17 - What Was Inherited
From the next day, Rei's steady training began. He woke up at dawn and did strength training in his room. Push-ups, sit-ups, back extensions, and squats in succession. That said, it was training while enduring a pain that felt like his bones were creaking. Things did not progress as he hoped. He would do a little and then rest. He ended up repeating this many times.
Fortunately, his recovery power was extraordinary. He tired quickly, but he recovered quickly too. When he wondered why, the words "Super Recovery" came to mind.
When muscles and bones are damaged, they become thicker and stronger upon recovery. This was not the phenomenon Rei knew from his original world; it was one of the special abilities possessed by the Vampio and other members of the Demon Race.
Minor wounds healed instantly. Rei had inherited such abilities from Kamiira.
Understanding this, Rei was happy on one hand, but a bit troubled on the other. If his injuries healed instantly, it would be revealed that he possessed the abilities of the Demon Race. He could not even afford to get injured in front of others.
Still, for Rei, who wanted to not only recover his physical strength as quickly as possible but train it even more than before, it was a stroke of luck. His muscular strength increased at a speed unthinkable by common standards.
When the training in his room ended, he headed to the training grounds. It was to train with the knights, but in reality, saying they were "together" was not accurate. Due to Rei's extreme lack of stamina, Thor, the one in charge, had given up on teaching him early on.
Left with no choice, Rei began training alone.
The training he performed was practice swings. In the end, he was not permitted to bring a training sword into his room, so he could only do this at the training grounds. Just like the strength training, he would perform practice swings until his arms could no longer be lifted, then rest. He repeated this continuously.
Something he had added recently was climbing up and down the stairs at the training grounds. He simply repeated it at a pace slightly faster than walking, but in truth, this was the hardest part for Rei.
The decline in his cardiopulmonary function was more serious than his muscular strength. The knights' gazes were cold toward Rei, who would run out of breath and collapse every time he climbed a bit. However, Rei could not afford to worry about such things. Unless he recovered enough cardiopulmonary function to be able to run, his future training would not progress.
When the morning drills ended, he returned to his room for lunch. He changed his lunch. He had reconsidered, thinking that he could not build muscle with only salad and soup.
Mobilizing all the knowledge he could think of, he concluded that protein was necessary to build muscle, and now he made sure to eat meat as well. The reason he specifically requested meat with little fat was due to a complex from his former obese self, but he convinced himself that it was better than some sports gyms that only fed people chicken breast.
Then, he trained in his room again until the afternoon drill time. He repeated the same drills as the morning at the training grounds, and after that, he shut himself in the library. Then, he trained in his room again.
Every day was a repetition of this. He felt anxiety as the days passed, but he forcibly suppressed the frustration, knowing that he could do nothing in his current state.
Rei's other challenge—the acquisition of knowledge—was progressing smoothly. He crammed in a considerable amount of knowledge about this world. That said, as a result, the knowledge he obtained from books was limited.
Furthermore, he found that they were quite old. It seemed that a considerable amount of time had passed before they were compiled into books. Therefore, Rei had no choice but to rely on the maid, Cecil.
He had wanted to keep his contact with others to a minimum as much as possible, but it was a case of having to bite the bullet. Today, too, he held a question-and-answer session with Cecil in the library. It took the form of him reading a book and then asking about points of doubt.
"In the end, roughly how many countries are there?"
"I cannot tell you exactly. Please consider it to be around thirty. Those that can be called great powers are our country, Linen to the east, Kant to the west, and Zagreb to the south—those four."
"I saw that in a book. Is there absolutely no information on the others?"
"No, that is not what I mean. Small countries repeatedly rise and fall. Many small countries are annexed by the great powers. It is not necessarily the case that the information about countries I know now is correct. That is what I mean."
The war with the Demon Race was not the only war in this world. Wars between humans were also intensifying. Many of those were expansions of power by the four great nations. This world was currently trying to unite around these four countries.
"Does this country also wage war with anyone other than the Demon Race?"
