Journal entry 1: 1st month as a newborn.

Never really got to see myself in the mirror, but my parents look pretty pleasant.

Dad had teal eyes, black hair that framed his face, and rectangle glasses that kinda completed his normal look.

Mom, in bright contrast, had shoulder length light blonde hair, midnight blue eyes, and a round face. She totally doesn't look like huntress material.

Dear God, why is everything still so bright? Now I know why babies like to sleep everytime; always closing your eyes WILL make you drowsy.

Journal entry 2: 

It's been 4 months now, and crawling is SO DAMN HARD. 

Luckily, my system looks pretty neat with baby blue, and all I need to do is think 'Status' and it'll appear. It gets annoying sometimes though.

[Name:Grayson Heartvale]
Level:1
Exp:0/10
HP:9/9
Aura Level:?
Aura Capacity:?

[Status:]
Strength - Determines the overall physical power of the individual: Example: Pushing a boulder: F5

Dexterity - Determines the fluidity and overall control of the actions of the user: Examples: Feats of Flexibility, Dodging: F2

Agility - Determines the maximum speed of which the user's body can experience[Notice:This stat is heavily influenced by Dexterity]: Example: Full on sprinting: F3

Endurance - Determines the maximum damage the user can take: Example: Tripping on a rock: F2

Perception - Determines the user's ability to notice/perceive any and all happenings: Examples: Seeing a baseball fly through the air, hearing high pitched noises,(Notice:This stat may also give the ability to perceive the following with a high enough level: Incoming Danger, Extreme Spacial Awareness, Molecular Bonds.): C5

Stat Points:2

Welp. Perception looks too tempting to pass up. I'm gonna be training to be a huntsman anyway, so physical training's already on my list.

I just hope my other stats CAN level up with physical training.

And if there's anyway I can compress this menu, that would be sweet.

[Ding! Updating System Menu…]

Neat.

Journal entry 3: 

Being a 1 year old had it's many fun perks. 

"Bwa! Gababwa pffffffffft." 

Being an older brother was probably not one of them.

The little guy was aptly named Raven, because of his raven black hair that came from Tial, our Dad. 

That isn't gonna be confusing anytime soon.

Sure, he was nice and cute. But at this age, I think I can tolerate it. He was a baby, after all. And all babies are innocent and can be easily manipulated.

Except me, of course.

In other news, I was actually wrong about Titania(mom) not being a huntress. She didn't have a mechashift, but she did have a sword with a blade that looked like a thunderbolt. Which was also nice.

Journal entry 4:

When am I going to stop making these weird journal entries in my mind, that I do every few months?

…

(Just a quick Author's note: The quality WILL. get somewhat better after these two joke chapters. So don't leave me yet.)

Look, I'm just really bored so I'm writing a low quality Gamer! fanfic.

Alright, Synopsis time.

Watch as a dude chooses to get ~reincarnated~ in the world of Remnant. Will he succeed in stopping Mommy Salami? Will the family, or anyone at all, get character development? Will the school blow up in Volume 3!? 

Tune in on the most likely inconsistent updates of "Just Another RWBY Gamer".

Hana actually decided to go back to school to save money. When she tried to book a B – ranked dungeon, she found that it actually cost 50,000 credits! It was more than 20x than what she spent on the Bloody Garden! 

However, apparently university students get discounts for dungeons. There was also a better chance to access private dungeons monopolized by affluent parties. While public dungeons were nice, the most profitable ones were undeniably the private dungeons. 

When a dungeon first appears, the rule is that the first party to clear it will gain ownership of it. The Hunter Association had amassed plenty of dungeons, opening them to the public for a fee. However, clans and wealthy families of the upper floors also owned dungeons, often used to train their own people or gather dungeon resources. 

Hana recalled that the Zhao family she had been born into owned several dungeons. She frowned. 

That connection may bring trouble in the future. After all, just look at all the web novels about the scorned socialites being exploited or smeared by their families.

Hana took a deep breath. She needed more power to defend herself and Rina. "System, show my status." 

Name: Hana Zhao

Level: 3

Cards in Storage: 10 

Draws Available: 1

Hana internally prayed. System, something useful please! She used her remaining luck draw and watched the wheel spin. 

[Host has received the following: 

Phantasmagoria: Gaea Foundation x1 

Fire Dragonslayer Magic x1

Thank you for using the drawing wheel!]

Yes! Now this was something she wanted. Hana selected the 2nd card. 

________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Fire Dragonslayer Magic

Type: Skill 

Anime: Fairytail

Note: Prerequisite is that the Host has equipped compatible innate body card
________________________________________________________________________________________

"System, use this." 

[This card will grant Host a permanent skill. Are you certain you wish to use it?] 

"Yes, hurry up!" 

The card vanished from her card storage. Hana didn't feel a change in her body, but she assumed she had gotten the ability now. 

The other card she got was also familiar. She had been a die hard fan of Akame Ga Kill! for a period of time. 
________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Phantasmagoria: Gaea Foundation

Type: Weapon 

Anime: Akame Ga Kill!

Note: I never thought that something so cute could be so deadly 
________________________________________________________________________________________

Gaea Foundation, the imperial arms of Chelsea. It took the form a cosmetic case, granting shapeshifting abilities. It was basically a spy's best friend, good for reconnaissance and disguise. 

Hana smirked. Out of all her cards so far, this one had the highest value to her. She stood in front of the mirror. 

Opening the Teigu, she swiped 3 small tools in front of her, visualizing what she wanted. In a flash, her features and build changed. She became taller, her clothes changing into a white jacket and white jeans. Her long black hair shorted into white spiky hair. Cold teal eyes and tanner skin. A perfect rendition of what she wanted. 

Hana touched her short hair. Unlike Zorua's illusions, Gaea Foundation was true shapeshifting. That meant if she took a picture of herself, her disguise would hold, unlike an illusion. 

Hana looked over her remaining 10 cards. "Speech?" Her mind flashed to the description. It reminded her of that cat. . . ah yes, Team Rocket's Meowth. After thinking, she decided to give it to Blackie. 

Rina seemed like him really much. If Blackie could talk, she would likely had a close friend right?
Hana stacked the two cards together, watching the speech card vanish. Now, she only had nine cards left. 

In the living room, Rina was ruffling Blackie's fur like it there was no tomorrow. The poor thing's fur was messy, like he had gone through a whirlwind.  Blackie opened its eyes as it felt something change in its body. 

Green blue eyes looked at Rina. A deep low voice rang out. "Cake." 

Hana, upon just walking in, had black lines running down her face. Its first words was food? Was this lazy glutton really a Zorua? It must have been a Snorlax in its past life! 

Rina, on the other had, brightened. "You can speak? You want cake?" She immediately pushed half the uneaten opera cake toward the dark Pokemon.

 He began taking small bites out of it. "I'm Zorua." He stretched and stood up, turning it's eyes pleadingly toward Rina. "Next time, can you give me your cake slice too?" 

Of course, Rina immediately nodded. Hana growled. "Rina, ignore him." She poked its head fluff. "Don't try to scam my sister tiny Zorua." The dark Pokemon looked away. Tch, I'll just ask her when you aren't around. 

"Sister, I don't mind." Rina patted it's head. "And your name is Zorua right. I'll call you that instead of Blackie from now on." 

Zorua made a content sound as it's fur was ruffled. "Mnn, I guess you can keep half your slice." 

Hana pinched it's ear. "She will keep her whole slice. If you try this again, I'll leave you inside the card storage like the others."  

Zorua huffed. "Sister, don't bully him." Rina scolded. 

Hana put her hands up. "Fine, fine, I'll leave him with you for tonight. Don't stay up to late." 

