บท 19: Basic World Knowledge
Khalil entered the room with a quiet sense of resolution, his footsteps echoing slightly on the wooden floor. The walls were much simpler, but there was something grounding about the space. It felt neutral—an empty slate, just like him in this new world. A place to start over.
He closed the door behind him with a soft click and paused, his gaze falling to the medium desk in front of him. His fingers brushed lightly across the surface as he considered the task ahead. It was a significant moment, yet there was an undeniable sense of uncertainty.
"So, here I am," Khalil murmured to himself, his voice low. "Time to connect with my bond. Easy enough, right? Just reach out, tap into that... connection." His words trailed off, as he frowned slightly, feeling the familiar frustration welling up. "Except I don't know how to do any of that. Not properly, anyway."
He moved to the desk and took a seat, resting his elbows on the smooth wood as he began to think aloud. "I mean, I know what I'm supposed to do, in theory. It's all about connecting with the beast, forming that bond, and feeling its energy. It's simple enough for anyone who's familiar with it. But I'm... I'm missing something. Like a piece of the puzzle I should have by now, but I don't."
His thoughts briefly turned to Kalem. 'This body is Kalem's body. His memories, his experiences, are part of me. But... my memories—the ones from my past life—those were sealed, locked away.'
Khalil sighed softly, pressing his fingertips to his forehead. "I should know this. I would have known this, back then. But now… I feel like I'm fumbling through it all."
He shook his head, trying to focus. "Okay, no need to panic. It's not like I'm completely lost. I know enough. Kalem knew enough. History, basic knowledge of taming, the various paths… it's just the practical stuff that's eluding me. Like, the real stuff that makes it work. But I have to start somewhere, right?"
Khalil leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms as he stared up at the ceiling, mulling over the information he had. "This world… it's not like the one I came from. The technology here is far behind. I can't just Moogle something on my holobook or scrap a database for quick answers. In this world, people don't rely on technology—they rely on beasts. And there's a particular energy they rely on too."
He stopped for a moment, tapping his fingers against his leg as he recalled what little he knew. "The energy is called Primal Essence. It's a form of strange energy that beasts absorb. Only they can take it in, shape it, use it. Humans, the Kalun, and the other races—none of them can. It's just... for beasts. The tamers, those who bond with the beasts, are the ones who help harness that power and use it for protection, for work, for battle, whatever's needed."
Khalil paused, his mind turning toward the different races of the world, the ones that called this place home. "Then there are the Kalun. Nomads. Strong, independent. They're a different kind of people, with their own methods of taming. And they have a unique bond with their beasts, too. They don't rely on the same paths as other tamers. They've learned to do things their way, adapting to their environments. But I guess that's how most races survive, huh? They make do with what they have, and they build on it."
Khalil's thoughts continued to flow. "Then there are the other two races. One is… what was it? They're more reclusive, the kind who live far from the main settlements. Their taming methods are shrouded in mystery, but they're powerful. And the last one…" He trailed off. "I can't remember their names, but I'll figure that out later."
He exhaled slowly, getting back on track. "But what I do know is that in this world, the taming paths are divided based on the beasts themselves. Their elements, their abilities. For example, the low-ranked flying beasts. They're common. Nothing special, but useful. People bond with these to use them for transport or labor. They're the workhorses of the this world, and they serve an important role, even if they're not glamorous."
He raised an eyebrow as he leaned forward, hands clasped together. "Then, there are the powerful ones—the Guardian Tamers - the one term used for many paths. These are the tamers who bond with the most formidable beasts, the ones that have the strength and skills to fight and protect. They're the ones out in the field, facing danger. They're like the adventurers you'd find in most games or stories—the ones who fight the wild evil beasts, take on the quests. It's clear that I'll probably fall into this path, especially now that I'm a student at the academy. The Guardians are the ones who go on the biggest adventures. And... well, that's something I can't ignore."
He shook his head slightly, as if trying to banish any overconfidence. "But nothing's certain. Maybe I'll bond with another unique beast. Or maybe I'll end up with something completely unexpected. The possibilities are endless. Still, I have to be realistic."
Khalil leaned back in his chair, giving himself a moment to process. "So, this is what I know for now. I'll need to learn more as I go. The geography here… the language. It's starting to come back, like some kind of muscle memory. But the practical things? The real bonding? The Tamer's job? That's something I'll have to figure out. One step at a time."
He stood up from the chair, stretching as he glanced out the window, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. "Alright, Khalil. Let's not waste time. There's more to this world than just beast taming. And there's more to you than just trying to fit into Kalem's shoes or saving the world."
With a soft chuckle, he added, "First thing's first though—food. I can't focus if I'm hungry. Time to figure out where I'm going to get a proper meal around here."
He turned and moved toward the door, feeling the weight of the path ahead, but also a growing sense of purpose. No more second-guessing. It was time to step forward and take charge.
"Oh, you already woke up, huh?"
"Eh, y-yes, you are back, Mr.Principal."
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