Chapter 2: Journey and inheritance

“It’s finally over huh? Oh, Goriki!” Quickly rushing to his side. I didn’t know what to do or how to heal him. I shook Goriki, yelling desperately. Hoping that he’s still somehow alive.

“Shinku, you fended him off and saved everyone. Thank you.” Holding one eye open, barely speaking properly from all the pain.

“Take care… of your sister. Goodbye, Shinku.” He spoke with his final breath, as a single tear ran down his battered face. The next moment, the adrenaline that I had disappeared, my arms buckled beneath me, and I collapsed- blacking out next to the man that saved me.

“Shinku~. It’s time to wake up.” A familiar voice calling out softly as they lowered their voice to a whisper, “If you don’t, then I’ll have wake you up another way.”

Opening my eyes slowly, I found myself laying in the softest bed I’ve ever been in. Staring at the ceiling for a few seconds to collect my thoughts together to try and figure out how I got here.

“Awww, you actually woke up. And just as I was about to have some fun.” A girl’s pouting drew close to my face quickly.

“Umm, who are you? And how did I get here?” Forcing the girl to move back as I sat up properly, while trying to create some distance with the little I had from the head of the bed.

“Hmph. Did you forget me already? It’s me, Iris.” Pouting sadly as if I had seen her in human form before. I only met Iris once, and she expected to know who she was straight away without me even knowing that her physical form was human! Give. Me. A. break! Sigh. Just before I could ask Iris my next question, knock knock.

“Are you awake yet brother? I brought you something to eat.” I could hear Rei's voice from the other side of the door.

“Iris, can you able to put some clothes on if possible?” Keeping as cool and calm as possible before my sister sees me with Iris. More specifically seeing us in a situation that could be worse if Iris doesn’t put on clothes.

“Boo. What if I want that girl to see us like this?” Smirking while slowly crawling closely, attempting to steal a kiss.

“That’s enough.” Pushing Iris’ face aside as she continues to press her face against my hand. “One second sis!” Turning my attention to the door and free my legs from under Iris to get up.

“Fine. But I want compensation for being cut off like this later, ok.” Raising her hand forming the mana around her into an aqua dress that reached her knees.

“You can come in now Rei.” Opening the door for Rei who casually walks in with her eyes closed for a few seconds before opening them to only spot Iris sitting on the bed.

“What is going on here? Who is this girl and where did she come from, Shinku?! Explain!” Slamming the breakfast onto a nearby desk, looking confused and sad while tears start to well up.

“Well… um, you see…” As I try to figure out how to explain this in a way that doesn’t upset Rei for some unobvious reason.

“C’mon, just tell her. Daaarling.” She snickers as she barely tries to hide a satisfying smirk.

“You’re not helping Iris.” Annoyed at the feeling that she said that on purpose. Is Iris trying to get me killed?

“Yeah, darling. Explain everything to me. In detail.” Rei leaning in closer giving of an incredibly irritated and murderous aura, smiling.

I explain how Iris and I made a spirit contract before I almost died to the captain knight of the Logros Empire. As well as everything else that happened including to tell her how Goriki died, as she sat slouching on the desk chair with her arms crossed.

“Sigh… I understand why you made a spirit contract, but.” She taps her arm quickly. “I still don’t see why she has cling to you that much!” Rei waves her finger at Iris as she jumped up.

“What’s the matter Rei, jealous?” Iris clings to my arm even tighter than before.

“I- am. Not! Now… Hrrmph!” She locks Iris into a bear hug as she tries to pry her off me.

“Oh yeah. How’re the other villagers doing? I bet they must all still be recovering from yesterday, asking Mae to help.” I give a little laugh to try and get back on the main topic.

“Umm, Shinku. You’ve been out for three days now. When Mae and I found you… You had lost a lot of blood and were dangerously low on mana. It took both of us combined to get you back in a stable condition.” Slowly sitting on the chair that was tucked under the desk. “After that Mae left, since she wanted to continue her travels. But as for the villagers. They’re waiting for the Baron to provide money to put up a quest to help with the clean-up and reconstruction of the building that were damaged or destroyed.” She waits a moment for me to fully process everything she said, before taking out an open envelope that was addressed to me.

