Mufalan: Yup. Sounds like the normal FGO player reaction-
Jake Grim: Bro has his work cut out for him trying to keep Merlin in line lol. Considering I put humor in the fic's genre, the temptation to make this so chaotic while keeping it serious enough to be an enjoyable read is tempting. Honestly, I'll try to make Proto Merlin work for the story. Have her fun and chaotic entertainment while planning for the inevitable character development! Hopefully, luck has manifested for you during the pulls!
Koncor the great: Glad to know you're interested. Hope you look forward to chaotic goodness and meta references XD
Well that's that. Onwards to the chapter!
"Yoo-hoo? Earth to human? Are you my Master?" Merlin waved a hand in front of me; her singsong tone continued to fry the circuits of my brain as I stared at her pretty visage, completely bewildered.
Did... that seriously just happen? Did I seriously pull a Servant and not mapo tofu? And did I seriously pull a five-star one? The notification displayed doesn't seem like it was joking.
[Congratulations! You are now the Master of Caster— Merlin, the Magus of Flowers!]
[You have obtained your first Servant! All stats have been increased!]
I mean... I'll take those stats...
A finger poked my temple, pulling me back to reality. Merlin seemed to have been giving me a look for not responding to her query. Clearing my throat, I looked away and responded with a nod.
"Y-Yes. That's right."
"Finally, you speak! I was beginning to wonder if you had died by simply gazing at my splendid form~" She offered me an innocent yet cheeky smile as she spun her staff once more. "In any case, I already confirmed it myself when I saw the Command Spells on your right hand."
Her statement made my eyes dart downward. Three red swirl-shaped markings were etched on the back of my hand. They reminded me of three swirly wind marks for some reason.
Merlin would give her surroundings a once-over. "This is a very unique situation I've found myself in. This System seemed to be acting as a Holy Grail and Magical Energy Reactor of sorts, Master. An abundance of man has been flowing through me since I had been summoned."
"Really?!"
"Oh? It seems you didn't know that."
Because I didn't! What the hell, System?
[You had just received your very first Servant. I saw no reason to explain how the System will be providing the mana and necessary information of the Kiseki verse to them prior to you summoning one.]
...Gah, fair point.
There was little point in our mental argument, so I ceased any complaints I had from leaving my lips. I was just glad of the fact I wouldn't have to supply them with my own mana. Speaking of mana...
Note to self: Check on stats later.
"Are you speaking with the System right now?" That was unexpected. The Magus of Flower smiled knowingly as I slowly bobbed my head. "I see, I see. My Master must be on the road to becoming a strong warrior then."
"You're exaggerating..." I shook my head. "I'm nothing more than a reckless idiot who wanted to accomplish a quest through a dangerous method. As you can see, I look like burnt bacon."
"It seems we need to fix that~"
Merlin let out a hum as she tapped my head with her staff. A cleansing warmth washed over me; my burns and injuries faded away as if they were never there. My injuries weren't the only ones that got treatment— my clothes too! All the tears of my button-up and pants were gone. They looked as good as new. She even hid my Command Spells with a black glove!
"There. Big sister has made it all better for her Master~"
"You really are incredible, Merlin! Thank you!"
"Of course. Anything to see my Master get stronger and provide me with some entertainment!"
"Provide you with what?"
"Nothing you need to worry about." Clearly, she said something incredibly concerning, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. The succubus glanced around our surroundings. It was only then I noticed it was already dusk. "Do you have plans to train, still?"
Continuing to train after a near-death experience doesn't sound too appealing. I shook my head once more and returned my iron sword to my inventory.
"I'll save training again for another day. My parents are probably worried sick since I just told them I'll be strolling around the city this afternoon. I'm probably due for a scolding once I head back up." I groaned, not looking forward to that one bit.
Merlin giggled without a care as she followed me back to Roer. "Would you like my assistance to avoid a scolding?"
"How?" That got me to raise a brow. In what way will she be able to help me?
