Chapter 2: Meanwhile In Another World

A blinding light overtook my vision as I was forced to close my metaphorical eyes. The next moment I reawakened to feel the grass underneath my hands. The soft yet prickly green bed lay beneath, acting as a substitute bed. I lifted my hands to my face instinctively, I needed to see if I still had a mouth.

"ah."

Oh dear lord. She forgot to give me my beard. People treated me differently because of it, I was special! Just because they are genetically unlucky and so typically don't have beards, yet I was different. Now, I have this baby-smooth face. Right so how do I look? That's important y'know?

What if she decided to be mean and gave me a super ugly face? Dealing with things would become so much harder. It is as they say, your face is your moneymaker and as far I know? Money runs every single world, without question.

Anyways, getting up from the grass, there is the only greenery in front of me, with the occasional tree here and there. However, when I turned back is when I felt surprise. Behind me, sat an unnecessarily large mansion. One the size of an evident upper-class household. The building is made with stone. It seems that the constructive evolution in this world is rather slow compared to my previous life. I mean all I know right now is how the previous owner of this body saw. Well rather it is my original body, since I basically created it and she made it into existence but she had the dumb audacity to make my body wait until it's in its teens. Literally she has no reason to do that. Why would she?

"Young master Ryu." I hear a female voice call out from afar.

Oh?

Perhaps this is something that is once more cliche and the one calling me is actually a super cute and young maid, who will be supportive of me? The type that will act as my older sister, but is mistreated by the family?

Who am I kidding? You can't have everything in life. The person calling for me is someone I know obviously. It's the voice of that old woman, who acted as my wet nurse. Because for whatever reason my mother couldn't do so? Although even if I want to act rudely I can't. She was basically more of a mother than my actual mother.

Jeez, having the experiences of the past 13 odd years is such a pain. It actually attaches me to people out of instinct. What am I supposed to do? Ignore the memories that show how much they cared for me the last few years? Well whatever, for now I should probably respond.

What was her name again?hm...ah I remember. "

Yes Olivia?" Olivia. That was her name. Olivia Schweiz, an odd name as far as they go but I'm guessing it has something to do with regions and their own cultures. Like how German names sound weird to a Japanese man.

"Mistress Michelle and Master Reinhardt are waiting for you. It is time to celebrate your coming of age, remember?" She shouted. God that was so inefficient, I can't hear from here.

I start walking uphill, going back towards the mansion when Olivia's full frame comes into view. A woman with saged grey hair feigning age, but from her wrinkleless face you would either assume she isn't that old or that she has really good skin care products. She wore a typical maid outfit of black and white. She was a modest, caring and wise person. She taught me many things, well at least before I knew what I know now because of sudden appearance.

As far as I can tell so far, the world here is not called Earth. According to whatever my previous dummy soul knows, this world is called Apentha. Rather strange if I say so myself but I do not have a habit to judge people or idiots who have no naming sense. I live in a Kingdom called 'The Kingdom of Saleria' based on the founder of it. It is predominantly inhabited by humans. Yes, races other than humans exist. I'll get to that however.

The world currently is in a state like pangaea was. Pangaea was the world when all continents were actually physically connected ones, having been separated by tidal waves and other natural causes. However, in this world, travelling to the other side of the literal world is possible by land. It is all interconnected.

Returning to the topic of races, there are 5 predominant races and they are: humans, elves, dwarves, beastfolk and spirits. In this realm these are the main ones with each races having subdivisions as a result of inter race mating. Things like Half-elves and half-beasts do exist. 

Humans have no particular specialisation with rather short life spans, they can become sort of the jack of all trades but are actually considered one of the unblessed ones.

Elves are rather connected with nature and are the closest with spirits. They have decently long life spans, with a single pure elf living of up to 800 years.

Dwarves are dwarves. They are short obviously, and have a real knack for blacksmithing and technology. Their lifespans are slightly longer than humans but nothing dramatic. They also typically love alcohol.

