Kiyomaro
𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒!
"Wow, Kiyo is holding his own against Instructor Mark pretty well with the bō staff." Remarks Lucy.
𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒!
"Tell me about it. He's able to use all the weapons here." Comments Matsuri.
𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒!
"I'm fighting him next." Brittney excitedly proclaims.
Lucy, Matsuri, and Brittney are observing Kiyo and Mark, who have been dueling for the last forty minutes with neither one landing a clean hit on the other.
Brittney, who was caught sleeping on the job—again by Headmaster Brett, is now out with the others. And as punishment she is to clean up the training grounds on her own for the next month.
After Kiyomaro Kurosaki's two-time victory over Ryo Takashi, he spent the rest of the day training some of the other students not just in swordsmanship, but in other forms of combat.
Spear, dagger, bow, staff, shield, chain, club, axe, whip, hand-to-hand, and of course the sword. Thanks to Athena, Kiyomaro has full mastery of all forms of combat.
Brittney, letting the cat out of the bag about Kiyo's combat abilities is what led to some of the instructors wanting to challenge Kiyo in their field of expertise.
𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒! 𝘊𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘒!
"Alright that's it." Calls the headmaster. "Head in and get cleaned up before you eat. Brittney once you get everything put away then you can go eat."
"Rrroger that headmeow-ster." Brittney replies.
"Thanks for the match Kiyo. I haven't been pushed to my limit like that in awhile."
"No problem Mark. Anytime you want to go again let me know."
"Kiyo, you and I are heading into town to meet a friend of mine. So we'll eat then."
"Sure thing headmaster. Just let me get cleaned up first."
****
"So Kiyo, what do you think of the school so far?"
"It's been interesting. But do you guys do any classroom work?"
"We do, but that's usually for the new arrivals. Everyone you trained with has been here for at least a month or two."
"Can I sit in on some of these classes?"
"You can, but at your level you may not learn much. Most students who come here already have a general idea of what they want to do or achieve before they arrive here."
"Really. How far out do the students plan?"
"When children turn four years old they have their evaluation test to see what class they have. When they turn fifteen they're considered adults, and can decide on what career path they want to pursue."
I nod my head in understanding, "I'd still like to sit in on a class, just to see how things are done in this world."
"Huh? What do you mean 'in this world.'"
"My sister and I came from another world. We were sent here by the Council of Gods."
"I see. That does explain a few things. Did they say why they sent you two her"
"According to them our world was destroyed at its core by an unknown God or Goddess.
They saved us at the behest of other Gods who know the fates of mankind. As an apology they gave us pretty much anything we asked. From combat skills to the laws of this world. Even my Twin Blades, Onyx and Snow were crafted by a god."
"When you registered at the guild, what was your color when you touched the Rainbow Orb?"
"It turned black for me and my sister."
"Interesting."
"Why do you ask?"
"You were given an explanation of how the Rainbow Orb functions right?"
"I was."
"As you know there are seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. However, there are two additional colors: white and black."
"What classes do those colors represent?" I asked.
"They technically don't represent an intrinsically class" said Brett, "white, is for the classless.
Those are your bakers, butchers, florists, merchants, school teachers, guild employees.
"Now that doesn't mean that the classless are in any way inferior to those who have a class. Take Instructor Mark for example; he's classless and yet he can hold his own just fine."
"Are there any with a class who have chosen to live a classless life?"
"Yes. Ryo Takashi's grandfather dropped out of the Healer Class and shifted his focus on making potions. Now he's a very wealthy merchant."
"If white is for the classless, then does black mean all the classes?"
"Correct. Even though black has never appeared, many believed it existed.
"Until now that is."
"Correct again. You and your sister are the first."
"Is it because we're otherworlders?"
"Hard to say. I've never heard of or met anyone from another world."
"That you know of." I said.
"Very true."
"What does that mean for my sister and I?"
"Honestly I don't know. This is all uncharted territory."
"Any advice?"
"Just live your new lives."
"My sister and I had a run in with a group calling themselves True Believers. What can you tell me about them?"
"The True Believers appeared about twenty years ago. Trying to force their beliefs on humans while killing all non-humans along with anyone who opposes them.
"They started with the elves living in the White Forest. Probably believing they would be an easy target at the time because they weren't affiliated with anyone outside of their home, and lived in isolation.
However at the time Queen La-Tif's son Prince Teru La-Tif and first daughter Princess Shiori La-Tif happened to be visiting the elves on a diplomatic trip.
"Those two aided in helping the elves repel the invading forces. But because they acted without permission from the Queen and got involved with another race's conflict while visiting under diplomatic status. They were originally stripped of their titles of prince and princess."
"So how did they regain their titles?"
"The Eladrin and the Queen had a closed door meeting and after a couple days it was agreed that those two would have their titles restored to them, but in name only. They can never ascend to the throne to rule over The Netherlands.
"Since then the True Believers pop up every now and then attacking non-human settlements, killing most, forcing survivors into slavery and then torturing those survivors until they die."
The Eladrin: Are the oldest (1000+ years old) and leaders of the elves. Two representatives from each elven subrace make up the Eladrin High Council.
