n

n

nIt's the morning after Ariel explained what happened. My pain seems to be mostly gone.. I guess this has something to do with magic.. It is really incredible. Hopefully I'll be able to use a healing spell..

nI turned my head to find the source of weight on my hand only to see, Ariel layed down right beside me. Using my arm as a body pillow.

nThe longer i stared at her sleeping face, the stronger my faster my heart began to beat..

n

"C-Calm down john, E-empty your mind.. Empty you mind..

nI Took a deep breath, closed my eyes and felt my heart begin to calm down..

n

"Good.. just like that..

" I silently said

nI opened my eyes and stared at Ariel again only to go back to square 1.

nWait. Calm down john, there's surely an explanation for this. Ariel most likely only bought one room for us to save on our funds. Yes. That is surely what happened. However..

nMY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT...

nJust as i continued to fight my inner fantasies and mind, i heard Ariel whisper something while she slept.

n

"Uncle..

" she said as a small tear slid down her face..

nArg.. What am i doing so early in the morning. I need to prepare myself to head out to the guild with Ariel..

nJust as i motioned my self to get up, i noticed Ariels expression changed from sadness to a smile as she grabbed on to me, in her sleep.

nW-Well, i suppose we could get a little more rest...

n-------------------

nAfter a few minutes which felt like hours of my heart beating at 60 miles per hour, Ariel woke up.

nShe gave out a slight Yawn, before opening her eyes.

n

"Good morning.

" I said while we stared at each other as she continued to lay on my arms..

n

"Eh?

" She muttured out as her cheeks became bright red

nCute..

n

"U-um, sorry, i accidentally fell asleep and..

" She desperate said in a rush, trying to explain herself.

n

"Don't worry about it, I don't mind. Besides there's only one bed, where else would you have been able to sleep?

" I said, while I kept my head under the blanket to hide my red swollen cheeks too.

nThat said. We got up and tried to change the topic to get rid of the awkward atmosphere.

n

"S-So, let's get ready to go to the guild.

n

"Y-Yes

"

nAh not good, it still feels a little awkward. But i guess it's fine.. On the bright side, i feel like we've gotten closer, she usually used to be more quiet but now she seems like she has no problems talking with me.

nWhile i said get ready.. There really wasn't anything to prepare. I held the dagger which had been sheathed on my waist and so did Ariel with hers. We have a weapon.. The only thing we need now is.. Armour and clothes and a shower.. When was the last time this body took one?

nAriel on the other hand, was wearing clean clothes, and it looks like she recently took a shower. I guess the inn has that sort of facility.

nAs i stared at her, as if she managed to read my mind she said.

"Um, while you were resting I bought some clean clothes for us to wear.. Was it wrong..?

"

n

"No, no, not at all. On the contrary, it was something i was planning to do later so now that you've already done it, it makes life easier so thank you.

"

n

"Y-You're welcome, Here are your clothes

" She picked up the clothes and the table and handed them over to me.

n

"Thank you

"

nI didn't really want to use these clothes without taking a shower first, but it can't be helped.

n

"Is there a place to take a shower here?

"

nShe pointed at the door leading the another room in our room. before she said

"That room is the shower room, the maids bring a few buckets filled with water every afternoon. I used that to take a shower.

"

nI see. I guess it's the inns job to provide it's customers with water too. That's pretty nice. And i'm guessing the way time passes here is the same as how it did in my previous world.. so that's another bonus.

n

"That's great! Do you mind if i take a shower before getting changed?

"

n

"Not at all, I already already took one last night, so don't worry about me. And there's two buckets inside

"

n

"Alright, see you in a bit

" I said before heading inside the room

n

"Mn

" She nodded in response

nI took off my clothes and stood on top of the wooden platform that had a hole on it. I'm guessing the water i spill goes through this hole on to the sewers? If they have one. I also noticed that there was something which looked like soap on top of the platform.

nNow that i think about it.. I learnt a lot of things in my last life due to how hard i studied for my parents. Science was my speciality but i did learn quite a bit on engineering in case i'd need it..

nI'm sure i could think of a few ideas which would be able to help and improve this kingdom. Also, i wonder if i'll be able to use magic to create metals.. I mean From what i remember, i was able to create an element and turn the elements of Hydrogen and Oxygen in the air into molecules to form water..

nAs i wondered what the limitations to my abilities were, i poured down water on my head.

n

"C-Cold..

