6 CHAPTER I Part 5 - NEW FRIEND, NEW FRIEND

I could feel someone shaking me, trying to get me up, but I just wanted to keep sleeping. «Wait... sleeping? Why am I sleeping? Wait... Angela! The Tower!»

At that moment I woke up. I saw Angela shaking me and she looked distraught. I could see her mouth move, but I couldn't hear her.

"Dude, what's going on?"

"I'm sorry. While I was consuming what was left of the cocoon and the remnants of blood from the ground, I decided to use another method to do so, and in the process I believe I left certain parts of your body in poor condition."

"Another method? Wait... what parts of my body are damaged?"

"I... wouldn't say they are damaged... but don't worry, I'm already healing them."

"Ok?... What about the other method?"

"Oh, yeah. As I reviewed your memories, I saw that most humans dislike consuming things that don't look or smell good."

"Y-Yes, that's true but... wait... what were you doing reviewing my memories?"

"Ah, nothing!... I just wanted to meet my new friend."

"I see, although I prefer you tell me before or ask me directly."

"As you wish... and about the new method: it doesn't consume much energy and you can use it at any time. You will no longer have to consume your food orally."

"Really? Then how?"

"Simple, you just have to touch what you want to consume, your body will absorb it and consume everything that can be useful to us, as well as the genetic information of that being. All these resources and information will be stored in the cells of our body, and thanks to this we can develop new prostheses, or use one that we have already created."

"As wings?"

"Exactly. Energy, like other resources, will be conserved and stored in very dense capsules within our body, thus accelerating our metabolism. You can eat more than any human, but everything you consume must be dead when you eat it, otherwise you will not be able to consume it."

"I understand. So the size of that thing, doesn't matter?"

"Correct. It also doesn't matter if it's cooked or not."

"Really?! So I can consume any being?!... What about the ones with poison? Like snakes and so on."

"As well. In fact, the more dangerous, strong or harmful it is, the better."

"Shouldn't it be the opposite?"

"No, you see. The more genetic material we consume, the more information we acquire, their strengths, weaknesses and the whole process they went through to reach that state."

"So if I consume, I don't know... a snake, can we produce poison?"

"Yes. We can even develop resistance to poison."

"But I'm sure that not everything is so easy: there must be a cost. right?"

"Yes. To make poison, for example, we will have to create the corresponding organs, also the way in which we will supply the poison, among other things. All this will make us have to deform our body to adapt. This means that, when we use any weapons, it should not interfere with the others. All must be compatible, or simply not use the ones that are not."

"That sounds complicated, but I don't think it's that bad."

"You don't understand me, the weapons creatures possess have gone through a process of trial and error, evolving over time. In addition, these beings have learned to use them all their lives, for us to imitate their weapons itself is very complicated, but it is more difficult to use them."

"I understand, we can make wings, although it would be complicated, but that does not mean that we know how to use them."

"Well, we will have to practice beforehand. In other words, we went through our own trial and error method, not only creating the organs and limbs, but also using them."

«I think we should go back to the normal world. Angela, though frozen, grabs us by our sweatshirt and it seems that she still has a lot to yell at us.»

Angela continued to shake me as she asked I if I was okay.

"Horniyor! Horniyor! Are you okay?! Awake! Please! Awake!"

I tried to answer her, but her shaking made it difficult for me to speak. Then I replied with a trembling voice.

"I'm~I'm fine... plea~please... let~me go... "

"Horniyor! You don't know how happy I am that you're okay". She said as she hugged me. "Tell me: Does something hurt? Do you have any injuries? What happened? Where is that dragon girl?"

Angela said this as she held my face and looked closely at my entire body.

"Chill out i'm fine... More importantly. How are you? Do you have any injuries?"

"What?... No, I'm fine, but... are you sure you're not hurt? I remember seeing that girl burn you multiple times, and also how she... wait... How did we get here? And this crater? Did we fall from such a high place?!". Angela said this when she saw that tower. "Are you really okay?!"

"Look, there are many things to explain and I don't know if you will believe me, but I promise to explain everything to you. Once we return to Kraul's tavern, we will bathe and talk. In agreement?"

Angela nodded her head as that expression of anguish lingered on her face. I could only think about finding Ana and eating something. «I really am very hungry.»

