fics I read

"So Rein what will we be doing tomorrow?" Yet again I'm stuck in a place filled with awkward silence, and yet again I'm trying to break that silence. Seriously though, I wish this type of stuff stopped happening already, it's bad for the heart.

Reinhard stops eating, he smiles and responds. "We will start your and Felt's training nice and early. Actually Lord Iori what type of weapon would you like to try your hand at?" I'm glad he made some effort to keep the conversation going.

Eating in complete silence, in a place I'm unfamiliar with is the worst. Still, the Astrea Manor is kind of nice I guess, and I have nothing against the servants here... It's just that Reinhard beard edition has been glaring at me the entired day.

However, this leaves Reinhard beard edition free to receive glares from Felt, who shifts from that, to angry muttering, then to glaring at the real Reinhard, an endless cycle really. Honestly, I don't get how she's acting like this is worse than the slums. As a guy who also has history as a street rat, I know this place is way too good.

Well, I got here today, after the meeting with the Council of Wise Man, so I actually haven't spent enough time here to confirm that it's super nice, but... I mean c'mon! We are eating super special noble food for dinner! That has to count for something!

Reinhard beard edition, also known as Reinhard papa edition, or Heinkel Astrea snorts. "Don't kid yourself, he's way too old to be learning any fighting style." He points at me. "Pray that the Duchess and the Baroness can carry you, brat." I have a feeling he doesn't like me.

He then looks at Felt. "And it has to be them too, your other teammates are the definition of the world shit." This man is like the reverse Reinhard, not nice at all, and trying to start fights for no reason. Maybe he's grumpy because he didn't get a harem?

Felt looks like she's about to explode, but before she can say anything I chime in. "Thanks for the advice Heink-Chi! I'll try double as hard to try and catch up!" And right now I'm trying double as hard to be nice and cheerful.

That's because my time in the Yakuza has taught me that this is how your disarm this type of guy, he's acting like a pissed off Yakuza boss after all. And not like the ones who wants you to be respectful like most of them, it's more like the ones who are purposefully looking to punish you.

And as expected the guy doesn't respond, except for muttering. "Heink-Chi...?" I imagine his overly drunk mind is now lost in the power of basic nicknames. Truly an unimaginably useful tool, giving me power beyond his comprehension.

Reinhard's smile has gotten even bigger, it seems he approves the way I handled the situation. "I'll be counting on you working hard then Lord Iori." Ah, I doomed myself. Though it's not like I was lying anyways, I have to catch to everyone after all.

I raise a hand. "By the way Rein, about weaponry... I'm kind of used to fighting empty handed, that okay? Do I need a sword?" I know some stuff about martial arts, but I'll leave it to the professional. That said, maybe getting a sword is a requirement for the hero character...

The Sword Saint nods after a moment of thinking. "It's fine, there are many warriors who fought empty handed... You see exotic fighting styles all the time, that servant you met before, Grimm fights with a giant shield for example. You could just use some special made gauntlets I suppose." And I have secured the Yang strat, awesome.

I give him a thumbs up. "Get ready for the second coming of Sun Goku then!" Rein obviously doesn't get my reference, but I'm sure he appreciates my enthusiasm. Okay, correction, I hope he appreciates my enthusiasm.

Before the conversation can die out, I try to talk with my the grumpy slum rat in the table... Ah, Priscilla corrupted me. "By the way Felt, what do you wanna use?" We're gonna be fighting side by side, so I should probably know... Hell, we will be training side by side too.

Her answer is curt. "A knife. I guess." Ah, she's gonna leave me alone in the awkward silence again!

I don't have enough strength for that, so I try to keep yapping. "Oh? A thief? I can't wait to see your skills then." I imagine she also has low endurance then? I should try to avoid physical combat with her, and just let her open all the chests.

It seems Felt took my comment the wrong way, because she begins glaring at me. "What? You got a problem with me pal?" I have a feeling that the fact that she called me pal is not a good thing!

I try to disarm her with a smile, hopefully it calms her little Assassin's Creed heart. "Nah, I meant what I said. I mean, every part- every group of heroes needs a thief type character. Let's ignore the fact that the three heroes didn't have one." I almost called us a party, but she wouldn't understand what I'm talking about.

