Kiyotaka looked around the city, noticing the Medieval European architecture.
Kiyotaka: (Is this the past? No, with those people with animalistic traits, that's unlikely, unless those species were somehow lost to history, including the fact that they were part of human society.)
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: (I'll have to find my bearings first, or things could get messy.)
Kiyotaka walked around, noticing that no one found his presence strange.
Kiyotaka: (Hm. The civilians don't seem aggressive.)
He then saw a boy fall down as a carriage was rushing towards the child, about to run him over. Kiyotaka walked over, pulling the child out of the way.
Boy: [Woah! Thanks, mister.]
Kiyotaka: [It's fine. Are your parents nearby?]
The boy shook his head as Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: (It's not worth looking around.)
Kiyotaka: [Can you make it home on your own?]
The boy nodded.
Kiyotaka looked around the city some more.
Kiyotaka: (This kind of situation. I'm either in a coma somehow, or I've actually been teleported to another world.)
Kiyotaka contemplated this information for a second.
Kiyotaka: (Well, I could feel the warmth from that boy's arm when I pulled him out of the way. So likely not a coma. This is either a stroke of good luck, or a stroke of terrible luck. Not sure which, though.)
He walked over to a fruit vendor who had what looked like apples in his small store.
Vendor: [Those are some weird clothes. Are you travelling?]
Kiyotaka: [Could I please have a moment of your time?]
Vendor: [You gonna buy an Appa?]
Kiyotaka: (Those are... Appas? Similar name to Apples. Could this fruit be from my world, or named by someone from my world? Or maybe it's the other way around? If Isaac Newton knew about this, I'm sure he'd start studying how to perform such a feat as travelling through dimensions to try to find the answer. Or maybe he's from this world? Well, all of this fills my head with possibilities, but it's all baseless speculation, and I don't really care. I was just curious.)
He looks at some signs.
Kiyotaka: (That language... I have no idea what that says. That will be a problem later on. Definitely a problem.)
Vendor: [Hey! Are you gonna buy one or not?]
Kiyotaka: (Well, it looks like I accidentally kept him waiting.)
Kiyotaka: [I apologise, I got lost and I don't know much about this country. Can I ask you some questions?]
Kiyotaka had decided not to lie about having lost his memories. He had considered the idea at first, but he felt it might backfire on him eventually, so he decided to omit certain things instead of lying.
Vendor: [If you got no money, then scram.]
Kiyotaka: [Please sir? I'll return and buy your goods at some point in the future.]
The vendor sighed.
Vendor: [Fine fine. Tell me what you wanna know. How the heck do you not know this is Lugunica, though?]
Kiyotaka: [Can you explain this country's currency? Some stuff about politics and any taboos?]
The vendor begrudgingly took out some coins from his bag and started explaining the currency.
Vendor: [Alright. About politics... nothing much going on there but the Royal selection.]
Kiyotaka thought about it for a second.
Kiyotaka: (Royal Selection? Selecting a new royal. That means something has happened to this country's royalty. Could this country be in a state of instability? It might be best to leave if that's the case.)
Vendor: [As for taboos? Nothing much except the norm. Oh right. No slavery.]
Kiyotaka nodded.
Kiyotaka: [Thank you very much for your help. I will visit your establishment sometime in the future.]
Kiyotaka started walking away, contemplating his next actions.
Kiyotaka: (Going to the authorities for more information might be good, but it's a risk. If being in the city without identification is illegal, I would be arrested.)
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Kiyotaka walked around when he turned away from the alleyway, knowing he'd probably get mugged if he went there. Suddenly, a girl with blond hair rushed past him, holding an insignia in her hand.
Kiyotaka: (Hm? She's fast. Faster than me. Well, that confirms that this world is dangerous.)
Then three men approached him, a skinny man with a long forked tongue. A small man and a large, fat man.
Kiyotaka: (Seriously? Out in the open?)
The thin man with a long forked tongue walked up to him.
???: [Hey. Can we talk in the alley?]
Kiyotaka: [I'd rather not. I'm a bit busy, you see.]
The three thugs blocked his way, preventing him from leaving.
Kiyotaka: (Attacking them to escape would be too reckless.)
Kiyotaka: [I mean no offence, but if you wish to steal my possessions, I must warn you that I have nothing of value to you.]
Kiyotaka thought about it for a second.
Kiyotaka: (Unless you people somehow have cellphones or something like that.)
The second thug walked up. He was the one who was small.
???: [We'll see about that after we take your stuff.]
The large fat thug agreed as the skinny snake-tongued thug took out a machete-like weapon, resting it on Kiyotaka's face, cutting his cheek, threatening him as Kiyotaka stood there, not reacting or resisting.
???: [Give us something for our trouble, or things are gonna end bad for ya.]
Kiyotaka sighed, thinking about the severity of this situation.
