The Great Caretaker of Gaia (Overlord SI Player)

[TheLunchKing]

It has been a while since I posted on this site, and my brain hasn't been exactly helping with throwing out plot bunnies and story ideas left and right that it actually made me LOSE the flow of the damn stories I'm trying to make chapters for.

But this one idea has taken root in my head, and frankly I don't know if I'll be able to do it justice. Especially since this fandom is rather... ruthless against these kinds of fics.

So, yeah. Surprise surprise, another Self-Insert from me to yeet into the air for ya'll to peruse and critically eye, and this unfortunate self of mine is going to be thrown into the Overlord Universe, although there will be some... mishaps, and of course it isn't an Eien fic without a case of unfortunate gender reassignment. As is customary now.

This AN is meant to outline a few key things about this fic, and I hope ya'll will understand it.
- I may or may not change a few things, by that I mean expanding on Yggdrasil stuff, New World stuff, and all that.
- While canon will technically happen, expect me to take said canon out back to be put down.
- Our unfortunate Self-Insert Eien IS an Yggdrasil Player, but I'm putting a sort of twist on it.
- Eien's not going to be an exactly... 'normal' character. Her 'Custom Build' is actually heavily inspired by another isekai MC, I'll keep that a secret for now.
- While I personally have a lot of knowledge and 'future sight' (novel-reader) of Overlord. THIS Eien, has only seen like Season 1 of the Overlord Anime.
- Expect OCs and slight OOC-ness, I'll try my best to keep canon characters consistent with their personality traits, but considering I'm going to shoot canon in the foot and push it over, don't expect them to stay the same.
- Oh, and Eien came like a decade or so before Ainz Ooal Gown.

I think that is all you need to know, so let's get this show on the road!

Disclaimer: I of course own nothing except for the idea and my SI and OCs.

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-=-=-=-=-=-

Prologue - Who, What, and Where?!

-=-=-=-=-=-​

I sat and looked at the still waters of the lake and beheld my appearance, turning my head left and right while making expressions with my uhh 'new' face. When I woke up earlier on the soft bed of flowers, I didn't expect this to be the after life. Although that line of thought was immediately cut short when I felt like a bus decided to ram into my head, giving me the mother of all headaches. Turns out I was alive, but I was apparently isekai'd and into another person's body.

The headache was a good thing to be honest, as the reason for that headache was because all of the memories, instincts, and knowledge of this body rushed into me. So I had a good idea of who I-ah I mean this body is. My-Her name is Miyagi Katsumi and this is actually her player character from a game I know because I watched the show it belonged to, Yggdrasil, and her avatar's name is apparently Eternity In Eden or as I-she likes to call my-herself EIEN.

Turns out having the memories of two different people shoved into one's head kind of sucks, and it makes it very difficult to differentiate who is who. To the point I think I remember having two mothers when I 'know' I'm supposed to have just one for each life. So that's terrifying, the fact like the memories are trying to merge similar events of my life, which I hope is not the case. But nevertheless, I am in a precarious situation and I know for a fact I am not in Yggdrasil because I can feel, touch, smell, and move my-her body while making different expressions. Oh, and I touched myself-this body to see just in case.

On the topic of this body, the difference between Katsumi and Eien is surprisingly not that far. Apparently she was really short in real life, by that I mean like shortstack level short, Eien kind of just looked like a taller version of her... with 'skin' made out of smooth wood and had leaves and vines in place of hair although it looks like as if it is real hair at first glance. Despite being an [Ancient], Eien could most certainly pass for a human that has a tan with soft green hair. Her race and her Yggdrasil build is the first thing I got accustomed to, and for one thing. Her build is actually really weird in general, and situationally broken as hell.

By that I meant that this build is technically a support character, but the way it is built and both the [Promoted Classes] & [Special Classes] Eien has combined together allow her to function like a weird tank that can support and heal themselves while also throwing trees at enemies. It's actually kind of weird how stupidly effective this is, I have a memory of her with a raid party standing in front of the [Silver Warden] Raid Boss literally just staring at both the boss and her party with the smug emoji on while the boss tried to kill her and fail. Kind of reminds me of that one meme of Raiden and the Senator but the participants are reversed.

This is not including the main meat of my-her build. Katsumi is apparently really nice going from my-her memories, like despite being technically a heteromorph race she is primarily left alone by the 'good' races due to her being such a kind soul. In fact, I have several memories of PKers who try to target Katsumi getting jumped by nearby players who happened to be nearby, I'm still a little suspect of that memory. Anyway back on topic, the main purpose of her build and why not a lot of players are trying to PK her is that her build allows her to buff her allies, and in some cases buff them PERMANENTLY. Not to mention she has like one ability that allows her to passively gather EXP or collect the EXP of slain mobs despite her being Level 100 and later store them with another ability in the form of [Gaia Apples] and this is the main reason why she isn't targeted. She is a source of EXP that is not related to killing mobs or bosses.

Yggdrasil is a revolutionary game where one can play whatever they want, and Miyagi wanted to play a character that helps in such a self sacrificing way. Except that with the help of a few experienced players and surprisingly Tabula Smaragdina was among them, she's got a build that lets her help support other players, but can also throw hands. Especially if she casts [Tree of Life Sapling] and plants it, her levels in the class [Caretaker of Gaia] basically super buffs her hp and mana regeneration, defense, and resistances. Combined with her array of healing spells, buffs, and debuffs, you've got yourself a self sustaining tank healer for as long as the [Tree of Life] is left up.

What makes me laugh though is that despite all this, she has another card that she uses really well. Summoning and by now one can see where I am going with this. Eien is basically a support Forest Druid on all of the steroids that can still throw hands and trees, and I-Katsumi was absolutely thrilled with that. The build I-she has was primarily meant for Support, and yet she still does well in PVP solo, albeit not as good as Flawless builds centered around PVP, Eternity in Eden makes it so that even those have to respect her. Even without a [Tree of Life] Eien's build makes her hard to kill in general.

So Eternity in Eden is a healer, a source of EXP, a support, a summoner, and thanks to all her skills and classes, a rather strangely effective tank. Main downside is that she doesn't really have a lot of avenues for dealing damage, especially without a [Tree of Life] in the vicinity. Speaking of the [Gaia Apple] things, turns out that players see them as very useful things, especially for when one is PK'd and they lose 5 levels, they can get like a [Gaia Apple] of a certain strength and consume it to regain all the lost levels. Another reason why she is primarily left alone to do her own thing, cause while one can still grind levels or power level with friends, the option to just instantly restore levels by consuming an apple is just too useful.

Turns out when I look through my-her memories, the papa bone man Momonga is actually a repeating customer of Eien. He kind of sheepishly admitted that he likes to hoard items, and considering I saw him hand Enri what were apparently trash items in the show, he must have hoarded a lot of crap. That and well Momonga seemed skittish and shy around me-Katsumi for some reason, I don't know why though. There are some memories that seem to be flat out missing and I'm concerned if I-Katsumi forgot something important.

Regardless of that, I'm in a little bit of a conundrum here. As there isn't exactly a whole lot to my surroundings aside from the fact that I am apparently in a cave, there is this huge still lake and right behind me is a huge tree. Now, the fact that there is a tree right next to me when I have the aforementioned skills is already suspect enough. But since I can FEEL the thing, I know this isn't an ordinary tree... well that is already obvious considering that the leaves are emitting small sparkles of light.