"You'll see~"
Why did that sound ominous...? But I put it in the back of my mind as a thought occurred to me, briefly eyeing her get-up. "I think your clothes will attract attention on our way back. Will you go into spirit form or...?"
"That is an option, but I believe there's an alternative."
With a twirl of her staff, her usual garb was replaced by a black turtleneck, white sweater, and denim jeans accompanied by brown thigh-high boots; a pair of white ribbons situated themselves on her hair. The magical rod dematerialized as she placed a hand on her hip, flashing me a smirk.
"How do I look, Master? Don't I look normal now? Or will I still attract attention?"
I gulped. Yeah... and now for an entirely different reason.
The two of us arrived at the upper level of Roer before we made our way to the apartment complex. Merlin would look around the city with a curious gaze while following behind me. I must admit that I couldn't help but glance at her every once in a while. Her "normal" clothes did look amazing on her, but I wasn't looking just because of that!
From what I can recall, Proto-Merlin's personality was troublesome to deal with if you were not prepared. I half-expected the Magus of Flowers to wander off, no thanks to the curiosity and intrigue that she possessed after arriving in the world of Kiseki. There had been times when I wanted to hold her hand, paranoid that she might wander off to who knows where.
Unfortunately, being an awkward and shy bastard was one of my greatest weaknesses. Even if I did have a justifiable reason for holding her hand, I refrained from doing so. All I could do was glare at any perverted dudes who laid their eyes on her.
But never mind that. We're finally back at my place.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. There was no need to be so nervous; I had a couple of good excuses prepared. My parents won't scold me too severely for staying out this late, right...? All right, let's take another deep breath—
"Let's see the inside of Master's abode, shall we~?" Merlin said in a singsong tone, already twisting the knob on the door.
"Wait, wait, wait!" I grabbed her wrist in a panic.
It wasn't enough to dissuade her from opening the door. And just like that, the succubus opened it, revealing the scowling visage of my parents. Their scowls quickly shifted into thin lines when their orbs landed on us, replaced with surprise and confusion.
Dad was the first to respond to the odd sight. "As much as I want to ask why you're late, I believe there's a more pressing question that needs to be answered right now—"
"Erik, who is she?" Mom cut in as she got right in Merlin's face. "I can count your friends on one hand, and I'm sure I haven't seen someone as pretty as her before."
"I-I can explain." But before I could, Merlin shot me a smile that sent a chill down my spine.
"Actually," She began as she wrapped her arms around my left arm. With a charming (and deceitful) grin, the succubus giggled with the most innocent tone she could muster. "I'm Erik's girlfriend! My name is Mari!"
"Girlfriend?! / Huh?!"
My parents exclaimed, and so did I. What? Do you honestly expect me to maintain a poker face and stay silent after Merlin lied to their faces!? If I don't stop her now, I won't be able to smoothly clear the misunderstanding! My lips parted, but this woman cut me off again.
"Mhm! Has Erik yet to inform you two about me?" The Magus of Flowers tilted her head as my parents slowly nodded before she turned to me, pouting in mock hurt. "Aww, I can't believe you never them about me, Erik! You meanie!"
They redirected their gazes at me, glaring in disappointment. Oi, this is all a big misunderstanding! She's not my girlfriend, dammit!
I tried clearing things up, but Mom decided to have her turn speaking as she heaved a sigh.
"I'm so sorry about my boy, Mari. He can be a bit awkward and shy."
"No, it's okay... I know it can be rather embarrassing telling your parents about your lover." She smiled apologetically; my parents missing the twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
"Oh, where are my manners? Please come in! I would love to hear about how you met our son!"
"Really? If it's okay with you two, then I would love to get to know more about my Erik's parents~!" Merlin beamed as the two led her to the living room, leaving me with my jaw dropped. She glanced over her shoulder and shot me a trickster's wink.
Was that seriously her plan...?
