LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 30 – Return To The Tavern
Satisfied that I had made the correct decision, I decided to spend another hour or so within the City of Solara walking around while taking in the breathtaking scenery of a true fantasy, medieval-era kingdom. Everywhere I looked, citizens were hurriedly moving through the crowded cobblestone streets, rushing to get to their destinations. To my amusement, many skillfully dodged the horse-drawn traffic and persistent street peddlers alike as they went about their busy days. It was a scene of chaos, and order. The thought of buying something for myself from one of the many food stands had crossed my mind more than I would like to admit, but once I remembered I had a messily 1 silver coin to my name, I was quickly able to bury the impulse.
Eventually, I started walking towards the southern city gates, where the rampant racism towards the demi-humans and beastkin races, was more than apparent along my journey. While I hadn’t paid attention to the finer details of the environment due to the sheer excitement of being in another world, now that the rush had started to die down, the social problems of this era were starting to rear their ugly head to the forefront of my vision. Demi-human servants escorting nobles alike, and beastkin slaves tolling away at manual labor, were everywhere. Most seemed to be in poor health, just barely surviving, with only the demi-humans under the “care” of the nobles faring slightly better, most likely due to the required front-facing image in representing a household. None of them made eye contact as I walked through the city streets, their selves a soulless, lifeless husk, as they struggled though their misery and forced labor, almost as if it was a learned behaviour. In a word, it was heartbreaking to see.
Granted, fantasy-like beings like them never existed on Earth, but even so, I couldn’t help but see them as humans, just trying to survive in this cruel world. Actually, what does that make the humans of this world? Coming from someone who has never experienced this type discrimination, and only read of it though history novels, it was a very jarring experience.
Alone with my thoughts, I continued thinking about everything that had happened these past two days, and how I would eventually have to survive in this foreign world. Would I be able to survive? I mean, I was well versed in these type of genre settings through the many novels and stories I had read. Furthermore, I figured if I could apply my astute knowledge from my video gaming experience, surely, I would find some success in Terra...
Right?
...
Regardless, there were still plenty of unanswered questions, and I was both pressured, and relaxed in seeing them through. Eventually I started thinking about where I was in the city again. I remembered entering from the eastern side of the city with Duke Hawthorn’s carriage, so if I wanted to head towards my next destination, I needed to find the first entrance I saw during my impromptu horse-drawn excursion into the capital, probably the south-western gate. After more wandering and sight seeing, I reached a large and imposing metallic gate with several guards standing at the posts. Their armor glistened a dirty, golden bronze, as the suns rays effortlessly bounced off the surface. To my surprise, leaving the city was a straightforward task. I simply had to walk out the gates. A few of the guards looked my direction, but none of them stopped to ask any questions, so I merely continued along my way. It made sense I guess, considering all the entrants into Solara were heavily scrutinized before being allowed to pass. Being a noble really did have its advantages it seems.
Once outside, I observed that the queue for entering the city was considerably smaller now. Most likely due to it being assumingly mid-day? While I was by no means an astrologist, or had even a basic understanding surrounding this planet’s orbital path through space, I assumed that suns at their peak, meant the half-way point before nightfall. Plenty of time to march towards the tavern from this morning.
---
The walk, was peaceful.
Compared to the life-or-death struggle against the griffin earlier, I was actually able to enjoy the vast, rolling grassy planes and farmlands surround the city proper. A generous gust of wind followed my steps as I marched along the now dusty, dirt-filled path. I could see farmers working the fields, sowing seeds and tilling the land as the intense sunlight brought sweat to their brow. I was actually starting to sweat a little bit myself as the twin suns eradiated me with their warmth. Wearing this leather armor didn’t make for the most comfortable walking experience, as one would expect.
As I continued walking, I started to realize how alarming it was that all the people I passed by on the roadways were all equipped in combative gear, or had some sort of weapon at their side. Carriages were also no exception, with drivers or guards nearby equipped to deal with any would-be danger that could threaten their cargo.
And yet, I didn’t feel anxious at these sights.
