Kazu's consciousness slowly emerged from the depths of sleep as a gentle, rhythmic shaking stirred him awake. His senses sharpened, and he realized the two women flanking him were engaged in a hushed, yet tense conversation. Intrigued, he lay still, listening carefully to their whispered exchange.
Anna's voice was low and firm, tinged with a protective edge. "No… You have to understand boundaries. You must wait for him to choose intimacy. You can't simply grab him or touch him without consent. He's fundamentally different from the males you've encountered before. He treats you with dignity and respect, and in return, you must reciprocate that respect."
Orolfie's response was a mixture of confusion and genuine concern. "Me nice Kazu, not good? Nice touch, bad?"
Before Anna could elaborate, Kazu intervened, speaking fluently in Orcish, his tone gentle but clear. "Nice touch is good, but only if you have permission. No permission is bad touching." He then tenderly kissed both women's foreheads and switched to Vaynish, his voice warm and inviting, "Good morning, ladies. Welcome to tomorrow. Are we ready to begin?"
Eventually, they all leave his room and begin their day. Orolfie ends up helping Kazu run the wires. As he finishes each room, he adds electrical outlets with circuit breakers from his bag. The areas that were wired for specific Items received those items, the servant's bathroom now has a clothes washer and a dryer, and the kitchen now has a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a tea kettle. In the living room, he attaches a projector to the ceiling, hiding the wiring in the ceiling and the wall where the B-ray player is, and fills a bookshelf full of movies. His final addition to the entertainment center is a USB strip plugged into the player, with eight hard drives attached containing 16 TB of movies and music.
Once he was done installing everything upstairs, he went down to the basement and joined Orolfie. Pulling an old, worn-out fuse box from his bag, he began repairing it. It was in a recycling bin back on Earth since it was not fixable, but in the new world, with a bit of magic and some critical thinking, he was able to refurbish it to like-new condition. Since it was from one of his apartment buildings, it had more available breakers than the house had rooms, so he separated the kitchen appliances to each have a breaker, and the laundry room had three also. All other rooms have one breaker each.
After they finish, they finally leave the basement, the cool, damp air giving way to the warm workshop light. Noticing it's not even lunchtime, they head to the workshop to help Anna. On their way, they stop to talk to the foreman, who is overseeing the construction with meticulous attention. The foreman and his workers initially tense up at the sight of an orc, their faces registering a mix of fear and prejudice. However, Kazu's calm introduction of Orolfie and her respectful demeanor quickly diffused their apprehension. The foreman, visibly relaxing, reassures Kazu that they will complete the project by the end of the workday. With that settled, they continue their journey to the workshop.
Entering the workshop, they find Felix, Anna, and Rask immersed in their labor. Anna stands near a workbench, her hands moving with practiced precision as she enchants metal rods, while Felix and Rask sit on the floor, carefully crafting the raw materials. Once they complete the rods, they realize the challenge of transporting the heavy metal blocks to Anna. Kazu and Orolfie, quick to recognize the logistical hurdle, begin moving the substantial blocks to the workbench, their teamwork transforming the workspace into an efficient assembly line. Kazu joins Anna, his hands moving in synchronization with hers as they imbue the rods with magical energy, while Orolfie continues to support Felix and Rask by delivering metal blocks as needed. By the time Felina arrives to call them for lunch, they have successfully enchanted 286 rods.
Inside, they gather for lunch, the room filled with the chatter of anticipation and curiosity. During the meal, Lina's inquisitive nature leads her to ask about the new items Kazu has added to the kitchen and bathroom. After finishing their meal, Kazu leads an impromptu demonstration, explaining each device's function with a mixture of technical detail and enthusiasm. While most initially seem unimpressed, their skepticism transforms to wonder when he reveals the refrigerator's ability to dispense ice and water with a simple touch.
After the demonstration, they return to the workshop with renewed energy. Anna, driven by a clear vision, decides she wants to take 400 rods with her. Kazu, matching her ambition, opts to create 100 higher-end models. With focused concentration, he completes his batch in about an hour, then shifts to assist Anna. An hour later, they carefully pack a cart, Kazu consciously restraining himself from fully revealing the extraordinary capabilities of his spatial bag. They are now prepared to head to the general store.
During their journey, Kazu provides careful instructions to Orolfie, mindful of potential social challenges. "If anyone asks you anything or gets upset about you being there, please do not respond. I'll handle it," he says firmly but kindly. Orolfie, understanding the complexity of social navigation, responds, "Yes, no respond. Not speak tongue, not know say." Kazu acknowledges the need for language training, noting that he and Arwain won't always be available to interpret.
At the town gate, a guard eyes Orolfie suspiciously, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon. However, after Kazu and Anna present their lodge cards, he reluctantly permits their entry. They drop Anna and Felix at the general store before making their way to the hunters' lodge, their purpose clear: to explore opportunities for orcs to become hunters.
Inside the lodge, Tara greets them from behind the reception desk, her curiosity piqued by Orolfie's presence. Kazu provides a comprehensive explanation of their meeting, detailing the background of Orolfie, her sister Arwain, and Petal. He emphasizes their genuine desire to contribute positively to society, distinguishing them from the disruptive reputation of other orcs. When he finally asks about the possibility of orcs becoming hunters, Tara's response is pragmatic: language and literacy skills will be the key requirements.
