CHAPTER 13
Rules And Regulations
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...Hah....
I never thought I'll be using way too much money than I intend to just to buy dresses...!
You see... When I had gone over to Litore-Town to buy dress for Mirapdi and as well for my Followers. But that Town just had too many dress to offer... Even the expensive ones were all in discount so.... I couldn't help but to buy them....
My first reason was: I couldn't help myself.....to buy every pair of dress for Mirapdi, 'cause she looked so cute on her. So I just had to buy every one pair of each dress for Mirapdi.
Even though, she was telling me, 'It's enough.... I don't need this many cloths...', to which I just ignored her and continue to buy more dress.
My second reason was: after our shopping, when we were walking towards the restaurant for meal. My eyes suddenly caught on something, which I couldn't ignore.
It was the Harmonica, an mouth organ instrument.
I don't know why but I got the feeling to buy it, no matter what.
When I did, I learned that Harmonica has 12 keys(Sets), that are: AB, A, BB, B, C, DD, D, EB, E, F, F#, and G. In total, 12 keys which I had to buy, because of that, I had now only 12 Gold Coins* left in my pocket.... Well, I brought 15 Gold Coins with me and didn't expect I've already wasted this much money....
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*Note: At first I thought I can explain about the currency in 3rd Arc or something... But I've changed my mind! So here's the basic!
1 Bronze Coin: One USD
1 Big Bronze Coin: One Hundred USD
1 Sliver Coin: One Thousand USD
1 Big Sliver Coin: Ten Thousand USD
1 Gold Coin: One Hundred Thousand USD
1 Guardian Coin: 1 million USD
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...Hah...
Anyways.
After buying the Harmonica, we all went to the restaurant to eat. While we were eating, I asked Mirapdi about her House and Family so I could take her to them, but.... She told me, she didn't have any families members or relatives.
So I said, 'Then, you can stay with us, as long as you like', to which she thanked me in shy manner which was really cute..!
While nodding my head, I asked her another question, I asked her about her Past so I could know her better..... But as soon I asked her, her face turned pale in fear and moments later she started to cry without reason...
So, Rheka, took the led and started comforting her. I also soon followed by apologizing to her, 'I'm sorry, Mirapdi, to ask you so suddenly. If you don't wanna talk about it then it's fine too'.
With that, we all finish our meal and returned home by using Teleportation Magic.
You know, I noticed Rheka and Mirapdi were quite close, even though they got to know each other for only week or so. Still I feel like they had build quite an unbreakable bond between themselves.
So I relief myself by giving Rheka the job to take care of Mirapdi.
.... I think it's quite a hassle to look after someone, you know!
After all, I prefer to be alone in peace.
And lately, I'm having anxiety about my past.... It's been already 5 years since I woke up in this world without any memories of my past. I'm having thoughts like, 'Will I ever regain my memories..?, And what if I regain it what will happen then.... Will I become a different person...?'
But I put this thoughts aside, for now.
Anyways... The next day: I woke up before dawn and got fresh.
After the breakfast, I teleported myself to the Dungeon(Research Facility) to hear reports of new discovery or something like that.
And now, after hearing the reports I was outside the Dungeon, sitting on tree branch trying learn to play Harmonica.
To tell you the truth, I've also told Num to bring Shigeo's group here on this forest... So I'm waiting for them.
You see..... Everyone got training from my Followers for month. So even I can say they must've gotten stronger than before.
Every one of them were train individually, separate from one and another.
Shizu Lama was trained by Kitsune, improving on her Healing Magic.
Shikka Gurung was trained by Num, improving his Wind Magic and strengthening his body.
Satō Shigeo was trained by Jyoti, improving his Mental state so he could control his Esper power more easily.
And now, it's my turn to give them some training.
Actually.... I don't even know what should I give them for training.....
「S-Sub-kun! I'm sorry if I had keep you waiting!!」
Hm..?
Just when I was thinking about them, Num suddenly appeared before me along with Shigeo's group.
And yeah, I've also told Num not to call me 'Master' in front of them. But.... I guess, even he's in trouble calling me by my name, huh...
If I had told Jyoti, or Kitsune, about this. I'm sure they would definitely reject my proposal to call me by name, so I guess, I could only rely on Num on this matter...
「Oh. Not at all. I've also been here just a moment ago.」< Sub >
Even though, I was waiting for them for hours.... I'll just keep it to myself.
「Welcome to the 'Paradise Forest'. Your final training session will be held in this forest. And I'll be your mentor this time.」< Sub >
I turn my attention to Shigeo's group, while putting my mask aside my head.
