Chapter 6: The realm of Ascendia
Before Frederick could fully comprehend the full meaning of those notifications, he was teleported once again and unexpectedly he was not blinded by a light this time. As Frederick started to look at his surroundings, the system panel appeared.
<Welcome to the Realm of Ascendia. In this world, individuals known as elementalists harness the power of elemental forces. They can control and wield fire, water, earth, air, thunder, light or darkness to different extents. Your mission is to eliminate the world's protagonist. Be cautious, for this realm won't let it occur without its own intervention! Remember, you must complete your objective before the main story begins; otherwise, this side story will be deemed as a failure.>
Frederick had a headache at this moment due to the previous notifications. 'Well, at least I now know what my curse does but now is not the time to dwell on it as there's more urgent question…How am I going to find the protagonist and where am I ?'.
There was absolutely no light so Frederick could only slowly walk toward the unknown. After almost tripping multiple times, Frederick finally saw a glimpse of light and headed toward it. Slowly but surely the light became brighter and brighter until he could finally see.
He realized he started inside an abandoned railway tunnel, which explained the darkness surrounding him. However his mind was more focused on the meaning behind those railways … He was not in medieval times and judging from the size of those rails, it was probably even the same era as his!
Realizing that Frederick was truly ecstatic about it. If this world was similar to his then you could get a lot of information rapidly and travel around the world in a swoop, making the search for the protagonist quicker and easier.
While he was walking toward what seemed to be a road, Frederick could finally see a city. Emerging from the dark railway tunnel, Frederick's eyes blinked in the bright outside world. He saw a big city ahead, a mix of tall buildings and busy streets.
There were really tall buildings that looked like they touched the sky with glass walls that reflected the sunlight, making them shine. Signs with colorful lights lit up the streets, and cars and trucks moved around in a pattern.
People were walking too, going to places and talking to each other. There were small places to eat by the side of the road where you could smell delicious food.
In the middle of all the tall buildings, there were spots of green. These were like little gardens with trees, flowers, and ponds. They were peaceful places where you could take a break from the city noise.
As the day turned into evening, the city changed. The tall buildings lit up with bright and colorful lights. Big statues and fountains stood out, showing the city's character.
Seeing this city and the population, Frederick was relieved. It was truly a modern city with humans and not some weird aliens. If it was an alien city then he wouldn't be able to hide among the population
As he walked in the streets, people were looking at him with weird gazes. Noticing this, Frederick almost forgot that he was still wearing grass clothes. It's been a day already and the grass was losing its green color. In fact, even beggars looked less in need than Frederick right now.
Although he didn't care about it that much, those clothes made him stand out so he had to change it as soon as possible. But it raises another question what the heck is he supposed to do now?
As Frederick was making plans inside his head. He heard a sudden motor roar approaching quickly as he was crossing the road. Hearing this, Frederick didn't hesitate and jumped out of the way.
Rolling multiple times because of inertia, Frederick was almost hit by a truck! The truck only stopped a few seconds after missing its "target" and with precipitation, a middle-aged man came out of it and quickly rushed to Frederick
"Oh my god! Are you alright? I'm so sorry! I … I was distracted, I'm so sorry!" said the middle-aged man with a panicked expression.
The middle-aged man stood in the prime of his years, his mostly black hair peppered with a few strands of white, signs of his age. His sturdy build hinted at years of hard work, possibly because of his work as a truck driver. Despite his work uniform, he radiated a comforting and approachable aura, making anyone around him feel at ease.
"ah …It hurts so much! Why did you try to kill this poor homeless ?! Don't you have a heart?!". Frederick pretended to be hurt by an extensive amount to try to get compensation, even though he was only bleeding a bit on his knee. Comparing this little wound to the painful death caused by those flesh monsters, it was almost funny
'Human body is truly frail… Just a little fall could make me bleed like this.' he sighed internally while faking immense pain.
With an even more panicked face and trembling hands "I'm sorry … I'm really sorry… I know that I am in the wrong but … could you not report me? I … really need this job for the sake of my daughter. She attends Veridonia Imperial School and the tuition is …"
With a look of realization, the truck driver suddenly said in a precipitation, "What about this? I've got an extra room at my house, and you could stay there for a couple of months. I've got a buddy who works at a slaughterhouse, and they're hiring. How about I talk to him and see if he can help you get a job? I know you're looking for work, and this could be a great way to start fresh! Please I truly need that job as much as you need work"
Hearing this, Frederick was thrilled. If he could work in an environment where he could kill living beings. He wouldn't even have to complete the side story since there is no punishment for failing, although it would be better to finish it since he would get extra rewards. Frederick wasn't greedy and knew that it was almost impossible to find the protagonist in less than 4 months. Surviving in this world is already very good.
Talking about killing, Frederick thought of killing humans but quickly gave up the idea for now since it is very difficult to murder without leaving pieces of evidence and getting man-hunted. Moreover, some have a kind of supernatural power so at least for now he should stick with animals. Even if they give less, quantity should compensate for quality.
With a bit of an eased expression, Frederick quickly accepted his offer and like the worst hypocrite, quickly acted like if nothing happened to his leg as he hopped on the truck.
The truck driver was even stunned to see that Frederick wasn't actually injured severely and before he knew it, Frederick was already in the passenger seat of his truck.
With a resigned sigh, as if he had resigned himself to his fate, the driver climbed into his white truck and drove off.
There was an awkward silence inside the cab and with a forced cough, the driver quickly said "You can disinfect your wounds first… I left some medical stuff inside. I'm Xopea, what about you young lad?"