“So, they’re sending a replacement for Goriki now that he’s dead. When will they be here?” I smile softly at Rei, stretching out the letter to read it.

“Actually, they’re already here… but” Dragging out the point of what she was trying to say, sweating looking at an empty corner of the room while I read the letter. “I’m the new Baron!” My voice is loud enough for it to echo throughout the mansion all the way to the gates where a couple of villagers were passing by, looking surprised.

According to the letter that Goriki wrote before he died, he had planned to adopt Rei and myself and take our last name to make it an official house name. I was also supposed to be his heir and inherit everything, including his title once he passed away. His will was also already taken to the capital and in the middle of being confirmed along with other letters, one announcing me as the official heir.

“Apparently some of the villagers knew about what Goriki was planning and according to the one of the messengers there’s supposed to be someone to meet you coming soon.” She sits down in the desk chair, picking up an apple slice and waving it around a bit before finally taking a bite.

“Sigh. Well, if I’m going to be the new Baron then I need to start acting like a…” Flinching as if I was going to throw up in disgust. “A noble.” I stand up from the bedding heading out the room towards where Goriki’s treasury room.

“I wonder, how much money would be needed to post a quest to help rebuild the village? Not to mention we need money to get materials and tools.” Pouring enough mana into a wall which opens a hidden room which was well organised, thanks to yours truly. I grab about a hundred gold coins, judging how much we might need.

“It’s amazing that you know where and how to get into Goriki’s treasure room.” Looking at all the money, weapons, armor, magic stones and different trinkets around the room. The reason I knew where and how to get in was because of the amount of time I helped around the place, and the fact that I had to get in here a few times to sort out this room since it was a giant mess. There was barely a way to walk through here.

“That should be everything then.” We walk out as the wall slides back into place, hiding the room once more.

“Hey Shinku, this box has different mana coming from it!” She starts waving around a small wooden box above her head excitedly.

“Wha…, Iris! Don’t just take things that aren’t yours. Goriki probably kept it in there for a reason.” I was surprised that she took something from the treasury.

“But it’s yours. Look, it has your name on the tag.” Iris holds the tag inches from my face. It did indeed say my name, but I don’t remember putting anything in here.

“Goriki!” A booming voice came from outside. Peering outside the window, I saw a butler open a carriage door. A human man stepped out, appearing proud and excited. He had short brown hair, sapphire blue eyes, wearing royal gold armor plated in silver and bronze, with blue fabric and cap on it with gold and red strings on the end. An older looking knight stepped out from behind him, looking exhausted and annoyed with his hand covering his right eye.

“I know you’re excited to spar with Goriki again, using that new weapon he made you. But please remember why we’re here son.”

“I know. We’re here to take Goriki and whatshisname to the capital, to announce him as the official heir of their family.” Pouting while slumped over defeated. After seeing us walk out and approach them, he became enraged and frustrated.

“Hey. Why’re you coming out from Goriki’s place!? Where’s Goriki?”

“That’s enough Arthur!” With his armoured hand, he smacked his son over the head. “Apologies. My name is Jirron Armstrong, and this is my son, Arthur. Judging from your appearance, you must be Shinku Yozora. My father is an old friend of Goriki.” Introducing himself sincerely as he slightly bowed.

“Uh, yes. Nice to meet you too. This is my little sister Rei,” I gesture to my right. “And this is, Iris.” Shifting my arms to my left.

“If I may ask, did something happen to the village to cause all the destruction I saw on the way here? Also, could you take us to see Goriki.” Curiously looking at the building with the large chunk I created.

“Yes. A squad of knights from the Logros Empire came and tried to force us to cooperate with them while to headed to the capital. However, Goriki refused to obey, and they attacked everyone in the village, killing everyone to leave no witnesses. Goriki and I were fending them off, but he died saving me from being killed by their captain.” Tearing up from remembering. “I’m sorry. If I was stronger than maybe he wouldn’t have died.” As I wipe away stray tears, I try to get back on track.

“It’s ok, Shinku. You did the best you could.” Jirron gently placed his hand on my head. “At least by the looks of things, it seems they retreated since I didn’t see any of them on my way here.” Smiling with positivity.

