the dishes just now after Mother flailed her body and screamed all day long.

She's gone quiet, For Now)

I scratch my eyes, shakes my head, scrubbing off the drowsiness. "Father! What was that for?"

He points his finger at me while frowning, like a warden's attitude towards a prisoner . "Go and see yourself on the mirror to see what's what.

You're drooling, you're laughing creepily and your face just now is something i don't want to see ever again.

What are you fantasizing about?"

I touch my cheek, then to the lips, and wipe it with the nearest tissue paper. "Mmm. Sorry for that, pa but i'm overjoyed by this!

The many possibilities of this world i can discover just from a tablet!

There's a load of videos, images, blogs and posts that intrigues me to the core!". As i lift the tablet and show the screen to him.

He stares at it a few seconds, before he shows his back to me. " (mumbles) Tch. Did we create another tech freak?"

I faintly hear what he says from my seat and make out the words on my own. (Long before i was reborn, in fact)

I purposely asks as to scare him a little, pulling his shirt. "What is it, Father?"

He turns back to me. "Anyways! Even with the passwords unlocked, you still have to tell me whenever you want to use it. Except at night, i can tell that you'll be having an 'ecstasy' with it if it's in your hands at bedtime". He looks to the left, as if saying that he's a victim of this scenario.

Smirking, i imagine what he'd be like if it were to happen to me. "Oh? Whatever do you mean, pa~?"

He looks at me, at which point he shivers his body a bit. "Ugh. You definitely know what that means.

Also, we'll be having a visit from Raisya and her family in the afternoon to see your mother so greet them with sincerity when they come, alright?

I'll be heading back to Elena's room, take care of the tablet for me!". He heads out of the room, waving his hands back at me.

"Ayy!". I salute to him, after seeing him gone.

I widen my eyes before the screen of the tablet. (...Ehehe! Now, to delve into the network!)

I happen to chance on a forum posts on whether to understand the fundamentals behind magic to activate them without Chanting, or to not waste time and just use Spells.

What kind of Forum it is? Well, it's old. Newgrounds kind of old.

There's no emote, badges and profile picture, and the users only display their names and date of joining.

I didn't give a look at what it's named, since i'm on a frenzy of discovering the internet again after all these years.

(Now that Father's gone, let's get back at where i was at)

[ . . .

Playton : And how'd you deploy such devastating magic?

Akula : Understand the fundamentals of Earth, Wind and Fire magic.

Your surroundings is also a factor on how much percentage you'll be able to.

Playton : But i thought there are Spells and Scrolls that'd just make it happen?

Akula : Unwise of you, if it were to happen while you are alone and surrounded.

Here's a video of how much effective it is with a stray sword i bought of a random blacksmith.

[ Geyser Combination Magic Showcase.mp4 ] ]

I tap on the file, as it opens [ Videos ] to play it.

[. . .

"Is this On?". A black spiky haired guy have his full face with his sharp eyes and teeth looks behind the screen.

The screen zooms out, revealing more than himself.

"That'll do". He goes to the front of the camera, revealing the surrounding he's at.

In a forest of some kind, he stands there.

The sun isn't down yet and yet the surrounding looks dark enough that it silhouettes him, so it's possibly in the afternoon when he shoots this.

The ground is a little barren, like it was used many times for practicing duels.

Brown skin with some black fish scales all over his visible-only body.

Wearing a black shirt, a cargo short pants, and some straps and two scabbards on his back.

He wields on his right, a one-edged steampunk sword. The kind that has a meter on it some gears and a trigger on the bottom side.

Then on his left, a one-edged medieval sword. "This here on my right was my 'Favored', got it from a dungeon raid. Forgot where it was.

And on my left, was something that a beginner would normally bought on their first adventure, a 'Stray'

Let me show you the difference of how much this specialized weapon are, and how much YOU Could specialize in advance"

He puts the medieval one to the nearest tree, and he goes a little far off to the right side of the screen. "Here goes"

He sticks his 'Favored' within the ground, and pulls the trigger.

*Motor Engine Startup*

From this point of view, everything shakes but mostfully it's the ground.

Something beneath is lighting them up, letting out some rays of white that circles around him by a few metre.