Was this something to do with being brought to this world? Or, perhaps my mind was excelling at rationalizing this as a new normal? Thinking about it some more, while it was obvious, I had the weight of realization that... I had killed people, something I never would have done back on Earth.
I had almost died, was able to fight other humans without any combat experience, and kill them without a second thought. Furthermore, I didn’t feel any regret at my actions. This... This isn’t how I should be feeling after murdering another person, even if they were trying to kill me...
Confused, I looked down at my left arm as I continued moving. The mysterious serpent blade and shield glistened in the light as they swayed back and forth with each step. I didn’t hear their voices inside my head, but I had a thought. Was my behaviour... Being influenced by them? Was this some type of magic to help people summoned to Terra, cope with the drastic changes to their peaceful ways of life?
...
The entwined serpents on the shield stared at me in silence. Clearly, they weren’t going to answer my question as to my new found mental fortitude regarding murder and survival. But, I did have an idea on who I could ask...
Speaking in my mind, I asked my helpful assistant the question. After a pause, I started to hear their response.
[Processing – Searching Database For Known Instances Of Mental State Protection For Summoned Individuals]
[Unknown – No Results Found In Known Data Stores]
Hmmm, well this tangent is still quite concerning, I wanted to be sure of one thing. If I’m going to be in this world, then I want to make sure I’m in control of myself. I am certain the me back on Earth would not be nearly this calm given all of the events that transpired.
And so, I promised myself that I would do everything I can to be the best version of Ko I possibly could. To always be sure of my actions, and to treat the people I come across as people, regardless of their circumstances. That if I get power, I won’t abuse it, and instead, utilize it to help others. I don’t want to be naïve of this world’s morals, but at the same time, ensure I don’t fall victim to acts I normally would never do, just because I’m in a different world.
---
Eventually, I started to enter the forest from earlier this morning. The tranquil, pine-scented air filled my lungs as a rich tree canopy gradually began to fill the skyline above, blocking the scorching sunlight in the process. Come to think of it, I also hadn’t seen any other adventurers for a while. Perhaps there was another entrance or side road I had missed along my journey? Regardless, I was pretty confident I was heading in the right direction...
Keeping to the well-worn dirt path, the tavern finally started to come into view as I reached the top of the hill. Excited I was almost at my destination, I picked up my pace, jogging towards the tavern’s entrance. Turning right at the crossroad, I happily walked up to the well-worn wooden door, pulling it open to reveal all sorts of commotion and chatter from inside the Paws & Beans Tavern! The air was ripe with the scent of fur and alcohol, as all manner of beastkin and demi-humans alike were drinking and eating all throughout the establishment. That’s when I remembered I hadn’t eaten anything since this morning, and my stomach was kindly reminding me that delicious food was nearby!
As I entered the tavern, a few of the patrons glanced my direction, then promptly went back to enjoying their meals after the short observation at the new variable in the vicinity. Likewise, driven by instinct and a grumbling stomach myself, I followed my nose towards the counter I had ordered my incredible meal from this morning. Squinting my eyes, I could roughly make out what looked like Yarn standing behind the bar, wearing her blue maid’s outfit with accompanying silken red ribbon tied to her tail; wagging around energetically in the air. It had come dangerously close multiple times to hitting several of the liquor bottles behind her with its eccentric, erratic movements. There also appeared to be a fox beastkin near her, whose tail was also energetically wagging about. Were beastkin always this excited? As I got closer to the counter, the fox happily called out my name with accompanying questions.
“Ko! You... You came back!!!! I... – Felice said you had left for Solara and that... What are you doing here?!? Aren’t you suppose to be staying at the city with the other humans???”
Apparently, I was somewhat daft and failed to recognize the beastkin beside Yarn in my quest for a delicious meal! Actually, its rather shameful since I had also wanted to speak with Inari again before leaving for Solara this morning, yet I somehow didn’t even recognize her sitting at the counter... Granted, she was wearing different clothing compared to yesterday’s scuffle with the bandits, but still! Yarn was also looking my way with their beaming, green eyes, awaiting my response. So, not wanting to keep them waiting, I responded back as best I could.
