"Alkef, wake up, it's time for breakfast"

I try to open my eyes and try to remove any eye crust that had accumulated. I don't know how long my sleep was but I've been too busy worrying about things that night that I might have dozed off without me intending to.

I got up and head to the washroom to freshen myself up. After being done with that, I notice that my parents were already done with changing clothes, so I immediately rushed to change mine as well.

After I'm done, we head downstairs to the dining hall once more. Noticing that one of the wall ornaments in the inn being a spear, I couldn't help but ask father.

"Father, you said were a Tier 4 Spearman, does that mean you fought monsters with a spear?"

My father seeing as though I was interested in his former occupation couldn't help to enthusiastically answer.

"I did mention that. Yes, I did fight monsters with a spear, but I also had a short sword as a sidearm in case using a spear against the monster would be more of a disadvantage. Even if a spear seems to be one of the safest melee weapons to wield, it is not easy to master. I had to train for years under an expert until I was capable enough to be called a Tier 4 Spearman"

"Why is there a 'Tier'?"

Father then looked at mother.

"Should we tell him?"

Mother was pondering for a bit but eventually nodded.

"Alkef, your father and I went adventuring together, we actually met in a skirmish between two nations and the side each of us were on weren't allies"

I wanted to know more but we arrived in the dining hall once more. Again, it was a buffet-style meal. This inn's lodging fees must be quite expensive for it to be able to afford a buffet every meal. Also, I haven't seen the mode of currency but since what I usually hear from my parents' luggage would be the jingle of heavy coins, it might be those precious metals like gold and silver.

Scanning the dining hall for a bit, my attention was immediately caught by the constant waving of an arm. As expected, it was Vanessa. She stood on one of the chairs waving at us and beside her was a couple. The female having short red hair with a similar shade to Vanessa while the male was a big burly man with dark brown hair with a similar shade to that of a bear's. If my assumptions were correct, they were Vanessa's parents.

Noticing that we could see where she was, she immediately darted towards us.

"Dad asked if you would like to join us for breakfast!"

Father then replied.

"That would be good"

He then slightly pushed my back as if directing me to follow Vanessa at their table. I had no choice but to do so.

"Did you have a good rest?"

"Yeah"

"You don't talk much do you? Are you still shy?"

'Well this was quite a question'

I don't know what to properly answer from this so I just nodded.

"Well, you shouldn't!"

She then grabbed my hand as we were on our way to her parents' table.

'Seriously, this girl….'

As we arrived at the table, I can see that her father was immediately looking at our hands and was quick to ask.

"So, this is Alkef"

Before Vanessa could reply, I immediately said.

"Yes, sir. Good morning, sir"

And I immediately removed my hand from Vanessa's grasp afterward and went to one of the chairs. Noticing my rather direct and stern greeting, Vanessa's father nodded as if he had appreciated it. Looking at this man right in front of me, I could immediately tell that he was a military man. He had an unwavering gaze that felt like nothing could shake him and an expressionless face as if nothing interests him. He has good posture and his body language showed that he was rather disciplined but also rather domineering. I've met people like him before in my office back then when I was still Samuel.

Doing all these, Vanessa stared at me in bewilderment. As I managed to sit, he then said.

"As you have met our daughter yesterday, we failed to be with her during dinner due to certain circumstances. Thank you for staying with her during our absence"

Before I could reply, Vanessa's mother suddenly said.

"Dear, you don't have to be that formal"

Vanessa's father then sighed and nodded. Composing himself once more.

"Well then Alkef, I'm Brausman, Vanessa's father, and she is Victoria, her mother"

"Good morning, Alkef. Thank you for being with Vanessa while we were busy yesterday"

"You're welcome."

"As Vanessa told us earlier, you came from a village not too far from here?"

"Yes, I had to undergo an examination in a church when I was feeling unwell"

"Were you sick? You seem rather healthy now, however?"

Before I could reply, my parents then arrived at the table and the couple's attention was then directed at them.

"Mr. Norford and Mrs. Shila, please, have a seat."