Zorua murmured. "I'm a dark Pokemon. I'm most active a night." 

"Fine, then you have night duty after Rina falls asleep. Guard the apartment." Zorua lazily pawed the ground, but nodded. 

Rina returned to her room. She was going to mass study for the next week. She put on the Gale Force Reading glasses and began pouring over textbooks. 

 . . . . .

After a week, Hana stood in front of the mirror. She had on her school uniform, a black blazer and blue shirt. Her skirt fell above her knees and she wore tights. Her black hair was tied into a high ponytail, bangs covering the left side of her face. She had dyed it so a streak of dark blue was slightly visible. Red glasses framed her purple eyes. 

Hana slung her backpack over her shoulder. Now, she just had to endure until exams.

Hana Zhao never thought reality would change after one night. She fell from the top assassin in a peak organization to a powerless teen straddled with debt. 

Transmigrating into the mysterious Tower Between Worlds, she is now part of a world where humanity has supreme abilities. Dangerous dungeons are an integral part of life on every floor. Within this New Age, Hana will climb her way to the top as a dungeon hunter. 

Who cares if they can tame beasts? Her Pokemon will dominate all in battle.

Elemental weapons? Check out her Zanpakuto collection.

Hell if she really wanted, she could drown a city with her Djinn equips. 

While her predecessor thought her ability was useless, Hana knows she has the ultimate cheat. This will be the time when otakus reign supreme!

Note: Cover photo isn't mine.

Bearing in mind that she did not want to get caught in the rain, Lina hastened her pace. She was to meet Ning, as soon as possible. There was a possibility that Ning might have searched another girl for the mystery man. She read the address again, that was printed on the 'visiting card', that Ning had given to her.

The row of buildings at the boulevard emitted colours of an array of orange hues as sunrays reflected from the glass plates cemented on them. Music from posh restaurants got loud at timed intervals in the middle of the stylish tables. White-collared people talked about stock markets and how to capitalize on them. 

Finally, Lina reached the place mentioned on the visiting card. And the first sight of Ning's mansion got her astonished! "Oh My God! Look at that!!" chuckled Lina as she stood before the mansion, savoring the beautiful piece of architecture.

It was a truly magnificent mansion all in white. It featured large griddle windows and exquisite details over the front entrance. They made a beautiful focal point and give a boost to the splendor and grandeur in this design. A paved driveway that lead to a massive garage had lush greenery around it, that added a color burst and a great curb appeal. The sitting area with stone benches and a water fountain in the garden felt peaceful and inviting.

The mansion truly had an aristocratic appeal to it.

Lina walked towards the main door, as she searched for the door bell. "Such an amazing house! I guess there is no need to ring the bell. They must be very rich. There must be a camera somewhere here," Lina smiled. "Ah! There it is," giggled Lina who got very happy at her right guess. 

Instead of ringing the bell, Lina waved at the camera. "Hi! Can someone please open the door?" she shouted and continued to wave at the camera.

Her hand waves were soon interrupted by an impeccably dressed maid, who opened the door. The maid had a look of surprise on her face. "What were you doing with the camera?" asked the maid.

"Oh! I.. I was signalling you to open the door," replied Lina after a little hesitation.

"But, you could have rang the bell," giggled the maid.

"Oh! S.. sorry about that." Lina stammered. "I am here to meet Mrs. Ning," she continued.

The maid gestured Lina to enter the house. Lina's shoes were very dirty after having walked for a long time. She did not want to spoil the carpet laid out at the house's entry. And so, she bent down to remove her shoes.

The maid interrupted. "No need! You don't have to remove your shoes. Please, come in," the maid laughed at the innocence of the crimson haired girl. "Mrs. Ning is working out in the back lawn. Her fitness trainer is here," the maid continued.

Lina entered the mansion and followed the maid. Her jaw dropped as soon as she saw the gorgeous interiors of the place. 

The entrance lobby, with an opulent space, opened into the living and dining areas. A deep teal colour had been used on the walls, doors and ceiling beams, which demarcated the entryway from the rest of the space. Adding a sense of opulence to the area were gold light fixtures and door handles paired with a statement console and an accent mirror. The running pattern in gold along the cornice brought continuity to the entire space. White marble flooring formed the perfect foil to the luxurious colours, furniture and fittings.

Lina could not be more impressed, until she saw the dining room, which came in the way towards the back lawn.

The living room and dining room were the stars of the space. Both spaces were framed by pairs Corinthian columns between which stood full-length windows dressed in gold blinds and layered with sheer gold curtains. Ornate chandeliers in gold formed the focal lighting, surrounded by soft recessed lights hidden within drop ceilings.

Lina, with her eyes wide open, continued to walk behind the maid. She was escorted to the backside of the mansion. 

The side corner wall was raised to the level of the patio for a natural transition from house to the back side area of the mansion. The backside gave a waterpark-like experience with the most elegant design, Lina had ever come across in her life. The pool had stones, waterfalls and other features, islands, colorful landscaping, and inviting artistic elements.

Aunt Ning and her fitness instructor sat on their respective swiss balls, as the instructor briefed Aunt Ning about the next exercise move. While the young instructor, a cute brunette, looked very fresh, aunt Ning looked exhausted. 

Aunt Ning looked extremely funny as she tried doing the crunches on the gym ball to lessen her belly fat. As she sat on the swiss ball with her feet flat on the ground, she rolled down by walking forward and rested her back on the ball. Then, she supported her head and neck by placing her fingertips on the sides of her head. 

As soon as she tried to lift her upper body and crunch, the weight of her body forced her to fall down on the ball.

"Don't forget the breathing pattern! Breathe in.. breathe out" demonstrated the instructor.

Aunt Ning, too exhaused to raise her weight and crunch, decided to quit. "How am I supposed to breath out with this ball under my neck," she yelled as she slipped from the ball and fell down on the floor. "Stupid ball!" roared Ning, as she picked up the ball and threw it towards the house's door.

Coincidentally, Lina stood there and caught the ball. She had been giggling all this time, watching Ning working out. "I caught it!" shouted Lina as she smiled at Ning.

Aunt Ning was surprised. "Ahh! It's you," she smiled and got back on her feet, with great effort, to meet the girl.

When Lina's brother gets into debt and is held captive by Chinese Mafia, Lina is tangled in a deal with an elderly lady . She has to make Mr. Wang, a wealthy fashion designer, fall in love with her and marry her.

Mr. Wang has a work obsession and is generally hard-to-please. Will Lina be able to make Mr. Wang fall in love with her?

-------

This lighthearted RomCom will satisfy you for almost eternity. The story line and the character description is almost too catchy and it will surely get stuck in your head. Any instance of conflict is quickly followed up with comic relief or swoon-worthy romance. All of these cheerful elements are written for an easy-going reading pleasure of the readers.

