章 8: Find a Knowledgeable Friend [3.1]

It took me most of the day, but I finally finished the list of chores. I walked to the library rubbing my muscles while letting out a sigh. This tiny body is so weak. Was the previous owner a lazy child or something? Usually, children are hyper and full of life. Chores shouldn't be this tiring, yet here I am feeling completely drained. Whatever. I just need to learn magic spells to do this for me. Problem solved. I entered the library and soon found more books to read. I took the time to read through each one and figure out how I could get out of my chores that the children would definitely dump on me again tomorrow. Luckily for me, there was more than enough information to help me figure it out.

I heard the bell ring for dinner but didn't bother getting up to leave. They would probably give me a plate of cooked carrots again. I held my stomach with a frown at the thought. Really. Of all the lies I had to say, why did I have to say that one? I went back to my reading and soon became lost in a sea of books. Each time I finished a book, I casually tossed it down beside me and pulled out another one. I heard coughing and flinched. I turned to see another girl sitting in the corner reading. I had no idea she was there or even when she got there. She appeared to be a little older than me, but much scrawnier.

I haven't been practicing magic with her here, right?

I eyed her suspiciously. She seemed to feel my gaze on her and met my eyes. She blushed from behind her glasses, "S-Sorry… Did I bother you?" Her voice was so low, I could barely hear it.

Ah, I see. One of those shy and timid characters.

I looked away, "No. Have I bothered you?"

"N-No."

"Great." I responded sarcastically and turned back to my book.

I heard her scoot closer to me. "Do you like learning magic?"

That wasn't an invitation to have a conversation, little girl.

My eyes rolled in annoyance, "What makes you think so?"

"You only read that type of book when you are here."

It seems sarcasm is lost on her.

I turned to meet her eyes with a frown, "Aren't you afraid of me?"

She flinched slightly and batted her big innocent eyes, "Why would I be?"

I felt myself grin as I stepped close to her. I placed my hands behind my back as I bent down and whispered into her ear, "Because I am a criminal who was charged with necromancy and suffered a backlash as a result."

She gulped and stepped away from me quickly. Seeing her eyes shake with fear made my grin falter. Ah, no one is fun to tease here. They take things much too seriously.

She looked away from me, "I-I didn't know…"

I crossed my arms, "How didn't you know? Everyone at the cafeteria heard."

That b*tch Miss Dean made sure that everyone would have heard it.

She flushed, "I was reading and-and… Well… I didn't hear…"

Well, it's not like I actually care. I turned back toward my book.

She bit her lip before hesitantly speaking, "But… Are you sure it was a backlash? You don't seem to be the type…"

"The type?"

She nodded, "Usually those who have a backlash are either disfigured, dead, or have gone mad. You clearly aren't dead."

My predecessor may think differently.

She continued, "You aren't disfigured or mental either. I've never heard of anyone suffering from a backlash that hasn't had at least one of those symptoms. Are you sure you had a backlash?"

I opened my mouth to agree but hesitated. Actually, she has a point. I only accepted what they said about it being a magic backlash because I didn't know any better. It is possible that it didn't actually happen. Could it have been a soul transference? I've seen movies about people switching bodies before. Maybe the original owner used a magic spell to switch with me… But that wouldn't explain how I woke up in a blast zone or how come that corpse was next to me… And, if she really did switch bodies with me…

That would be very unfortunate for her.

I ignored this thought and turned back to the girl, "How do you know so much about it?"

She flinched and looked away timidly, "I-I like to read."

"Hmm…" I put down the book in my hand and looked at her with interest. "Does that mean you know a lot about this kingdom too?"

"Oh… Yes, I know a few things."

"Great." I scooted closer in anticipation, "Tell me everything."

"Everything? Like what?"

"Anything you can think of." Noticing her confused expression, I added, "Ever since the accident, I have forgotten everything. Maybe if you explain it to me, it may bring back some of my memories."

Of course, that is a huge lie. I just arrived here. But if I say that, she definitely would think I was crazy.

She nodded, "I suppose that makes sense. Very well then. I will tell you what I know. We live in the Odalis Kingdom. The Odalis Kingdom is very large and isolated from the rest of the world. To the North, there are snow-capped mountains. There is a myth that the North used to be a land of luscious green hills and beautiful forests that would take your breath away. There was an extremely powerful fairy who controlled that land. The myth says that the fairy had a forbidden love with a demon who had taken shelter with her. The demon had slain thousands of humans and was wanted for crimes against humanity. Our great Alora managed to break into the fairy's land to kill the demon. However, the fairy sacrificed her life to save the demon. As soon as her blood hit the ground, ice began to spread. The luscious green hills were now covered in many feet of snow. After that, the great Alora and the demon disappeared. No one knew what happened after that except that the mountains were now covered in snow."

