Chapter 5: Mystic plane
Shiori's pov
I awed at the man before me, currently dressed in a black dragon japanese based kimono. his long emerald green hair swayed. his ruby eyes glinted. My jaw literally slacked with shock.
"Are you gawking my dear master?." He teased, my face flushing with embarrassment.
"I am not! I'm just surprised, I didn't know you would turn into a human!" I quickly retorted.
"Human? You're mistaken my dear master. The inferior one in the contract takes the form of the superior one or rather it's contracted master, therefore I'm technically a dragon hybrid in a human form rather than just a human" he explained showing of the faint green scales on his upper arms
"How is that possible? You literally kicked my ass earlier...." I blinked
"It's not just all about strength, overall your far more superior, your mana exceeds mine as well as your intelligence. Judging from your approach and fighting, I'd say your mind hasn't yet adjusted to your body's potential, however with time you'll surpass me quickly." he explained
"I see, that makes sense since I'm just getting used to this form. so what now?" I quired
"You still need to give me a name. I need a form of identification, similar way to how I call you master or milady"
"In that case do you have any personal suggestions?" I asked
"I want a symbolic name, something that stands out, however, I'm good with whatever you choose" he smiled in anticipation
I thought for a moment. The cogs turning as I look into an ideal name for this man.
"How about Ryuchi, Ryu for short it means dragon in Japanese" I smiled
"Japanese?" He tilted his head in confusion
Shit, I forgot. He probably doesn't even know what japanese is.
"It's just a language style from my home town, don't worry about it" I shrugged it off.
"I See. Very well, I shall accept thy name from milady, Ryu." He bowed on one knee as his body begun to glow brightly.
"What's happening?!" I was dumbfounded
"By receiving a name, my strength, mana level, and powers have increased significantly " he explained cheerfully as he twirled around with glee.
"Tell me that first, idiot!"
"I'll tell you all my ability in the coming future Milady... however I have a request." He mused
"What is it?"
"I'd like to continue having access to your memories..." He said
"Huh? But why?" I tilted my head curiously.
"You're memories are breaming with unique information, such that may benefits us greatly on our upcoming journey. I for one is draw to the memories involving noble swordman, Such honor and righteous acts have inspired me! Therefore I shall imitate such!" He bowed
He's into the enfo period. Istared at him with dead eyes.
Delinquent.... Definitely a delinquent...
"Enough chatter, let's gets you outta here!" He lifted me bridal style. A strange circle surrounded us as both of us gradually started glowing a faint lime green color before poofing away. I slowly opened my eyes as I looked around. We were back in the forest
"Nature sure is beautiful thing, isn't it?" Ryu smiled as took a breath of fresh air.
"Can you put me down now" I deadpanned at him as he remembers I was still in his arms.
"Oh, Yes of course " he placed me down carefully as I stared ahead. There was a large metal gate in the mountain not so far from us...
"What's that?" I queried
"That's a lybarriyth entrance. The gates are engulfed with highly advanced light magic so monsters, even ones are strong as I can't get out, unless contraced with a mortal. Adventurers come here to kill and farm monsters to level up or get ingredients to sell for money." he explained. As if on cue, three individuals approached it, two guys and a woman dressed in fancy uniforms.
"Why are we hiding?" Ryu asked as we quickly hid in the bushes.
"Stranger danger" I replied
"But there not even that strong...." He rose a brow.
I wonder if people would notice Ryu's disappearance from the labyrinth. I thought deeply of all the possible seneriors.
"Why are they wearing uniforms? They look at most in their early twenties...."
"They must be from Draco Academy, it's the most prestigious institution to learn magic as well as combat and book knowledge. Any age can attend as it is a seven year program, with different occupational routes " He explained
"So basically a fancy private school" I sighed staring at their gear.
"They usually allow students to go on raids, with permission of course. Whatever they gain is converted into skill points or they could sell them for money " Ryu explained
"I see." I nodded in understand before taking out my phone to jot down. Ryu stared at the Device but didn't say anything.
"Master, if I may can I test something?" Ryu said standing up.
"That all depends on what you want to test." I sat there unbothered
"Have you ever heard of a spiritual space?" He asked, I shook my head implying no.