“Hey Inari, hi Yarn! Yes, that’s right, I did go to the city this morning. However, some things happened while I was there, and I decided that being here would actually be better for me.”
While Inari was smiling at me, I saw her tilt her head at my comment about wanting to come back here. Suddenly, I had the unsettling feeling that she was charging up a whole barrage and slew of questions, ready to be released at rapid speed! Low and behold, I was right.
“But... Felice said that humans prefer to be in the city. Apparently, it’s a lot nicer for them there. I mean, I’ve never gone into Solara myself, so I can’t speak from experience, but wouldn’t it be better to be around other humans like yourself? Also, where did you get that blackened basilisk armor?!? That stuff is really expensive and hard to come by. Oh! And about yesterday! I have so many questions to ask you!!! Like questions about your world, what Felice talked about with you last night, and, and!”
“Slow down Inari! I’m not going anywhere. – Let’s see, so while I was in the city, I didn’t like how I saw the nobles and other humans treating the demi-humans and beastkin. It was–”
I paused, suddenly remembering the mind sealing spell, and how I was currently unable to mention anything related to being a summoned hero from another world. I had almost started rambling about how slavery isn’t prevalent where I came from, which could have ended very badly for me if I had continued my thought process. This... This is going to be a rather difficult situation... Isn’t it?
...
Suddenly, my conversation planning was interrupted by the curious fox, seeing as I had created a rather long pause in our discussion.
“It was, what, Ko?”
“Ahh, uh, sorry about that Inari, I was just remembering something from earlier. Oh, Yarn! Would I be able to have one of those beef bowls from this morning again? It was absolutely amazing! Ummm, I only have 1 silver Solara on me though, so hopefully that’s ok for change.”
Both of them were looking at me with puzzled faces now. Eventually, Yarn responded to my request for a beef bowl and took the silver coin I held from hand.
“Ummmm, alright then Ko nayn, I’ll go and make a beef bowl for you. – Would you like anything else to go with it? I would recommend the mana malt beer *meow* since that pairs well with the dish nya.”
“Hmmm, no thank you Yarn, I’ll pass on the alcohol today. Perhaps another time?”
Yarn looked a little disappointed at my rejection of her food and beverage pairing combo, but then quickly smiled, nodded, then disappeared into the kitchen. Then, Inari reignited our conversation from earlier.
“That’s interesting Ko, I’m surprised Yarn was so comfortable speaking with you! She usually has difficulties talking to strangers.”
“Oh, we had actually met before I left this morning and had a nice chat while I was eating breakfast. I was amazed at how incredible the meal was, and we started talking about the tavern, her cooking, and all sorts of things!
...
Umm, by the way, thank you, Inari. I never really had a proper chance to say how much I appreciated your help yesterday.”
After a short pause, and an inquisitive glare, she responded in her usual, peppy tone.
“Well, if you want to thank me, then perhaps you can answer some of my questions instead of ignoring them Ko! I... Would like to learn more about your world since it’s such an incredible discovery in magic! Current magic theory proposed that alternate worlds were possible based on history and mana strings, but to actually meet someone? I have to know more! Won’t you please tell me? How about you start with what magic is like from there?”
Geez, she isn’t going to stop this other world topic, is she? Damnit, if only there was some way for me to tell her that I can’t talk about this stuff yet! My head will literally explode if I mention anything!! I know I can use synonyms, but that requires careful planning on my part!
“Ummm, oh! You mentioned about what Felice and I talked about last night right? How about I start there? It relates to how I managed to get this armor as well!”
Looking at Inari, she was clearly disappointed in me avoiding her questions about the other world. With her face in somewhat of a pout, she sighed, then agreed.
*Sigh* “Fine, lets start with you and Felice, there were acting really suspicious when I questioned them about it earlier.”
“Awesome! – So, when I woke up this morning, I had...”
I did my best to explain and retell the events that happened to me last night and this morning, such as talking with Felice and Yarn, receiving the letter to visit the castle, my encounter with the griffin, Duke Hawthorn, briefly meeting with King Solar, and receiving the 30 silver Solara to buy my equipment. I didn’t mention Felice’s murder attempt for obvious reasons, along with my weird titles, and instead focused on how I received a “crash course” on Solara’s laws, surroundings, and currency. I also left out the encounter with the other heroes because of my mind sealing spell.