But yeah, as soon as I check out what the tree was exactly. I was surprised that it WASN'T a [Tree of Life], nah instead I had to check if I was seeing shit and washed my eyes because the name was concerningly more ominous than that.

[Sapling of the World Tree], and the fact that I am connected to it and feel like I could fight gods makes me more concerned than ever. But despite that, when I poke at the connection I share with it, all I can feel is warmth and what almost feels like little hands reaching out to me. The feeling was... not unpleasant, and when I acknowledged it the tree only seemed to brighten and the soft chime of little bells rang out.

Sighing I stood up and dusted off my equipment all the while checking out my sense of balance, it feels odd knowing that I don't need to get a feel for it since I got that killer headache from all the memories and instincts. But I'm not gonna complain about that, since that saves me time from fumbling about and falling over myself. My face broke out into a smile filled with child-like wonder as I immediately got to the really fun stuff, who didn't want to know what it felt like to use magic?

Immediately I held out a hand outwards and pointing across the lake, I reviewed the... that is a lot of spells. Actually like holy hell that is a lot of spells, uhh how am I supposed to pick from 369 spells? Eh fuck it! We go the most famous one! Turns out I have it, which is nice!

"[Fireball]!" I call out with a voice that reminds me of those onee-sama types of women, and was rewarded with a small red magic circle popping up in front of my hand before a fireball the size of small outhouse fire out. "Eh?" I let out a questioning noise as I blink and saw the fireball hit the wall and explode in a fiery blaze.

That was a lot bigger than what I was expecting for a Tier 3 Spell. Then I remember through the memories that with my levels in [Ancient] and [Caretaker of the World] that a [Tree of Life] will buff me and several of my abilities, but the only tree buffing me now is the [Sapling of the World Tree], which I can only assume is a hell of a lot stronger than a [Tree of Life].

Before anything else I slightly knock my head with a fist softly. "Right, the fire. Uhh let's see here, [Widen Magic: Control Water]." With that I felt a pulse extend from me and surround this cave, I can feel the water of the lake and I used my hands to help my mind guide the water to what I want it to do, and that is douse the large bonfire I made.

Letting out a sigh of relief at seeing the fire get extinguished, I let the water flow back into the lake and cancelled the magic. Turns out this body has 'instincts' from the Yggdrasil game that lets me use the magic quite simply. As for using the magic, I couldn't help but let out a few giggles as I excitedly bounced on my feet and looked at my hands. "This is so cool!"

Then I remembered how exactly I came to be in this world and my good mood immediately plummeted, it doesn't help that because of all the memories forced into my head. I have a hard time differentiating myself between... me and myse- KATSUMI.

Frowning, I trekked my way to the tree and sat at the base, feeling the soft grass underneath and the wood against my back, I look up and thought about my life before this. It wasn't that great, but it wasn't bad either. Although what I will miss most are my friends and family, and slowly the weight of how I will never see them again hit and I couldn't help but shed a few tears, and some more because of the memories of Katsumi also showed she had some loved ones left behind. But because of their world, she only had like a few loved ones left because her old world took them away.

Pulling my knees up I rested my chin on them and just sat there moping, I'd be lying if I said that I never wanted this. Well, not this exact situation but something similar would be nice. But I didn't want it at the expense of this loss.

Somehow the Sapling I was leaning against sensed my sadness and again I felt warmth and comfort through our shared connection. Carefully I lay a hand on a nearby root and trace small circles on the bark, the feeling of warmth and comfort almost tripled while a sense of happiness was conveyed through the connection. Letting out a small laugh I couldn't help but wonder if I was just imagining all of this and-

My head suddenly snapped up to the ceiling of the cavern as I heard rocks fall and crack, quickly wiping my eyes of the tears I stood up stared long and hard at the cracking ceiling. It might be a large animal and I will have to be fighting so soon, hopefully I don't get something powerful right off the bat. I still need to get used to fighting, but hopefully the Sapling will keep me alive with the buffs.

Licking my lips involuntarily, I watch as the cracks grow before the ceiling crumbled and it was if time slowed, my eyes widened as I saw no monster.

But a young man. A brown haired young man wearing some simple leather and half plate armor falling from the ceiling and looking so panicked as he plummeted down to the lake. I look at him and saw in his fall he had turned to see me, my surprised eyes looked into his own ones as time seemed to speed up and he fell into the lake with a mighty splash.

Blinking a bit stupidly, my mind caught up and I let out a mental scream at myself to fucking move. Which is what I did, without thinking I leaped into the water with the grace of an expert diver before I swam to the young man who didn't seem to be conscious. Carefully I grab him by his arm and began my slow ascent to the surface.

Then I stopped for a moment and thought to myself that I am an idiot before casting the same spell from earlier again, [Widen Magic: Control Water] and had the water around us pull the two of us back to the surface.

When we broke the surface of the lake, I had the water around us push the young man and I back towards the tree. Carefully I stepped out and gently pulled the young man over so that he would lay on the grass, I looked at him and saw that he wasn't breathing. He must have too much water, and I had to thank the forced first aid training from my first life. I began pumping his chest with a bit of force and performed some cpr on him, repeatedly pumping his chest and blowing air into his lungs.

Surely enough the water spouted out of his mouth and he began coughing and started flailing his hands. Satisfied, I sat on my knees and waited for the young man to get his bearings. Then I remembered again that I was a dumbass and still had the spell up, I could have used that to pull the water out of his lungs, I lightly knocked my forehead again with a fist, mentally calling myself stupid.

But regardless, the young man could now breathe again and now I watch him open his eyes to look up at me. He seemed to blink a few times before he spoke. "Beautiful..."

At first I thought he was talking about something else, but then I remembered that this is a female body and one that is basically a bombshell. Despite that, the very earnest and blunt words kind of made me embarrassed a bit, but I hid that and only smiled down at him. "That was quite a bad fall you had there Stranger-san."

Hearing that, the young man slowly sat up before turning to face me. He actually bowed his head and as if he wasn't just on the verge of death or just recently fell from a great height, the young man gave a cheeky grin. "It was, wasn't it Stranger-san? By the way, my name is Gazef Stronoff."

As soon as that name was uttered, I blinked a few times.

"Eh?"

---

I will post an informational on Eternity in Eden's rough stats and level allocation. But hopefully ya'll enjoy this prologue! <:3

 

[Not_Interesting]

Welp, another Eien to add to the Multiversal Mothers´ Alliance(or MMA, not to be confused with Mixed Martial Arts). Interactions with Momonga will be funny, also problematic. Albedo will be very Jealous. Does she have a WI? The spell that the Dragon Emperor cast was supposed to bring in World Items, but backfired slightly and brought their surroundings too(PUH-LAYERS and their Bases + NPCs).

 

[Doccer]

I am intrigued.

 

[AurielReaver]

Ahahahhaahahh man if that isn't a blast from the past on who your pulling from is correct with some alterations to fit into the new context will have to do a reread of that one
From the one story with the Mc replacing Ancient One from overlord and going full new world preper with that in mind?