Tags: RomCom, Love Story, Hidden Gem, Funny Story, Cute Romance, Comedy, CEO Wife, CEO Love Story, Female Protagonist, Futuristic Setting

Cold chills crept down my spine as my uber drive pulled up to the Lockwood mansion, the home of none other than the Mayor of Mystic Falls - my aunt. Mom always said she was a snobby bitch. Let's hope she proves her wrong. I thought to myself. The sun was close to setting, I noticed.
I grabbed my duffel bag - the only thing left of my life in Louisiana - and waved the driver off as I walked closer to the impressive building standing before me. My heart thudded in my chest with ever step I took, hammering as I approached the door. I gulped, slowly reaching for the door knob and almost jumped out of my skin when the door jerked open from inside. 
An angry and slightly tipsy blonde with impeccable fashion stood looking down from the four inch height difference she had on me. Her crystal blue eyes studied me and her face softened. "Kira?" 
I blinked, confused. How did she know me?
"I-I'm sorry, have we met?"
Her face morphed into a full smile as she pulled me into an unexpected and off-balanced hug. "Oh my gosh, Kira Fitzgerald! I haven't seen you since we were in kindergarten," she giggled, still hugging me. She was much stronger than she appeared; my lungs felt heavy as I tried to pull away. 
"Kindergarten?" I asked with a chuckle. Mom never told me we lived in Mystic Falls before. But after Dad died, she didn't really give up any information about our history. And as for me, I couldn't remember anything in my life that happened before seventh grade when I lost my father. "It's been a very long time...I'm sorry, I can't remember your name," I said sheepishly.
"Of course! Caroline," she offered a hand. "Caroline Forbes, but you can call me Care," she said, pulling me into the house. "Tyler," she called loudly, her grin never wavering, "you never told me your cousin was coming to visit."
I looked around the incredible mansion, taking in all the victorian architecture and elegant decor before my eyes landed on a pair of familiar brown one. "Ty!" I breathed out, running into his open arms.
"Kira, what are you doing here? Not that I'm not ecstatic to see you," he said, lifting me into a bear hug. 
I hugged him back for a few moments to gather myself. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "My mom...she, uh...she passed away a few months ago. I didn't have anywhere else to go," I struggled through the words, my voice breaking as I fought back tears.
"Kira," Tyler pulled me into another hug, "it's okay. I'm so sorry about your mom. Don't worry about anything, you're family, and we stick together no matter what." He went quiet for a moment, signaling something to Caroline. "I know what you're going through," he whispered.
"Aunt Carol?" I pulled back to look him in the eye. My heart dropped at his pain stricken face. "Ty, I'm so sorry. I had no idea --"
"It's okay, it happened months ago. I'm...managing. But having family now," he started, a sad smile surfacing on his face, "that's a silver lining, right?"
"Yes, yes it is," I nodded, smiling back. 
I turned back to say something to Caroline, but she was gone. "Where did Care go?" I asked Tyler with a lifted brow.
He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "Yeah...about that...uh, we kinda had a little falling out," he looked away, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "We're like that, though, you know. She'll cool off...anyway, let's get you set up. I got plenty of room," he lead me toward the winding stairwell at the center of the room. "What do you think about a little welcoming party?" he glanced at me with a smile of excitement.
"For little ol' me?" I said in mock flattery. "You know, Ty, I've never actually been to a real-life party. Is it really like the movies?" I asked, too excited to be embarrassed at my overly sheltered upbringing.
He stopped me at the top of the stairs with raised eyebrows, like he was trying to figure out if I was joking or not. "Wait, Kira...are you serious?"
I pressed my lips into a thin line and nodded.
"Well, lucky for you, your cousin is pretty famous around here and I have the best friends. You're in for a treat," he promised, leading me down the hallway of the second floor. "Just don't flirt with anyone on the football team. I'd hate to have to rip out one of my buddies' throats," he said playfully, but it felt like he was serious. 
I just chuckled nervously and brushed it off as he opened the first door to the right of the stairs. "Mom had this one decorated for you a few years ago. I'll get you an account set up, until then, just let me know when you need anything."
"Ty, you don't have to --"
"Kira, you're practically my little sister. We're family. Of course I'm gonna look out for you. Besides, what am I gonna do with all the money I have?" he asked rhetorically with a shrug. I nodded and stepped into the room. 
It was beautiful. Everything was covered in soft pastels and stainless steel. A huge round bed made for royalty framed with whimsy canopy drapes  stood out in the center of the massive room. The farthest wall in front of me was almost completely glass with ombre teal drapes tied on either side of the window. On the wall to the right was a full silver vanity table and white tufted stool with an oversized ovular mirror on the wall behind it. A little nook with a chaise, mostly empty bookshelf and fireplace was several feet from the vanity. On the other side of the room was an empty silver desk and white leather chair and a few feet beside was another door. 
"So? What do you think?" Ty asked, stepping in.
"I love it! This room was made for a princess," I said with a bright smile.
"Well, you're a Lockwood princess now," he said with a wink. "Oh, by the way, you have your driver's license right?"
"Yeah, why?" I asked, not really paying attention to him as my continued to take in the room.
"No reason really," he mumbled. "I'll let you unpack and rest up. Party starts at 9," he said, stepping out. Before closing the door, he leaned back in, "Kira, I'm really glad you showed up. I mean."
"Thanks, Ty. It means a lot coming from you," I said with a sad smile. 
"I'll just be downstairs. Come down whenever you're ready," he smiled back and closed the door. I heard his footsteps retreating down the stairs.
For the first time since...ever, according to my memory, I actually felt at home. I had so much anxiety coming here. Afraid Carol - rest her soul - would turn me away. Afraid that Tyler would resent my showing up. Afraid I wouldn't fit in. But even though Tyler was all I had, he felt more like family than my own mother did before she died. Strange, I smiled to myself. 
I shook the thoughts away and went to the door inside my room. I opened it and found a maze of a closet and a...bathroom? I stepped through the walk-thru closet and came to another door, a huge bathroom. A clawfoot tub, separate waterfall shower and double vanity sinks with marble floors and a shiny silver toilet. Even the bathroom screamed money. Maybe 'at home' was a premature statement. 
I tossed my duffel bag on the sink and dug out my toiletries. A nice hot shower was just what I needed. Maybe my move to Mystical Falls would be the turning point of my life. I looked at myself in the mirror, noting the dark circles under my onyx eyes as I pulled the hair tie from the high messy bun I'd tied my hair in. My long black coils spilled down to my hips. 
It was time to find out who Kira Fitzgerald really was. No more hiding behind a mask. I was done playing the sad little orphan girl. Sure, I missed my parents. But life had given me a second chance to really live. It would be disrespectful not to take it.

