Hello, my friends. I've had this idea drifting in my head for a long time, and I've read different novels or seen anime with similar situations to this, so I thought why not make a story loosely based off of them. The main concepts are from Skeleton Knight in Another World and Code Vein, though majority of the characters are OCs, and the plot does not follow these series. Anyway, I hope you enjoy me writing this completely out-there story. I do not Skeleton Knight or Code Vein. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 1. Enjoy. P.S., here is a description of my main character from Code Vein. It's similar to the character I used in my Code Vein story, but I changed some things. I'll also be using a second outfit in the story. Below are my two designs for the character, with one being similar to the outfit in my last Code Vein story.

Name: Fuyumi
Gender: Female
Skin: pale skin
Hair: choice 29, white with dark sky-blue extensions
Eyes: Sky blue, choice 2
Makeup: blue eyeliner and very light pink lipstick
No scars or face paint
Accessories: Necklace option 1 with gray chain and blue gem. Blue gem on forehead, fluffy white hairband in hair on the tied-up hair, fluffy white neckband. Gloves option 9. 2 fluffy white arm bands on top of the calf-high boots
Clothing: choice 1, without the gloves or anklet, or the high collar
Purifier mask: choice 9
Mask frame: choice 4
Blood veil: Midnight Sun Thorn
Main weapon: Hanemukuro (one-handed blade)

Name: Fuyumi
Gender: Female
Skin: pale skin
Hair: choice 29, white with dark sky-blue extensions
Eyes: Sky blue, choice 2
Eyelashes: choice 16
Makeup: blue eyeliner and very light pink lipstick
No scars or face paint
Accessories: Necklace option 1 with gray chain and blue gem. Blue gem on forehead, fluffy white hairband in hair on the tied-up hair. Gloves (choice 19), a pair of small, blue orb earrings
Clothing: choice 2, without the gloves, or the accessories on the collar, the boots, or the right thigh
Purifier mask: choice 9
Mask frame: choice 4
Blood veil: Seraph Fatigues
Main weapon: Hanemukuro (one-handed blade)

Chapter 1: Fantasy is Reality

Finally, after spending... possibly six hours working on this little project of mine, I finally finished the new appearance of my Code Vein character. This is the sixth one I've created. Most of them are male characters, but I decided to make this one a female just to change things up a bit. There was always something I liked about one appearance, but then something I disliked and it was a pain in the butt trying to compromise on some stuff before getting it down right. I had a second look for my character, but after being unable to decide which out is the best, I just decided to keep both of them and switch it up every now and then. Man, I'm tired... I guess I should take a little... nap... just for...

I couldn't remember what happened after that, except that I think I feel asleep while my game was still on.

…

I could hear birds chirping above me, and feel warmth from the sun coming down on me, though it felt blocked. I groan as I begin to stir. Hmm, my voice sounds a little weird. Maybe I need some water. I finally open my eyes, only to find the branches of a tree above me, not my ceiling. How did I get outside? I cover my eyes from the sun seeping through the leaves, only to see a pale hand in a blue and white glove above me. Wait, what?

My eyes are wide open now, "What the Hell?! What the-?!" I yell out in a voice that is not my own. I check myself, only to find myself in clothes that are not my own, skin paler than mine, and... things that a man should not have. "What happened to me? I remember playing my game and then I... fell asleep," it begins to dawn on me.

I then notice a familiar blade next to my person. Hanemukuro, the one-handed blade I used in Code Vein. Picking up the blade, I check my reflection on the blade, only to see another face staring back at me. A face that is not mine, yet very familiar. I stand and fully check myself out. Only then did I realize what happened.

"I became Fuyumi from Code Vein, but how... Ugh, don't tell me I'm in one of those light novel plots where someone gets sent to a fantasy world as a game character. I always like those stories, but I didn't think it would ever happen to me. Those were just stories, fiction. Oh, my head," I fall back down onto the grass.

I try slapping myself, pinching myself, and yet I do not wake up. Because I am already wide awake. This isn't some dream, this is reality. If I drank, I would've thought this was because of the alcohol. I take a few breaths and learn to make peace with my situation. I really don't have any other choice. My clothing is just like my character's, the second outfit I created for her with the seraph fatigues. If I am Fuyumi, then I'm not human anymore. I'm a revenant. I would have her strengths, but also her weaknesses. I would need blood to survive, or else I could end up like one of the Lost.

"Okay, I have Fuyumi's appearance, clothing, and weapon, but what about my inventory and my blood codes. Do I still have them?" as soon as I thought about them, a screen popped up right in front of me.

It was just like the screen from the game, but it was also a little different. It showed me I inventory and my storage, all the loss shards I collected (which were quite a hefty sum), and all of my blood code abilities. It looked like I could use all of them whenever I want now, not just a select few at a time. I checked what would be my HP and my Ichor, only to find both have gone up big time. I always liked blood codes with high Ichor levels, but now my Ichor, and my HP show nothing but question marks. Most likely, I can't treat this like it was in the game. I checked the rest of my inventory, showing all my weapons and blood veils, and even a few of the other designs I made for Fuyumi. At least, I won't be needing to get clothes for now. However, I doubt my loss shards would be of use here.