 

[TheLunchKing]

Interactions with Momonga will be funny, also problematic. Albedo will be very Jealous.

Click to shrink...

;3

Does she have a WI? The spell that the Dragon Emperor cast was supposed to bring in World Items, but backfired slightly and brought their surroundings too(PUH-LAYERS and their Bases + NPCs).

Click to shrink...

Yes she does, as a matter of fact I'm going to be posting it in the informational along with her char sheet. (Note it is going to be inside the char sheet)

I am intrigued.

Click to shrink...

I hope to keep your intrigue. :3

Ahahahhaahahh man if that isn't a blast from the past on who your pulling from is correct with some alterations to fit into the new context will have to do a reread of that one
From the one story with the Mc replacing Ancient One from overlord and going full new world preper with that in mind?

Click to shrink...

Oh Eien is a completely original character, no redesigning official characters. Plus with her inclusion, I am basically shooting canon in the back of the head anyways.

Also that one story of Ancient One was funny, but kind of disappointed that Momonga didn't come through.

 

[TheLunchKing]

-=-=-=-=-=-

Yggdrasil Sheet - Character: Eternity in Eden (Eien)

-=-=-=-=-=-​

Name: Eternity in Eden
Nickname: Eien

True Name: Miyagi Katsumi, [CORRUPT FILE]

Titles: (Given by Players and/or Developers)
Great Caretaker of Gaia
The Earth Mother
Sweet Sunshine
Diabetes Personified

Spoiler: Appearance

Bet you didn't expect this. :3
Also Momo in this fic has got some taste.

Spoiler: Attire as just Isekaid

Replace the blues with greens.

=-= Class Build =-=
Total Level - 100

= Racial Levels =
+ Dryad - 15
+ Greater Dryad - 10
+ Treeman - 10
+ Ancient - 5

= Job Levels =
+ Druid - 10
+ High Druid - 10
+ Elementalist - 5
+ Sage - 5
+ Alchemist - 5
+ Forest Mage - 10
+ Nature's Herald - 10
+ Caretaker of Gaia - 5

=-= Equipment =-= (As of now)
= Head =
+ Headdress of the Kyuubi (Legendary Class Rarity)
= Torso =
+ Raiment of the Kyuubi (Legendary Class Rarity)
= Waist = (Not always at waist level)
+ Verdant Phoenix Sash (Legendary Class Rarity)
= Legs =
+ Kyuubi's Colors (Legendary Class Rarity)
= Feet =
+ Kyuubi's Lupine Chasers (Legendary Class Rarity)
= Accessories =
+ Enchanted Mana-Rich Flower (Epic Class Rarity)
+ Plucked Cloudspire (The fluffy thing around her shoulders) (Epic Class Rarity)
+ Forest Guardian's Runestone (Epic Class Rarity)
+ Forest Guardian's Horseshoe (Legendary Class Rarity)
+ ?????? (Divine Class Rarity)
= Weapon =
+ Stringed Realm of Gaia's Heart (World Class Rarity)

= Set Bonus =
+ Spirit of the Great Fox (4/5)
- 3/5 => Mana Regeneration is increased to 300%, Agility Boosted by 10, Resistance Boosted by 10, Magic Attack Boosted by 10, Magic Defense Boosted by 10
- 5/5 <> All Stat Boosting Effects are applied 3x

+ Emerald Blaze Bird (1/5)
- 1/5 => When Hit with an attack that would reduce your HP to 0, instead turn [Invulnerable] for 5 Seconds, reduce your HP to 1, and all Druidic Spells are on No Cooldown and No Cost. Available only once per 7 Days.
- 5/5 <> Emerald Blaze Cooldown is now reduced to 1 Day.

=-= Approximate Status =-=
Note: This does not include buffs by the Tree of Life.
= HP = < 80 >
= MP = < Exceeds Limit >
= Physical Attack = < 30 >
= Physical Defense = < 80 >
= Agility = < 40 >
= Magic Attack = < 80 >
= Magic Defense = < 90 >
= Resistance = < 90 >
= Special Ability = < 100 >
= Total = < 685+@ >

=-= World Class Item =-=
= Stringed Realm of Gaia's Heart =
Type: Weapon
Class Restriction: Druidic Spellcasters
Description: The Sound of Gaia's Heart is heard throughout the 9 Realms, in the land, in the water, in the sky, and especially in the forests. Its music was capable of many things, from growing great tracts of life, to sundering the skies and splitting the earth. The Melody of the World if need be would be used to awaken the slumbering Ancients that once guarded her form.

 

[catgc]

= Racial Levels =
+ Dryad - 15
+ Greater Dryad - 10
+ Treeman - 10
+ Ancient - 5

Click to shrink...

The Melody of the World if need be would be used to awaken the slumbering Ancients that once guarded her form.

Click to shrink...

Hmm... me thinks this World Item has secret effects if used by an Ancient.

 

[Lagoon12002]

Well I'm always down to read another fic. Watched!

Everyone in New World: *Sees Eien*
Everyone: We could make a religion out of this!

 

[Not_Interesting]

Dunno why, but the form makes me thing "Tan Ceres Fauna" and that is based Uuuuuuu.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1xaHISiqE

 

[hzuilquigmnzhah]

Dunno why, but the form makes me thing "Tan Ceres Fauna" and that is based Uuuuuuu.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1xaHISiqE

Click to shrink...

Uuuuuuuuuuu

 

[Jaune Pendragon]

From the one story with the Mc replacing Ancient One from overlord and going full new world preper with that in mind?

Click to shrink...

SAUCE.

 

[AurielReaver]

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13351069/1/Chaotic-Good

Its somewhat crackish but thats atleast patialy because he levaraged being therefrom the begining with the fact that the new world thing happens to prepare for it as a longrunning gambit and its also if not quite dead very loooooooong time between new chapters after the dude reaches the new world but its still really fucking funny right up until that point

 

[TheLunchKing]

-=-=-=-=-=-
Chapter 1: Lady of the Cavern
-=-=-=-=-=-​

Gazef didn't really know what to think of his current situation, but to be fair it was really his fault in the first place that he nearly died and needed to have a stranger save his ass from his own doom. He had just given his name to the enchanting woman in front of him and was privy to seeing some kind of emotion dance behind her eyes for a brief moment before she replied to him.

"Hello to you Stronoff-san. My name is Itterny Tiin Eedin, but you can call me Eien." A noble? Has to be with that kind of name and that fancy set of clothing she is wearing. But then again she just as quickly ruined it by jumping into the lake to pull him out, so perhaps she may not be a noble after all.

"Oh then I will insist that you call me Gazef if we are being informal. Now Eien-san, might I ask where are we exactly?" The young mercenary looked around the rather large cave, he spotted a burnt piece of wall across the lake, and the rather large tree with shining leaves right next to the two of them.

When he turned to look at Eien, he saw her looking at the tree he was just looking at but he could also feel her side eyeing him for some reason. After a moment of silence, the bronze colored woman turned to him with a small smile on her face.

"This is my residence Gazef-kun, though I think the better question here is... how did you come to fall from the top of this cavern?" She punctuated this question with a slow raise of her eyebrow, and Gazef's eyes twitched as a blush of embarrassment threatened to break out over his face.

