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AUTHOR"S NOTE
A little note. Since Kiyo doesn't have knowledge of this world as of now, there won't be TOO many changes in the storyline. Except a few here and there. Those little changes would have a butterfly effect later on, for example like the difference in how he handles the bullying in his intermediate class. So, bear with it. Thanks a lot. On to the chapter!
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November 2nd, 1790. 3 PM.
The world outside was transformed into a winter wonderland, as soft, powdery snowflakes descended gently from the heavens. The landscape was cloaked in a pristine blanket of white, and the air was filled with the crisp, invigorating scent of winter.
"Meow."
"Meooooow."
"MEOWW!"
The heavy snowfall persisted until noon, but it soon disappeared completely as if it had never occurred. Now, a particular black cat was meowing.
The cat was perched outside the window of a third-floor inn room. Inside, a boy sat on the bed, gazing at the window with a solemn expression. He rhythmically tapped his fingers on the desk, wearing a somewhat discontented look.
The charming little feline lifted its front paw and began to gently tap on the window, appearing just like an ordinary, cheerful cat.
The cat gestured toward the window lock, but the boy---Jin averted his gaze.
It took a moment for the cat to grasp his intentions. In a fit of frustration, it let out an agitated hiss, extending its paws and baring its teeth. It scratched at the glass with force and intermittently kicked it, clearly vexed by his lack of response.
Jin walked over to the window as the cat stopped scratching the window. "Do a backflip." He spoke loud enough for the cat to hear beyond the thick glass. Its eyes widened as if huffed and crossed its tiny arms, refusing to do so.
"Well, stay outside then, I guess." Without a care in the world, he turned around, picking up his cup of hot chocolate.
The cat became even more aggressive but instead of pounding at the glass, it slowly dragged its paw. Hearing the subdued voice, Jin looked back as the cat did a stupendous backflip. Contented with seeing a black cat back flipping, Jin made his way to the window and opened it.
"Do not transform back into a human. Gilly is right outside." Jin spoke in a hushed voice as the cat---Murakan jumped on his head and viciously clawed at his head. Picking him from his lustrous black coat, Jin tossed him on the bed with enough force for him to bounce off the tough mattress.
"Meowwwwwwww...." Murakan let out a plaintive, mixed human and cat sound. Observing the outside street from the window, Jin closed it and concealed it with the heavy curtains. As Murakan continued to express his discontent, Jin hopped onto the bed, almost landing on the unsuspecting cat. Thankfully, Murakan swiftly rolled out of harm's way, narrowly avoiding Jin's flying elbow.
"Meowwww!?" Murakan tried to run away.
'This brat...his own intelligence consumed him. He's gone crazy.'
However, due to his longer reach, Jin stooped down and caught him up by the back and picked him up. "You're late."
"Meow, meow, meowww, meoW, MeoWWWWW!!"
"Did you lose your tongue?"
"MEOWWWWWHHERRRRR!"
Murakan hissed as the door suddenly opened. "Is something the matt---ah, young master. Is that a stray cat?"
"Uh, yeah. It was freezing. And starving. And dying. So, I uh, picked him up. Hm."
Gilly couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell within her as she observed the young boy's actions. Despite his sometimes aloof and seemingly indifferent demeanor, it was moments like these that reminded her of the goodness within him.
It filled her heart with hope and delight to see him show care and concern for a small creature, demonstrating a side of him that others often overlooked. She couldn't be happier.
"You're so kind, young master."
"Thanks, Gilly."
Murakan hissed once more but immediately shut up as Gilly looked at it from the corner of her eye. "But would it be safe to keep it? What if it is infected?"
"No, it's healthy. Just starving. Can you bring something to eat? Probably something sweet."
Gilly bowed with a smile on her face. "Sure."
'Young Master really likes cats. I should make something delicious.'
With that thought in mind, Gilly hopped away from the room, closing the door behind her. Once she was gone, Jin placed Murakan on the bed. "Don't transform into your human form. I can't detect you right now. And it seems like Gilly can't as well. But there is no guarantee if you transform."
"MEOW, MEOW, meowawae, grrrrrr!" Murakan purred with obvious hostility.
"You can have my share of Strawberry Pies as well."
Hearing that, Murakan's ears and tail perked up as his voice died down. Coming close to Jin, he snuggled his cheek with his hand. Sighing, Jin flopped on the bed beside Murakan as he stroked his head.
'This is odd...' Jin thought to himself as he stroked him.
Murakan looked up at Jin, carrying a thousand-yard stare in his eyes as he subconsciously stroked his head and chin.
'The boy is up to something...again.'
