Fantasy Isekai Aerth- Restag’s Song

[NeonFlow]

In humanities capital residing in the country of Restag. A green plague grows... a evil stretches reaching further and further looking to consume all.
Orc’s are what Aerth calls these monsters.
created by the Elves of Blador, orcs have been a nightmare to all since the second magic war. The world of Aerth is in peril...


Elsewhere, on a planet where magic and gods are considered fiction, souls are being chosen... These souls from Earth are being given a odd experience at said moment. They opened their eyes to darkness, despite not being able to see, you can tell others are close. Suddenly before your eyes appears red text. Each line appears and trails away into smoke after you have read it, to go back and look at the beginning is impossible but luckily the text moves at individual speeds for everyone.

You died.
Doesn't matter how but your time on earth has ended...
You and others in the same situation,
that situation being death
Have been chosen from a pool of souls at random.
You can either choose to pass on,
which I'm sad to inform you all religions got it wrong.
Pastafarian ironically being the closest to the truth out of all earth beliefs but only cause it's a mess as... Never mind...
If you choose to pass on this version of you is no more...

But. If you agree to be chosen,

You can live again!
In a new body with all the knowledge you have acquired...
The world will be different
But you will learn quickly,
your soul having lived a previous lifetime
will begin anew stronger then the average person...
there is magic in this world...
Once you live again you have the potential to become a hero but ultimately the choice is yours.
You can help people or you could make the world a terrible place to live.

It may be hard,
Yes.
But anything worth doing usually is...
Before you is sheet of paper, you need to sign it to enter this new world. All you need to do is pick up the pen.

A beautiful red feather already dipped with ink appears infront of you as does a contract in a writing you cannot understand, but may look familiar if you are into fantasy games/movies/anime.
You do understand that there is a space for you to sign your name near the bottom.
Do You sign It?

Heyitsjiwon

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James heard silence... his arms were shielding his head as his eyes were closed. He had heard things exploding just a few seconds ago and someone bursting into the room and as a reflex he had closed his eyes and shielded his face with his arms. Yet... it was quiet. His eyes slowly opened. It was dark. "Was it just a power surge? Did the lights all pop?" He muttered to himself as it seemed like he was still in the hospital as there were people nearby him. It was then that he saw red flash before him. It took him a moment to realize that it was some sort of text. James was taken aback by what he read, but this entire situation was odd and really... couldn't be explained described as anything else other than otherworldly. It was then that the red feather appeared before him, and James picked it up. With the practiced writing of a Doctor who had signed countless prescriptions and documents, James signed his name in the space provided, and then took a closer look at the red feather to inspect it. It was something he had never seen before. What kind of bird or animal did it come from?

 

[NeonFlow]

As the souls from Earth signed there name the paper began to glow, the moment their name was written the contract folded into itself numerous times to the size of a standard rectangular business card. A white card sporting a gold border with your name on both sides of the white card in a fancy font.
The red text appears again.

great,
you made the right choice.
you shall awaken on the Aerth,
said like Earth but spelled different...
Like all worlds with magic that people get reincarnated into,
everyone speaks Japanese with English subtitles.
ha, just a joke don't worry.
the contract you signed is proof you are sent by the gods,
it will translate the language you hear and also yourself
so communication is no problem.

to aid you in your journey the gods have gifted you a weapon and a power.
your weapon is apart of you, it will grow and change as you do,
adapting to this new world and it's challenges.
you cannot wield any weapon but a gift from the gods...

your power is a blessing, but it consumes your mana.
ah right...
mana is magic, all things on Aerth have magic.
so you souls will have two,
also a sign of being sent by the gods.
you'll learn when your there.

there's two rules,
you can only use a god given gift.
You are unable to fight another with a god given gift,
Unless you challenge them to a duel.

Adapt, survive, fight evil,
and remember to praise the gods.

Then it was darkness again, for a brief moment however... You can see others, at least twenty people. Men women, adults children and teens. You all float suspended over a massive planet, it looks similar to earth but larger. Through the clouds you can notice the land masses look nothing like Earth however. It was amazing to view, but it was a small beautiful calm before the shock of having your very soul hurtle towards the ground.

