The Sign

The deep shattering noise had shaken the ground as well, making everyone stumble onto the ground.

I boosted myself and jumped up into the air, slashing the bug in two, its severed corpse landing on the floor.

When I came back down, everyone began to surround it to inspect it closely. My Katana was now stained with... whatever substance that bug let out.

The teacher ordered everyone to step away so she could see it for herself. More teachers eventually came and they were now surrounding the bug. I walked close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation and this was what I heard.

"What is that thing?"

"It seems that this would be one of Ogthonis' pest, specifically an outsider."

"That scream it did earlier, there is no doubt it called the rest of its brethren. Though that sound..."

That scream? So that's what it was. Though they haven't said anything about that sound that came after the shriek.

"We'll need to report this to his majesty."

"Yes, he will decide what to do."

The teachers began to exit the courtyard. Our teacher stayed back and looked at us, noticing that some of us were a little concerned and some were confused.

"This is nothing for you guys to worry about."

"Classes will end here and canceled for the rest of this week." Added the headmaster who had announced it to everyone in the school.

Everyone looked at each other hesitantly. But then we all left cause we had nothing else to do. Though however, I was left behind to clean the mess up since I was the one who caused it.

I'd poke the corpse of the bug with my sword and the fluid that got on my sword fizzled. I had the urge to touch it and I was about to until Ordos stopped me.

"Dude... are you sure about that?" He questioned as he hesitantly let my hand go.

I stared at the yellow substance and my mind eventually told me it was a bad idea, considering it left a mark on the ground. Additionally, that substance had vaporized.

I engulfed my blade in flames and stabbed the bug, setting it on fire. Then I swung my blade across, extinguishing the flames and to get the goo off, and sheathed it.

Me and Ordos watched as the bug slowly begun to melt. Then suddenly-

"KIIIIIEEEEEE!!!"

We quickly jumped away as the bug was still alive, struggling to flee as it was burning.

My right hand liquified and turned into a black sickle. Then I ran up to it and slashed it into countless pieces, leaving nothing but shattered threads.

Sizzle~!

I looked at my arm and I felt a burning sensation. I quickly reverted it back to normal, the substance dropping onto the ground.

"Whoa. How d'you do that, Seiya?" Ordos asked since he witnessed my arm transfigure.

"Umm... shadow magic." I lied. It was actually my second spirito. I never felt like using it since I'm still working on my primary one. My second spirito, a fallen angel, will be my secondary one. I'll only use it when necessary. Now let's just see how long that lie lives on for. Ordos may be intelligent, but I doubt has any common sense.

"Is this the sign you were talking about?"

"Huh? Uhh, maybe?"

Maybe?

"Anyway, I guess we have a half-day."

"Yes, a half-day that ends on the last class, which ends in half an hour."

"Oh shut up, you know what I mean Seiya."

***

As I walked out the entrance, I saw Aurelia speaking with the headmaster. I walked up towards them and I heard a part of their conversation.

"I had just spoken to your father. He wants you to return home immediately."

"But I want to help too! So-"

"No your highness, you must go immediately."

Then the headmaster spotted me and he told me to come over.

"Sei- I mean lord Se-"

"Please, just call me Seiya." I interrupted him before he could say it. I may be a noble now, but I still don't like to be called my formal name. Lord... Seiya... it just doesn't sound right.

"Yes, can you bring her highness back to her home? Her father reque-"

"No, I want to stay!" Aurelia interrupted.

"Hold on, can you tell me why?" I asked Aurelia and she crossed her arms while giving an angry vibe.

"Nevermind! I'll just go."

I lifted an eyebrow, confused. I looked over at the headmaster and he just sighed. Then he walked away.

"Aurelia, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing. Let's go."

I was trailing along with Aurelia while heading back to her home. It was really quiet along the way and I could tell that something was on Aurelia's mind, though she didn't look like she was going to say what it was.

We arrived at the gate and standing there was the king himself.

Aurelia walked past her father without saying a word and that got me worried. Weird, she's never this quiet nor disrespectful.

"Ahh, don't worry about her. She's always like that whenever something urgent comes up."

"Urgent?"

"Hmm? Let's see, you probably heard that shattering noise, right?"

"Yes, what about it?"

"Well, turns out that multiple portals had opened up across the continent and in every country as well. Lusitania, Envous, Priden, and the rest. That noise, it signals..."

"Signals what?"

"That the demon bugs are about to evade... from all portals."

"Portals? How do they look like?"

"They look like severed space. Almost like broken glass that alter how reality looks. I reckon there is one nearby. I have my men looking for them as we speak but I fear they won't be able to find it and seal it in time."

"So there is going to be an invasion?"

"It's inevitable. I am going to issue an order to all my men to defend the capital. But I think I'll need the help from the adventurers as well."

"I see..."

"Having said that, every noble has also been notified except you."

"Hmm?"

"As a noble under me, you'll be forced to fight as it is your duty. Though I don't want to, it would be unfair if you were the only one not to fight. That said, do you have any complaints?"

"Forced to fight? Sorry, but I've already been fighting."

"Nicely said. Now then, you should head back to wherever you are staying at. Oh, that reminds me, since you were elevated to a peerage, shouldn't you have gotten some servants already?"

"Say again?"

"Ohh yeah, you are still young to think about it but... you are able to gain some subordinates now since you have a title. Though you'll also need a house- do you have a house?"

"No... I can't afford one."

"Hmm, I think I can help you with that. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah... wait tomorrow?"

But the king had walked away before he could hear what I said. Weird...

***

When I arrived back at the inn, there was a package that was sent to me. It was lying directly on my bed.

I opened up the package and there was gear inside. There was a jet-black bodysuit with cutouts, a sleeveless hoodie that had neronium breastplates fused into the vest which only covered a few parts of my body allowing me to freely move without trouble. There were also black cargo harem pants, a ton of metal belts, a turtleneck compression mask, black leather gloves, and black tactical boots.

I immediately knew that this came from my uncle. Only he would know what kind of clothes and gear I'd prefer. The belts that he sent me had multiple compartments which were big enough for me to store potions. There was also a sheath fused into the belt that I needed to strap onto my back. Guess that would be good for my Ninjato.

Guess I should try this on.

As expected, it fits perfectly. However, I wish he could've at least abridged the belts. It took me about ten minutes to equip the whole thing since it was so complicated. But after a while of practicing, I could eventually do it in under a minute or two.

The belt also featured a strap that could hold my Katana.

I inspected myself in the mirror to see if anything looked off. Everything fit and I felt no hindrance when I made a move.

These compartments, I should ready some potions if they are gonna be of any use. Good thing I have a supply of them under my bed.

After I placed my gear on the table, I noticed that there was a note given to me by my uncle.

"I wonder what this is?"

I opened it up...

...then threw it into the fire.

...

Anyway, I should go and take a rest now.

***

The next morning, my sleep was interrupted when I heard a loud thump. It came... from my window.

I opened the curtains and there was liquid stained on my window. That's when I noticed that the air was clouded with an army of mutant bugs.

.

.

.