The longer he holds the trigger, the Area of Effect or the lit up ground, i suppose, the farther and thinner it goes. "Hupp!". As he releases the trigger, the lit uo ground near him is getting fainter, on the far side however, it's only getting hotter and hotter.

"Always take precautions, you never know". He takes some steps back.

And so the moment comes shen the floor cracks. *SPLOOSH*. It opens it's content, spraying out Literal Boiling water and it's vapor upwards.

About a solid of 10 seconds passed after the manmade geyser died.

He goes on to exchange hands at the 'Stray' he left behind. "That's cool and all, but don't you want to show off them Arrogant Ones, those Bullies with their 'Legendary Arsenals', that you who're lower than them, how It Feels, to be Owned?

I Know I Do, and let me show you of it"

He holds his left on top of the surface.

Since he's far away, i can't make out on what's he doing but i can guess it's an Enchantment Spell for Arsenals. "Many thanks to the one buckler for letting me use this one!". And so he stabs the ground, the same length as before and he faces towards the camera.

"Now, you'd think that i'd just use a Geyser spell, but NO, I Will Not.

Don't feel like it, and it's pretty much an insult to the ones who understands how these phenomenons happened and why.

Why? Because, well, you'll see why". He holds it tightly, like he's trying to make something out of the sword.

A cluster of Faint Red, Green and Blue lights gather up near his arm, and the effect takes place soon after.

The ground is lit up brighter, Sun Bright, and covers more AoE than before with his 'Favored'.

As he holds the sword a few second, the AoE vanishes quicker and focuses on the front alot faster.

He hands himself off of it. "Aaaah!!". As he screams, he Sprints towards the jungle.

As the ground cracks, the camera's blinded for a moment. *White Noise*. For some reason, instead of a big bang, what is heard is a little clang.

When it recovers, what awaits is the sight of a more hazardous and deadly geyser, with it's enormous amount of content spewing out wider than ever. *Water Splashes*

"I'm alive, Yes". Akula walks back to where he was at and pulls out the 'Stray' after the geyser died.

He looks at it, swipes off the blade, and sheathes it on his back alongside the 'Favored' . "Wanna know how to do this?

Well, Go Learn on the Library about Geography, know that Knowledge is Power.

And Who Knows? Maybw you'll get to see why a Storm is formed, or why it Rains Ice, or why is Fire Tornado is even a thing.

Later, Alligator!". As he smiles, he reaches to behind the screen, and the video ends. ]

(Clever guy. One would think he's a dunce, a delinquent of sort but, ah well, looks can be deceiving.

He uses Earth, Fire and Wind magic to charge up a miniature geyser in land through his sword?

I once theorized on it but looking at it directly, this is more effective than i anticipated!

I'm bothered whether to acquire 'Taskmaster' or 'All-Rounder' because either just looks so much fun!)

All-Rounder, as it says, is basically the jack-of-all-trade for Common Magic.

Like the 4 Elementals, Sound, Healing, and Illusion magic. (But what do i know? Maybe it could possibly be beneficial for Combative Arts, like Swordsmanship, Spearsmanship and Archery. Nothing like the good old medieval arts)

What i am setting my goals towards is, again, Taskmaster and is specialized on Rare Magic.

Like Gravity, Portal, Time, and Barrier magic.

(When i think of the Combative Arts it can make out of, it's Martial Arts, Spiritual Arts and Transformation Arts. Sounds boring, but what can i do?

And the fact that you can change your job after a period of time depending on the acquired job?

Without this piece of gadget, i'd still be asking left and right on an Adventurer's Guild or Academy or whatever.

So yeah, this tablet sure is useful . . . I wonder if i can beg father for letting me learn of the other devices too, like his Aeon Desk Tablet a.k.a Foldable Laptop?)

*bell rings*

Once deep in my thoughts, i am now awake from the sound coming from the door. (Hmm? They're here already?

Alright then, it's time to greet Raisya yet again)

"Coming in a sec!". I drop down from the chair, and i still wonder what time it is.

I look at the tablet's date and time, then to the clock hanging on the wall beside the fridge.

