The Conflicting Return

For the first time, the body Nana allowed Conrad to borrow did not begin anywhere near a home he could rest his head in.

Sitting up and squinting, he peered around and found himself reclining in a meadow, seemingly far from civilization. Conrad glanced up, naturally looking for answers. "What's going on this time, Nana?"

Nana smirked down at Conrad, smirking. "The kid gloves are off, Mister Walters. You've come a long way, and I don't think I need to hold your hand for this next part."

Conrad looked at Nana incredulously. "You've been holding my hand up until now?"

"Do you remember what I told you back on the farm about how I could have dropped an encounter with a dragon on your lap?"

Conrad raised his hands defensively. "You make a fair point."

"Thank you. Now, tell me Conrad. Do you see that mountain up ahead, over the horizon?"

Nana pointed off in the distance, and Conrad nodded. "I do, Nana."

"I would like to see you scale it unassisted."

Conrad simply stared ahead for several moments, his eyes taking in the mountain range. He slowly nodded, to Nana's great appreciation.

"Understood. I will head to the mountain and climb it, on my own."

"Very good. You're quite agreeable on this, Conrad."

"After spending six months learning how to wield magic from scratch, I don't feel too daunted by the idea of going on a journey across the land and climbing a mountain."

"Your confidence is noted. However, two things. First of all, that mountain, while thankfully having a path leading up to the top, is still the home of a number of beasts and monsters. You must be ready for the possibility of several hostile counters on the way up. If I catch you heading up that mountain with anyone else, I will make sure that nothing is waiting for you at the top."

"What's waiting for me at the top, assuming I follow your rule?"

"A prophecy. One with contents that I believe will interest you greatly." Nana did not elaborate, so Conrad simply nodded.

"Second, a little bit of trivia about your grasp on magic. Every individual's magical attunement, how much power they can draw on, is tied to my affinity for them."

Conrad's eyes widened. "You're telling me that how strong someone's magic is determined by how much you like them?"

"In essence, yes." Nana gave him one of her trademark giggles. "All events in the world that you would call supernatural are an extension of my will, Conrad. I hold love for all living things, and therefore, the ability to use these supernatural abilities is not tied to one species. You developed deeply impressive power in the use of magic very quickly, the likes of which your peers at Granmeta took years to acquire. I see everyone's efforts, and my appreciation results in their abilities developing, but yours developed at a staggering rate due to our time together."

Conrad was a little stunned, but accepted it. "Very well. Noted."

"Now, a little about your current body. It belongs to a man that chooses to live mostly isolated from the rest of society. The man was just relaxing for a moment in this meadow before I put him to sleep. He's 32 years old. A good, strong age, and I believe his body should serve you just fine in completing your task. Don't worry about any family attachments that he could possibly have, since he willingly chose to live a lifestyle of extended isolation."

Conrad nodded. "No need to worry about any other responsibilities."

"Right. You will find money, food and water in this man's rucksack. Use them as needed, and do what you must to make money once you run out of those supplies. Your need is greater than his, seeing as you're the one being sent on this dangerous quest. I will imprint false memories into this man's head as well, once you are done with his body, assuming you don't die and get his body destroyed in your attempt."

Determination was etched across Conrad's face. "Death isn't an option. I'm going to go get this job done."

"That's the spirit. Go on then, my boy."

Conrad turned and headed out, his eyes fixated on the mountain in the far distance. Nana watched him depart, her face neutral.

"One last test for one last person, my boy. If you can make it to the top, you'll be a man ready to have this conversation with me."

Conrad trekked across the plains for several hours. On more than one occasion, he found himself set upon by prowling monsters. Goblins and kobolds were one thing, as the man he had disciplined himself into now could defend himself with few issues. The body he was using was also hardy enough that he wasn't slowed down by his current physique. Once he started passing by orcs, however, the difficulty began to ramp up for him, unsurprisingly. Fortunately, he never passed by more than a couple at a time, and with his impressive magic, he fared much better than he did back when he only had a blade.

Conrad exhaled lowly. After a full day of exploring and multiple instances of combat, his mana was becoming scare. Thankfully, on the route he was taking, he found civilization. And not just any form of civilization. He smiled widely as he glanced upon the city where he would rest this night.

Feeling optimistic, Conrad entered the royal capital of Estrenbridge.

Fifteen minutes later, Conrad was visiting a certain smith, seeing if he couldn't find a deal on a new sword for cheap. The dagger that he had on his person when he entered this body was not in great shape anymore, and he needed reliable equipment. As Conrad saw Brutus open the door to his home, he couldn't help but smile. It was nice to see a good man like him again. Based on how much older Brutus looked, it was likely it had been another decade or more into the future since Conrad had been Jeremiah.

Brutus greeted him cheerfully. "Good day, sir! Anything I can help with?"

"Good day, sir. My named is Conrad. You're Brutus, correct? I have heard rumors that your work is of a higher quality than the weapons being sold by traders in this city. Do you still supply strictly to the royal guard, or may I purchase a sword from you directly?" Conrad held out a small pile of gold, making it clear that he was a serious customer.

Brutus' eyes lit up. "Ah, a civilian customer! I believe I may be able to help you, sir." He turned his head. "Jeremiah! Please bring an extra blade from the back!"

Conrad's eyes widened. He heard motion further back in the shop, and then, he and Brutus were joined in the doorway.

Jeremiah walked up to Conrad and Brutus. Conrad was struck with an incredible combination of mixed feelings, seeing the body he had inhabited previously standing in front of him. Jeremiah turned to Brutus and addressed his father softly. "Is this for him, father?"

Brutus nodded, smiling. "Yes, son. Please hand it over."

Conrad accepted the sword, nodding graciously. "Thank you, Jeremiah." He passed the gold coins to Brutus in return.

Nodding slowly, Jeremiah wished him well, and Conrad returned the sentiment. Jeremiah returned to the back. Conrad glanced up at Brutus, still a little awkward. "Your son is a very polite young man."

"Ay, that he is. He even used to be a member of the royal guard himself, you know. Years ago, he fought side-by-side with Queen Carmela, though she was a Squad Captain at the time. He took a bad bump to his head during a tragic attack on the capital, and he unfortunately needed to retire. His mind hasn't been quite the same since, but he's still a good young man."

Conrad nodded solemnly, before one specific thing Brutus had said suddenly clicked in his mind and grabbed his attention.

"Wait, sir...did you just say Queen Carmela?"