The moment my eyes opened, countless of information bombarded my brain and I started to clearly understand the power and knowledge that the old man was talking about earlier. I get up and carefully inspect my surroundings.
Good, I think there's no one around. I feel hungry but I want to try my power first. Doing this will ensure my safety for the time being.
According to the knowledge transferred to me. This world is rich with magic energy which is called Mana. The air itself is filled with mana.
There are two different mana, one can be absorbed in nature and the other can be granted by a demon king. The latter is called dark mana.
Only the demon king can grant mana, no one knows why. Even the memory of an old man who gave me power has no information regarding that matter.
I don't want to know either, it's just a hassle.
Going back, only 1 out of 100 persons have the capacity to learn and absorbed mana.
Humans born with the capacity to learn magic have a magic core inside them. Not the actual magic core like I saw in anime or movies. It's just an abstract to easily understand where the magic will be stored in one’s body
Mana is pure and comes from an unknown source. But once absorbed by a person, the power output it can create is just 50% of the mana you absorbed. This is due to the mana that was used becoming impure.
The mana stored in the magic core is always 100%. Of course, the mana stored will decrease depending on the magic power you use.
Example: If your mana in the magic core is 100%, and you decided to only use 20% of mana, the power output or damage it will inflict is only 10%. If you decided to use all of it in a single magic attack, the damage is only 50% and as a result, you will pass out. It's not advisable to use 100% of your mana in normal circumstances.
The speed of absorbing mana depends on the capacity of one’s magic core. A normal person needs 24 hours to restore 80% of mana.
The magic core has a limit in storing Mana. If the mana absorbed passed the limit, the person will literally explode.
Well, let's try to use my power. He said my power is creations which means my power is easy to use.
Why easy? Well, let's give credit to the old man, according to his memories, use your imagination and let your mind do its work. Once ready to release, use your mind where you want the magic to appear.
I lift my hand halfway and started to imagine a fire. I am really awed when the palm-size fire suddenly appeared in my hand.
This is awesome. Don't judge me, I'm just a normal person in my past life that used to dream of having power, and now it is happening! I'm so awesome!
But the smile on my face faded away as I remember the future. 5 years from now, this vast majestic land will be a cemetery for different races. But I don't know where or when the war will begin.
Where should I go first to suppress the reason for the war breaking out?
Ugh, whatever. I must eat first. He said there's a nearby village, I'll go there first.
As I walk through the forest, there are a lot of birds flying above, there are a lot of different harmless animals nearby. I know some of them, but the majority are unknown to me. I wonder what is that small fur animal called?
While looking at that little animal, a sudden shout echoed in my ears not far away.
I shifted my gaze to the source and slowly walk toward it. Not long after, a fight between the demon beast and three dressed up as soldiers appeared.
The demon bear has bruised everywhere on its body and the three soldiers are no exception. They currently protecting a luxurious yet broken carriage. One could tell from a single glance that it was owned by rich people due to its decoration.
Demon beast, it's the usual enemy in all novels we read. But according to the memory passed on to me, there is no such thing as a demon bear, demon tiger nor demon lion, or any animal that has dark mana on its body that existed in earlier years of the planet.
During the earlier year, the only considered demon are pure breed demons and orcs.
Humans and Demons always wage war with each other. It's like a fire opposing water, water opposing fire. A natural order of the world.
But the human received help from elves, dwarves, and beast-men that's why the demon race was almost diminished.
To prevent that from happening, the Demon King sacrifice half of his power to grant mana to his captured humans.
This dark mana comes from the most powerful demon king.
All the captured humans numbering tens of thousands were exposed to dark mana and become the soldier of Demon King. They hate justice and they hate kindness. They were soon called half-breed demons.
The difference between pure-breed demons and half-breed demons is their will. While the pure breed demons can be reason with and have their mind like people, the half-breed demons are just mere puppets. Always charging without minding their own life.
I was snapped back to reality when I heard one of the soldiers start to panic.
