Chapter 19: The Revelation.
Outside the Elders hall, Dian kept an empty mind until he saw the grand door open up, only for Sura and Nina come out.
"So," Dian said as he rested next to the wall, "What happened?"
Nina, taking the lead, stepped forward and began recounting the events that had transpired within the hall. Her words spilled forth with a mix of excitement and innocence, painting a vivid picture of the discussions and verdict. Meanwhile, Sura closed the doors behind them, casting a final glance at her father engrossed in conversation with the other elders.
Dian's raised eyebrow betrayed his surprise at the revelations. "So, let me get this straight," he mused, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and confusion. "I get to attend the academy, hunt, and have access to books?" Nina affirmed his understanding with a nod.
Sura, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a sense of weariness settle over her. She pondered the magnitude of the ordeal that had unfolded—the revelation of Nina's potential lineage, the betrayal by one of their teacher, the intervention of a stranger not from this world, and now, the grand Elder's focused interest in Dian. The weight of the situation and the potential complications it held loomed over her thoughts, making her sigh in recognition of the troubles that lay ahead.
With a somber tone, Sura interjected into the conversation, shifting the mood into a more serious tone. "Well, not exactly," she interjected, her voice tinged with a touch of resignation. "In truth, you're more or less compelled to fulfill those obligations."
Dian's eyebrow arched in surprise, his curiosity piqued by Sura's cryptic statement. "Forced?" he questioned, seeking further clarification.
Sura nodded, her gaze shifting towards pupil. "I'm sorry, Nina, but could you give us a moment alone?" she requested.
Understanding the need for privacy, Nina quickly acquiesced, waving a hand at Dian before departing from the hall, leaving Sura and Dian alone to discuss matters in earnest.
Sura gestured for Dian to follow her as they made their way out of the Clan Hall building. As they walked, Sura was carefully assessing the situation, mentally noting all the things Dian would need to be aware of if he didn't want to become grand Elder experiment boy. Meanwhile, Dian eyes scanned their surroundings out of habit, taking note of every detail and committing them to memory.
As they emerged from the confines of the building, Dian's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene that unfolded before him. It was a sight he could never have imagined during his time with the Military regiment. Instead of ordinary people, the streets were teeming with a captivating array of extraordinary beings. The notion of "normal" shattered instantly as his gaze fell upon the vibrant tapestry of magical and powerful individuals.
Astonishment washed over him as he witnessed the peculiar and fantastical spectacles that surrounded him. A figure atop an ostrich-like creature with scales in shades of blue and green, a person partially transformed into living stone, another effortlessly levitating above the ground. Everywhere he looked, there were individuals carrying weapons of exquisite craftsmanship, and some with forms that merged human and monstrous features, such as minotaurs and lamias.
The sheer variety and strangeness of this new world overwhelmed Dian, freezing him in place for a moment. He struggled to process the extraordinary sights before him, his mind racing to catch up with the reality he now found himself in. With a quick, forceful shake of his head, he attempted to regain his composure, reminding himself that he had entered an entirely different realm where the unexpected was the norm.
Determined not to lose sight of Sura, who had already distanced herself from him, Dian hastened his steps, his breathing still somewhat erratic. His heart thudded in his chest as he navigated through the crowd, a mix of awe and trepidation gripping his thoughts. The sights he encountered were simultaneously fascinating and intimidating, evoking a sense of both wonder and a touch of fear.
With each stride, Dian pushed forward, closing the distance between himself and Sura. Though his surroundings remained a bewildering whirlwind of extraordinary sights, he resolved to embrace the unknown, bracing himself for the incredible and unforeseen challenges that lay ahead in this enigmatic realm.
"I always dreamed of witnessing something like this, but... I'll be honest, I never expected it to be so overwhelming," Dian confessed, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. He instinctively ducked his head in fear as a monstrous creature soared above him, only to discover someone confidently riding atop the creature. Every new spectacle heightened his sense of alertness, and the constant stream of magical beings left him feeling jumpy and on edge.
"What do you mean by that?" Sura asked as turned her head to look at Dian, only to be alarmed by Dian's state of mind. She observed him with concern, noticing his twitchiness and the fear that seemed to grip him like a cornered rabbit. Worried that he might react impulsively and draw his blade in a misguided attempt to defend himself, she approached him cautiously.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine worry. Sura was taken aback by Dian's unsettled demeanor, realizing that the unfamiliarity and magical presence of the people around them had triggered a deep-rooted response within him.
"I... I'm okay," Dian stammered, attempting to regain control over his racing thoughts and pounding heart. He took in deep breaths, trying to calm himself, but the instincts drilled into him during the military training had went haywire. The constant barrage of strange sights and magical beings overwhelmed his senses, triggering a hyper-vigilant state that was ingrained in him through a lifetime of fighting and training. Unconsciously, he had come to a standstill in the midst of the bustling crowd, his gaze darting around, wary of anyone who ventured too close.
In the midst of Dian's anxiety, he suddenly felt a firm grip on his hand. His whole body trembled at the contact, until he realized that Sura had taken hold of his hand to offer him reassurance. Her touch provided a grounding presence amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
"You're panicking," Sura's voice came as a calm whisper, reaching his ears. "Just close your eyes and follow me."