(***)
Gilly entered the room with a warm, inviting smile on her face, carefully balancing a tray laden with five delectable strawberry pies and a steaming glass of rich, velvety hot chocolate. She knew just how much Jin enjoyed these treats, and she always made sure to prepare them with love and care.
"Good afternoon, Young Master," Gilly greeted Jin as she set the tray down on a nearby table.
Jin looked up from his books. "Ah, Gilly. Thanks."
"It's my pleasure, Young Master," Gilly replied with a hint of pride in her voice. "I hope you'll enjoy them. I know how much you love strawberry pies."
Jin nodded appreciatively, and Gilly brought the pies near Jin where Murakan was sitting in Jin's lap comfortably.
Murakan's ears stood up as he smelled something. The sweet treats that he had grown so fond of. Jin picked up the glass of hot chocolate, the steam rising from it carrying the comforting aroma of cocoa. He took a sip, and a look of delight spread across his face.
Gilly continued looking at Jin.
"Hm? Oh, Gilly, it's good. Might just be the best you've made until now."
Gilly's shoulders perked up at the compliment. "I'm delighted to hear that, Young Master. I put in some extra effort to make it perfect for you."
Jin savored another sip of the hot chocolate, the warm and slightly sweet liquid dancing on his taste buds. The rich, creamy beverage was a perfect balance of flavours.
As Jin indulged in the delicious hot chocolate, Gilly watched with a pleased smile. Even though he wasn't eating the strawberry pies right away, her heart was lifted by his enjoyment of the warm drink. She knew that a bit of indulgence could go a long way in brightening his day.
Once he was done with his drink, he picked up a pie and handed it to Gilly.
"Young Master, I am on duty..." She tried to deny, putting both her hands up in a placating manner.
However, Jin just pushed the pie. "Would you eat it I order you?"
"That won't be necessary." She took it immediately, taking continuous denial as disrespect. Taking the pie in her hand, she turned around, "Excuse me."
"Hm. Ok."
Jin turned his attention back to his book while Murakan jumped on the pies, slobbering, while his whole body was covered in the pie's contents as he dived into the sweet savourings.
However, just as Murakan finished eating the pies, Jin's eyes flicked towards him. "What's happening to you?" He asked, putting his book away.
"Meow?"
'This isn't Murakan...'
Picking the cat with the inflated belly up he ran towards the window and opened it, throwing it away with one swift movement of his hand. The force was enough to make the cat to crash into the wall of the building in front of him with a thud before it started falling down.
However, the light had returned to his eyes. The cat turned around and within the blink of an eye he transformed into his human form. The next instant he disappeared into the shadow of a nearby human.
(***)
A special privilege given to dragons only: transformation.
Though it's considered a privilege, it can hardly be labeled as a 'blessing.' This ability comes with several significant and life-threatening limitations. First and foremost, when a dragon is in its transformed state, it becomes exceptionally vulnerable.
If one transforms into a cat, they only have the fighting prowess of a cat. The same would happen if one transforms into a lion, fish, bird, or any other animal.
If someone transforms into a cat, their combat abilities are limited to that of a cat. The same principle applies when transforming into a lion, fish, bird, or any other animal.
Furthermore, if a dragon remains in their transformed state beyond a certain time limit, they lose the ability to revert to their original form autonomously. As they approach this critical point, their consciousness and identity as a powerful dragon diminish, and they begin to adopt the instincts and behaviors of the animal they've transformed into.
"That was close. Too close. I was freaking out. In the past, I once saw a dragon transform into a fish and enjoy a leisurely life, but they ended up getting caught by a fisherman. I laughed for around 200 years because of that~ But damn, I almost ended up having the same fate..."
Murakan's voice trailed off as Jin looked at him with disdain, his back against the wall inside an empty alley.
"But look, you were smart enough to act in time. If you didn't bonk my head into the wall, I would've been a goner as well."
"That aside, a little warning would've been better." Jin sighed as he came a little closer to Murakan, hiding behind his tall frame. He had left his room in a hurry and didn't wanted anyone to see him with Murakan.
"Yeah...sorry. But how did you know what to do with me?" Murakan asked.
"Hm? I didn't "know" per-se, but I could sense something odd about your Shadow Energy. It was fading away. I was certain it was you but couldn't understand what was happening. The only possible reasoning I could find of the situation was that it must be a side-effect of transforming into a cat strictly or transformation in general. From there I just narrowed down the most obvious ones. And the one with highest probability was a loss of identity. Since when you were in your cat form, you were acting way too perfectly. Reacting positively to my head pats despite being so egotistical. A lot more as well but you get the idea."