Coughing into his fist, the young man turned away for a brief moment to collect his thoughts before slowly turning back with a resigned sigh. His hand going behind his head rubbing it sheepishly as he spoke. "I uhh... it was kind of my fault?"

At that Gazef saw Eien slowly blink as if registering what he just said, but she simply motioned her hand towards him, urging the young man to continue.

Nodding, Gazef sat upright. "You see, I'm actually a mercenary. In fact, I actually just left my village a few weeks ago. I arrived to E-Shozel and I got a job for the local alchemist, she wanted some herbs that grew in this cave for some medicinal potions. Although as you can see, I haven't exactly been that successful so far." The young man finished with a sheepish grin followed by a joking helpless shrug motioning to his lack of gathered herbs.

Following that, Gazef decided to throw his arms up and fall backwards to lay down on the surprisingly soft patch of grass. He stared up at the hole he accidentally made and winced at the rather ugly appearance it had before turning his head slightly to see Eien looking at him with that ever present small smile of hers.

"So uhh, sorry about the hole I made in your home Eien-san." Apologizing about the hole seemed like a good idea for starters, and it might have been a good one as Eien started softly chuckling.

"I don't mind the... 'new addition' to this place, I was thinking of renovating anyway." Now Gazef felt even more embarrassed at that, rubbing the back of his neck he wanted to change the subject from his latest blunder.

"Anyway, what about you Eien-san? What is your story?"

---

Eternity In Eden | Eien POV

---

Right after I realized that was his actual name, I started mentally screaming while keeping the avatar's face calm. My mental scream only lasted like five seconds before my mind restarted and I gave my name, well this avatar's name at least and Gazef didn't seem my name was weird. Then I looked at his mouth move and realized that something was translating words between us because what I am hearing is not matching up with what he should be saying. So he might hear my avatar's full name differently, which was interesting and Eien seemed to go through fine.

I sort of told a half-truth saying that this place is my residence, which is true for the most part as there is no way I'm not making this place as comfortable as possible. Especially since it might be the place where I am at my strongest thanks to Little Sapling.

Also it turns out that Gazef Stronoff was actually a mercenary in his younger days! That was really fascinating actually, when did he catch the king's eye? How did he get to be the Warrior Captain in canon? He just started out a few weeks ago, so that meant that he shouldn't even be a threat to me, but considering what I saw of him in the show he is honest, kind, and pretty down to earth so I doubt he would even want to attack in the first place without a good reason.

When he showed off his lack of herbs I couldn't help but smile a little wider. The aura he exudes, it was warm, like a welcoming friend. As he mentioned the hole I simply waved it off, again I was planning on renovating this place as much as possible, maybe even see if I can plant multiple [Trees of Life] and if the buffs I get from them can stack.

As soon as he asked me about my story however, I couldn't help but look down and turn silent. I had to think of something fast, maybe I can pull some stuff from other forms of media I read and watch and hodge podge things together real quick.

But first... to test the waters, I lifted my head and looked into young Gazef's eyes and blurted out. "What do you think of... non-humans?"

To my shock, he simply shrugged. "I have no trouble with them. Sure the occasional goblin raiding party and wandering ogres kind of make it difficult to see them in a good light, but that doesn't mean that all demi-humans are bad."

Blinking, I did not expect such a fast response, and from listening to his voice and watching his body language. He was not lying, so I figured that I can at least be 'more' honest with the guy. I chuckled and smiled at him. "You are wiser than your age suggests Gazef-kun."

Gazef only scratched the back of his head with a flattered but confident grin. "Thanks!"

Chuckling at that, I mentally checked if I had an inventory and if I had stuff in it and turns out I do, and my inner loot goblin sings praises when I notice I have so much crap in there. Now, hopefully I have- aha! There! I then [Silent] cast a fifth tier spell I remember called [Plant Control] and grew a small smooth wood table in between us.

When he saw it he slightly leaned back at its sudden appearance, only to look even more bewildered when my hand opened a 'black hole' and reached in to pull out a [Pitcher of Endless Water] and two glasses before setting it on the table. I poured a glass for myself and my guest.

"What if I told you that I am not a human?" I ask as I finished pouring his glass, and picked up my own with two hands. Eyeing him carefully as his bewildered face slowly turned serious before nodding his head.

"I would not be surprised, considering you asked what I thought about demi-humans in the first place. What I would be more surprised at is how do you look so human? Most demi-humans have obvious parts that differentiate them from humans." Gazef nodded as he slowly picked up the other glass and took a careful whiff, which only made me giggle a bit.

"It's just water Gazef-kun, and simply put I have my ways. As for what I am... I am an old soul, an Ancient if you will." I wasn't really lying, if we combined the years of both myself and Katsumi, I should be rather old in comparison. Though I might be laying it on a bit thick with the 'Ancient' line.

Looking into young Gazef's eyes I can almost see gears turning in his head as he looked down at the wood before he turned slightly to eye the [Sapling of the World Tree], ooh he is a perceptive one. "No, I am not the Little Sapling. I have not needed a tree in a long time."

At that Gazef turned to fully face me with a thoughtful look on his face. "You are a Dryad."

I shrugged and smiled at him, drinking some of the cool water in my glass. "I was... but I grew out of it." I couldn't help but make a pun and smiled wider when Gazef snorted some water while he was drinking.

He coughed lightly before leveling a glare at me, though I could feel his amusement. "Please don't make jokes while I am drinking."

I let out a louder laugh waving a free hand while the other held my own glass. "Sorry, sorry!~" Though my jovial tone slowly gave way to a more serious one. "I haven't been a Dryad for quite a long time, if anything my... race, can be considered and were called Ancients."

"You certainly don't look old for being an Ancient." I heard Gazef pipe up from behind his glass and couldn't help but place a hand to my cheek, flattered at the praise even though this was a game avatar, it was now my actual body.

"Ara ara Gazef-kun, thank you for the compliment." Only this time Gazef gave a grin before continuing to drink and listen to the tale he did not know I was spinning. Looking down at the table and the glass in my hands, I began to speak, weaving a story that hopefully didn't sound convoluted nor contradictory.

"I come from ages past, one could even say that I come from an entirely different world. I along with other Ancients watched the rise and fall of races, cities, empires, and interesting individuals. Few of us interacted with the races, and some even managed to befriend the races, myself included. It was... fun, should I borrow a term from one of my friends." As I spoke, I could almost feel Gazef's questioning gaze, he was clearly listening but he believes I haven't finished, which is... right I suppose.

"That world has long since passed, my friends are no longer here, and the only piece of that old world I have left is the Little Sapling over there." Finishing the short tale, I waved a hand to the glowing [Sapling of the World Tree], and we both watched as the tree seemed to glow a little brighter at my acknowledgement.

Silence reigned between the two of us for a while, internally I was hoping that the young man would buy it an- "I am sorry for your loss."

Again, it would seem like Gazef surprises more and more. I looked up with a bit of surprise on my face and saw Gazef's face was that of comfort. "It must be difficult, outliving all of your friends like that." The absolute honesty in his voice is what clinches it for me, while I've seen how he is in the show, it is only when I am in front of him that I can say without a doubt.

