Chapter 6: I Made an Enemy
"So, Riyu—now that you've got a name, some clothes, and a whole bunch of powers, what's the plan? You still up for exploring, or do you need a moment to adjust to your new... everything?"
I smiled, glancing down at my newly transformed body. "I think I've adjusted pretty quickly. Besides, I don't want to miss out on whatever else this place has to offer."
"Good," Lyra said, stretching her arms. "There's still a lot to see, and I think you're just getting started with what you can do. But first things first—let's get you some real clothes. That cloak might be decent for now, but you'll stick out like a sore thumb walking around like this."
I nodded in agreement. "Right. Lead the way."
The city seemed more vibrant now, as if my senses had been heightened along with my transformation.
Lyra glanced at me as we walked. "I know a place where we can get you some decent clothes. It's not far, just across the marketplace."
I nodded, adjusting the cloak around my shoulders. "Sounds good. Lead the way."
As we moved through the bustling streets, I couldn't help but notice how different everything felt. People, their magical auras, even the air—it was all more vivid, alive. My body felt powerful, but also... stable, like I could control this strength without it overwhelming me.
"So, Riyu," Lyra said, breaking me from my thoughts. "What's the deal with that man we saw at the castle? You said his aura triggered your transformation?"
I frowned, remembering the cold, ominous feeling I got from him. "Yeah. I don't know who he is, but his presence was... intense. Like his magic was too much for me to handle in my smaller form. It forced the change."
"If he has that kind of power, it means he's not just some random advisor. We should be careful. People like him don't go unnoticed in a place like this."
"Yeah, I figured that much,"
It wasn't just his magic power, something ominous is around him. I saw it, that large vines that seems to bind him.
"He wasn't just powerful—his magic felt... dangerous, like it could swallow you whole."
Lyra glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers before lowering her voice. "That's unsettling. Lady Aurelia is no joke either, but if she's working with him, then this could mean bigger trouble than we realize."
"What do you mean?"
Lyra sighed. "The queen relies on Aurelia for all things magical, but rumors have been floating around that the advisor has been meddling in some pretty dark stuff lately. If that man is connected to her, it could mean they're planning something."
The idea of a deeper conspiracy made me uneasy, especially with how recently I'd gotten wrapped up in this world. "Great. Just what I needed—a possible magical coup while I'm still figuring out how to walk on two legs."
"Let's just focus on getting you settled for now. One problem at a time, Riyu."
As we approached a quaint shop tucked away in a quieter corner of the market, Lyra nodded toward the door. "This is the place. The shopkeeper's a friend of mine. She should have something that fits your... new look."
Inside, the shop was cozy and smelled of herbs and leather. A middle-aged woman behind the counter looked up and smiled warmly. "Lyra! It's been too long, dear. What brings you here today?"
Lyra motioned toward me. "My friend here needs some clothes—something sturdy but stylish. Can you help us out, Adra?"
The woman—Adra—gave me a once-over, her eyes widening slightly at my appearance. "Oh, I see. Quite handsome my dear." She smiled, clearly not fazed by my odd arrival. "I think I've got just the thing. Give me a moment."
Adra disappeared into the back of the shop, leaving Lyra and me standing among the various shelves filled with clothing and accessories. The shop had an earthy, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for adventurers needing reliable gear.
"She seems nice," I remarked, glancing around.
"You're just saying that because she said you're handsome. But Adra is a good person," Lyra replied, leaning against the counter. "I've been coming here for years. She's trustworthy, and her clothes have saved me more than once in tight spots. If anyone knows how to dress someone for both style and battle, it's her."
I nodded, grateful that Lyra seemed to have connections in all the right places. "I guess it's good to have friends like that when you're... well, you."
"Comes with the territory. You make a lot of friends, and a few enemies, when you travel as much as I do."
Before I could respond, Adra returned, holding a set of clothing that looked both elegant and functional. The black tunic had subtle silver embroidery, and the dark trousers were made from a sturdy material that seemed flexible enough for movement. Alongside it, a belt with several small pouches and a pair of reinforced boots completed the outfit.