"No, currently only with the Demon Race. That is the problem."
"Problem?"
Wouldn't it be more of a problem to wage wars simultaneously? Rei thought this.
"Because of the war with the Demon Race, the Kingdom is lagging behind other nations. There are also geographical problems. As I mentioned earlier, great powers exist to the east, west, and south. The only place without obstacles is the north, but that is where the Demon Race is."
Because of that, the Laurel Kingdom was unable to expand its power as it wished. While the Kingdom could still be called the strongest nation for now, it could not be said for certain that it would remain so in the future.
"Ah, that's why they want to end the war with the Demon Race quickly. That's what the Hero is for, right?"
"Exactly."
"One question. Are Heroes only found in this country?"
"No, they exist elsewhere."
"They exist?"
Not just the three in the Laurel Kingdom, but there were Heroes in other countries as well. Thinking that Heroes were not particularly rare, Rei felt a bit happy. However, this turned out to be premature joy.
"However, Heroes who are otherworlders only exist in this country. The ritual of summoning is a secret art possessed only by our nation."
"...Why only this country?"
"That happened a long time ago, and above all, it is a secret art, so I do not know. I only know the legend that it was handed down from the Divine Race."
"The Divine Race... what kind of beings were they?"
The clan of gods. From these words alone, he could tell they were a clan with special power. But that was as far as Rei's knowledge went.
"Beings with great power. That is all I know."
It was the same for Cecil, who was born and raised in this world.
"Is there anything like worshipping them?"
"Worshipping. In what kind of situation are you referring to?"
"No, since they are amazing beings, something like worshipping them as one does the King?"
"There is no such thing."
"I see."
Something resembling religion did not exist. It was a difficult thing to ask, but Rei managed to find out. If the concept of religion did not exist, that would also lead to linguistic constraints. He should assume that words born from religion would not be understood in this world.
"...Can I ask something very strange?"
"What is it?"
"Why do humans fear the Demon Race?"
If there was no religion, there was a possibility that the Demon Race occupied a position different from that of demons. On the other hand, there was the Divine Race. If they were polar opposites, then even without religious organizations, the concept of a "demon" might exist.
"That is... just the way it is. They are a threat to humanity."
"The Divine Race is not?"
"The Divine Race no longer exists in this world."
"Then what about elves?"
"There is no particular need to fear elves... and they rarely appear in the human world."
"I see."
Exclusive behavior born from fearing the strong. And for humans, the only strong beings before their eyes were the Demon Race. He thought such a thing, but it was not that important. Rei switched his thoughts to something else.
"Can anyone use magic?"
"...If it is just using it."
"Based on that phrasing...?"
"I believe Kamui-sama is likely asking about magic that can be used in battle. If that is the case, I cannot say anyone can."
"Is that so? Then, what kind of people can?"
"Mostly nobles. It seems the influence of lineage is great."
Whether one could use magic was related to blood ties. He did not understand the logic behind this alone, but as a fact, Rei accepted it. It was an acceptance of "that's just how other worlds are."
"Can commoners not use it at all?"
"No, rarely, those with magical talent appear among commoners. However, such people often become adopted children of nobles. Even those born into noble houses cannot all use magic."
"Does that mean magical talent, rather than lineage, is what makes a noble a noble?"
"Yes. That is correct."
Nobles because they have power. This logic was easy to understand. The ruling class needs power. Magic is one of those powers.
"Changing the subject, Cecil-san, do you know about the lives of commoners?"
"To be honest, not much."
"Ah, Cecil-san is a noble too."
"Eh?"
This conversation came immediately after the talk about magic. Cecil was surprised, thinking Rei had found out she could use magic. While that was actually the case, Rei's following words were about something else.
"Huh? Aren't the people who work in the castle people of a certain status?"
"Ah, yes. My family is also noble, though small."
"Then, you can use magic, right?"
"...I have no talent. That is why I am a maid."