Slowly, a small smile spread on my face. "You are a good man Gazef." The thing is, what all I said is technically the truth, and the feelings of loss I have over my friends and family in both lives is great. I am just good at hiding it.

I closed my eyes and set my glass down on the table before attempting to change the subject. "So... Gazef-kun you are a mercenary yes? What made you want to leave your home to pursue such a... hazardous occupation?"

Thankfully the young man in front of me was fine with the change of subject, as he leaned back a bit looking a lot more embarrassed than he did before. "Ah, you see- er, it's dumb." Oh right, I forget that for all he is, Gazef right now is just a young man, and a lot of times they get embarrassed or awkward when they talk about things like this.

Letting out a soft laugh, I wave a free hand in front of my face. "If you are afraid that I will laugh, then don't worry so much! I have heard far more embarrassing goals from my old friends." Boy wasn't that the truth, mentally I cringe at how weird some of these goals were.

Though that seemed to do the trick and Gazef looked far less embarrassed than he did before. I watch now puzzled as he set his glass on the table before he stood up and placed a boot onto the table, lightly shaking it before pointing to the air. "I want to be a HERO! I want to go out into the world, help others, protect the weak, vanquish oppressors, and be the shield of the common folk!"

Now to me personally all that he said wasn't what made me laugh, but the tone he said it with is another story entirely. Although, something about what he said seemed to resonate within me, and I temporarily lost myself to my memories.

[]"Hey hey Katsu-chan! Let's be heroes when we grow up! I'll be the main hero and you'll be my sidekick!"[]

The shadow of a little boy grinning widely fluttered through my mind for a brief moment before it faded.

With that fresh memory in mind, I couldn't help but snort quietly, and I covered my mouth with one hand as my snickers grew a little louder. My laughter caught Gazef's attention and I swear his face looked as if it will burst into flames with how red it was. He pointed at me in faux anger. "You said you wouldn't laugh!"

My shoulders shook as my giggles grew a little louder, placing my glass down I lifted my other hand to wave at him, my laughter momentarily stopping as I try to placate him. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I wasn't laughing at you, I promise. It's just that, you reminded me of an old friend of mine. He wanted to be a hero too."

At that, Gazef slowly exhaled and the tenseness left his body as he sat back down grumbling good naturedly as he took another drink. My amusement subsided as I thought about what the young man in front of me said. 'A hero huh? Well... why don't I help with that?'

"You do know that being a hero isn't easy right? That you will need to grow stronger, break your limits, and there are times where you will have to make tough decisions?" I idly asked Gazef while I start mentally checking my spell list, special abilities, and innate skills for things that can help me here.

"Of course I do! Even if I don't grow as strong, even if I die tomorrow, as long as I helped at least one more person, then I'd be satisfied." There is honest and blunt Gazef again, giving a reply so quick it couldn't have been practiced.

Smiling widely at that, I stood up and slowly began walking around the table. "What if I told you I can help with that? The growing stronger part at least."

"You mean you'll train me?!" Almost excitedly, Gazef sprung up to his feet and- were those stars in his eyes?! Regardless, I shook my head and he seemed to be confused, at least until he thought of something. "Are you going to offer me power straight up? If so I will have to-"

"Will you let me tell you about myself and my offer first before you go declining?" Hmm, honesty. Gazef didn't want his strength to be given to him, he wants to earn it I suppose, which is fair.

Grumbling, young Gazef looked at me with a look I can only describe as disgruntled, but he at least seems to be listening which is good enough for me. "I am an Ancient, and in the old world I was very different from the others. I'm not particularly martially inclined, nor am I someone who has thousands of spells stuffed in their head, instead I am a... Caretaker I suppose is an apt term. I nurture, I have helped others grow, and all without a price, although there are those who see fit to give me items as payment for my services, they didn't need to but I accepted them with grace anyway so as not to be rude."

Slowing down I came to a stop in front of Gazef and lifted both of my hands, turns out I have enough stored EXP for the spell should I need to max it out. I [Silent] cast [Observe Target] on Gazef, the sixth tier spell was a direct upgrade for the second tier spell [Discern Enemy], I always found it odd that not a lot of players have this spell, then I remember that it was a reward for one of the most tedious quest chains in Yggdrasil, like escort mission + timed + puzzle-driven and multiply it by hell kind of tedious.

But personally I think it is sooooo worth it, [Observe Target] combines the functions of [Discern Enemy] and all other [Detect] magic into one spell that gives an accurate as possible reading, plus it can be used with [Widen Magic] for AoE which is awesome.

Anyway, let's take a quick look at Gazef's- oh my that is a bit more info than what I was expecting. Ok let's go to the more important parts. Ah, he is already a higher level than I thought for just starting out as a Mercenary. Wait a minute... he has no EXP bar, does the New World gather levels differently then? What will happen if I feed him a [Gaia Apple]?

-=-=-=-=-=-

Name: Gazef Stronoff
= Class Build =
Total Levels - 12

= Job Levels =
+ Woodworker - 7
+ Fighter - 3
+ Mercenary - 2

-=-=-=-=-=-

With that information in mind, my left hand began to gather golden light while my right hand sparked with a green light. "My abilities, they are unique to me and so I offer you this Gazef Stronoff. In my left hand I hold an apple, but not just any apple but one that has once been coveted by many and those of the old world know of it's power. Should you wish, if you consume it you will grow in strength immediately, there are various levels to it and I am willing to offer you one of whatever level you want."

The golden light solidified above my left hand into a [Gaia Apple], this one has the stored EXP if I calculate it right SHOULD put him to Level 50 immediately, but considering this isn't a game anymore I have no idea how that will translate here.

"In my right hand, I can grant you a boon instead. With it nothing will change for the most part, but you will be able to grow stronger and break past your limits far easier than you would do on your own." The emerald light died down revealing a glowing ethereal seed that looked vaguely like a green teardrop and was the size of a chicken egg. This was one of my strongest permanent buffs from my [Caretaker of Gaia] class and it's 2nd [Special Skill], it was a secret and I thought you could only have one [Special Skill], I thought [From Great Death Comes Great Life] was the only [Special Skill] I'd get from maxing out [Caretaker of Gaia]. Anyway, it was an ability that initially seemed useless for High Levels and those near Level Cap, but where it REALLY shined was if I used it on a Low Level Player.

You see, it will not only increase EXP gain by a considerable margin, but with this there is a chance that an individual that received the [Unknown Seed] buff would have their overall stats become higher than a regular level 100 player once they reach a similar level. Again, with how I've been transported here I have no idea if the effects will be the same or will they be different. I'll have to take a look at the ability's flavor text just in case to see if there might be any hint.

Aside from that, not many know of the skill's existence, mainly because it was a spell that could only be available once you create over a million [Gaia Apple]s, and from my memory, it took a while to gather EXP for a [Gaia Apple], especially if it was done in a party because everyone is leeching EXP gain.

This meant that by the time I unlocked [The Gift of Life's Cultivation]... actually, when did I unlock it? Why is that part of my memory missing? Eh, I'll think about that later.