This sort of greeting and talking has been very taxing for me. It's been too formal despite Victoria already saying earlier to drop the formalities. I don't remember normal conversations sounding this formal. Maybe I'm just too watchful of what I have to say since I am trying to gauge the types of people I am talking to. I can understand and do well when conversing among adults but it's really difficult trying to act younger and inferior to another just because you are physically younger than them. I guess I just got too accustomed to speaking with my family and familiar adults that when I am actually put into a conversation with an adult stranger, I am having my own reservations.

My parents then took their seats and as usual, my mother placed a plate full of food right in front of me. It's frustrating that she gets to decide what I want to eat. I have to act obedient and quiet at all times as that is the personality and alibi I plan to portray. I actually wanted more meat but all I get are most likely vegetables and fruits with just a bit of fish and meat; at least there's more variety when compared with last night. I honestly don't know what these things are called since I didn't bother inquiring about them. I can't call this fruit with red skin and a white interior an 'apple' nor can I call this fish that tastes like tuna as 'tuna'. I do not question and just eat what is given to me, simple as that. I definitely have to start reading more about things soon although I'm not much of an avid reader myself.

As they had just arrived, I had to introduce the couple to my parents.

"Mother, Father, these are Mr. Brausman and Mrs. Victoria, my friend Vanessa's parents"

I had to say 'my friend' as some kind of lip service for everyone in the table. As a clarification that I have accepted Vanessa's offer of friendship, I have made friends with the couple's daughter, and so that my parents would be happy that I found a 'friend'.

With that introduction, the earlier question directed towards me was then asked to my parents who later answered that I 'merely caught a cold' and that all I needed was some bed rest. It's good that they haven't forgotten uncle's warning yesterday.

Thus their conversation continued until breakfast ended. I thought that we would be leaving soon but then my parents then said.

"I guess we can stay here for one more day so that you can get more acquainted with the other children here"

I wanted to reject that proposition but I just can't. However, that didn't mean that I couldn't bring up a decent excuse

"What about Big Brother Fon and Brother Rael?"

"We'll call them using the [Comco] to inform them that we will be delayed for a day"

"[Comco]?"

'Like a phone? Seriously Tyrian, you're such a fraud!'

Father then took out a spherical object from his bag that looked like the ones that the reception lady in the Church had used. So that's what it was called here. By the naming scheme of this device, I just know that it's that Tyrian fellow who made it as well.

With this extended stay, I guess my plans will be sort of delayed for a while. Since breakfast was over, Vanessa immediately grabbed my hand and she told me that we will be going to the nearby play area. I looked at my parents as if asking for permission but my mother simply nodded while looking at me while my father was busy speaking to Brausman.

Leaving the inn for the first time, I am now walking on the pavement that I've been looking at from the window yesterday, the streetlight-like pole stood at every corner of a block. This place was fairly well lit so I guess that streets here are rather safe. However looking closely at the alleys, I would notice loiterers and some beggars. So it still felt like a normal city or town, in my previous world that is. Where the light of progress and development shines brightly thus casts the shadow of stagnancy and poverty.

Not long after, I could see an open field that was filled with children. I was expecting some kind of playground but the play area was just an open field. I could see children running around most likely playing the universal game of tag, some were drawing something on the ground with a stick, others were climbing trees or skipping stones at a pond. There were also some who were a lot less energetic and was just sitting down on the grass. Those were the children I am more interested to converse with but, alas, I have no choice but to stick with Vanessa as I am 'the new face' despite me just staying here for one more day.

One of the kids then called out to Vanessa.

"Vanessa! Over here!"

The kid that called her had clothes that were fairly simple. He wore a beige shirt of probably a cloth material and dark red pants. His hair was brown sort of like mine only of a lighter shade and was rather thinner than me. He was most likely three years older than me as not only was he a lot taller than me but he no longer had any trace of baby fat, unlike me.

"Kelon!"

Vanessa yelled back and waved. The name Kelon was also rather strange-sounding so the most likely fact is that the naming sense of this place is just strange.

"Who's this?"

Noticing Vanessa dragging me along, Kelon decided to ask and with his question, the other kids who were playing with him earlier decided to stop and also looked at me. This is really giving me an uncomfortable feeling. Vanessa then decided to break the tension I was feeling.

Pulling me a bit forward, she then said.

"This is Alkef. He lives in a village not too far from here and decided to go here to meet a priest in the Church of Hure yesterday"

"Oh, was he sick?"