"

nI let out a quiet complaint accompanied and felt my body shiver as it came into contact with the cold water. and started scrubbing my body to get myself as clean as possible.

nShortly after, i had finished. the shower was good and all but we need soap, or something similar. Well at least i managed to get rid of any odour i might have had.

nAriel somehow smelled nice regardless.. Are the bodies of beautiful and cute girls able to automatically smell nice? At this point i don't know what i'm saying.

nWhile i was stuck in deep thought, waiting for myself to dry, i got an idea.

nWhat'll happen if i imagine all the molecules of water around me moving to form a ball of water on my hand? That way i'll be able to dry faster and get rid of any moisture on the surface of my skin..

nI concentrated on my flow of mana and imagined a ball of water would be formed by absorbing the moisture on my skin and water which hadn't yet dried.

nIt produced an effect looked as if a vacuum was pulling at the moisture on my skin and eventually i was dry. On top of my hand there a sphere shaped ball of water.

n...

n... ... ...

nI DID IT!!! I'M ACTUALLY ABLE TO FREELY USE MAGIC!!! YES!!! So wait.. Does that mean that i can create water out of nothing by imagine molecules of H2O forming in the air and i can also manipulate the moisture and water in the area? Magic is OVERPOWERED!

nI wonder if i can use other elements... The receptionist said that using more than 1 was rare, let alone the fact that magic was already a rare existence.

nIt'd probably be best for me to wait until i got to the forest... Didn't the receptionist say i needed to chant to use spells? Well the spell i used was self made so i don't think there are any chants required in those cases.

nShe said something about unique magic, but i think my case is just the fact that i properly understand the molecular structure, therefore i don't need to chant.. I'm not too sure.. I guess i'll ask her.

nBut i couldn't help but get excited at the thought of about being able to create new spells and manipulate new elements. I Can't wait to find start a new quest!

n-----------

nAfter the shower i got changed into the new clothes and we went to the guild

nThis time we no longer look like orphans and look like proper adventurers. Ariel also looks even cuter on her new clothes.. But that aside..

nI greeted the receptionist alongside Ariel while i ignored the the gazes that were piercing my back. This time they were a lot sharper than before. I'm guessing they didn't expect orphans to survive in the forest? It doesn't seem like they heard about the incident though.

n

"Welcome back!

" She happily said

n

"Thank you

"

n

"Your guild cards are ready and don't worry you're already registered as an F Rank.

"

nSo i guess we did rank up, i mean we did get to exterminate a monster 3 ranks higher so it's only natural. However, the feeling of ranking up made me feel strangely happy.. and proud.

n

"Lend me your finger

"

nI did and she pricked it with a dagger.

nI left out a soft

"Ow

" as she positioned it on top of my card. After a drop of blood fell on it. It gave off a temporary shine and that was it. She repeated this with Ariel and the same effect happened.

n

"Congratulations. You are now officially rank F adventurers.

" She said with a happy expression

n

"Thank you

" We replied.

n-

n-

n-

nAfter we got our cards. The receptionist showed us a new letter which we were allowed to search for on the board. This letter represented E in writing.

nWe thanked her and made our way on to the quest board.

nAfter searching around for quests. We agreed on choosing a rank E difficulty one. Since i had just learnt magic, taking out bigger targets would be much more possible, and with Ariel potential, I'm sure we'd be unstoppable.

nI brought over the quest to the receptionist and she explained the details.

nThe objective of the quest was to exterminate goblins which had settlements around the forest. As proof for exterminating them we're supposed to collect a body part. If we can somehow bring the entire body back, we will be awarded money in exchange for materials.

nEach extermination would be worth 2 silver and we'd be payed accordingly to how many we killed.

nHowever it was weird how we didn't encounter any monsters despite spending 30 minutes in the forest, only one. I might've been due to how close we were to the entrance? I don't know..

nWe thanked the receptionist and accepted the quest, before making our way to the nearest blacksmith and armour shop. We needed some form of protection and since we have a budget, i thought i should get Us some armour.

nAfter all, the only thing we have is a dagger, which we haven't even gotten to use.. Hopefully i'm able to learn a protection type and healing spell. however i still haven't tried and there's a chance i won't have compatibility with it. That's why we're getting armour now instead of later.

nBut if worst comes to worst, i'll try to make a water barrier. That sounds like it would work. I need to learn how to use my dagger though..

nWe entered the shop and i was instantly taken aback. There were armours and daggers on display. A back room which appeared to be where the blacksmith worked as i could hear the sound of someone banging metal coming from there..

n

"Huh, customers? Give me a second.