Where these souls would land? Nobody knows. The gods do, and James landed inside a grand hall next to a five foot tall purple crystal. The stained glass window high on the walls depict various weapons wielded by faceless warriors, from the stage where the crystal is a easy view consisting of pews with a path to a huge wooden door with purple veins.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James looked around the room. Was he in a church or a cathedral? It looked like one with all the stained windows and images. Plus, the giant purple crystal seemed magical or holy even... like a giant cross. This was all just odd and confusing. James considered that maybe this was a dream, but it all felt too real. He was certain that he had been shot and that it hurt for the short amount of time before he found himself surrounded in darkness. James then felt something on his back, and he reached over. It was long, metallic and heavy. He had some difficulty lifting it with just one arm, but after struggling a bit he came to realize that it was a halberd. This situation just got stranger by the minute. He reached into his pockets and found the card that the text mentioned too.

James was confused and befuddled. He wanted answers and to find out what was going on as he was curious and to be honest... what else could he do? Thus, James made his way off the stage and towards the door to explore the building that he was in. Was he in a church and the doors led to the outside world? Or was this just a part of an even larger structure?

 

[NeonFlow]

It wasn’t long before the door opened to the church, the purple glow disappearing from the large door before the door followed suit. A aged man standing just under six foot smiled kindly. His eyes barely open and his white hair tied neatly as was his long beard.

“it is both a pleasure and misfortune for me, living long enough to meet a god sent soul... Forgive me, my name is Ains Falla. Magi supreme of Restag.”
the old man took a moment to bow his head forward with aid of a grand staff.
“For the gods to send help Aerth must be in peril, as the legends say but never mind that for the moment... you stand in the warriors church, this is safe space inside the kingdom of Restag. I can offer you food and shelter for tonight and explain some of Aerth to you if you do wish. I can’t imagine waking up in a unknown space... if the tales of hero’s ages before are true... you should have some sort of.. mark from the gods, proof you are heaven sent”
Ains eyes opened slightly as he spouted exposition. The halberd certainly looked fancy, and appearing in the church wearing nothing but leather pants with a weapon is just how the story of the sword and shield began.

ains was a odd mixture of giddy and worried.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James looked at the old magi. It seemed that the Magi was telling the truth, but nonetheless, James was practically a newborn in this world. Anyone could say that they're a King in the world and James wouldn't have a way to confirm or deny such a claim. For this reason, James couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled, but did he really have much of a choice at this time? James replied to the Magi "I am able to prove that the Gods have sent me, but if what all you say are true and my arrival means that Aerth is in danger... then I must request that my identity and presence be kept secret. If you must tell your King, then so be it as you must serve your Kingdom and keep your word to look out for your King. As you must know better than others, the people will panic and be concerned if they know that the Gods have sent me. But more importantly, the evil that I must face. The less that they know about me and my existence, the better. That is my condition Ains. Promise me that you will not spread word of my existence unless I approve. I need time to learn and become stronger while I still have the element of surprise. If you agree to that, then I will show you the mark that the Gods have gifted me."

James was not happy about all the secrecy he needed, but even in the real world. When he was working in dangerous areas around the world, they usually kept the location of the hospital a bit of a secret and moved around often to hide and flee any warlord from being able to learn about the hospital then raiding it for supplies, drugs and hostages. This didn't seem all that different. Right now, no one knew who or where James was, but he needed to learn more about this world and to get stronger. If he make a big ruckus now and word spread about him, then James imagined that the Kingdom of Restag would soon be invaded or attacked by the evil that the subtitles mentioned. James reached into his pocket and grabbed the card, but waited for the Magi to agree to James' condition.

 

[NeonFlow]

"I cannot fault you in your concerns Halberd hero, but I am unable to agree or decline your request. Only the king has authority to make decisions of such a matter. I can however give you more information. You are smart to want to learn and study the area. If legend is true you are not the only one sent from the gods, on another note it is said most sent from the gods are not of this world, which makes sense they are unaware to certain customs and rules despite grasping mana and knowledge of monsters... my point is news spreading of incredible deeds performed by you or others like yourself will surely lead you together."
With a brief flash from Ains staff, a hologram of a map appeared before James.


"You have been sent to the country of Restag, the walled city of Dunwel is where we currently stand. Orcs from blador March across karma growing in number with each battle. From what I have heard a guild of hunters halted the army at Grimdar but the land was taken by the time they arrived... From there the orcs have spread in each direction, I fear the beasts and men of karma have already fallen to the green plague."
Ains stroked at his beard and let the map hover for a good minute or two as he talked. Pointing to the large kingdom by the water labeling Dunwel,
As well as the lands Blador and karma.