Thankfully her glare dies out and she starts grinning. "Hey, they had a thief. It was Reid Astrea you know? Trust me, he has some weird, weird records about him..." For real!? Considering how Heink-Chi is I guess Reinhard feel far from the tree.

I begin grinning now too. "Hah! Then I'm even more right! Please work hard Miss Thief, because I suck at pickpocketing..." Ah, I just confessed that I know how to pickpocket. I guess I'm just feeling really comfortable while talking with Felt.

And her smile only proves that, it's like a weight is being lifted from my heart. "The trick is coming from the roofs you know? No one expects people to drop from the skies!" How the hell do you shift from falling, to pickpocketing!? We are definitely in completely different levels of skill...

Still, I nod. "I see... Actually I don't. That seems super impossible, I mean wouldn't your legs hurt from falling? You're obviously giving the game if you fall next to them, so you're gonna need to run..." Does Felt enhance her legs with magic? Also at that point it might as well be standard robbery.

She puffs her chest proudly. "I know, it's just that I have a trick that I can do... it's not something I can teach though." She starts chuckling. "I guess you're just gonna have to leave to your master thief." That was always the plan.

I point at myself. "Sure, but don't be surprised if I occasionally outshine you." Since my backstory as a thief is basically out already, I might as well brag. Besides, if Felt can be here, surely I can too.

She giggles. "I doubt that's gonna happen..." She looks down. "Hey Iori... You're alright. I thought you were like that Barielle bitch at first, but you're not too bad." She nods to herself. "I can tell you're a reliable guy, feels good to have an ally her-" And then she gets cut off.

It's Heinkel, who is making a joking throw up noise. "Ew, the rats are gonna mate in front of everyone." Ah, we went into our own little world again and forgot that there are people around us. This is becoming a serious problem... Also, there's no way I would let anyone else see Felt doing lewd stuff!

A blushing Reinhard is the first one to respond. "Father, please don't say outrageous things like that..." For some reason I can see stars on his eyes. "It was just romance brewing...!" A-are you shipping me with Felt!? My brother from another mother...! We are family now Rein!

That said, I'm surprised Reinhard didn't make any comments about my newly revealed past as a criminal. I guess he's assuming I'm redeemed? I sort of am I suppose, there's no reason to be a criminal if being a good boy is the option that feeds me.

Carol, the biggest, baddest servant around, snarks. "When is Heinkel not saying outrageous things?" She has stayed completely silent until now, but it seems the opportunity to shit on Reinhard beard edition was too strong.

Of course, the most important reaction of them all comes from Felt, who hits the table. "Fuck you bastard! You're not hot shit, so keep your mouth closed!" Ah, I have a feeling this is about to descend down onto a shouting match.

Heinkel snorts. "Oh really? You do realize I own this place right? I own the lands you're gonna manage. I own Reinhard. I own the knights. You are nothing rat." Damn, do you have hundreds of confirmed kills too? Considering the way you're responding, I have a feeling you're a bit insecure... Though the same applies to Felt of course.

Felt rolls her eyes. "You're proud of all that? It was all given to you...! Besides, if we are gonna start arguing about being granted shit from above, watch your fucking mouth, because you're talking with a legendary heroine who also happen to be your future queen!" I'd vote for you! Actually I would vote for all candidates... Can we even vote?

Heinkel's eye twitches. "Yeah, and that's all you have rat, I'm... I'm an accomplished knight." For some reason he keeps stealing shy glances at Reinhard while saying that, as if scared of his own son.

Reinhard for his part is back to awkwardly eating his food, it seems he wants no part in this. I don't blame him either, since his father is arguing with the woman he decided to support... Still, he should probably do something, Priscilla already doesn't like him, and if Felt begins feeling the same way... That's two possible kings who can fire his ass!

This time Felt doesn't explode at him, she just calmly shrugs. "Yeah, you're competent. I can tell with just one look." He flinches, which probably isn't a good sign. "I have an eye for talent you know? Always had. And you have zero... It's not that you're bad, or that you're good, you're just mediocre aren't you?"

She nods to herself. "If you were talented and strong, then you wouldn't be glaring at Iori and your own damn son. You're not an utter waste of space though, I doubt any Astrea is... but you are never, ever going to be the Sword Saint or the Child of Prophecy." She points at herself. "Much less the king, so bow already, fucker." Heink-Chi, please don't throw us out of the house.