After finishing my explanation, Gazef looked down at the two objects in my hand and I couldn't help but speak up. "I've seen others rise up as heroes before Gazef Stronoff, and I have no doubt you would grow strong by yourself. But even heroes had others by their side to help them, or others that aided them to become that very same hero."

Gazef's face looked conflicted, but he seemed to be gravitating more onto my right hand as the [Gaia Apple] was a fast track to power to him. "I... what do you get out of this?" Finally Gazef turned to look at me in the eyes as I stare back with a soft smile.

"To be honest? Nothing... well, except maybe a new friend." At that Gazef's face looked stunned before he burst into laughter which mortified me, I used the [Plant Control] spell I activated earlier to grow one vine behind Gazef and used it to slap him upside the head.

"Don't laugh! Why are you laughing?" I couldn't help but pout angrily while Gazef raised his hands in mock surrender, his laughter ceasing after the vine slap.

"Sorry! Sorry! It's just that, is that the reason why you are doing this? Because you don't need to do it if you want me to be your friend." At that I couldn't help but sigh, my worries were quickly unfounded. I thought he was mocking my offer, but then again after thinking about it, I guess I can see why he laughed so openly. He should be glad I'm not the type to be easily offended, otherwise he would have kissed this offer goodbye.

"No, that is not the reason. But from the short time I have interacted with you Gazef, I can already tell many things. You are honest, you are kind, and you don't even discriminate me for being something not human. But I can also tell that you are rather... trusting, perhaps even a bit too trusting, and you are a dreamer for having that kind of goal. You are a good man Gazef, and if you would let me, I will help you reach that dream. I... want to see how far you will go." Although I wouldn't say the rest of it out loud, I am curious of the effects if he chooses the [Gaia Apple] or the [Unknown Seed].

I personally know the [Gaia Apple] shouldn't be harmful to him, but the [Unknown Seed] on the other hand I have no clue what will happen as I haven't used [The Gift of Life's Cultivation] before, at least according to the memories I have. I am kind of hoping that he chooses the [Gaia Apple] because it is the 'safer' option, in comparison to the [Unknown Seed], but with the way I phrased it I already know which one he is going to pick.

Gazef's chuckles slowly died down as he listened to my words, he quite obviously looked flattered, and when it got to the trusting part he only shrugged. But after the rest, his face relaxed into a more neutral look, his eyes shifted between the two objects in my possession before he looked determined and surprised me with his next words.

"I'll take the [Unknown Seed], but if you will let me. I want to save the Apple for emergencies." When he said that I couldn't help but slowly blink once before blinking two more times in quick succession, honestly I was flabbergasted when he said that.

"My, my, my~ I didn't know you had a greedy side to you Gazef-kun." I honestly didn't, was he this sort of greedy in the show? I don't think so, but the fact he said it straight up is still in line with him though.

I watch as he shook his head at that with a small laugh and grin. "Nah, it is nothing like that. I just want to grow stronger, but if I had the choice between letting someone die or saving them by eating a quick power up? I'd gladly throw that apple down my gullet and damn the consequences."

Huh... Respectable. Damn yourself to save others. Well he's already got the self-sacrificing part of a hero down I can tell that much. So I used switched up the [Gaia Apple] to what I believe is the maximum I can fit in one, if I remember right the [Perfect Gaia Apple] is supposed to give 70 levels worth of EXP. To be honest I have no idea if what I am stuffing in the [Gaia Apple] is even EXP with the New World rules.

Nodding my head, I pulled back the [Perfect Gaia Apple], I stored it away but make a mental mark that it is for Gazef Stronoff before I held out my right hand to him and let the [Unknown Seed] float slowly to the young man. Just to cover my bases. "You might feel some slight discomfort, so apologies for that."

At that Gazef looked at me with wide eyes just as the [Unknown Seed] phased into his chest. "Excuse me what?"

He looked about ten times more apprehensive now as his face twisted into a grimace expecting some kind of pain, only for nothing to happen and he looked down at himself. Gazef checked out his body, patting himself down before slowly lifted his head up to look at me with a questioning gaze. I shrugged. "I DID say that you wouldn't feel different."

Slowly, Gazef nodded his head before looking at his hands. "Well, that was anticlimactic." He muttered, right before he snapped his head up as if remembering something. "Oh shit I have to get back to my herb gathering!"

Hearing that I couldn't help but begin giggling at that, after a brief moment the young man also started laughing. Together we laughed for a bit, until Gazef got his chortles under control looking at me while wiping a tear from his eye. "Think you can help me out of this place? Out that hole will be fine."

I mean I won't be leaving any time soon, I did want to renovate this place. Put my own personal touch to it, though on the topic of his escape, I saw the hole was right above the lake and figured. Why not give him a show, so I shrugged lightly and started walking to the edge of the lake. "Sure why not."

By now [Plant Control] would have expired so I casted it again and had a huge vine and wooden structure grow from the middle of the lake, before it started snaking upwards and through the hole while a walled spiral staircase formed on the side. Finishing it off I then had it grow a bridge just a little above the surface of the lake and towards the two of us.

Turning around I gave an exaggerated show with a free hand while nodding my head at the young man. "One pathway out my home right here."

Seeing his face, my smile widened as I saw the jaw dropped look on his face before he shook his head, coughing into a fist while blushing in embarrassment for his unsightly act. "Ahem, right. I'll be going off now."

Right before he left I saw he had no weapon. Hmm, maybe I'll give him a better one for now, and something that won't draw attention. "Hey hero! Catch!"

Turning around Gazef panicked at seeing a sword the size of a man flying straight at him and jumped backwards. The sword stabbed into the bridge and I let out a soft chuckle before calling out to him. "You were supposed to catch it!"

"I'm not that skilled yet!" I heard him yell back, although the awestruck smile on his face gave away his true feelings as he pulled out the trash item (for me), it was a High Class Rarity weapon. [Standard Holy Sword], it should do good in his hands. I watch as he put the back holster on and looked back at me, he waved. "I'll come by and visit again!"

Smiling at that, I gave a wave back. "Take caaare~"

As Gazef left, I would not know until later just how much did I affect the young man.

---

Behold, Chapter 1 and so soon.

Apologies if I borked some spell levels. Especially [Discern Enemy] and the [Detect] spells, they didn't have a tier associated with them last I remembered so I just shoved them in 2nd Tier.

Also for those who want to know what the new spells I kind of wanked up. I'll write a short informational about them that I will slowly update as this fic goes along.

I also hope you like how I wrote Gazef, I THINK I did good writing a younger Gazef. Personally I think I could do better but as of now I am somewhat satisfied-ish.

Anyway, hope ya'll enjoy this chapter and it got ya'll thinking what might happen next! : D

 

[Not_Interesting]

Little Sapling.

Click to shrink...

I was right, this is TotallyNot!Ceres Fauna Eien. Saplings assemble!

 

[Jaune Pendragon]

truly wonderful. MY BRAIN IS TREMBLING!

 

[Lagoon12002]

*Sigh* Time to pull out the Monty Python quotes again...

Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government!

Anyway, Gazef was a champ this chapter. Not only does he choose the slow-and-steady growth over immediate power, he has the balls to assume that he can have the apple too, and then gives a appropriately heroic reason for it. I would vote for Gazef, wouldn't you?