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"I can do one more," Kieran said through pained breaths. Sweat streaked down his face as he struggled to stay standing. His mouth was impossibly dry.
"Two casts is your limit," Alexandra said. "Teal, reactivate the spell circle."
The orb in Teal's hand glowed followed by the spell circle reactivating. A fresh air enveloped him, restoring the moisture in his mouth and cooling him. 
"I could've done one more," he said with renewed energy.
"I will not hear another word from you. The second daughter of the Loftus House is here. Go and get ready. I shall greet them first."
Alexandra left and they followed right after. A team of servants were waiting outside and rushed in to clean the room and remove the newly sprouted plants. 
"Don't feel so down, Young Master. For a twelve year old to use the bolt spell twice is impressive. Once you're fifteen and reach your Scaling, your Essence will have outgrown most other adults," Teal said, trying to reassure him.
He sighed, "Thanks. Wait outside while I change."
"Are you sure you don't need help?"
"I'm sure. I'm not a kid."
He closed the door and within minutes, he opened it again. Teal giggled as she went in and helped him squeeze through his black leather vest. She straightened his hair and questioned him on proper procedure.
"Have you seen that one gold necklace with the triangle?" he asked.
She was quiet for a bit, most likely thinking, "...No, I don't believe so. Did you like that one a lot?"
"Not really. I just remembered it because it was a bit different. I'll probably find it later."
"Oh, well that's good," she said as she returned to the questions from before. It continued all the way until they stood before the guest room. 
Inside were two white sofas, three cushions wide with padded, round armrests. A maplewood coffee table holding two cups of tea separated them. His footsteps were muffled by the brightly colored rug as he took a seat on the sofa Alexandra stood behind. 
A girl around his age sat opposite of him. Her brown hair draped down past her shoulders and was held back from her face by a lone hair clip. She rested her hands on her lap over the frills of her white dress. He straightened his posture to match hers as he noticed the man behind her. The trimmed, gray streaked beard that covered most of his face was completely absent on his left side. In its place was a small but deep scar that ran under his chin.
Teal coughed, "My apologies," she said, nudging his seat.
He shot to his feet. They went over it not even a minute ago but he forgot the proper greeting. The girl stood to match him. Two sides of him fought for dominance. The side that lived for twenty years and the one that lived for twelve. In the end, his old habits came back.
The girl and her bodyguard were at a loss for words. He heard a sharp inhale from behind and knew there would be hell to pay later. 
The girl's fingers pressed against the glass as she leaned over to grab his hand. "Th-Thank you for extending your hand to me, Your Highness… I am honored. I am Lilith Loftus of the Loftus Household."
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Kieran Reyteour."
"I believe Overseer Loftus hoped you would show the Young Miss around," said Alexandra.
His face lit up, "Of course!"
"If you do not mind, will Teal be suitable?"
"Yes," said Lilith. 
"Great, I know the perfect place." Before anyone could stop him, he grabbed her hand and ran out. They sidestepped the servants in their way while Teal chased after them. Lilith stared at him wide-eyed.
They stopped in the middle of the courtyard and he gazed at the city below the hill. It was a place so close yet so far. A world of wonder beyond the daunting black gates where adventure and quests were sure to be, or so he hoped. 
Its tall wide walls kept the city safe from outsiders. A huge colosseum stood out among the other buildings and he imagined going there one day.
As Teal neared, he grabbed Lilth's hand again. They ran through its garden with daffodils, daylilies, and daisies, in a spiraling arrangement that stretched from one end of the temple to the other. Servants tended to them, sprinkling water and pulling out weeds. Just beyond the garden were hedges, a circular maze of them to be exact. He and Lilith tore through the stone path and disappeared into the maze as Teal came into view.
She followed his lead, though it was also his first time. The pair arrived in the center of the maze after a string of lucky turns. In the middle of it all was a small red, silver tiled, shrine. It looked of eastern design, unlike the other buildings within the palace grounds which sported a more western theme. The shrine and the stone path leading up to it was surrounded by a bed of flowers; the miniature black doors were small even for his hands.
"I… I need a little break." Lilith said, out of breath. 
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to get away from Alexandra and Teal."
"It's okay, Your Highness. I'm grateful you consider me an ally."
"You can be more casual with me. Act your age, you know?" Out of everyone, maybe she would understand how he felt. Forced to be all proper all the time. "And you can call me Kieran."
"I-I cannot be so bold."
"It's fine, really. It's what I want you to call me," he said as he knelt at the shrine. "What is this?"
She was still a bit shocked by his words and forgot her formalities, "I don't know. Is it part of the temple?"
Kieran pulled on the doors. They opened with a sharp click and creaking hinges. Nestled inside was a golden pendant outlined with a thin circle of sapphire. Encrusted on the front were a pair of ashen wings similar to the country's emblem. 
It blinded him the moment he took it out and Lilith gasped. It wasn't as if either of them had never seen something so extravagant. She was a high-ranking noble, probably, and he was royalty. This kind of jewelry didn't even make it to the bottom of the top in terms monetary worth of the parts, but its smooth and pristine surface felt like running a finger along wet glass. The weight in his hand and the aura surrounding it were otherworldly. 
"Open it." She gestured to a button sticking out from the topside of the pendant. His thumb inched closer until it rested on it.
"There you are," Teal said. Like Lilith, she was out of breath, probably exhausted from going through the maze. "Don't run off like that again or else I'll tell Alexandra." Her eyes rested on the pendant. "What is that, Young Master?"
He handed it to her. She angled it in the sun, staring at the winged emblem. 
"We found it inside the shrine," Lilith added unnecessarily.
Teal shot him a glare. Compared to Alexandra's it was weak with little to no real malice. He shrugged as she went to place it back.
"There you are," said a voice from behind. When they turned around, a tall priest in long dark robes approached them. "I am honored to have you visit our garden, Your Highness. However, while you are free to explore the gardens, I ask that you follow me out of this maze."
Under his watchful gaze, there was no room to slip the pendant back in. Kieran could hear Alexandra's scolding now. It was the type of scolding that killed with dread and anticipation tossed together with a heavy dose of shame. 
The priest led them out before returning back inside of the temple. The three of them went out of sight of the gardeners and roaming temple keepers. 
"We have to return this," Teal said. "It must've been a sacred place if we were asked to leave."
"Wouldn't going back just be worse, especially now that we should know?" Kieran asked.
"I can return it," Lilith said, her eyes shining with determination. He hadn't noticed until now but she was taller than him, not by much but if they stood back to back, it'd be clear.
"It's alright, Mist Lilith," Teal said as she wrapped the pendant in her stitched handkerchief. "We'll sneak it back in."
Even though Lilith was a guest, there would be repercussions if she broke temple rules so it made sense they couldn't let her do it. But for Teal to suggest sneaking it back in? It boggled his mind.
Teal might be mature for her age, but she's still just 18 after all. At least she's kind of expressing herself here.
"How long until those gardeners leave then?" he asked.
"There's a ritual happening inside the temple so they'll be here nearly the whole day, much longer than we'll be allowed outside," Teal answered. The odds were looking grim.
Lilith raised her hand, "I will distract them. My tears even work on Reihmir."
Reihmir? Oh, her bodyguard. If it works on someone like him then could it work on Alexandra…? No, no it wouldn't.
She started off to the other side of the temple before they could stop her. Lilith nodded and gestured to tell them to be ready. A moment later, a loud, high-pitched cry erupted from the garden. They peeked and saw Lilith holding onto her dress, tears streaking down her face. The gardeners surrounded her, trying to calm here down.
Kieran and Teal ran past and into the maze. 
"I'll lead. You might not believe it but my memory is quite good, Young Master."
He recalled the time it took for Teal to find them the first time. Kieran was sure Lilith would endure for however long she needed but he felt she might lose her voice and run out of tears before they returned. 
I just don't have the heart to say no.
Teal stopped after three turns. 
She wondered out loud, "It was…" 
"Right, right?" Kieran said.
Teal nodded, "O-Of course. I was just making sure."
The two continued deeper into the maze.
"Right," Kieran said.
"Left."
"Left." 
"Right."
Teal stared at the shrine, struck dumb as Kieran strode forward. He knelt in front of it and she joined him, unravelling the pendant from her handkerchief. 
She pulled on the doors but they didn't budge. "It won't open," she said after a second attempt.
"What? Let me try," he tugged on the doors. They didn't move in the slightest. It was like pulling on the pillars in the palace. "Teal, move over a bit," he said as he put his feet against the sides of the shrine.
"Young Master, that's disrespectful."
"Yeah," he said through gritted teeth, "but it's worse if we don't get that back… in!" He dropped the ground, his arms, legs, and teeth aching from what he put them through. 
"What do we do now?" 
He held out his hand, "Here, give it to me." When she gave it to him, he hung the chain around the handles. "Okay, now let's get out of here before someone comes."
"Wait. You're going to leave it right out in the open?"
"Yeah, I am. There's not much else we can do so…"
"No, no, no. I think it's best if we just come clean now-" as Teal reached for the pendant, she stopped. 
"Teal?"
"..."
"Earth to Teal," he waved his hand in front of her face. "Um, hello?"
She didn't respond. The wind that had been blowing all day had suddenly stopped. All the flowers and grass were frozen in the same direction. 
What the hell's happening?
The ground around the shrine emitted a faint blue light. It seeped through the cracks in the stone and engulfed the area around the flowers. His body felt lighter. The shrine, flowers, and hedge maze seemed to blend together. The afternoon sun's light dimmed and stars began to dot the skies.
He screamed. 
A shambling mass of arms held onto his leg. The arms had crawled from the other entrance of the maze and dragged itself forward until it was beneath the shrine. There were at least five hands grasping him, pulling him under. One hand over the other, more and more were grabbing hold; it latched onto his other leg and to his arms. 
He shook and fought but he was consumed. They covered his mouth and eyes, choked the remaining air from his lungs, and covered his ears. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't scream. The longer he was stuck there, the less panicked he became. He stopped fighting back. The hands were soothing. He fell deeper into the comfort.
"Young Master!" Teal shook him awake. 
The hands and blue light were gone. The sun was back in the sky and everything seemed normal. 
He shot up, "Did-Did you see that thing?"
"See what?" Teal said as she looked around. "I don't see anything, Young Master."
Was it all just a dream? A hallucination? 
Shit.
"Let's go back."
"Yes, Young Master."
Teal wrapped the pendant with her handkerchief and followed him out.
After the goodbye with Lilith and a promise for another visit, Kieran retreated to his room. He told Alexandra and Teal he was tired and not to bother him for at least an hour. In front of a mirror, he took off his shirt. 
"What the hell…"
Red hand marks were all over his arms and his neck. He could feel them throbbing.
"It was real?"
By the next day, all traces were gone.