“That’s because he blasted that captain into the building they’re with our power combined!” Iris proudly saying as if she was the one who dealt that blow.

“Oh, really. You must be quite strong if you hit them hard enough to make that big of a hole in that building.” A very surprised look spreads across his face as Jirron raises an eyebrow.

“Nope. Shinku used magic.” Iris immediately replied.

“Impossible, gramps said, he couldn’t use any magic except enhancement magic.” Arthur interrupted in disbelief and aggravation.

“Yes he can. See.” He forcefully emits the contract seal on both our hands, waving it in Arthur’s face.

“I didn’t think you could make a magic contract with another human except through slavery collars.” Jirron said curiously, leaning very closely to Iris’ hand gently grabbing hold of it to get a clear look.

“I’m not a human, I’m a Spirit.” Iris replied, smiling carefreely. She clearly doesn’t know the significance of what she just said.

“Im-Impossible. Spirits haven’t been around for centuries.” Jirron expressed in disbelief as everyone stood jaw-dropped and shocked by the earthshattering statement.

“Hmm, what’s wrong? You look like you saw a ghost.” Still smiling, slowly flicking her hand up and down as if he were joking.

“He might as well be Iris. You’re the last Spirit in the world.” I shake my head as my hand covers my eyes. Iris’ face the then froze as if her entire world just shattered.

“Cough. Anyway. We brought someone to help manage the village while we head for the capital.” Gesturing to a human butler standing behind him.

“A pleasure.” The butler bowed humbly. “My name is Johnson and I take care of things while you’re away young sir.” He explained in a gentle voice.

“Ah…Yes. Thank you very much. Umm, can you use this money and send people to buy materials, tools and everything else we might need to help rebuild all the destroyed houses and buildings?” Holding out the bag of a hundred gold coins to him.

“Ahh! Don’t worry about that. The Armstrong family will take care of everything. including compensation for families that lost loved ones.” Jirron bellowed, walking over and patted me strongly on the back. “Now let’s head out. Next stop, the capital!” Rei and I were shoved into the carriage as Iris marched enthusiastically behind.

“It’s a long ride, so why don’t we get to know each other on the way. I would love to hear how you were able to make a contract with a Spirit of all things.” Laughing as the carriage abruptly started moving, with the sound of the reins being whipped.

After about a about what felt like a few weeks of a journey we finally caught sight of capital. The outside walls were huge, reaching at least seven stories high.

“Welcome everyone, to Arc Strada.” Jirron, proudly announcing to us, as we slowly passed through the gates to the city. The inside looked almost utopian like, as the buildings and houses were various shades of white with all of them having glowing aqua accents running along the edges of some of the walls and roofs. At the center of the city stood a tower that reached as far as the clouds. The roads were paved in what was white marbled stone, now darkened from years of being used.

“What’s with the glowing lines throughout the city?” I asked, turning to Jirron waiting eagerly for an answer.

“Those are…”

“Mana circuits!” Iris interruptedly excitedly exclaimed.

“…Err, yes. Mana circuits.” Taking a moment to clear his throat before repeating what Iris had said. “They run throughout the city from the lights on the streets to powering the magic stones in every home and building.” Adjusting himself up straight again, trying to show off to Rei and myself.

“Father, we’re almost home.” Arthur called out from the front of the carriage.

“And this will be where you three will be staying during the inheritance ceremony.” We sat in awe of the large mansion that was much larger than Goriki's mansion back in Flameshire as we gazed out the window.

“Oh yea. I forgot to ask before but what title do you have Jirron?” Expecting to hear a title of Baron or something close to it.

“Do you know of each nobility title and their rankings?” Using a question to answer a question.

“I remember Goriki mentioning something like that a long time ago, but I don’t remember the rankings at all.” Desperately trying to remember all of it.

“Well as you know. The king and queen stand at the top. Then below them is Duke, which are normally relatives of the royal family and people that have been promoted over generations. Under Duke we have Margrave and Marquis.” As Jirron gestures to the board beside him.

“Wait. WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM??” I exclaimed, surprised from the board appearing out of thin air.

Ahem “Never mind that. Now although they hold the same ranking, their duties are different. Margrave families handle more of the military side of affairs, while Marquis handle more domestic affairs and defend the nations.” Still moving his finger half way down the board now.