After obtaining a job from Tara, Kazu and Orolfie proceed to the general store. Inside, they find Anna in an animated conversation with Chrispin. Upon seeing Kazu, she rushes forward and embraces him, her excitement palpable. "The matchsticks are selling fantastically!" she exclaims, detailing their unexpected financial success. Felix hands Kazu a bag of money, which he casually transfers to his smaller bag—an action that immediately captures Chrispin's intrigue.
Chrispin's eyes widened with curiosity as he leaned forward, his merchant's instinct for unique artifacts piqued. "How does your little bag carry so much?"
Kazu chuckled, running his hand along the soft leather of the spatial bag. "Oh... Well... It's called a spatial bag, and it can hold… well, pretty much anything. I have not tried putting anything living in it, I'm afraid I'll kill it." His tone was a mix of scientific caution and wonder, hinting at the bag's mysterious origins.
Chrispin's brow furrowed in contemplation, his fingers absently tracing the edge of the store counter. "What happens if you put food in it?"
"Well… if it is hot going in, it's hot coming out," Kazu explained, his fingers mimicking the movement of something entering and exiting the bag. "Which makes me think that time stops for whatever is put inside. It's like a pocket dimension that preserves the exact state of objects."
"Did you make it too?" Chrispin asked, his merchant's keen interest evident in his probing question.
Kazu shook his head. "No, I was given the bag. It uses a more complex version of the same type of magic the matchsticks use, so I am trying to decode the magic to learn how to do it myself." His eyes gleamed with the challenge of unraveling its magical mechanics.
Chrispin leaned closer, his commercial imagination already spinning potential applications. "When you figure it out, let me know… how much does it hold?"
A wry smile crossed Kazu's face. "I've had about 10 of your store's worth of stuff in it, and I did not indicate that it was even close to full. So… I have no clue." The casual understatement only heightened the bag's mystique.
Chrispin reiterated his keen interest in seeing the bag's capabilities once Kazu fully understood its magic, and then they took their leave from the store.
With the morning's intrigue behind them, Kazu decided to take Anna, Orolfie, and Felix on his hunter quest. The quest sheet detailed a FlameSnake terrorizing local farmlands, destroying crops, and stealing livestock. After an hour's journey, they reached the beleaguered farm, its fields scarred and its livestock count diminished.
Kazu, ever strategic, gave Orolfie his sword and armed himself with his spear, its polished metal catching the morning light. He introduced the group to the weary farmer, his worried wife, and their three children—each face etched with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
They set out into the fields, the grass whispering beneath their feet. Within ten minutes, they discovered the snake's trail—a path of crushed vegetation and scorched earth leading toward the dense forest. As they entered the woodland, the atmosphere shifted. Kazu's companions became hyper-aware, their senses heightened by the potential danger lurking between the trees.
An hour of careful tracking later, Kazu halted their progress. "The snake is just up ahead," he whispered, his voice calm but charged with anticipation. "I'll stay as a backup. You three decide on how you want to attack before you start. If you need my advice, just ask; otherwise, I'll just stand here until you are ready."
After a strategic discussion, they advanced toward their serpentine prey, each member of the hunting party moving with calculated precision. Felix positioned himself to the right, Anna to the left, and Orolfie charged straight ahead—a bold, direct approach that would soon prove both risky and effective.
Midway to their target, Orolfie's reflexes saved her life as she dove dramatically to avoid a scorching fireball erupting from the snake's mouth. The FlameSnake was a terrifying sight—nine meters of muscle and scale, one meter thick, with vibrant red scales that seemed to shimmer with internal heat. A noticeable bulge midway along its body suggested a recent, substantial meal.
Felix, demonstrating remarkable magical control, used earth magic to wrap dirt around the snake's body, strategically trapping it at the point of its previous meal's bulge. The hunt was on.
Before it could writhe free from the earthen restraint, Anna unleashed her water shot with precision, her magical stream slicing through several scales and cutting deep into the serpentine flesh. Sensing the attack, the FlameSnake whirled toward Anna, its scaled body coiling with predatory intent as it prepared to unleash a searing fireball. But Orolfie, displaying lightning-quick reflexes honed from years of survival, had already recovered from her previous dodge and slashed her sword across the snake's head with brutal force.
A thunderous crack resonated through the forest as the snake's head violently slammed into the ground, the potential fireball extinguished before it could fully form. The creature thrashed wildly, its nervous system overwhelmed by the devastating blow. Its eyes, previously gleaming with murderous intent, now darted erratically, unable to focus on any single target or coordinate its own defense.
Felix seized the moment, his magical prowess transforming the surrounding earth with intricate precision. Concentrating metal particles within the dirt, he conjured a razor-sharp spike that erupted from beneath the snake, piercing through its muscular body and pinning it within the earthen mound. With calculated control, he manipulated the dirt, creating an opening that exposed the creature's vulnerable head for Anna's continued assault.
