Chapter 3: I'm A Mage!

[Void Invasion will end: 23 hrs, 44 mins, 17 secs.]

'My gut feeling really tells me this is some sort of video game system.'

Rion knew it sounded like bullshit that came from some sort of cliché 3rd-rate plot isekai anime.

But... based on his instincts, what he saw from those monsters, and what he feels from seeing this red text.

He can't help but feel this is a sort of system similar to those that he read in fantasy novels.

'No, this isn't the time to think about this crap! There's a woman who still needs first aid treatment.'

Rion shook his head, he then grabbed the bottles of water that he got from the vending machine and strode back to the bloodied mother.

...

40 minutes later.

"Sigh..."

Rion deeply sighed as he wiped his sweat, and looked at the woman before him.

Finally, after some time, Rion was able to clean and stabilize the condition of the mother, while the daughter slept with her mom due to exhaustion after knowing her mother was fine for now.

Nonetheless, the woman still looks very pale, due to the fact she lost a lot of blood.

Still…

Seeing the unconscious woman in her clean state wearing the long sleeve polo shirt of the nerdy student...

He can't help but feel that this woman is a true beauty of a milf!

The girl looks normal, but she has the charm of a motherly housewife that you can see in those off-brand anime!

Especially those 'killer mounds' that are attached to the woman's chest area. They look like a pair of beautiful ice mountains!

Paired with those motherly milf charms...

Ehem.

He even surprised himself that he didn't feel his 'sword' raise while he was cleaning and treating the woman, despite his first time doing it on the opposite sex.

But now that he had the time to think about it...

Rion glanced at the woman.

Seeing some of her exposed skin, and her two bountiful mounds...

Gulp.

Rion felt his throat dry, feeling his 'brother' slowly rising...

"..."

"Is she okay...?" Seeing the silence of the panda-like man, the nerdy student can't help but ask about the woman's condition to break the silence.

"Yes. She's just unconscious due to the loss of blood… Have you contacted 911? " Instantly turning his head, Rion answered with an affirmation followed by a question, inwardly curbing his embarrassment to himself.

"I tried, but… until now, their hotline is full. I can't connect." Lance sighed, as he put away his phone after several tries.

Meanwhile, on Rion's head:

...You goddamn simp... You just undressed a 3D in her outer clothing and you got excited!?

I thought you were a 'sage'!!

Come on, you're better than this!

2D is better than 3D, LESSGO!!

While Rion is lost in his inner 'enlightenment' monologue, he slowly calmed his 'brother'.

The nerdy student who is seeing the 'serious' face of Rion unaware of the internal battle of the man, misunderstood, slowly muttering to himself:

"... I wonder what the hell is going on? Those monsters with black veins, and what the hell is this Void Invasion text that I'm seeing..."

Rion, who finally won in his internal 'battle' and calmed his 'brother'. Finally stood up and sat on the floor near a pillar, leaning back to rest his body, and started treating himself as he replied:

"I also don't have any idea what those monsters are... Although, I do have speculation regarding the red text that we're seeing right now."

A bit surprised that the man unexpectedly replied to him, the nerdy student asked:

"What did you find out?"

"A game system."

"Eh?"

Considering the word didn't explain much, Rion began to elaborate, although a bit embarrassed about his speculation considering it might be childish for a middle-aged man to come up with such a conclusion:

"Ehem."

"Although I don't have any evidence, I have a gut feeling just from the look itself, that somehow this is some sort of a game system. As for those monsters–"

"They are some sort of invaders?" the nerdy student suddenly replied as if he already knew what the next words were going to be.

"Y-yeah."

"...?? Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"No, not really, it's just I thought you would find it ridiculous or something." Rion scratched his cheek, smiling awkwardly.

"pff... Hahahahahaha~"

"Sorry... I just think you're much tamer than I thought you to be... You were giving off a serious and strict vibe a while ago, good sir."

"..." Rion just wryly smiled.

Rion had this habit of his, that is whenever he is working or focusing, he gives off a strict, experienced veteran or leader vibe around him.

It is something most people misunderstood about him, thinking he is someone serious, cold, and strict.

But, like they say, 'Don't judge the book by its cover.'

