Chapter 5: This damn old man!

"Kuso yaro!" Mikoto found himself cursing as his rear planted itself on the grassy ground.

"There you go, speaking in that language again." The perpetrator murmured before him. A large towering man with a head of slick-back pink hair, though that did not take away from his 'masculine' nature. He wore a white button shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showcasing his large arm's bulging muscles and biceps. "Ah, I know! You're cursing, aren't you?" He said it rather giddily, like a child answering a question correctly.

"You always speak that strange language of yours whenever you get hurt or you're angry!" He deduced as Mikoto stood up.

"You figured it out. Way to go, you." Mikoto said with a dry gaze.

"Come now, boy, there's no need for sass!" He said it with a hearty laugh as he approached the small boy, clapping him on the back.

"Forgive me for my lack of enthusiasm at having my ass handed to me." He murmured.

"There's no need to be so sour, dear boy! You're doing fairly well; I dare say you're even better than my dear little Fiona when she started out." The man declared

Yes, this was Duke Arthur Von Achenbach; this powerful man happened to be his physical trainer at his daughter's behest. And he also happens to be a doofest. And as huge as he was, the surprising thing was that Mikoto was physically superior as well as faster and more agile. This was all thanks to his blessing, but strength is meaningless if you do not know how to properly make use of it. Hence, apparently, Luminare Academy taught and assessed more than just magic. Apparently, from what Fiona had told him, there would be physical combat classes as well as alchemy, among a few such as enchantment classes.

So for this past week, he was just preparing himself. The library in the mansion was vast, and he had learned a lot of magic in the meantime, though it was knowledge easily gained.

Magic was simple and easy, especially if you had a reference to use. For example, to evoke elements such as fire and water, it was a simple process of using science as a reference point. Usually it probably would not have been that easy, but being a spawn of Octavia was a cheat in itself; magic was as easy to use as his body as a whole. Of course, there were different uses for magic. Healing, destruction, defense, and conjuring spells.

Some magic was more complex to use, but the majority, such as spells like Astral Flare, were easy to use and simple. It is a simple destructive spell that implores the user to turn their own mana into a force of destruction. So a spell using pure mana as a source is different from converting mana into something with the properties of fire or water.

Then something else that was rather interesting was conjuring. In simplest terms, it is creating constructs of pure mana; this is done by shaping and solidifying mana. Though should one be skilled enough, they can create constructs with the same or similar properties as the object they were modeled after. All of this information was interesting, but there was something specific he focused on.

Teleportation magic. It was obvious why he was more interested in and focused on teleportation; from what he had seen in Fiona's library, no records on world travel were made. In Fiona's words, their library was more vast than even the capital city's, so if world travel was not discovered, teleporting was the next best thing. Of course he could use teleportation magic with ease, spawn of Octavia, and all that.

It was strange how easy it was to use magic that he had only seen at a glance. It was as if he understood the composition of the magic used with a single glance of his eyes. It really was a cheat to have, as well as...

Mikoto lunged forward, every muscle in his body coiled and ready to strike. In an instant, he closed the distance between them, the wind rushing past his ears as he hurtled through the air. His right fist was already drawing back, his knuckles gleaming in the harsh light of the sun. But Arthur was quick to dodge; he sidestepped Mikoto's punch, sending him careening past him and slamming into the wall behind them with a thunderous crash. The impact reverberated through the courtyard of the mansion, shaking the very ground under their feet.

Grimacing Mikoto turned away from the pulverized wall and turned to the grinning Arthur.

"Nice try, my boy! But you're too telegraphed." The large man announced it with another hearty laugh. "Fast and strong, but telegraphed."

"Noted." Mikoto murmured as he took a left-leading stance. Combat training, basic self-defense was all he knew that was useful. And in a fight with a target much larger than himself, he could not do much. His limbs were also much shorter as well as his height, and that was something he was still trying to adjust to in this body. Walking and running were simple enough with his diminished height, but fighting was something else.

And this new strength and speed were hell to adjust to; he had to be too careful. If he went too fast, he was not sure where he would end up, and if a punch did connect, he was not sure if Arthur could withstand it. But that was neither here nor there, for now he wanted to wipe the annoying smirk off Arthur's face.

