Hearing her voice made me nervous. This was the first time I would talk to a woman like her. I gathered my confidence and said, "Hi, my name is Vik. I am a Python programmer, and my favorite hobby is coding on my laptop. I don't have a family, just some disciples. I graduated in computer science and completed my post-graduate work in AI Learning. My specialties are Java, C++, and Python. I'm just a simple Python who likes to code in Python."
Louriel responded, "(*_*)!!!!!!!"
The system echoed, "(*_*)!!!!!!!"
Pushpa added, "Meow!!!!!!!!"
Louriel laughed, "ppffffttt haha haha."
After my introduction, Louriel started laughing, but the skeletons around her looked at me with malice. I was confused about this situation when the system's voice echoed in my mind.
System: "Host, what kind of introduction is that? If you really like her, say it. Why are you giving such an absurd introduction? You are not here to get a job as a data scientist."
Vik: "Okay, system, I will take your advice."
I repeated my introduction.
"Hi, my name is Vik. I am a Python programmer, and my favorite hobby is coding on my laptop. I don't have a family, just some disciples. I graduated in computer science and completed my post-graduate work in AI Learning. My specialties are Java, C++, and Python. I'm just a simple Python who likes to code in Python. I love you. Will you marry me?"
All my lines were the same, but I added my confession. After I said that, the atmosphere in the room suddenly turned cold. Louriel stopped laughing and stared at me with a cold expression. Her skeletons looked at me with malice and killing intent. If looks could kill, I would have died dozens of times. The system's voice sounded again.
System: "Host, what kind of person proposes to a lady on the first meeting? Do you not have any common sense?"
Vik: "System, I was just saying what you told me. You said to express my feelings."
System: "Host, I was being sarcastic. Now we are in a difficult situation because of you. You know the lady didn't appreciate your confession, and now her skeletons want to kill you. For your information, the skeletons around her are at the Void traveling stage, just like you, and the lady herself is much stronger. I cannot assess her current strength."
Before I could process what the system said, Louriel's voice reached my ears. "You talk a lot, despite being a beast."
One skeleton with a lizard skull and body armor said, "My liege, please give me permission to end this evil snake."
Another skeleton with a human skull and a robe said, "My liege, it would be good to torture him before killing him. That would be fitting punishment. After that, we could use his body for various experiments. I hear Python soup tastes very good, so we could use him as cooking material."
Many skeletons began suggesting ideas for how to kill or torture me. I silently said to the system in my mind, "System, please find a way to get out of here."
System: "I am working on it, Host. In just one minute, I will open a portal to get us out of this place."
Hearing this gave me some relief. I turned to Louriel and said, "I'm sorry. I said something wrong. Please stop talking about killing and torturing me."
She raised her hand, signaling the skeletons to stop. Then she showed an amused expression and said, "Yes, this gentleman has a point. We should act like civilized people. I'm not going to kill you. You know the summoning array that brought you here cost me a lot. So you are technically my property. You are just being rebellious, but don't worry; I will train you well as your master, my beast."
Her words sent a chill down my spine, but before I could linger on that thought, the system's voice came through. "Host, the portal is ready. Do you want to teleport now or stay for training?"
Vik: "Forget it, system. I don't want any training. Just teleport me now."
As I spoke, a white light erupted from the ground, and I found myself in a back alley in this city.
**POV: Louriel**
After Vik teleported, Louriel sat in her chair, staring at the spot where he had been just moments ago. Seeing what had happened, she started laughing, but it was a cold laugh. All the skeletons around her shivered at the sound. After laughing for a minute, she raised her hand and said, "Winston, do everything you need to do. Use whatever resources you want, but I want my beast back. I still have to train him and fix his rebellious nature."
Winston, the skeleton with a human head and a long black robe, bowed and said, "Yes, your order, master. I will definitely find him."
Louriel continued, "Yes, Winston, you must. As the chief mage in my army, it is your responsibility to make this area teleportation-proof. My beast was teleported right before my eyes, even before I could start training him, so find him before I lose my patience and disintegrate you."
Winston and the other skeletons shivered and bowed without saying anything.
**POV: Lu Xiaoran**
After being told by my master that I would be separated from them upon reaching the city, I nodded. Just then, Roman and I were engulfed in a blinding white light. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a back alley in the city. I didn't see my master or Roman. I figured this must be a test from my master to see how I handle things without his help. But don't worry, master; your disciple will not disappoint you.
I looked around the narrow alley, slightly dirty, with only one exit in front of me. I walked toward the alley's exit. As I stepped out, a sharp sunlight hit my face. The alley was dark, so I needed a moment to adjust. When I looked at the road, I recognized the place. This was one of the main areas of the city. I was on the entertainment street, filled with clubs and casinos. It also had many legal and illegal forms of entertainment, but I was unfamiliar with those since I had never used them.
I slowly walked out of the alley onto the road. Pedestrians glanced at me from time to time, probably because of my handsome face. Right now, I wore a long golden robe with a black tiger design, which made me stand out. I decided to return to the alley and change my clothes to a simple white shirt and black jeans, which I find in my spacial ring, as Roman always store some clothes in my ring for backup. I also changed my hair color to black and adjusted my facial features to look more ordinary. This way, I would feel more normal walking in the city. After I got changed, I stepped out of the alley onto the city road. This young master is back in the city.