Edit: sorry for the computer users, didn't realize the quote came out like that.

 

[Calico J]

Ah, Gazef, you're too good for this benighted world. He does seem like the kind of guy who would get along well with Eien.

Thanks for the nice chapter!

 

[Vhalidictes]

So far, a good read.

What has me really interested is the time line. This is quite a few years before Nazarick shows up, I'm interested to see what Eien does with the time.

 

[Lagoon12002]

Continuing on from my last post, it occurred to me that Gazef has just become much more politically valuable man, as a one-man-army and a symbol.

It could majorly tip the scales in regards to the fight for the throne between the two factions of Re-Estize. Whoever gets the loyalty of the uber-adventurer with the magic sword of legend gets to decide who calls the shots.

So in this case, while it still is a bad idea, the strange woman laying in a pond has indeed allowed for the creation of a basis for government to occur by giving a young man a magic sword.

 

[XenonPrime]

Ha! I really like this, I'm intrigued by how this will shape Gazef and the world around him.

Especially when it becomes apparent that he isn't wielding a plain steel sword.

I quite like the idea of this take, I'm keen to see how quickly the world tree will grow and how that will change things.

I must admit my Elden Ring instincts have me wanting to praise the coming Age of the Great Tree.

 

[TheLunchKing]

-=-=-=-=-=
Chapter 2: First Look
-=-=-=-=-=​

Gazef Stronoff POV

I couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief as I walk through the gates of E-Shozel, finally I was back and it was getting a bit late. Thankfully I didn't spend too much time talking to Eien, I even managed to get a lot more of the Rokute Herbs than I expected. I should head back to the alchemist before I look for an inn to spend the night.

Speaking of Eien, the thought of the Ancient dryad kind of gave me mixed feelings. She was clearly a nice person, even though her taste in jokes makes me want to groan. Though the source of these mixed feelings was due to the 'boon' she gave me resting somewhere in my body, and the frankly beautiful greatsword she gave me as an additional gift. Despite the fact I didn't really have any inclination towards the magical, I could definitely feel this blade humming with magic energy.

It was a beautifully crafted weapon, as soon as I left the cave when there was still a little bit of daylight left I brought the sword into the light and watched the metal gleam under the sun. I was almost disappointed that nothing tried to accost me on my way here, I would have liked to test the weapon through defending myself.

Anyway, I shook myself out of my thoughts, I had to get to the alchemist before she closes up shop. The sheathe on my back covered my new weapon while I walked down the road, I'm still not exactly familiar with E-Shozel so I had to slowly make my way through the streets in order to not get lost. That does mean I lose some time but I don't really have a choice, so unless I can conveniently find the alchemist wandering around in this large city I would be taking some ti- that's her, what.

Just as I was about to take a turn, I saw the very same client I met with earlier today just coming around the corner. So I began jogging straight towards her, I almost didn't recognize her without her glasses. Then again I should have recognized her the first time because of her bluish green hair color. I saw her looking around and I waved to get her attention, it was successful and she turned to me, it was like she was taking a second to recognize me which is fair since I'm not a local.

Then it was like something clicked in her head and her eyes went wide before she waved back and pointed at a pathway, then she started walking towards it. I decided to jog a bit faster until I was beside her. "Hello again miss Opal, how has business been?"

Hearing that the woman shorter than me simply just shrugged despite carrying two small boxes of what I am going to assume are potion vials. "Business was a little bit slow today, I did sell some recovery potions to a few people, which is why you saw me out here, I was buying some more potion bottles before the day ends."

Nodding at that I decided to hold out my hands to the boxes she was holding, Opal got the idea and smiled in thanks before handing me the surprisingly heavier than I thought containers. "Allow me, and I managed to get a lot of Rokute herbs. I'll hand them to you once we get to the shop, that fine?"

"Oh that was quick, I initially thought you'd be spending more than a day outside E-Shozel to gather the herbs. But either I was wrong or I may have underestimated you a bit sir Gazef, I apologize." Opal gave me a slight incline of her head, and I simply shook my head.

"Believe it or not I actually recognized the herbs once I saw them, my village had a small-time mine and we found those herbs growing along the walls. We didn't think much of them so we just left them in place, though last I remember one of my neighbors used the herbs in a dish or something." I had the misfortune of not being a taste tester, mother told me that it smelled absolutely divine.

Though my words caused the alchemist to turn around on me before standing on her toes to get in my face. Her sudden movement almost made me drop the boxes but I held onto them with a firm grip while leaning backwards a bit. Startled I looked into her eyes and saw the excitement of a child in them. "Did they actually?! What were the effects? Did their bodies get strengthened?! I didn't try that experiment because I usually didn't have enough surplus as I had to keep up production!"

Slightly weirded out by the very stark personality switch, I look to my left and right before looking back at Opal. "I-uhh I don't know, but I can visi-"

"Actually you know what? I'll pay you triple the reward for this request, if you let me test this experiment on you!" At that I couldn't help but feel a deep chill of terror go through my spine. The only reason why I didn't let it show was because that would be rude, and the only reason why I didn't start running was because I had the boxes in my hands.

Giving a shaky smile I slowly shook my head. "I'm afraid I'll have to pass such an honor to someone else. I still want to be able to do mercenary work after all-"

"Then I'll pay you five times as much!" Urk! That's about fifty silver! I could use that money to buy another armor plate to add on for protection. But still... "I'll even throw in two recovery potions!" I let out a mental scream of agonized defeat as I saw the recovery potion prices in her store and a few others so that was a good deal, I sigh before nodding at her request.

I watch as the woman turned around with a wide smile on her face, skipping happily towards her potion shop. Shaking my head with a small smile, I followed right behind her. I was apprehensive because despite what I said, I was sure that my neighbor only used regular ingredients with the herb to make the dish, miss Opal is an alchemist so I had to prepare myself for a mixture of different alchemical ingredients.

"Though can we do this tomorrow? I would like to rest after I drop off everything." I ask after we entered the store, I set down the boxes on the counter before turning around to look at Opal who seemed to be thinking about it.

Thankfully she shrugged and walked over to reach behind the counter, I looked away a bit awkwardly as she bent over it and turned to look once I heard her move back away. "Sure, just bring out the herbs and I'll give you your reward."

With that I pulled my rather large pouch from my belt and sat it on the counter to dump out the herbs.

---

After taking off my armor and setting my gifted blade beside my bed, I got on and sat against the wall with my hands behind my head. Turning to look at the lantern that sat on the small table beside my bed, I thought about the events that happened today.

I went into a cave, nearly got my dumb self killed, met a non-human woman that was old but didn't look old, befriended that same woman, received a boon from her, also received a clearly powerful sword, got more herbs than I thought and got paid a little extra for my efforts.

Opal told me that I brought back plenty of herbs, enough to set some aside for the experiment tomorrow. I couldn't help but shudder at the thought of what might happen to me tomorrow, but at least I got paid an additional four silver on top of the initial ten for the gathering commission. It allowed me to get a little under two weeks in this tavern at least for two silver with breakfast, so that was a plus at least.

My eyes wander over to the greatsword that Eien gave me as a gift, and I got off the bed in order to unsheathe it. I held it up against the light of the lantern and admired the silver blade, the hand guard was coated in a gold color with a blue gem embedded within it.