Angela and I got up and she took my hand as I walked. I was hunched over because I wasn't feeling well.

Although my wounds have healed, I could feel my body beaten, tired, consumed. I don't know what is happening to me, but my body is no longer human, I have to prepare for future changes.

"I don't think Ana is in the restaurant yet. Surely when she saw that you were kidnapped, and possibly I died, she took the head and returned to the market." I said tiredly.

"Yes, that seems the most reasonable thing to me". Angela replied, concerned about my slow pace.

"Aren't you upset?"

"No, it is logical. If you cannot fight an enemy, it is best to flee."

"You are a strange girl... "

"Eh?!... No, I... "

"... I like it."

"Eh?! Master, I... !". Angela said after turning red as a tomato.

"I already told you: I am not your master. You were already calling me by my name and I would appreciate it if you continue to do the same."

"I-It's alright, Horniyor."

We kept walking, and during the whole trip it was Angela who guided me. I had a severe headache and great discomfort in my body... «I don't understand what's wrong with me.»

"It's fatigue."

"Fatigue?"

"Yes. Everything we did before put a great burden on our body and mind."

"What, shouldn't we share that burden?"

"Hey, remember that we are not two different organisms, now we are one, what you feel is a product of the stress of both, and I feel it too."

"Well, it doesn't look like it."

"It is not me who controls the body now."

We hit the market. It took us a long time as I could only walk. As soon as we reached the tavern, Kraul greeted us.

"Wow, they seem to have had a bad day". He told us as he rested his fists on his waist.

"Y-Yes, my mas~Horniyor and I had some problems. A girl Dra—"

"A dramatic and troublesome girl who caused us a lot of trouble! But now we're fine... Kraul, do you have something to eat?"

"Of course. Go up to your room, I'll get you something in a moment."

"Thank you". Angela and I replied in unison.

I leaned on Angela and she led me to our room. We went upstairs, she opened the door and laid me face down on the bed. She sat next to me and gently stroked my hair with her fingers.

It was a very relaxing feeling, almost captivating.

"What you do... is very relaxing."

"Thanks. I just want you to feel better. Now... will you tell me what happened?". Angela asked in a tender voice.

"Do you mind if we first eat something and take a bath?"

"Mou... it's fine. But you're going to tell me everything, understood?"

"I swear. Now... could you continue with that? It's very relaxing."

"Okay, enjoy all you want."

I stood there, almost motionless, so comforting by her touch. I did my best not to fall asleep, but Angela's skills and abilities with her hands were incredible.

Kraul was not long in coming. He knocked on the door again, bringing with him a tray with two apples.

"I'm sorry, guy, but resources are running out here. This is the best I can offer you."

"I understand. Do you think there will be water to bathe us?"

"I'm afraid it's impossible. Resources are running out and water is one of them. The water channels are polluted or almost dry. We could bring water from a lake or a river, but the danger that this entails is too much. I don't see hope here. This city won't last long like this."

"That is precisely what I wanted to talk to you about. I plan to go to the capital. I plan to leave as soon as possible, but I need information."

"I see, so you go too."

"Too?"

"Several people are leaving the city. They go to different places, but most also go to the capital. Few decide to stay. In a few days this place will be really empty."

"And you? You will stay?"

"Yes, as do many of my friends."

"Excuse me". Angela interrupted. "Forgive me for getting into your conversation, but... why are you staying? Wouldn't it be better to leave the city if resources run out?"

"This is something difficult to explain. You see... the people... "

"For fear". I said dryly.

"How?". Angela said confused.

"Angela, you know that some people would lay down their lives for their friends or family, right?"

"Y-Yes. So wouldn't it be better to take your friends and family to safety?"

"That is the point. The road must be very dangerous, also, once they arrive: What will they do? Do you think they will get a house or a steady job?"

"Well... No, I don't think so."

"In the capital for sure there are more people who do the same as them, or even better. Not all people can adapt to new places. Some already have their lives in this place, or someone who will stay here: a grandfather, a lover, friends, etc. For these people this city is their life. Leaving here would be giving up all that, and the fear of losing what little they have left overcomes them. That is why they stay here. Right?". I asked Kraul.

"Correct. Your master is right. Those who stay are older people, families and friends. They decided to die here."