Both shows numericals, the ones that counts from 1 to 12 i am familliar with, and currently it's 13:35 P.M. with the clock a little de-synchronized for about 2 minutes back. (Whoa! Looking at the time, i never noticed that many hours has passed.

It's only 3 hours yet i didn't even feel the slightest change in time at all! ... Except for being hungry.

The tablet is dangerously effective! . . . reminds me of how i was on the outside). I walk on towards the front of the house.

As i am now there, standing on top of the 'WELCOME' mat, i ready myself to greet a friend of my parents as i swipe it left and right to match with the angle of the door. (Nothing wrong with being a 'little' bit perfectionist)

*opens door*

As i turn the handle and is greeted by a blinding flash of white light, i shut my eyes for a moment, before seeing the guests in front of me.

Raisya, in her 30's, wearing a white and brown long dress that covers down to her legs, is looking as motherly as ever.

Her hair's brown-red, her eyes black and it's pupils brown, the facial hair surrounding her face has a tint of red in it.

As always, her wavy hair is worn long down to her back and she wears a gardening hat on top of it. (One might think she's formerly a princess of a certain country, visiting it's neighbors)

Behind her stands some figures, which i can already guess, is the family i haven't come to know off. "Come in, Miss Raisya and family!"

"Oh? If it isn't Arlan!

I'm delighted to meet you again, and let me introduce you to Carmine, my husband and Rexar, our second child". She steps to the side, revealing the other bystanders with her hands.

(So that means the first one is either gone out on a journey, like my unknown sister, or busy somewhere else)

The first thing i noticed is beards, which came from a Dwarven figure, and goes on until it reaches his chests. He's shorter than Raisya who's a little taller than my Mother which is shorter than Father.

Unable to see his apparels, i move closer to his front, as i reach out my hand for welcoming him. "I'm Arlan Gritt! Nice to meet you Uncle Carmine! Rexar!"

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

With the lighting getting clearer, i get to see the full details of his appearance.

His skin that is covered by hair is brown, like it was affected after thumping iron with a hammer for a living.

Covered by a leather apron, that of a blacksmith's, is a sleeveless brown shirt and black short pants.

Whelk is seen on the upper part of his face, all the while the facial hair is doing the job of hiding them.

With at least 3 beads, he have some of the beards rolled inside them, looking like he came right out of a spa

His haircut is brown jagged edges, half a mohawk, and on the front is a protective googles.

What's more is that his muscles, particularly on the arms and a little on the chests is visible, more so than Father's.

(A Brown-skinned Dwarf!

I know that Raisya once said his husband is a dwarf but seeing one myself, he sure is 'buffed up')

Scratching his beard, the dwarf looks at me with a smile as he glances to Raisya. "Uncle? *chuckles* Was thinking i'd have to butcher his fake smile with them 'noble' greeting, but... Well i'd be lying if he hadn't surpassed my expectation of the kid of two Guardians.

Nice to meet'cha, kid!". He reaches his hands for mine, aplausing me for my 'peasantly' greeting.

Naturally, i response him with a friendly handshake.

With my hand still reaching out for a handshake, i tilt to the right, looking on his back, to see the one tinier guest which reveals a boy who looks like he's still a grade schooler.

Even as a kid, i can see the forest on his skin is still growing.

Spiky brownish light gold hair, he wears the same googles like the big dwarf before me.

He wears the clothes that the dwarf here wears, like he's a son feeding off of his father's affection.

And yet there he stands behind his father, looking at the house rather than the receptionist that is me.

His son has more characteristics of his mother, having some light gold shades in his hair and his skin is a little bright.

His body differs not much from mine aside from being taller, that might indicates that i'm the younger one here. (How old is he? If he's above 7, maybe i can ask him to show me some magic and what his 'job' is.

Yet Another Opportunity!)

Afterwards, i go on to the kid for a handshake.

Hesitating at first, but with second that passes by, he accepts it. "Ah! Me too! It's nice to meet you, Arlan! Say mom, dad, can i go play with him?"

I lift my eyebrows, questioning if this is normal for kids. (Hey, is that normal for someone you literally just met within minutes?