Heinkel's response is very intelligent and refined. "Fuck you brat, at least I have never eaten from a dumpster." Occasionally you find okay stuff there, don't look down on your friendly neighbor, the dumpster.

Felt's response is equally intelligent and sophisticated. "Choke on my balls, you virgin loser!" You don't have balls, and Reinhard's existence disproves the last part. One day this woman might rule this nation... Maybe I can secretly move to another country then?

As they argue, I ignore the storm and send a look towards Reinhard. "You know this food is great, but you know what would make it even better?" Besides Heinkel and my maybe future girlfriend stopping their fight of course.

Reinhard takes whatever he chance he can to escape the hell he has been subjected to. "Oh? Is there something missing, if so I can ask Carol to prepare it next time..." Carol to the side smiles, probably also wanting to escape this hell. I'm pretty sure I just heard Felt call Heink-Chi a cockless cuck by the way.

I smile. "Mayonnaise"

He doesn't. "What's that?" Life is pain.

"First I shall tire your bodies, then I shall tire your minds." Rein, please be careful with your words, they sound pervy.

Felt points at him, a blush on her face. "Dude, it sounds like you're about to fuck us, watch your words." Thanks for saying what I was thinking Felt, but please be careful with your own words as well.

The Sword Saint blushes bright red. "My apologies, I have no such intentions! What I meant is that first we will train our battle skills, then I will teach you two other important matters." He fakes a cough. "Literacy in the case of Lord Iori and... everyone in the case Lady Felt." Ah, Felt is gonna be dying soon.

Felt sighs. "That sounds like a pain in the fucking ass... but sure, it can't be helped." I'm not surprised by her quick acceptance of the situation, due to her upbringing, there's no doubt she's a hard worker.

I smile. "Well, I did promise to work twice as hard. So work me to the bone Rein!" I chuckle a little bit. "I'm a bit dumb though, so don't be surprised if it takes me years to learn how to read and write." I'm actually just trying to be humble here.

I never had the opportunity to go to school, but I still learned all the important things back home. So I'm hoping I'll learn quickly with a dedicated teacher, instead of having to beg for help from random people.

The Sword Saint smiles. "Don't worry, I possess a Divine Protection that aids me when teaching... Normally I'm too busy, but on the rare occasion that I can train recruits they advance really quickly." Divine Protection huh? Have I heard that term before?

Felt's eyes open wide in shock. "Oh? That's pretty convenient. I actually have a Divine Protection that lets me run super fast by the way, so keep that in mind Mister Stalker." Why stalker? Also your... cheat? Sounds perfect for a thief, I'm never reclassing you.

Reinhard nods. "I'm aware, I also possess a Divine Protection that lets me see if another person has one, and what it does." He sends me a sad smile. "I'm sorry to inform you Lord Iori, but you seem to lack one..." Okay...? I still don't know what they are.

I'm assuming that they're cheats? If that's the case it is strange that I don't have one... Though right now they sound more like strong passives. Maybe I can learn to have a Divine Protection? I mean Reinhard apparently has more than one.

Felt begins muttering. "You're way too perfect, it's annoying you know?" I actually find people who are really good at everything charming, at least when they're doing things to my benefit. Like training me and my future wife to prepare us for our future conflict with a four hundred years old witch.

Reinhard seems a bit saddened by what she said, and to both take his mind out of this, and to sate my curiosity, I raise a hand. "By the way, what even are Divine Protections? Please don't forget I'm from another world..." Please be something people can learn...

The Sword Saint looks a bit embarrassed. "Ah, my apologies Lord Iori, they are special abilities people are sometimes granted at birth. For example, remember how people use me as a lie detector? That's due to one of my Divine Protections." Now I'm sad. "There are some exceptions however, my own family is basically built around one..." Now I'm excited!

I begin grinning. "Oh, I can't wait to find one of those exceptions then!" As the protagonist, it's basically guaranteed I'm getting a busted one! Like maybe a Divine Protection that lets me wish for more Divine Protections!

Felt tries and fails to hide her smirk. "Sorry to tell you bro, but you aren't gonna find one any time soon. The exception he's talking about is still not something you can just get." Ah, the pain is back.