"If you kindly show me your mark from the gods, I can tell you what your mana is, as well as your god given power. If you so wish I will give you a lesson on how to perform magic"
Ains held his hand out gently to receive this mark. Assuming his offer wouldn't be turned down.
Heyitsjiwon

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James paused. Ains appeared to be loyal to the King, which was commendable. However, handling information inappropriately could lead to people dying. The best way to avoid such a thing? Tell as few people as possible. Loose lips sink ships. James replied "I have no ill will towards you or your King, Ains. However, I believe it is always best to be cautious. I will trust that you and your King have tight lips, but trust is a limited resource. I pray to the Gods that it is not wasted." With that, James pulled out the card that the gods had handed to him in that dark void that he had been in just moments before and handed it to the Magi. James returned his attention to the map and asked "Why do the Orcs of Blador march? Are they simply blood thirsty and always seek to wage war for entertainment? Or does something else drive or perhaps compel them?"

 

[NeonFlow]

(Small post from a phone forgive me)

As the wizard was handed the card it extended to the size of a sheet of paper. James name mana power and various stats could be viewed, Ains explained how that would matter later but not so much now.

what was important was his Mana
“hmm a strange magic inside you James.
Song-mana is the ability to make magic happen with the art of music and lyrics... not to say there are no tales of bards doing heroic deeds, but it requires practice and time to become useful. You may find more chances in your god given gifts... the gods halberd and the power of light”

Ains removed a ring from his finger replacing it with one that glows a bright white. “Light is resourceful to most and deadly for few, but it is easily spotted and for those with knowledge or preparation it is countered simply.“

when the question of orcs was brought up ains looked devastated for several moments before continuing.
“The orcs were created by elves hundreds of years ago, tampering with their own slaves and prisoners to create their own race for war. It is said the orcs destroyed the Elf’s and it took all other races banding together with the help of hero’s sent from the gods to end that war. Driven back over the mountains into Blador karma has taken the worst of it over the years. Only in recent years have orcs been a regular occurrence in Restag. They live to fight and grow, all an orc cares about is violence and evil actions...”

Ains sighed heavily “I wonder if a hero was summoned in karma... maybe earlier then you. Perhaps at the same time...”

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

"Elves, huh, I thought they were supposed to be wise, but sounds like they were trying to do something beyond their capabilities or did it recklessly. Though, I can't say it is exactly the Orc's fault for all these problems..." James said as he replied. "Well, I don't know much about magic, but I guess it's all part of the learning process. Though, it doesn't seem like I am alone. I recall seeing others before I was summoned here, so it would not surprise me if there were dozens of others as well. But, no purpose in just standing here and just chatting. You guys have an Orc problem, and I guess I was sent here to help deal with it. Are you able to teach me more magic and provide me with some equipment?" James inquired.

 

[NeonFlow]

"I can explain mana to you but sadly bardic or song magic is something I am unable to teach. I believe it requires mana being in your lyrics instrument as I've heard..."
Ains looked a tad peeved but his face relaxed quickly.
"Light mana is something I can teach you in however"

It was a good three hours of showing and than telling, by the end of it James is able to successfully make a blinding flash of light appear from his palm. The instruction that seemed to help the most was...

"Imagine a ball of bright white energy in your stomach, imagine that ball of energy traveling up your stomach and down your arm. Imagine in your hand that energy, the mana inside you building to a pressure which you release from your fist"

After this magic lesson and a bit more General information...
Gold and silver coins being the main currency as well as a barter and trade economy.
Various monster that one might have heard from fiction, the last thing Ains spoke of was the king. "His majesty Leo Rai-infal will want to meet with you. If you wish I can see if the king will hold audience this late at night, or... I could teleport you to the adventurer guild of Restag. Either way from the kings orders or your natural God given abilities you should attract a follower or two for your journey."

Ains took of the ring of light which allowed him to perform light mana before stating something else. "sir James... forgive me for putting pressure on you but your answer might determine the path I should send you on."
A look of concern was etched on the aged face as Ains searched for the right words.

