I divulge in discussion with the mage for a while. His name is Kequak—one of five Court Mages and King Braiher’s trusted aide.
I have also come to realize that the names of this world are… rather odd sounding. However, the reason behind this is perfectly understandable. You see, I was reincarnated into this world through an advanced summoning spell. My soul was essentially pulled out of limbo. Once extracted, my soul would take the shape of the previous vessel it had inhabited and materialise from the spiritual to physical plane.
To be honest, the lengthy explanation above that Kequak gave me had borne no fruit. I’m still confused on the specifics, and not sure why Kequak found the explanation necessary.
Back on track: once I got reincarnated into this world, I automatically met the conditions to gain the [Hero] title—a rare title only accessible through the summoning spell discreetly taught to Court Mages, and only Court Mages. Along with the [Hero] title, I got gifted the extra skill, [Auto Translation]—a skill that removes any language barriers, as everything I hear or see gets filtered directly into Japanese. Reversely, anything I say is translated into the language most familiar to the hearer. Being the ‘common tongue’ in this case.
Due to the nature of this translating effect, names and such would seem rather… out of the ordinary. As they cannot be directly translated into Japanese, these names are instead converted phonetically. This is also why Kequak’s words do not sync with the movement of his mouth—[Auto Translation] does not change the movement of the tongue to form sounds, nor does the skill affect the reverberation of sound waves. Allegedly, the skill simply changes the way my brain processes such related sounds.
Although, that in itself, is rather impressive. For a skill to casually alter the way the mind interprets select vibrations is… simply breathtaking.
“Ray, I am aware that you have only been here for a trivial amount of time. A day and a half, was it?” questions Kequak, his words cutting my trance short. I give him a courteous nod.
Satisfied with my response, Kequak continues. “Ho-ho-ho! Yes, it seems I was correct. It has been less than two days since I summoned you here. I would advocate for you to learn more about this world and our society before you step into public grounds. Most customs similarly resemble that of ‘Earth,’ but it would be better to be safe than sorry. You see, although you probably don’t fully understand the situation, you are a beacon of hope to the people. Once the [Heroes] are officially revealed to the public eye, you will be under heavy scrutiny. It would be best to maintain an agreeable reputation.”
I see…
I had not considered what Kequak just noted, but I understand his point.
I wouldn’t want to accidentally disrespect someone out of ignorance. That would reflect badly on the King, since I am essentially a representative of the kingdom whether I like it or not.
Besides, having beta knowledge of world history and such would be helpful. However, one main part of his explanation catches my attention. Specifically, Kequak said [Heroes]—plural.
Having collected my thoughts, I decide to insert the question in later. I start. “Well then, Kequak, is there any knowledge I should prioritise?”
Kequak raises an eyebrow and looks at me in amusement. “Unfortunately, dear Ray, I do not believe I am qualified to teach you such things. I’m a mage, not a teacher! Ho-ho-ho! If you want some information to enlighten you, I suggest you try the royal library.”
With a wave of his finger and a light chant, the quill pen resting on the tea table suddenly spins to life. It quickly scribbles some foreign runes on a piece of paper, before returning to its unmoving state.
Kequak hands me the paper.
“A list of books I personally recommend.”
I take the sheet from his hand. Looking at it, the runes suddenly blur. Once the paper stops blurring, the words transform into Japanese. To be honest, the slight delay makes things a bit confusing . Luckily, there seems to be no lag with sound, only with text.
I would thank him, but some other thoughts probe in my head.
“An animation spell…?” I muse, baffled by the sight.
“Ho-ho-ho! Oh, Heavens no! No, unlike your world where magic is specific, the spells here are far more vague and can be altered to ones liking,” chuckles Kequak, clearly amused. “I used [Wind Magic] to create currents, levitating the pen midair before controlling those air currents to move the pen in a formation suitable for writing.”
“That seems… a lot more complicated,” I comment.
It seems that spells act less like spells, and more like… with lack of a better term, freestyle commands…?
…Spells are a lot more simplistic than I imagined. No—not spells—but magic. After some quick debriefing, I think I understand magic to some extent. In Skyl, Wind Magic was broken into several sub-spells such as Gust Cannon, Typhoon, and so on.
Here, [Wind Magic] has no such restrictions and limitations. [Wind Magic] lets you create and control wind.
Simple.
Thus, spells such as Gust Cannon are possible, but [Wind Magic] is open to a lot more variety. For example, I could control the wind to lift me up and levitate me for fraudulent flight. I say so, because I can infer from Kequak that magic is still limited by an individual's mana capacities.
The higher one’s mana stat, the more variety one has access to, or so Kequak says.
But now, I have something much more pressing to ask.
“Kequak, there are other reincarnations, right?”
I suddenly blurt out the question, unable to contain my curiosity. After all, Kequak had mentioned the word ‘hero,’ as a plural. And now, he has demonstrated at least some knowledge about Earth.
Kequak responds with a nod of affirmation, and I notice a subtle grin twitch into place. “Ho-ho, perceptive aren’t we? Young Ray, you are correct. You are not the first visitor from Earth. Out of the five major human kingdoms, you were the fourth [Hero] to be summoned.”
