LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 34 – The Heroes Revealed
It has been roughly 3 weeks since I first arrived in the world of Terra, and a lot has changed. While I would like to believe these changes were due to my amazing and wonderful presence, I had since cast such thoughts away as I resolved myself to learn as much as I could about my new reality and world.
Staying at the Paws & Beans tavern with Inari, Felice, and Yarn, has made each day, for lack of a better word, unique. Over this time period, Inari and I have completed an insurmountable number of quests for the Adventurer’s Guild, and were now officially ranked F(+). Furthermore, we had both reached level 5 as well from the sheer number of monsters slain during our adventures. In summary, Inari and I’s progress in adventurer ranks and level, was waaayyyy too fast for how this world functioned, but was most likely the result of the growth parameter in our status window. Normally, reaching level 5 would take adventurers several years of daily work killing monsters, yet this was achieved in a measly 3 weeks on our part. The current working theory was the [Growth] skills we had, were being amplified by the summoned hero powers I possessed. We still had no idea who or what the “World Serpent” was, but when Inari and I formed a party contract through magic, our status values and experience gained was drastically boosted. There was evidence this phenomenon was related to the powers of heroes blessed by gods through ancient stories passed down throughout Terra, but there was no existing record of a “World Serpent” deity. Additionally, there were some limitations placed on our adventurer rank progress as well.
According to Felice, the ranking of adventurers was strictly monitored by guild branches, and the headmaster of a branch could only do “so much” in promoting a party or individuals based on their achievements. A consensus was required amongst several branches in a kingdom or territory, along with evidence of achievements to advance further, with promotions typically “batched” together with other adventurer parties eligible for advancement. There were also strict time gated requirements that couldn’t always be bypassed. For example, even though Inari and I had completed over 300 requests for monster subjugation and herb gathering, we couldn’t formally advance to rank E until 3 years had passed on our adventuring careers. While Felice was adamant in advocating for our exceptional capabilities, the various checks and balances prevented them from officially ranking us at the appropriate level. For context, Felice’s opinion put us in the top category of adventurers in the Kingdom of Solara, where we could potentially be ranked C(+) based on our level, capabilities, and skill. They also had to be rather creative in explaining how we had managed to achieve level 5 so quickly, with their best response being they were just “that ameowzing at teaching nayn!”, which the broader guild seemingly didn’t question further. The more I learned about the Adventurer’s Guild, I was left with various impressions it was an inefficient corporation spanning across the world that somehow managed to function, despite inconsistencies in communication and rulings.
While on the topic of skills and capabilities, I was rather pleased with myself for my stellar performance on Inari’s 1,000 multiple-choice questions I was quizzed on daily. 1,000 was not an overstatement, as I was in fact, having to answer 1,000 questions each day about the history of magic, formulation of spells, and other niche topics in the field. In my opinion, a consistent score of 85% was rather acceptable, considering my short time of study, but that wasn’t good enough for Inari or Felice. Seriously, It’s not like I’m a savant just because I’m a summoned hero! However, this did allow for me to have a much better grasp and understanding of magic as a concept in this world.
To draw parallels from Earth, magic was very similar to the domain of chemistry. All throughout the atmosphere, were mana particles of various elements, visible in the form of a shimmering light when dense concentrations were present. Much like how air is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen, the same can be said about the various mana particles making up the atmosphere, albeit in a more visible fashion. While most beings would be unaware of oxygen’s invisible presence and how it helped them support the basic biological function of breathing, mana particles could be felt and detected by those with innate magical capabilities. The basic elements were: fire, water, earth, air, and thunder, with additional categories for light, dark, typeless, and ethereal attributes.
Fire was a source of heat and destruction commonly used by individuals during combat, such as in Firebolts, Fireballs, or Explosion type spells. Earth was usually a direct manipulation of the tangible ground, generally used for defensive and terrain modification spells, such as unstable ground, rock walls, shields, etc. Water was generally used in its modified form of ice for combative capabilities, but defined as the broad manipulation or conjuration of liquid. Air was fairly self-explanatory, and generally found in the highest concentrations when outside, usually utilized by condensing the mana particles into sharp pressure blades for cutting, or enhancing one’s physical ranged attacks by increasing their launch speed. Finally, thunder was only viewed as a dangerous offensive magic, and nothing more, most likely due to the world lacking technology which could utilize electricity properly.
