Chapter 3 - Magical Maidens of the Multiverse

I stepped out of the portal and myself in a grassy forest area. The sun lightly beating down on my neck, I took a second to breathe in the fresh air. It felt like I was back on earth again, but considering the circumstances. I knew that wasn't the case, and I decided to check the map device that the doc had given me. Apparently, I was in universe M - 238. Interesting, I had thought to myself. Let's see where things go from here. I decided to make my way through the forest, so I can find a place to set up camp while I get my bearings.

After some time, I made it to a small clearing. I decided to set up camp in the center while I figure out what to do. I began to set up the tent from my bag. While I was setting it up, I noticed some kind of button on it. I pressed it, and like lightning. The tent instantly set itself up in the process. I was astonished at first, but deep down I knew only the doc would do something like this. This feeling however, was short lived. As I walked into the tent with all my things, I was greeted with a site that was similar to Rez's mansion. Despite the appearance of the tent on the outside, the inside was far bigger. And even came with an array of amenities.

Including, ten bedrooms that were all master size. A fully stocked kitchen, an indoor pool, and a large living room that was perfect for just chilling and relaxing. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to basically have a travel sized mansion at my disposal. After putting my things away, sitting down and relaxing in the living room. I noticed a note on the table. It was from Doctor Swiftly, he basically thanked me again for everything. And said that Rez told him to give me the V.I.P. treatment with this tent. I figured as much, but he also reminded me to be responsible with my traveling and to above all be safe.

I'm glad I met him and the other guys, I don't think I would've had such a good experience if I had met someone else. Now, I just gotta wait and see where my adventures will lead me. After reading the note, and taking a moment to reflect on everything. I decided to grab my backpack, a folding table, two water bottles, and a family size bag of potato chips. And sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. After setting up the table, I put the water and chips down on it. While setting my backpack off to the side. I then pulled a log that I saw nearby, up to the table.

That way I could have a make shift chair. Then, I grabbed my bag and began setting up my bong. I took the biggest rip I could manage, and settled into the log I was seated on. I had a feeling in that moment that my life was about to get interesting. I decided to take the USB drive I got from the doc, and stuck it into the port on the back of the multiverse gun. After which, a hologram began projecting from the screen. It looked like one of the Argantians from the ship I found a while back. Once the projection was in full view, he began talking.

"Greetings, I am captain Auruulum Purpurra. Head of the Argantian military fleet, and current liaison of the Argantian multiverse research division. Currently, we are gearing up for a final assault on the blasphemous dictator who wants to use our multiverse technology for evil. Chances are, if your watching this. We didn't make it out of the battle, and now you have our multiverse gun. As well as a lot of questions about everything that has occurred. I don't have much time before we enter into the dictators space. So I'll try to tell you what I can before then.

Now, if you have this USB and this gun. Then chances are, everything went according as we planned. We knew that this assault was a suicide mission, which is why we hid the USB in the crate we gave Doctor Swiftly. And why whoever found our gun, landed in his dimension. I made sure to preprogram the gun to send whoever found it to his dimension. I'm not sure how things truly went, but I choose to be positive about it all. In hopes that our tech would land in the hands of someone who not only needed it, but someone who would be capable of one day ending the tyrant. As well as freeing the last of our people from his grasp.

If our mission fails, the guns A.I. already told me which universe to escape to. A place called universe M - 616. If our savior is truly the one in possession of our gun, then a word of caution. The multiverse is vast, and is by no means an easy place to traverse. So be careful on your journey, and do your best to make whatever connections you can. Allies are a must in fighting the dictator of our universe. Thank you for your help, and as an added bonus.

At the end of this message, your going to feel a jolt of electricity. It's going to implant you with the vast technological knowledge, that we Argantians have. Thanks again, and good luck on your travels. Hopefully this knowledge that we give you, will be used to continue our mission of helping others." The message ended, and like the captain said. I felt a jolt of electricity surging through my body. And then, I felt what can only be described as. A sped up video clip being played in my mind, while also feeling like someone etching word into my brain with a laser.