“Under them are earl which govern larger cities and religious affairs of the nation. Viscounts govern smaller developing cities and also are administrators and judges for the nation under the supervision of a higher ranking noble. Barons, like yourself govern towns, villages, act on behalf of the king or queen and are basically the lowest of nobility.” The same way Goriki lectured me on nobility as we stepped out of the carriage upon arrival at their home. “Anyway, to answer your question from before. My family title is margrave and part of the seven great families that help found this nation.” Answering as if it was no big deal, throwing the board out the carriage window.

“Whaaat! A margrave…” I was surprised by the rank difference between him and Goriki.

“Welcome home master Jirron and young master Arthur.” A chorus of voices from the maids and butlers expressed gently bowing upon seeing them return.

“Whoa. So, this is what it’s like to live as a noble.” I was amazed by the extremely decorated interior. The mansion was basically sparkling clean, which was leaps and bounds beyond what I did in Goriki’s mansion. Even if it was smaller compared to this.

“Hey, master! Are these your guests?!” A maid cheerfully asked, appearing directly behind us. “Can I keep them? Please!” As Iris was wrapped in a hug, it looked more like a snake catching its prey.

“Get… off… me…” Protesting as Iris went into spirit form for a moment before reappearing behind me, clinging as she started tearing up.

“Mana, please stop tormenting the poor child. I apologise for her rude behaviour. She tends to be greedy whenever she finds something cute.” Another maid came and bowed sincerely.

“Rei, Iris, Shinku, I welcome you to my home. The inheritance ceremony will be held in a week, so in the meantime consider this place your home while all the preparations are being prepared.” Jirron turned around clearing his throat and with a happy expression welcomed us as he bowed slightly to us.

“Please allow me to attend to them during their stay master.” Insisted the maid, bowing once more.

“No fair. You just want them to yourself, Pia.” Mana protested still staring with starry eyes at Iris like prey to be caught.

“Hmmm. Well, how about both of you tend to them then.” Coming to a compromise, easily. “Allow me to formally introduce you to the two that will be taking care of you. The energetic beast spawn fox is mana.” Jirron, placing his hand on ana’s right shoulder.

“Yay! I can spend all my time with little Iris.” Cheerfully jumping and smiling. Iris on the other hand looked fearful and went into spirit form once more. “Nooo. Iris.” Mana’s face, quickly changing from happy to sad in seconds of seeing Iris disappearing again.

“And this is…” As Jirron placed his other hand on the other maid.

“Pia.” Finishing her introduction before Jirron had the chance. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, lord Shinku. If you need anything, please let me know.” With every word, he gets closer and closer until she stops directly in front of me.

“…Thanks.” Leaning back slightly by the ominous aura Pia was omitting.

The next day, Jirron told me that if I was going to become a noble, I should learn proper etiquette and customs for nobles, and learn about each of the noble families in Arc Strada. I asked if I could also learn swordsmanship and magic as well, since I was there. Plus having access to the library would help me learn more about spirits as well. So, over the few days, I spent every day, from learning swordsmanship and magic in the morning, noble etiquette in the afternoon which went until dinner and researching anything I could about spirits and anything else that I thought might help me.

The day before the ceremony I was walking around the city with Rei, Iris, Mana, Pia and Arthur. But…

“Ok. I’m officially lost.” A crossroads intersection found me looking every way. “Which way leads back to the main street again?”

“What’s a young person like you doing here?” An old gentle voice called out. But when I turned around to see who called out to me, no one was there. “Behind you, young one.”

I turned around once more, but no one was there again.

“Gotcha.” I got hit on the head with something dull.

“Arrgh.” Looking to my left to see an old man taking off an… invisible cloak. After rubbing my head for a moment, I was able to get a better look at him,

“Sorry about that. This old man was just trying to have a little bit of fun.” This old man looked no taller than a fifteen-year-old kid. He wore white button up shirt, old sweater and blazer fashioned with dress pants. “So, why is a young man, such as yourself, in alleyway? Smiling curiously, waiting for my explanation.

“Well, I saw a cat run into the alleyway. I followed it ‘cause I thought there would be a dead end. But there was no dead end, so I ended up getting lost myself.” I slumped over feeling defeated.