After my long-winded explanation, I was hopeful that would be enough to satisfy Inari’s...
“So, you met with the king on such short notice, and they just.... Gave you 30 silver Solara because of Felice’s letter...? That seems a bit...”
Ya, Inari is too smart for that to fool her. Guess I’ll just have to do my best.
“Yeah, it was really weird. I mean, I never actually read what Felice wrote about me, other than it was an important letter and all!
“And the king just sent you away when you said you wanted to become an adventurer, even though the letter probably mentioned you are from another world...”
“I don’t know why he did it either, perhaps I was just really good in my persuasion? Oh! Is that Yarn’s famous fried tofu you’re having Inari? It looks really good. Could I try some?”
Please accept the change in conversation Inari...
Instinctively, Inari raised her paws up around the plate of tofu making an impromptu wall to guard against my request at sampling a piece of the golden, crispy delicacy.
“No, you can’t have a piece of my tofu! And why do you keep avoiding my questions about your world? You weren’t like this yesterday when we were talking in the Eldermyst forest. Do you... Not trust me anymore? I thought we were...”
“Friends?”
Completing her sentence, I felt horrible. It’s not like I don’t want to answer your questions Inari, I just can’t or I’ll literally die!
---
An uncomfortable pause came between us, as both Inari and I, found ourselves staring at the wooden countertop, riddled with claw marks. If only there was someway I could tell her—
“Ko Nayn! Youuur back meown! When did you—”
Standing near the kitchen entrance with Yarn, was Felice! She must have gone to tell them I had returned while preparing my beef bowl!
Wait a minute, that’s it! Felice would surely be able to tell that I’m affected by the mind sealing spell if they examined me with absolute appraisal! Why didn’t I think of this sooner?? I’ll have to really thank Yarn when I get the chance! Quickly, I called out to them, hoping they would be interested in my request.
“Felice! Yes, I came back! Turns out Solara City wasn’t really for me. Ummm, could we perhaps...”
My comments about the city were met by their piercing green eyes, hopefully they were already using their absolute appraisal on me and quickly realizing the conundrum I was in... Before I knew it, they had already started responding and cutoff my sentence midtrack.
“Speak in meow room nyan? Why of course nayn, I think that would be a puurfect idea meown.”
Thank goodness! I really hope there is a solution to this mind sealing spell, considering my bandages didn’t work and all! But if it’s Felice, they probably know a thing or two based on my conversation with them yesterday. Thrilled, I happily responded with a small request of my own.
“Awesome! – Yes, I too think it would be a great idea to speak privately about what happened today. However, would Inari be able to join us? I feel I owe her at least that much based on how our conversation has been going...”
Slightly surprised, Inari looked up at my request that she join us in Felice’s room. But, before giving their approval, Felice interjected.
“Don’t meow remembuurr our conmeowsation from last night meown? I said that—”
“I remember Felice, but please, I’m sure you can already figure out why I’m asking her to join us. I feel really bad right now and believe this would be the most ideal way to explain my behaviour towards her lately.”
Looking at Felice, I could tell they were more than annoyed as they brought their hand to their chin, pondering how to respond. Their tail was also angrily flicking about as they paused before finally responding to me.
*Sigh* “Fine meown. Inari nayn, please join us for a moment. Apparently, Ko Nayn thinks it would be best for you to listen to our conmeowsation when I’ve specifically said—”
“Of course! I would be more than happy to join you two.”
Quickly, and without hesitation, Inari responded to Felice’s approval. I was also glad Felice agreed with my request. Inari’s tail was once again wagging in excitement as she leapt from her stool, and started skipping towards the headmeowster’s lounge, leaving Felice, Yarn, and myself, all behind in the dining area. After a brief pause, I started making my way there as well, with Felice closely behind.