After a few seconds, the jolt stopped and I passed out. When I awoke, it felt like I passed out for hours. But as it turns out, it was only about five minutes. And now, I had an understanding of things I knew nothing about before. At the same time, I felt like how I would imagine a fly feels. When it lands in a bug zapper, but at least I had knowledge now. I decided to take another rip from my bong, because my brain felt like it was throbbing slightly. After I relaxed a bit, I began to hear an electronic voice. "Hey! Can you pick me up please!? I don't like being left on the ground." I looked down, and realized that the multiverse gun was talking. I also realized that this must be the A.I. that the captain was talking about.

I picked up the gun and began talking to it. "Sorry about that, the electricity was not something I was expecting to happen." I said as apologetically as possible. "It's fine, thanks for picking me up. My name is Multiverse Assisted Training Tool or M.A.T.T. for short. I'm an advanced A.I. developed by the Argantians, in order to aid them and any who use me in all things multiverse related. Captain Auruulum put me into a temporary sleep mode, until such a time that the USB drive played his final message.

You must be the savior that my sensors detected in universe M - 616. I know this must be a lot to take in, but no matter what. I just wanna complete the Argantians mission, to save their people, and defeat the man who took over universe A - 00Alpha 1." Matt said with determination. "Well, I'm not sure if I'll be able to live up to your expectations. But I'll do my best, after all. I'm not a fan of assholes, dictators, or people who abuse their power. And this tyrant sounds like all three in one."

"Believe me when I say, that you have no idea what so ever." Suddenly, the conversation was cut short by the sound of a woman screaming. I decided to put Matt in my pocket and go investigate. I also left everything behind, all except the marvelous katana I found in the tower. After following the direction that the scream came from. I eventually found my way into another clearing, but what I saw nearly had me jump out of my skin. I saw a group of people, surrounded by about eight goblins. Freakin goblins! Of all things, literally the easiest to kill monsters in every fantasy story. First off, holy shit! I'm in a universe with magic and monsters.

Secondly, I can't believe I'm gonna get to live my life long dream. Of having an isekai style adventure, complete with magic and monsters of all types. I was nervous at first, but now. I was completely fired up and ready for action. I pulled my katana from its sheath, and unleashed the loudest battle cry I could muster. And I dashed at the goblins with all my speed. Which distracted them long enough to cut them all down, with only one swing of my blade. And like a movie, within seconds of my blade striking them. The goblins gushed with blood like a waterfall, and drew their last breath as they all fell to the ground.

"Now that's what I call, taking out the trash." I said to no one in particular. After turning around to address the group I saved. I sheathed my sword, and was greeted with nothing but dumbfounded looks. Aside from that, I was also able to see the group in better detail. The group consisted of two men, and two women. One of the guys had green hair, a scar running down his cheek, and appeared to be a knight. The other guy, I couldn't see his face due to the brown cloak he was wearing.

He also had a wooden staff with some kind of crystal on top, so I could only assume that he was the sorcerer or wizard of the party. Next, one of the women had pink hair, a black cloak, and clutched a dagger in her hand. She was clearly the rogue, and lastly. The other woman had sky blue hair, and clutched a bow between her hands. Making her the parties archer and possibly sniper. After a few seconds, the tension felt extremely awkward, so I decided to break it. "Hello there, nice to meet you all. Sorry for getting in the way, but you all looked like you needed help. Anyway, it was nice meeting y'all. I'll be on my way now." Suddenly, one of the guys spoke up as I was about to leave.

"Hold on a second!" I turned back to look, and saw that it was the green haired knight who was attempting to get my attention. "Yes?" I said curiously. "How were you able to cut down all those goblins so easily?! I mean, they're simple monsters to deal with, but the annoying buggers are very thick skinned. I have a hard enough time trying to cut one down, let alone eight! Tell me, who are you?" The knight said with anticipation of a puppy that found a new toy. "Oh, right. I'm Nigel Nevermore, good to meet you." I said as I shook his hand.