"Close the door and get over here, Erik!" I heard Dad shout from the living room.
"C-Coming..."
What is this turn of events? Is this the work of her Dreamlike Charisma? Isn't that supposed to be D-rank!?
Grumbling, I closed the door before heading over to them. Mom and Merlin were in the middle of the conversation just as I took a seat beside my Servant.
"The letters he sent were oh so romantic! How can I resist falling for him when he has such a way with words!" The succubus gushed, much to my confusion.
Taking note of my presence, Mom cried out with a frown, "Erik! You never told me you wrote poems!"
Blink...
Blink...
Blink...
What?
"Poems?" I repeated. "I never—"
'Careful, Master.' My eyes widened as I turned to Merlin, whose gaze remained on my parents. 'Now, now. No need to turn your head toward me. Just nod, and I'll take it from there~'
'How are we even talking right now?'
'My, such a slow boy. Don't tell me you've forgotten about the Master-Servant mental link?'
With how things were going on, can you blame me for forgetting?
'We're still going to have a talk about the shit you're saying to my parents' faces.'
'Heehee, sure. We'll discuss such things when we get there.'
Resisting a groan, I gave Mom a slight nod as she squealed. The embarrassment that came crashing down was killing me. Merlin might not have been my 'real' girlfriend, but Melissa's reaction definitely made me feel like a kid introducing their partner to their folks for the first time. Things would either go really well or really bad.
I guess it's going well with how they're getting along.
Dad fixed a gaze on me as he pushed his glasses up. "We'll save you a scolding since Mari said you acted as her tour guide for the day. But next time, give us a heads-up, so we won't have to worry, okay?"
"And you better not hide any more important news like finding yourself a girlfriend. Understood, young man?" Mom followed up with a stern glare, making me shrink back a bit.
"R-Right."
I gave Merlin a side glare when my parents turned their sights away from me. Don't smile innocently and act like this isn't your fault, you damn succubus!
As I sat there groaning, my parents and Merlin continued to converse about me, or in this case, the original Erik's childhood, causing secondhand embarrassment to wash over me. Being a transmigrator sucked right now. I didn't even notice a notification window pop up.
[You have endured severe embarrassment! Your Charisma has increased!]
Tonight made me see a glimpse of the chaotic nature of this Caster.
...
After an hour or two of shameful stories of Erik's (my) childhood, Dad told me to escort Merlin back to her hotel, where she apparently said she was 'staying.' Leaving through the door, I shut it close as I leaned against the frame, an exhausted breath leaving my lips.
"Exhausted, Master?" My Servant asked with her guiltless smile.
"Yeah, no thanks to you." I snapped, grumbling. "I can't believe that was your plan to avoid me getting into trouble!
"It worked, didn't it? And you even got a girlfriend as a bonus~"
I ignored the heat on my cheeks and rolled my eyes at her teasing. Straightening myself, my finger and thumb rubbed my aching temple.
"Whatever. I want to check something out before I head back inside." I told the magus as she hummed curiously.
"What do you plan to do?"
"Go into spirit form and head to my room— wait there until I get back. I want to check out the bar if I can get a part-time job there." I explained as we took the elevator.
Dining Bar – F was, like the apartment, on the upper level of the city— it was a classy bar where even students could enter, judging from my memory of the scene where Rean and Fie went in to meet with Claire Riveldt. Hopefully, there is an open spot where a teenager like me can take as a part-timer. If Persona 5 protag can work part-time at a bar, so can I!
Merlin regarded me with a frown. "I can't come with you?"
"I rather not attract any more unwanted attention." I reasoned, crossing my arms. Considering her beauty, I just know someone's going to catcall her. I do acknowledge her capabilities to drive them away, but I'll be dragged into her whatever ruckus she might make by association. And that's not even adding the fact she would most likely drag me into some bullshit herself for her own amusement.
We arrived at the lobby and then left the apartment.
"As you wish." She finally replied after a few minutes of silence, catching me off guard.