Once we arrived at the room, I could see Inari was already inside, sitting on the same couch from last night while hugging one of the soft, red pillows nearby. Then, just like last before, Felice closed the door behind us and snapped their fingers, activating a sound-proofing spell to make sure no one else could hear the conversation we were about to have. Walking towards the sofa, I sat down near Inari, while Felice seated themselves on the other end of the tea table in their own chair.
Next, Felice performed some swiping motions in the air, as if they were scrolling through menus on a floating screen in front of them. Finally, they spoke, breaking the awkward silence in the room.
“Well Ko Nyan, I’m impressed how you managed to get into this situation. I think I can fix it, but it won’t be easy. Would you like me to reveal your status screen?”
I noticed Felice was talking with considerably less beastkin speech, perhaps their way of conveying the seriousness of the matter? Without delay, I nodded towards them. Then, they made visible my confusing status window for all of us to see.
---
Name: Kotato Yamata Level: 1
Race: Human HP: 60/60 MP: 60/60
Age: 25
Profession: Spell-Blade
Status: Strength: 20 Defense: 20
Magic: 20 Dexterity: 20
Debuffs: Mind Seal – Ancient imprisoning magic. Activation words = Summoned, Hero, Other World. Causes Immediate Death On Activation To The Infected Individual.
Skill Proficiencies: [Growth] [Summoned Hero] [World Serpent Apostle] [Hidden] [Magic Affinity - Hidden] [Hidden] [Hidden] [Awakening – Hidden]
Titles: Spell-Blade Hero – Placeholder Text While Terra Continues Attempting Assimilation Of Title Parameters – Unknown Entity & Designated Individual Permitted By World Serpent – Error – Entity Unknown Or Unrecognized By Administrator – Error.
Hidden Title: Harbinger of Destruction – Holder of this title is the destined individual who will destroy the world of Terra, ending all life as it’s known. This title cannot be changed and provides no additional status effects to the holder.
---
There it was, sitting in the middle of my status window.
Mind Seal.
Additionally, none of my other status had changed, the many place holder texts and hidden parameters were still undisturbed and unknown by the world it seems. Eventually, Felice spoke again to break the silence.
“Ko Nayn, I meowst say, but this truly is a furst for me meown. An ancient meowgics that I’ve only read ameowt during my studies, and you somemeow meownaged to get infected with it nyan.”
Looking at Inari, she was staring at the status screen with her jaw open, clearly shocked and reconciling being able to finally see everything. I’m sure she also now understood why I was unable to answer her questions about my world now. Then, she spoke in a quiet and saddened tone towards me.
“Ko... I’m... I didn’t know. — I’m sorry. I... I had almost killed you with my questions and didn’t even realize it... And your status screen! All the words are showing properly this time! What... What happened? What are these...”
“It’s alright Inari, I can’t blame you for something you were unaware of. I’m just happy Felice was willing to show you this... Actually, Felice had known about these titles and status since yesterday, and showed me when they requested you leave. We ended up having a long conversation about what these titles mean before they... — Before they took me to my room for the night. They didn’t want you to know about my status since they thought you would be worried.”
I looked at Felice while I mentioned that last part. They looked very concerned, with panic all throughout their eyes, clearly worried I was about to mention their attempted murder because of the “Harbinger of Destruction” title. While I had thought about mentioning it, I understood there was a time and place for everything, and now was definitely not the correct time to throw Felice under the bus, especially if I wanted their help in removing the Mind Seal spell!
“That said... Felice, do you think this can be cured? I had already tried my own method earlier, but was unable to remove it.”
---
An uncomfortable pause as all of us remained silent, looking at Felice, waiting for them to respond. Their hand was once again, resting under their chin, as they were no doubt deep in thought about how to handle the ancient magic. Their green eyes darted back and forth as they mulled through potential solutions. Then, they spoke to me in a stern voice.
“Ko Nayn, I think I can remeowve the Mind Seal spell, but I want to ask you something first nya... Why did you want to get Inari involved in your problems?”
I paused before responding. Based on Felice’s tone, I wanted to be honest with both of them about my intentions, and why I decided to return to the tavern.