Beastfolks normally maintain a human appearance, with one distinct feature. So a wolf type would have a wolf's ears or tail. A rabbit will have rabbit ears etc. They can don their natural states as pure beasts, but that only happens either during full moons or during times when they go berserk. They are rather combat oriented and believe in the law of the jungle and have a similar hierarchy.

Finally... spirits. The ones I know the least about. Spirits are an almost extinct race. They have mastered the art of concealing their presences completely and live in hiding. They aren't small like you would expect fairies to be, but are actually fully human size. Their distinct feature is their wings and incredible life spans of being able to live thousands of years on end. They are the closest to nature, even more so than elves, but due to that. Nature is more of their life line so to speak. No nature= no spirits.

Back to reality of me walking through the maze of a house. As I was walking my eyes landed on a mirror. It's probably the best time to check how I look before I make a fool out of myself. So I walk up to it and stare in the reflection.

Oh.

My.

God.

Who is this beautiful King? Tis is a crime, to be so handsome. Before my eyes lay the image of a male. Clearly in their young ages but having had their growth spurt at their obvious tall height. The reflection having silver hair and ice cold blue eyes. Or rather that's how it typically works. At over 6'0 the formal shirt can't hide the well toned body. While I do feel a bit of guilt from having gotten this hot bod just by asking a God I'd say it was a decent trade.

I mean she drove a van into my face. That warrants a second life as someone as handsome as I. Well, I say handsome but I'm more cool due to my eyes and still expression. Looks like the Goddess does not disappoint.

"Young master Ryu?" Oh darn it, forgot Olivia was still with me.

Come with some excuse, uhh....

"I was...just checking... yes that's right, checking if I'm presentable."

Oh no she would believe this. But the relaxation in her expression says otherwise.

No.

Please don't smile so kindly, it makes me genuinely feel bad for lying.

"do not worry, they are your parents young master. Even if they are earls."

AHHHH, Olivia you are making me worry even more. How can you believe such an obvious lie? God's sake it's not what I thought it would be.*sigh*well get used to it me.  

"yeah..." I replied dejectly, little did she know that I was more worried about her now than my own plans. I try to shift my focus towards the more important issue. 

The Coming of Age Ceremony.

I walked at a casual pace towards the dining room. The door several times bigger than me, and I'm considered one of the taller people. What an unnecessary usage of wood. 

The doors swung open immediately, and on their own as two maids emerged on each side of them. It seemed as if they had well heard of my approach. The dining room was, in one word, luxurious. Paved and smoothened marble flooring, high ceilings with decorated patterns and an extra large chandelier hanging down from the middle. 

It's size grand and bright even though it wasn't fully lit up, it illuminated the room plenty. In the middle of the room was a long mahagony table. From the number of seats it looked like it could hold 20+ people. Around the table, a slight distance away the maids and butlers stood waiting patiently and at the far end of table sat 4 people. At the absolute head sat, my father.

Reinhardt Skyborne, Earl of Brigundy. A man known as a heroic knight, the general of the army, a well respected noble who had risen as a literal dragonslayer. Safe to say, we all know why he named his son like that. He stood taller than me at 6'4" with a massive build, his armor seemed almost to be exploding when he wore it and with his heavy sword, his path of knighthood was admired by many.

Not even age managed to down the man, even at 46 he stood tall and imposing. With his rather handsome face, midnight blue eyes that seemed almost hollow yet so deep and meaningful. His golden blond hair brushed back and a clean shaven face that any man would admire. 

To his right sat a silver hair woman. Not of age but rather natural colour, with blood red eyes that could pierce the heavens above if they wished so. At the age of 38, Michelle Clove sat next to her husband waiting for youngest son to arrive for his celebration. Michelle was as one would describe a lovely young lady, even to this day based on appearances alone. She was well mannered and in general truly kind, she was adored by her parents and anyone else in their territory. 

However, she wasn't weak. Not that I could tell from remembering those stories of how she spoke to father harshly and told him off for being rude. Typically, for someone who is at only 5'5" no sane person would challenge someone almost an entire foot taller than them....but she did.

The next thing you know, father took a liking to her spirit and spent much more time with her and in the end? Even the dragonslayer seemed to have fallen for the kind yet authoritative Michelle. 