Kiyotaka: (Well, this situation is not ideal. Maybe violence is my only choice, but they could be stronger than me despite how they look. After all, I have no idea about the rules that govern this world.)
Suddenly, a girl with long silver hair, amethyst eyes and pointed ears rushed over the rooftops. Kiyotaka took her image into his mind.
Kiyotaka: [She's beautiful...]
She stopped upon seeing the group of people.
???: [Have any of you seen a young girl with blond hair running through here?]
Kiyotaka: [Sorry. I don't know if anyone like that passed through.]
Kiyotaka made this decision out of caution.
Kiyotaka: (I have no reason to help her. After all, if I somehow become the enemy of that girl, I'd become the enemy of anyone allied with her. Since I have no idea who her allies might be, there's no reason to risk myself.)
The fat thug then stepped up, looking up at her.
???: [Alright. Alright. Now, hurry up and leave.]
She was about to leave when she hesitated.
???: [Are you okay, sir?]
Kiyotaka caught the "Sir" as he felt perplexed.
Kiyotaka: (Sir? Do I look like an adult? I mean, I am, but just barely. I didn't think I looked that old.)
Kiyotaka: [I believe that these people are attempting to steal my possessions, but at the same time, I don't really have anything worth stealing, so... I guess I'll be fine?]
???: [You're not going to ask for help?]
Kiyotaka: [You're a stranger. Why would you help me and involve yourself?]
She was about to leave, but jumped down towards them, landing safely as Kiyotaka caught on to this.
Kiyotaka: (From that height? It seems that people are far more durable in this world.)
???: [I'm in a hurry but... I just can't let this go. Puck!]
She summoned a small white cat that floated in her outstretched palm and icicles that floated near her as Kiyotaka's eyes widened.
Kiyotaka: (Some kind of supernatural ability? Is this magic?)
She fired the icicles floating around her as they hit the ground, shattering but causing damage to the ground at their feet as the three thugs ran away in fear. Kiyotaka then turned to look at the girl.
Kiyotaka: (Not a bluff. Actual ability to harm them. I see.)
She turned around, placing her hand on his cheek as a glow of energy permeated through the wound as it closed up, healing. Kiyotaka's eyes widened slightly from this.
Kiyotaka: (Healing magic?)
Kiyotaka: [Thank you for healing me.]
???: [It was only me returning the favour of you giving me information. I need to be going now.]
Kiyotaka was confused by this.
Kiyotaka: [But I didn't give you any useful information.]
???: [Well, um...]
Kiyotaka: [Nevermind. It's fine.]
Kiyotaka inspected her more closely.
Kiyotaka: (She's kind to a fault. She even comes up with an excuse to help a stranger and does not let them feel indebted to her. What an interesting person.)
Kiyotaka considered his next move for a second.
Kiyotaka: (In my world, it was life or death most of the time. At Advanced Nurturing High School, I had some time where I could be less ruthless, but I thought that changing myself into a better person, a『Good Person』was pointless and not worth the effort, given that I would have to become ruthless again after returning to the White Room. Could things be different here? Well, I might as well try. If I can emulate this girl to some extent, maybe I can achieve it.)
Kiyotaka: [Please allow me to help find the girl you were looking for.]
???: [But I told you. You don't need to help me in exchange.]
Kiyotaka: [I'm a bit lost, so I was hoping that you'd help me out, but the favour is a bit big to ask from a stranger, so I thought if I helped you find what you're looking for, it would make it easier to ask. That way we won't owe each other anything.]
???: [You're a reaaally strange person.]
Kiyotaka: [I suppose that I am.]
???: [What did you want me to help you with? I might not be able to help.]
Kiyotaka: [You see, I know nothing about this city and I have no money to my name. I was hoping that establishing good terms with you would help me find my bearings.]
???: [Um...]
The cat floated next to her and spoke.
???: [I think it's fine. He's not showing any malice. After all, the more meat shields between you and ruffians, the better.]
Kiyotaka: (How terrible. I regret my decision already.)
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: (Well, it sounds like he's joking, so it's probably fine.)
???: [Eh? Puck! That's not good. I don't want him to do that.]
Kiyotaka observed their conversation.
Kiyotaka: (The cat is Puck... this girl. She's kind of innocent. She reminds me of Hiyori. Her voice is a bit similar too.)
Kiyotaka: [Before you say anything. I'd like to introduce myself.
Kiyotaka extended his hand in a friendly manner to the girl.
Kiyotaka: [My name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. I'm 18 years old and I've found myself lost in the big city.]
Puck: [That makes you sound a bit hopeless, but... You don't look like it.]
Kiyotaka: (Hm? All this time he's been very protective of the girl. A parental figure? Interesting.)
???: [Eh? You're lost? That's reaaally terrible.]
The girl said this sympathetically.
Kiyotaka: [Well, it's not that bad.]