“That’s because– I want to be an adventurer with Inari. I felt we worked well together yesterday, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. She also already knows about my circumstances, and I would like to learn more about using magic from her as well. I... I also left Solara because I didn’t like seeing how the humans treated beastkin and demi-humans in the city. After seeing what I saw, I don’t want to be associated with that kingdom, or used in anyway to benefit it. Those are my reasons.”
...
“Inari Nayn. What do you think about Ko Nayn’s words? Do meow agree with them?”
Looking at Inari, she was still holding the red pillow from earlier, except now she had buried her face into it. Her ears were pinned back, while her tail flicked back and forth, contemplating her response. Then, in an outburst neither Felice or I were expecting, she shouted at us in excitement.
“YES!!! – I mean, yes! I think that would be a wonderful idea! I can’t believe someone actually wants to be an adventurer with me, – AND I get to teach them about magic??!!? Of course I would like to be an adventurer with Ko! I’ll finally be able to take on more difficult requests since you always said I needed to have at least one more party member, and no one else at the Tavern would agree to join me! Not only that, but we can learn magic together, I can teach him more about Terra, and I can learn all about his world as well! Why wouldn’t I say yes?? This is exactly what I wanted!!! And you would agree with this Felice?!? That makes it even better! You better not go back on your word about this sinc—"
Felice and I, were speechless. Apparently, Inari was all for the idea about being adventurers together, and wanted to work with me as well. While I was relieved at her response, I never imagined it would be this positive! Her eyes were glowing, and her tail uncontrollably bouncing around. It had even managed to hit me several times in the face as she continued rambling about all of the things she wanted to do together, along with her now unnecessary battleplans about how she was going to convince Felice to agree to this scenario if it wasn’t brought up. Meanwhile, Felice looked completely dumbfounded as to the whole situation. Clearly, they were expecting a different, less enthusiastic response from Inari. While she was still rambling out words at a record pace, Felice brought both their hands to cover their face. Actually, it looked more like a face-palm the more I think about it. Eventually, Felice spoke, stopping Inari midsentence.
“Alright nayn, I unmeowstand you are interested in working with Ko Nyan as adventurers together... Howmeowver, I will only agree to it under meown condition. – Ko Nyan, will you let Inari Nyan cleanse the Mind Seal spell on you?”
“WHAT?!?!”
Both Inari and I exclaimed at the same time. Clearly neither of us were expecting Felice to propose that the condition be Inari has to cleanse an ancient, forgotten magic, which would clearly require lots of precise mana management and control! I looked at Inari, and she seemed to agree as well. This was obviously an unreasonable request on Felice’s part. Sure enough, Inari voiced her concerns.
“But Felice! That doesn’t make any sense! I’ve never seen this magic before! And to expect me to cleanse it??! I wouldn’t even know where to start! If it’s really a lost, ancient magic, even with my current skills in mana weaving, it would be an unsurmountable task!!!”
“Then how ameowt this meown. Ko Nayn, do you trust Inari Nayn to cleanse the Mind Sealing spell? Unmeowstanding that if she makes any meowstakes, you will suffer agonizing pain, along with certain death?”
“Felice! That’s not fair! It’s unreasonable for Ko to agree to—”
Drawing on my videogame and isekai knowledge, it was obvious that failing to cleanse such a complex spell like this would surely have consequences, but was I really willing to place my trust in Inari? Truthfully, I would feel more confident with Felice based on their skill in using magic, but I think I understood the real reason as to why they were asking this question. Thus, I interrupted Inari, speaking in a serious tone.
“Inari, do you believe you can cleanse the spell? If Felice guides and instructs you... Can you do it?”
Inari was frantically looking back and forth between Felice and myself. Obviously, this was an uncomfortable situation to be in. The weight of failure was immense, and Felice’s piercing green eyes towards her didn’t help defuse the anxiety either. I could also see she was fidgeting with her paws while staring into the red pillow, thinking about how to respond to my question. Finally, in a shaky voice, with a severe lack of confidence, she responded.
“I mean... If... If I fail at cleansing the Mind Seal spell... You’ll die Ko! – Are you... Really willing to trust me? I... I think I can if Felice instructs me... But the risks are too high! I shouldn’t do this!”