"And you?". Angela asked.

"Yes, I wonder too. You don't look very old, and you seem to be one of the people who adjust well. Why do you want to stay?"

"You said it yourself: This city is all I know. I was born here, I grew up in these streets, and I plan to live my last days with my friends. There is nothing for me out there. I was born here and I will die here, that's all."

"I see... I feel sad."

"Why? We're not friends, we barely know each other, and you said you're leaving, right?"

"Yeah, you're right, but I can't help feeling that way. Maybe it's empathy for someone who decides to stay and die with their friends, which I think is very honorable. Or maybe it's sad to know that another human being is going to die. I don't know, I just feel sad."

"Easy, guy, don't get sentimental over a stranger. You and your slave will be safe. It looks like you are smart. You will manage to get to the capital, I'm sure". Kraul said with a smile and his arms folded.

"Thanks. Could you tell me some things? I would like to be well informed before leaving."

"That's what I mean!". Kraul said, pointing his finger at me. "They'll be fine, I'm sure... And what you want to know about... "

"Of course. I want to know how to get to the capital, as well as who is leaving here, when, how, and finally... This is very delicate and may be confusing, but... I would like to know what this world is like."

Our talk did not begin at that time. Kraul had to attend to his business, and I was very tired. He said that he would come back later to answer my questions. Angela and I ate the apples, which were very delicious, and lay on the bed.

I was deep in thought staring at the ceiling, and Angela was lying next to me, staring at me. She asked me several questions, many of which I couldn't answer because I was thoughtful.

She got upset, puffed out her cheeks and frowned. I could barely realize.

"I-I´m sorry... What were you saying?"

"I was asking you about what happened."

"Ah, right, I promised to tell you everything... Yes, everything... Tell me: Do you really want to know?". I asked her distractedly.

"Yes, I want to know". Angela answered curiously.

"Sometimes ignorance is a gift. After hearing the truth, you may see me differently, you may not even believe me. I don't know, maybe you better not know."

"Mou... You promised to tell me everything if we came back. You promised... Besides, I promise not to hate you. I'll believe you. Whatever you have to tell me, I promise to understand. I will not hate you and I will continue by your side, supporting you, I promise."

I couldn't help but smile upon hearing her words. I was not happy, but I was moved. Her words inspired me with a certain confidence and charm, which I found it impossible not to express on my face.

"O... Okay". I said, hesitating. "... *Sigh*... First: I'm not from this world... "

"Eh? I do not understand. You're not from this city, is that what you mean?"

"No, I'm not from "this world". I come from another place, a place beyond the sea, beyond the skies. A different place, with different people... a different world."

"I-I don't understand. A different place? Are you talking about another dimension?"

"Y-Yes, that, like another dimension. Do you know what a dimension is?"

"Yes, well, no. I don't know exactly what another dimension is, but I know that there are other worlds. The Pandemonium is the only one I know other than our~sorry, my world."

"Pandemonium?"

"Yes. It is a dimension where various species of demihumans are said to lead their husbands to... do that... for all eternity. It is a world where you never get old, you don't need food, and you can live there forever."

"Well, yes, I mean something like that. In the world where I come from there are no "demihumans", and things are more advanced. There are amazing things, things that would make your mind fly. Music, painting, internet, food of all kinds, video games, movies, sports... So many things to do, to see and to enjoy... "

"Do you miss those things?"

"Do you believe me?"

"Sure". She replied with a smile. "I promised to believe you, and it doesn't seem like you're lying to me. I don't know about some of those things you mentioned, but I believe you."

"T-Thank you... it's a strange thing for someone to say that they do believe all this... And yes, I miss them. In fact, I plan to go to the capital to find a way back."

"Do you want to... leave here?". Angela asked with a worried tone.

"Yes, I plan to leave, but not right away. There are still things I want to know about this world. I just want to know if there is a way back, and how can I do it, that's all."

"I see... Then you won't go."

"No, at least not soon."

"I understand... What about what happened today?"

"Well, to explain that to you... I must first tell you about how that Dog of Death died."

"How? So you didn't kill him?"

"No, I did kill him, but I was not unscathed. He bit my arm, tore it apart, and I must have died. In fact, I think I died, but... he saved me."

"He? Who are you talking about? A friend? Is it Mr. Kraul?"