Murakan shook his head as if he was being overloaded with information. "Well, now you know. You better go back now. I will join you tomorrow when the carriages finally leave."
"Hm. Ok. Bye."
"Bye kiddo. Don't trip over a stone. You midget."
Jin waved his hand without looking back, sneakily returning to his room.
(***)
During the next two days, the Black King Mercenaries diligently escorted Jin and his companions to the capital of the Mitel Kingdom. Their behavior was akin to that of true knights, displaying remarkable dignity and courtesy towards their clients.
However, they couldn't fathom the reason behind their client's decision to adopt a stray black cat midway through their journey. It appeared to be an absurd and perplexing choice.
The Black King Mercenaries eventually arrived at the conclusion that the diminutive, yet ruthless overlord known as Jin also possessed a childlike aspect to his character. They saw him as a Runcandel who had a playful and silly side, which they deduced from his actions such as burying his head in a pile of snow or intentionally tumbling off the carriage.
"Thank you for your work, Vice-Captain Murka of the Black King Mercenaries' 3rd Corps. The Runcandel Clan's main house will properly reward you for escorting us—which wasn't part of the original commission—on a later date."
"This mission was also a good experience for us, Gilly. I can't wait to see the future of the young Runcandel you serve."
Gilly and Murka exchanged their farewells while Jin watched from a distance with a cat slumbering on his shoulder.
"By the way, Gilly McRolan."
"What is it, Murka?"
"I may be overstepping my boundaries, but I've come to admire you after seeing you in battle. Therefore, as a warrior who makes a living by fighting, I must ask you. Why did the McRolan Clan do such a thing to y—" Gilly's expression immediately darkened. Murka swiftly shook his hand and coughed loudly. "I apologize. I shouldn't have. If only I could punch myself from 10 seconds ago."
"It's fine. Well then, I wish you the best."
Jin raised a brow. 'Family problems?'
As soon as the Black King Mercenaries took their leave, Gilly sighed deeply. Once she fixed her appearance, she joined Jin and Murakan, and they went to the administrative office of the Mitel Kingdom's transfer gate.
"Welcome to the Mitel Transfer Gate. Do you have any identification?"
Gilly presented a dagger with the Runcandel emblem, the 'Black Sword', engraved on it.
"Oh! So, you belong to the Runcandel Clan. It's an honour to meet you. Are you headed to the Huphester Alliance's Karlon City?"
Karlon was the city where the Runcandel main house, 'Garden of Swords', was located. In addition, the Huphester Alliance was a group of nations under the rule of the Runcandels.
"Indeed."
"Please come this way. I will lead you to the first-class seats."
Since the Mitel Kingdom was part of the Huphester Alliance, it was basically part of the Runcandel Clan's territory. The manager of the transfer gate guided Jin and his companions with a beaming smile, as if it was the greatest thing to happen in his life.
"We will depart in two hours and arrive in the blink of an eye. I hope you have a comfortable journey."
The Mitel Special Transfer Gate had a waiting room which was as luxurious as a rich noble's living room. There was no other client using the first-class waiting room.
Jin leaped onto a soft sofa and took out his notebook as his body sank in it. He had gained the habit of using any free time to study books about the history of this world. The book he was reading was twice the size of his face.
Murakan was sitting in his lap. However, as Jin reached to a certain page, Murakan scratched the page with his sharp nails.
'Hm. It does seem fabricated. The Zipfels are way too noble with the amount of power they have. Hm. I wonder if the Runcandels have anything going on for them except the patriarch. And if that really is the case, how strong is he?'
Jin was lost in thoughts as he read one page after another.
"Young Master?"
"Yeah?"
"You see a little troubled. Are you doing well?"
"Yeah. Thanks for asking. Take a seat." Jin tapped the seat beside him. Without questioning, Gilly sat with him. Murakan jumped from Jin's lap into Gilly's, snuggling his face into her. Gilly let out a muffled laugh, scratching his chin.
"You have certainly picked a very sweet pet, Young Master."
Jin glared at Murakan from the side of his eye as he saw him snuggling to Gilly near places that were too near for comfort. Feeling his eyes on him, Murakan got away from her and closed his eyes.
Suddenly, the door to the first-class waiting room was swung open. It was a young boy who appeared to be from a noble family. He had light brown skin and seemed taller than Jin by 20 centimeters. He was accompanied by two escorts.
As soon as they stepped inside the room, the atmosphere changed. The subtle shifting of energy was palpable, and the tension grew thick in the air, crackling like electricity. Gilly and the noble boy's escorts locked eyes, their gazes sharp and unwavering.
As soon as their gazes met, Gilly stood up, her stance battle ready.