Inside that professional and strict facade. He is just a youthful-hearted man who just wants to spend his life being an otaku with his collection of 'treasures'!

Rion felt like crying.

Thankfully, inside the workplace that he is currently in, people slowly got to know him despite being new, that is because he is working on his social skills!

Now, most of his co-workers see him in a new gentle, approachable light.

Don't underestimate the will of a cultured person, people!

"Ehem... Yeah, sorry about that, new people do see me as someone strict when in fact I'm not." Rion replied.

"Anyway, I still don't know your name... My name is Rion... Kurogane Rion."

"Kurogane? Are you perhaps Japanese, Kurogane-san?"

"Yes, Born in Japan, and raised here in the US. Well… due to some personal circumstances."

"DAMN! You were actually born from the 'motherland' of culture!... My name is Lance Cebastian. I am a student from Marla University."

"Hobbies are photography and e-games, specifically MOBA. My ideal cosplay is butler, while I like older and ripe women with big 'assets'." Lance introduced himself proudly with an innocent smile.

Rion's smile threatened to break, especially hearing the last part.

Also, his last name perfectly fits his ideal cosplay… and what's up with those accurate specifications?

Seeing the stars coming out of the student's eyes as if he found his idol because he was born from the 'motherland' of culture.

Rion just smiled awkwardly.

Before long, Lance fake coughed and returned to serious mode, slowly analyzing the events.

"Still though, thinking about what you said that it is possible for it to be some sort of a video game system... How absurd is that? But, those strange-looking monsters tell me otherwise... Also, those gamey-like stats that I saw when I looked at that monstrous bird." Lance muttered as he held his chin thinking.

"Eh?" (Rion)

"Eh?" (Lance)

"What gamey-like stats…?" Rion asked, a bit dumbfounded.

"Oh... I saw some sort of gamey stats when I looked at that dinosaur-looking bird that was approaching us before."

"What? How did you do it?"

"Ah, nothing, I just looked at that bird and focused on it."

"...focused on it?"

"How do I explain this... Like at that time, I felt the urge to 'know' what kind of creature that is."

Rion nodded at the nerdy student's words, pondering about it too.

Looking back, Rion wasn't able to focus on that creature, since he was nervous and scared at that time, despite him being 'cool' and composed on the outside appearance.

It was even a miracle he was able to think properly, despite the gruesome mess that was happening at that time.

'Although, if it is really a video game system like those in the manga or novels, what the student saw, regarding the gamey-like stats just confirms it.'

'... Wait, assuming it really is a game system like those in novels, then we must have 'THAT' right!?'

Suddenly, an isekai-breaking realization popped out of Rion's head, as he tried focusing and desiring a specific 'something'...

As if the isekai gods responded to his wishes, something appeared in his mind.

[ Name: Kurogane Rion

Race: Human (Awakened)

Racial Buffs: <Increased Learning Proficiency: 45%>

Innate Talents: <Basic Elemental Magic>

Acquired Talents: None

Passive Skills:

'Wise Servant' (C Rank) -

<Increased Mana Capacity LV: 1> <Increased Mana Regen LV: 1>

<Stamina Regen LV: 1> <Increased Thought Processing LV: 1>

'Panda Body' (C- Rank) -

<Increased Body Toughness LV: 1> <Rebound Attack LV: 1>

Active Skills:

'Elemental Mage Heart' (A- Rank) -

<Earth Manipulation LV: 1> <Water Manipulation LV: 1> <Fire Manipulation LV: 1> <Air Manipulation LV: 1>

Title: Side Character ]

...

"he...he...he...hehehehehe~"

"???"

A creepy laughter came out of Rion, looking at him, the nerdy student dripped in a cold sweat as if he just saw a person being possessed by an evil spirit.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH~!!! FUCK YEAH!!"

"""!!!"""

Unable to contain his joy, Rion's 'true' (otaku) self finally broke out of his restraint.

Ignoring that the unconscious mother-daughter pair was instantly awakened by his loud villainy laugh.

Rion instantly said to Lance not trying to hide his excitement:

"Go ahead and think as if you want to know more about yourself! Quick!"

"Huh?"

"Just do it!"

Gulp.