"No, he's... Well, I don't really know his name."

"Colleague, how about I introduce myself?"

"What? I thought I was the only one who could use this body."

"Well, if we talk about being able to use it, we can both control this body, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to climb that tower; but this is possible only if you let me, or if you are unconscious. But I can't speak, rather, I don't know how to do it. You and I communicate through the mind, that is, through thoughts or ideas. I think of something and you interpret it as words, something similar happens with me, but in reverse. If I controlled your body, the only thing I could produce would be grunts or roars, that's all."

"So how do you plan to introduce yourself?"

"Simple, I'll tell you what to say, and you'll say it for me."

"Okay... So what should I call you?"

"Tell me... umm... Lancelot. I like Lancelot."

"You were reviewing my memories without my permission, right?"

"You caught me."

"Honestly, I don't care anymore: after all we share mind and body, so my memories are yours and yours are mine. In agreement?"

"Are you sure? Your memories are not something you should take lightly."

"Hey, we're in this together, right?"

"Thanks, my friend."

We return time to normal.

"Okay. He is Lancelot. He likes to be called that."

"I understand... Where is he? How is he?"

"To answer that question you must know that Lancelot is the Dog of Death I killed."

"... W... What?... Is he that thing that's dead?... What?"

"You see, when he destroyed my arm I killed him by embedding my dagger in his neck several times, our bloods mix, then he entered my body. Now he and I share this body, our minds are connected, and we can do... things."

"What do you mean, he's inside you? You mean he's in your head?"

"Something like that."

"I don't... I don't understand... "

"It's understandable, I... "

"But I believe you, if he tells me that that thing~sorry, Lancelot, is inside you, I believe you. So that's why you were able to face that Dragon girl."

"Yes, he—"

"Buddy, at this rate I won't be able to introduce myself."

"Sorry, you're right. By the way, can we communicate without stopping time? Or do we have to stop it when we want to talk?"

"We don't need to stop it, but unless you're alone, I don't think it's normal for you to talk with the air, or that you have a conversation with someone invisible while someone else is talking to you. Many people might misunderstand it."

"I understand what you mean. Then you and I will stop time only if we are with company. If we find ourselves alone, we'll talk without stopping time, okay?"

"If that is what you want. Although I still believe that it is better to speak while stopping time."

"By the way, how do we stop time?"

"Not that we stopped it exactly. Look, try to say a word in your mind, then say it out loud, you will notice that in your mind it is faster. Using this principle, and since our minds are linked, what is a conversation for us, is actually a way in which our brain unifies our thoughts. That's why the world seems to stop, that's why we can't move in that state, because all of that is just happening in our mind, and the world in black and white is just the last thing you saw before talking to me."

"Wow!... I understand... Anyway, what do you want me to say to Angela?"

"Tell him the following... "

"Angela, Lancelot wants to talk to you."

"What? Can he do that?"

"Well, he won't really talk. He will tell me things and I will tell you."

"I understand... "

"Nice to meet you. I'm Lancelot. I know this can be very confusing, but I want you to know that I am with Horniyor. He and I are now good friends, and together we were the ones who rescued you from that Dracoleon. I hope you can trust me like you do with Horniyor."

"Well... this is a bit difficult to understand, but... that you are the one who says those things makes it weirder."

"Yes, I understand you. It would be more credible if he told you directly."

At that moment Lancelot told me to touch Angela, that that way he could talk to her. I put my hand on Angela's cheek, her skin was so soft and warm.

A new sensation ran through my arm, it was like a vibration, like a small electrical current, that ran a thin line inside my arm.

This sensation started in my brain and ended at my fingertips, spreading across my palm.

"I understand... So that's how things happened... Now I understand everything, Horniyor!". Angela said, happy, and with a face of astonishment.

"What? How do you... ?"

"Lancelot showed me everything... I saw how they met, how they fought... Now I understand it all."

I immediately stopped time.

"What did you do?". I asked her confused.

"I only showed her our memories of when we killed each other, from both perspectives, of course. And everything we saw when we tried to save her, that's all."

"I see. Then we can get into the minds of others... that can be very helpful. How far are our abilities in this regard?"