Whatever, it's more convenient since i don't have to ask him out for a Q&A session)

"Hmm... Whaddaya say, Arl?". He stares right into my eyes, waiting for an answer.

I nod to him, as i look at Raisya and she nods back. "Yeah! I want to play, too! I know of a spot around here!"

Fidgeting with his beard, he goes on thinking, Hard. "... Aight then, but just for an 'our!"

Raisya puts her hands on both me and Rexar, directing our line of sight to the greeneries. "And don't stray too far from Arlan and the house, alright?"

He gives a thumbs up to Raisya. "Yep! Now, let's go Arl! To the spot you just said!"

I point to a faraway piece of land that has some stacked boulders and the rivers near it. "Ayy! It's just straight ahead where there is rocks and a river flowing nearby.

Race you to it?". I taunt him, knowing a kid's instinct after giving him the goal.

Looking irritated, it seems i taunted him successfully. "Heeh, You're On!". He launches himself forward, not giving me a headstart.

"UWOOOH!!!"

I panicked and tries to sprint as fast as i could to catch up to him. "Hey, too fast! Wait Up!"

(Argh, i know that he'll do that but, why're kid's so energetic in general?!)

. . .

Across the fields, on the afternoon i enjoy the sight of nature that is presented before us. (The orange tinted sky, they're so beautiful)

As i think of what's to eat, a steak or chicken nuggets. (The clouds, i can image them to be whatever i think off)

With the warm air gushing after us, giving us a breather. (And the calm breeze that passes by, it's bliss. . . Is what i'd say if i'm not laying down and breathing heavily with the winner by the rocks here). Knowing that Rexar's the older, bigger one of us, i definitely have it in me for starting it in the first place.

My mind is in shambles, as it only focuses on getting oxygen in and out. *panting* (I don't mind losing but to exhaust me right from the start, despicable. Then again, he is older than me and being a dwarf and a human offspring is an advantage for him, so i call dibs.

What was it that i want to talk with him again?

Magic, right. Why, Magic, of course. As always, Magic)

Panting after my pursuit, i sit and rest my hand on the back. " *exhales* Rex?"

Rexar, still looking he still have some power left in him for another run, is sitting on the right. "Wha?"

"How old are you?". As i said that, he shut his eye and tilts his head upward, maybe preparing the answers on what i asked before.

(I know that sounds like it came out of nowhere, but it's normal for kids... Right?)

He open his eyes as he have both his open palm to me.

With the exception of his left index, he stretches all his fingers. "Hmm, i turned 9 two months ago.

Why are you asking that?"

I stand up to his front, gesturing my hands to mimic how 'fireball' is always casted. "Do you know how to use Magic? Like, Fireball or Waterball?"

He jumps up from the ground in excitement. "Yep! In fact, i've already learned Earth, Fire, Water and Wind magic! Pretty cool, eh?". He scratches his nose, placing his confidence on his words.

(Hmm, i wouldn't know that, so...)

I act as a cute, little boy wanting to know how a kid my age cast out magic spells. "Really?!". I clench my hand and smile with my mouth open.

The kid in response, lifts his head high, having his ego rising. "For real! Why do you ask?"

"I want you to show me how you do it!"

"Hmm... Okay. Since i technically can do all Water, Fire, Wind and Earth 'Easy' spells, which one you think i should have a go with first?"

I take my time as i realize how the people in this world is Abnormally Strong from little, and to give in to clarity, i breathe in. (Kids can have a go at the basic 4 elementals, these days?

Wonder what kind of shenanigans one would do in a bullying case). I breathe out, accepting the fact i must Become Strong to defend myself from unjust scenarios that sometimes played on my head.

I continue my acting after the shock i just had. "Eh? You'll show me everything?!"

"Of course! Amazing, aren't i?". He smiles sincerely, unlike mine.

For some reason, i instinctively shut my eyes and Just stands there, paralyzed by his smile. (Ah! So innocent that it's hurting me.

Only right for me to serves you back with one, won't it? )

I widen my face, stare right into his eyes, and Smile. "Yeah! Thank You Rexar!". Afterwards, i close my eyes.

(Umu, umu! With this i finally have a friend of my age and not only that but he can also uses 4 elements of magic! What a chance to test out his ability.