For the non-elemental particles, light particles were utilized in healing and recovery magic, and were somewhat difficult to work with from a weaving perspective. Dark particles were not as well studied in the magic community due to their general lack of presence, but were utilized by Inari when she used curse magic. From my perspective, dark particles seemed to be used whenever a debuff of some sort was cast on a target. Typeless mana particles were those that didn’t have a particular element, and were used in combination with elemental particles to produce or amplify spells. Generally, typeless magic covered a broad range of spell usage since they could neatly fit into any spell’s materialization sequence. Usually, they were applied to buff or enhancement magic, but used almost in every spell. They were also the most prevalent in any setting, bearing extreme circumstances. Finally, there were ethereal mana particles, which were only accessible in the ethereal plane. This was a “secret” type of particle not widely known in the world, as only beastkin, elves, and demi-humans, could reliably utilize them. Ghost, spirits, and other beings of a similar nature, all lived in this parallel plane to the tangible world, which was ripe with only ethereal particles.
While all of these particles had their uses, the concentrations one would find them in, varied between regions and locations. For example, while a simple realization, if one was underwater, you would primarily find water particles, with some air, zero fire particles, and a meniscal presence of earth and thunder, unless you were near the ocean or lake’s floor of course. Conversely, when outside, there would be an abundance of air particles, with some water, fire, thunder, and earth all present. In general, like how atmosphere was primarily nitrogen with oxygen, outside was primarily typeless particles, followed by air, water, earth, fire, then thunder.
Next, all beings on Terra could utilize magic to some extent, but the capabilities depended on one’s talent, effort, and race. For example, humans could study, and learn how to “feel” the presence of mana, while beastkin and elves seemed to be naturally born with this capability. Furthermore, one’s talent and training allowed them to accurately assess, weave, and combine the mana particles present into various spells to their will. This would be like an apprentice understanding there are more air particles present than water particles, when a skilled tradesman could tell you the rough ratio was 20 air to 1 water. At the extreme end of the scale, savants could subconsciously detect the exact mana particle count in a region, accurately identifying 5.69x10^20 air, to 2.845x10^19 water, an incredibly scary thought. Currently, my skill seemed to be that of roughly understanding the ratios present after weeks of practice, while Inari was literally bordering on the cusp of savant-hood.
So, how does all of this fit into the casting of magic? While, simply put, users would “weave” or manipulate the mana particles present in the atmosphere to combine into appropriate ratios to produce the desired spell. Something like a Firebolt would need a ratio of 5 fire to 4 air, to 1 water. While I was surprised at the inclusion of water into the spell commonly known for a flaming ball of heat and destruction, this was apparently done to “bind” the effect and prevent the explosive flames from harming the environment, something rarely done by most users. To achieve this weaving, users would typically say an incantation which helped focus their thoughts or will into what they wanted the particles to achieve. When this was combined with a strong mental image of the desired spell’s effect, the results were produced so long as the appropriate mana particles were combined.
But what about MP? Wasn’t an individual’s mana suppose to be used when casting spells? I mean, that’s kinda how it worked in all of the RPGs and isekai shows I watched. Well, apparently MP was used as a form of “compensation” for failing to weave the mana particles present in your environment effectively. Essentially, MP could allow for the direct transmutation of mana particles into a completely different elemental type, which ties into one’s understanding of the mana particles present. In the above example, if an individual attempted to cast a Firebolt spell, and got the ratio of fire to air particles wrong, their MP would then be consumed to achieve the appropriate balance between elements, forcibly creating the destructive spell. Expanding on this, it also meant one could produce a Firebolt spell while underwater, but it would cause an incredible strain on their MP and become very inefficient, as it needed to forcibly and continuously convert mana particles into the fire element to maintain the spell’s composition. Conversely, this meant that if someone perfectly assessed and combined the mana particles present around them, they could activate their desired spell with no impact on their MP, essentially casting the spell for free. However, this was very difficult to achieve in practice. Furthermore, it was typically easier to convert typeless particles into an element, than an element to an element. This was usually how light and dark particles were created due to their rare presence in the world. While I was personally amazed at how one could cast spells for free with enough understanding, I was glad to know this was by no means the norm in Terra, and the usage of MP was actually quite common amongst the various races. As a general rule, the more MP you had, the more spells you could cast before losing consciousness. While I was pleased at my stronger understand of magic in general, Inari and I also had the time to receive physical training from the tavern’s strongest, retired adventurer, Lupine Darkclaw.