I grimaced at the thought of the so-called fairy being stabbed. For some reason, it made the spot above my belly button ache. I rubbed the spot, "I see. Interesting."

"There are very few people who live in the North because it is so inhabitable. Many have died just trying to explore or travel past it. For some reason, mana is irregular there so no one is able to use magic. So it is easier just to use the sea that is to the East and South to get around the Northern mountains. The East is actually the most popular place in the Odalis kingdom since it is known for the Elite Academy of magic. You probably know that we are in the Capital city near the East port where the Academy is at. People come from all over to attend. However, it is really difficult to get in."

"How do you get in?"

"You need to be skilled at magic. Just because you have mana, doesn't mean that you understand how to use it. There are three different ways you can get in. Either you are a high-ranking noble in society, a well-respected magician personally recommends you, or you can compete in their entrance exam and pass."

Ugh. I'm not ready to go back to school. Looks like I need to avoid trying to take a test or finding a well-respected magician. That shouldn't be too hard.

I spoke, "And to the West?"

"The West is the Macabre Forest."

That doesn't sound ominous at all…

She continued with a voice of apprehension, "This forest is forbidden. Only highly skilled magicians and approved soldiers are allowed to go there. The border is strictly patrolled and protected. They set up arrays so even if someone was brave enough to try to enter the border, they would be killed immediately."

I spoke with an ominous gut feeling, "Dare I ask why?"

A sign of shock spread across her face, "Because of the demons."

"Demons?"

She looked at me carefully, "You really did lose most of your memory…"

I cleared my throat and glanced away, "No. I know about demons. They are those ugly and red-skinned creatures."

She frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"Uhh…"

Judging by her reaction, I would say I was very wrong in my assumption.

She continued, "Demons look too similar to humans and they certainly aren't ugly. If it wasn't for their abnormal eye color and occasionally having horns, you wouldn't know who was human and who was a demon. They live beyond the Macabre forest. Occasionally they will try and come to the Odalis Kingdom to cause mayhem. Make sure to stay away from them."

I tilted my head, "Right… And that's because of what reason?"

I wonder if demons are hated in this world for the same reason as my last world.

"Because they are demons." She stated as a matter of fact.

I blinked, "Right… Which makes them bad… Because??"

"They… They are demons." She furrowed her brow and shook her head. She spoke proudly, "Demons are responsible for dark magic. They enjoy manipulating and hurting people. They created necromancy, illusionary magic, and brainwashing. Some demons can even possess a human body!"

I was surprised, "Really? Did you know someone this happened to?"

"...No…" She twitched before speaking, "However, it happens."

"So… You know it happens…"

"Yes."

"You just don't know who it happens to..."

"Exactly."

This sounds like a them versus us kind of thing.

I shook my head, "I see."

Forgive me, but I don't think I believe this little girl. In my experience, unless you've seen it firsthand, then you shouldn't believe rumors. In some stories I have read, demons are good. In others, demons are bad. So how can I know if they are bad just because a stranger told me?

She nodded her head, "So if you ever meet a demon, make sure to run away. If you are strong enough, you must kill them immediately. The world would be a better place if we didn't have those filthy vermins!"

I sat back and hummed, "Hmm… I see."

"We've been in war with them ever since the great Alora saved humanity from their clutches."

I attempted to stifle a yawn of boredom, "Right. How long ago was that?"

"Over a thousand years, I guess."

I broke out into coughs. A thousand years?! And I thought I had a bad problem with holding grudges!!

I cleared my throat, "And who is this Alora person you keep mentioning?"

Is it like their god or something?! I swear this is the third time I heard that name.

Her eyes lit up, "Alora is our great ancestor who saved humanity from its near extinction. The Demons used to rule the land and slaughtered humans indiscriminately. She belonged to a tribe that was granted the power of the Holy Light. She was the strongest one and she used it to take down the demons."

Every answer she gives me only makes me have more questions.

"Holy light? What's that?"

"The Holy light is like pure energy. It is the demon's number one weakness. Usually, when a demon is injured, they can heal quickly. It is really hard to kill a demon since they can turn to a shadow and escape to heal. However, no one, not even demons, can heal from an attack by the Holy Light. The Holy Light is capable of splitting souls and destroying them."

"Ah, I see."

She nodded, "Although, the tribe that had been granted this power from the gods went extinct. Now, we only have a Holy light user every few hundreds of years. It's such a shame. If we had more Holy light users, the demon scum would have been eradicated a long time ago."

I'm sensing a lot of hate. I guess it's for the best that the Holy light is rare. The last thing this world needs is someone with god-like power and a different set of morals.

She looked outside, "Oh! It is getting so late. I better go to bed."

I looked outside as well and realized that we had been reading and talking very late into the night. This orphanage may be a bit oppressive, but it isn't necessarily strict. At least I'm not forced to go to sleep and wake up early. I only have to abide by the food bells and finish that blasted list of chores.