Now i only have to wait and see). What i see is that Rexar is just standing there unknowingly, dumbfounded.

And his face froze like it just saw something marvelous.

(Why do i feel like i've seen this before?

Oh, ri~ght. I've, 'Charmed' Elena with my act before this... I don't know if i should stop or not)

I take some steps forwards, and he doesn't respond to it.

I grip his shoulder as i shake his body to the sides. "Rex? Re~x? "

He touches my hands, and he rest both his hands on his waists. "Oh! Y-yeah yeah, i'll show you how amazing this 'Big Brother' of yours is!"

As i hear the word 'Big' and 'Brother', i know what's coming ahead of me. Lots of Pampering. (. . . How bothersome. . . )

"I'll go sit at the rocks there, you just do your magic, yeah?". I point towards my usual resting spot.

"OK. Now, let me show you : Fireball!". And so begin the show of the basic four elemental magic showcase.

. . .

Comparing between the effectiveness of deploying magic from Sieg's, Mother's and Rexar's, Magic is definitely stepping forward in the right direction.

Well, not in the sense that he just imagines it out of thin air and Poof, it's there, No.

It's that now instead of Sieg's long casting, Rexar's just spitting out names that is overused in fantasy's magic casting.

How they deploy them are as follow :

Sieg : "Grant me power to Convert Mana into Water in my right hand and Fire in my left hand. Combine!

Launch!"

Mother : "Form Water in right and Fire in left ! Combine, and Launch !"

Rexar : "Water Cannon! Fire Bullet!"

In terms of prowess, i don't know Sieg much but his 'Firenado' is Definitely devastating in combat.

(It's almost a real representation of one, that i thought he called one from above)

On how much Mana it costs, might be the most of the list. (Makes sense since it takes a massive amount of concentration, and he's done it On The Fly)

Not to mention the Very long time it takes to chant the incantation for the spell to form. (I'd either get stabbed by a dagger on the chests or shot by an arrow on my knees by the time i finished my chanting. Well, or being bit by sharp fangs)

Currently, i don't know if it requires Imaging or Fundamental understanding, or what if some spell is 'Cursed' and would take a heavy toll on my body, so i would put it as 'Hard to learn, Easy to Master'.

In terms of prowess, when i saw Mother's 'Firenado', i take it upon myself to remember how different it was from Sieg's, and i can say that her's is lower. (Fire is not her thing, could it be of her trauma?)

Her's is longer lasting than Sieg's, like 3 to 5 more seconds.

It does tire Mother's Mana, but not so much that it takes up to Sieg's level.

The time it takes to casts is shorter, that is apparent. (At least i can retaliate a little with this one)

Mother said that while it doesn't require to Image it, Fundamentals of how it happened Is Required.

And while she does acknowledge it, she takes upon herself to not be fond of anything that includes Fire since it tires her a little but surely, so i would put it as 'Hard and Easy It Goes'.

In terms of prowess, Rexar's is the puniest in comparison of all three, what with it's big size makes it sloe to arrive on it's target. (Even i know that bigger doesn't necessarily means better.

Still gonna hurt if i were to be hit by it, though)

It has the least duration of all three, lasting up to only 3 seconds at it's most.

From the looks of it, it doesn't take that much toll on his body, and it only takes 3 seconds to cast it.

He days that all you need is your 1st Job, a substantial amount of Mana, and just saying the spell together one after another to Combine it.

But he also said that there's 'Combined' spells, so that makes it even more redundant trying to combine them one by one.

It's not bad, but not good either as the 'Firenado' sways a little from it's desired designation point, like how it should, and i definitely will put it as 'Easy Comes, Easy Goes'

So, what if all three to be matching each other out in the field? Well, if it's in a real war where tactics is required, and the enemies are far away, i'd say Sieg would win but, i don't know how common a Magician is or one that is able to cast Combative spells, so i wouldn't take him into account that much.

Mother would whack both in terms of experience and with Rex if he were to train more, he could stand a chance against mother.

Rex? Rex can only go home if he doesn't train more with his spells. Too lackluster.

I guess it all depends on their preferred jobs, with each having a distinct style and results to them.