“Well how you entertain me for a bit in exchange for helping you back to where you need to go?” I offered the old man who started to walk, knowing I had no choice but to accept. “By the way. What’s your name young man?”

“My name is Shinku. Shinku Yozora. And what’s yours?” A question that is answered and then asked again.

“You can call me Hink. Now come, come.” Giggling to himself, as we set off.

About an hour later, Hink and I came to a small sort of shop that was just across from another noble’s mansion.

“Here we are. My little stowaway.” He lays his invisible cloak down on a chest. “Now where are they? Ah, here we are. Right where I left them.” Pushing aside all the mess on a bench and replacing it with a small crystal ball first.

“What’s this?” Curiously leaning on the counter bench.

“This, my friend is called a status orb. Basically, it’ll show everything about you. So just place your hand over it.” I guide my hand over the orb. Then a bright light flashed, and my entire status appeared on a semi-translucent like window board.

“Is this… my status?” Staring at it bewildered.

“Hmm. Interesting, very interesting.” Hink’s eyes draw to particular parts of my status. “To have both a lost magic type and a very unique and dangerous skill indeed. Where did I put that other book.” The search for a particular book on every shelf.

“Ummm. Hink, what’s so interesting about my status? And what’s lost magic?” Taking a closer look at my status board.

Name: Shinku Yozora. | Age: 20. | Race: Demon/ Celestial Hybrid – Neon Hybrid.

Gender: Male. | HP: 799/800. | MP: 5000/5000.

Strength: B

Dexterity: S

Vitality: C

Intelligence: A

Agility: S

Magic: Enhancement, fire, wind, healing, dark, void.

Skills: Instant learning, stealth, weapon arts [longsword], weapon arts [polearms], weapon arts [dagger], weapon arts [unarmed], appraisal, danger sense/awareness, herbalism, battle instinct, crafting, medical, acrobatics, thought communication.

“Read these. It’ll explain everything you want to ask.” As she places a stack of books on the bench, he reaches beneath the bench for a small bag. “Alright. There.” Placing everything seamlessly went into the bag. I had only read about it in the Armstrong study… A bag of holding. I know it was said to fit a lot of things in of it, regardless of how big an item is.

“Ah, thanks. But is it really ok for me to take this?” I panicked a little as Hink handed me the bag.

“Yes, I’m sure. Also, here’s some directions to guide you back home.” Handing over a piece of paper with directions to the Armstrong mansion. “Have a safe trip back, Baron Shinku.” A smile and a wave sent me off.

Walking out his words finally dawned on me.

“Wait. How did he know who I was and where I’m staying?” As I walked back, I reflected deeply on it. However, when I got back, Rei and the maids scolded me for getting lost. I was trapped there for hours, despite numerous attempts at escape.

Today was finally the day of the ceremony. I would become the head of the newly named Yozora house. I hope I made Goriki proud, and although I don’t really care for the whole nobility thing with all the formalities which is so annoying. But this is for Goriki and there are some nice nobles like Jirron… and Arthur. I was also gifted a place here in the capital and a few servants to help look after the it, but I don’t why or what I was going to do with all of them. It all feels so weird to me.

After the ceremony, Jirron announced that he was going to step down as head of the family to allow Arthur to take over.

Later at the party.

“Congratulations, Shinku. You’re officially a Baron now.” Jirron appearing behind me, slapping me on the back. He was closely followed by Arthur.

“I’ll admit that I was a little jealous that you would get a title before me. But since I’m now the head of Armstrong family, I hope we can get along and work together.” Shaking hands with me happily.

“Yes congrats, young one.” That voice and that way of addressing me…

“Hink?!” Turning around to see the old man once more at the party.

“You know Sir Hinkbarkno, Shinku?” Arthur confusedly questioned.

“Yeah. He helped me find my way back. I originally thought that he was just a hermit or an old merchant.”

“I’m so sorry for Shinku’s rude comment to you just now. He’s still new to this whole nobility lifestyle.” Bowing quicker than he was when sparing with me.

“Rude? Does that mean, Hink is a higher noble than us?” My head tilts slightly as I question.