"I wonder how much my loss shards would be worth in this place," on a whim, I touch the icon for them, and the screen changes, asking how much to I wish to withdraw. I decided on 5, and then five gold coins appeared out of a small portal of sorts over my hand. "I guess... that much," another surprise to add to my growing list for the day.

Inspecting the coins, they are unfamiliar to me, but it shouldn't be too hard to guess how much each coin is worth. Further inspection showed that I had coins in gold, silver, and bronze. It isn't hard to figure out how to return them when they return to my inventory. So, I have money saved up, which helps. I still need to conduct a few more tests though. I look around and find myself in a forest, which means I'm definitely not in the world of Code Vein. I grab my sword, it feels light in my hand, despite my physique. I make a few practice swings. It feels new to me, and yet the same time... familiar somehow. I did practice martial arts as a hobby, including with swords, so I shouldn't be too surprised, but I was hardly a professional. My strokes are clean, swift, and strong. It feels like I've trained for many years. Now for the next test, my powers. I decide with frost shards. I think I just need to focus and raise my hand. I feel my power growing and when I flick my hand forward, four ice shards appear and shoot out, stabbing into another tree. It seems my powers work just fine, but I'll have to continue these tests in due time to be sure. For now, it would be best to figure out exactly where I am. I have money, clothes, weapons, powers, but I'll need lodging. As a revenant, I don't need to eat or drink normal liquids to survive, but I will need blood. From all accounts, I can't say there are any blood springs or beads in this world.

"Wait... Io's bead," I remember and search for the golden bead Io left to me at the end of the game. I find it in my inventory and pull it out. "Io's golden bead,"

The game never really showed what this bead could do, other than opening the way out of the red mists to the world beyond. For now, it will remain a mystery to me as I have more pressing matters to attend to. I return it to my inventory to keep it safe. I still had one last thing to check... and it embarrassed me to no end. I looked down at my chest, which is definitely bigger than my previous body.

"This is just for... research purposes. That's all it is..."

I will not speak on this matter further. Now that I've checked just about everything, it's time to move. I believe that if I can find a river, it could eventually lead me to civilization. Water is necessary in society for it to survive. If I can find a village or a town, then I can hopefully establish a base of operations of sorts for the time being, until I learn more about this world. Considering my new body's abilities, I should at least be able to get work as a warrior or mercenary. Soldier isn't a good idea. From my experience when it comes to worlds such as this, they don't always protect the people that really matter. Worse, they often take orders from greedy and corrupt nobles who have no sense of military operations. Well, that will have to wait.

I begin moving through the forest, hoping to find some signs of civilization. The question is, how long will that take? Another problem is if I encounter something along the way that... isn't friendly. If this was the world of Code Vein, then I'd be familiar with the kinds of enemies I could fight, but it's not. The total lack of death, decay, and destruction from the Thorns of Judgement is proof of that. After a bit of walking, I come across a high cliff overlooking the area. Looking around, I spot a river in the distance northeast from me. Further away was what appeared to be a town close to it. Excellent, just what I was hoping for. But, it looks like it would still be a long walk.

"Hmmm, maybe that one skill that Jack used in the game. I have his blood code, so..." focusing on that ability, my body turns into red mist and disappears. I reappear away from the cliff on solid ground, much closer to the town now. "It worked. That was easier than I thought, and I don't feel any fatigue from using it. How much Ichor do I possess now, or is it something else entirely? Well, I'd better walk from here. Don't want to draw too much attention by suddenly popping up in the middle of town."

Making my way along the river, I eventually reach the town. Along the way, I found a path and a sign that read "Lumiere Town". Must be the name of this place. There was a small line of people outside a large gate, probably waiting for entry. I'd probably need to pay an entrance fee; that happens a lot in these worlds. I pull out a few coins without anyone seeing. I don't yet know the scope of magical abilities in this world. My powers could very well be completely different, and that would invite trouble. I enter the line, waiting my turn. Of course, a few people give me some looks s they're either waiting too, or are exiting the town on their own business. I guess I can't blame them; I did make Fuyumi to be quite the looker. Though, my appearance may also be odd in their eyes too. A young woman with pale skin, long white hair with blue tips, and in clothing that no mere commoner could ever hope to possess, and my uniquely designed blade. Soon enough, it was my turn. There were two guards posted at the gate, each wearing what I could guess to be standard armor, a shield, and a spear. The guards take a moment to stare at me. I'm guessing partially for my odd appearance and clothing, and also something else... if the slight blush on their cheeks is anything to go by.

"Sorry man, my gender may have changed, but my tastes in partners have not. Find some other lady to try and woo," I inwardly groan.

The guard realizes he's staring and shakes his head, "Ahem, that'll be 6 bronzes for entry," he has a hand out.