"…Just like that?" I couldn't believe her, knowing her personality. I thought she would have more to say.
"Of course. If that's what my Master wishes, then it's my duty as his Servant to comply." Her lips curled upwards into a sweet smile that I knew meant trouble. "In the meantime, I'll explore more of the city while you do your business! Farewell~"
"W-Wait just a second!"
I reached out to her with a hand, but I was too late. Waving without looking back, the succubus faded from the physical realm into blue particles. My right hand fell to my side, soon covering my face with both palms as I groaned into them.
"Uuuugh... I knew she wasn't going to listen to me!" I grumbled, dragging my hands down my face. My lips parted as a sigh left me as I headed over to Dining Bar – F. Might as well check my stats on the way there. "Status Window..."
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 18 | EXP: 1827 / 40000
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: Swords- D | Others- F
Attack Rank: Slash- C | Thrust- NONE | Pierce- NONE | Smash- NONE
HP: 2439
EP: 0
CP: 200
MP: 550/550
Mana Circuit: 57 | C-Rank Quality
-o-
STR: 257
DEF: 154
ATS: 84
ADF: 128
SPD: 73
DEX: 44
EVA: 3%
CHR: 10
Sweet! I shot up to nine levels! Not just that, my stats are starting to actually look like the stats of a Kiseki character! This revelation caused a smile to spread onto my lips, making me (almost) forget about all the shit Merlin gave me! When did my Charisma increase though?
"Fifty-seven and C-Rank quality, huh?" I breathed out the number and word displayed on the Magic Circuit part of my stat window. "I don't know whether I should be happy or sad..."
Possessing above an average number of circuits won't mean much if their quality isn't up to par. Ugh... I was never knowledgeable about the details of magecraft and circuits, but average isn't necessarily bad when you're the only magus in the world. I decided to look at the bright side.
"I'm probably still worse than most witches from Eryn, aren't I...?"
And then I was once again depressed.
The smooth tune of jazz filled my ears as I entered the establishment; the fragrant scent of alcohol tickled my snout. A smile crept into my face. Dining Bar – F's OST was one of my favorites from the first Cold Steel game. I laughed quietly; I could still recall memories about the Trails games while I couldn't even recall my original name.
Giving the interior a once-over, I went over to the counter after my inspection where a brown-haired bartender preparing a drink behind it.
She took notice of my presence as she offered a smile. "Hi! My name is Almina. I haven't seen you here before, and I should know. I take note of all the faces of our customers. Is this your first time here?"
"Yes, it is." I nodded. "I'm not here for a drink though. I wanted to ask if you were hiring part-timers this time of year."
It was a good thing the woman was finished shaking the shaker when I asked since her movements came to a pause.
"I'll admit we are a little understaffed right now..." She trailed off, looking around the bar. "And as you can see, the bar is fairly big, and two people can hardly handle things when things get busy. Although, we can't just hire anyone who comes in. How old are you?"
"I'm 17." I caught sight of her faint frown as I quickly formulated an excuse. Is the drinking age of Erebonia going to apply here?! "B-But I don't need to handle alcohol. I can do all the cleaning of the bar and clearing the tables. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm fairly good at them!"
No, I'm not! Or at least I don't remember being good at housework!
My answer seemed to satisfy the bartender, a smile gracing her files. This prompted me to inwardly sigh in relief.
"All right then. We would really appreciate that kind of help. One last question: why do you want to work here?"
An understandable query. I bobbed my head as I shot her a wry smile. "I'm quite awkward, and I heard working at a bar can help my social skills. I want to grow as a person. Of course, I'll do my utmost best when doing the cleaning!" I pounded my chest with a fist to show my sincerity.
Almina nodded, satisfied by my answer once more. "I see. Well, when things get busy, I can't entertain every customer, so it would be a great help if you would give them a chat. I'm sure that will help with improving your social skills." Stroking her chin, she smiled. "All right, you're hired!"