I decided to reply.

"I am but feeling a bit better after a good night's rest"

I then let go of Vanessa's hand.

"And since I am still recovering, it would be bad for me to play with you guys so I'll just watch from the side"

I said so as I decided to sit on a patch of grass not too far from the place where they played earlier. As if remembering that fact, Vanessa had a surprised look then later a downcast expression. I guess she had forgotten about that. Kelon then looked as if he understood my circumstance, and decided to lead Vanessa towards the other kids. Vanessa looked back looking a bit disappointed but I simply smiled and waved at her.

Honestly, I could play with the other kids if I wanted to, as mother blessed me with [Stamina Boost] just before we left the room to get breakfast, but I'm clearly in no mood to play these childish games. I simply wanted to relax and observe the children here. Wondering and checking how they are so different from the children in my previous world. They are my future potential victims after all.

Also, there was another reason. Kelon seemed to be the 'leader' of the bunch and I noticed that he was a bit displeased of my sudden appearance. Comparing my clothing with the other kids here, it was safe to say that my clothes gave off a 'rich' air that was sort of out of place in this play area. It may be that I looked like some rich arrogant child that would try and lord over the other kids here. That may be the impression he had with my appearance or that he may just be interested in Vanessa. Compared to the other children here, Vanessa's appearance did stick out and was more aesthetically appealing so it would be possible that he didn't like that she was holding my hand. Thus not wanting to enter into any potential conflict, I decided to use my illness as an excuse to refrain from joining and wait for the 'leader' Kelon to invite me. Only with his approval will I actually belong to this group and for the others to accept me.

Time passed and eventually I noticed Kelon approaching me. He then waved at me and sat next to me. He was breathing heavily so it seemed that he was going to rest and chose to do so while probably getting to know me better.

"Hey Alkef"

"Hello, Kelon"

"So, you live in one of the nearby villages, right? Which one?"

"Gengro Village"

"Huh. That village sounds familiar. How do you get there exactly?"

"Honestly, I don't really know. I slept through the whole trip since I was sick so I didn't actually get to observe the area we came from going here"

Noticing my answer, Kelon decided to inquire something about me.

"Alkef, how old are you?"

"Three"

Realizing that I was a lot younger than him, Kelon's expression grew softer.

"Oh, is that so. This is your first time going here in Sevis City?"

I nodded then I decided to ask him.

"How old are you?"

"I turned six years old three months ago. So welcome to Sevis City I guess, it's too bad that you can't play since you're still sick but you might as well go and meet the others while you are here. I also heard that you'll be leaving tomorrow so you should at least make some more friends before you leave"

Kelon then grabbed my hand and led me to the group. There were seven kids in total including Vanessa and Kelon. The others were Loros, Irya, Torm, Brusko, and Rander. Five boys and two girls. Exchanging our greetings, I sat down again and continued observing the play area. Then from afar I could see a kid who was fairly taller than Kelon and without a doubt showcased the aura of some sort of schoolyard bully. As I watched him enter the play area, he looked over the entire place and then saw me. Realizing that I was new here, he quickly walked towards me.

Noticing the bully of the area coming towards me, Kelon decided to stop playing and blocked the tall kid's way.

"Move over, Kelon"

"Stop it Caltro, he's a new friend and he's sick"

Caltro then fell silent but did not move as well. He then looked over Kelon's shoulder and talked to me.

"Hey new kid, what's your name?"

"Alkef"

"Alkef, well it's a good thing you're sick"

Caltro then pushed Kelon and left. The confrontation was supposed to be over but Vanessa seeing Kelon on the ground decided to further confront Caltro. I honestly don't care what happens to either of these kids as bullying is sort of a normal scenario among children. Especially around this age since most children still haven't properly developed a more thorough concept of right and wrong. Older children will always want to assert their dominance one way or another and it would usually tend towards the violent side of things. The only moment bullying becomes an actual problem is when these acts carry out among teenagers or adults since these create a rather memorable experience to more developed minds. My displeasure for bullying doesn't stem from my own experience but rather the entire half-assed concept of it. Isn't bullying just half-assed torture? When I do things, I don't half-ass it. So when I torture someone, I make sure to kill them. Is it an act of mercy? No. It's more like a story. Torture is supposed to be the rising action to the climax which is the act of killing. If you just torture someone and end it there, you don't reach the climax. Mere torture is half-assed, and bullying is even more half-assed torture.