"This is bad. I run out of mana. I can't use any magic against that demon." The soldier said nervously.
"What are we going to do Captain Klein?"
"Will do what we can to kill this demon," said Captain Klein with a firm voice.
The demon bear roared and started to run to ravish the remaining soldiers. The bear was fast, but Captain Klein lifted his shield faster against the claw and successfully block the attack but was pushed away a few meters. The remaining soldier took the initiative to counter the bear.
Unfortunately, the bear is fast and blocks its sword using its claw. It's weird for a big bear to be this agile.
There was a claw slashed etched on his body. The soldier panicked as he realized that his death is inevitable.
The bear was suddenly covered with fire magic before its claw landed on the pitiful soldier. The bear roared and started to rampage due to pain.
The bear collapsed without sign of life but the fire still burned the bear and slowly turned it to ashes.
The three soldiers were dumbfounded, they can't imagine how powerful that fire magic was to kill the demon bear at that instant.
Jin walks toward the soldiers and before they raise their swords he started to cough and speak.
*cough. "Hello, I heard a commotion and look for its source and found that demon bear is trying to kill you all. So, I tried to help and use my magic to bring it down."
Everybody heaved a sigh of relief.
After saying that, Captain Klein made a gesture and put his right hand on his chest and slightly bow.
"We are very thankful for your help. If it weren't for you, all of us here will fail to defend the carriage". Captain Klein slightly bowed again as a sign of respect
Woah! I thought that they will not understand me. It seems that some unknown power inside me translates my previous language into their language.
"It's nothing. Anyone should have done what I did today." I said with a friendly tone.
Now, was I friendly? Yes, because first I need information. I need to know what the current events are. The old man said that he died a long time ago and the information succeeding that event is unknown to him. Information is a must. It's crucial for survival
"Really, you save us. We will surely repay the debt we owe you today." Captain Klein said with a friendly tone and continue.
"I am Captain Klein and the exclusive guard to our benefactor that is currently inside the carriage. We were attacked suddenly by that demon. Naturally, we can handle it but for some unknown reason it becomes strong." Captain Klein
"Really? Is that unnatural? Anyway, I am Jin and a traveler from a distant land." I said while smiling
I need to be friendly so I can gather information and eat as well. I hope they will give me money for saving their hide.
"Yes, this demon should not be this strong. Its strength was doubled when he started to consume the dead body of my soldiers." Captain Klein sounded dejectedly
Consume?
"Anyway, I will introduce you to our benefactor." Captain Klein walk towards the carriage and started to speak again.
"My Lady, the demon bear was brought down and it is safe now." Captain Klein sounded firm as assurance that it is safe now.
The door suddenly opens and a young Lady walks out of the carriage.
"My Lady, he is the one who help us and brought down the bear." Captain Klein introduced me to the young lady.
The young lady walks toward me and bows her head slightly and introduces herself.
"Hello. I am Elena and thank you for your help. Do not worry, we will pay you once we return to our kingdom." The young lady said sincerely
"Hi. I am Jin and a traveler. Anyway, you are welcome. Anyone should have done what I did today." I said while smiling.
The girl was stunned. I suddenly become confused, does a good person who offers help really hard to come by in this world?
"Nevertheless, we should thank you. I know it sounded rude, but may we hire you as a guard? We don't know if it's really safe for us this time since some of us died during this fight." Elena sounded solemn as she said that
This is my chance. Payment should be made when she returns to some kingdom. It means I can travel with her and use the opportunity to ask for information.
"Of course, it's no problem," I said in a friendly manner.
The soldiers felt relief as a reliable man will help them to secure the safety of their Lady.
"Thank you. There's a village nearby and that's where we are headed. We came here to help them evacuate to our Kingdom for their safety. But before we continue, let me heal them first.
Hmmm, so she is a healer? It is a good power. I was amazed when Elena places her hand above the head of the wounded soldier and golden light started to appear on her palm.