"I'm Clay Rainheart, nice to meet you. These are my companions, Graziella, Azure, and Kenith." He said as he pointed to the pink haired woman, the archer, and the wizard respectively. "So what happened? How'd you guys get overwhelmed like that?" Graziella then chimed in. "We were apart of the heroes caravan, we were on our way back from a mission when the caravan was attacked by monsters. There were so many, so we ended up getting separated and now we're not sure where anyone is."

Graziella said with great concern in her voice. And in that moment, Kenith finally chimed in. "Our caravan was on the way to the city of Oroton before the monster attack. It's about a day's journey from here, but by the looks of it. I fear we may not make it before the day's end." As Kenith said this, I finally noticed that the sun was beginning to set. "Well, I can't say I have much. But if you guys like, I actually have a campsite not too far from here. You guys are more than welcome to stay with me tonight, and then we'll head to Oroton in the morning. And find the rest of your party. How's that sound?"

In that moment, the grim faces of the party immediately perked up. "Really? You don't mind the trouble?" Clay said with childlike eagerness. "Of course, it's no trouble at all. I got more than enough food and stuff for all of us." In this moment Azure finally spoke up. "Thank you for your generosity, we are eternally grateful." She said while bowing graciously and pristinely. "Don't worry about it, I'm just happy to help however I can. Follow me, and I'll show y'all where my campsite is." From there, we made our way through the woods and made it back to my tent.

During this time, Clay and Azure found some more logs. So now, everyone had a seat. Kenith and Graziella collected rocks and wood, and built a fire pit. Which Kenith lit after muttering some kind of incantation, and pointed his staff at the pit. Creating a warm and lovely fire for everyone. "So, you guys said that you were apart of the heroes caravan right? Does that mean your on some important mission?" I said, trying to find out more about this world. In this moment, Clay chimed in. "Well, we're one of a few units that are helping the hero take down the demon king.

To be more specific, we were tasked with taking down one of the demon kings great demonic generals. All of the units that are apart of the mission are already in place to take down the other five generals. The plan for our unit was to regroup in the capital city of Oroton, and restock on any supplies we need. Afterwards, we would recruit any who wished to help in the fight. Then, set off to fight this last general. While all of the demon kings general are busy, the hero will have the opportunity to finally strike down the demon king once and for all!" As Clay explained everything, I had to use all my will power to hold back my excitement.

I couldn't believe that my first adventure in the multiverse, would be something of this magnitude. My thoughts and excitement were halted by Kenith chiming in. "Once we make it to Oroton, we'll only have about three months to prepare before we set off on our mission." He said with precision that would rival that of a poet. "I see, well. I want to join the fight!" I said with a little more enthusiasm than I probably should've. "Really!?" Clay said with utter astonishment. "Are you sure? Goblins are one thing, but the demon kings generals are no joke.

It's definitely not a mission that's for the faint of heart." Clay said this almost like he knew from experience somehow. I wanted to question him about it, but Azure spoke instead. "We mean you no disrespect, we just wanna make sure you understand the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in." I nodded at her statement, but then took a second to think before giving my answer. "I'm absolutely sure, I understand the dire constraints of the situation. But when I think about this, I see it as an opportunity. A chance to face a challenge and have an amazing adventure.

Plus, you guys said you have about three months before you set off for battle right? That'll give me some time to train a bit and get stronger. That way, I won't be a burden during the battle. Honestly, I just want the chance to help however I can. Whenever I hear about people being in trouble, I can't help but jump at the chance to do something!" At this point, everyone got excited and fired up by my words. Clay then stood up, walked over to me and stuck out his hand. I shook it, and he said welcome to the team. Once he sat back down, I began talking again. "Also, before we move any further with this.

I need to tell y'all something. I'm...not exactly from around here, I'm actually from a really far place that I'd rather not talk about. Anyway, I don't really know any thing about this whole demon king thing. So I'll need y'all to tell me anything you can." At this moment, I was greeted by everyone giving me surprised faces. All except for Kenith, because he still had his hood up. But I imagine he must have been as surprised as the others. After each of their surprised reactions, and dodging as many questions I could. That's when they began to break it all down for me.