" Said the voice which was coming from the backroom.

nShortly after, a short but ripped looking man came out of the room. His ears were pointed and he had a long brown beard. He gave us a curious look before moving on to the topic.

n

"So, what are you looking for? Armour i'm guessing?

"

n

"Yes, i'm looking for something easy to maintain and durable.

"

n

"For the girl as well?

"

n

"Yes.

" I hastily replied

nThis man.. Although he was shorter than me he definitely looked older. I'm guessing he's a dwarf..I've read about them in books. Short beings which specialise in blacksmith arts. I can't believe I'm actually meeting one...

nAs i thought that. He asked.

"Hmm, are you adventurers?

"

n

"Yes

" We replied in a proud and dignified manner.

n

"I see, that explains it. How does Orc armour sound? It was made with the top quality orc skin and is pretty easy to maintain, It's also flexible and weighs little so it won't restrict movement.

"

nThat sounds too good to be true.

n

"W-What's the price?

"

n

"60 Gold Coins

"

nI knew it.

n

"Do you have anything cheaper? Around 50 silver coins?

"

n

"Why did that guy make the armour in the size of kids... There are barely any adventurers that would fit this size..

" He quietly murmured.

nAh, so that 's the case..

nAfter Giving off a saddened expression, the man quickly recomposed himself

n

"How does iron armour sound? I'll have 2 sets which look like they'll fit you and the girl. Since i didn't seen any adventure's small enough to fit them, the price dropped. They're in top quality condition and i'll give them to you for 30 silver, maintaining kit included.

"

nHe doesn't seem likes he's lying and i don't really know the market price and now's not the time to be picky so i accepted.

nThe armour set itself was composed of an iron chest, leggings and gauntlets. In my opinion 30 silver sounds pretty good.

nWe each went to a separate changing room to try out the armour and then shortly after, came back out, with it equipped.

nIt fit me pretty well, I guess it's a little loose around the chest but aside from that it felt natural. Now i look even more like an adventurer.

n

"H-How do i look?

" She asked with slightly reddened cheeks

nIn front of me stood Ariel. I must say... Ariel is a real beauty. A slim waist, slender body yet it doesn't look like it lacked nutrition, A cute face with deep black eyes and short black hair. She's 100% my type.

n

"I would prefer longer hair though..

" I quietly said without realising

n

"I-Is that so..

" She said with a saddened expression

n

"Ah? What? N-No I accidentally said that out loud, but honestly you look really cute i-i mean Nice!

"

nUwah.. I was so flustered i couldn't properly make out what i was saying.

nSeeing my embarrassed expression she let out a cute giggle giggle and smile before saying

"Thank you

"

n... I think my heart just skipped a beat.

nI took out 30 silver coins from the bag on Ariel's waist and handed it to the blacksmith. Now all that was left was 20 Silver coins. We left the rest at the inn in case something might have happened.

nthe purchase that brought down to 143 silver coins. the first twenty was payed in advance to stay for a week, meaning there were 3 days remaining. And the 3 silver was used for her meals. If you're a client in the inn. You'll be able to have 3 meals a day for a silver as a bonus.

nWe payed 2 silver coins this morning for the meals today and had breakfast before we left. In wasn't anything impressive just bread with milk. I guess you can't expect much from an inn. but she did say the other meals were better.. Guess i'll have to wait and see.

nI've been wondering. why did she pay 6 silver instead of 3 for the meals? Did she get extra meals for me? But i was asleep so i'm guessing she somehow managed to feed me.. I'll ask her later. Either way i have to thank her.

n

"Thank you for your patronage

"

nAfter we left the store, we stocked up on food to eat in the forest as we weren't sure how much time we'd be spending in the forest. And as we walked towards the gate i took upon this chance to ask.

n

"Um.. Ariel.