Reinhard nods. "Indeed, it's the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint, sometimes it passes down... I sto- inherited from my grandmother when I was a young child." You were definitely about to say something else there, but okay.

I sigh. "I'll admit, this isn't going like I thought it would, but..." I fist bump myself, the sound of my metal gauntlets hitting each other is huge. "I will still find a way to get a cheat!" If I haven't been granted one, then I just have to find an alternative.

Sure, Divine Protections are off the list, but magic is real, and Rein's sword proves that magic objects exist too... I just have to adventure and find something to use! I have a feeling that magical swords are more common than magic gauntlets.

Felt pats my left shoulder. "That's the spirit Bro!" If you're gonna call me bro, please add the big before it. Or is it the age difference too small? Curse my age! If only I was like... two years older or something.

Reinhard nods. "Indeed, I'm glad you haven't been discouraged Lord Iori." He then looks at my fellow street rat. "I must say, I'm surprised at your enthusiasm Lady Felt... You were completely against anything to do with me before..." Really? I didn't realize she dislikes you...

Felt shrugs. "That's because I don't like your mug." As expected, she doesn't hold back at all. Priscilla would probably deny it with all her might, but the truth is that she's just like Felt. "But... I'm training to spite your father, and all those other fuckers who think I'm unfit for this, and trust me, spite is a powerful motivator...!" I can't deny that.

She suddenly sends me a smile. "Besides, I got my one and only ally here! I meant what I said before, I can tell you're reliable Iori!" This girl is way too cute, so my heart skips a beat. It makes me...

I wish I had a friend like this back in Earth. Like a brother or a sister, someone who could learn things with me... Ah, I shouldn't be thinking of Felt as a sibling, even if she calls me bro. My objective is banging this loli after all.

I send her a teasing smile. "Thanks. You look good by the way, those clothes fit you." I'm embarrassed now, so I'm trying to embarrass her right back! However, I'm not lying right now, because Felt looks incredibly... cute? Cool? Both?

She's wearing some sort of adventurer's clothing that feels made for training, but somehow it looks really good. I'm also wearing different clothes by the way, and I kept my Earthling clothes nice and safe of course.

Felt blushes bright red. "Where the heck did that come from...!? At least try to be subtle man...!" She then begins muttering. "You look good too, like a knight, but not lame." Ah, a girl complimented my looks... Something I have rarely experienced before.

Reinhard laughs, interrupting our talk. "I'm glad you two like them, I picked them you know?" Eh?

Felt crosses her arms, glaring at Reinhard. "I figured... this is standard for you after all." In what world is this standard!?

I take a step back in shock. "Hey Rein... Not to offend or anything, but shouldn't something like this be left to like... a servant or something?" Isn't he the young master here? I don't mean any disrespect towards Carol and the rest of the staff, but something like this seems beneath him.

He smiles. "Normally yes, but I possess a Divine Protection that always lets me pick the best outfit for anyone. By the way Lord Iori, Lady Felt already denied me, but I would like to do your hair every morning from now on, you see I possess a Divine Protection that lets me perfectly style someone's hair." This guy...!

I send him a thumbs up. "Okay, I accept!" Is amazing!

Felt sends me a shocked look. "You do!? Show some pride bro!" Fuck pride, if Rein can make me look good then I'm taking it. I won't deny a guy who's supernaturally good at making me look hot. I am confused about something though...

If Divine Protections are sometimes you're born with... Doesn't this guy have way too many? Felt seemed super proud, and she only has one... I guess it's like Al said, Reinhard is the super important dude around here, even if not as much as me.

Reinhard continues smiling. "Very well you two, now come at me... with the intent to kill." A classic mentor line! "I want to see what you two are capable off, and don't worry I can hold my own." I feel like you can do more than that.

He draws his sword. "I must say however, it is incredibly convenient that Reid always allows itself to be drawn when you're near Iori." Right, the cheat code recognizes a man who will eventually get another cheat code.

Felt raises an eyebrow, but nonetheless she draws her knife. It's a pretty looking one, probably from the Astrea armory just like my gauntlets. "You sure about using real weapons? I'm gonna carve you in two if I get the opportunity." He's clearly an endgame character, don't underestimate him.

Reinhard nods. "Worry not Lady Felt, I'm confident I won't hurt you two... too much. And even if your carve me in two... I possess a Divine Protection that resurrects me." Hey, that's a bit more broken than hair styling isn't it!?

