A normal day?

While I was reading the book, I noticed the light coming through the curtain. It seemed to be morning already. Closing the book, I stood up and headed toward the mirror.

Hmm. No dark circles. Maybe I really don't need to sleep anymore. Or maybe I just last longer without it.

As I shifted my attention away from my face, I got a better look at the clothes I was wearing. Definitely not something I wanted to keep on for much longer.

Opening my inventory, I scrolled through it a bit until I found something that looked decent.

My eyes landed on a white set. I decided to go with that for now, until I found something better.

I took off the black clothes from before. Underneath the white cloak, I put on some loose, comfortable clothing. Over my face, I placed a white cloth like a veil — thin enough to let my glowing blue eyes shine through. The single horn on the right side of my forehead, however, couldn't be hidden.

I guess I'll use this cloth for now. Honestly, this new appearance of mine still creeps me out. Especially this damn smile.

Having decided what to wear, I left the room and was immediately met with someone waiting outside.

Luxian stood in front of the door, staring at me as she spoke.

"What's with that outfit? You getting married or something?"

Her teasing tone caught me off guard.

"This is all I've got for today. Honestly, I'm not a fan of my face."

Luxian looked surprised. "What do you mean? I think your face is really beautiful."

All I could think was… of course you'd say that. I probably wrote those emotions into you.

"Alright, let's drop that. Why are you outside my room?"

Now sounding more serious, Luxian answered.

"We've got more reports. About the island and the continent."

Then, her expression softened again.

"Can I ask something personal?"

"Go ahead."

"About conquering this world… do you really want that?" she asked, her face unreadable.

The question made me pause. Do I actually want that? Wouldn't it be too much work? Still, having a goal to chase is good... But what if I answer wrong and everyone turns on me?

With a bunch of thoughts clouding my mind, I gave a vague answer.

"Maybe?"

Luxian seemed to understand something in that, which only made me more confused.

"I see. I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

I stared at her for a while, trying to make sense of her words, until she added, "Oh, right. Everyone's waiting in the throne room for the reports."

"Huh? Already? Doesn't anyone eat or something?"

"Of course we eat. But only when we feel like it. We don't really need it."

Her answer threw me off. Now that she mentioned it, I hadn't felt hungry since I got here. Maybe I didn't need food either?

"Can we go now?" I asked, unable to find a clear answer.

"Sure. Let's go."

She turned and began guiding the way.

As we reached the throne room doors, I could hear the same familiar sounds from last time. The doors open and walked in.

Taking my seat on the throne, I watched as everyone bowed their heads like before, with only Luxian speaking.

"It seems the dragons spotted a large city of this world heading east from here. Around two days on foot, or half a day by dragon. As for the prisoner, the experiments have begun. We're still waiting for results from the researchers."

Luxian fell silent, waiting for my response.

"Alright. I'll wait for the upcoming reports. As for the city sighting, stay alert. We don't know if strong individuals live there. Keep the dragons at a distance."

Luxian gave a nod and bowed her head slightly before Azathoth took her turn.

"Me, Lilith, Alice, and Gurath checked the edges of the island. Each took one region. In my region, area 1, nothing fell in the new world except for water from a stream."

We really need to start naming these areas properly.

I looked at Shubniggurath.

"And you, Gurath?"

"Same in area 2. Nothing unusual."

Always straight to the point.

I didn't dwell on it and turned to Lilith.

Lilith, understanding my gaze, began in her usual seductive tone. "In Area 4, the desert, there were no apparent crashes at the edges. I just raised some stone walls to reduce the collapse of the area. But the desert is restless… it seems the broken things have started some kind of moveme~."

"Hmm. That might be troublesome... I'll check the desert next time."

As long as the barrier holds, it should be fine.

Putting those thoughts aside, I turned to Alice. She began to speak, a bit awkwardly.

"I was in charge of area 3. Everything there was okay. The borders are intact. A new vegetation. And a new reign of creatures has started there, nya~."

What the hell was that? I think I just found someone with worse communication skills than me…

"Alright. I'll look into that too later. Sounds interesting."

That place was always random during development. I have no clue what to expect from it.

Now, only Livia and Iris were left.

"Livia, your turn."