「Yes! We are happy to be your acquaintances! And once again, thank you from bottom of my heart for saving my father, Sub-dono!!」< Shizu >
「Oh. It's nothing that great. By the way, you can just call me by my name.」< Sub >
Trio looked at each other for a while, and nodded back.
While they were looking at each other, I also heard Shigeo muttering, '..'Paradise Forest', huh...', if I heard that correctly then...
Anyways.
The reason I had named this forest 'Paradise Forest' was because of two reasons.
First reason: whenever I got to any forest, I always feel calm, like; feeling the cold wind on my skin, or by hearing birds chirping, just soothes my mind and heart, relieving my stress.
I also think I'm just being selfish here but no one had ever pointed out to me, so I guess it's fine.... Maybe...
Second reason: in this forest, there were wild animals and birds which had been long extinct during the first Great War.
How do I know, you ask?
Well, it was inside the History Book* which I used to read. And just to make sure, I also asked my Followers to confirm it, and they were able to.
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*Note: So the History Book, Sub was referring to was the book which had the history of First Great War.
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You know, that time I used to think the extinct animals and birds were rare or even impossible to see it anymore. But here it was; in this forest, many of them which had thought to been long extinct. And because of rare they were, I couldn't help but to call it the 'Paradise Forest'.
I was explaining the background of the Paradise Forest to trio, or to be more specific: only telling them the second reason.... You know, I thought it would be lame to tell them the first reason...
While I was explaining, suddenly Shikka puts his one hand up in the air.
「?」
I paused my explanation and looked at Shikka, and everyone also turned their gaze to him.
「Umm..... Mr.Num already told me about this... But.... I still have my doubts....」< Shikka >
「Shikka! This person right here is the one who saved my Father from great danger and yet you still doubt him?!!」< Shizu >
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
「Shikka.... I think we should at least hear him out first.」< Shigeo >
「...」
Oh wow, never thought Shigeo and Shizu will defend me on my behalf. And as for Num, his eyes were twitching at Shikka words and muttering in small voice, 'I think, you should need more training'.
...Yep, I didn't hear what just Num said....
「..I-It's not like that! Just hear me out first, guys! ....You know, I've been wondering the moment I saw him, he looks just a normal person to me.... It's just hard to believe that our final training will be looked by him...」< Shikka >
Aah! I see.
So he's the type of guy who thinks weak people can't possibly train strong people.
Well, I wasn't bother by it, though.
But when I looked at Num and others, they were facepalming in embarrassment.
I actually felt great, knowing my Mask and Concealing Ring were working perfectly.
I always wanted to live a peaceful life, you know. And it's a great achievement in it itself.
I should thank Dwarfs for making this.
Now that I think about it, if Jyoti or Kitsune were happen to be here instead of Num, then I'm pretty sure Shikka wouldn't be alive to see the next sunrise..... Thank god, I've made the right choice!
Anyways.
「I understand, what you're trying say, Shikka. So... Let's have a sparring match, then?」< Sub >
「...Heh... That's what I've been waiting for!」< Shikka >
Shikka and I got to the distance from one and another.
「Let's start then!」< Shikka >
「Sure.」
The moment when I gave him a nod.
Shikka suddenly closed the distance between him and me.
「《Wind Magic: Wind Blade》!」< Shikka >
From the ground where I was standing, a gush of Wind Blades came at me in incredible speed from every directions.
I see. Shikka was able to control his Magic even more than before. Still... He had long way to go before he could fully master his Magic.
The Magic he used was High-Level Magic. Even the A+ Adventurers will hard time dodging it.
However!
As I mention before, my speed was equivalent to 'Speed Of Light*', so it wasn't hard for me dodge them all and besides, if I can't dodge it then I'll just have to create a defense barrier around me.
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Sub also mentioned this in Chapter 9.
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I dodged all the wind blades and got quickly behind Shikka's back and poke my fingers on his pressure points.
「?!!」
When Shikka noticed me, he jump away from me, creating a distance.
「...Tch! It seems I've really underestimated you....」< Shikka >
Yeah, the moment he took me lightly, he lose the battle.
You know, in real battle; if you look down at your opponents then, it might cause you some hard time.
When Shikka took a step forward, he actually went falling down at the ground, face first.
「Wha?!! Why isn't my body responding?!!!」< Shikka >
Shikka said in surprise voice, or should I say he couldn't comprehend what had just happen to him.