I smiled in return and bowed. "Thank you for having me!"
"Whoa, did we get a new hire?" A man with orange hair came over and asked. Almina gave him a smile. "Ah! Nice to meet you then, new guy! I'm Grand!"
"I'm Erik. I'm looking forward to working with you both!" I offered him a handshake as we shook hands. My eyes would then drift to Almina. "When do I start?"
"You can start tomorrow evening at 6."
Bobbing my head in confirmation, I would depart from the bar and go home.
"Finally back..."
I sighed as I closed the door to my room. Exhaustion crashed down on me after I came home. My mother still had questions regarding me and "Mari," but I was able to brush her off because she saw how exhausted I was.
Walking over to my head, I plopped down, head first into the mattress.
"Merlin, are you here...?"
"Heehee, I just got back, actually."
I turned myself over to see my Servant materialize with her usual clothing, doing a curtsy.
"Did you accomplish your task, Master?"
"Yup. I'll be working as a part-timer at the bar starting tomorrow."
"Is that so? I'm quite happy for you~"
Yeah, I'm not buying that. Sitting up from my bed, I fixed her a glare, arms crossed. "Uh-huh. What have you been doing while I was away?"
"Oh, you know, exploring around the city to see if there was anything entertaining," Merlin answered as she sat beside me.
"You didn't do anything... strange, right?"
"I didn't! You have so little faith in me. You wound my heart!" For someone who I've 'wound their heart,' she sure wasn't acting like it. I released a sigh and slumped back in the mattress as she giggled. "So, what do you plan on doing now?"
"To get stronger and rich so I won't have to deal with the bullshits that will happen in the future," I said plainly as I lifted my gloved hand, eyeing where my Command Spells were hidden. "Hmm..."
"Oh my, Master. You're not thinking what I think you are, are you? What a naughty young man!" She squealed and covered her lips with a hand, covering the smugest smirk I've seen on a person.
I felt my cheeks heat up as I snapped, "I am not! I was just thinking how I could train as a magus!"
"Really now?"
"Don't give me that smirk! I'm not some horny teenager!"
"Yes, I'm aware. You don't have to get so worked up. You'll alarm your parents." Her smirk widened. "You don't want them to see us like this now, do you?"
Grunting, I facepalmed as a migraine began to creep into my head. How in the world do I handle this woman...? A status window appeared due to me subconsciously focusing on the Merlin with squinted eyes.
Name: Merlin, Magus of Flowers
Level: 18 (Matches User)
Class: Caster
Weapon Proficiency: Staves: SS
Attack Rank: Slash- A | Thrust- S | Pierce- A | Smash- S
HP: 18405
MP: 6900/6900
-o-
STR: 1342
DEF: 985
ATS: 4329
ADF: 3762
SPD: 149
DEX: 76
EVA: 5%
CHR: 410
My jaw dropped upon witnessing the numbers on her stat window. She was the same level as me, yet her stats were way beyond mine! Those numbers are endgame caster numbers! I already had a feeling Servant's stats would be higher than the main cast, but this was still ridiculous! And her level will increase when I level up...
Meaning her stats will also increase!
"Hmm? You're sure glaring at me like I committed a war crime, Master."
"You're broken..."
"How rude. I am perfectly sane."
"That's not what I..." Keep it together, Erik. She knew what I meant; she's just messing with you. Deep breaths. "I have a favor to ask of you."
"A favor?" She tilted her head, curiosity and mischief gleaming in her ruby hues. "There's no need for that. I am your Servant, Master. I am here to assist you in however you wish!"
A part of me truly wanted to believe her words. At the same time, I wasn't ignorant enough to forget her true nature. Beautiful and elegant she may be, she had an unquenchable thirst for satisfying her own amusement. She can be the most chaotic person in the blink of an eye. But she can be an invaluable mentor if she is willing to act like one.
"Thank you... but I'm sorry."
"Hmm? Why are you apologizing?"