Jiang Pengji stepped into the backyard. Guifei Huijun had been waiting by the door for a long time.
There was a gentle and appropriate smile on her face. She was sitting in a kneeling position and bowed respectfully in welcome.
"Master, you've worked hard. Did the morning court assembly go well today?"
Huijun stood up and reached out to take the mandarin hat that Jiang Pengji had unfastened and her ivory writing tablet. Her eyes were soft, watery, and limpid like spring water.
Even though she'd used make-up to lighten her face by five shades, her gentle and virtuous temperament still roused the hearts of the livestream viewers.
Guo Jia is not a country: I'm really envious of men in ancient times. No wonder they liked to have multiple wives! Every day when they get home from work, they can receive sympathetic greetings from their young and tender wives. This alone could chase away all the worries of the day... By the way, I'm a girl.
Xun Yu, not a wretch: To the user above, you can work hard to better yourself and earn money to support your family. Then you could let your boyfriend stay at home and do the wifely duties of supporting you and educating the children.
Jia Xu, not Jia Yu: I second the suggestion by Lord Xun.
The viewers had all seen Huijun's real face. To put in bluntly, her appearance trumped all actresses in the entertainment industry.
Just based on her looks, she was at the goddess level and would be difficult to unseat from that rank. According to the comments of the livestream viewers, Huijun's face had become a template for plastic surgery hospitals in Korea. One after another, actresses in the entertainment industry copied her face. Based on this, one could see how good outstanding Huijun's natural appearance was.
"There were some twists and turns, but it went well."
Huijun stared blankly for a moment, then lowered her head and asked, "Why must you recover your identity at this time?"
Jiang Pengji explained, "At this present opportunity, my power and wealth are not so great that the world will oppose me, but it's not limited that I'll be bullied. If I wait until my power has expanded and strengthened before stating my true gender, I'll undoubtedly be surrounded by enemy forces who will attack my weaknesses at the same time."
Huijun's expression dimmed as she rolled up her sleeves with her fingers.
"As your servant, I'm ashamed that I'm unable to continue assisting you."
Jiang Pengji found it funny.
"The first half of your life has been too hard, just be at ease and live comfortably for the second half of your life. I'll deal with these things properly. You don't have to sacrifice anymore."
The honey trap was only a makeshift plan of convenience and was a fair deal between Jiang Pengji and Huijun.
Now that the deal had been settled, she could not push Huijun back into the living hell of a prostitute again.
"If you're bored, I'll dispatch you on some missions when we return to Wanzhou so that you don't have to do the work of a maid all day long."
Huijun gave a shallow laugh as she teased, "It's my great fortune to be able to serve you. I've even snatched these chores away from your maids."
"I didn't know that I was so sought after."
Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes inwardly in self-mockery.
"There are still many things that you don't know about, master." Huijun followed one step behind Jiang Pengji. "By the way, now that you have taken up your true identity, do you think you should adjust your attire? It doesn't seem like a very good idea to go around in men's clothing all day..."
"Oh, prepare some women's clothing. Keep it simple and unobtrusive."
Whether it was men's or women's clothing, Jiang Pengji had no preference. She was okay with anything as long as it was easy to move around in.
Huijun had already made preparations. She carried out a tray from her room laden with two sets of women's clothing.
"I made these in my spare time. Master, why don't you try them on and see how they fit you?"
When Jiang Pengji saw the style and size of the clothes, she knew that they had been specially made for her by Huijun.
"Alright."
Fortunately, there was not much difference between men's and women's clothing in ancient times. This was Jiang Pengji's first contact with women's clothing, but she was not dumbfounded or at a loss for what to do.
She unfastened the heavy white cloth wrapped around her chest and liberated the cleavage that had so long been smothered. She took a long breath, feeling like the air in her lungs was suddenly fresher and cleaner.
Jiang Pengji dipped her head and glanced down, muttering, "It's wise to resume my identity at this time... Otherwise, I'll suffocate to death one day..."
Because her body was "enhanced," Liu Xi's thin body had grown very well. Not only was she tall, but her feminine characteristics had developed well.
Huijun had made very comprehensive preparations. She had even prepared intimate things like undergarments to cover her chest and abdomen.
Jiang Pengji raised her hands and examined her own breasts for the first time in a long time. It seemed she would have to find a new way to support them. After all, she wanted to treat herself well.
Before long, Jiang Pengji was neatly dressed.
"I look weird..."
She pulled at the sleeves. This garment was a teal color, which was neither too lively nor too old-fashioned.
But she had a weird sense that she looked like someone's godfather in women's clothing.
When Huijun, who was outside, saw Jiang Pengji's attire, she immediately laughed.
"Master, you haven't changed your hairstyle."
Naturally, she looked awkward with her hair in a man's bun while wearing a feminine outfit.
Jiang Pengji had been in this world for many years, but so far, she'd only learned how to comb her hair into a large ponytail. Naturally, someone else had to help her with her hair.
Huijun did not groom her hair into a complicated style for the rich and noble. Instead, she chose the most common style, a loose and low-hanging hairstyle that framed her face. There were no extra hair ornaments either. She didn't put on a headscarf, much less a hair comb or other dangling hair ornament. As for those exquisite head ornaments or pieces of jewelry, she did not put on even a single one of them.
"It's too plain, even the servant girl waiting on you wears a couple of plain silver hairpins..."
As Huijun spoke, she raised her hands to help Jiang Pengji trim the shape of her eyebrows. She looked a little less severe and more gentle now.
Jiang Pengji closed her eyes and let Huijun fuss over her face however she liked.
"But master, those rich and luxurious decorations don't suit you either. You're not that vain about your appearance."
Huijun wanted to select a pair of pearl earrings and put them on Jiang Pengji, but in the end, she found that she didn't have pierced ears.
Jiang Pengji opened her eyes and looked at the bold and handsome girl in the bronze mirror. She pulled at her lips. Finally, she didn't have that weird feeling of being a godfather in women's clothing.
"Your lips are a bit pale, it's better to apply a little rouge... It's done."
Jiang Pengji opened the livestream and a hundred and fifty thousand viewers flocked in. Then...
Meierniang: Where's the host? Where did she go?
Fade to dust: Something bad happened, the host is gone!
The livestream viewers looked for the familiar figure of the young man, but to their astonishment found that the silhouette of the host was missing.
Falling Purple Stars Of A Fantasy: Wait—the young lady next to Huijun.... could she be the host?
Everyone scrutinized Jiang Pengji's face. Indeed, that was the host's face.
Mo Lingyin: I'm finally seeing the host in women's clothing after watching the livestream for so many years. I have no regrets in my life.
Rear Mountains and Shallow Waters: I thought I would see the King-Kong-Barbie-Nezha version of the host. I didn't expect this. She's quite pretty!
Jiang Pengji was not a woman with a man's appearance, it was just that her looks tended towards being more handsome. After putting on women's clothes and restyling her hair, no one would assume that she was a man.
In a split second, the bullet screen of the livestream turned into a barrage of exclamation marks and emoticons that represented the viewers' alarm.
The corners of Jiang Pengji's eyes spasmed. Only with this was she able to restrain the urge to forcibly shut off the livestream.
"Huijun, do you think I'll scare anybody if I go out looking like this?"
Huijun covered her lips as she smiled. "When you're dressed in men's clothing, you look confident, at ease, clear, and full of deep meaning. When you change into women's clothes, you look handsome, courageous, and full of vitality. How could you scare anybody?"
Jiang Pengji answered, "You'd be surprised."


