Disclaimer: I don't own The Witch and the Hundred Knight
Well. That sure was something.
Seeing my new servant tumbling head over heel through the portal was quite the surprise. Even more-so seeing it pass out upon noticing me.
Taking a deep breath, I plop myself down into my chair and gaze upon the Hundred Knights sleeping form on the couch.
Another thing that was surprising was the Hundred Knight's appearance. Meaning, that I wasn't expecting it to be female in body.
"I wonder what you can truly do...?" I mutter to myself.
[Gamer System Initialized]
"Wha...?"
I exclaim in shock, a translucent blue screen appearing in front of me for a moment before disappearing. Only for a second one to pop up right afterwards to interrupt me.
[Welcome Gamer Swamp Witch Metallia]
[Would you like to begin the tutorial?]
[Yes/No]
I simply stare for a moment at these odd screens in front of me. Dazed and confused at what these could be before ultimately deciding to give it a chance.
Answering yes to the strange blue screen, it vanishes, instantly being replaced by another larger one with more text on it.
[Congratulations on becoming a Gamer!]
[As a Gamer, you now have access to a plethora of new abilities and benefits. These include Stats, Perks, Skills, Magic and many more for you to discover and learn]
[Please say Status to view your Status screen]
Confused by what is going on, I merely follow along with its request. "Status." I say aloud.
[Metallia the Gamer]
[Title: Swamp Witch]
[Class: Great Witch]
[Attack: 289]
[Defense: 160]
[Tochka: 501]
[Sense: 576]
[Magic: 1792]
[Perks: 4]
[Skills: 6]
[Spells: 8]
[As you can see, these are your Name, Title, Class, Stats, Perks, Skills, and Spells. For a more detailed explanation of each, merely click on that particular part of the screen and a more in-depth explanation can be given]
Interesting. A numerical reading of all of my abilities and attributes in order to show my strengths and weaknesses. A truly fascinating set of screens to look over.
With nothing else much to do, I click on the parts of the screen to view each attributes use. Just in case theres anything in them I can't think of from the name.
[Title: A name that you are known by. Grants additional effects related to that Title]
[Current Title: Swamp Witch]
[Grants an increase in all Stats while within a swamp. All Skills and Spells gain a 50% reduction in cost and gain a 50% increase in efficiency and damage]
[Class: Denotes the assortment of Stats and Skill bonuses you gain]
[Current Class: Great Witch]
[High ranking magic user. Grants increased Stat gain to the Tochka, Sense, and Magic Stats. Lowers the Stat gain for the Attack and Defense Stats. Gains an additional Skill or Spell upon great feats of magic]
[Attack: Denotes how well one can deal damage with a physical strike]
[Current Attack: 289]
[Defense: Denotes how well one can take damage from a physical strike]
[Current Defense: 160]
[Tochka: Denotes the ability to manifest and maintain magical constructs]
[Current Tochka: 501]
[Sense: Denotes the ability to feel all things in ones surroundings]
[Current Sense: 576]
[Magic: Denotes the strength, versatility and amount of ones magic power]
[Current Magic: 1792]
[Perks: Permanent abilities that can be gained through various trials and practice]
[Current Perks: 4]
[Immortal: You've drank the Elixir of Life! You will no longer age, nor can you be killed through mundane means]
[Sadistic: You enjoy causing others pain. When dealing damage to a living being, increase the amount of pain they feel by 25%]
[Mana Factory: You produce mana at an unprecedented rate. Gain mana at a 100% increased rate. By using up all of ones mana, your Magic Stat will raise by a single point]
[Hundred Knight's Contractor: You have formed a contract with the Legendary Hundred Knight! The Hundred Knight is more likely to listen to your orders. You can also grant buffs to the Hundred Knight using the Command Skill]
[Skills: Specific abilities that can cause effects unique to each individual Skill]
[Current Skills: 6]
[Command: Novice Rank: Grants a buff to a specific target proportional to the users combined Stats so long as they follow the command given]
[Swamp Magic Mastery: Master Rank: Improves the user's ability to use and learn Swamp Magic]
[Gamer's Mind: Master Rank: Prevents all forms of mental interference and mind control]
[Item Creation: Intermediate Rank: Allows for the creation of various items and equipment. Rank of items and equipment is relative to the Tochka Stat]