"I'm not sure. But from what I see, through touch we can connect our mind with that of another being. We can see in her memories, just like we can show her ours... I think we could even alter her biology. Although if you mean mind control, I don't think so. But we can control her body, of course, as long as we have physical contact."

"I understand."

I returned to normal speed.

"Angela, now that you know what happened—"

"Idiot!"

"Wh... what?... "

"I saw what you did, what you went through!... How can you think of doing something so stupid?! You could have die! Jump from that height without having a plan. why you did?! Idiot!"

"I was expecting more of a 'Thank you' than a 'Idiot', but hey. I understand what you mean. Lancelot said something similar. But you must understand that it was the only option."

"But... ! You could have died". Angela said in an almost inaudible voice. "... Why?! Why would you risk your life for someone like me?"

"I dont know. If you were expecting a cliche or heroic speech, I don't have it. I just know that I wanted to do it, and I did."

"But... "

"Look, make no mistake. I wanted to save you, and I wasn't going to let that guy do whatever he wanted to you. What I did I did simply out of the desire to do it, period. You don't have to feel in debt or anything like that. I did it for me, not for you, you understand?

"Y-Yes... whatever you say, Horniyor."

After that, we don't talk anymore. I lay down on the bed next to Angela, waiting for Kraul to return to give me the information before I left.

When you wait for something, time seems to slow down, because the wait was so long and boring. I don't know how long it has been, because I fell asleep.

Angela woke me up a long time later, to tell me that Kraul was here.

Kraul came into the room, I sat on the side of the bed, and our talk began. Since he had grown up here, all he knew was thanks to the customers he served at his tavern, as well as the people he knew over the years.

This is what I now know:

1. The capital is called Tilfer: it is located in the center of the kingdom of Kopár. Because of this, the capital has two entrances, each on opposite sides. All the roads of the towns and other cities eventually come together, until they end in a single route that leads to the capital. So I just have to take the path that I entered this city by and go straight, then I will reach the capital.

2. In this world there are demihumans: they are species that are part human and part of another species. They are mostly female so they need male humans to reproduce, although there are very few breeds with males in their species, but females can still reproduce with humans. They seem to feed not just on food, but on spiritual energy, which they get from humans when they have sex. I must emphasize that this is only needed by the females, the males that exist in certain species do not seem to need it. To tell the truth, they have no biological purpose. I suppose all species had males in their race, but since they can also reproduce with humans, over time the males began to die out.

3. In this world there is magic: it cannot be used by everyone. The royal family, as well as several noble families and some commoners, are the only ones capable of using it. This is thanks to an energy or essence that exists in this world... I suppose it will be something like mana or prana, here they call it spiritual energy.

4. Thanks to this energy creatures are generated: they are not like humans, animals or demihumans. They have physical bodies and their appearance is that of some monstrous animals or creatures. They bleed and eat, but they are not alive and cannot reproduce either. They have a core inside. You could say it is its brain. When a lot of spiritual energy is accumulated in a place, these nuclei are generated there, and immediately around it their physical bodies. Cores can be sold at Adventurer Markets or Guilds.

5. In this world there is a monetary system: first, there is that of copper, the cheapest; then there is the bronze one, which is worth 10 copper; the silver one is worth 10 bronze; a large silver coin is worth 10 silver; the gold one is worth 10 large silver coins; the large gold coin is worth 10 gold; and finally the jade one, which is worth 10 large gold coins.

This is all the information I could get: Kraul was getting suspicious and I couldn't tell him that I came from another world. I lied to him saying that I had had an accident in which I lost my memory. And he believed me.

At the end of our talk I told him that in the morning we would leave, then we said goodbye to go to sleep. He retired (I suppose to his room), I told Angela that she could use the bed, that I would sleep leaning against the wall. She refused, said there was no problem in sharing the bed, because she was my slave and I her master.

I was too tired to have this conversation again, so I agreed and lay down next to her.

Here they also had those sources of light that were not torches or lamps; It went out as soon as we got ready to sleep.

«I guess it will be magic or something. There is still a lot I don't know about this world.»

«I am concerned about the mere fact that I am in a different world: where everything I know does not yet exist and that things here are completely new.»

«I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or what we will find on our journey: we could die... and thinking about that only makes me more nervous.»

Deciding that it was best to worry about it tomorrow, I took a big sigh and relaxed so I could finally sleep.