Who knows? Maybe i get to know someone that can do them instantly with no body movement, no chanting, and just does it from his mind alone.

(Hmm, i wonder if magic's deployment can be further improved like silent image chant, multi body chant, engraved chant and others?

I'll research about these in the future.

Now, with all this magic Rex deployed for the past 5 minutes, i can tell he's almost depleted his Mana by this point so i guess it's time to stop him after this one spell)

"Now, here's a combination of Water and Wind, specifically Tornado.

Here comes! Wet Typhoon! ". He joints his hand, forming a gaping mouth and Mana comes out to form to each physical manifestation of the lights they represents, in which comes out a horizontally less effective typhoon. *Whooshes and splashes*

I clap my hands, 'Totally' in awe, as to praise his 'Superb' magical abilities. "Uwaah, that one could work well with Lightning magic to stun your foes.

But that's enough for now.

Rex?"

"Hmm? What is it?". Even as exasperated as he is with the dropping sweat enough to wet a whole notebook, he's still eager to continue.

I walk on, heading to the river. "I wanna grab something along the river. You wanna come?"

"Ah! Of course, just show the way!". He jogs and stands besides me, side by side.

"Yes, yes"

(Back to the wolf's den... abandoned cave, to be precise). I know what i think off, and it's basically it.

The dream about Sieg ended with him weeping inside a cave, and while this one nearby isn't really it, i just 'Know' that there used to be some canines around, like Wolves.

When i come to think of the place that i'm going to go back to, while i do know that it's dangerous, i can be feel at ease a little with Rexar here.

Why i'm doing this is to explain to my family how i 'Maybe' got the dream in the first place and if i'm lucky maybe it could be storing some useful data from the previous owner. (I just want to have my own tablet, honestly.

I don't know how do Father charge his, even after all these years, and there's no 'socket' or charger of a kind for them.

Hopefully the cave stays empty from any occupants, 'cause i'm traumatized by some existence, now.

That of Wolves... Ugh, let's just grab this thing up and quick)

As we stroll along the river, jumping over stones and shallow water, picking some flowers to blow, i came to sight of the current destination. "There's the cave! C'mon, Rex! ... Rex?". I look around the site for his existance, and his spiky hair give away his hiding spot, the bushes that i used hide in.

(Coincidence? Hmm, Yeah, Coincidence)

I trudge back to him. "Why're you hiding in the bushes?"

"Guuh, it's dark and big and there could be some animals! I don't wanna go~.

Hey, let's go back to the others, Arl?". Whimpering, the bushes shakes as he shivers alone.

With the fact that i'm the braver one, a thought of messing him being a wimp crosses my mind. (. . . Ehehehe, guess i'll tease him!)

Putting my hands in my pants' pockets, i trudge onto the cave casually. "Aah~, i guess 'Big Brother' Rexar is too much of a scaredy cat to protect his 'Little Brother' in an abandoned cave.

Guess i'll leave you here, then~". I glance back at him, snickering with a devious smile.

His eyes twitched for a moment, maybe not accepting the taunt just now. ". . . Ugh, i'm not scared or anything.

I'm just... preparing myself to protect you from sneak attack outside and... i'll walk with you". Coming out of hiding, he stroke his hair from the lingering leaves.

(Is he a hedgehog or what with those hair of his?)

As it is back then, standing beside me, he acts as a guard on an escort. "By the way, what do you want to grab?

And why is it in a cave, again?". He's shaking from the fear of being pounced by something as we head inside. Even then, he stands besides me.

(Bet he'll make a good, trustworthy Knight in this world. So long as he's trained properly)

My vision is a bit good in the darkness when i noticed how i can still see the cracks on the walls, which is why i am not on alert as Rex is. "Relax~, okay? Don't be so tense, Rex"

*echoes of footsteps*

As we walk and is only accompanied by the sound we're making and the silence besides it, i see the objects that i'm searching for is in sight. "Ah! There they are.

I'll just put these two in the ragged bag and there we go. Let's go back to the others before it's too dark". I grab the bag, which is pretty rough in and out, yet it doesn't stink and is actually quite light.