"

n

"Yes?

"

n

"Remember when i was unconscious?

"

n

"Yes..?

"

n

"Were you feeding me when i was asleep?

"

n

"Yes.. Sorry.

"

n

"W-What? Ah no, i'm not mad at you, i'm actually grateful, that way i was able to properly recover, thanks to you.

"

n

"Mn.. I used to take care of uncle while he was ill so i learnt how to help.. While you were asleep i sat you up and spoon fed you..

"

nAh.. I guess that's possible..

n

"I see.. Thanks a lot, i feel even better than before now thanks to you

"

nI showed her a big smile on my face as i said that.

n

"Mn

" She replied with a smile as she blushed

nThe inn provided us with toothbrushes and toothpaste so there's no need to worry about my breath smelling bad or bad teeth. And of course, the same can be said for Ariel, she had been living quite nicely after all, it was only until recently that her uncle had died.

n------------------------

nAfter heading towards the gate we finally arrived and were stopped by the gatekeeper

n

"Where are you going?

" he asked.

nThis voice.. Is he a new gate-keeper?

n

"Hey, we're adventurers, we're on our way to the forest for a goblin subjugation quest.

"

n

"Adventurers.. can i see your cards?

"

n

"Sure.

"

nWe handed the man our cards and after checking them, he allowed us through.

nThat's weird, the previous gate keeper didn't ask us for our cards.. Was he slacking off? It's even more weird that he was easily able to melt ice, doesn't that mean that he was able to use magic? Isn't it rare? Why was someone with such an ability working as a gatekeeper?

nWe took the same path we took last time and arrived at the forest, I wanted to see how much damage my magic caused after i fainted so i followed Ariel as she led the way.

nAfter we arrived at the scene, i froze.

nI.. did that? In front of me were a few trees which had been completely frozen. It wasn't anything massive but the fact that i was able to do such a thing made me feel strangely excited..

nAfter looking around and making sure that there weren't any monsters nearby, i decided to sit down.

nThis was a pretty open area, there weren't many trees around here. No wonder the boar was able to easily attack us.

nI took a deep breath, closed my eyes and wordlessly began to concentrate. Ariel stood there and watched quietly.

nImagine.. Imagine.. Remember how it felt when the boar tried to attack Ariel. Remember the feeling of the mana flowing within my body.. Imagine the elements forming water molecules around me and imagine Ice being formed through an endothermic reaction.

nAfter a few seconds which felt like minutes.. 4 Spiky emerald shaped Ice balls formed around me.

nWhile it drained some of my energy, i still feel like i could create 30 more of these. But it's probably better not to use up everything.

nAfter she saw the ices form, Ariel's expression lit up. and she let out a short

"Wow..

" to show that she was impressed.

nSeeing this made me want to show off but i held back.

nI aimed at a target and the directions the ices were facing changed at my will. After my signal they propelled themselves towards each target i had in mind.

nI wanted to see if i would be able to aim each on individually towards a separate tree and it worked.

nOn impact The tree instantly froze up.

nSeeing this i couldn't help but let out a short

"Wow..

" Either..

nAlthough the power was weaker than the first and they only managed to freeze the first thing it collided with.. It was still amazing..

nOh god.. I can't stop trembling.. Even Ariel was surprised. It looked like she wanted to be able to do that too.. I'll try to teach her once i'm done with.

nAs i sat down again to i noticed that there were a few creatures approaching us from within the forest.

nWas it the sound cause by the impact.. Crap.. Should we run? No.. With magic i should be able to fight them..

nI signalled at Ariel to come over and perhaps having understood the situation she nodded.

n

"How many?

" She asked.

n

"I'm not sure.. I'm only able to feel movement, i can't exactly, detect what they are or how many, with perception.

"

nAlthough i should be able to if there was a search spell.. We'll leave this for later.

n

"What do you want to do?

" I asked

nShe pulled out the dagger on her waist and said

"Fight.

"

nI nodded and we got into our positions. I'll attack with spells and a dagger and she'll attack with her dagger.

n

"Well then.. Let's dance.

"

nUwah... that was embarrassing.

n