"Do you know who leads them?" I asked.
"Nothing definitive, only rumors and speculation of who it could be. From what I've been told every time an arrest is made they refuse to talk or if they do say anything it's always the same mantra, 'All heretics must die for that is the will of The One True God.' Some even go as far as to commit suicide so no secrets are leaked while under magic manipulation."
"They mentioned this One True God when we arrived here. Even tried to recruit us, and threatened violence if we refused. There actions more or less make them a religious cult."
"And because of that belief they are protected from religious persecution.
"These True Believers come from the Marijuana Empire don't they?"
"Yes, roughly eighty percent of the empire follows this belief. How did you come to that conclusion?" Inquired Brett.
"You said it's a part of their religion, and the name marijuana from my world is a type of plant that holds great religious significance in some regions of the world. It's also a type of narcotic."
"Does your world also have issues with discrimination of other races?" Asked Brett.
"Yes. It seems no matter where one goes discrimination will appear."
The two walk on in silence for a bit until the pounding of hooves on gravel can be heard coming up from behind them. They shift to the right to give for whoever's coming.
A dark red carriage, with glittering gold trim passes them and then stops just ahead of them. The driver climbs down and walks over to the window.
"That's Countess Bathorthy's carriage." Said Brett "I wonder what brings her out this way?"
"Who?"
"She rules over this region of the empire."
"Boy come over here to the window, would you?" Shouts the driver. "The Countess wishes to speak with you.
Kiyo looks over at Brett who only gives him a head nod and then approaches the carriage.
"Yes ma'am, how can I help you?" I asked.
"First please forgive me for not stepping out and greeting you properly. I'm not feeling the greatest at the moment. But could you tell me your name?"
"My name is Kiyomaro Kurosaki, ma'am."
"Going off your appearance and name. Do you hail from the Nihon Empire by chance?"
"…"
"Well, are you going to answer me or not?" Demands the Countess.
"Sorry, please forgive me. You took me by surprise and yes I do come from the Nihon Empire."
"Thank you for your response Kiyomaro. Driver, let us be off."
As the carriage takes off I turn to Brett with a puzzled look on my face.
"The Countess is a bit…" Brett trails off not finishing his sentence.
"Strange."
"Sure let's go with that. Anyways, didn't you say you came from another world with your sister?"
"I did. And to answer your next question, Nihon is another word for Japan; which is the name of my home country."
"That's why you didn't answer her right away. You never thought you'd hear the name of your birth place in this world."
"You're right. Do you know where this empire is?"
"Across the ocean. It takes about a week by ship. I'll show you a map when we return to the school. So for now let's get to town."
"Thank you headmaster."
"Not a problem Kiyo."
Apple Blossom Town
"This shop is known as Four Anvils." Brett tells Kiyo.
"Leo, a party member of mine mentioned them when my sister and I arrived in Snapdragon Village while giving us a brief tour."
"Okay good, so you at least have some knowledge about them. But If you're not sure just look at the sign above the door. The four anvils on it are a good indicator."
"Do Dwarves only work in Four Anvil shops while humans only work in Anvil shops?"
"No. Only those certified by the Master of the Forge can work at Four Anvils regardless of what species you are. Come let us go inside."
"Hey Brett! How are you?"
"I'm doing just fine, Reigget."
"And who might this young man be?"
"I'm Kiyomaro Kurosaki, but you can call me Kiyo."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Reigget Brewriver. So what can I do for you guys?"
"Well Reigget, Kiyo here has something that'll set your blacksmithing soul on fire."
"Not likely." Scoffed Reigget. "I've been around so long nothing surprises me anymore."
"Kiyo, would you mind showing Reigget your swords?"
"Not at all headmaster. These are the Twin Blades Onyx and Snow." I draw both blades and place them on the counter.
"These are...I can't...this craftsmanship is…"
"At a loss for words are you?" Smirks the headmaster.
"These blades were not made by Dwarves. I'm positive about that. So please tell me who made them?"
"A God named Hephaestus."
"Who?"
"I can explain who that is in a moment." I say. "What I want to know is why the headmaster brought me here? It's more than just showing you my blades."
"You're right Kiyo. I want Reigget to perform an analysis of your swords to help give you a better understanding of what they are capable of."
"No disrespect to you Reigget, but are you even able to? You yourself just said you've never heard of their creator."
"None taken, and your right Kiyo I've never heard of this God. However it would be an honor to study them, to try and learn from them. I only hope I'll be able to tell you anything if at all what I discover."
"Alright Reigget I'll entrust you with Onyx and Snow to learn what you can." I return Onyx and Snow to their scabbards.
"Thank you Kiyo."
"I should bring my sister Kino over. She also has something made by Hephaestus."
"Where is she now?" Asks Reigget.
"The Assassin School."
"My brother works at the Four Anvils shop near there. I'll send word to him."
"I'll also reach out to their headmaster. We used to adventure together once upon a time." Brett chimes in.
"So how long will it take?" I asked.
"I honestly don't know, but once I'm done I'll inform you right away."
"Very well. Thank you Reigget."
"No thank you Kiyo for this honor."