'That's a peculiar name. Could it be due to a cultural difference? Now that you mention it, even though the buildings resemble those from my previous world, there are still noticeable architectural differences.
There's also the language, which is completely different, yet oddly enough I can still understand and speak it,' pondered Frederick as he thought of the deceased Alexei, who speaks Russian but could still be understood by non-Russian speakers.
'Must be another trick of the Chronicles' thought Frederick as he watched outside.
"Thank you, sir, I actually don't remember my name. Please feel free to give me a name"
"Just tell me you don't want to give it… argh fine, since you asked this nicely I'll try to think of one," responded Xopea with a sigh
Frederick could certainly concoct a random name, but he was apprehensive that it might come across as peculiar to the locals, given that he was still acclimating to this new world.
After a while, while Frederick was tending to his wounds, Xopea suddenly uttered, "Xandris".
They then continued to chat for several hours, with Frederick filtering out irrelevant details.
According to Xopea, the nation they were in is known as the Veridonia Empire, with a population of around 100 million people. The empire is currently experiencing instability caused by conflicts among various potential heirs. Moreover, In this country, only the nobility possessing elemental abilities were allowed to use surnames.
Given that these powers were passed down through generations, finding a suitable partner became crucial for nobles. To achieve this, many of them sought enrollment in the prestigious "Veridonia Imperial School" which served as a way for nobles to identify potential partners. This school is also where Xopea's daughter attends. Indeed Xopea told him that she has an elemental power inherited by her deceased mother.
It didn't require much effort for him to actually deduce that this school was probably also a way for the imperial family to control nobility and select its best students to marry with the imperial family in order to secure their position. From Frederick's peculiar point of view, he saw the academy more like a farm where you tame and raise pigs.
However, an abrupt realization struck Frederick. Isn't that the perfect place and time for the protagonist to appear? If the world is truly a "story" like how his original world describes it, then there is a good chance that this story is a school life since there isn't any real outside threat… if he excludes himself.
'I should try to investigate later about the academy… I am perhaps a bit too old to get inside as a student and I don't even have the power of an elementalist, wait are they even using an authority?'
Frederick asked if, at the death of an elementalist, any marble-colored marble could be found on their body. Xopea was taken aback by this weird question and thought for a moment
"I don't think so. Uh, I think it's in their genes or something like that. You could ask my daughter since she's studying those kinds of things … Also I didn't tell you earlier but somehow you give me a creepy feeling when I see you"
"Is it because of my clothes ?"
"I dunno, it's just your presence that creeps me out. Your clothes are only a bonus."
Frederick only noted this information before ignoring this fact. He had too much to think to care about such an issue.
After the delivery truck arrived at a warehouse, they both hopped off the truck that belonged to the company where Xopea works. Then after the middle-aged man received his daily paycheck, they both took a kind of public bus to go home. Obviously, everyone inside the bus looked at Frederick with perplexed gaze but he didn't care as he was too busy getting every information he could get.
Soon they arrived at Xopea's house a bit before twilight. His house was a humble abode, characterized by its simplicity and practicality. It had a modest exterior with a weathered yet well-maintained appearance. The structure was made of wood, and its paint slightly faded with the passage of time. A small front porch offered a cozy spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
As they went inside the house Frederick noted that the house was tidy and unpretentious. The furniture was functional and well-worn, each piece showing signs of a well-lived life. The living room had a worn-out but comfortable couch, a coffee table stacked with books, and a few framed photographs adorning the walls.
The kitchen, though not spacious, held all the essentials, neatly arranged and ready for use. Natural light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm and inviting glow across the rooms.
Overall, the house exuded a sense of comfort and familiarity, a place where one could find solace and respite from the outside world.
"I'm back home!" yelled Xopea while he was removing his vest and shoes Frederick would have liked to do the same but he had no vest vest nor shoes so he just stood behind Xopea without saying a word.
"Dad, did you buy the book I asked you yester- Who the fuck is this clown?"
"Argh I told you to stop being so rude! He's … Xandris. He'll be staying with us for a few months. Please forgive my daughter, Xandris." said Xopea with another sigh. "Why can't you just act like a normal person, I'm not even asking you to act like a lady, just a normal person is fine! Anyway just say hello for once okay?"
Riley did the worst disgusted face she could do and said "I don't even want to breathe the same air as this creepy hobo."
Riley stood out with her short and wild hair that bounced as when she walked confidently with a round face and a proud aura. Her messy hair had dark colors with bits of lighter shades. Her skin was a bit like coffee with a bit too much milk and she was wearing a purple T-shirt with blue shorts. Riley was in fact very beautiful with nice curves and a delicate face.
"Nice to meet you too, Riley." said Frederick as he was wondering how much experience he could get by killing her. He wasn't mad by Riley's provocation at all since he only saw everyone as a walking experience point... and potential food in extreme emergency.
Xopea let out a sigh and said, "Your room is at the end of the corridor, and the bathroom is right next to your room. It might be a good idea for you to take a bath first. Also, we'll be having dinner in about 2 hours if you'd like to join us."
Frederick nodded and was about to head towards the bathroom when Xopea stopped him. "You're not planning to keep those clothes, are you? I'll lend you mine," he offered.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Hylp
Hylp Actually writting this novel is way harder than what i expected at the start because i need to create a power system without being illogical or having any glitch hole in it... but don't worry. Your favorite author won't give up this easily :p
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