While she didn’t sound very confident, Inari did mention she could probably cleanse the spell with Felice’s guidance. My gut was also telling me that this is something she would probably be able to accomplish. So, in my best efforts to reassure her, I lightly bumped her shoulder with my fist and gave my response.
“Inari, just like earlier when we fought the bandits together and I trusted you to keep me safe, I know you’ll be able to do this. If we’re going to be adventurers together, then we both need to trust in each other’s capabilities. As a party, our lives will be on the line whenever we’re on a quest, and if I can’t trust you here, then it will only be difficult going forward.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Felice smiling at my words. While I don’t think Inari noticed, I believe Felice wanted to see both of our convictions for working together, and this scenario ended up working to their benefit.
“Alright Ko, I will do this. I will cleanse the Mind Sealing spell and you WILL survive! I promise this, as your future party member!”
Inari was beaming with confidence again. I was glad she managed to find the resolve to believe in her exceptional magic skills. Surely, with Felice’s guidance, nothing could possibly go wrong.
...
Right?
No, now isn’t the time to be second guessing my decision. Especially right after I gave such aspiring words of encouragement.
“Meow right, Ko Nayn, are you ready?”
“Yes Felice, I’m ready. – Inari, you’ve got this!”
“Thank you, Ko. Alright, do your best to stay relatively still, that will help when I’m working on the mana nerve channels.”
Doing my best to remain as still, but relaxed as possible on the couch, I calmed my nerves for the upcoming life-or-death, magic cleansing operation. Before Felice and Inari started, Felice flicked their wrist to relocate the tea table in between us, over to the side of the room. Then, they stood up to stand right in front of myself, motioning for Inari to join beside them. However, I was in no way prepared for the experience I was about to have.
Before beginning, Felice gave Inari an, in my opinion, rather shallow explanation for how they would instruct her on removing the Mind Sealing spell, but she seemed to understand without issue. Essentially, the operation would work as follows: First, they would measure and slow the rate of mana flow within my body to detect points of interest. Since I was only affected by one debuff, inconsistencies in the flowrate indicated potential spell anchor points. Magical ailments, sicknesses, or debuffs, always had to attach themselves to key corridors along an individual’s mana channels, and knowing these anchor point locations identified where to explore deeper along the connecting pathways. My closest analogy would be the anchor points are like screws securing a metal panel in place, and once you start loosening the screws, you can remove the panel to reveal the inner components. Except, depending on which anchor points were loosened, your internal components would shift, looking drastically different.
Second, they would try and locate mana clusters related to the spell, hidden throughout my body. They would somehow compare the different mana signatures present inside me, and locate the specific combinations for the Mind Seal spell that way.
Next, they would tamper with the mana flow of the Mind Seal spell, by temporarily redirecting the flow to bypass each anchor point, producing an opening to insert a counter spell before returning to normal.
Finally, the debuff’s connection to my body would be severed from each anchor point by activating the counter spells simultaneously. I imagined this whole process was something similar to locating a cancerous tumor, then surgically removing it with lasers, all in one clean action!
Once Felice had finished their explanation, Inari made her paws produced two different coloured globes of light. One was a purplish flame, while the other was a spherical white orb. Next, Inari pulled her paws back, which caused me to feel the sensation of being pulled forward. Correction, the feeling was what I could only imagine it would feel like to have your entire skeletal system pulled forward in an attempt to free itself from its fleshy prison! After this, I saw before me what looked like a holographic coral reef. Apparently, these were mana channels or corridors, and Inari had only enlarged and made visible their structure so Felice could point out the areas of interest. Then, after some discussion and planning, the actual operation began.
“Alright Ko, I’m going to start now.”
When Inari finished her brief and short sentence before potentially inflicting on me untold pain and horror, along with the very real chance of death, my body began to feel a warm, pleasant feeling. Then, my blood felt cold traveling through my veins. Perhaps this was the mana flow manipulation process at work?
“Meow see that Inari Nayn? Around cranial nerves VII and VIII meown?”