Anna's water magic grew more refined with each strike, her controlled jets cutting deeper and more accurately. Simultaneously, Orolfie hammered her sword against the snake's skull with savage determination, each blow further destabilizing the creature's already compromised nervous system. Within moments, the FlameSnake lay motionless, defeated by their coordinated attack.
Just as the first snake fell, Kazu—who had been meticulously crafting small metal rings while observing the battle—sensed another imminent threat. Positioning himself protectively between his companions and the approaching danger, he confronted a massive FlameSnake: sixteen meters of pure, muscular menace, its scales radiating an intense, threatening heat.
Weaponless but undaunted, Kazu delivered a powerful uppercut that sent shockwaves through the forest. The snake, dazed, fell at his feet, momentarily stunned but not defeated. In a display of lightning-fast martial prowess, Kazu leaped into the air and brought his heel down with devastating force, crushing the snake's skull into the forest floor. A brief, violent tremor, and the creature was permanently subdued.
Returning to his companions, Kazu approached with a blend of pride and constructive critique. "Impressive work, Felix. Trapping the snake and using that spike was tactical genius—you reduced our combat complexity by at least 80%. Anna, your water magic is evolving beautifully; your precision improved with each engagement. Orolfie," he added with a hint of concern, "we need to get you a superior sword. These snake scales are harder than steel, and your current blade struggled to penetrate them."
With practiced efficiency, he stored the snake carcasses in his spatial bag, already planning their next move. "We'll collect the reward tomorrow," he announced, his tone a mixture of satisfaction and forward-thinking strategy.
They trudge back to the farm, their bodies weary but spirits triumphant, and display the massive, now-lifeless serpentine carcasses to the awestruck farmer and his family. Relief and gratitude wash over the homestead as they confirm the immediate threat is neutralized.
Half an hour after sundown, they arrive at the house, the darkness settling around them like a soft, velvet cloak. Exhausted from the hunt, they move with practiced efficiency—entering, sating their hunger with a quick, hearty meal, and then retreating to their respective bathrooms to wash away the day's grime and tension.
Gathering in the living room, Kazu's eyes glimmer with anticipation as he begins to douse most of the candles, creating an intimate, almost magical atmosphere. "Tonight," he announces with a hint of childlike excitement, "we are going to experience something called a motion picture."
Rask, her curiosity piqued, leans forward. "How can pictures move? Is this like one of those paper puppet shows we've seen in the marketplace?"
Kazu chuckles warmly, understanding the genuine confusion. "This is a technology from my homeland," he explains, "but before we begin, I need each of you to wear these." He carefully distributes intricately crafted cuff earrings, ensuring each person receives the version calibrated to their primary language.
Once the earrings are in place, he activates the projector. A luminous menu materializes on the wall, causing the sisters to instinctively huddle closer to Arwain. Sensing their apprehension, Kazu's voice becomes soft and reassuring. "These images cannot harm you," he explains patiently. "Just like reading a book or viewing a painting poses no threat, this is merely a story told through moving images."
Selecting the 1973 animated Robin Hood movie, he chooses wisely—knowing the anthropomorphic animals will feel less threatening than human characters. As the film begins, everyone's heads swivel, searching for the source of the enchanting music. Kazu settles into his chair, radiating calm.
The movie progresses, and gradually, their initial bewilderment transforms into wonder. The magical translation earrings render the language and humor seamlessly accessible. Soon, they're no longer observing a technological marvel but immersed in a captivating narrative.
During the archery tournament scene, Arwain crawls onto Kazu's lap, seeking comfort and closeness. "Are you alright, little one?" Kazu asks softly. "Is the movie frightening you?"
"No," she responds, her voice a mixture of contentment and excitement. "The others are laughing and enjoying themselves. I just want to cuddle and experience the story. May I stay?"
Kazu's smile is tender and warm. "Of course. Whatever makes you comfortable and helps you enjoy the experience is fine with me."
Moments later, when Robin's hat is dramatically pierced by an arrow, Felina joins them, nestling against Kazu's other side. Within minutes, she's fast asleep, her soft breathing a counterpoint to the movie's soundtrack. Arwain giggles quietly at Felina's swift surrender to slumber.
As the film concludes, animated discussion erupts. They dissect favorite moments, speculate on hidden meanings, and marvel at the seemingly magical process of creating moving images. Gradually, fatigue overtakes their enthusiasm, and they begin drifting toward their sleeping quarters.
Arwain departs with her daughter, while Felina remains peacefully draped across Kazu. As Anna and Kazu—who carry the sleeping Felina—ascend the stairs, she stirs and requests to join them. Anna, always understanding and accommodating to the girls, agrees.
In their bedroom, a delicate dance of preparation unfolds. Kazu gently places Felina on the bed before changing, turning to find her also preparing for sleep. They settle in, Anna and Felina finding immediate comfort while Kazu remains slightly more reserved.
Felina, displaying her characteristic determination, decides she's most comfortable lying directly on Kazu. He responds with gentle affection, kissing both their foreheads and murmuring a soft goodnight. Soon, their breathing synchronizes into a peaceful rhythm, and Kazu allows himself to be lulled into slumber, surrounded by the warmth of his companions.