“You are correct, young one. I, myself, am a Duke.”

“Ah. That explains Arthur’s sudden change in attitude.”

“Haha, yes indeed. By the way, have you put those books and orb to good use yet?” He laughed at my relaxed attitude toward him.

“Not yet sorry. I was too busy being scolded by my sister and the maid for leaving and getting lost. So now I’m not allowed to go anywhere alone.” Giving a big sigh, scratching the back of my head.

“Of course. Anyway, I’m gonna take my leave now. Don’t forget to come over sometime and entertain this ‘old man’, okay?” The hobbled man waves as he departs. But before Arthur and I could continue talking to each other, a new unfamiliar voice spoke out behind us.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the new Baron and the useless knight.”

“Uhh, nice to meet you. I’m Shinku Yozora, Baron.” Trying to be polite and ignoring the last part of the comment. The rude person who just insulted Arthur was a lanky high elf.

“Yes, a pleasure. My name is Lithrion Salingor, the first son of Marquis Slingor. You know, if you keep hanging around with a useless noble and knight like him, your reputation will only go down. You’ll find that, some families are better than others. You don’t want to be making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.” He quickly extends his hand, expecting me to take his offer.

“Thanks for the offer. But I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself.” Glancing at his hand before looking him straight in the eyes again.

“I hope you don’t regret your refusing my help. Well, if you come to your senses then my come to my family. My offer is always on the table.”

“Damn that guy. Ever since I got stabbed in my hand and left the knights, he’s been acting like a different person.” Arthur reminisced, clenching his left hand.

“What’d you mean by that?” Turning around, asking curiously.

“Nothing. Forget it. Lets just find the other and go home.” Before putting his cup down, he forced a grin. I wanted to know the history between them, but, for now it’s probably not the best to pry too much.

During the ride home, I could sense Arthur still brooding over what happened. Meanwhile Iris and Rei were both soundly sleeping on Pia and Mana’s lap. Before I could open my mouth to say anything. Boom. The carriage was sent flying backwards and shattered from the force of the explosions, sending us in different directions. I found myself laying on the ground in pain.

“Ow.” Taking a deep breath, I look around my surroundings to see if anyone was hurt, before fixing my eyes on Arthur who was now unconscious. “Arthur!” In pain, I try to get up to see if he's okay.

“Pia! Mana! Take Rei and Iris to safety, quickly.” Shouting in pain, hoping that they hear it.

“So, you’re still alive. How annoying.” A mysterious voice muttered. Gough, coughing out blood as I got kicked in the stomach. “Wonder if I’ll get any money from killing two nobles.” With a weapon brandished ready to deliver the final blow to Arthur and me.

“Pant. Pant. Wind. Blade.” Facing my palm at them as a slash of air flew towards the assassin.

“Oh, so you have some fight left in you.” Effortlessly dodging the wind blade as they leap back. “If that’s the case, then I’ll just kill you first then.” She slowly walks towards me.

“Don’t you dare touch my master you bitch!”

“Huh.” Confusedly looking up before her face turn into one of fear as something smashed into the ground sending her flying into a wall.

“Who, are, you?” Looking confused, while still in pain.

“Don’t worry master, we’ll eliminate this trash and protect you.” Another voice answered from behind, before coming into my view standing beside the one that sent the assassin into the wall. Amongst the flames and destruction of the city road, my eyes adjusted enough for me to make out the two figures in front of me. The one on the right was a demon, and the one on the left was a celestial, judging by the look of their wings. Both were omitting overwhelming auras of rage. I thought that they were here for Arthur, but the demon called me master. What’s going on?!

“Tsk. What happened to that barrier that dumbass was supposed to be using.” The assassin loudly grumbled, coming out of the hole in the wall while holding her arm that had been damaged from the impact.

“Oh, him. I killed him. Since he was helping you hurt my master.” The Demon explained calmly, as if he did something praiseworthy.

“And you’re next.” The Celestial followed up, raising up a scythe which was aimed at the assassin.

“Unfortunately, that won’t be happening.” A gigantic amount of smoke is released and escaped..

“Damn.” The Angel looking back at me. “You take the unconscious one and I’ll take master.”

Those were the last words I heard before, passing out from exhaustion.