“Yes Felice, the auditory and facial channels are being monitored very faintly by the spell as you predicted. It’s frightening how well the signature blends into the primary hosts identifier. This would have easily been missed through a standard appraisal cast.”
“That’s the probmeown with ancient meowgics nyan. The weaving and integration into the host is near purfect nya. It’s a good thing the worlds forgotten ameowt them nyan.
Oh, and Ko Nayn? Good luck meown, this next meownite will probmeowly be the most painful experience of your life nya.”
“Heh, well that’s awfully reassuring of you Felice. You didn’t have any.... Kinder words to share with me?”
“Sorry nyan, but it’s better to be realistic in these scenarios....
Inari Nayn? Do you have the bypass and counter sphere structure calculated meown?”
“Yes Felice, I’m all set to begin... Ko...? Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be Inari.”
“Alright then, starting Inari’s Mind Sealing Magic Removal Battle Plan #12, version 2.5”
While I was contemplating Inari’s choice of battle plan and version numbers, my head started to feel warm, accompanied by a warning message from my helpful internal assistant.
[Warning! – Detected External Manipulation Of Individual’s Core Mana Channels. Immediate Elimination Of Target Is Recommended. Death Predicted In The Event Of Adverse Tampering – Danger!]
Yep, that sounds about right, but seriously, I don’t want to eliminate Inari! She’s trying to help me “internal assistant”!
To keep my mind occupied, I decided to observe Inari’s paws and how she was manipulating them. The purple flame in her right paw would rotate and change in intensity, while the white, spherical orb in her left, expanded and contracted in shape. A lot of the motions were similar to how you would move or rotate an object in 3D space, such as swiping and pinching motions to zoom in or out. I didn’t feel any pain, or discomfort, just an oscillating warmth all throughout my head. While I was starting to get accustomed to this feeling, my right eye was suddenly overwhelmed with a surge of pain and heat, similar to when I had fought the griffin from earlier, except the sensation was astronomically more traumatizing. It felt like a thin, metallic, molten rod had pierced my iris, burrowing deep into the back of my head without reprimand.
Naturally, I did the only reasonable response to such a traumatic sensation...
Scream.
“GAH!!!! MY EYE!!! IT FEELS LIKE IT’S ON FIRE!!!! AHHHGGG!! WHAT’S HAPPENING?!?!?”
“Ju.. Just a second Ko! Hang in there!!! I’m... I’m not even working on that area of the...
Wh... Felice! There... There’s something else in there! It’s... It’s interfering with the temporary bypass channel! I can feel it pushing back against my weaving! The.... The oculus dexter region is activating and it’s growing unstable!”
Vision in my right eye turned red, as my entire head felt like it was being compressed in a clamp, squeezing tighter and tighter, while the burning sensation in my eye rapidly flashed between a chilling and molten temperature.
“The shield... The... The snakes on it are glowing!!”
Not long after Inari’s comment, a piercing red light shot out from the entwined serpent’s eyes on my mysterious shield’s design. Sharp, electric sparks soon followed, as the metallic disk began to glow a sickening red, white, and blackish colour. Through my pain, I could tell Inari was desperately struggling to keep... Whatever it was, under control!
“I won’t let you interfere with my counter spell Mr. mysterious variable! You’re not going to ruin my plans to be an adventurer with Ko!!!!
Grrr! Just a little more.... There!!”
**Schrine**
**Doof**
**Boosh!**
My head, or conscious, more like, felt like a jumbled mess. I felt my entire body being pulled to the left, yet I didn’t move, followed by a bunch of sharp, sudden jerks in multiple directions. The feeling was like someone had taken a piece of paper, crumpled it up, then chucked it violently into a small enclosure. My vision, was inverted... I think? It felt like my right eye was seeing through my left, and my left eye, the right... Everything I saw was also upside down. While the burning and chilling pain was gone, in its place, I felt very disoriented instead. I also thought I could see Felice and Inari trying to talk to me, but I couldn’t hear anything. There was no sound, other than a piercing ringing noise inside my ear.
Then, my vision faded to black.