Rei knew that Cecil was lying. Cecil had been monitoring Rei all along. And she must have sensed that Rei used magic. This was a probe to confirm that.
"Too bad. I was hoping you could teach me magic."
"...Can you not use magic?"
Cecil also knew that Rei was lying. On top of that, she played along with Rei's story.
"I can handle magical power, but I've never done magic. I've read quite a few books, but it doesn't seem like I can do it with just that."
"I see..."
What Rei said was half-true, but Cecil did not know that. The magic Rei could use was the magic Kamiira had used. It was different from that of humans. Rei wanted to learn human magic, but that did not go well.
They were not in a relationship where they could discuss the truth with each other. Rei gave up on learning magic from Cecil.
"I guess that's all for today? Or rather, I can't think of anything else."
"Is that so?"
"I want to know about money necessary for living, or what kind of jobs there are, but since Cecil-san is a noble, you wouldn't know, right?"
"Then, I will look into it by next time. How does that sound?"
"Really? That would be a help. Ah, also I want to know about preparations for going on a journey, and means of transportation."
"Understood. I will look into those as well."
"Please do."
"That is my duty."
"Still, thank you."
"Ah, no."
Seeing Rei give thanks with a beaming smile, Cecil's face turned red unconsciously.
"What's wrong? Your face is red."
"Eh, ah, is it red? No way, I hate this."
"Heh, Cecil-san can react like that too. But, I think Cecil-san is more wonderful when you show your emotions like that."
And at those words from Rei, Cecil's face dyed even redder.
At this time, Rei did not notice. That he had inherited even the "Charm" ability from Kamiira. Since Rei was not a Vampio, he did not have the original power, but it was not as if he had no influence. The current Cecil was proof of that.
And Rei did not notice another fact. His face, which had been gaunt but was now regaining its flesh, had changed into an attractive look—not quite a beautiful boy, but unimaginable from when he was fat.
In truth, Rei possessed more harem potential than Fumiya, the Hero. Even if the day never came for it to be exerted.
◇◇◇
He had reached the limit of what he could learn regarding knowledge. In that case, he could spend that time on training as well. What to do with that time.
After returning to his room, Rei was thinking about that.
(It's magic. I don't think I'll master the sword immediately. I should rely on magic for means of attack. But)
The problem was where to practice magic. He could not do it in his room. There was no way he could use attack magic inside a room. Then outside—though the only "outside" Rei could go to was the training grounds.
It went without saying what would happen if he used the magic of the Demon Race while many knights were watching.
(I guess it's no good. In that case, what should I add? Hey, are you thinking?)
(You, don't rely only on me)
(There's no one else, right?)
The only one he could consult was his other self. The fact that such a thing existed, and that he consulted himself, was a strange story.
(Why not just create some other guys? If you do that, you can think about various things at once)
(I see. That's a good idea)
(I'm joking. If there were several people in my head, it would be confusing as hell)
(...True. Two is the limit. So, what do you think I should do for training?)
(Think for yourself)
(Saying that, you're actually thinking for me. Taijutsu and pebbles. That's a possibility)
Taijutsu was something Kamiira had mastered. What Rei possessed was merely knowledge, but if he had the knowledge he tried to teach Rui, Kai, and Kara, he just had to practice according to that.
Pebbles were something Rei had acquired for Kai's training, but there was no reason to discard them. Even if he was clumsy now, if he trained, they would become a sufficient weapon.
(Even that might not be mastered in a short time. Besides, you don't have to worry about "what" because there are plenty of things you have to do. Attack magic isn't the only knowledge you inherited from Kamiira-san)
(That's true. The one I want to try using most is, after all, "Shadow Storage (Shadow Box)")
(An item box is a fantasy basic)
(Then there's "Shadow Stitch (Bind)" and "Phantom (Phantom)". Shadow Stitch (Bind) is difficult. It requires an opponent. As for Phantom (Phantom), even if I do it alone, I won't know the effect)
(But it's not like you can't do it)
(How do I confirm if it's working? If I use it on Cecil-san, she'll definitely find out instantly)
Shadow Stitch (Bind) was magic that temporarily immobilized an opponent. Phantom (Phantom) was magic that created a phantom of oneself to deceive the opponent. It required a target to cast the magic on.