"Yes! As my darling~ wishes. There's not much to report, but the island's people seem to be getting the idea that we're flying over unfamiliar land," she said, casting subtle glances at her sister. "Some of them, especially the adventurers, want to explore the new world."

Looking over at Iris, she avoided my gaze. I could only sigh and turn back to Livia.

"Tell the curious ones we'll make an announcement in a week."

Then I looked at the chaotic little girl.

"Your turn, Iris."

She let out a nervous laugh. "Heheh… you see, it's not really my fault. Someone asked me, and… well, I don't lie."

Sighing, already familiar with her nature.

"Alright, alright. Do you have anything to report?"

"Nope."

"I guess this concludes our meeting."

As I said that, everyone stood up and the mood in the room changed completely.

"Looks like I still have a lot to do. Ah, almost forgot… was it you who caused the changes last night?"

I answered without hesitation. "Yeah."

"I see. Good. I'm glad it was really you. I'll be heading out now."

Azathoth left first. Shubniggurath, saying nothing, just lowering her head before leaving.

"I'll go check the desert, see if anything happened~," Lilith said before leaving.

"I think I'll leave too, need to check on the prisoners."

Before Luxian could walk out, I spoke up.

"Wait, Luxian. I need your help with something."

The room went quiet for a few seconds.

"I want to test my combat skills. You'd be perfect for that."

Luxian smiled. "Of course! I'd love to help."

I heard teeth grinding, and I knew exactly who it was. Livia. On the verge of exploding.

Shit. Is this jealousy? I need to get out of here, fast.

"A-Alright then, let's go. I don't want to waste too much time."

I stood and we left the hall. Only three remained.

Livia collapsed to the ground, trembling and muttering.

Iris, already knowing what was going on, didn't care. She just left the hall.

Only Alice and Livia remained. Alice, concerned, walked up to her and asked,

"Are you okay, nya~?"

No answer. Just soft whimpers, followed by her words.

"Uh~, I'm perfectly fine. Yes. This feeling of rejection, this pain..."

Not wanting to hear more, Alice simply vanished into shadow and left the hall, leaving Livia and her noises alone.

-----------

When we arrived at the training grounds, I was immediately met with four massive arenas, extremely polished. The walls were no longer white but a dull gray.

Without wasting time, we moved toward the weapons rack. I picked up a staff. There wasn't a wooden scythe, so this was the closest thing. Luxian grabbed a spear.

Now that I think about it, I made Luxian an expert in melee combat.

"Let's head to the nearest arena."

She seemed more excited than usual.

I hope that excitement doesn't get me killed.

Now facing each other, Luxian said,

"Alright. When this little thing explodes, we begin." She was holding a tiny fairy she had just created.

"Got it. I'm ready."

The fairy started to swell, then let out a small cry… and exploded.

Luxian vanished.

I didn't have time to think. I raised my left arm on instinct and deflected the attack, only to get a spinning kick to the chest.

Caught off guard, I could only watch her create distance. When I finally stopped, I realized I'd slammed into the wall.

"You're really rusty, Khan."

Even after that huge hit to the chest, I felt no pain. Just the human fear of being launched and crashing into something.

That was terrifying. I thought I was gonna die from a single hit.

Pulling myself off the wall, brushing off some broken blocks, I muttered,

"Rusty, huh..."

Honestly, I'm more like a complete noob.

Back in the arena, we restarted with another fairy countdown.

Again, Luxian disappeared.

She's really not holding back, huh?

Before I realized, she was above me. Instinct kicked in. I stepped back and, seeing her posture wide open, I went for it. Dashed forward and aimed a thrust with the staff at her chest.

For a second, I thought I'd landed the hit—until I saw her smile as she dodged it like it was nothing.

Off-balance, I stumbled forward. Luxian dropped down, planting a foot on my back and slamming me into the ground.

So frustrated I didn't even realize I'd gripped the staff so tightly it snapped in half.

Luxian saw it and made a "T" gesture with her hands.

"Time. I've got a question."

Getting up and brushing off the dust, I asked,

"What is it?"

"Do you have any basics?"

"Basics? You mean… like prior training?"

"Exactly. Ever practiced?"

I tried to remember… but nothing came up.

"No. Never trained."

"Well… guess I jumped the gun, then..."

So all this… was just a misunderstanding?