You know, whenever I poke my finger to enemies pressure points, I always did in my maximum speed, so it's understandable that the effects of it will take some seconds before showing its effects.
And besides, I haven't poke him that hard, so I'll guess he can move again in few minutes.
「Ok that's enough! I think nobody gonna doubt S-Sub-kun's abilities now, right...? And Shikka, you can stay like that for a while.」< Num >
When Num suddenly interjected.
Everyone had hard time believing on my abilities. Well, I didn't even show anything besides then pressure point so it was understandable.
「So...」
When I said that, everyone turned their gaze upon me, making me feel awkward....
But I gathered up my inner strength and talk.
「...So guys, can you tell me about Magic and other things?」< Sub >
It's not like I didn't know anything about it, you know!!
I just wanna know how much they know.
Trio gave each other a slight silenced look before talking.
• • •
• •
Okay!
I've learned, the Trio were quite knowledgeable in their own ways.
What they said were basic but correct.
There were 3 types of common use of Powers or Magic.
● Magic: Magic was kind of unknown phenomena, which gave every beings at least one appetite of Elements, which they can easily control it by practicing.
● Art: Arts were quite different from the Magic, even though they work on same basis as Magic. One can learn different types of Magic from their original ones, but had to enchant 'Art' before they could active it. And also, every 'Seal' types were included in this category too.
● Technique: Techniques were used in different basis from Magic, altogether. Techniques were created by normal beings who didn't have any Magic to defend themselves, and were passed on future generations. The ones who lacks Magic essence can learn the Techniques, in order to makeup their strength to compete with Magic users in equal terms. However, it depends on user's stamina and on their body limit, of how much they can handle the stress on their body.
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*Note: If you've watched Samurai types of Animes then you'll know what I'm talking about.....
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「Ah yes!」
Just when I thought to ask another question, Shizu suddenly started to say something, which not many people know about.
What she told about was; Spirit Magic or Arts.
There were also Sorcerers who can borrow the power of Spirits, which can refill their Mana(Magic) or used in battles without using their own Mana but it depends on their mental state, of how much they can handle it. Also only Spiritual Life Form can use Spirits Magic and Arts.
Um-hmm. I really got to handed down to her for knowing this...
「....Then, I also got something to tell...!」< Shigeo >
While I thinking that, Shigeo also suddenly started to say something, which was also interesting to listen.
What he said was; about the 'Skill'.
Those who came from another world, will always have one 'Skill' in their arsenal, which they got before coming to this world.
You know, it was also one thing that distinguished them from being in this world.
「...Eh...?」
When I looked at Shikka who was still laying on the ground, he had dumbfounded look on his face while telling his friends, 'Guys! Don't leave me behind will ya?!'
Yeah, I'll just ignore him and move to my next question.
「So, how much do you guys know about Weapons and Armors, then?」< Sub >
When I asked them the question, Shikka was the first one answer.
「Hmph! That's a easy question. There are Six types of them!」< Shikka >
The way he puts it, there was Six Classes of Weapons and Armors, and they are: Normal-Class, Advance-Class, Unique-Class, Mystic-Class, Legend-Class and God-Class.
● Normal-Class were easy to craft and can be brought by anyone in cheap price.
● Advance-Class were top-notch weapons and Armors made by Humans which can give an excellent performance if it used correctly, and also this type of Weapons and Armors can manipulate one element of Magic.
● Unique-Class were crafted by the Dwarfs who were also known as 'World's Best Craftsmen'. This Unique-Class Weapons and Armors were hard to find in Humans cities but it can be obtained via Dwarfs, or by exploring the Dungeons, or Labyrinth. To make this types Weapons and Armors it required Rare or Unique items which was also hard to find in this continent.(Kitsune's folding fan which she always carry with her, are also Unique-Class.)
Just when Shikka was halfway through explaining, he suddenly stop talking and looked at his friends.
「..Um....Guys.... I think I forgot about the other half....」< Shikka >
「...*Sigh*....Fine....」
With an exasperated expression, Shizu started to explain.
● Mystic-Class were the ones who were lost or forgotten by the world. The creator or the origin of these Weapons are unknown. But there was also one thing that distinguished them from any other Weapons and Armors and that is, it have its own will and choose it's Master by its own. Even if you have these you can only bring out 20% of its abilities unless it chooses you as their Master.(You can also take my weapon's(bracelet) as an example which was also have it's unknown origin.)