He takes a deep breath, before continuing. “No major conflict has broken out yet; only some minor brawls in towns adjacent to the borders. However, a major war is predicted to explode in a few years. This information is reliable, I can assure you. Madam Kolina, a famous oracle with [Future Prediction]—the higher class of [Future Insight]—has seen the outbreak in her visions. Vividly, I might add. Usually, her visions are blurry past a week. To have such accurate insight years in the future is… unnerving. Although this has not been revealed publicly yet, it has caused distress upon many a King. And so, the other major kingdoms have decided to summon their own respective [Heroes]. I can arrange for the four of you to meet later if you wish.”
My eyes light up in anticipation.
“Yes! Yes please, Kequak! When can the appointment be scheduled?!”
“Soon, Ray. However, you must be patient. There is still much to learn—the royal library can be found near the King’s garden. But for now, I will tell you about the perks of the [Hero] title.”
That makes sense. I had gotten too caught up in the moment to think rationally. From what Kequak said, I can tell that I am the second last—or fourth—[Hero] to be summoned. The others might have gotten an early head start. I should understand my situation, my powers, and my role in this world before I can proceed.
“First, you have the [Hero] title. The fact that we can communicate despite a language barrier is clear evidence of that. However, there are many other benefits to this title. First of all, this title allows for the doubling of progress. Your Combat Points and Skill Points will automatically be increased twofold per level up, and you will gain proficiency and experience at twice the pace of a normal man. Combat Points can be used to increase your base stats, while Skill Points can be used to purchase Skills in the Skill Shop.”
Kequak stops for a moment, allowing me to process the information given to me. After a minute, he carries on. “The title also gifts you three additional Extra Skills—[Auto Translation], a heavenly virtue skill most suited to you, and a unique, unprecedented reincarnation skill special to each individual. You will also be given a set of S ranked items.”
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I stare at Kequak in utter disbelief.
“…All of that, just for me…?” I doubtfully question, shuffling my feet in response.
Kequak merely shrugs it off, stating that he didn’t pay for any of it, and that it was simply the effects of the [Hero] title. Of course, his explanation was accompanied by his Ho-ho-ho! chuckle.
Even so, I still give him my thanks as a sign of respect.
“Here, check your status with this pendant. It has a special ability that allows the user to use the [Inspect] skill,” explains Kequak, as he tosses me a necklace with a small stone tinted with light shades of purple. “Now, I should explain what [Inspect] can do. The skill allows the user to see their own status along with the status of items. Nothing more. Only you, and items within the field of vision. Please remember that.”
I bob my head alongside his explanation.
“Oh, right. You can keep it if you want.”
He leans outwards, and passes the amulet to me.
“Thank you so much, Sir!”
“Ho-ho-ho! No problem, Young Ray. Being the kingdoms [Hero], you are essentially royalty.”
Kequak, once again, brushes my thanks aside.
He says I should focus on what’s in front of me right now. Metaphorically, of course.
Listening to Kequaks orders, I strain my head while constantly thinking ‘[Inspect]’. True to his word, I get a sudden flow of information.
Name: Ray Tanaka
Level: 1 Rank: A Class: None
Health: 3,000
Mana: 3,000
Damage: 3,000
Defence: 3,000
Speed: 3,000
Titles: [Hero: Humility]
Skills: None
Extra Skills: [Auto Translation], [Second Wind], [Worthiness], [Inspect—Item derived]>
I take a moment to take all of it in. After reading the results aloud to Kequak, he gives another approving nod. Further following his instructions, I then [Inspect] the two unknown skills.
<[Second Wind] (active): Ray Tanaka can instantly recover any damage done in the past three seconds at the cost of a large sum of mana. Mana cost will scale along with recovered damage.
[Worthiness] (active): Sacrifice half of maximum health to gain a massive temporary boost in all stats.>
These skills seem immensely powerful, and I can foresee a powerful combo with [Second Wind] and [Worthiness].
I assume that [Second Wind] is my personal skill while [Worthiness] is my Miracle Human skill.
Firstly, [Second Wind] is directed at me. My name is explicitly in the skill name, from which I can infer that it is a skill only I have.
And I presume [Worthiness] is derived from one of the seven heavenly virtues. Which, as the title name suggests, is humility.
After all, that suits me, doesn't it?
I have accepted my weakness and learned to live with it.
I glance at Kequak and see that he is there sitting patiently while sipping a cup of tea. Its gold outline and marble coating resembles one of many antique tea sets in my grandmother's kitchen.
He notices my glance, places his cup of tea down, and gets ready to leave the room.
"Young Ray, it seems you have a lot to discover. I shall leave you to your own devices and allow you to learn yourself. If you wish to meet me, I will be in the royal study."
"See you later and thank you so much for helping me."
"No need to thank me. It is my duty as Court Mage to assist you in finding yourself and understanding this world."
With thanks, he leaves, the door quietly snicking behind him.