"It's like a dimension tied to ones soul since birth. It's said to reflect ones personality, soul. However only a few species have the ability to access them. While I was imprisoned, I couldn't access my spiritual space due to the magic interference. I would like to see how much it's changed since my soul is now tied to you" he said opening a mist like portal as I stared dumbfounded.
"Let's go!" He smiled extending his hand for me to take.
No one's pov
......
As the two disappeared into the mist, the female student from Dracon Academy tensed
"What's wrong Amy?" The leader of The troupe asked his comrade.
"I just sensed a terrifying monster just now but it's suddenly gone" she said as the other stared stared at her confused.
"Strange...." The leader thought
"Let's just clear this raid and head back as soon as we can" the other male suggested as the other two nodded in agreement.
Shiori's pov
......
I was awed, we were now on a lucious green hill, staring at the glorious scenery before us. Crystal clear waters flowed from the mountains as the ground was filled with familiar animals, trees and flowers.
"Wow persimmon!" I beamed as I rushed towards the trees.
"Perssi--wha?" Ryu asked curiously
"Persimmon, there a classic where I come from" I replied tossing him one. He looked at it curiously before taking a bite.
"YUM!" He exclaimed with delight as he plucked some more from the tree.
It's a little too sweet thou, not that I'm complaining
"Where are we?!" I quired
"I told you My spiritual space. It would seem that our contract fussed our spiritual spaces together, altering mine to form this paradise..." he explained still at awe as he kept munching on the fruit.
"I think I get it, but don't talk with your mouth full. It's considered rude." I deadpanned.
"My original spiritual space was filled with endless space and Starry skies, since your the superior one in the contract and your from another wotld entirely, both your knowledge and mana has been replicated. As you can see similar features from your home land, features that would appear strange to the society...." He added
If this is a different dimension then there's no way those bitches thalia and Artemis could find me. I smirked
"What's wrong master, your face looks rather sinister" ryu spoke warily at my expression
"Tell me check something.."
{Radar activated}
This skill allows me to sense my surroundings, similar to that of an actual radar.
I could sense everything around me, my eyes widened. This place is massive, but it seems like where it ends on all sides are surrounded by fog.
I wonder...
"Hey Ryu, could we perhaps build a town here?"
"You don't need my permission to do anything, it's majorly your spiritual space now. If you wish to build a kingdom here then so be it" he replied.
"Ok, I just thought I'd inform you if I decided to build one..."
"And what will this new kingdom be called?" He asked staring at me.
"Huh?" I was confused at his sudden question
"This land is now yours, if you're planning on building a kingdom, you should at least have a name for it"
I guess so, I never thought this far ahead to be honest. My main goal is to find sanemi but first I should have a stable home, status and steady flow of income if I hope to do so. Not only to retrieve information but to bring him to a happy home
But what name should I go with...i thought carefully.
It can't be simple but must also easy to say.
"Our kingdom shall be called,Ethereal city!"
Ryu clapped in awe."Such a wonderful name..." He praised. I felt heat crawl up in my cheeks
"Alright enough talk, let's go!" I pumped my fist in the air.
We emerged from the mist gate back into the forest.
"Let's go find a village, that way we can get some basic gear and supplies"
"Agreed.." Ryu smiled.
We walked through the forest, I wasn't really looking ahead as I was too busy typing all the new information into my smartphone.
"What is that artifact?" Ryu asked curiously examining my device.
"It's my pho- I mean! It's a special tool that only I and my brother can use"
"What does it do?" He asked
"For now it's just for jotting down information.." I replied
"Oh I see!" He nodded in understanding
ROOOAAARRRRR!!!!!!
We both looked forward at the creature in our view. Golden yellow fur with black stripes, Sharp claws drenched with fresh blood, Sharp teeth growling at us, intimidating red eyes staring into our very souls.
My face paled as I gazed at the terrifyingly friecesome beasts.
{Insight activated}
{Species: thunder bear 🐻⚡}
{Level: 15}
{Rank: intermediate}
{Strategy: uses it's claws to rip it's prey}
{Strength: sharp claws, strong teeth, agility, fast}
{Weaknesses: honey}
What am I suppose to do I didn't bring any picnic baskets!