"I don't know where you come from, and not all sent from the gods are hero's. Some have been despicable villains, others have attempted their best and fell short, some took their gifts from the gods in a attempt to make a fortune. Their are many races on Aerth, karma is a land of beastkin as well as well as human, Restag however is ruled by a human king. Restag and karma have never been on good terms. My question being... what is justice and honour to you? For if you answer incorrectly to Leo he would call for your head before you managed a flash."

Ains smiled though "however you seem cautious and forgive my choice of words, bland no... safe. Cautious and safe are traits more hero's should have... Aerth needs a hero, be you fight here in karma or elsewhere... hero's are needed. I won't ask you to stay and wait when you could explore and learn that said... You wouldn't be the first man of great renown to refuse Serving Restag. It is your choice God sent soul"

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James shrugged and replied "It wouldn't hurt to talk to your King at the very least, but what is justice and honor? Well, one thing is for sure, they're not the same. Justice is impartial, blind even, in an attempt to be as fair as possible. It does not care if the criminal is a man, or woman, rich or destitute. All must face the consequences if there is to be justice through a system. Honor is... not that. Honor is personal. Justice would say that a murderer should be punished fairly by the system. Honor says the family of the victim should punish the criminal and that stripping the family's right to exact revenge is cruel since it was not society who was harmed the most, but the victim's family. Justice frowns upon vigilantes, but honor smiles upon them. Justice demands obedience to a faceless system. Honor demands personal responsibility and loyalty to those around you even at the expense of society. Neither, I would say, is better than the other, but both can be morally and ethically right or wrong depending on the circumstances. Only a fool would blindly believe in one or the other."

He then smiled slightly and said "Then again, what do I know? I am neither a judge nor a knight. What could I know anything about justice or honor? I'm sure that this is just rambling to a wise man like you. Anyways, if you think my answer is enough, then please lead the way. I am curious what a King is like. There aren't many in my world... most were brought down by justice and honor."

 

[NeonFlow]

Ains nodded carefully and murmoured a tad before giving a verbal sign of agreement.
"Very well, I shall escort you and alert the king to your arrival. I warn you now not to provoke his majesty. If you are to disagree please bite your tongue and show loyalty, even if that is just enough to leave the kingdom safely."

The old mage placed a new ring on his finger which glowed pink before offering his hand to James.
"If you grasp my hand we shall appear in the throne room..."
Upon doing so James and Ains would suddenly appear in a grand hall, a empty throne sits at the far end and a number of knights in full plate armour and various weapons stand ready on both sides.

A good ten minutes past before the king arrived. His strong frame evident despite his age. The red hair in his beard and underneath his crown seem to burn brightly despite the obvious signs of greying.

"a soul from the gods..."
The king spoke to himself loudly as he approached his seat. When comfortable he began to speak. Ains bowed as did every guard before the king was vocal.
"When Ains spoke of something extravagant I doubted him. But seeing you stand before my eyes it is obvious the mage speaks truth."
The king smiled brilliantly before asking
"As a hero sent from the gods to the kingdom of Restag, I welcome you as king into my land and army. My name is Leo Flamefor, I would have you swear loyalty to my name and help protect these lands. Many numbers of troubles plague Aerth, It would only be right the gods send a warrior in our time of need. I've no doubt you wish to start hero, I shall give you whatever you desire god sent warrior, all I require is your word that you shall be and remain loyal to Restag and it's king."
Leo maintained eye contact the way a CEO or, well a king would to his vessels.
Ains murmurs quietly to himself as James can feel the eyes of every guard stick to him. This is what a tourist must feel like.

Heyitsjiwon

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James struggled to not roll his eyes at the King. He was certainly looking out for his best interests, but so did everyone in management in the old world. While he didn't have the decades of experience as a CEO might, James knew how to hold his own after dealing with local warlords and militia leaders in war torn regions of the world whenever they came to bother the field hospitals where James and his team were working. James bowed his neck slightly as a sign of greetings and respect before he spoke "Hail King Flamefor. Thank you for your hospitality and time. King Flamefor, as you said, I have been sent by the Gods to carry out their will and bring it to fruition. For this reason, I cannot make a promise and swear loyalty to another as it would betray my duty and honor to serve another besides the Gods, who I have already promised to serve first. I do not want to promise you something I am not certain I can keep as a man is only worth his word. Regardless, I CAN promise that I will do all that I can to help rid all evils and foulness in your Kingdom and from the lands of Aerth. I would appreciate your aid in this matter if you are willing to grant it, but even without it... I will keep my word that I gave to the Gods: Adapt, survive, fight evil, and praise the gods."