It's really a healing power.
After a few minutes, we started to walk. I didn't ask any questions due to them being cautious about our surroundings. I can't blame them after what happened.
Not long after, we saw some wooden fences high as trees. The man on the tower rang the bell to let everyone know that somebody is approaching the gate.
The wooden gate started to open and a group of soldiers appeared.
They hurriedly walk toward our group and bow their head. The one who is I think the leader started to speak.
"My Lady, are you hurt? It seems that you were attacked along the way as I don't see your carriage and only a few of your guards left." The leader asked worriedly
"No, but please stand up. Some of us didn't make it. It's getting dangerous so it's really a good call to help you evacuate to the kingdom. Does the preparation for evacuation is complete?" Elena
"Yes, we are ready to leave by your command." The leader said enthusiastically
"That's good, but we want to rest first and leave tomorrow morning. Anyway, he is Jin the one who saved us from our predicament earlier." Elana introduced me to them.
The leader blows his head and expresses his gratitude for saving Elena.
"We thank you on behalf of all people here in our village for the admirable deed. I am Castor, the chief security of our village." Castor looks toward Elena
"Please My Lady, please proceed to the village, many people are anticipating your arrival." Castor continued.
As expected, houses are made of wood. The plaza and the mayor's house are the exceptions and only a few houses are built in stone. This village is called Yorel as it's located in the great forest of Yorel Elena and Captain Klein along with two soldiers stand on the Plaza and give her speech that the Kingdom has prepared houses for the relocation and there are also jobs waiting for them. The villagers cheers with joy as they heard the news. Elena walks towards our location and asks Castor to lead the direction to the mayor's house. The living area is clean and neat. As expected, the technology of this age is the same as Earth in the Late Modern Era. "Sir Jin, if you are exhausted, please feel free to rest as you are treated as a guest, not a guard." Elena "Thank you but I'm not tired. Honestly, can I ask you a question?" Jin "Sure, I will answer your question," Elena said while smiling "What is the name of your Kingdom?" Jin I'm curious about the name of the kingdom. I already
Morning came, and everyone departed from the village. Though we have a long march ahead since all of us use carriages and horses, we will soon be at our destination. Inside the carriage, I'm currently sitting in front of Elena. "Lady Elena, I've been meaning to ask. May I know besides being a soldier, are there any jobs I can get?" Jin "Hmm, yes. There are a lot of different guilds currently operating in the Narva Kingdom. But the most famous is Adventurers Guild and Merchant Guild." Elena "I see. May I know what adventurers guild do?" Jin "They usually hunt demons." Elena "Since job in Adventurers guild is extremely dangerous. Beginners are usually trained by the guild during their first day. Once they passed the training, they will be officially registered and will be given an ID. They can also pay an extra gold coin to get a mentor. The mentor is usually within the top 50 in the guild, so the pay is considerably high. But decision-wise, it's good since the mentor will come al
After some time, we saw the majestic view of Narva Kingdom. "That is the Narva Kingdom, the capital is called Lithe." Elena happily introduced the kingdom I think the wall surrounding the city is 50 meters high. From here you can see a sturdy gigantic wooden gate on the entrance with two towers on each side which housed many soldiers. One can say it's served as a watchtower. Apparently, there are 3 gates in the kingdom with two towers on each gate that faced three nations surrounding the Kingdom. They are called North Gate faced the Fyn Kingdom, South Gate faced on Ruel Empire and West Gate faced the Vitalis Kingdom. There is no gate that faced the Great Forest of Yorel since the road from there intersected on the road on South Gate. "Mr. Jin, I'm still amazed how you defeat that demon bear in just three seconds," Elena said happily "Lady Elena, you can just call me by my name. No need to address me in that way." Jin awkwardly said. "If that's what you wish, then Jin. With yo