A suddenly realization hits me. "You're Ruby WEAPON!" If the Witch of Envy is the final boss, then Reinhard is the secret optional boss that's even harder than her. Which means none of us are beating him now.

He raises an eyebrow. "Ruby Weapon...? Is that something from your world Lord Iori? I never heard of the term." Ah right, I have to stop being a cringe lord. People here don't get my references, so I need to be careful before I step into obnoxious territory.

I smile. "Don't worry about it Rein, it's just another flattering nickname for you." And with that he lightly blushes, I have a feeling this guy doesn't get a lot of sincere compliments... I met his dad, so I can guess why.

Still, my discovery of his secret boss status hasn't discouraged me at all, even people like him are beatable once someone has all the best gear. "Get ready Rein!" So I dash towards him as fast as I can, hoping to the land the first blow.

Felt rushes towards him as well, though she immediately surpasses me, moving like a blur, most likely because of her Divine Protection. Still, there's something wrong about my speed... I'm going too fast, which is why I stumble and fall face first in the ground.

Felt pays me no mind, and tries to stab Rein, he holds her knife back with two fingers. "Time out Lady Felt." And then sends me a concerned look. "Are you okay Lord Iori?" My dignity certainly isn't...!

I slowly get up. "Yeah, even though I fell like an idiot, I don't feel hurt at all." Not even light aching, it honestly feels like I fell into pillows... And I was moving super fast too... Could this be...!?

Felt finally notices my situation, she immediately begins laughing. "You fell!? Dumbass!" Please give some support to your supposed bro... Seriously where did that cute Felt from before go? Actually you do look cute while laughing at me too...! Priscilla corrupted me.

Reinhard raises an eyebrow. "Was that mana reinforcement...? Your people don't know anything about magic, right Lord Iori?" Huh? Did I subconsciously perform the oldest trick in the isekai book?

I nod. "Yeah, magic isn't a thing back from where I came from... except in fairytales." Wait does this mean I can't do magic at all!? That would suck now that I think about it, a protagonist like that might as well be condemned for eternal suffering.

Reinhard makes a thinking pose. "Well, people from this world always subconsciously enhance themselves using mana, either from themselves or from the world." He points at Felt. "Even babies do it, Lady Felt is no exception for example." So this is how people are super strong?

He then points at himself. "Knights like me take it to a higher level of course, and I do plan on taking you and Felt to that level eventually, but... Let me check something Lord Iori." He begins walking closer to me, after sheating his sword.

Felt now sounds genuinely concerned now. "Hey, is bro gonna be okay? Did something serious happen just now?" Is Reinhard about to drop the fact that I have magic cancer on me? He better not.

The Sword Saint shakes his head. "Don't worry Lady Felt, it's probably nothing serious..." He then puts his hand on my chest, I feel a pulse running through my body. "You do possess a gate at least, one of an infant... Which is why it's size is surprising."

I raise an eyebrow. "I must repeat, guy from another world here." Though I'm hoping this gate thing is a good thing. Please don't suddenly reveal this is a dark isekai to me... I don't wanna get goblin'd or something.

Reinhard nods. "A gate is what circulates mana through one's body. Even though you are from another world, you possess one... And the thing about gates is that normally they start surprisingly small and get bigger with slow and careful usage." He has a serious face on. "Your gate... it has never been used before, but it still rivals that of a trained knight, this means it's potential is amazing!" Yay! Protagonism!

He continues. "You also have all affinities! This means you can learn all types of magic! However... the fact that your gate never experienced stress before, means you didn't reinforce yourself... You're just naturally strong, like a demi-human." I'm definitely not one though!

I smile ear to ear. "Ah, I am a legendary hero after all... I definitely wasn't this strong back in my world though." My speed and toughness surprised even me... Is this the classic trope where someone from Earth is naturally strong because of gravity or something? Is Al a chad?

Reinhard smiles back. "I do not know why Lord Iori... It's almost like you have been designed to be perfect, your gate looks amazing...! I'm glad you have so much potential, it is definitely more than I expected." Of course I was designed to perfect, I'm the protagonist.

I scratch my nose. "Who needs Divine Protections anyways?" For some reason I can see a mad Al inside of my head...