This situation was inevitable, for the collision of two prominent families, the Runcandels and the Zipfels, had occurred in this confined space.
"No wonder I didn't want to come to Huphester. My instincts were warning me that I'd come across these cocksuckers."
The Zipfel boy, who was still by the entrance and distant from Jin's position, muttered audibly. His escorts were now also quietly observing Jin once they were done scrutinizing Gilly.
'Oh? He is foul mouthed.'
Amid the mounting tension, Gilly's restraint was tested as the veins on her neck threatened to burst forth, her willpower the only thing preventing her from lashing out. Jin, on the other hand, maintained his silence, calmly observing the situation, his stoic demeanor a stark contrast to the brewing storm around him.
It was a childish provocation. It was so pathetic that Jin went back to reading his book.
Meanwhile, Murakan, seemingly unperturbed by the impending clash, played a mischievous role in the standoff. He sauntered between the two groups, his feline form moving with a grace that belied his current form. Almost as if he was enjoying the potential altercation.
Seeing the lack of response from Jin, the Zipfel boy spoke again. "Oh, at least the cat they're raising is cute. Those cowards don't deserve to raise such a cute pet. Come over here, kitty~"
"Meow!"
The small dragon kitten willingly leaped into the Zipfel boy's awaiting arms. A brief moment of tranquility reigned as the boy gently stroked the furball. The room held its breath, the fragile peace hanging by a thread.
But then, as if deciding that he'd had enough of this interlude, Murakan shifted from docile to wild. He extended his tiny claws, digging them into the noble boy's nose, his eyes wide with mock innocence. The sudden pain and shock jolted through the boy, and with a yelp, he lost his grip on the wriggling feline.
"Kyaa!" The boy's surprised cry was met with a chorus of stifled laughter from Gilly. Murakan, swift and agile, managed to evade his captor's clutches, leaving the boy clutching his injured nose.
The small dragon kitten darted back to Gilly's side, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he curled up beside her. Amidst the chuckles that followed the cat's antics, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate ever so slightly, if only for a moment.
"Urgh!"
"8th Young Master!"
As the escorts attempted to draw their swords on their waists, the boy raised his hands to stop them.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just a light scratch. No need to overreact because of a cat. I guess I deserved it for provoking them."
'8th young master? Hmm.'
Despite his eyes downcast, Jin was observing everything.
As he wiped the blood on the bridge of his nose, the boy continued speaking. "...And above all, drawing your swords before Runcandels is a foolish act." The boy shrugged and directed his gaze to Jin.
'I was mistaken. He's not a coward, he's calmly watching us. No, maybe he just doesn't care about us?' The Zipfel boy thought. Suddenly Jin looked up to match his scrutinising gaze. At the same moment, one of his escorts stepped forward, shielding the boy.
Gilly's claws also started to stretch out as she stepped in front of Jin.
'This boy is crazy...! Why is he flaming the situation? Is he enjoying it?' Murakan thought. It was feeble but Jin had sent a hostile pulse towards them.
Seeing their overworked reaction, Jin looked back at his book with a contended look.
"And he played you. Be ashamed of yourself." The Zipfel boy spoke to his escorts as they lowered their heads. Reacting to fake hostility, despite not being Zipfel official magicians, it was still pretty embarrassing. Especially when it came from a ten-year-old. However, their thought process had warned them already.
The Runcandels were a crazy bunch. Thinking a kid who had just left the Storm Castle wasn't capable of anything could become the last mistake they could ever make. Coupled with the fact that there was a Runcandel nanny in their presence as well.
However, the Zipfel boy had entered the waiting room with a calculated intention. His actions were a deliberate probe, aimed at testing Jin's reaction and gauging his character. This encounter was not a mere coincidence; it was a calculated move to size up the youngest scion of the Runcandel clan.
The noble boy's assessment was swift. He sought to determine if Jin, who had recently departed from the Storm Castle, held promise and potential. In this brief exchange, the boy formed a judgment about the Runcandel before him.
"Well, aren't you an interesting one, Jin Runcandel?" The boy approached Jin and extended his hand. "I'm Beradin Zipfel. I only provoked you to test you but allow me to apologize properly."
Jin continued to look down. Flipping a page with a loud flap, Jin let out a deep breath. Beradin's brow twitched, however, he kept his hand extended, maintaining a smile. Once Jin was done with the 2 pages, he looked up at him.
"Is that so? I was also just trying to provoke you. So, we are even now. No need for apologies. Now please excuse me. I am reading a book. As you can see."