Jiang Pengji got something called the Court Intrigue Stream System.
System: "Your goal is to become the most prestigious woman in the kingdom (the Queen)!" 
Jiang Pengji: "Okay, System. No problem!"
Years later, she met the target by becoming the most prestigious woman (the Empress).
Jiang Pengji: "Well done, no?"
System: "Why the hack did you fight on horseback? I want court intrigue among the King's women!"

#how a future general wins the ancient throne
#Her man watches in silence, the System watches with tears

Night had fallen at Lunarton City's aeroport, and the first plane out was preparing to leave. Passengers headed that way were in the middle of boarding, and it was getting close to full capacity. Right at the entrance of the boarding gate, however, a short black cat and a smaller teal bat were occupied with haggling with a couple other would-be passengers.
"Please, come on!" Mao Mao was aggressively doing what he could to keep the two people's attention on him, hoping to stall for a little more time to negotiate. "You don't need to be anywhere in less than a day, do you?" The two shook their heads but got ready to say something else, but Mao Mao interrupted them at the first hint of the word 'however'. "This is an emergency! We don't have much time!"
"I can see that," one of the two said, "but we've already put our time and energy into making this trip." They heard the intercom behind them abounding that boarding was going to end soon. They turned to leave and head through the gate.
"Just wait, please!" Eugene called fearfully.
The other two stopped and turned again to look at Eugene and Mao Mao with frustration. "What could be so important that you want us to switch with you and delay our own plans?" the other one of the two said exasperatedly.
Eugene paused, unsure of how to properly express his intentions. But it all came out with a restrained sob, coming directly from his heart. "I'm desperate." The two strangers looked at each other as their faces gently morphed into that of concern. Eugene kept going. "From a father trying to get home to his little girl, please."
The two looked at each other again. "Oh alright," they conceded, handing Eugene and Mao Mao their own aero ticket.
Eugene and Mao Mao couldn't be happier. "Oh thank you!" they said to the two good strangers. "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!" Without wasting further time, both cat and bat seized their gifted chance and went straight to boarding.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Late at night, Adorabat nestled herself comfortably on the triple-decker bunk bed. While she hung upside down on her part of the bunk, which was the middle, she stared wistfully at the framed picture of herself, Mao Mao, and Badgerclops for long time. As she looked, she thought about all the wonderful and awesome times she's had with them together. She couldn't deny it: she was starting to miss them.
"I didn't mean what I said," she quietly told the figures in the photo. "If you come back, I'll never wish for you to go away again." She took another spare glance at the cold winter weather outside the window before looking back at the photo once again. "Good night."
Adorabat gently kissed the photo and placed it on the middle bed below her, since she was actually hanging upside-down by her feet under the top bed above her. She closed her eyes and waited for sleep to come.

It's Snowfest, and the Sheriff's Department has been asked (well, ordered) by the king of Pure Heart Valley to organize a holiday trip for some of the Sweetypie children. In the morning mad rush to make it to their vacation destination, they all make one little oversight involving a little blue bat-deputy who ended up getting left behind.

A Christmas-themed 'Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart'-story based on the film 'Home Alone'. 
(Happy 30th anniversary, Home Alone!)

Previously on Conan's last run, 

"We are all here today, to say goodbye to an old friend, that we have grown fond of and love", said Professor Agasa.

"I must say that I enjoyed being Conan Edogawa, learning more about myself and the people around me", Conan admitted.

"You know, I would think of Conan as my best friend and brother as well, I enjoyed solving mysteries with you and being able to come to you if I needed help with other things", Heiji announced.

"I didn't really think it through, but in a way, I see Conan as my own little brother, i'm glad that I came here to find you, little magician", replied Sera.

"I will say, that even that this brat caused me a lot of trouble, I was happy to have him around as my good luck charm", said Mouri.

"I was nice, that even though that you were stuck in this state that you helped us with our cases", said Inspector Megure, holding out his hand to Conan. "And I hope you'll still help us and Shinichi".

"Of course", said Conan,as he shakes Inspector Megure's hand.

"It was fun, having you around Conan", said Kazuha, with a nice smile.

Conan feels Haibara's hand, so he turns around and sees Haibara heart-filled look on her face.

"I will admit it that I liked you as Conan, and I liked that you actually convince to become a better person, and i'll miss you Conan Edogawa", Haibara admitted.

Conan smiles and asks "So, you're actually going to stay this way?"

"I didn't have a life that I was happy with as Shiho Miyano, so i'm going to restart as Ai Haibara", said Haibara.

"If that's what you think is best, then i'm happy for you", said Conan, then walks off.
"Little did I know, I felt in my heart I wanted you to stay as Conan too", Haibara thought in her head, as she sees Conan walk away.

"And I appreciate your help with my parent's case and actually wanting to be a friend of mine", Suzume admitted.
"You are welcome", said Conan.

Mr. Daniel smiles at Conan, bends his neck, and says "Thanks for the antidote, Ms. Yoshita, has had a hard time in this life. This is the first time in a while, I have seen her smile".

"You're quite welcome", Conan whispered back.

Suzume is in the bathroom,looking in the mirror as she holds the antidote.

"Well, goodbye Yoshita Suzume", said Alma/Suzume, then takes the pill.

Immediately, she feels pain, which makes her end up on the floor, while on the floor she slowly grows back into her original body.

Dr. Green entering the bathroom, looks at the mirror, Suzume gives Dr. Green, her regular clothes.

"Thank you, Suzume, what do you think will happen after this day", Dr. Green blushed.

"For that answer, I'll give you is do you still feel for me, the same way", Suzume whispered.

Conan looks at Ran and smiles nervously.
"It's time", whispered Ran, and gives one last hug for Conan.

Conan heads to the bathroom, holding the antidote, looks at the mirror.

"So, long have I've been stuck as Conan Edogawa, but it's about to end", said Conan, looking at himself in the mirror.

The screen shows where chapter 3 ended, with Shinichi and Ran kissing, and everybody around them smiling.
"What a beautiful moment, too bad, the day has to end", quoted Alma.

"Maybe it doesn't the day, isn't over yet, how about we take a special trip, what do you say Alma-san?" suggested Ran.

"What kind of trip?" asked Alma.

"A friend of mine sent me a message about a party, and I was wondering, if you like to come

"Okay", Alma agreed. "But, I don't think that the best way to introduce him back".