With my lips stretching into a soft smile, I took off the glove that covered the Command Spells and lifted my hand, causing Merlin's eyes to grow wide.
"E-Eh?"
"I can't take any chances of losing my peaceful future." The crimson markings glowed, and for the first time, I saw a hint of nervousness in Merlin's visage. "Please train me to be strong enough to face the chaos of this world without worry!"
Merlin and I returned to Nortia Highway. I stifled a yawn and stretched. It was a little too early in the morning, and I was sleepy, but there was no time to waste if I wanted to train today. Besides my first shift tonight at Dining Bar – F, I had planned on exploring the city today before I went off to work since I didn't do that yesterday.
I looked around, and there were already a few monsters in the area. One of them being the kind I haven't encountered before.
Glancing to my right, I could practically see the cloud of depression hanging above my Servant's head. I sighed and rubbed the side of my neck. It's not like I don't understand why she was down. I don't think many Servants would be glad to have their Masters activate a Command Spell on them, especially when it's a command that goes against their character.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
"I apologize for using a Command Spell on you, but I wanted certainty, okay?"
"Yes, I completely understand— You don't have any faith in me. That's why you resorted to using a Command Spell on me." She muttered, puffing a cheek.
It wasn't entirely inaccurate...
"In my defense, you'd probably make me do some ridiculous tasks and call it my training," I argued, crossed arms.
"Hmph." Looks like it was a bullseye.
"Anyway," I manifested my iron sword from the System's inventory. "What kind of training will we be doing today?"
Sending me a resentful glare, Merlin sighed before twirling her staff.
"It seems like I'll actually have to put some effort into this, no thanks to your Command Spell, Master."
"You're welcome."
She groaned. A chill ran down my spine when her groan was cut short and a smirk formed on her face. The succubus narrowed her gaze. "If you want me to train you so bad, then I hope you're ready for what's to come! I'll be sure to train you to be strong and fit enough to be a king!"
Energy—no... mana flared up around Merlin. I began to sweat.
"H-Hey! You can't do anything that might kill!"
"Oh, come now, I wouldn't do something like that. I'll most likely disappear as well if you die!" Her smirk grew wider as she stepped closer to me, subconsciously making me back away from her. "Are you aware of the saying: no pain, no gain~?"
"W-What are you planning on doing to me?"
"I believe we need to improve your stamina and swordsmanship~" Grinning from ear to ear, swords of light formed around the succubus, circling around her figure. "Please do your best to destroy these swords. If you're still in tip-top shape, then perhaps I'll teach you some magecraft afterward ~"
Snapping her fingers, each one of the swords shot in my direction in quick succession. I thought I could deflect them, but they were too fast for my swings to connect, grazing my shoulders as cuts were formed.
Damn that succubus. Should I be thankful she's intentionally giving me shallow cuts rather than lethal ones?
"Don't just stand there, Erik— move those feet!"
"Dammit!"
I ran as she guided the swords toward me like a master conductor. It was obvious Merlin was holding back, so there had to be a way to overcome this challenge. All I could was evade them every time they entered my field of range.
My three percent in evasion was kicking my ass right now. It was getting harder to dodge them as the assault went on. Even with my higher stats, my struggle started to show as cuts marked themselves on my body, slicing through the fabric of my clothes.
'Think, think, think!'
Desperation crept into my being as more cuts decorated my arms, chest, and back. The pain, while bearable, was starting to debilitate my performance. It slowed me down as the swords of lights sliced through flesh, spilling blood for the first time.
The warm sensation of the red liquid spilling from my wound awakened something inside me— an image flashed across my mind.
A mask cracked until it shattered, scattering into millions of flowers.
"Haaaa!"
One of my impulsive swings connected to one of the swords of light, shattering it into fragments of mana.
"Oh my... I certainly didn't expect you to use Reinforcement already."
"Huh?"