 

[NeonFlow]

The kings demeanor hadn't changed as James spoke, only the shuffling of a guard could be heard for a brief moment before Leo spoke once more.
"Warrior could you please enlighten us as to which gods you have given your word? It is believed by many that there are multiple gods looking over Aerth. Yet...Souls sent from the gods do not always have Aerth and it's people in their heart..."
Leo made a exaggerated exhale as he continued...
"one such soul has left his mark forever on Aerth. Using his knowledge and power to bring many changes. A soul sent from the gods calling himself Shenanigans... a man who walked Aerth hundreds of years ago yet his actions still effect Aerth to this very day..."
As the king spoke that certain name a number of guards including Ains performed a small gesture on their chest with a brief mutter.

Leo merely looked disappointed as he witnessed those praise a wizard long dead.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James nodded as he listened to the King explain a bit about Aerth's history. Yet, knowing a bit of religions in Earth, James couldn't help but wonder if the King himself was very faithful. God has a plan for all was something that was fundamentally believed in by the faithful in Earth. James spoke up "King Flamefor, please, call me James. I am no warrior. In my previous life before meeting the Gods, I was a learned man who traveled around the world, healing the unfortunate, the down trodden, and the innocent in war torn regions of the world. As to which God or Gods have sent me, that is a question that I do not know the answer to either. All I know is that the Gods believe that I have the potential to be a hero."

James paused for a second and then continued to speak."Yet, I do wonder, why do you ask about which God I spoke with? As you know, the Gods do not do things on a mere whim. They sometimes send challenges and tribulations to test the faithful, a burden which leaders in particular must bear, noblesse oblige. Have the faithful in Aerth begun to doubt and hold reservations against the Gods? Faith, have faith. Semper fidelis, always faithful. The Gods do not send more than that anyone can handle or bear though sometimes the test is a painful lesson. Thus, as King and a leader who everyone looks up to, it must be your duty to decide how to handle these tests and challenges that the Gods send to you."

James then extended his arms and symbolically presented himself "King Flamefor, I ask you. Do you believe that I am a soul who wishes to heal and build the grievous wounds that scar Aerth, or do you believe that I am a soul who seeks nothing but mischievous fulfillment of whimsical desires? A based beast that knows nothing but inflicting pain upon others?" as he examined the King. This conversation wasn't just a one sided interview. He learned years ago that an interview is for both people to better understand each other. The wary King, could he exhibit wise judgement and handle the heavy burden that is placed upon him? James wanted to know to see if the perhaps... the rot and misery in Aerth wasn't only being caused by the Orcs.

 

[NeonFlow]

"Hmmmmm....." Leo looked over James for a good moment before standing, walking down a few steps and approaching he and Ains. The king knelt down to stare into James eyes. The kings eyes flashed a bright crimson replacing his blue eyes for a moment,
"Very well, James... I ask about which gods you have met or sworn loyalty to because Restag is Devout to the warriors church. I myself have only heard of three people who have actually conversed with the gods..."
The next part was spoken so only James and Ains could hear.
"Of those three people, one is dead mad man who duplicated the moon and painted it green...
The other was the sword hero my great grandmother was alive to meet, this hero was blessed by the warriors church...
The third man I have never met but Ains informs me of what he and the so called gods spoke of..."
Leo started walking back to his throne to sit. His kingly baritone floods the room once more.

"If history is to be believed, those sent from the gods have never met these higher powers. They just appear in this world with the potential to end wars and demolish countries at their own digressions, Ains has already informed me that you bear a mark of the gods. So I don't doubt you are God sent. I shall however doubt you as a hero James...
I know nothing of your character, your deeds of a previous life could just as easily be truth as it could be fictional. A pretty story to paint yourself trustworthy. However,
Do i believe that you are a soul who wishes to heal or do i believe that you seek mischievous whimsical desires?
Or A based beast that knows nothing but inflicting pain upon others..."
Leo thought quickly in quiet as all waited for what he thought.