"I have a better idea to announce i'm back, but first I need your help", said Shinichi.

"What kind of help?" asked Alma.

"I'm going to need you to make a grand entrance", said Shinichi.

"Okay, Mr. Daniel, where's my phone?" asked Alma, as she put on her sunglasses.

Mr. Daniel gives Alma her phone, which was in her limousine.

Alma makes a quick phone call, and says "We have ten minutes, whatever you're going to do, Shinichi, do it quick".

Alma walks into her old limousine, that's for her teenage self, Dr. Green, and Mr. Daniel follow her, then the limousine leaves.

"Shinichi, how are we going to get dressed that fast?" asked Ran.

"Alma, may have acted surprised, but she knew what we were going to do before we knew", Shinichi pointed out, showing a dress and tux.

Ran looked surprised and says "Are you sure you never met her before?"

"Not in this lifetime", said Shinichi.

The screen switches to Shinichi in a black tux, and Ran in a teal dress, with teal heels to match.

Alma is still in the limousine, takes off her sunglasses, reaches in her purse, finds purple lipstick, and puts it around her lips.
"Alma, are you sure, it's safe for us to stay here?" questioned Dr. Green.

"We've spread too much information, and I don't entirely trust that Shinichi kid", said Mr. Daniel.

"You worry too much, besides if they were really that smart, they would've gotten rid of us, they're too kind-hearted", Alma noticed, while putting on blush.

"You scanned these people well?" Mr. Daniel asks Alma with a serious tone.

"So, well, that even they don't know what's going on", answered Alama.

Mr. Daniel looks at the mirror seeing cars following them, and says "they're here".

"Right on cue", smiled Alma, then signals Mr. Daniel to turn to the park.

At the park, many people with cameras created a line, so Alma gets out of the limousine and smiles at everybody.

"Hello, Alma Stone is back!" announced Alma with a giant smile.

The crowd of people cheered.

Mr. Daniel and Dr. Green got out of the car beside Alma.

"See I told you, they would create their own line", Alma whispered.

"I guess you were more prepared than I believed", Dr. Green admitted.

"You know I am", said Alma.

"Now! Who has a question?" Alma ask the crowd.

Alma picks a woman reporter.

"Where did you disappear, where you out of ideas and needed a break. Or did finally find the right woman?" questioned the reporter,

"Both, I was tired and I needed a break, and in-between this break I found a special girl", said Alma.

Alma calls Dr. Green over and the people takes many pictures of them together.

By the way, Dr. Green and Alma are only two years apart, sorry I made it seem like she is thirty years old or older.

"Let me tell you, while I was on break, I met a special person Kudo Shinichi, the great detective of the East", Alma announced.

Hearing that news the crowd grew louder, and started asking a whole bunch of questions, which Alma, Dr. Green, and Mr. Daniel answered easily.