She loved all of us equally and as much as a person could, and just from the memories of this dummy soul, I can already respect her more than anything. Some could even call her a saint, and even though she is in her late 30s, she could easily pass as someone in their early 20s.

She was a perfect wife for what someone would call a perfect man. 

However the person opposite her wasn't as lovely as one would believe. 

Terry Skyborne, the eldest son in the family. The first child. One would think being the oldest was a sign of maturity and modesty, but as far as my opinion of him goes?

It's not looking very good.

He isn't the greedy and backstabbing type. Just more of a...I don't know. Tsundere? He runs hot and cold like summer and winter so fast, it's almost impossible. He does act mature, with those rectangular glasses of his, he looks like the elitest nerd. But the next second, you give him a sword instead of a book and I promise you, he can mow down an entire army by himself.

At 6'3" my older brother, the 24 year old had inherited the silver hair of mother and her red eyes too. Seemingly only my father handsome face got passed on, and his height. He was still taller than me so, darn it. He wore a fitting royal blue suit with white outlines streaking vertically. He had a rather annoying attitude towards me, he would never treat me kindly and while we trained he would find some dumb excuse to push me way beyond my clear boundaries.

Not kind at all. 

The last person however, was almost completely different. My older sister, the middle child. She had the blond hair of my father and my mothers red eyes. She was exceptionally kind to me, treated me like a human being actually. But once again, like this entire family she was no weak link. 

My sister was also well trained in the art of combat, however, she was often looked down upon simply because she was a woman. Now, as a man from the 21st century, it has been instilled into me, that women should be equal to men. 

She was only 5'9, quite tall for a woman of the times but it's not like she had no admirers. She was one of the most popular girls at her knight academy.

Enough descriptions though, my metaphorical jaw hurts already. "Good morning." 

Father nodded with a confident smile, I guess even he can get happy over something like a coming of age ceremony. My mother's smile was much more obvious and relaxed, my sister waved at me with a wide grin while my brother didn't even remove his eyes from his book.

"Hey Ryu. How are you feeling? Are you ready for your first prayer?" She asked cheerfully. I don't understand how she can feel so overjoyed about something like this, but then again, it was my sister. Heart of gold as always I see. 

I wonder what she would think if she learned the little bro she loved so much was actually meant to be a 30 year old man who got spirited into this body? Well, not that I prefer her to know. It just seems like it would be a...pain if she found out.

On the other hand, my brother once again didn't seem to care. 

"have you chosen your desired deity dear?" mother questioned with a soft tone. The kind that made you truly feel at home.

"not yet, I'll decide once more when I get there." I reply trying to sound serious. Honestly, I wish I could just dismiss this all and pretend that I have no desire to worship a God, but if I do that, I will essentially be an outcast in this world so that's a no-no.

"Son. We do not force the believe in Gods here, you are free to choose any, as long as you become a knight I'm sure you'll do just fine." my father reassured me. Or at least attempted to? What is him essentially saying that I must become a knight supposed to be nice? Isn't he just saying that if I don't become a knight, things won't be fine?

Well I already know. I don't want to become a knight. I don't want to be bound to law, bound to a Kingdom, to this crumbling society. Seems like humans are the same no matter where you go. I want to live freely. 

"pfft. Let's be real father, he doesn't have a chance at the exams for the academy, let alone the general army." Terry dismissed as he held in his laughter. 

That wasn't nice. I mean I would say I'm mature enough to keep my cool when a young adult starts being an ass, but I'm 15 here for God's sake. Why do you have deject me so quickly? What if, and it's a big what if, I actually wanted to become a knight?

"Brother, you shouldn't speak about him like that. He is only 15, he has a lot of time, plus his current improvements are already very good." As expected, my sister to my side. It feels like a warzone between me and my sister vs my brother. 

Terry just huffed a denial but went back to his book. Freaking stupid guy. He's probably holding his book upside down.

"well come let us celebrate son, we will go to the church in the afternoon and then you can start your path of knighthood." my father cheered as he lifted his cup of wine.

Great. Just great.

A/N: Guys comment what you think and what I can improve thanks.