Vol 1 Ch 3: Alliance.

"You don't know how to read?" Alfred asked Abraham. At this, Abraham simply nodded. "It's fine. We have books that will help you learn it." Alfred responded. The room was filled with silence for a moment before Abraham broke it. "I have a question. Why can I perfectly understand you but not the books? Are they written in a different language?" Spoke Abraham.

"It's the language commonly used to cast spells. A slightly simplified version is used by the common folk for all their tasks that require them to or write." Alfred responded calmly to the curious Abraham. But this didn't answer all of Abraham's questions. In fact, it rose even more.

"But... why don't you people use the same language used to talk for other purposes as well? Isn't using two different languages for different tasks a bit impractical? From what I heard, this rune-ish language is extremely important. What about the people who can't learn it? And.. how did you people even adapt this talking language in the first place?" Abraham asked several questions to Alfred, full of curiosity.

Alfred simply sighed and responded. "We use two different languages for different tasks because that's what our God had decided for us. That's also how we adapted it too. And as for the people who can't learn the language decided by God... Well, that's their problem." Hearing Alfred, Abraham became even more curious. His face looked like he has heard something ridiculous. Alfred looked at Abraham before continuing. "This doesn't mean different races haven't created their own languages for conveniences. They have. But this is the one widely used."

Abraham quietly listened to what Alfred had to say. "Anything else?" Abraham nodded. And spoke "You said something about a god. Tell me more about him" At Abraham's question Alfred just got up from his seat and disappeared. "Dammit." It was quite frustrating. Being so Ignorant about his surroundings. But Abraham currently was weak. In his previous life, Abraham managed to go so far because he was one of the most talented Pilots among the knights. His control over the aircraft was beyond amazing. Naturally, he had at least some ways to get what he wanted.

But now? He doesn't even know the name of this world. Abraham began regretting his reckless decisions. The room was quiet for a while. Until Alfred returned. "Here. This is the easiest and the best one I could find." Alfred spoke as he kept a couple of books on the table beside Abraham. Abraham took a quick glance at the books kept on the table.

They were written in a language he was familiar with. 'How…' What exactly is the connection between this 'God' and Abraham's world? Even more, questions were raised In Abraham's mind. "But before that, we have to finish your treatment." Alfred spoke. A group of people walked in the room. 'Fuck… Not again… Dammit! this is the fourth time already!' Once again, An excruciating pain filled Abraham's legs. He screamed.

After about what felt like an hour, the treatment was once again done. "This is the last time we would have to replace the mana. You should be completely fine in a few days. You can walk. But try not to if it hurts." Alfred spoke. "I have a question." Spoke Abraham. Alfred raised his head and looked at Abraham. "May I have a knife? I want to have a method of protection. Just in case…" Abraham needed a weapon. A weapon he can use when necessary.

Unfortunately, he hasn't seen anyone carrying a weapon entering his room. Not one. Even these people he thought to be doctors carried nothing that can be used. Alfred began smiling. And spoke "Sure. Here. Take this knife." Alfred handed to him, a seemingly normal looking knife. 'This cheeky bastard… did he know I'd ask for something like this.' Abraham thought.

***

It's been around 2 weeks since Abraham came in this new world.

Just yesterday, Abraham had finished completely mastering this world's written language.

"Wouldn't it have been much better if you told me the basics?" Abraham said while holding a book in his hands. Introduction to magic. By Edwyrd Venwynn "That's not part of my task. You're smart enough to learn it yourself." Abraham closed his book in frustration and began searching through the pile of books beside him. Before stumbling upon a book that had piqued his interest.

It was a book with no title. Just the author's name. 'By carl... Carl…that's the name of...' "Was this written by me?" Abraham asked but got no response. Alfred, the old man simply ignored him. 'Son of a… Damn bastard. Acting so secretive.' Abraham sighed and began opening the book. The cover was made with fabulous blue leather. And the sides of the book had golden engravings.'This guy had bad tastes.' Abraham thought. He then tried opening the book, But it wouldn't open. He tried as hard as he could but to no avail.

"How the hell… How do I open this thing!" Abraham spoke. Before Abraham could even lift up his head, he felt pain on his fingers. He looked down to see what was wrong. 'How did this… did I touch something sharp?'Abraham thought. His tip of the fingers was bleeding. Of course, this much pain wasn't much for him. "Did you do something?" Abraham asked. Alfred, who has been quiet all the time rose his head and spoke. "Drop some of your blood on the book. Don't disturb me after this." Saying so Alfred went back to reading his book.

'Drop my blood eh? Is this some kind of cult?' Abraham said that as he dropped some of his blood on the book. A bright light began flashing on the book. The light slowly diminished and the book loosened. 'Amazing…' All of this made Abraham even more curious about magic. His face became amused. Just then, Alfred, who had been watching all this silently, spoke.

"It's getting late. I will be going now. If you need anything, just call the guards outside." Saying so, he disappeared. Abraham didn't notice him leaving though. He was completely focused on the book.

Though he soon became shocked by something and kept away the book.