Lupine, is a wolf-type beastkin, and a retired B ranked adventurer staying at the tavern. His fur is various shares of dark gray, whites, and blues, while his muzzle is starting to sprout various old “white tuffs” due to age. On his right-eye, is a battle adorned scar, which he received from fighting a wyvern before retiring. While he eventually lost vision from the injury, he has been staying at the tavern for several years now, becoming a stable presence in the main lobby, always drinking mana malt beer, while sharing stories of his exploits with the other beastkin and demi-humans alike. While he had a rough personality when we first met, he eventually warmed up to me when Inari requested I receive combat training from him. As Lupine had already instructed her in general combat manoeuvrability, he was curious to see my capabilities compared to hers. In short, we were able to determine I had heightened senses that even surpassed his when it came to speed and execution, but I still lacked a general “battle awareness” of sorts. At current, my movements would be similar to that of an experienced B ranked adventurer, but a toddler’s in understand how a fight plays out to finish encounters. In his words, it was really weird to see such refined, precise movements, followed by spectacular fails for simple sword play. While this was probably related to my shield giving me enhanced combat capabilities, my body was still missing the essential, subconscious experience of battle instincts honed through years of experience. Overall, the training was great, as both Inari and I figured it could help prepare me for a possible scenario if the shield’s capabilities were disabled in someway, limiting my power.
With that said, Inari, Felice, and I, were currently discussing over lunch the announcement King Solar made last week and distributed to all of the adventurer guild branches in the kingdom.
The Kingdom of Solara, had finally announced publicly the presence of the summoned heroes, 2 weeks after they were brought to Terra. While most of the kingdom’s population cheered and revered their presence, likely due to the increasing tensions with the north-eastern neighboring Kingdom of Valoria, the 3 of us were less impressed, possessing additional contextual knowledge of the situation, i.e., me, being the original summoned individual. Regardless, this announcement tied into the primary reason for the upcoming major event in the City of Solara; a tournament to determine the strongest adventurer party currently in the kingdom. The purpose? To decide on the “lucky” candidates who would receive the “honour” to accompany the heroes on their journey, delving deeper into the labyrinth beneath the city to clear it, something never before accomplished in the kingdom’s history.
During my time here, access to the labyrinth was restricted to the palace, so I never got the opportunity to explore it myself. Regarding the structure, it was unknown how deep the labyrinth ran, even when magic was used to examine its depths. All that was known, was there were at least 12 floors, the current depth the kingdom had managed to achieve. The entranceway was blocked off and guarded by the royal palace, where they charged a small entry fee to adventurers so that they could explore the floors, earn rewards, and level up. Apparently, access was only granted to adventurers of rank F or above, and many choose to enter the labyrinth due to the consistent returns and low-risk it offered, as monster spawns were predictable, with specific species only existing on well-known floors. According to legends, vast treasures and legendary artifacts were present at the bottom, but no one knew if this was actually true. This fact, is what brought us to the heart of the currently, heavily debated topic amongst us.
“But Felice! Seriously! You yourself have even admitted Inari and I are probably the current strongest adventurers in the kingdom at the moment! Why can’t we register for the upcoming tournament?!?!”
“I agree with Ko, Felice! Seriously, we’ve accomplished a lot these past few weeks, and I would love the opportunity to evaluate our capabilities against the best in the kingdom! Plus, I’ve never been into the city before, and I’ve always wanted to see what it’s like inside! It would be an absolutely wonderful experience!”
“Exactly! Plus, it would provide an ideal chance for some “pay back” for how the king treated me. Could you image the look on his face when the abandoned, summoned hero, wins the tournament and earns the privilege to join the “heroes” on their journey into the depths of the labyrinth?!?! King Solar would be furious!!!”
“Nya nya Ko Nayn. I still don’t believe it woul—”
“But we meet the—”
“I meow you meet the requirements nayn, but that still doesn’t change the fact it’s dangrmeows nayn! Nomeown has gone fuurrrther than the 12th floor nya, and that’s not even to meownchin you’ve never been into the labmeowth before nyan! This is just reckless behavmeower meown.”