[Poison Resistance: Master Rank: Measures the user's ability to resist the effects of poison. Resistance is relative to the Defense Stat]
[Magic Resistance: Intermediate Rank: Measures the user's ability to resist the effects of Spells. Resistance is relative to the Magic Stat]
[Spells: Activated Magic spells that can be used to form a multitude of effects at the cost of mana]
[Current Spells: 9]
[Swamp Manipulation: Master Rank: Allows for the manipulation of swamp mud in various ways]
[Explosion: Intermediate Rank: Generates an explosion of flames and concussive force proportional to the amount of mana used]
[Mana Burner: Novice Rank: Increases the Attack Stat proportional to mana spent]
[Mental Pain: Novice Rank: Causes a headache to form within the target]
[Attract Force: Novice Rank: Creates a magnetic force that attracts all living beings towards the user]
[Lightning Storm: Intermediate Rank: Generates multiple lightning strikes within a small area around the user]
[Magic Missile: Intermediate Rank: Shoots multiple small projectiles that hone in on the target]
[Teleport: Master Rank: Transport oneself or an object to a predetermined location]
[Illusion: Intermediate Rank: Creates an illusion of oneself or another object you are familiar with]
Woah, thats a lot of information to go through.
I certainly wasn't expecting anything like this.
No sooner did I have that thought did I hear a rustle of movement from the couch where the Hundred Knight is sleeping. Turning and taking a look, I see Hundred Knight's eyes flickering open as it moves into a seated position.
"Finally, you're awake." I comment, standing and walking closer to it. "Was pretty shitty of you to pass out right after I introduced myself to you don't you think Hundred Knight?" I ask, an annoyed tone to my voice.
The Hundred Knight doesn't respond, merely tilting its head to the side as if not understanding me. Tapping my foot impatiently for a moment as I wait for it to at least try and seem apologetic. All for naught it seems.
"Gah! Fine! Be that way, so long as you obey me I guess I can put up with a little nonsense from you."
Leaning down closer to the Hundred Knight, I take a much more in depth look at it. Inspecting every part of it that I can see and taking approximate measurements of it.
"Stand up! I need a better look at you so I know what I'm working with." I order it.
As the Hundred Knight stands up, I realize just how large it truly is. Once fully upright, it towers a full head and shoulders over my own head, while also being much more muscular then myself. Its void-like black and blue skin almost hiding how its corded muscles tighten with every movement it makes.
Walking around the Hundred Knight, I inspect as much of it as I can, noticing once again how it seemingly has some more feminine features. A more pronounced chest and butt, soft facial features obscured by the same void-like skin, and the flame coming from the helmet I gave it earlier having adjusted itself into the appearance of spiky hair going down the back of its head. Glowing golden eyes adorning its face as it merely watches me look it over, though something seems to catch its attention momentarily.
"What is it?" I ask it.
With Hundred Knight being unable to speak, it instead gestures with its hand and points at something.
A quizzical look coming over my face as I look to where its pointing and seeing nothing there. Looking back at the Hundred Knight, I ask it again. "What are you trying to tell me Hundred Knight?"
It again merely points at something in front of it, indicating that it can see something there that I'm unable to. And suddenly, it clicks. The same thing I was just seeing a moment before.
"Hundred Knight. Do you see a blue square floating in front of you?" I urge. "Nod if you do."
Hundred Knight complies and does indeed nod to me, confirming my suspicions. Mulling over this information for a moment in my head, I snap my fingers and summon some paper and pen to me. Shoving the items into the Hundred Knights hands, I order it to copy down what it sees on the square onto the paper so I can know what it says.
[Welcome Gamer Hundred Knight]
[Would you like to begin the tutorial?]
[Yes/No]
Instructing Hundred Knight to choose the Yes option, it continues copying down the next set of information. Cutting out repeating information from my own tutorial, it ends up showing this.