He bent his leg as, in the next instance, he shot forward, the grassy ground beneath his feet breaking as he closed the distance immediately. He poised another right punch as he clenched his fist, only for his left leg to shoot up in an axe kick. But yet again, his actions were predicted. As Arthur leaned back to dodge, the kick missed his chin by inches.

Clicking his tongue, he brought down the raised leg with vengeance. A strong force rang out as cracks spread throughout the ground before a loud 'boom' followed as chunks of the ground broke apart and flew in the air. For a moment, Arthur lost his footing slightly, and Mikoto took the opportunity to poise another attack. Despite the now uneven and crooked ground, he had no problem making his way over to where Arthur was quickly.

He jumped slightly, and then his right leg moved in a quick blur for a high kick to his head. This time there was no way to dodge such a point blank attack, so all Arthur could do was raise his right arm to block. The kick connected, and Mikoto could not help but wince as he heard an audible crack. In the next instance, Arthur's form became a mere projectile as his body shot to the side, his feet leaving the ground as he flew through the air like a ragdoll. His journey came to a quick halt as he crashed through the wall of his mansion.

"Ah....shit..."

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"Hahahaha! I haven't been hit like that in quite some time." Now sporting a cast on his right arm and bandages on his head, Arthur gave a hearty laugh as his daughter looked at him as if he were a demented idiot.

"Foolish old man! That is what you get for underestimating your opponent." She chastised her father, who sat in his overly large bed; truly, it was way too big, as was his extravagant room.

"Come now; it is but a scratch, little Fiona!" Arthur shot back. "Your dear old dad will be out of bed soon, good as new."

"Uh...still sorry." Mikoto could just give a sheepish apology to the large man. He admits he was kind of pissed that he got put on the ground so many times; he might have gotten a little too angry.

"You've nothing to apologize for, dear boy." Arthur said it with a smile as he tapped on the cast around his right arm. "I'm just glad to see you finally dish out this much punishment! And from a single kick too! That's a spawn of Octavia for you!"

"It seems you need another head injury." Fiona murmured with a sigh as she turned to Mikoto. "Well, a job well done on putting this fool to shame."

"I went kind of overboard, though."

"Nonsense." Fiona denied it with a smirk. "I wish you went harder on him."

"Fiona! Such hurtful words to your father! Are you not worried that I might shed tears?" Arthur was shocked as his daughter merely gave him a side glance.

"Please do." Her father, merely, gave an exaggerated gasp at his daughter's words. "Come Mikoto. Father can busy himself with his work as duke; I've something to show you in the meantime." She stated that as she turned away and exited the room, Mikoto gave one last sheepish apology before exiting the room and quickly catching up to Fiona.

"So you're not angry?" Mikoto asked a blank-faced Fiona.

"With you injuring my father?" She asked with a small laugh. "Of course not. My father is an irresponsible old dog that takes any chance he gets to slack off. Serves the old fool right for underestimating you." She said with a shake of her head as she continued while they moved through the vast hallways but suddenly came to a stop, making Mikoto, who walked behind her, almost bump into the girl. "But I've got something to give you—a gift."

"Gift?"

The girl nodded as she raised her right hand. A blue light sparked in her palm as something materialized out of thin air. He noted a mask as the light died down shortly after. It was stark white, with two hollow oval-shaped holes for the eyes and a toothy grin etched into the lower section of the face. Handing it to him, Mikoto took it from her hand.

"A magical item of my creation." She stated it with a small hint of pride in her tone. "I call it the 'fool's mask'; it changes your outer appearance, such as your hair, as well as even your body structure. But be warned, the effects end as soon as the mask is removed, but a simple charm should help with it not unceremoniously falling from your face."

"Thanks; I appreciate it. But it sounds valuable; you said you created it yourself, right? But are you sure you want to give it to me? I mean, we really don't know each other that well." Mikoto murmured with an uncertain look on his face.

"Oh, think nothing of it. I am using you to satisfy my curiosity after all." She shamelessly stated "And this is the least I can do. If others should know that you are a spawn of the great Goddess Octavia, then your life will never be quiet." She stated it bluntly.

"I know it's a big deal and all, but how would people react?" He could not help but ask, as a pondering look adorned her face.