First off, we were currently on a continent known as Primora. Primora is a vast continent with small snow cap lands on the northern and southern tips. Along with a mixture of forests, jungles, deserts, and grasslands. And vast mountain ranges scattered throughout the continent. Various lakes are scattered between the forests, jungles, and grasslands. With only about two rivers that cut through the desert portions. However, many number of rivers carve their way throughout the forests, mountains, jungles, and grasslands. From the map they showed me, Primora seemed to have a shape that was comparable to that of Australia. While being about six or seven times the size.

After seeing the land laid out for me on a map, the group told me about the history of Primora and its people. Along time ago, the world seemed to be doing okay. Until the demon king and his armies emerged. The people tried to fight, but couldn't stand up to the demon kings power. In the end, the demon king destroyed about half the land. And something interesting happened. One day, while some people were mining for materials. They unearthed some kind of sword, some specific info about the sword got lost to time. But when they recovered the blade, it was glowing with what they described as holy energy.

The people who found the blade, attempted to use the blade to strike down the demon king. Not only did this fail to vanquish the demon, but the resulting clash ended up devastating the other half of the world. After this, the blade seemingly vanished from history. The world was left in shambles, and humanity was near extinction. Then, one day. A bright light shined from the sky, and a voice spoke. It was the God of this world. He was known as Kusig, the Golden Dragon God. He couldn't bare to watch humanity suffer any longer.

So, he gave them a chance to fight back and reclaim the world. He dropped a large stone cube onto the earth and said. That any primorian that touched the stone, would be given amazing abilities. This was the birth of magic in the world, and with that. The primorians almost had everything they needed to save mankind. Kusig also told people that the blade that they tried to use on the demon king. Was actually meant to kill him, but failed to because the sword can only be wielded by the one true hero.

Once they emerge, only then will humanity finally be truly saved. Until then, humanity will need to use magic to restore their lands and fight to continue living. Also, once the one true hero is found. Only then, will the sword reappear and the world can finally be brought to peace. And so, for the last thousand years. Humanity has been locked in war with the demons. The stone that Kusig gifted to humanity, would eventually be known as God stone. And over the years, pieces of the stone had been taken all over the continent. In an effort to bless as many people as possible.

So that they could find the hero, and have more soldiers to aid in the war. The stain that was gifted by Kusig is also known as the central stone. It sits right at the center of Primora, and is also where Primora's capital city was built around. As it turns out, Oroton is actually the capital city. After hearing all of this, I couldn't help but be speechless in that moment. This world not only had a complex history, but now. There's a chance I might be able to wield magic, another thing I had been dreaming about for a long time. My adventure has only just begun, but I couldn't wait to get started.

As the sun began to set, and day turned to night. The only illumination we had, was the fire that Kenith built. After talking for some time, our conversation was interrupted by my stomach growling. "Sorry about that, I guess time really got away from me. Why don't we eat something?" Graziella spoke up. "Sounds good, I'm starving!" She said with an infectiously bubbly tone. "Sweet, I'll pack up my stuff and then we can head in for some food." I put my things into my backpack, folded up the table I brought out and headed into the tent. I left the table leaning next to a counter in the kitchen. Then, I took my bag to my room, and went back down to get everyone.

When I came out, I noticed Azure unpacking some pots and pans. I asked her what she was doing, but she gave me a look that said isn't it obvious. Then, I explained that we would be eating in the tent. But when I said this, she looked puzzled. I then told her and everyone else to follow me in. As they came into the tent, one by one their faces grew with surprise. Kenith was so surprised, he finally took off his hood. In that moment, I noticed he had black hair like me. "Welcome to my humble abode!" It was only after my words that everyone gained their speech back.