"of those three choices I cannot say. You bear a warriors weapon yet claim yourself a healer. You appear smarter then you are dressed and you pick your words carefully. A simpler man would swear loyalty to me and be on their way. You are more cautious. Which doesn't surprise me... But it does worry me. I am somewhat cautious myself I would find it easier to trust the simple soul who's words reflect their thoughts as opposed to a cautious soul searching for the correct answers"
Ains coughed into his elbow and went to speak but was silent as Leo raised a hand.
"I won't ask you to swear loyalty if you believe that is the wrong choice, but I will ask that you are accompanied by warriors and mages of my choosing. People who I trust who in turn can help you build your own trust in Restag. What say you James?"

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James took a moment to think in silence and ponder. He would effectively be monitored by government minders as if he were in North Korea... but usually the best way to decide if someone was a good leader was to ask those below him. James smiled and shrugged. "Just like you, I am faced with the same question and challenge to determine who this person in front of me is, King Flamefor. But, I am not afraid to make myself vulnerable to find out. Very well, King Flamefor, I will agree to your conditions within your Kingdom since it is your Kingdom and you have every right to know what goes on in its borders. You may have your loyal swords and staves poised behind my back if you are concerned. But, in the end, trust cannot be built unless you let yourself trust another. I don't have anything to hide from you, and would rather talk about our concerns face to face instead of pretending and scheming while pretending to be a simple fool. People are never that simple, which is why I love them. Their stories, their dreams, their failures, and their concerns, all are fascinating to me. Thus, I would be more worried about the man who acts like they're simpler."

 

[NeonFlow]

Leo nodded with a small smile before he stood. "i assure you no schemes are taking place here, you are simply to be accompanied by men who can teach you how to wield your weapon, show you the way of the land, to support you in your efforts to help Restag and it's people. Your cooperation is a must and I'm happy to see we have come to a understanding. Ains shall show you to a room if you wish to rest, but if you aim to leave sooner then later I shall have a able party ready for you by the time you reach the gates of the castle. I wish you luck James."
Ains bowed his head as the king left the room. "that wasn't the best outcome but it was certainly not the worst"
The old man's smile seemed genuine. "it is your choice from here James. Whatever you choose I shall recommend you getting some better clothes, armour as well. I shall give you some coin as I doubt His majesty Leo will gift you his armies attire."

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James nodded "I think it would be foolish of me to promise something that I'm not sure I can keep. There is very little that I know about Aerth, and promising loyalty to one person while I am in a position like this? I would have to either be a fool or someone who thinks little of promises. I'm not sure which one is worse. Still, I thank you for your aid so far, Ains and graciously accept the coin. I doubt I'll be able to buy things in the castle, so I assume that buying clothes and armor will have to come later once I leave the castle. In the mean time, Ains, can you teach me about the Kingdom its history and the Royal family? If there's anything I learned in the world I came from, its that the life of royalty and nobility is perilous and that few families ever maintain rule for longer than a few generations. More info about other god sent souls would be appreciated as well."

 

[NeonFlow]

Ains teleported James and himself to room which seemed like a private study. Ains began answering questions as he went to fetch a small pouch of gold coins...
"The flamefor family has ruled Restag for at least three hundred years. It is believed the elves and beastkin lived here before that time. There is not much to tell in our history that would help you, the humans who landed on Restag took the land from the beastkin races and drove them into karma. The grudge between races has stayed evident over the years in Restag. Beastkin races are treated as lesser in this kingdom. You can use your own imagination there as I wish not to discuss it. While Leo himself is seen as a great man for many reasons he embodies that old hatred his ancestors have. More so because Shen Anigans of the wizards church was said to love beastkin races and openly opposed the flamefor.
we worship the gods in three churches,
the warrior
the mage
and the Hunter.

it is said by the weapons and powers a soul arrives with can determine what Gods have sent you. A sword would fall under the warriors church. A staff the mages church. Dunwel sadly has no church for the Hunter as legend would tell a Hunter from the gods performed acts against the crown, if it is true or not he said the same thing as you.... adapt, survive, fight evil and praise the gods."
Ains placed the pouch in James hands, it had a fair bit of heft to it.
"Excuse me while I get a drink, it's been some time since I have spoken of history"
Ains shuffled somewhere but was still within earshot

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James listened attentively to the magi as he explained the past. It didn't take much for him to fill in the missing details, especially about the racial tensions between the humans and the beastkin. James was familiar with history and politics in Earth. Likely, his own creativity didn't even cover half of what was going on in Aerth. Yet, something bugged James. Well a few things. One such thing that bugged him was that humans don't seem to be native to this land... where did they come from then? As the old magi went off to get a drink, James asked "Ains, why do you help and support me so much if even your King is wary of my existence? If god sent souls have wrought havoc upon this Kingdom, then do you not share the same fears that your King does? That I may one day turn my god given gifts against you and the Kingdom? More than anything, to me, your generosity is what strikes me the most."