"So now that's settled, would you like to hear Kiyo's story?" Brett asked.
"I would, yes. If that's alright with you Kiyo?"
"It is."
"Alright come on back, I'll make us some tea. Would you two like some?" Reigget offers.
"Yes, but given this late hour, how about Rose Tea."
"Yes, Rose Tea sounds wonderful." I agreed.
"Sure thing. A pot of Rose Tea, coming up."
****
One Month Later
"Sorry it took so long Kiyo."
"It's fine, Reigget." I say, "It gave me a chance to learn a lot more about this world. Along with learning new fighting styles, and developing new techniques."
"Glad to hear it."
"So what can you tell me?"
"Let's start with Onyx, I`ve learned that it can take on all elemental attributes."
"So it can become say a flame sword, ice blade, or a water blade?"
"Yes, but there are a few unknowns. For example, how long will it maintain that element? Does the rank of the spell caster make it stronger or weaker?
"Seeing how you're SS-ranked, would that even matter? The only way to know for sure is to try it out."
"Um, actually I found out I have the extremely rare skill: Command Over The Elements."
"…What?!" Shouts Reigget.
"Yeah, so it turns out I can use any element I want."
"Well then this blade was meant to be used by you."
"What about Snow?"
"That's the thing. Even after all this time I don't know what it's capable of. I reached out to many other skilled blacksmiths for help but to no avail.
"No one has a clue as to what it can do. Not to worry though if anyone learns anything they'll leave a note of discovery in your file. You can use the Black Mirror to check."
"I see. Well thank you for everything Reigget. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing, just being able to analyze these blades was beyond anything I've come across in my life. That is payment enough."
"Again thank you Reigget."
"No problem, come back anytime."
With the Twin Blades back with Kiyo, he says his goodbyes with everyone at the school, and returns back to Snapdragon Village.
"Hi Kiyo, welcome back."
"Hello Rin, how is everything?"
"Everything is good, and I have a letter for you from Leo. I was instructed to give it to you or Kino upon your arrival." Rin hands him the letter.
"Thanks Rin. Let's see what it says; he wants to introduce two new party members."
"Two new members that's awesome, bring'em on over, and I'll add them to your party roster."
"Sure thing Rin see you later."
"Bye Kiyo."
"Welcome to the Snapdragon Inn. My name is Erica. How can I help you?"
Erica is an eight year old who helps out her parents when she can.
Nanasay, her mother— twenty-nine, handles cooking, laundry and manages the books.
Masato, her father who is thirty, handles the bar, does handyman work and other odd jobs. They're the owners of the inn.
They have five employees to help run the place, and all eight of them are red panda beast-kin.
"I'm looking for Leo. Is he around by chance?"
"Yes, I believe I saw him in the dining area."
"Got it thanks Erica."
"Kiyo, welcome back."
"Thanks Leo it's great to be back. Have you seen Kino yet?"
"No I haven't."
"She's probably taking her time no big deal. I expected it. So are these two the new members?"
"They are, ladies, please introduce yourselves." Asks Leo.
"Hello I'm Luna Crestfall, It's a pleasure to meet you."
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 15
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.65 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 51.2 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒅 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑺𝒍𝒊𝒎
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒓
𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔: 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒆
𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔(𝒆𝒔): 𝑵𝒐𝒏𝒆
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌: 𝑫
𝑮𝒆𝒂𝒓: 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒗𝒂𝒔 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒌, 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒗𝒂𝒔 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑺𝒖𝒆𝒅𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒔
𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏: 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒛𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇
𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏: 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑶𝒓𝒃
Mana Absorbing Orb: A magical tool that helps mages manage, regulate, and house their mana. As big as a softball. Can be embedded into equipment, or held in the hand.
Dark color orbs are rare and expensive due to their ability to grow more powerful alongside their owner. It also registers its owner's mana signature, making it impossible to be used by others.
"Greetings, I am Alice Rose."
(𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒐)
𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆
𝑨𝒈𝒆: 16
𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓: 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆
𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 1.54 𝒎
𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 46 𝒌𝒈
𝑯𝒂𝒊𝒓: 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒅, 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒊𝒈𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔
𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔: 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆
𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅: 𝑺𝒍𝒊𝒎
𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝑱𝒐𝒃: 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆
𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔: 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓
𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔(𝒆𝒔): 𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌: 𝑪
𝑮𝒆𝒂𝒓: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒔
𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏: 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒊𝒓𝒆
"It's nice to meet you both. I'm Kiyomaro Kurosaki, Kiyo for short. I'm 16 years old, and a SS-ranked Warrior."
"Wow! So Leo was telling the truth after all."
"Hey now. Why would I lie about that Alice?"
"Can you blame us for doubting your story?"
"No I can't." Sigh's Leo. "But now you can see for yourselves. It wasn't a lie."
"So Kiyo is your sister also SS-ranked?"
"Yes, Luna she is. Hopefully she'll be back soon."
"Kiyo, do you really want us to join your party?" Asks Alice. "We are low ranked after all, and most higher ranks don't want us weaklings around."
"Yes I do."
"Really. Why?"
"Why not."
"What about Kino, will she be fine with your decision?" Luna asks.
"Will I be fine with what?"