● Legend-Class were the ones which had been identify its origins. Most of the time this type of Weapons or Armors were seen in hands of War-Heroes, or are passed down to future generations, or can be one of Mystic-Class. Its power was second to none after the God-Class Weapons.(The Katana which Jyoti carry are classified as Legend-Class.)
● God-Class will always have that dignified aura surrounding it. They'll have destructive or mysterious power to it. None materials were able to replicate its power. It was believed that this weapons and armors belongs to the Gods themselves. The ones who came from another world were the one who brought them to this world and most of them said only one thing, 'It was given to me by Gods'. Still it rarely happen when someone bring this types of Weapons or Armors. (Also Num's weapon the 'Golden Staff' was the God-Class)
I gave a light nod to their explanation.
When I looked at Shikka, he was now able to move his body, so I guess, I'll talk with them while having our meal.
「Num-san, I think it's time for our meal, right?」< Sub >
「! A-Ah yes! Of course, S-Sub-kun!」< Num >
When I asked about the meal to Num, he suddenly started to panic for no reason, and I guess, he's still having hard time calling name by my name, huh....
Anyways.
Num puts his one hand into 'Storage Pouch' and took out the picnic blanket and food.
Oh! And have I mentioned this before..?
The 'Storage Pouch' which me and my Followers carry were different from others.
First reason was; it had almost unlimited storage than any other Pouch, which you can find in the cities.
Second reason was; inside the 'Storage Pouch' even the flow of time was stop so if we were to put foods or meats in it, it can be preserved in perfect condition.
Thanks to the Harvest Room, and a little a bit of my Magic, and with the help of Dwarfs we were able to make this item.
When Num was serving our meal, I started to talk with the trio.
「So, do you know what type of training I'll give you?」< Sub >
「... About Techniques, Sub-san...?」< Shizu >
「.... Is it about Magic, Sub-san...?」< Shigeo >
「...」
「No... And can you just call me by name, guys?」< Sub >
Hah....
I thought, I had already told my Followers about this but it seems they didn't told the trio either.... I'll have to make sure when I return Home, I'll give them all a good lecture...!
When I looked at Shikka, he somewhat seems to understood what I was trying to say so I assume Num did told Shikka about it... I guess, I'll let go Num this time.
But still.... It's a pain to explain again, you know....!!
I took a bite from my sandwich and said.
「This time training will be different from your previous ones. You'll be training to hone your 'Survival Instinct'.」< Sub >
「! Eh?」
「...」
「....I just don't get it... Won't be more appropriate to train for upcoming 'World Tournament' rather than this....?」< Shizu >
Shizu got a point, but!
「But... Training for upcoming 'World Tournament' had already finished when you all completed the training of Jyoti, Kitsune and Num. For my part: you'll all be learning how to survive with teamwork.」< Sub >
And why did I say, you ask?
Well, my reason was simple.
Mech-Country was really develop in every aspects, from Foods to Entertainments, everything was available here. And what's more was in every Towns and Villages were all protected by the Force-Field device which can fend off at least small army without any problem.
Citizens were happy to live a peaceful life.
However... If something unexpected were to happen, where citizens are in moments of crisis, or in unfamiliar place then, they'll feel hopeless.....
But... I believe, we, Humans also have that 'Survival Instinct' inside our genes which were passed down from our ancestors, you know. And I think our 'Survival Instinct' had just become dull because of how we mostly depend on Technologies, nowadays.....
Well... I won't deny I'm also one of them, though...--Wait! What heck am I even talking about?!!
Anyways!
When I gave my explanation, trio nodded. It seems they must've understand what I'm talking about!
「So... I have a question to ask, Sub..?」< Shigeo >
「Yes.」
「I've been thinking... How much will our training will last..?」< Shigeo >
「Aah yes. You all be surviving in this forest for whole two months. If you survive 'till then you all pass my training.」< Sub >
「Huh?」
「Eh?」
「Say what?」
Shigeo and Shizu had flabbergasted face.
Well, I understand it was unexpected turn of events for you guys... I can only say, 'All The Best'.
By the way, Shikka had other things in mind, he kept telling, 'No way.....You mean, I can't play 'M.U.B.G*' for another whole two months...', with depressed face.
As a fellow player of 'M.U.B.G', I also understand what he's talking about.... I also know the feeling of missing even a single 'Mage Pass*'..... Wait---!! What am I even talking about, again?!!
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'M.U.B.G' is a parody of 'PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds'. And 'Mage Pass' is a parody of 'Royal Pass' of P.U.B.G
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A-Ahem! Y-You know, I think it's best just to ignore Shikka's words...