Hold it right there evil demon!
I, the hero, will put an end to your evil schemes!
HAAA!!
The sound of rattling can be heard as I swing down a golden sword decorated with expensive-looking jewels down onto an armour stand wearing a loosely fitted helmet, causing it to fall over and tumble into the pile of gold beneath it.
For the last hour, from the moment I entered this room, I've been messing around with whatever I can find and role-playing.
I know it's immature but...who wouldn't play around if they found something like this!?
Though if anyone ever saw me playing around like this I would, without a doubt, run to find a hole and attempt to bury myself in it out of shame.
After losing interest and chucking away the golden sword, I floated towards a nearby chest and began rummaging through its contents.
Oh! This looks interesting!
An expensive-looking monocle can be seen as I slowly pulled it out of the chest. All of the parts except the lens were made from gold and it had a thin chain attached to the side of it.
After fiddling with it and swinging it around in circles by the chain, I proceeded to look around the area for something to do.
Soon I spot a full-length mirror decorated with gold leaning against a large pillar.
Perfect.
Floating up towards the mirror, I beginn to play around with the monocle and held it in front of my left eye.
Even though I can't wear it since it'll just pass through me, I can still hold it in place with telekinesis and make it look like I am.
Hehe. I look smart.
WAH!
Suddenly, through the monocle, a window displaying the status of the mirror pops up in a see-through light blue colour.
--
Object: Large mirror
Enchantments: None
Description: A high-quality full-size mirror made framed with gold.
---
No way. This is...appraisal?
In many of the novels I've read in my previous life, appraisal was an ability to gather information about items and creatures just by looking at them.
I don't get how it works but at this point, I've given up on normal logic.
Wait, could I use the monocle to appraise itself through the mirror?
Thinking about this, I float up closer to the mirror and stared at the reflection of the monocle through its glass.
Soon enough, another window full of stats appears.
---
Object: Elnour's Monocle
Enchantments:「Appraisal」
Description: A magic item once owned by a famous appraiser who lived a long time ago. Allows the user to view information about objects within line of sight.
---
This expensive-looking monocle is a magic item? It also says appraisal in its enchantments.
That means this thing should be special right?
Come to think of it, I'm also detecting a tingly feeling from this thing through my sixth sense.
But compared to the vault door back at the solar, it feels more...delicate?
What is this tingly feeling anyway?
Maybe its some sort of energy?
I also found a few other items in this place with a similar tingly feeling on it but didn't know what it was so I just chucked them back into the piles of gold after fiddling with it.
As I continue to look around and contemplate different things, a new idea springs up in my mind.
...what if I appraise myself?
Pulling up the monocle to my eye once more, I stared at my reflection in the mirror as a new window appears.
---
Name: None
Race: Energy life form
Title: Reincarnator from another world
Element magic: Light, Dark
Unique magic: Psychic, Construction, General
Skills:「Magic Extraction」,「Metaphysical Calculation」,「Magic Sense」
,「Telekinesis」,「Ancient Tool Construction」
Race Skills:「Energy Life」
Resistances:「Physical Immunity」,「Thermal Resistance」
---
My mind goes blank as I read the information about myself.
My race and title I've already figured out since that weird female voice told me but...this is something else.
Element magic? Unique magic? and what's with these skills?
As if answering my question, a new window pops up in the monocle and displays information about my skills.
---
Skills:
「Magic Extraction」- General
Allows the user to extract magic and enchantments from objects and utilize them. The effects of the extracted magic may change depending on the subject.
「Metaphysical Calculation」- General
Grants the user powerful calculative abilities and enables them to gain a deeper understanding of magic and science through analysis.
「Magic Sense」- Sensory
The user can perceive surrounding magical energy and calculate the appearance and physical positions of nearby objects.
「Telekinesis」- Psychic
The user can interact with objects and physical matter with their mind.
「Ancient Tool Construction」- Construction
Allows the user to create objects using desired materials and magic at their disposal. Any tool with practical use created with this skill will be crafted with techniques of an advanced ancient civilization that have been long lost.
Race Skills:
「Energy Life」
The host's body is purely made up of energy and has high compatibility with any supernatural source of energy. If the energy of the host runs out, the host will die.
Resistances:
「Physical Immunity」
The user's body is completely immune to physical attacks.
「Thermal Resistance」
The user's body is resistant to hot and cold attacks.
---
...What the heck?
Ok. Let's think for a second.
It didn't tell me what element and unique magic is but it did tell me about my skills.
So from what I can understand, skills are like abilities that I can use.
My「Telekinesis」skill is something I'm already familiar with and my sixth sense turned out to be「Magic Sense」.
Most of my skills are fairly easy to understand but my race skill,「Energy Life」, is the one that perplexes me the most.
If I run out of energy...I'll die?
If I were to put this in a game sense, doesn't that mean my mp and hp bar have been merged?
Does that mean I'll die if something drains my mp?
Crap, that's scary. I'll think about it later...
For now, I think I'll experiment a little with my skills.
Let's start with「Magic Extraction」since It looks like the most straightforward one that I haven't used yet.
But...how do I use it?
Do I use the same sensation as「Telekinesis」where I just use imagination?
Soon, after concentrating and visualizing, information about the skill and how to use it flows into my mind.
...I need something to extract magic from.
I guess I'll try extracting from the monocle first.
Following the instructions in my mind, I bring the monocle closer to my body before activating my skill on it.
Soon, information and details about the appraisal skill enter my mind as the tingly feeling coming from the monocle gets dimmer and dimmer before finally disappearing completely.
---
「Appraisal」
Allows the user to view information of focused object within the user's perspective.
---
It worked!
Also, appraisal seems to have changed after being extracted.
When it was still on the monocle, the user could only appraise things through the magic item. Now it just has to be within my perspective.
If we're talking about perspective then I should be able to use the skill on things outside my line of sight since I'm able to perceive things around me using magic sense.
I should also be able to appraise myself without looking in the mirror as well.
I take a few seconds to test my theories which prove to be correct.
This「Magic Extraction」skill is so amazing. I can extract abilities from objects and use them for myself.
Does this mean I've become a floating recycling machine?
After admiring my skill for the next few minutes, I snap back to reality before floating upwards and looking around for more things to recycle.
Some distance from where I am currently at, a large blue chest neatly positioned on a stone slab can be seen. The area around the chest was clear of the gold coins and treasures that can be seen in almost every inch of this huge room.
Looks important.
As I floated closer towards it, another tingly feeling similar to the vault door starts to emanate from the chest.
Every detail of this chest is so elaborate, it was edged with gold and had a lock in the shape of a dragon's head. Its practically screaming the fact that it has something important inside.
---
Object: Royal blue chest
Enchantments:「Tamper Proof」,「Magic Reinforcement」
Description: A chest magic item reinforced with magic and enchanted with measures against pick locking and unlocking spells.
---
Instead of appearing as a window, now my new appraisal skill sends information directly into my mind which saves me the trouble of reading things.
I can't open the chest no matter how much I try to pull open the lid which means that it's locked.
While I do wanna see what's inside, I also don't feel like squeezing through it since its so uncomfortable.
Passing through the vault door by force was already a terrible experience.
Let's try using「Magic Extraction」.
Activating my skill, the tingly feeling starts to get dimmer and dimmer. After a few minutes the extraction finally finishes, leaving the chest with no enchantments.
The chest also seems to have unlocked itself since there is was no resistance when I opened it.
...wow.
The sight of a magnificent looking sword laying across the middle at the bottom of the chest on a cushion leaves me in awe as I continue to stare in admiration.
It looked just like something straight out of a fairy tale.
It was a large broadsword with an elaborate hilt. The guard and pommel of the sword were covered in a gold-like material and the grip was made from a red material similar to leather. The blade itself was mostly a teal-green colour and a slight tint of blue could be seen glowing on the edges of the blade.
---
Name: Arondite
Enchantments:「Razor Edge」,「Advanced Magic Reinforcement」,
「Anti-Magic」,「Energy blast」
Description: A legendary sword once used by a hero to slay a dragon and was created through the combined efforts of talented blacksmiths and mages. Has an extremely sharp and durable edge that can cut steel like paper and erases any magic it comes into contact with below tier 3. User can charge the sword with mana to release a ranged energy attack, the amount of power depends on the amount of energy charged.
---
I picked up the sword using my telekinesis and continue to inspect it before giving it a few swings in curiosity. Arcs of blue light can be seen trailing behind the blade every time I swing it and sounds of air being cut echos around me.
Not only does it look cool, but it's super easy to swing. I've never actually held a sword before but anyone could tell that this is a good sword just by holding it.
As expected of a legendary sword.
After swinging it a few more times, I bring my attention back to the chest to see if anything else is in it.
Apart from the Arondite sword that I am currently holding, there were two other items in the chest.
One is a rich-looking duffel bag made from leather and the other being a piece of parchment about the size of an A3 paper.
My「Magic Sense」has picked up a tingly feeling from everything that was in this chest including the sword. At this point, I think its safe to assume that anything with this tingly feeling is enchanted in some way.
For now, I'll just call these things magic items, just like in RPG games.
After gently lowering Arondite onto the stone tiles, I picked up the duffel bag from inside the chest to appraise it.
---
Object: Spacial magic bag
Enchantments:「Dimensional Storage」
Description: A bag that stores items placed into it in a separate dimension and weighs the same no matter how much is placed inside; can store up to one thousand kilograms worth of items. Any item placed inside will be perfectly preserved until it is taken out.
---
Ohhh!
This is the same as the inventory function in games, super convenient!
After thinking for a moment, I activate my「Magic Extraction」on the bag as information about the「Dimensional Storage」enchantment enters my mind and becomes usable for me.
Soon the extraction completes, turning the spacial bag into a normal bag.
The one thousand kilogram limit on the skill was also removed when I extracted it.
I checked if there was anything inside the storage but it seems to be empty.
Would have been nice if you left something in here for me you know?
How inconsiderate.
Next comes the piece of parchment.
At first glance, it doesn't look like anything special, but the fact that it's in the chest makes it worth checking out.
A few seconds after I picked up the piece of parchment to inspect it, thin black lines began to appear at the bottom and stretched their way upwards. Each line made its path, some paralleled with each other while others intersected and spread out.
This is...a magical map!
---
Object: Explorer's map
Enchantments:「Arcane Mapping」,「Life Form Detector」
Description: A magical document that displays areas that have been recorded in it. Not only does it show every inch of the areas recorded but also reveals the current location of any significant being along with their name as long as their stealth skill does not exceed this item's detection ability.
---
...Where have I seen this before?
The large oval-shaped room in the middle of the map is probably the treasury I'm currently in and the small room connected to it must be the solar I was in. Since the map can also mark the location of beings, that means the little grey dot in the treasury must be me!
Instead of a name, a question mark hovers next to my location on the map. That's probably because I don't have a name.
After extracting the enchantments from the map, information about all the areas mapped on it gets displayed in my mind.
I take a moment to digest the information and begin to think.
This place had about 4 levels in total with the top-level being connected to a cave. My suspicion of this place being underground was right but I didn't expect it to be this deep. Judging by the map, I'm probably a few kilometres below ground level.
There's a lot of areas recorded on the map but my main focus, for now, is the palace I'm currently in.
Each room and area in the palace had a tag on it to indicate what it was which was convenient. But, what caught my attention were two rooms that were next to each other and not far away from the solar.
The first room that was closer to me was the king's office and was about the same size as the solar. The other room was the library of the palace and was fairly large, about a quarter of the treasury in size.
If I go there I might be able to find information about this place!
I probably won't be able to read anything since the written language here is one I've never seen before...but there should still be some hope!
Maybe!
Hopefully!
With my next destination decided, I begin to think of anything I should do in this place before I leave.
Wait...since the weight limit on my「Dimensional Storage」got removed, can't I just collect all the treasures in this room?
Hehehe, this is gonna be fun.
Stealing? What do you mean?
It's not a crime if you're not caught.
After spending the next hour emptying the treasury and placing it in my storage, I headed out of the treasury and began to make my way to my next destination.
First stop, King's office.

A story about a normal high school student who sacrificed his own life to save his friends in a critical moment reincarnating to the world of Sardonia. Instead reincarnating into a hero... he became a ball of light?


This is my first ever novel. Hope you enjoy.

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