(Then, let's start with Shadow Storage (Shadow Box). Even if I can use it, there will be various things to try, right?)
(True. Alright, let's try it)
Deciding to try Shadow Storage (Shadow Box) immediately, Rei crouched on the floor and reached his hand toward his own shadow.
Shadow Storage (Shadow Box) was exactly as the name suggested. Magic to store items within one's own shadow.
In reality, the shadow was merely a door connecting the current location to a space created by magic. Rei began by opening that door. After opening the door, he would create the space using magic.
Though he said he would try it, in reality, it was quite advanced magic. He flowed magical power to his fingertips and extended it to the edge of the shadow. As for the method, he simply traced Kamiira's knowledge.
(...Huh?)
Once he reached that point, it triggered the memories of Kamiira that had been tucked away in his head to resurface. Those memories taught Rei.
(Kamiira-san...)
(Crap. I feel like crying)
Kamiira had inherited even the storage space he had already created to Rei. A magic circle that served as the authentication to connect to that space. It naturally surfaced on the back of Rei's hand.
It had been done while Rei was unconscious. Humans had appeared. The moment he learned that fact, Kamiira had prepared himself to die. And he wanted Rei to survive outside the forest no matter what.
(There are things inside)
(Yeah)
(They're mementos from Kamiira-san. If possible, I want to return them to Rui)
(For that sake, too)
(There's no time to hesitate. The contents... is this armor?)
Rei, who had been immersed in emotion at Kamiira's thoughts, tightened his resolve and began confirming the gifted items.
(That's in the memories too)
Naturally, information about the stored items was also in Kamiira's memories.
(It's true. A breastplate, gauntlets, greaves, and a cloak too)
With those memories, Rei confirmed the items in the space one by one.
(They all have magical effects. It feels like they're considerably hard, yet made light)
(Why didn't he use these during the fight?)
(These aren't Kamiira-san's)
(Ah, they're the husband's... does that mean it's better to return them to the husband?)
(How?)
(That would be... by going to the Demon King's army, right?)
(Now that's a high hurdle)
There was no way Rei, who looked like a human, would be welcomed. Even saying he was an otherworlder would be suspicious. In the first place, he didn't know if he would even be given the chance to explain.
(If I save Rui, I'll need to go there, right? Being dragged into a war is one thing, but he's my only family. I have to meet him)
(True)
(And money too... various things are getting resolved)
He had also obtained escape funds. Kamiira probably didn't intend it that way, but Rei considered this money to be for Rui.
(The only problem left is me)
(I just have to somehow save Rui. A plan and the power to execute it. It's not that I was slacking off, but)
(I'm getting even more motivated. If I fail, I die. In that case, dying during the preparations for it is the same thing)
(Short-sighted. I can't be the only one who dies)
(The short-sighted one is also me. But, well, I'll erase that entirely from now on. I'm done giving up because I care about appearances)
(No matter how unsightly, for the sake of achieving the goal, huh)
Rei originally had high pride. And he knew that was his flaw. Unable to bear the thought of others thinking he looked pathetic, he had given up on various things.
Rei decided in his heart to throw away that flaw, that pointless pride. In order to fulfill the wish entrusted to him by Kamiira.
(...Should I try these on a bit?)
(Ah, right)
A full set of armor stored in the space. Just by thinking about taking them out, they emerged. Jet-black armor lined up on the floor. Rei tried to put them on one by one, but...
"They're huge."
None of them fit his size.
(...How pathetic)
(Shut up. It can't be helped. These don't fit a child's body)
(They'll have to wait for a while)
(It doesn't feel right)
(Don't worry about it. I'll become worthy of wearing these. Just think of it as having one more goal)
(True. For now, the contents)
That day, Rei's training continued until late.