 

[NeonFlow]

"I heard from a friend that change would come, at first I thought it his own confident bluster as he often has a way of making the impossible possible. But I think he was referring to you and other souls sent from the gods. I myself cannot bring myself to fear one man simply for arriving..."
Ains drank from a bottle with a sweet smell and gave a small exhale.

"I believe if a soul is sent to Aerth with intent to do harm, others will balance that. Be they from the gods or not no one is immortal. I for one believe Shen and the Hunters deeds are heroic, it may have seemed like treason or cruel terrorism to the victims of said deeds. But the heroes of note always championed equality between races. I can't imagine a Hunter keeping a beastkin or human slave, but sadly here in Dunwel and the warriors church enslavement of other races isn't a crime or sin... I have made small strides to correct this way of thinking but only a select few are this.. forward thinking I might say. You give a similar aura as that friend of mine. I suppose that's why I am generous to you"
Ains finished the bottle with a bittersweet smile

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James solemnly listened to the old man's story. The mood was gloomy, but there really was no reason for that. Thus, with the usual dark humor and gusto of a doctor, James replied "Well, you've still got a few more years in you to make some more small corrections. Just lay off any booze and you might just be able to change the course of the river, one rock at a time." with a playful smirk. He then looked at his hands and began to make a small ball of light in his palm. "To be honest, Ains, I'm still not certain what it is that I am doing here. My meeting with the Gods was brief, and well... anti-climatic. They're playful people based on what I saw." He then clenched his hand into a fist and continued to speak "There seems to be a lot of problems here, and I doubt that I will be able to solve them all, if any. I spent my past life learning how to heal people, not to heal millennia of ethnic tensions and discrimination. This is an injury of the collective memories of a society... not a simple flesh wound. I know I will step on toes that will anger some in this Kingdom, perhaps even your King. Change is chaotic and painful."

James then sighed and said "If you would be willing to grant me some final lessons in magic or anything else you think might be useful, then I would appreciate it. Otherwise, I think it would be best if I set off and see the world... and its problems with my own eyes. The faster I learn, the quicker I can act and do something about the situation."

 

[NeonFlow]

Ains gave a brief chuckle "No one expects you to fight wrongs and injustices ages past. I believe just you and others like you being on Aerth should be enough to help bring change I could spend weeks teaching you light magic but you will find more worth in practicing your magic in combat or exploration. As you defeat monsters and threats or perform great or heinous deeds you shall grow, reflected in your mark of the gods. As you remember it told me your mana and power, it also has your mana level, strength, agility, skills and whatnot. These numbers can grow. Starting with ten points in all of these is a amazing boon. You will find it easy to start but after a while you must visit a godstone for a priest to bless you. That card will record your deeds and actions effecting your points accordingly."
Putting a purple ring on, Ains wrote a symbol onto a scroll that glowed before rolling it up and handing it to James.

"this will allow myself or my friend to find you. We shall come to you when the time is right, but if you open this scroll and we are able to... one of us will appear before you, hopefully."
As James took the scroll Ains teleported him to the front gates of the castle in the cold night air. Two men dressed differently to the guards and soldiers awaited them
One wore leather and steel armour with a longsword at his hip his blonde hair pokes out from his helmet. The other was in robes and a hat similar to Ains but nowhere near as fantastical. He seemed to be hairless....
"adapt survive, all that you know... I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon"
With a smile and a wink Ains was gone as fast as he appeared.

The two men approached James "hail warrior, I am Logan, this mage is named Kull. We have been assigned to you by King flamefor to accompany you in travel and teach you how to survive."
Logan noticed the scroll and pouch in the warriors hands adding
"Perhaps I can show you where to buy some armour sir warrior?"