[Hundred Knight the Gamer]
[Title: Hundred Knight]
[Class: Wonder Knight]
[Attack: 940]
[Defense: 899]
[Tochka: 309]
[Sense: 533]
[Magic: 161]
[Perks: 2]
[Skills: 4]
[Spells: 0]
So all in all, our Stats are roughly similar in total, just distributed differently. With mine focused on Tochka and Magic, and Hundred Knights focused on Attack and Defense.
Moving on to its Title, Class, Perks and Skills, showing a tad more interesting bit of knowledge.
[Title: Hundred Knight: An ancient demon of legend who is said to be a very powerful. As you grow stronger, various effects will appear]
[Class: Wonder Knight: A balanced Class between Attack and Defense. Increased growth to Attack and Defense Stats, lowered growth to Tochka and Magic Stats, and an increased chance of creating Skills]
[Perks]
[Perk: Familiar of the Swamp Witch: Removes all detriments from being in a swamp. Increased knowledge at navigating swamps. As one gets more familiar with the swamp, various Stat boosts will occur]
[Perk: ???: Perk cannot be understood until certain conditions have been met]
[Skills]
[Gamer's Body: Master Rank: Prevents all forms of bodily damage and mutilation]
[Sword Mastery: Novice Rank: Increases the users ability to wield all forms of swords]
[Hammer Mastery: Novice Rank: Increases the users ability to wield all forms of hammers]
[Dash: Novice Rank: Allows the user to move in one direction at high speed]
Fairly weak overall, at least compared to my own abilities. Its Gamer's Body is the only Skill that has any real power to it, and theres no Spells to speak of. Though I can see how it would get stronger over time, so maybe it just needs time to stretch its legs and learn more in fights.
"Hundred Knight, whenever another screen comes up, I want you to write down whatever appears on it to show me later. Keep plenty of materials to do so in your pocket storage so that you can do so." I order it, conjuring more materials for it to use in the future.
With all of that looked over I think we're good to start working towards my goal.
"Alright Hundred Knight! Our goal is to spread my glorious swamp throughout the entire world. The more of it there is, the more powerful I become, as well as letting me go further out into the world." I explain to my familiar. "As my familiar, you will be going out and accomplishing this for me. You'll also have two others working alongside you in different ways to make things easier."
Snapping my fingers, the door to the room we're in opens, two figures coming inside to join us.
The first, a large metallic golem dressed in a rough looking suit. A large round head with two smokestacks for ears. Its body hunched forwards with its long and thick arms almost touching the ground as it walks.
The second, an incredibly small green female fairy floating in the air. Zipping constantly in small movements as if she can't stay still. Her eyes darting around between me and Hundred Knight before she suddenly darts towards us.
"Lia~! I've missed you!" The fairy squeals as it slams into me, her small body barely making a sound as she comes into contact with me.
Swatting her off of me with one hand, I bark at her in retaliation. "My. Name. Is. Metallia! How many times do I have to tell you that!?" I growl in frustration.
With nary a blink, she moves on from me and zooms over to Hundred Knight instead, shouting out a question. "And you~! Who are you~?!"
I can tell that Hundred Knight isn't sure how to comprehend what is happening to it as the fairy bombards it with questions, so I jump in to shut her up.
"Oi Mani! Quit your buzzing around Hundred Knight and listen when I'm talking to you, you shitty fairy!" I say harshly.
My words seem to snap her out of her annoying actions for a moment before she zips back over towards the large golem that entered with her, hiding behind it.
Said golem then decides to speak up as well. "See Mani? I told you to mind your manners with Master Lia..."
Growing annoyed with all the ruckus going on in here, the use of the incorrect name finally makes me snap.
"ALRIGHT YOU SHITSTAINS! My name is Metallia! Not Lia! Don't ever call me that!"
Letting out my frustrations on them until they shut up and cower before me. Snapping my fingers once again, I use the Mental Pain Spell on the both of them, watching as they squirm in pain and discomfort for annoying me.