"Try these on," Adra said, holding them out with a smile. "The enchantments will help them adapt to your movements and even offer some basic protection. Perfect for someone who's about to head into some danger, I assume?"
"You assume wrong," I said with a grin.
Adra raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my response. "Oh? Then perhaps you're not heading into trouble, but trouble is heading your way?"
I chuckled softly as I took the clothes. I stepped into the fitting room at the back, taking a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the clothing.
The material felt strong, yet light, almost like it was designed to adapt to movement. I slipped the tunic over my head and fastened the belt. The enchanted fabric shifted subtly, adjusting to fit my body perfectly. The trousers and boots felt equally sturdy and flexible, designed to move with me rather than restrict me.
When I stepped out of the fitting room, Lyra's eyes lit up. I glanced down at the outfit. The black tunic with its silver embroidery fit snugly, the trousers felt secure yet flexible, and the boots gave a reassuring firmness to my step.
I flexed my arms slightly, feeling how the enchanted clothing seemed to move with me, responding to every shift of my muscles. "It's definitely an upgrade from the cloak. Feels like I could actually fight in this if I needed to."
Adra smiled from behind the counter, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Clothes can do wonders, especially when they're enchanted. Just remember to take care of them. They'll serve you well in the days to come."
"Will do," I replied, feeling a sense of confidence swelling within me.
Lyra gestured for me to follow her as we stepped out of the shop and back into the lively streets. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the marketplace, and the sounds of vendors calling out filled the air.
"Alright," She said, glancing around. "Let's grab something to eat. You've been through a lot today, and I have a feeling you could use the energy."
I nodded, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food. "Sounds good. What's good around here?"
"There's a stall that serves the best spiced meat skewers. Trust me, you'll love it."
As we wove through the crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I glanced over my shoulder a few times, but it was just the typical hustle and bustle of the city—nothing out of the ordinary. Still, my instincts tingled.
We reached the stall, and the aroma of grilled meat and spices wafted toward us, making my mouth water. After placing our order, we found a nearby bench to sit and enjoy our meal.
"This is amazing," I said, taking a bite of the skewer. The flavors exploded in my mouth—smoky, spicy, and savory all at once.
Lyra smiled, clearly pleased. "Told you! It's a local favorite."
"Alright, I'm convinced. This is definitely a highlight of the day," I said, savoring another bite.
As we ate, I glanced around at the bustling marketplace. The atmosphere felt electric, filled with laughter and conversation. But beneath that, I still sensed an undercurrent of tension, like the calm before a storm.
Lyra seemed to catch my unease. "You alright? You look like you've got something on your mind."
I hesitated, and before I can say anything, a loud noise booms from the distance. I quickly look above the sky and saw a black smoke coming from the forest.
What the? The forest? That's where my pet is, "Lyra, I'm sorry but I'll talk to you later."
Without waiting for a response, I shot up from the bench and took off toward the source of the smoke. My heart raced as I pushed through the crowd, urgency propelling me forward.
"Riyu, wait!" Lyra called after me, but I couldn't stop. The thought of my pet, and whatever trouble might be brewing in the forest, fueled my speed.
As I neared the edge of the city, the smoke billowed thicker, darkening the sky. The air became acrid, and I could hear distant sounds—shouts, perhaps, or the crackle of flames. I pushed harder, weaving between stalls and people until I burst through the city limits.
The forest loomed ahead, and I could feel the magic in the air shifting, charged with tension. I slowed down, scanning the area for any signs of danger. The trees, usually a welcoming sight, now seemed foreboding, their branches twisted like gnarled hands reaching for something unseen.
Just then, a rustle came from the underbrush. My heart raced, but I steeled myself. "If anyone's there, show yourself!"
A figure emerged from the shadows—a young man with wild hair and torn clothes, his eyes wide with panic. "Please help! The forest is under attack!"
"What do you mean?" I demanded, stepping closer. "Who's attacking?"
"A Stormfeather Roc!"
What? That's my pet, damn it. I quickly rush into the forest not thinking about anything.
The thought of my Roc battling against attackers sent a jolt of adrenaline through me. I picked up my pace, pushing through the underbrush, branches snagging at my clothes.