「So, here's your food for tonight's dinner.」< Num >
But Num, suddenly puts his the food in front of them, as for the trio when they heard Num's voice, they all kept quiet and took the food without any protest.
And that was a great safe, from stopping me from thinking too deep!
....Now that I think about it, trio were always kept quiet whenever Num Spoke.... Does they fear Num....Or... With all my Followers...?
But they didn't seem to be depressed by it or anything, so I guess if they don't any complaints then it's fine....Right?
Well, from tomorrow morning; Trio will have to find their own foods and have to build a shelter to survive. I think they could easily do this if they work together in team...
And also, I think this was the safest place for them to be here during war.
After all, it was located on far West of this continent, from Mech-Country or from Demon Lord Ruiyuko's Castle.
And I've already send Jyoti to speak with, Mr.President, on this matter, so I'm sure she can handle it well.
Anyways....
I've told the residents of the Dungeon(Research Facility) about this, and ask them to keep an eye on the Trio from distance without getting expose and report to my Followers.
....And I'm been thinking about my deal with Mr.Jim, lately.... You know, just a month ago in that huge explosion even Mr.Jim house got destroyed along with the city. So.... I'm not sure if the Old Mangas was safe or not....
But hey! I'll keep end of my bargain, just as promised. Cause I'm a man who keeps his promise even when other party breaks it.
And I don't think, Mr.Jim broke our deal. It just happen so suddenly, you know.....
A lot of things happen during this One Month time....
Still... It means I have to give up on reading the OG Mangas....*Sigh*......And that sucks.....
While remembering our deal, I feel depressed inside, while eating my last sandwich in one bite.
After having my meal with the Trio, I stood up and Num quickly follow up to me.
「Well, I wish you all good luck. And we'll be meeting again after two months, 'til then, see ya.」< Sub >
I turned my back to the Trio and started to walk more deeper into the forest along with Num who was following me.
「Oh yeah. Num, can you go the city and buy some mangoes?」< Sub >
When we got little deeper into the forest I suddenly stop at my track and asked Num to buy some mangoes.
「! Of course, Master!」< Num >
And he went back to being normal again when trio wasn't here to see....
Well, not that I care either way. Num gave me an diligent bow and disappeared in thin air.
As for me, I teleported myself to the treehouse.
When I got there, I saw Rheka was teaching Mirapdi to how to read and write.
But.... Why are they even here in the first place? I thought they would be at the House, not here....
*Sigh*...
When they noticed my presence, Mirapdi came running towards me but abruptly stop in front of me.
「...W-W-Welcome back! Mister Sub!」< Mirapdi >
So she chooses to call me 'Mister', huh..... Well, whatever.
With an flustered manner she greeted, while holding a piece of paper on her one hand.
You know! Even though, she greeted me in flustered manner, she still look so cute!!
I crouch myself and gave her a light pat on her head.
「Yeah. I'm back.」
「!! T-T-This is for you!!!」
Mirapdi face suddenly turned red, and bowed to me in absurd manner and handed me the piece of paper she was holding.
When I open it, it says only one thing in big letters: 'Thank you for everything!'
I didn't even know, why she's thanking me, though?
But still, I couldn't help but to smirk at her letter.
「...Ummm.....」
When I looked at her, she still seems to have something to tell me.
You know, I always thought, she's pure and shy girl.... So I leaned my ear closer to her to listen---!!
「!!?」
But suddenly, She kissed me on cheek!!
Before I could even say something, she had already ran back to Rheka..... Upon arriving, Rheka gave her a thumps up, telling her, 'Good job, you're doing great, Mirapdi!'
Yeahhh..... I think I did something I shouldn't have...... I shouldn't give Rheka the job to look after Mirapdi, after all..... Who knows, what she's been teaching her in the first place!
Well, I can't turn back back time, so I'll just admit my mistake and live on with it!
And you know, I just remember that today was the day when 'Monthly Shōnen Jump Magazine*' comes out, so I better get going to buy it, or else it will sold out soon....
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'Monthly Shōnen Jump Magazine' is the sister of 'Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine'.
You can also search it online for more info.
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But I think I should take shower before heading out and also I'll take Kitsune with me.
You know, I haven't got the chance to meet her for few days now so I think this might be also good chance to talk with her.
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I hope you enjoy it and sorry for my bad grammar and I hope it's understandable.
I'm trying my best to improve and if you find some mistakes or anything like that, then let me know on the comments.
Peace:)