Curiosity can kill a cat. Elena was always thought by her father not to put her nose too much into everyone's problems. I followed my father's teaching. I always keep a proper distance to avoid unnecessary attention that can bring danger to myself or my family. But I can't help to investigate the background of Jin. He's powerful enough to kill the demon bear in mere three seconds. Demon bears can be killed by 5 knights alone in the past but due to sudden changes and the rampaging of demons, they become powerful that it takes almost 15 knights to kill them. But Jin alone can easily kill it. The swordsmanship the way he fights is normal. All knights know that kind of move. What amazed me most is his power. Did he imbue magic on his sword to kill the demon bear? No, it's impossible but if he did, everyone including me should notice it beside his sword will shine slightly. And he didn't say any chant so it's impossible. But when I asked the magicians and Captain Klein about it, the
A noble should show very fine or admirable qualities. That very characteristic defines Earl Albert Haynes, the father of Elena. Once we arrived at the castle of Earl Haynes. Elena briefed his father about what happened from the start of our encounter until our return to Lithe City. She also mentioned that I will be her guard and study with her at Riverdale Elite Academy. Marquess Albert stares at me for God knows how long. Once they are done talking, Elena proceeds to her room to rest. And here I am, receiving a deathly glare from knights. Apparently, after Earl Albert introduced himself, he ordered me to instantly train with the Falcon Knight without questioning any details told by her daughter. The reason for the deathly glare? Imagine applying for a scholarship to a high-end university, you grind yourself to study and hoping to pass the test when suddenly, the son of a powerful individual who is also a sponsor of the said university wants his son or daughter to get the schola
They said a battle or duel between swordsman means a lot. It's because the skills they practiced are at stake. Which I agreed. On earth, I bleed and sweat to reach the top in swordsmanship. Today's match is an opportunity to show it. And when I say opportunity, there is no way I will show any slightest hesitation. Luckily, I only fell asleep for almost 2 hours. After a bit of lazing around and strategizing, I headed to the training room. The castle of Albert Haynes has its own colosseum. The audience is the majority of Knights and Soldiers. There are also those vassal families of Albert Haynes. A noble below Earl status. They are seated in the VIP room while the main family of Haynes is seated in the most elegant VIP room. A lot of commotion is currently happening on the public seat on the colosseum. They make a bet on who will win this match. Of course, all the Knights are in favor of Vice-Captain Leo while the soldier led by Chief Soldier Klein favors me. I think Chief Kl
After the referee signal to continue the fight, Leo hurriedly launches all attacks that he knows within 10 seconds. I evade and deflect some attacks using the unsharpened part of my mana-coated sword. I find it rather easy to infuse my mana on the sword. But it's hard to keep up with him. You can't blame me, he's a knight and ever since I work in the corporate world, I never tried to use my sword again. This guy is really pissed, even all the audience who bet on me was pissed. Actually, everyone is pissed. Well, whatever, as I really don't care what they think. The important is I must win this duel no matter what. All the audience started to boo and shout that the duel is boring since all I did was evade. As the booing continues, my lips crept up in a smirk. It's time to counter-attack. I somehow grasp his attack pattern and the damage it could inflict if I failed to evade or block his attack. I still need to be wary since everyone knows that a sword practitioner has his/her ow
After the announcement, I tried my hardest to steadily walk toward outside the colosseum. This is bad. My whole body is trembling, and the dizziness is unbearable. I tried hard to reach one of the rooms in the colosseum. I won the battle earlier but the dizziness I felt is stronger with every second pass by which made me fall to the ground. "Damn it…" I muttered faintly and darkness surrounds me. ** Hmm, what is this? The last thing that I remember was winning the duel and failing to reach one of the nearby rooms to rest and falling to the ground due to dizziness. I survey my surroundings that is like a ruin. There was a destroyed castle, and a lot of destroyed flags, and the wind that is blowing in my direction made me uncomfortable. This is without a doubt a battlefield. Suddenly the ground shook and made me almost fall to the ground. Then a shockwave was released. I was startled when one by one a silhouette appeared before my eyes. It started from 5, then become a hundr