Seeing the man's state as if he found God and reached enlightenment, Lance can't help but gulp, although he still did what the man asked him to do.

Lance closed his eyes and desired to know more about himself.

Shortly after, Lance can't help but gasp, while a sense of excitement flooded him at what he's seeing.

[ Name: Lance Cebastian

Race: Human (Awakened)

Racial Buffs: <Increased Learning Proficiency: 45%>

Innate Talents: None

Acquired Talents: <Cartography> <Ki Manipulation>

Passive Skills:

'Photographic Mind' (D- Rank) -

<Increased Memory Ability LV: 1> <Increased Cognition Ability LV: 1>

Active Skills:

'Topography Mapping' (E- Rank) -

<Instant Mapping LV: 1> <X-Ray Vision LV: 1>

Title: None ]

"Holy crap!" Lance can't help but curse in enjoyment as he opened his eyes and spontaneously looked at Rion.

As if a bro code kicked in, they looked at each other and thought:

'We're now goddamn players, homie!!!!'

"U-uhm..."

!

'Looks like they woke up...' Rion and Lance smiled wryly as they went to see the mother-daughter pair waking up from their loud celebration.

...

"Thank you for helping me and my daughter. We won't forget your kindness, our benefactors"

"I am Leona Marriott and this little girl of mine is Cindy Marriott."

Seeing both guys approach them, the milfy woman, Leona Marriott sat up from the bench while the 5-year-old daughter, Cindy Marriott stood up, both bowing to express their gratitude.

Looking at the milf and her daughter, they just smiled awkwardly, introducing themselves, and soon asked the woman to relax and rest.

Although he stopped the bleeding of the wound on the woman's foot, all Rion did was apply first aid medication, after all, there are only incomplete medical tools and supplies available that Lance could find, and Rion is no professional medic or doctor.

Rion even thinks that he did a sloppy job patching the wounds.

Nonetheless, they still need to take Leona to the nearest hospital for proper treatment.

Well...despite having excited thoughts about this 'game-like' development and status.

Rion chose to suppress his excitement and do first what needs to be done.

Bang! Bang! Crash!

Even after hiding inside a subway, they can still hear the mess that is happening outside, and Rion knows they have to find a safe refuge soon.

It's already a huge miracle that no strange monsters have come inside the subway, although... before he can even speak a word about it.

BAAANG!!

As if Rion internally jinxed himself. A huge fat creature crashes through the entrance of the subway!

But due to it being too big, it can't fit inside the subway.

!!!

Alerted by the noise, Rion and Lance knew they had to get out of the place, it is dumb to think what is slamming and ramming through the entrance of the subway. The only explanation is those weird monsters.

Without any word, Rion carried the woman despite seeing her a bit embarrassed, while the little daughter rode on his back.

'Good thing she's a milf... I mean good thing she's not heavy.'

"Follow me, good sir." Lance gestured.

Seeing Lance take the lead, despite Rion's inquiry if he has any alternative way out, he nonetheless trusted the student and started following him while carrying the woman.

But before they can even run far.

The huge fat creature started shooting out human-sized eggs in its grotesque mouth, squirming with fleshy tentacles that uncurled mid-air, transforming into a strange humanoid creature with three heads and three disproportionate arms, black veins pulsing on its entire body.

This process was repeated seven times, as the disproportionate humanoid creatures sniffed the air as if they were looking for something.

KRAAAAAA!!

Soon, one of the humanoid creatures shouted, pointing in a certain direction as if it found what it was looking for.

With fast speed, the humanoid creatures started running in the direction where Rion and his company were resting.

...

After a few minutes of running, glancing at his back, Rion knew those humanoid monsters would soon catch up.

"I'll stay here while you guys go." Rion stopped running, as he gently let go of Leona and Cindy from his back.

""What?""

Hearing Rion's words, disbelief can be seen on the faces of Lance and Leona.

"Wait, why would you want to stay?"(Lance)

"I am a mage." Rion spoke in a neutral tone as if it explains everything.

As a way to prove it, Rion closed his eyes and he desired for a hint of flame to appear at the tip of his index finger.

Leona, Lance, and Cindy who saw this were flabbergasted by the flame coming out of his finger.

