For Her(1)
As our battle raged on, I couldn't help but notice Ais completely disregarding her defense in an attempt to land a clean hit on me.
I found her approach amusing. Did she truly believe I wouldn't retaliate?
No... knowing Ais, she probably didn't care about that. Perhaps she even wished for me to strike back, hoping it would create a momentary opening for her to exploit.
Still, I effortlessly parried her sword. Even though she was improving, hoping to reach a level where she could even graze me was a bit too ambitious...
'She really reminds me of myself...'
Despite leaving behind many memories, some of them resurfaced when I witnessed the courage and determination of this valiant woman I had always longed to see.
---
Reincarnation can be a daunting experience for an adult mind, unless you're Rudeus Greyrat⁷.
I've come across novels where the protagonist simply switches to auto-mode to skip the tedious years of early development. This always made me ponder:
Oh, mighty Lucy, could you grant me the same privilege? It's dreadfully boring to possess an adult mind yet be incapable of taking action. I yearn to bypass those monotonous hours...
[...Impossible, Host. I am a mere AI, designed to assist you with analysis and data storage... I lack physical interaction with you or the outside world. I can only perceive it.]
Reality proved to be far crueler than the realms depicted in novels or anime. I longed to engage in random activities, to speak with the fluency of a child, perhaps becoming the second coming of Anos Voldigoad⁸...
Ah, no, such cheats were not mine to possess.
Alas, as I languished in my boredom, the first two years slipped away effortlessly. Helpless and confined to simple tasks like learning to walk and nourishing myself with my mother's milk, I focused on meticulously organizing Lucy.
[
Information Stored:
Timeline:
{Past}:...
{Present}: ... Diligently eating
{Future Aims}:...
Danmachi Anime:
(Season 1):...
.
.
.
Danmachi Novel:
(Volume 1):...
.
.
.
5T9B:
{Asura}:...
{Mana Training}:...
{Language}:...
.
.
.
]
One would assume it was a simple matter of requesting Lucy to fulfill these tasks, but the truth proved far more difficult to accept. Since Lucy lacked the ability to physically interact, I had to manually feed her the data as she couldn't take memories from my mind.
Only once I had provided her with the information could she process it.
This meant I first had to outline the specific categories for separation, then painstakingly recount every detail of my damn life, every episode of the Danmachi Anime, every novel...
Yes, protagonists of more fortunate fanfictions, if I ever come across any of you, be prepared for a beating.
Thus, I spent my time until now, until "today" arrived, the day I finally reached the required age to undergo the aptitude test.
With this test, I can finally commence the practice of the Harmonic Convergence technique, a method perfected by our ancestors to achieve a harmonious balance between body and mana core.
Of course, the strength of one's aptitude determines their level of attainment. For instance, some prodigies among us have ascended to the position of Prime Harmonic, the revered leaders of the entire Harmonic Convergence faction, to which my father and mother belong.
Yes, this world consists of factions. The Harmonic Convergence is the most recent faction to emerge, yet it stands as the strongest. In the past, these lands were divided between the Elysian Empire and the Varian Dominion.
The former focused solely on the pursuit of arcane arts, essentially a group of scholars.
The latter prioritized physical prowess and raw power, neglecting the finesse required to wield mana effectively and create magic. Their aim was to harness mana solely for the enhancement of their physical abilities.
It was only a matter of time before a third faction arose, seeking to combine both approaches and surpass them entirely.
The venture proved successful, giving rise to formidable individuals from this convergence.
However, there was a steep price to pay for the privilege of practicing this technique, resulting in a scarcity of members within our faction.
How did I come to possess this knowledge? The answer is quite simple. My mother, Anne, has a habit of rambling on about anything that comes to her mind in order to keep me entertained, and once she starts, she never seems to stop. Frankly, I often find myself dozing off while Lucy diligently collects information to add to what we fondly refer to as the Archive...
---
A few more years have passed since then. As expected, I caused quite a stir during the aptitude test. It turns out I'm one of those so-called "super geniuses" who seem to defy the natural order. I didn't pay much attention to the fuss; all I cared about was obtaining the Harmonic Convergence technique and delving into its practice.
However, what surprised me was the extraordinary talent my mana core possessed in the realm of illusions. I had always imagined myself as the beta character wielding a sword and dabbling in basic fire magic...
Yet, even if the sword doesn't become my primary weapon, I'll continue to train in its usage. It's imperative that I surpass Ais Wallenstein in every aspect for the sake of my grand plan. I also doubt that the sword stances in the Danmachi world are as intricate as those in this realm...
Comparing the two worlds was a challenge for me, as I am no seasoned warrior. However, I could deduce, to some extent, that if 5T9B were to invade the Danmachi World, Ouranos would likely have to intervene and halt the conflict within a matter of days.
Here, there are individuals capable of obliterating mountains with a mere flick of their finger. I doubt the adventurers, not even Ottar, could hope to replicate such feats...
As usual, I allowed my mind to wander aimlessly, indulging in pointless musings to maintain my sanity. However, before I could resume training my mana core, a knock echoed through the door.
"Young Master, it's Cathy. Your father wishes to see you in his study. Would you please go see him?"
Catherine, a young Asura, had been designated as my "caretaker" by my mother, although she insisted on personally feeding me, claiming it was her duty as a mother. Therefore, Catherine mostly acted as my personal maid.
Out of all the maids in the household, she was one of the few I bothered to remember by myself. The others were all cataloged in the Archive, and Lucy would inform me of their names when I encountered them. I must admit, it proved to be quite useful.
Due to my ability to recall everyone's names as if I were some prodigy with an inexplicable fondness for the staff, the servants held a special affection for me.
When I was younger, the maids treated me like their own little brother, while the butlers showed me the utmost respect, as if I were already the lord of the manor. Some guards even pledged themselves as my personal protectors, seemingly convinced of my benevolence or something.
"...Yes."
Intrigued by the sudden summons from my father, I responded, unaware of the reasons behind his call. If I had known what awaited me, perhaps I would have hesitated before deciding whether I truly wished to enter his study or not...
---
7. Rudeus Greyrat: Protagonist of Jobless Reincarnation. His reincarnation was a bit...well...strange to read.
8. Anos Voldigoad: Protagonist of The Misfit of Demon King Academy. He just straight named himself upon his reincarnation. I honestly laughed at that.