**Sigh**
Inari and I each took a bite from our plates of fried tofu as our debate with the annoyed cat maid came to a brief interlude. While we were both annoyed at Felice, they were very much correct that us wanting to explore the labyrinth with the other heroes, was reckless behaviour, especially when combined with the fact neither of us had been into the labyrinth ourselves. It was obvious why Felice would object to our request to register for the upcoming tournament, considering the high likelihood we would win. As the silence from our vicious arguing began to grow, Felice eventually sighed themselves, and responded in a calmer tone towards us.
“But... With that said meown, I also think getting to experience the labyrinth would be benemeowful to youuurrr growth as adventermeows nayn. Plus, fighting other adventurers is an excelmeownt source of combat experimeownce nya.”
“Does... Does that mean?”
“Yes Ko Nayn. After all, both you and Inari Nayn do meet the requiremeownts to register nayn. And, with all of my advocating to the guild branches, it would be weird for this headmeowster’s prize students not to compete meown...”
Realizing what Felice had just admitted to, I was overcome with excitement as they finally gave their approval for us to register at the upcoming tournament in the city! Without thinking, I jumped up from my seat and aggressively gave Felice a giant hug while spinning them around in the air! Inari giggled at the whole scene as Felice was frantically flailing their arms, trying to free themselves from my spontaneous, spinning embrace.
“WAHHH!!! Ko Nayn!!!! What the heck are you doing MEOWN!!! Stop it nya!!!! This... This isn’t appropri—”
“Haha, I’m sorry Felice, but I’m just so excited!!! It’s not often you agree to our requests like this, so I’m just making the most of the moment!”
After a few more spins around in circles, I gently placed the disoriented cat maid back onto the floor, followed by an accompanying pat on the head. Felice obviously wasn’t amused at me for unexpectantly picking them up and swinging them around like that, but they weren’t pouting at me or anything, so I guess it was fine. Once they collected their thoughts, they cleared their throat, then spoke to us.
“Ah hem... That said meown. Just... Just be careful nayn.”
“Don’t worry Felice, both Ko and I will be fine. We’ve already been planning all this week various battle plans and contingencies for the tournament and subsequent labyrinth spelunking! See? I’m just finishing up “Ko & Inari Tournament Ark Battle Sequence #273!”
“Oooo! Inari! Show Felice our Tournament Hero Battle Plan #57 as well! That’s my personal favourite since it involves all sorts of tricks and—”
While Inari was enthusiastically holding up her journal with accompanying battle plans, Felice glanced at them, then sighed heavily again.
“Seriously you two nayn... And here I thought you would have almeowdy left after I agreed you could register for the competition meown... Especially considering it starts in 2 hours nayn... Once you consider the travmeow ti—”
“Oh no! You’re right Felice!!! Ko, we have to leave right now!!! It’s going to take a while to even enter the city with the increased foot traffic and visitors! Let alone get to the Solara Guild Branch to register in the first place!”
“You’re right Inari! Let’s consider this our warmup before the competition begins!!!”
With that said, both Inari and I, rushed out of the Paws & Beans Tavern to head towards the City of Solara, our thoughts filled with anticipation at all the thrilling battles that awaited us, oblivious to the faint, sizzling cries from the fried tofu dishes we had unfortunately left behind.
The tofu, overcome with distraught that it’s message could not be heard, instead choose to wallow on the countertop in anguish, as it’s steam, continued to ascend towards the heavens. Why was the tofu unable to speak? Why couldn’t it warn the duo about the dangers ahead in the City of Solara? Saddened, and, disappointed, the crispy delicacy continued to muffle the words it had only wished could be said, through the tragic absence, of its lips:
“Ymnx rjxxflj, nx rd qfrj fyyjruy yt uwtyjhy ymj xytwd kwtr ymjky. Nk ymnx xjsyjshj nx ktzsi utxyji ts frfets, ymnx btwp nx xytqjs.”
What the tofu wished to convey, was anyone’s guess. Nonetheless, Ko and Inari’s adventures, were bound to be filled with untold struggles and challenges, as they continued to work towards becoming the strongest adventurers, in Terra.