Even Rion was a little shocked by the flame, he didn't think it would really appear...

'I can't believe I'm a goddamn mage, holy fuck...'

Rion can't help but crack a smile on his face seeing the infinite possibility of his future.

KRAAAAA!!!

!!!

Hearing the inhumane shout and the approaching footsteps, Rion instantly ordered them:

"Just go! I know you have the ability to map out the way out, right? Go ahead and I'll soon catch up." Rion ordered, looking at Lance.

"..." Despite being a little surprised, Lance nodded as he went out along with Leona and Cindy.

'Good sir is really quite perceptive.' Lance thought positively of his idol.

In fact, Rion knew Lance's ability just by analyzing that they haven't met any dead ends along the way as if Lance knew the place like the back of his hand.

What Lance didn't know though is that Rion was able to get a glimpse of that light coming out of his eyes quite frequently, thus leading to the deduction that his ability has something to do with some sort of x-ray vision or mapping.

Although, the user himself is not aware of the light coming out of his eyes when he's using his skill.

As for Rion saying and finding out it's a mapping ability.

Let's just say... It was a wild guess.

Processing the words of Rion, Lance just did a wry smile and nodded determinedly.

When suddenly, the woman interrupted:

"Wait… how about if you just use me as bait, I can't let me and my daughter's benefactor sacrifice his life... and I don't want to be a burden... It's just that please take care of my daughter as my last request. "

"M-mom, no!"

The mother suggested in a determined voice as she looked at her daughter who was about to cry.

Hearing her determined voice, Rion shook his head as he faced the upcoming humanoid monsters, the sound of the footsteps and screams got closer.

"I'm sorry Ms. Leona, but there are things that I cannot abandon, leaving you here will make me regret it for the rest of my life... Something I'd rather die than experience..."

"Besides... You have a daughter to take care of." Rion smiled smugly, but none could see it due to them only seeing his back facing them.

But inwardly Rion thought:

'HIYAAA! WHAT A BADASS LINE FOR ME TO SAY... Embarrassing but still goddamn badass!!'

'Never knew I would be saying this type of cheesy, protagonist line in my lifetime in front of a woman, much less a charming milf! Holy crap!'

Seeing the determined man standing before them. They can't help but feel a sense of respect and admiration deserving of the man.

While a look of disbelief can be seen on Leona's face, the woman was speechless at Rion's response.

Who would risk their life for the sake of some strangers you just met...?

Well, if only she knew the man's real motivation… though it is also true he would regret it and feel guilty knowing he left a woman to die when he could do something about it.

"We'll be waiting for you... Continue running straight, then turn left and you'll see an exit there... Don't die on us, good sir!"

"I still need to treat you in the holy place of culture as thanks for saving my life!" Gritting his teeth, Lance took the opportunity to not cry as he turned his face away for the others to not see.

"..." Rion felt speechless by the student's action.

It's not like he's going to fight to death you know?

He would just buy enough time for them to escape.

"Be careful, okay? My daughter and I have not yet done anything to thank our benefactor." Leona once again bowed her head, while a sense of deep respect and appreciation can be heard in her tone.

"Uncle, come out safely okay~?" the little girl cutely muttered.

Rion just nodded, as Leona, Lance, and Cindy went ahead to the exit with much reluctance.

...

'Fuck, now that I'm about to face these monstrous humanoids I'm actually getting nervous...' Rion got cold feet; sweat started drenching his dirty clothes.

'Think happy thoughts! You're now a mage, Rion! A goddamn mage! This is peak fantasy fulfilled for a hardcore weeb like you!!' Rion thought excitedly to distract himself.

But soon the words of Lance, Leona, and Cindy replayed in his mind as he inwardly remarked...

'Still...'

'When was it, since the last time I heard someone say to me to take care...?' Rion felt warm in his heart, he soon felt his nervousness slowly go away.

KRAAAAAAAA!!

Clenching his fist, and looking at the corner of the turn where the humanoid monsters will appear.

Rion took a deep breath, looking forward with a brave stance. He started preparing himself for the upcoming battle.

Rion thought of the most famous and basic type of fire spell you can see and use in any RPG game as the first thing to cast:

Fireball.

...