Beradin's escorts seemed to grow agitated with every passing second that Jin insulted Beradin. Either with his words or his silence. It was a constant embarassment for him. Surprisingly, Beradin didn't felt insulted at all.
"Come on now, don't be so cold. You know there could've been an altercation between us."
"I don't see how this could even be called a fight. Your escorts are weak." Jin replied as he looked at the guards instead of Beradin with sheer condescendence. The guards flinched and then started fuming, their faces bright red.
Jin was playing with them like a fiddle, toying with their emotions.
Beradin flinched as he looked at Jin's antics and then at Gilly whose serene posture that indicated that she didn't think anything of his guards.
"...Well, fine. You're a confident one. But let me give you some advice as someone who's in similar circumstances as you. Next time you meet a rude Zipfel who does something offensive, don't recklessly cut off their fingers. It would stir trouble in both our clans, don't you think?"
Beradin was warning Jin not to carelessly start a war between the two clans. It was actual serious advice coming from a member of the enemy clan.
Jin closed his book and leaned towards Beradin. "Trouble?"
"Yes. Deep trouble. If the Zipfels and Runcandels fought to the death, the world wouldn't be able to withstand the bloody battles. I'm telling you to keep in mind the potential disasters and chaos the innocent civilians would face because of us."
Jin leaned back into his seat. "Do you think Cyron Runcandel and Kellarik Zipfel will summon their armies because of a squabble between kids? I am the youngest and you're the eighth son. There isn't much significance attached to our names. Even if I were to gouge your eyes out, it won't result in a war."
Jin spoke with such a calm voice that it didn't even seem like a provocation. Like something he'd actually do.
"A few gold bars would do." Jin ended.
Beradin's eyes opened wide, as if he had nothing to say to Jin's words.
Beradin stared dumbfounded and blinked several times before nodding his head.
"That was surprisingly enlightening and informative. I shall definitely repay this debt to you in the future."
"You can repay it now."
"How?"
"By staying quiet. I am reading a book. As I stated before."
"Hey, hey, what book is that?" Beradin leaned in far too close for comfort.
Jin hid the book.
"Awhh, come on, we are almost the same age. Getting along won't hurt, yes? Yes?"
"I think it would. So, no. Thanks. Please return to your seat."
Sulking, Beradin went back to his seat. Honouring the favour, Beradin stayed silent.
Beradin's eyes were gleaming with curiosity as he kept glancing at the 10-year-old. They had only shared a short conversation, but their encounter was a refreshing and exciting one. He wanted to know more about Jin.
Hence, there was a certain amount of goodwill within Beradin's curious gaze.
'If he weren't a Runcandel, we could've been good friends... Oh well, let's be satisfied with the fact that I discovered a worthy enemy. In fact, he might become my lifelong rival!'
Beradin quietly chuckled as he let his imagination fly to the skies. In the meantime, Jin also thought to himself.
'He is quite gullible.'
Jin blinked a few times as he noticed something. Whenever Beradin stared at Jin, and they made eye contact, the Zipfel boy would turn his head away with a blush.
'Huh? Why is he getting embarrassed? Creepy...'
Suddenly, blue mana began to dye the special waiting room. It then softly covered the members inside.
"I had fun. Let's meet again, Jin Runcandel!"
Beradin shouted with an excited voice. Since their destinations were different, this was the only opportunity he had to bid Jin farewell.
"No."
But Beradin couldn't hear Jin's reply.
He was sent to his destination and had to deal with formalities for his entry in the country, whereas Jin and his companions were directly sent to another first-class waiting room.
The Runcandel Clan held absolute power within the Huphester Alliance along with a great reputation. On the other hand, the Zipfels were absolutely detested, which led to some discrimination in their treatments.
Most places in the world loved one clan and hated the other, and vice versa. There weren't many nations which were free from the two clans' influence.
However, as they got teleported, Jin looked at his palm.
'Beradin Zipfel, huh? I think I have someone to compare my mana development to now.'
At that thought, he felt another rush of energy wash over him as the scenery around Jin changed. Picking up the unconscious cat in his arms, Jin walked towards the exit, followed closely by Gilly.
Once they exited the waiting room, they were welcomed by the quiet scenery of the Huphester Alliance's transfer gate. Generally speaking, there would be countless people in the area, but since the Runcandel youngest child was coming today, the administration had set up severe regulations.
A group of knights approached Jin and his crew. They were Runcandel guardian knights.
"We have been expecting you, Young Master. Pleased to meet you. I am Petro, the second butler of the house."
The middle-aged man at the center of the knights spoke up. Jin and the others got on the steel carriage prepared in advance and headed to the Garden of Swords.
'I have a good feeling about this. Maybe my luck would change!'