At Merlin's words, I turned my gaze to my blade. Cyan lines started from the hilt and grew and stretched, etching themselves around the sharpened iron. Each strand brimmed with magical energy. How did I do that...?
"You most certainly did!" Merlin chimed in with a grin. "And before you accuse me of reading your mind, your thoughts showed on your face. Clear as day, Master."
The succubus ignored my groan as she waved her staff. Like a conductor leading an orchestra, the remaining swords of light took flight by her guidance. They circled above me before spinning around, pointing the tip of their blades downward at me.
"Change of plans! If you can utilize Reinforcement in another way or demonstrate a different kind of magecraft, I'll make sure to make you into a competent magus by the end of the week. Well, good luck!"
"Y-You can't just change up the conditions like that!"
"But I just did!"
"Fuuuuck!"
My cursing did not stop the swords from descending. Their speed increased by one-third as I narrowly dodged one of them. The rest immediately changed their trajectory, zooming at me like a homing missile. Adrenaline pumped in my veins; my mind overclocked.
Each time I came close to getting sliced, my brain's thinking speed doubled in search of a plan.
Right, I know what to do! It was a gamble since I never tried anything like it before, but it was worth a shot!
I parried the swords of light as best as I could, sending them flying before they came to a halt and shot themselves forward once more. Sheathing the iron sword in its leather sheath, I crouched down as I closed my eyes. There was no time for me to think about the process! I had to rely on instinct!
Inhaling a sharp breath, my legs tingled as warmth washed over my lower half. The warmth grew hotter as if my legs were wrapped in flames. The heat spread up to my torso and down my arms, even to the hilt of my sword. It was as if my blade and I had become one.
I snapped my eyes open as I kicked off the ground. The weight behind my foot cracked the surface before I shot myself skyward. The remaining swords of light drew close to my face, but as they reached my range, I drew my sword into an arc.
"Take this!"
My magically enhanced blade sliced through Merlin's swords of light as the steel shattered into pieces. I would have been more concerned if it were not for the unsheathing of my sword releasing an unintended shockwave of magical energy, shooting toward the sky. I watched in amazement as the translucent crescent flew high until it gradually faded away back to the world.
"Did I... just do that?" My mindless question was answered by the System.
[You have consciously drawn out and utilized magical energy! You have acquired the skill "Reinforcement LV. 1]
[The skill "Swordsmanship" has leveled up!]
"Mhm! That was impressive work!"
I soon felt a pair of arms wrapped themselves around me. Blinking, my amethyst orbs dipped downward and realization came— Merlin had caught me when I began to fall. The adrenaline must have dulled my senses that I didn't even notice.
The mischievous succubus landed back safely to the ground, yet she showed no signs of putting me down. Our current position brought me embarrassment, my cheeks flushing red.
"Oi... Put me down already."
"Geez, not even a thank you for catching you, Master?"
"Ugh... Thank you, okay!?"
"You're quite welcome~" yet even after that, I was still firmly locked in her arms. "I did say I would help you become a competent magus, didn't I?"
"Yeah...?"
"Well, we have to start somewhere!"
Sweat quickly formed and trickled down my back as Merlin flashed me a wide smirk. W-What the hell is she planning?! Before I knew it, a warm sensation that quickly resembled a shower of fire permeated the insides of my body. Pain instantly filled my senses as I let out a scream.
Then, everything went black.
That's it for Chapter 3! Going to ask this now before I continue with uploading future chapters if you folks prefer first person or third person? I'm more used to writing in third person, and this is my first time writing in a first-person point of view, so I'm not too confident with my writing. Figured first person would be better for this kind of story. Well if no one really cares to give that kind of feedback, I'll do my best writing in first person. Hopefully, it is enjoyable-
Also, chapters will probably be once every two weeks? Or a month if things get busy for me. I do want to be consistent.
The next chapter will be meeting with one of the main characters of Cold Steel! It's probably obvious since we're in Roer, but I hope you're looking forward to it!