"Now that you've both shut up, maybe we can get some introductions between you all." I comment. Turning back towards Hundred Knight, I see that its still just standing there, having just been watching everything thats happened with that same blank look on its face.
"Well, Hundred Knight, these two imbeciles are going to be assisting you in spreading my swamp. The annoying fairy is Mani, she's a swamp fairy that enjoys exploring various swamps around the world. She'll be assisting you by helping with navigating the swamp and scouting out any troublesome enemies we need to take down." I explain before moving to the other one. "And the other is Arlechinno, he's a golem that maintains the swamps ecosystem as well as handling butler duties around the house. He'll be helping you by adding extra muscle during fights whenever he isn't busy with other objectives, as well as transporting any items or equipment to you or me when necessary."
As I explain things, Hundred Knight nods along. Its good that it doesn't have issues understanding me like this, otherwise we'd be going in circles all the time.
"With that said, our main objective is the spreading of my swamp to cover the world." I continue my explanation. "To do so we won't be simply taking swamp mud and moving it further out into the forests and surrounding areas. No, that'd be much to time consuming and someone would cause us issues to make it more difficult then necessary. Instead, you'll be heading out to anywhere outside the swamp and destroying these objects known as 'Pillars of Temperance'."
Using my Illusion Spell, I conjure a miniature copy of a Pillar of Temperance in front of us.
Said Pillar is a tall lamppost looking object about as thick as a tree. Glowing green light shining through its trunk thanks to the copious amounts of mana and swamp mud coursing through it.
"These bad boys are full of my precious swamp mud as well as an enormous amount of mana, and by breaking them open all of it can be released to make my swamp much bigger."
Dispelling the illusionary Pillar with a wave of my hand, I regard Hundred Knight once more. "Find these and destroy them Hundred Knight. I'll be able to tell if you're close to one while outside the swamp, so be sure to explore far and wide when possible." I explain. "You will end up in fights though, as many of these Pillars are guarded by Protectors, those being someone granted power by the Pillar in exchange for protecting it from being destroyed."
And as soon as I finish speaking, another screen appears.
[World Quest Initiated]
[Quest: You have decided to spread your swamp throughout the world by destroying the Pillars of Temperance! Accomplish this monstrous task alongside the Hundred Knight for an incredible reward!]
[Pillars of Temperance destroyed: 0/30]
I stare at this screen for a moment, taking in everything it says, before the sound of scribbling sounds from next to me.
Turning and looking over, I see Hundred Knight writing down again, seemingly getting a screen popup as well.
Once it finishes writing, it hands the paper over to me, confirming that it was a similar screen to mine.
[You have been co-opted into a World Quest! Join the Great Swamp Witch Metallia in spreading her swamp by destroying the Pillars of Temperance for an incredible reward!]
[Pillars of Temperance destroyed: 0/30]
So we're both going to be getting rewarded for this so called World Quest. What even is a World Quest though?
[Quests are certain objectives or goals that can be met for rewards equal to the difficulty of the Quest]
[World Quests are Quests that have a particularly noticeable effect on the World itself. Completion or failure of these can have good or bad effects to all those in existence]
Well, that explains it then I guess.
"Uuuuh... are we ok to leave now?" A small voice speaks up.
Realizing that Arlechinno and Mani have just been standing there watching as me and Hundred Knight were dealing with our screens, I wave them off. "Ya ya. Get on out there and get things ready. I'll finish prepping Hundred Knight for everything they need and they'll head out as well."
Once they've left us, I turn to Hundred Knight once again. "Ok Hundred Knight, remember your goal and don't hold back in any fights you end up in. You represent me and I won't accept having a weak familiar assisting me, understood?"
Hundred Knight nods at my words, accepting them dutifully, its beady yellow eyes seeming to gain a steely resolve in them.
"Heh, good. Now we just need to get you something to arm yourself with besides just the sword and hammer I gave you earlier." I muse to myself. "Maybe some armor as well, the helmet by itself doesn't quite work when the rest of you is inky black muscle."
Every chapter will be swapping pov between Hundred Knight and Metallia. If you'd like me to list whose it is at the top of the chapter as well then leave a review and let me know thats the case.