(I guess he's already not going to be back with the signs of all this accumulated waste on it)

He looks over the surrounding, still shuddering of the peer pressure of being inside. A"Yes yes yes, i don't wanna stay here any longer"

As i look at the inside before going out, i recollect my memories of Father's tablets in comparison to this dusty one.

Rather than clad in black with some silver, this one even with the deteriorating paint has some mark that tells me it's grey and white.

The design of the tablet isn't too different, so i have some hope that it'll be a sufficient replacement for when father's in the academy.

(Come to think of it, could the problem of it not displaying the screen properly is because it's depleted it's battery?

But the thing doesn't have a hole for 'charging up'... Maybe i'll find out back at home.

That aside, i haven't known most of the academy around the city, maybe i can ask Rexar if he's in one?)

I walk past him, who's watcging the perimeter. "Rex, are you in an academy?"

He noticing this immediately turns himself to lead on the front. "Aah, but of course! Since i've acquired the job of 'Mage', i was enrolled by my parents to learn magic like everyone else, even though father wanted me to be a 'Knight'.

I picked this job because i wanna help father's arsenal craft-smithing and mother's potion brewing". Exiting the cave, he find a stick and poses it as wielding a sword.

Remembering from my days from the outside that there's plenty of Jobs you can acquire, even a Swordmaster or Magemaster, i find his job to be rather disappointing.

I know of some jobs that'll fit him better for assisting Smithes, like 'Craftmeister' that is proefficjent on learning, improvising and making formulas on crafting many kinds of items; 'Combat Mage', which can make the most of any magic that has the sliver of destruction in them; or 'Mage Knight', which combines magic and apply them on their knightsmanship, that is already deadly to begin with and blossoms them with exerting radiance of power.

Looking at the surface of the river which is flowing with low current, i wash up my face. *splashes* "Pwah.

You know, there's the option of acquiring 'Craftmeister' so you don't have to pick either, right? Though it'll be harder to learn both at the same time.

Then again, there's the option of 'Combat Mage', 'Mage Knight' and many others.

You just had to 'search' for your preferences in an Aeon Tablet". I describe my way of handling information, by being upfront and blunt.

(They do exist, i swear but, it's weird that not even a mention of them on the internet is found after all that time browsing...Don't tell me, the Dive's had a gamebreaking bug, isn't it?

Agh, this won't do for our sales and variety in fantasy classes. I can imagine it already)

"Eh?! No way! You're kidding, right?". Being on the back despite being bigger, he's panting and is desperate for a breather or two.

(Serves you right, runner)

Arriving on the spectating spot first, i sit, waiting for him left behind. "Why do you think that?

Besides, it's not too hard to change your job.

All you need is just to wait a predetermined time and you could change your current job with another... Wait... Don't tell me... you don't know this, too?"

Staring at the dirt, then he stares to the side, not sure how to answer. "... No...?"

(Quite pathetic that i am the one teaching here, really.

Knowing all this stuff and got reminded of them after a few minutes on the internet, i can't blame him for not being knowledgeable off it.

But he's in an academy, isn't he? A 'Magic' one at that, and he is definitely not paying much attention with how shallow he knows of Job as a whole, as simple as it is.

Maybe when he's back home, i can go teach him if he's not too busy

All we had to do is to ask our parents... hope it works)

Dropping down, i stretches my joints, preparing to go for another run. "Hey, what do you say if i play with you at your house?"

Heads up, he thinks for a few second. "Hmm? I don't mind, but i'm only at home after midday, and i don't know if our parents will aprove of it"

I pat his back, and proceed to go back first from him. "Then let's ask them, yeah?

I want to hear more about your studies, the academy, the city and more!

If you agree, i can teach you something you may not know like how to increase Uncle Carmine's efficiency in arsenal craft-smithing". I know of a description from the net, though i don't know in it's practicallity.

"Really! Then let's get back quick!

I'll tell mom and dad, and you tell yours, too!". Bolting for a sprint, he surely have enough breather for another race.

As i follow suit, i have but no odds of winning over his overbearing stamina. "Ey! Wait up for me!

I can't run as fast as you are with me carrying these! Rex~!"

. . .