Clay spoke up, but rather loudly in this instance. "Just who exactly are you!? And how is this possible!?" I wasn't sure what to say, but then I remembered something from one of my favorite anime's. "Look, who I am is rather complex to explain. But as far as this tent goes, I got it from a friend of mine who worked hard to enchant it." After that, they seemed to understand. Afterwards, I showed everyone to their rooms. Once they got settled in, I treated them to a huge meal. After that, we all talked for a bit and eventually went to sleep.

The next morning, after a nice breakfast. We all headed for the capital city of Oroton. When we got there, we had a little trouble at first. I didn't have the proper documentation to pass through, but since Clay and the others are apart of the heroes party. They vouched for me, and after that I was allowed to pass. From outside of the ginormous stone walls that protected the city. The capital looked like a huge stone cube, with the kings castle rising from the center. Looking prominent and noticeable to anyone who laid eyes on it. The city was vast and a little overwhelming at first.

Just being there nearly sent me into a spiral of anxiety and panic. Luckily for me, I had the group there with me to keep me calm. The city had a rather interesting layout to it. In spite of the entire city being a square, the citizens refer to each section as a ring. There were three distinct rings, the first ring was for the middle and poor classes. It's also the only place with an entrance slash exit that goes directly out of the city. The second ring was for aristocracy and nobles alike. And, as one would expect. The third ring was for members of the kings court.

As well as various members of the royal family, with the Kings castle residing right at the center. As we walked, Graziella explained that Clay, Azure, and herself. Needed to head to the castle to make a report to the king. While they did that, Kenith would take me to the adventurers guild and the church. So that I could get documentation and be blessed with magic respectively. The three of them had a long journey ahead of them, since each ring could only be accessed by these huge staircases that connected them. Once they finished their report, they would come find us.

And so, we parted ways for the time being. Me and Kenith made our way to the adventurers guild on the east side of the first ring. When we got there, the process ended up being way easier than anticipated. All they needed was my name, and my signature. Along with a signature and stamp from the lady who worked the front desk. Since I was a newcomer, they wanted me to start as an E rank adventurer. But luckily, since Kenith was with me. He told the people there about my exploit with the goblins, and with his reputation as the king of flames. He managed to take them into making me at least a C rank with no promotion examine.

Afterwards, I was given my document along with a guild card. We then headed for the church. Thankfully, it wasn't too far. After entering the church, I talked to Kenith. "So, is there anything I need to know about this rite of passage?" I asked with cat like curiosity. "Not really, once you touch the God stone. You'll be blessed with magic immediately, it'll glow orange for a few seconds. Which will signify that the blessing has been given. After that, it'll glow another color to signify which magic you have the highest affinity for.

White will mean light, while purple will signify dark magic. They're two of the rarest and strongest magics out of all of them. Along with green and red, signifying wind and fire. Finally, you have brown and blue. Which will mean earth and water, the two most common affinities. Once your blessed, you'll be able to use every kind of magic. But, the magic you have an affinity for will be your strongest magic. And most likely will be the magic you primarily use out of the rest." Kenith explained all of this with an eloquence similar to that of a teacher.

"Alright, sounds easy enough." In that moment, a tall skinny man in white and gold robes approached us. His long pointed nose and sunken eyes, reminded me of a clown mixed with a scarecrow. It also seemed like he hadn't been sleeping well recently. "Good day gentlemen, how can I help you?" He said in a tired voice that indicated he really wanted to sleep. Kenith ended up speaking to him. "Hello Father Avery, good to see you again." "Ah, Mr. Balthazaar. How can I help you today?" "Well, my friend Nigel here needs to undergo the rite of passage. Would it be possible for us to do that today?"

He said like someone with the experience of talking to someone with high status. "Ah yes, it will be no trouble at all. Follow me this way." Father Avery lead us to the front of the church, stopping at a stone alter table. That sat at the foot of a gold statue. The statue depicted a man in armor with nondescript facial features. At the center of the table was a orangish yellowish stone, that had a faint yellow glow. "Are you aware of how the rite of passage works, or do you need an explanation." He asked liked he was already dreading the answer.