Puck then smiled brightly.
Puck: [Well, I'm Puck. It's very nice to meet you!]
Puck then floated towards Kiyotaka's hand with his hand extended, tapping Kiyotaka's hand.
The girl then saw this and was a bit surprised.
???: [It's reaaally strange to see a person who can touch a spirit so casually.]
Kiyotaka: (So he's strong, huh? Maybe his power is similar to a natural calamity? That would explain why people are more wary of spirits. It's obviously not about respect. Well, at least for Puck since he initiated, and she said nothing to stop me. Hm... what soft fur.)
He thought this as he patted Puck's fur.
???: [Where are you from?]
Kiyotaka: [I'm from a distant nation. You wouldn't know it.]
???: [I see.]
Puck floated away from Kiyotaka.
Puck: [You're really well built. I've only seen a few with a build as impressive as yours.]
Kiyotaka: [Well, I've trained my body so I'm confident I won't get tired from walking or running around at least.]
They looked perplexed at this bland statement.
The girl walked over, taking his hand.
Kiyotaka: (Hm?)
???: [Kiyotaka right? Your hand is reaaally rough and hard. You must be a reaaally hard worker.]
Kiyotaka: (Oh wow. Using my first name that quickly. Well, the customs of this world are different, so I guess this is normal for them.)
Kiyotaka: [I guess I am. Now... can you tell me your name?]
???: [My name?]
Kiyotaka: [If that's okay.]
She seemed to shift uncomfortably, hesitating for a second.
Kiyotaka: (Hm? Does she find it unsettling? Is it rude to ask for a person's name? No. That's unlikely since she gave the cat's name without an issue.)
She then seemed to settle on a thought, making a fierce face.
???: [I'm... Satella.]
Puck seemed shocked at this.
Kiyotaka: (Wow. She's actually awful at lying. Unprepared lies are the hardest to pull off, but even still. It sounds like something shocking. Maybe something that isn't to be taken lightly? Trying to scare me off, huh? Should I use this as an excuse? Hm... well, for some reason I feel like I should stay with her a bit longer. Strange. Why do I feel that way?)
Satella: [I have no family name, so you can just call me Satella.]
Kiyotaka: [Alright. Satella.]
Satella: [Eh?]
She was surprised at his relaxed reaction as Puck sighed in exasperation.
Puck: [You have terrible taste.]
Kiyotaka: (Well, that confirms it. Building up walls, huh? Probably trauma to do with isolation or abandonment. Hm... interesting.)
Kiyotaka: [Before we continue. I want to apologise.]
Satella: [Apologise?]
Kiyotaka: [Before I lied. I did see the girl you were referring to.]
Satella: [Eh!?]
Kiyotaka: [I don't know much, but before I tell you anything about her. Can I ask? Why are you looking for her?]
Satella: [She stole something from me. Something reaaally important.]
Kiyotaka nodded.
Kiyotaka: [Alright, I understand. I'll help you.]
Satella: [Oh, um... thank you. But why are you so eager to help me? I mean... I'm a half-elf.]
Kiyotaka: [Why shouldn't I help you because of that?]
Satella: [Because... I look like... the 『Jealous Witch』.]
Kiyotaka: (Jealous Witch? Well, anyone with witch in their name is probably bad news.)
Kiyotaka: [You're not her, though, right? And in addition, even if you do look like her, at least you got good looks in exchange for the troubles of looking similar to her.]
Satella blushed, turned around and crouched down as Puck floated from her and punched Kiyotaka in the cheek softly.
Kiyotaka: [Huh? What's this?]
Puck: [Sorry Kiyotaka. I really didn't punch you cause I'm angry.]
Kiyotaka: [I can tell.]
Kiyotaka: (Cause if you did, I'd be dead.)
Puck: [It's the opposite, okay? You did something really nice just now.]
Kiyotaka: [I see.]
Satella: [Kiyotaka! You're a dunderhead!]
Kiyotaka: (Dunderhead? I've never been called something like that before.)
Satella stood back up.
Satella: [Well, anyways. I reaaally want to get back what she stole from me.]
She was clearly rushing to change the subject.
Kiyotaka: [Alright. Well. She ran past me very quickly, but I got a good look at her. She has short blond hair and is a bit small.]
Satella: [That description. That's her. She stole an insignia with a red gem in the middle from me.]
Kiyotaka: [I see.]
Kiyotaka: (A red gem in an insignia... hm... she was holding that.)
Kiyotaka: [I saw an insignia in her hand. She's likely who you're looking for. Her clothes weren't like those of anyone else in the city I've seen. She seems poor. It would explain why she would steal from you, too. Do you have any idea of a place where more poor people live?]
Satella: [Uh...not really. I don't know much about something like that.]
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: [We'll have to ask around then.]
Kiyotaka: (This might be more trouble than I thought.)
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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