Dian nodded, placing his trust in Sura's guidance. He obediently closed his eyes, allowing darkness to shield him from the overwhelming sights that had unnerved him. Instead, he focused on the sensation of Sura's hand in his, relying on her as his anchor in this bewildering new world.
Sura deftly led Dian through the bustling streets, her knowledge of the city enabling her to navigate through the maze of people and magical beings. She steered him towards a nearby park, a serene oasis she knew would provide respite from the prying eyes of onlookers. Initially, Sura had intended to take him to her own house for their private conversation, but given her father's intrusion into her personal space through her staff, she no longer felt her home could offer the solitude they needed.
As they walked, Dian could hear the sounds of footsteps echoing around them, mingled with peculiar noises that he could only attribute to the presence of both magical creatures and their arcane abilities. However, he consciously chose to block out these distractions, focusing solely on the reassuring grip of Sura's hand and the steady rhythm of their steps.
With each passing moment, the external clamor receded into the background, replaced by a sense of quiet determination as Dian surrendered himself to Sura's guidance. In this cocoon of trust and companionship, he allowed himself to find solace, knowing that he was not alone in this strange and enchanting realm.
As they entered the park, Sura's face lit up with relief to find it mostly deserted, as it often was during this time of day. The people were a busy bunch and had little time for leisurely moments in the park, reserving its charm for the quieter hours, particularly at night. Sura felt grateful for the solitude it offered, allowing her and Dian a private space to gather their thoughts and continue their conversation undisturbed.
Dian sensed a change in the ground beneath his feet, transitioning from the hard cobblestone path to something softer and more yielding. The sensation of grass and dirt greeted his senses, grounding him further in this tranquil setting. With Sura's assistance, he settled onto one of the weathered wooden benches, the sturdy seat providing a comforting stability.
As Sura instructed him to open his eyes once more, Dian complied, revealing a serene tableau before him. A small river meandered peacefully in front of them, its gentle current creating a soothing symphony of flowing water with lily pads gently flowing on top, flowering a beautiful pink and blue rose. They sat beneath the protective canopy of a towering tree white light blue leaves, its branches extending like protective arms, providing shade from the warm rays of the sun. The air carried a delightful fragrance, a harmonious blend of blooming flowers and the earthy scent of nature's embrace. Dian couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him, as if the very essence of this serene place was a balm for his frayed nerves.
Uttering a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Dian directed his words to Sura, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment. He lowered his gaze momentarily, feeling a mix of vulnerability and gratitude for Sura's understanding and support.
"I... thank you," he admitted softly. "In our world, there was no system or magic, only humans and animals. Demons were unknown to us. That's why I got scared, overwhelmed by everything I've seen here."
As Dian spoke, a sense of acceptance and acknowledgement washed over him, allowing him to open up about his initial reaction. In this peaceful park, he felt safe to share his vulnerabilities and be understood by someone who had experienced a world beyond his own.
Sura listened intently as Dian described the reality of his world, where the absence of magic and demons did not equate to peace. Her curiosity piqued, she couldn't help but imagine what life would be like without the presence of such fantastical elements.
"Must have been a peaceful world," Sura remarked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.
Dian's response was immediate, shaking his head to dispel any romantic notions. "Hardly," he replied, a hint of bitterness seeping into his words. "I was part of the Military, and our constant training was geared toward defending our people from threats. We had to be prepared to fight against others who sought to harm us."
Sura's confusion was palpable as she tried to grasp the concept. "So, you're saying your own people fought against one another?" she asked, seeking clarification.
Dian took a moment to gather his thoughts, pondering how to articulate the complexities of his previous world. Finally, he answered, "It wasn't so much fighting against each other, but rather protecting our own interests. In a world where resources are scarce, it often becomes easier to thrive by taking what others have worked hard for."
Understanding dawned upon Sura's face as she absorbed Dian's explanation. "Ah... I see," she murmured, the realization washing over her. It was a stark contrast to the harmonious coexistence she had grown accustomed to in this magical realm.
With a sense of understanding established between them, Sura segued into sharing her thoughts about the trial that had transpired within the Elder's hall. She recounted the details, offering her perspectives and insights, allowing Dian to gain a clearer understanding of the situation that had unfolded.
"So, the grand elder suspects that something unusual is happening with me and wants to experiment because of my exceptional performance?" Dian attempted to clarify, his brow furrowing in concentration. "and, I need to be aware of these privileges given to me, but I can't deny them either?"
Sura nodded in affirmation, her excitement evident in her voice. "Yes, that's the general idea. It's because of your extraordinary achievements. You managed to find an abundance of Golden Karyda fruits despite having only the Basic Botanist skill. Additionally, you defeated the Bladed Demon Hare, a sub-species variant, as a level 2 without any advanced skills or weapons! That's unheard of!"
While Sura's enthusiasm was palpable, Dian remained slightly perplexed. He tried to offer an explanation for his actions, which seemed mundane to him. "Well, my system highlighted the Golden Karyda fruits on top of the trees, so I just climbed the trees and grabbed them. And as for the demon I defeated, my system specifically identified it as a Demon Hare, not a sub-species variant called the Bladed Demon Hare."
"… What?" Sura's confusion deepened, her brows knitting together in bewilderment. Dian's nonchalant response left her perplexed, struggling to comprehend why he didn't understand the significance of his actions.
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