"Well, for starters, you'd probably be courted by any number of women, as many would believe that mating with a spawn of Octavia would mean nurturing a child of the same blessing." She stated this while she rubbed her chin, thinking of more possibilities. "You would also probably be held as one of the kingdom's most important people, but that is not nearly as great as it sounds. There are many other things, but something else is that you'd most likely be pressured into mating with the other spawn of Octavia." She said it without missing a beat.

"Yep, I'm definitely wearing this mask forever." Mikoto murmured with a blank look. ("Or at least until I find a way back home.")

"But there's something I've been meaning to ask, about Octavia and all. I know her blessing is rare, but why is she so important? From your library, I read there were Gods of creation, destruction, and even time. Wouldn't the blessing of those God's be way more important? "He could not help but ask the question as Fiona hummed in interest at the question.

"While true concepts such as creation, destruction, and time are more important than navigation and war, but magic?" She shook her head as if dismissing something. "Magic is a concept that has the power to surpass all, but most lack that potential in magic. The Goddess Octavia was said to wield spells of every kind, from destruction to creation magiks."

"I see, that explains it, I guess..." It was definitely possible; he could create his own spells with just his imagination. He could replicate abilities he has seen in the past, destructive spells, or even something simple. And if that were the case, then world travel should be possible.

"But you know..." Fiona started again with a pondering look. "It has just occurred to me that all our conversations are just me informing you of things you are oblivious to."

"Is something wrong with that?" He asked; he did not see a problem there. She was just curious about how he would develop, and that was all. Friendship was not something the two were engaged in. She helped him this much only because he was a spawn of Octavia; even so, he still appreciated all the help, but still, he did not see this girl as a friend; he was sure that fact was mutual.

"Of course there is you, dolt!" She chastised him much to his confusion. "Come, we shall go for tea. I wish to know more about you." She suddenly stated

"That's kind of random, no? I thought you were only interested in me being a spa-"

"Oh hush, come now." Seemingly not waiting for his opinion, she grabbed him by his wrists and started dragging him away with surprising strength.

("Women.")

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It was a quaint little building that looked like it had been plucked right out of a fairy tale, but maybe that description was too accurate. The building's white walls were adorned with intricate patterns of vines and flowers that climbed up the sides of the structure, giving it a whimsical look. The entrance to the old-fashioned cafè was framed by a bright red door that had a brass knocker in the shape of a dragon's head.

Once one entered the cafe, they would be transported to another world altogether. The interior was dimly lit, but the soft glow of the fairy lights strung up all around the room added a magical touch. The cafe was filled with antique furnishings, including an old grandfather clock that ticked away in the corner and a vintage velvet couch that was tucked away in a cozy nook.

On the counter, one would notice that it was made of dark wood and had ornate carvings all around its edges. Behind the counter, there was a display case filled with an array of delectable treats, from sugary fairy cakes to savory dragon stew, all served on mismatched china and silverware. There were also jars filled with colorful candies and other sweets lining the counters, with each jar labeled in beautiful, swirling calligraphy.

The walls of the cafe were decorated with paintings and tapestries that depict fantastical scenes from fairy tales and legends. In one corner, there was a shelf filled with books and dusty tomes that looked like they could hold the secrets to ancient magic, figuratively speaking. The windows were draped with heavy velvet curtains, and the sunlight filtered in through the sides, casting a warm glow throughout the room.

The ceiling was painted to resemble a starry night sky, with twinkling stars and a full moon hanging overhead. The soft strains of classical music drift through the air, adding to the enchanting ambiance of this fantastical cafe.

This place seemed semi-modern in a way, to him at least. And only to him, most likely.

Seated in the far side of this fairytale cafe, Mikoto idly tapped the mask on his face as he sat at the table with a certain someone.

"Is the mask uncomfortable?" Fiona asked. "If so, a nifty enchantment could help."

"No, it's fine, just getting used to it." He clarified. No longer was the small, effeminate albino boy present; instead, in his place was a masked boy with shoulder-length wild raven-colored hair and of decent height. The effect of the mask that was, as long as he wore it, his height, skin tone, body structure, and hair drastically changed. Though he just wished the mask was not as creepy, he received many stares from the other patriots.

"That is good. Now, Mikoto, tell me of yourself." The pink-haired girl kindly requested with a cute smile.