"I'm good, Kenith already explained everything." With a sigh of relief, Father Avery told me to proceed. I stepped up to the alter, and placed my hand on the stone. Just like Kenith had said, the stone glowed orange upon touching it. I could feel the magic flowing within me, it was like a warm liquid embrace being sent through my body. Afterwards, I removed my hand once the glow stopped. Now, I just needed to wait for it to tell me my affinity. I waited for a second, but the stone stopped glowing altogether. I was confused at first, I thought maybe that I broke the stone or something.

Suddenly, the stone erupted in the brightest glow that I had ever seen in my life. Instead of one of the colors that Kenith had mentioned prior. The God stone bathed the entire church in a rainbow glow, even going as far as to send the light shooting out of the church's large glass windows. Once the glowing stopped, I was finally able to see that Father Avery and Kenith were in disbelief. "So...what does that mean? Kenith, you never mentioned anything about a rainbow light show." Even though he was shocked, Kenith spoke. "That's because, I've only heard talk of it in legend before. I didn't think that this would be possible."

His explanation ended up leaving me with more questions rather than answers. At this time, Father Avery finally said something. "Hang on! I need to go get something! I shall return in a moment!" Father Avery then dashed off, and returned shortly with what looked like a crystal ball. He told me to hold out my hand, and he gave me the crystal ball. Within seconds of taking it, the whole thing crumbled to dust. In doing so, Father Avery grew even more shocked than he already was. "So, what does this all mean?" I asked with impatience clear in my voice.

It was then that Father Avery explained, the rainbow light we saw earlier. It meant that I had an affinity for every magic in existence. Not only that, but the crystal ball is meant to measure the strength of the magic I have an affinity for. And since I have an affinity for every magic, and since the ball crumbled to dust. It not only meant that I could use every magic. It meant that no matter what magic I used, it would be strong enough to take out entire armies. On top of that, my strength was basically on par with that of the hero of this world.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing at first, not only am I apart of a magical fantasy adventure. I somehow ended up being super OP (over powered). It truly was a dream come true. Not only that, but apparently this wasn't completely unheard of. This had happened two other times in history, but no one has seen this in such a long time. The first was about two hundred and fifty years after the emergence of the demon king. Then, four hundred and fifty years after that is when the next popped up. And now, I'm the first with this power to emerge in the last three hundred years or so.

Deep down, even though I did find this all to be fun. It was also kinda stressful, it felt like people were gonna have certain expectations of me. Regardless, I realized that all I could do is just take it all one step at a time. And overall, wait and see where it all goes. Me and Kenith excused ourselves and exited the church. As we did, Father Avery was still in shock by the events that took place. When we got outside, we noticed that a huge crowd had gathered around the church. And at the head of this crowd, was Clay, Azure, and Graziella.

All wearing expressions of disbelief and amazement at the same time. In that moment, Kenith explained what happened. And afterwards, Clay looked at me and spoke. "Who the heck are you?!" He said once again, but like he already knew and still wanted to know. "I'm Nigel Nevermore, a traveler who's just looking to help people and have adventure." In that moment, the people who gathered erupted in cheers and applause. They also began to bombard me with questions, but before I could say anything. Twenty knights began marching through the crowd to where we were at.

And behind the Knights, four people carrying a palankeen followed right after the Knights. Eventually, the palankeen made its way to where me and the group were. When the Knights set it down, from what I could tell. The king of Oroton emerged, and made his way over to us. When he was close enough, Clay, Graziella, Azure, and Kenith. All got down on one knee and bowed their heads. Within seconds, I followed their example. But almost immediately, the king told us to raise our heads and rise. He then told us that he wanted to talk and proceeded to invite us to his castle. After hearing that, I was in complete disbelief.

Pretty soon, the king got back in his palankeen. And the Knights began escorting us. I wasn't sure what awaited us when we got there. Part of me was scared, but another part of me couldn't wait to see where my adventure would go from here.