Awakening myself from these thoughts, I see Vanessa then get near Caltro while he was walking away. Caltro noticing that immediately turned around and had also strongly pushed her leading Vanessa to suddenly fall as well. Unlike Kelon who remained uninjured, she seems to have had her left palm slightly scraped, and that clearly made her very upset as her entire body seems to be shaking from fury. Seeing this, I still remained seated on the grass and as expected, Kelon approached Vanessa to help her up. However, something I didn't expect happened.

Vanessa did not accept Kelon's help, and immediately stood up and dashed towards Caltro. Then she tackled his back which led to Caltro falling over badly. Then while taking advantage of Caltro's temporary surprise and vulnerability, she rode of top of his stomach and started punching him in the face.

The other children were cheering and there I was watching while being very amused as well. Who would have thought that Vanessa was actually like this? A rather assertive and strong little girl. Her being energetic is common among children but I didn't expect her to be quite a brute. Who knew that she would be as hardy as her father. This was probably the result of being raised by a man of the military.

It had already been a few moments and she still kept on pummeling Caltro and the cheers eventually died down. She still kept on hitting him and it didn't need any extra bit of attentiveness to see that Caltro had been bawling and quietly apologizing while trying to block any further hits from Vanessa.

Although the other children didn't like the bully known as Caltro, it was noticeable that they had started to worry. Looking at Kelon's expression, it seems that this wasn't a common occurrence and that it was the first time that he had seen Vanessa actually act so aggressively.

Seeing as how no one would stop the onslaught, I decided to... Still watch as she continued to throw her fists at him...

Was what I intended to do.

However, another unexpected thing happened.

My body then moved suddenly without my control as if I was only a passenger in a vehicle. My body moved towards Vanessa and Caltro as fast as I could and grabbed on to one of her arms. Finally snapping out of it, Vanessa looked back and saw that I was the one who stopped her berserk. She looked back at her target and finally noticed that Caltro's face was riddled with injuries. She immediately got up and ran away towards the direction where the inn was.

This set of movement that my body had currently done was not something that I had intended to do. Honestly, I had no intention nor the thought of doing this ever crossing my mind; I love seeing violence after all and it's been a long while since I actually witnessed a genuine one firsthand.

The fighting having stopped in a rather unsightly scene, the crowd of children immediately dispersed as if afraid that they would any way be implicated with this. As I still had no control over my body, I then offered my hand towards Caltro to help him up.

He looked unsightly and he flinched a bit when he saw my hands move towards him. I still had no control during this moment and words suddenly came out of my mouth.

"Are you okay?"

Caltro only nodded a bit but it was clear that he wasn't actually okay. He grabbed my hand and used it to help himself up but my body did not let go of his hands and instead, it started walking. I seem to be leading him somewhere. As I was only a viewer of this exchange, I then notice the familiar way towards the church.

Eventually, we arrived there and I requested aid from a receptionist as if I was used to it. I requested my uncle's assistance thereby having no need to pay for his services. Uncle tried to ask me what happened and my body merely told him that there was a fight that had gotten too far. In this entire exchange, I still had no control over my body but I noticed something rather peculiar.

Although the things that I have currently done were something I would never do now. The actions that my body had conducted would certainly be accurate to what I would have done and said if ever I chose to do it. Does that sound reasonable? It is as if I was watching a recording of myself. The movements and way of speaking were not unnatural for me.

While seated on the stone bed, Caltro did not speak too much and only answered Uncle Terpet's questions regarding what he was feeling. Caltro would say something while taking a few glances towards me but while my body, that I still had no control of, waits patiently.

When I saw that my uncle's hand started to glow, my gaze immediately went to his hands. As the light grew brighter, my gaze became more intense. Eventually, the wounds on Caltro's face slowly began to heal much to my surprise. So this was the magic, also known here as arcana, that Notpil had mentioned? As that body of mine was still watching the entire process, suddenly I couldn't see anything anymore.

There I realized that I had somehow collapsed.