I couldn't help but take a few experimental slashes with it, and was in awe by the soft whistling sound it produced as if it was cutting the very air. To think that miss Eien would be fine with giving me such a powerful artifact on top of the boon, I lucked out in that cave, I could have met an early end there because of my carelessness.

Turning my head to the window, I saw that darkness had fallen and thought to myself it was getting a little late. Might as well hit the hay and rest, I'm going to need my energy for tomorrow clearly. So I took one more look at the sword in my hands and sheathed it, though I thought that it wouldn't hurt giving it a name. "I think I'll name you Silversong."

I then blinked as I felt the sword handle warm up in my hands as if it was accepting of the name and decided that I was probably hallucinating from how tired I was. I think I should get to bed, so I carefully set the blade leaning against my bed before hopping on and blowing out the lantern light.

Little did I know... I won't be having a normal night.

---

Opening my eyes, I couldn't help but think that this was NOT where I fell asleep. I look around and beheld a large green grassland on a hill, a soft breeze blowing through me and I looked down at myself and saw that I was unarmed and defenseless.

I should find my way through this place quickly and- a leaf fluttered past my sight and behind me. A bit distracted I followed the leaf and took an involuntary step back seeing a large structure a short walk away. It was on top of the hill and there wasn't really anything else in the distance surrounding me, no forests, no settlements, or anything.

So I really had no choice but to start walking to the structure, it looked like a really strange shrine, and it looked like it had two floors to it due to its size.

In no time at all I reached the doors to the shrine and just when I was about to knock on the doors, they slowly opened inwards. It showed complete darkness, and then one by one, torches and braziers lit up in white flames illuminating a small corridor.

I... don't think I'm awake. Regardless I began making my way down the hallway, the white stone of the walls, floor, and ceiling were a bit dull in shine but they did not even have a single crack in them. When I exited the hall, I came across a large room, it was so large that I realized that the architecture to this place was impossible. It was supposed to clearly be bigger outside to even remotely match what I am seeing here.

A large circular room that had a single pedestal in the center while the walls were shrouded in darkness, and a small light from above shining down on the pedestal.

Something... it feels like something is calling me to the pedestal, and it felt almost familiar. So I took my steps and approached the pedestal, only to see something I clearly recognized. It was the boon that Eien gave me, an ethereal green seed shaped like a teardrop. It was slowly rotating in place while floating, it actually looked more solid than it did in when I first received it.

Almost impulsively I reached out to it and reeled my hand back seeing and feeling an emerald spark of lightning zap my fingers. I hiss in slight pain as I shook my hand from the pain before my indignance was cut short as the entire building seemed to shake, I couldn't keep my footing so I grabbed onto the pedestal. All I saw was the seed and I eyed my reflection on the object.

The shaking stopped just as quickly as it appeared, and I had to shut my eyes as a white light flooded the previously dark room. When I opened my eyes a little, the light was still a bit much but slowly my eyes adjusted to it, and I couldn't help but let out a gasp of awe. The chamber was now filled with statues of myself, they all looked so different, wearing different armors, wielding different weapons, as if they were different paths I could take.

"Magnificent, aren't they?"

My awe was cut short as I immediately turned around to see a large man in maroon plate armor and a red cloak, the cloak was covering most of his face and the only thing visible was clearly the man's beard. He had no weapon on him but the fact he was wearing armor already put the stranger at a greater advantage than myself.

Silence reigned between the two of us, and I couldn't help but feel like my wariness wasn't really warranted for some reason. But I can't tell why.

"Heh. Don't be so frightened, I'm not going to attack." The stranger said in a deep voice, again it feels like he is saying the truth for some reason.

"Who are you?" I couldn't help but ask, as if I'm asleep and the seed behind me was the boon Eien gave. Then who is this?

All I got was a clearly visible smirk before the stranger waved his gauntlet clad hand and shook it. "I think you'll find my name a bit hard to understand right now. But I'll bite, I am [??????]."

I blinked, all I heard was silence when he said his name. Though it would seem that the stranger's smirk only widened as he saw my puzzlement. "Ah, a shame. How about you call me... Marikorrmar for now?"

Apprehensive, I could only nod my head slowly. "Alright then... what is this place?"

The stranger's smirk shortened down into a small grin. "Isn't it obvious yet? We are in your mindscape."

I nod my head at that, while I had suspicions, it was best to have confirmation than anything. I looked around to inspect the statues while keeping Marikorrmar in my sight, I could definitely feel his gaze on me. Some of these statues look more developed than others, specifically the ones with me in armor while holding a sword and shield, me looking like I was working with wood, and the statue that looks eerily similar to the me when I wear my full gear but with a cape.

"If you are wondering what those statues are, they are mere visualizations." Marikorrmar piped up from his place- on top of one of the other statues?! I turned around to see he was no longer beside the pedestal, instead he was on top of the statue of me in wizard robes holding a staff. "They are just here to help you visualize how far you've gone. They don't really do anything special."

"I... see." That was all I could say as I watch Marikorrmar jump down from the statue with such ease for wearing clearly heavy armor. I saw him shake his head back and forth, as if saying I was wrong.

"I don't think you do... but regardless, this place is your mindscape and all these statues help visualize how far you've come. That thing there on the pedestal is there to help you grow stronger and help you break your limits. So, I do hope you won't squander this opportunity Gazef Stronoff." My eyes look from Marikorrmar and back to all the statues, then finally back at the seed floating innocently on the pedestal.

"Now, I'd love for you stay and chat but... You need to head back. So, see you next time!" At that my eyes went wide and when I was about to talk, my whole vision blurred before I felt darkness take hold of me.

---

No POV

---

Marikorrmar watched as the figure of Gazef Stronoff faded into light before it darted upwards and to the sky. He turned to the seed on the pedestal. "What? This is an interesting development and you know it."

Silence reigned, although despite that the stranger in maroon armor only laughed as if he received a reply. "Of course, of course I know. He'll need to grow and [Cultivate] first. But did you really have to zap his fingers like that, or was that just to have a little bit of fun?"

Again, no words were said in reply and yet Marikorrmar nodded his head. "True. I can't wait to see how he'll turn out." The man's smirk turned into a wide grin as the seed glowed on top of the pedestal.

 

[Calico J]

What are ya doing, man? Nothing good comes from getting experimented on by a mad scientist, just ask every comic book ever!

Garzef would make a solid shonen anime protagonist, though. Enter Marikorrmar, the Mysterious Mentor, and let the training sequence begin!

 

[Not_Interesting]

Interesting, I do wonder who the mysterious Marikorrmar is. Is he OC or from a different property?

 

[RusselsSilvrware]

Garzef would make a solid shonen anime protagonist

Click to shrink...

Yup. I've heard it said that Overlord has so many well-developed characters that it's as if its tertiary characters are the main casts of at least three other shows.

 

[Thread]

This fic is great. I just been too lazy to write it. I like how the story is flowing and lore is building up. There is so much that we don't know but at the same time we look forward to what will come next. Also makes us wounder how far off you took cannon and what caliber you used to finish it off. Thanks for this story!

Edit: Well there are going to be more powerful people around. That's for sure.