I see a note on the table adjacent to the list of books he had suggested. I take a double-take, surprised that Kequak managed to create the list without me noticing. It has an array of commands and what to do. I test out the first one.
“Open inventory”
Heroic Broadsword [Rank S]
Heroic Chestplate [Rank S]
Heroic Cloak [Rank S]
Heroic Boots [Rank S]>
With gleeful eyes, I [Inspect] my items.
Damage: 5,000 Durability: 10,000 Resistance: 5,000
Specials: Enhances stamina regeneration and has a high chance of dealing a critical hit (x1.5 damage)>
Armour: 6,000 Durability: 20,000 Resistance: 8,000
Specials: Increases base defence stat and health. Adds rapid auto health regeneration>
Armour: 3,000 Durability: 5,000 Resistance: 1,000
Specials: Marginally enhances mana regeneration and increases base mana stat>
Armour: 2,000 Durability: 7,000 Resistance: 2,000
Specials: Increases base speed stat>
W-wow….
It seems there is no end to my astonishment. Every corner I turn, I get more and more shocked simply by the sheer amount gifted to me.
According to the note, if I tap on the icon corresponding to the item, it automatically equips.
I tap all four items and fully deck out before checking my status with [Inspect].
Mana: 4,000
Damage: 5,000
Defence: 5,000
Speed: 4,000>
Interesting. It seems all my base stats were significantly increased due to the effects of the equipped items.
I don’t know about the norm in this world, but I feel like these stats are far above average.
Next, I go to the royal library to learn more about this world.
Sitting in the children’s section, I awkwardly glanced around both sides through my peripheral vision before quickly swiping some picture books. I admit it—I am new to this world, and do not know much.
For people who were born here, my knowledge is probably preschool content. In fact, these picture books contain a lot of information. After reading some and getting confident that [Auto Translation] works, I start searching for the books Kequak had suggested.
Half an hour of fruitlessly searching the library passes, and I resort to asking the librarian for help.
Eventually, I return to my temporary room (it seems King Braiher is currently finding a house for me) with a stack of books, I begin opening them and reading the contents inside.
I close the book and delve deeper into my mind to create a mental summary.
Classes are permanent, meaning that I must choose wisely before I select one.
Furthermore, you can level up by killing monsters. With every level up, you get 20 skill points and 5 Combat Points, as well as a +1 to every stat.
For me, I get 40 skill points and 10 Combat Points, along with a +2 to all stats.
Skill points can be used to purchase skills. The price of skills widely vary depending on the rarity of the skill, and your affinity with it.
For example, a swordsman could buy a sword related skill such as [Swordsmanship] for a cheap price, but a magic skill of the same rarity would cost more since most physical attackers lack power in the magical area.
Combat Points can be used to increase the base power of any stat. Self-explanatory.
And finally, the ranks. An individual can be either one of five ranks: rank F, rank D, rank C, rank B or rank A. These ranks have been integrated into the Adventurer’s Guilds ranking system. However, instead of using letters for scales, the Guild has opted to ‘badges’, and an individual can be either one of five badges: Bronze badge, Silver badge, Gold badge, Diamond badge or the legendary Mithril badge. Below are the average stats of each rank.
Rank F: 1 - 50
Bronze (D): 100 - 749
Silver (C): 750 - 1,499
Gold (B): 1,500 - 2,999
Diamond (A): 3,000 - 4,999
Mithril (S): 5,000 - 9,999
However, rank S does not exist. One cannot be born rank S, and is therefore unattainable on the status screen. The rank of S is only accessible for weapons and gear. It is possible, though, for an individual to be born with a stat of 4,999. Afterwards, a simple level-up would push them to the theoretical rank S.
This is all theoretical, you see, because one cannot ‘rank’ up. The rank you have on your status will be there permanently. Even if a rank F somehow managed to get to stats of 100, they would still be rank F. Just rank D theoretically. As I said before, a technical ‘rank up' is impossible. Only theoretical ‘rank ups' are possible.
The Guild simply made the ‘Mithril badge’ since their ranking system is, as mentioned, merely theoretical. Because of the Guild’s use of an alternate ranking system where a person may ‘rank up’, or in this case, ‘climb a badge’, their ranking system has been widely popularised and is used even in common speech.
A rank F is almost certainly guaranteed to never attain a Bronze badge due to the 50 stat gap. They are denied access to joining the Adventurer’s Guild. The reasoning for this is actually pretty simple. You see, one only increases each stat by 1 every level-up. And since the required experience for levelling is cumulative, it is actually very hard, if not impossible to power level and drastically increase the stats allocated to you at birth. According to the book, an average adventurer only climbs 30 or so levels before retirement, after all.
Because of the near unfeasible possibility of pushing past and climbing a rank, rank F’s are not allowed to join the Guild in order to minimise the casualties. They are the weakest of the weak.
Oh, right.
And this badge system was created by the great hero,—‘Hero King’ Lam. Hero King Lam was a resident of this world, and did not have the [Hero] title. However, his accomplishments still made him worthy of a title such as Hero King.
Having sparked my interest, I file through the pile of books searching for books mentioning this great hero.