True Magician (FatexDxD)

An unknown place.

The caravan, with the surviving villagers and me, was moving leisurely toward some town. Sitting beside the coachman, who was the same man and whose name I still didn't know, my eyes studied the scenery of the new unknown world.

Sometimes we came across small groups of people on the way: sometimes traders, sometimes just travelers. The villagers would exchange a few words or questions with them, and then each of them would continue on their way. Of course, there were also attacks by bandits who saw the caravan without adequate security, but they were dealt with either by myself or my traveling companions.

After the incident, they realized that they had to rely on themselves, and so during breaks and stops they began to train with weapons that I created with the help of 1st magic. At first, and even now, they are having a hard time fighting. Their movements are careless and inept, their attention is unfocused, and uncertainty lingers in their eyes every now and then. But they definitely have a burning desire to get better, which shows in their persistence during training.

As it was explained to me, the city we are currently heading to is called 'Rondel' and holds the title of 'City of Sages'. There, the study of magical arts and the learning of magical secrets is flourishing. Local mages come there to take a kind of exam for the title of "Sage", and to receive it, they must show their knowledge of magic and their ability to use it. A rather mundane concept, referencing the ranking system in an adventurer's guild in some typical isekai, to be honest.

I glanced at the wagons and wondered.

Strange.

These residents have survived the crisis but still wish to live separately, rebuilding the village. And their purpose in visiting Rondel is to resupply, nothing more. Wouldn't it be safer to settle there or any other city with walls and guards? At least, that's what I would have done. Though I wanted to question them about the reason for their decision, and my conscience was nagging at my ears, I held back.

It was their choice. Their own and based on something. And I, though I can convince them with just one word, I have no right to do so. Everyone chooses their own destiny, even if that choice might bite your head off.

While the tedious philosophical pondering was going on in my head, I felt a movement in my pocket. After a couple seconds, a palm-sized Tia appeared out of it, who looked like she had just woken up.

- 'Aaaaaa~' she sang out, wiping her sleepy eyes with her hands, and then leaned on the edge of her pocket.

- Good morning, Tia," he smiled and stroked her head, "Did you sleep well?

She didn't answer, just yawned sweetly and closed her eyes again. Tia looked content, so I saw no point in doing anything to her. Let her sleep on.

- Oh, is that a fairy? - said the man beside me - No, she has horns. Who's that, God?

- I thought I said we could communicate on a "you" basis, right? Besides, I introduced myself, for that matter," I sighed tiredly, "This is Tia, the spirit that keeps me company. Sweetheart, isn't it?

- I can't afford to address you on a first name or a first name alone, god. It's too complicated for me. And I apologize for not introducing myself, you can call me Anma," he said with an apologetic look on his face and continued nostalgically, "And yes, she is sweet. Reminds me of the times when my daughters were still tiny messengers of destruction.

And then Anma froze and looked at Tia sticking out of my pocket.

He looked genuinely surprised. Or rather, dumbfounded, as if he couldn't believe what he'd heard and seen.

- ...you said... "spirit?"

- Well, yes," I nodded, "Is there something wrong?

- Not really," he answered after a couple of moments, "According to a very old legend, they existed before gods and humans, when this world had just met its birth. They could move mountains, boil pestilence and create storms, but now... they have become weaker, and only someone like the elves can see and understand them. And among them there was only one single spirit whose name is forgotten..... But not his legacy - life. He created all living beings and even the gods themselves, after which he disappeared somewhere.

I raised an eyebrow.

Interesting. So this forgotten spirit was something like Gaia Nasuverse, and the ordinary spirits were something like fairies. Creatures of the planet itself that were born at the same time as her. And if I remembered the purpose of my arrival here, the option of some sort of spirit rampage might work. The world would indeed meet its end if someone like them lost their temper.

However, Anma said that they are weaker now, and someone like the elves could see them. And even if the spirits have gotten weaker, there's still no telling how many there are. And there could be many.

The gods are unlikely to be the cause of the cataclysm, as they simply don't benefit from it. And Zelretch was talking specifically about the end of the world, which means there will be no survivors.

Also, what he heard was only a legend. That while it provided information, it wasn't particularly reliable. A legend that passes from mouth to mouth inevitably changes, sometimes completely losing its true content. The Nasuverse is proof of that.

In any case, since we're heading to the city of sages, there's probably something or someone there that I can talk to.

- I see. - I said, and the conversation ended.

The caravan continued on its way until my eyes caught sight of the high walls of the city.

And frankly, I was disappointed. My expectations of enchanted and protective rune-covered walls and tall spires with floating islands were completely shattered. In front of me was an ordinary city of ordinary medieval times with walls of stone and a slightly higher concentration of mana.

As the disappointment of shattered expectations came over me, we were already at the city gates where two guards stood. The caravan stopped in front of the gate, and one of them approached Anma and me.

- Welcome to Rondel. What is the purpose of your caravan?

- To resupply, sir guardian. Something has happened, and we are looking for a new home. - answered Anma.

- My condolences. It's been turbulent everywhere lately," the guard sighed, then added, "But Rondel is safe now, I guarantee it.

- Hm? - Anma didn't understand.

- A group has arrived in Rondel on an iron wagon without horses, and Rory Mercury herself, the Apostle of Emroi, is present. I don't think anyone would be crazy enough to try to cause trouble in her presence," the guard grinned, "In any case, please pass. And, once again, welcome to Rondel.

"A horseless iron wagon?" A car, I suppose, but that's not what caught my attention. Rory Mercury, the Apostle. Isn't that the one the princess mentioned? In that case, my visit here was certainly not unnecessary.

We entered the city quietly, and the view of its streets and buildings opened up before me. It was nothing fancy, except for the large number of people wearing robes and staffs, which is the standard mage outfit in literature.

I got off the wagon and looked at Anma.

- I'm going to take a walk. I want to see the city.

- Of course," he nodded, "We'll stay here for two days to rest and prepare. If you'd like to come with us, we'd be delighted.

- Well, I'll let you know if I do. Otherwise, don't wait for me and move on.

- Whatever you say. Have a good day, God.

That was the end of it, and I headed for the center of town. The streets were paved with stone, giving the impression of not a bad sidewalk even for modern times, and the houses looked standard for typical isekai fantasy.

Upon reaching the center of town, I saw a large building. You could say the tallest and largest of all the ones built here. Tall and well-maintained walls, flags hanging with some symbols and spires with small windows.

As I understand it, this is where the local mages study and gain their rank. I wonder what it looks like inside? Hopefully not as fancy as some scarlet-haired demoness' mansion or the Clock Tower.

Suddenly, I felt a stare on me. And it was soaked with extreme surprise, childlike joy and delight, as if someone had met their idol.

Turning my head and directing my eyes in the direction of the gaze, I saw a man of Japanese appearance, dressed in a green military uniform and sitting at a round table. There were others there besides him, but my attention focused on the man's mouth whispering a certain word. More specifically, a name.

"Solomon".

He mumbled it over and over, his eyes never taking his eyes off my figure, and his right hand extended and pointing directly at me. In the next moment, my head was instantly pierced by a severe migraine, as I clearly understood what he was now thinking.

Can I go home, please? Right now, please?

-0-

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