"A thunder bear?" Ryu stared in curiosity
"Seriously " I frowned, I doubt these oversized pichakus would let me leave. I didn't even have the chance to sigh as it charged at me. My body reacted before my mind did and dodged its claws
"What's that?" I noticed a small furry creature lying on the ground not far from us and the bears. It looked injured as it withering in pain.
"Ryu, hold this for me please" I handed him my bag as he looked at me complexed.
"Master?" I charged toward the bears, There Large paw rose ready to strike. I leapt into the air as everyone stared. I kick a hole through the beast's chest as it started gushing out blood.
There was a pause...
What?! I didn't expect it to actually kill it! It was just supposed to knock it out!
I turned to Ryu who was dumbfounded as The other bear had ran away. I slowly approached the injured creature as it trembled in fear
{Insight activated}
{Species: robonix}
{Lv: 10}
{Rank: peaceful}
{Strategy: hides from predators by camouflage}
{Strength: magic spells and hallucinations spells, fast, agile}
{Weaknesses: easily lured by shiny objects}
"Hi... I'm shiori, and that is Ryuchi. We're good guys" I assured as they stared. Probably deciding it's options
{Healing master activated}
A faintly glowing liquid excreted from my palm as I gently placed it onto the animal, spreading the fliud around the would carefully. It's wounds slowly vanished. it sighed on relief.
"Marvelous master! You heal that robonix, no sweat" Ryu praised
" it's nothing special" I humbled
"Nonsense, but I have to wonder, why is there a Robonix out here? Wild ones are usually supposed to be in barrows during the day"
"Wild ones?" I asked curious.
"Robonix are gently and elegant creatures, most nobilities keep them as pets" he explained.
"The wild ones are usually in groups. however, the weaker ones are casted aside and are kicked out to survive on there own, they are very shy and hide away from humans" he added, watching as the creature shifted backwards in fear.
"Oh, don't be scared were gently " I smiled
It looked at the blood splatter of where the thunder bear once was. I sulked trying to think carefully at my next words.
"Thank you, for healing me" it spoke
"What?! It talks...?!" I jolted back in surprise
"Yes and no, were both under evolved animal traits, so we creatures with mana can understand each other..." He explained
" do you have any family or friends close by?" I asked, crouching down. It shakes it's head, implying no.
"well you can come with us, if you want" I smiled.
"But why offer me such? You don't know me" It asked.
" I want to, your so cute and fluffy. I want to keep you, also this is bear territory if I recall, I doubt you'll be able to survive here and even if you decide to move homes. plus, it's only a matter of time before humans find you and put you up for sale " I replied. It tensed upbefore replying.
"But what if I don't meet up with your standards? Well you discard me or sell me?" it sulked pitifully
"Why would I? Everyone is different and grow at different paces. If anything I see great potential In you " I replied with a cheeky grin.
"I shall agree" It bowed respectfully.
"Great..." I clapped with joy
{To adopt a pet, one must form a contract with it}
I performed a contract ritual. colliding our energies as the creature slowly faded, a new figure appeared in its place.
"You shall be name haruna, haru for short!" I said proudly like a master praising her pet.
Haru's body begun glowing as her name appeared, written on her collar bone.
"I'll do my best" she smiled softly
She's So cute. I awed
"Wait, How come her name appeared on her skin but not yours Ryu?"
"Pets as branded by there name, servants aren't" he replied
"But I contracted both of you" I said a bit confused
"The weaker the servant the clear the name is Seen. In other words the mark will slowly vanish as she get stronger " he explained
"I see...", I turned to haru who was staring hungrily at the bag of fruit we picked.
"Um haru? If you want to eat then just do it" I said snapping her back to reality
"Can I?!" SHe asked surprised if even allow such a thing.
"Go ahead" I replied. she picked one carefully before eating it.
"Delicious!" She cried. I giggled at her antics.
We spent the next few days getting lost, hunting animals for dinner and picking fruit.
It's quite strange. We haven't encountered any monsters except we Hunt for them. Not like I'm complaining but how come?
"Stop great one!" A timid voice spoke, causing us to halt in our tracts.
Oh great now what?!
We stared ahead at the fairly large army of a common green skinned monster.
I blinked....
Goblins?!