***

In a dark room. With the only light source being the moonlight coming through the windows. Stood a child and his mother. The child was anxious and horrified. His mother had been just staring at him for a while now. Not saying a single word. He knew he had made a mistake. He also knew what came next. "M… Mommy…" He mumbled.

But the mother kept staring at him. She eventually moved. Her hands slowly went to the kid's head. Grabbing him by his hair. "Abraham, I told you didn't I? Mistakes are not tolerated." The mother spoke. With nothing more than a smile on her face. She then slammed Abraham's face on the ground. Blood started dripping out of his nose.

His face was already filled with tears. He cried. "Dammit. You ruined my day." The mother spoke. Her words made Abraham's heart even more in pain. With his nose on the ground, he waited. Until his mother was gone. After what felt like forever. He got up and slowly began walking to his room.

Tears still didn't stop flowing from his eyes. As he walked through the hallway he gradually approached his mother's room. He tried walking by it as silently as he could. After all, the last thing he'd want is to disturb her! He silently went past the door. Before… he heard a voice. "Right. It was a bad dream. Just as you say."

It was his mother. Abraham was curious about what his mother was talking about. But he quietly began leaving. "Wait…" Sounds of footsteps came closer to the door. Abraham became stiff. He wanted to run but couldn't. The door opened. The dim light of the moon flashed through the windows barely making the figure inside the room visible. It was his mother, of course.

***

Abraham woke up. His face was filled with sweat. His breathing was heavy. "Huff. Huff. Huff…" Abraham clenched his fist. His face looked horrified. "For god's sake. That damned old hag… How long is she planning to haunt me…" Abraham spoke.

"Is there a problem Abraham?" A familiar, monotone voice ringed in Abraham's ears. Abraham looked at the direction the voice came from. He was shocked. He stood in his position staring right at Alfred. He slowly moved his hand beneath his pillow. Grabbing a small knife firmly. It was the same knife he had received from Alfred. 'His magic is powerful. I will die if he casts a spell.

I need to wait for my chance… Thankfully, he seems to be quite slow.' Abraham had been monitoring Alfred for the past few days. He had come to the conclusion that Alfred can easily kill him. Of course, this also meant he had looked for Alfred's weaknesses. He had noticed that Alfred's spells were slow to cast. If he looked for the right time and attacked, Alfred would die.

Alfred slowly walked closer to Abraham. 'This is my chance!' Abraham tightened his grip on the knife. He lunged towards Alfred. His legs were unfortunately still not completely healed… But it was enough for him to carry out this task. Abraham aimed the knife at Alfred's neck. And went for a stab. 'What?' Abraham's expression crumbled. He stood still in the air. Not being able to move an inch. "Too slow." When Alfred said this, Abraham was sure of it. He had lost. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you." Alfred spoke.

"How should I believe you? And, how do you know me?" Abraham spoke. "I am a faithful servant of our lord. He wishes to talk to you. I will not harm you."

"Lord? You mean… The king?" Abraham asked. "No. I mean our god. The true god."

Abraham became confused. 'There was more than one god?' Abraham originally thought this world worshipped only one god but it seems he was wrong. He wasn't too surprised though. Even his world had several religions. "How am I supposed to trust in this god of yours in that case?" Abraham spoke. Alfred began laughing he then softly spoke in Abraham's ears. "Stop talking as if you have a choice. You read the diary, didn't you? The original owner of the body was a fool. As soon as the king finds out… You'll die."

Abraham became bitter. He knew his fate won't be good if it was found out Carl had been conspiring with foreign forces. And he also knew it was only a matter of time before he is found. "I know what you mean by that, But I still require some benefit. I already had plans for what I am gonna do. Oh, how about we start by making my body normal again?" Alfred let Abraham go. "Plan? Don't joke with me. I know all about you. You're just an Incompetent, Loser." Alfred spoke. Though this didn't affect Abraham at all. At least not in a way Alfred could see.

"Anything else? Oh also, Don't think that you can make me join you by lowering my morale. I know my worth. I am a great leader who built his army from scratch and threatened the greatest forces in my world. I can survive without your help."

"A great leader? Puff. Don't get arrogant. What kind of great leader would jump off a wall for no reason? Also, Don't bother mentioning the fake amnesia. There were much better ways to do that."

"You were merely trying to escape. Escape from reality. What do you think? The king will let you go because you're part of the royal family? Don't be naive. That isn't happening."

"You're weak. You don't know anything about this world. Your talent in magic is nonexistent. How are you planning to survive?" Alfred looked at Abraham straight in the eye. Alfred continued throwing insults at Abraham in a harsh voice. He then smiled and spoke in a soft voice."Join us. Abraham. We will help you survive. and… perhaps even help you return."

Abraham thought about this for a moment. Several situations were going through his head. After a while, he made a decision 'Alfred… I don't trust him. I don't like him either. In fact, I hate him.'

'But.'

"I accept. But keep in mind. If you try to betray me… I will kill you."

'He's my best bet for now.'

***

Author: PeacefulMyst

Editor: Stein

Fun fact: Playing dance music can help ward off mosquitoes -Stein