I give him the money and they let me enter the town, but not before I can feel their eyes on my back for a moment longer. Moving through the streets, I find plenty of people moving about, doing their business. Most appear to be your everyday commoner, but I catch a few other people wearing the same armor as those at the gate. Soldiers on patrol, most likely. I also spy some people decked out in various forms of armor, gear, and with weapons and equipment. Mercenaries. Good, that means I know what to do next. I do have money, but I need a steady income to survive in the long run. Ignoring every other glance that comes my way, I make my way to whatever may be a mercenary guild. Soon enough, I find a building with a sign that looks like a shield behind a sword and axe crossed over it.

"This looks like the place," I head inside, and find just what I was expecting.

The main room has a counter at the back, with a board behind that with requests stamped on it. There are tables around, a bar off to the side, and mercenaries looking at quests or having a drink. This really is like the anime I watched back home. I make my way to the receptionist's desk, finding a young brunette with her hair up in a braid, glasses, and wearing what appears to be her official uniform. It kind of looked like an office uniform, with a tie, a vest, a long skirt, and a long-sleeved blouse.

"Hello there, how may I help you?" the woman greets me kindly.

"Hello, this is a mercenary guild, correct?" I ask, trying not to sound like an ignorant child.

"Yes, it is. Did you come here to, My Lady?" the girl asks.

I cock an eyebrow, "My Lady?"

"Oh, I apologize if I offended you miss. We just don't typically have nobles make visits to our guild," the girl explains.

Oh, now I see it. It's my appearance again. I can understand that.

"No, I'm not a noble. I'm here to register as a mercenary," I explain. The girl appears a little surprised by my request and remains silent. "Is there a problem?"

The girl regains her smile, "No, no problem, just a little surprised. You don't look like someone who is starting out as a mercenary. No offense, I mean,"

"I'm aware, but that won't dissuade me. May I register?" I want to get this over with.

Unfortunately, it seems I'll be here a little while.

"Hey there, hot stuff," a man waltzes up next to me, leaning against the reception desk. His armor was a little shabby, and his looks were even worse. A low-rank mercenary who thinks he's better than he really is. "Being a mercenary is really dangerous work, you know. It's not for a lady, even though you are quite the looker. Though, I wouldn't mind being hired on as your bodyguard if you need the extra protection. I'm ranked pretty high-up there with the more experienced fighters," someone thinks highly of himself.

"Derick, you've been handling the easier jobs for a long while now because you don't have the skills or the experience to take on the more dangerous quests. Especially after you failed the last two and your rank dropped within the guild," the receptionist deadpans.

"Pipe down, will ya, I'm busy here... Now, I'm sorry about that. This place gets pretty rowdy sometimes. How about we get out of here and continue this discussion somewhere more private. We can go over the details of my pay as a bodyguard there. You look like you have money, but I could be persuaded to be paid in... other ways, wouldn't you say?"

This idiot goes to reach for my hair, but he never touches it. I grab his wrist and release an electric shock through his body. A light jolt, just enough to make him scream and fall onto his knees, holding his now numb left arm.

"W-W-What did you do?!" the moron is still conscious, surprisingly.

"I don't recall saying you could touch me. You're not a skilled mercenary, and you don't even know how to pick up a woman. No wonder you're a mess," I note, barely glancing at him.

"You little-," he doesn't finish when I place the tip of my blade in his mouth, freezing him in place.

"This is your last warning. Stop talking to me and leave, or you'll never speak again," my hands moved so fast that no one noticed it.

I had no time for this guy's crap. Apparently, I wasn't only one.

"Derick, that's enough! You've already caused me enough trouble this week. One more wrong move and I'll revoke your license. Now beat it while I'm still in a good mood," an older man comes out, with a graying beard, and a few scars on his face that show he's seen some combat. He's got on a more pristine uniform than the receptionist, with a cloak to match as he approaches me. "My apologies about him, Miss. He's been a pain in my butt lately. I run this guild here. I hear you're looking to become a mercenary,"

"That is my intention," I reply.

This guy looks like the boss around here. Best to get on his good side in case I need his help in the future.

"I would've said you must be drunk to come here for that, looking like the way you do, but the I saw what you did to him. You shocked his arm, and then swiftly drew your blade. You can use magic, and I can see that you at least know how to hold a sword. Alright then, but in order to become an official mercenary, you need to pass an initiation test first," the boss explains.

"What kind of test?" I ask.

"It's simple. You need to defeat three different types of monsters. Any will suffice. You can usually find them out in the forests outside of town. Bring back their heads as proof of your deeds, and if you succeed, we'll supply you with a license. Sound alright to you," he crosses his arms.

"That's fine by me. I'll get going then," I head out to begin the initiation.

"Oh, by the way, the name's Gorman. I run things here at the guild," Gorman calls out.

I glance back at him. I'd better give him a name, but I can't use my old one, so...

"Fuyumi. Fuyumi Kusanagi," and with that, I head out to complete the job and start my new life as a mercenary in a world of sword and sorcery.

And that's the chapter. Again, this story primarily has elements from Skeleton Knight and Code Vein, though a lot of original stuff in there as well. I had this whole thing in my head for a while now, and I decided to finally do it as something to work on while my other stories remain on hiatus until RWBY returns (I'm not budging on that matter). What awaits our protagonist Fuyumi as she navigates this new life? Until then, please Read and Review.