Finally, I burst into a clearing. My heart dropped at the sight. There, my the Roc was surrounded by several knights, flames licking the edges of the clearing, threatening to consume everything in its path. The majestic bird flapped its powerful wings, sending gusts of wind that pushed back the attackers, but they kept pressing forward.
"What the hell are you guys doing?!"
The knights turned at my voice, their expressions shifting from determination to surprise.
"Stand back!" One of them commanded, sword drawn.
"This creature is a threat!"
I felt a surge of anger. "A threat? That's my Roc!"
"Your Roc? That's not possible." A woman emerged from behind me, she's holding a staff with an orb on top of it.
"Who are you?" I asked, but clearly I was not waiting for a response.
I jump in the air and land in front of the Roc, I glare at the knights and the woman with the staff. "You don't know what you're dealing with! This Roc isn't a threat, it's just defending itself."
The knights exchanged uncertain glances, and the woman narrowed her eyes. "Stand down! You don't understand the danger that creature poses."
"A Stormfeather Roc was not supposed to live in a forest, they live in the mountains." The woman said, as she ready her staff.
The knights shifted, their weapons still drawn but hesitating. "We can't let it roam free. It's dangerous," One knight insisted, his voice wavering slightly.
The woman raised her staff, its orb glowing ominously. "You don't know what you're inviting if you allow it to escape. Stormfeather Rocs can wreak havoc. They're not just birds, they're magical forces of nature."
I stepped closer to my Roc, who was visibly agitated but stood firm, its feathers ruffled like a storm cloud.
[Notice: This is a dangerous situation for the Stormfeather Roc, if you wish a fight.]
[Request: Can I teleport the Stormfeather Roc to a more secured place?]
Huh? Teleport it? Can you do it?
[Confirmation: Yes.]
Then please do it, Aether. I'll handle the knights here.
[Teleporting: Stormfeather Roc.]
A large circle glows brightly below the Roc, and in a flash of light, it vanishes from the clearing. The knights and the woman with the staff stare in shock, their weapons lowering slightly as confusion washes over their faces.
"What just happened?" One knight exclaimed, looking around as if expecting the Roc to reappear.
"Where did it go?" The woman demanded, her voice sharp.
"It's safe now, away from your attacks."
[Warning: You may have provoked a larger conflict. Prepare for potential consequences.]
Yeah, I can see that, you don't need to remind me.
Just then, I felt a shift in the air, a surge of energy building inside me. "You might want to rethink your approach."
[Notice: The woman will attack in, three, two, one.]
Suddenly, she thrust her staff forward, unleashing a burst of arcane energy. I leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast, which splintered a nearby tree, sending wooden shards flying.
"You're now an enemy of the kingdom. We will arrest you now."
Enemy? I'm not even part of this kingdom. I just wanted to see humans again, and I see that it's the same as in my old world.
[Request: I can teleport you now.]
I hesitated for a moment, considering Aether's offer. "Please do, I don't want to see any of this human anymore."
The moment I finished speaking, I felt a surge of energy, and Aether's magic enveloped me. The world around me blurred, and in an instant, I was somewhere entirely different.
I landed in a clearing, the air crisp and fresh, surrounded by towering trees that felt alive with magic. I took a deep breath, my heart still racing from the confrontation. "What just happened?" I muttered, trying to process everything.
[Location: Safe Zone - Forest Clearing.]
The sudden shift from chaos to tranquility left me momentarily disoriented. I scanned my surroundings, recognizing that I was no longer in danger, but my Roc was still out there, vulnerable. "Aether, where's the Roc?"
[Analyzing: Location of Stormfeather Roc confirmed - secured in a magical pocket dimension.]
"Thank you... Please release it now."
As I spoke, a shimmering portal appeared in front of me, and moments later, my Stormfeather Roc materialized, looking slightly disoriented but unharmed. Its vibrant feathers glimmered in the dappled sunlight, and relief washed over me as it settled its wings and fixed its gaze on me.
[Notice: The teleportation has drawn attention. You may not be safe here for long.]
[Notice: Stormfeather Roc is requesting for evolution.]
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone