My Little Pony Isekai Story

Chapters

Chapter 1: Preston goes to Equestria
Chapter 2: The Party Grows
Chapter 3: The Crystal Monster

Chapter 1: Preston goes to Equestria

My Little Pony: Isekai Story

By Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 1: Preston goes to Equestria

Preston Howard was on his way to school one day. He was rather average for an 18 year old boy. He had black hair, dark blue eyes, and, on that particular day, wore a white long-sleeved button up shirt, blue jeans, and some black dress shoes. His presence was noticed by another student with brown eyes and blonde hair wearing a red jersey, baggy blue pants, and black and white sneakers.

“Hey, look who it is!” called the other student in a snarky tone. “It’s Preston Coward!”

Preston rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Oh, sure, bully the nerd,” he said sarcastically. “Real original, Jack.”

“Yeah, whatever, Coward,” said the student, whose name was Jack.

On the way to class, Preston saw a female student with brown hair that reached her shoulders and green eyes wearing a white shirt with orange stripes, blue short shorts, and blue tennis shoes drop her books and struggle to pick them back up again.

“Come on, come on,” she muttered to herself.

“Can I help you out, Jenny?” Preston asked her.

“Back off, nerd,” said the girl, whose name was Jenny. “I don’t need your help.”

“Well, ex-CUSE me,” Preston said in his best Steve Martin impression before adding under his breath. “I don’t know what I was expecting.”

So, he continued on, leaving Jenny to her own business and carrying on with his own. He was soon cornered by a large, muscular red-haired male student wearing a green letterman jacket over a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and orange sneakers.

“Hey, loser,” he smirked.

Preston was more bored than frightened. “Don’t you have freshmen to pick on, Travis?”

“Nyeh, you’re just too fun to bug,” Travis chuckled. “Now, be a good nerd and hold still. I do have a schedule to keep, you know.”

Preston sighed in a bored way. As Travis threw a punch, Preston casually stepped to the side out of the way. Because of this, Travis’ fist met the locker. The meeting was not pleasant as Travis wailed in pain.

“I told you to hold still!” Travis said as a campus security officer approached.

“Come on,” Preston said. “I’m not that good of a nerd. Good luck with Officer Jones.”

“Alright, Travis,” said the campus security officer, whose name was Officer Jones. “This is your third strike, so you’re coming with me.”

Travis, being the coward of a bully he was, went quietly.

Later that day, Preston returned to his home, where his mother, father, and martial artist grandfather were waiting for him.

“Welcome home, Preston,” his mother said. “How was school?”

“Eh,” Preston said. “Same old crap.”

“Oh dear,” she said in response. “I’m so sorry. If you need anything, please let me know, alright?”

“It’s fine, mom,” Preston said.

Preston’s grandfather slowly walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Did Travis give you any trouble?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Preston said. “He did try to punch me, but, I dodged so that his fist hit the locker.”

“I trust you haven’t misused my teachings,” the grandfather said.

“I haven’t, grandfather,” Preston said with a respectful head bow.

That night, Preston was watching the finale of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic on his smartphone. It wrapped up with him listening to this song.

“So, that’s how the series ends after almost ten years,” he said with a soft yawn. “What a way to wrap it up.” After the credits, he felt a bit sad. “It’s a shame that the series is over. It’s been a big part of my life. Well, at least the comics will continue without the show.”

He then put his smartphone on the charger, placed it on his nightstand, and he settled himself into bed. As he slept, he was blissfully unaware of a mysterious light glimmering around him.

When Preston woke up the next morning, he noticed that he wasn’t in his bed, but, on the ground near a tree as beams of sunlight shone on his face.

“Wha-?” he muttered in confusion. “Where am I? How did I get here?” Near him, he saw a gemstone tablet the size and shape of his smartphone. “Maybe checking my smartphone could help me get my head on straight.”

But, as he reached for it, he saw that his hand wasn’t its usual skin color. In fact, it was covered in a thin layer of light blue fuzz. Any sleepiness he felt in that moment was replaced with shock. He then looked down at the rest of his body to see that it was not only covered with the same fuzz, but, his feet had become pony hooves and the clothes and underwear he went to sleep in that night were scattered around him.

“What is going on here?!” He pinched himself to see if he was dreaming. “Ow! I’m awake…” He turned his head left a bit and saw a feathery wing protruding from his left shoulder blade. “I’m a… pegasus?” He looked to his right and saw a mirrored wing protruding from that shoulder blade and well. “Well, this is surprising.”

Before he could investigate further, the gemstone made the familiar sound of his smartphone’s alarm clock feature. He grabbed it and looked at the screen. To his surprise, it reacted to his touch just like his smartphone did. He was able to turn off his alarm and turn the phone back off. When he saw his darkened reflection, he noticed a horn protruding from his forehead. He placed his free hand to his forehead. “Huh, so I’m an alicorn… I’m not sure how I feel about this yet.”

A look down reminded him that his clothes were off. “Whoa! I should probably get redressed first. I don’t think it would be very polite to just walk around naked in a strange land, regardless of my situation.”

As he got up, he noticed that the privates between his legs weren’t visible. “Hmm… that’s strange.” He felt around his crotch area and discovered a pouch slit. “Very strange.” He pulled the flap forward a bit, looked in, and promptly closed it with a blush. “Yep, everything’s there.” So, he promptly got redressed. The underpants and night pants got on easily, but, he became aware of his tail. “Well, that’s going to drive me crazy.” He found it an even greater struggle getting the t-shirt and night shirt on due to his wings. “Ahh!”

After nearly an hour of struggle, he got himself redressed. “That took longer than it should have.” He then checked the crystal and opened it like he would his smartphone and saw it had the familiar app icons from his smartphone. “Hmm, those haven’t changed.”

He tapped the map icon and it showed him a map of where he was. He was in a forest adjacent to a road leading to a town called Stonewood to the west. “Stonewood, huh? Okay, so maybe there might be someone there who can help me.”

After making his way to the road, he switched to his compass app and began heading west. With wings, he knew he could’ve flown, but, he didn’t know how to use the wings and with his top clothes over them, he wouldn’t be able to use them anyway. After walking a bit, the reality of his situation started to sink in.

“I don’t have any food or water,” he said to no one in particular. “And I don’t have any money to buy any food or water. So, even if I get to Stonewood, what am I supposed to do there?” He checked the pockets of his night pants and became aware that he didn’t have his wallet. “Just as well. I don’t think my money would work there anyway.”

In school, Preston’s best subject was geography, but, what he saw in the map app didn’t match up with any map he read before, making it clear he wasn’t in the world he was familiar with.

“Too late to go back now,” he reasoned.

So, he continued on.

Within an hour’s walk, he was in Stonewood. He felt self-conscious walking around in his sleepwear in public, but, since they were the only clothes available, he felt beggars can’t be choosers. As he walked, he saw various townsponies walking around, but, they were different from the ones he saw in Friendship is Magic. They were all regular anthros, human-shaped hands and bipedal body shape with tails, wings, and horns, but, hooves instead of feet. He also saw that most of them walked around in public with almost no clothing at all.

Like I wasn’t self-conscious enough, Preston muttered internally.

When he looked closer, he noticed that the crotches of the ponies around were seemingly featureless like he was. Not only that, but, the females all seemed to have thicker fur on their chests that covered their nipples.

Well, there’s something you don’t see every day, he thought. Guess that’s the norm in this world. Even so, I’m not exactly willing to strip in public.

So, he looked for an out of the way place where he could undress himself. Before he could get far, he was spotted by a rather short earth stallion with a purple coat, hazel eyes, and a lilac mane and tail walking to a store. He wore a stylish scarf and mantle and a rose brooch shone on his chest. Preston gasped slightly as the stallion made his way over, clearly excited about something.

“Wh-Where in the world did you get these clothes?!” the stallion asked, making Preston aware they spoke the same language.

“Oh, um…” Preston said. “I got these as a gift.” That was indeed the truth as they were given to him as a Christmas gift the year before. Though, Preston wisely decided not to mention he got them in another world.

“I’ve never seen a design such as this,” the short stallion said. “And the way this was sewn... How could this have been made...? Hrmm...”

It was at that point that Preston became aware that his current attire was rare in that world. Since he could see most walked around without clothes anyway, he made a decision.

“You can have them if you like,” Preston said.

This caught the stallion by surprise. “My goodness,” he gasped. “Can I? Oh, that would be wonderful! How generous! I’ll see to it that you’re compensated in turn! I own that very clothing shop behind us.”

Ah, so, that’s why he reacted that way, Preston noted internally. He then asked, “Can I at least know your name?”

“Yes, of course, sir,” replied the stallion. “I am Seamster Sansworth. May I inquire as to your name, seeing as I gave you mine?”

“I’m Pres-” he started, before considering. Hmm, I should probably call myself a different name since I have a different body. “I’m Presto, sir.”

“Well, Presto,” Seamster said. “Step right into my store.”

Preston looked up. The store’s signboard sported a needle and thread design, but, it was the writing below that had alerted him to an alarming fact. He couldn’t read the writing. It wasn’t good news for him, but, he decided that it was a problem for later.

Hopefully a native here can teach me how to read this writing, he thought to himself. Maybe how to write for good measure.

Seamster led Preston into the shop and a few mares in the staff came to greet them. “Welcome back, owner!”

“Thank you kindly, my dears,” he said with a gentlemanly bow.

“If I may ask, sir,” said one of the mares. “Who is this with you?”

“This is Presto,” Seamster said. “He generously agreed to sell us his unusual attire. See to it that he’s compensated with new clothes, girls.”

“Uh, if I may,” Preston said. “I noticed that most of the ponies in this town walk around in public without clothes. So, is it okay if the clothing I get is minimal so I don’t stand out too much?”

“Yes, of course,” Seamster replied.

With that, Seamster whisked Preston off into a changing room, which was an actual small room with a door, not just a box with a curtain dividing it off. Preston began removing his top clothes first. After taking off his t-shirt, Seamster became aware that Preston had wings and a horn.

“You’re an alicorn?!” he gasped.

“Apparently…” Preston said, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“Why, this changes things,” Seamster smiled. “I’ll pay you double for all your garments!”

“Even my underwear?” Preston asked.

“Un-der-wear…” Seamster said. “I’ve never heard of such attire.”

“Uh,” Preston started. “They were the invention of a different tailor who is no longer with us.” Preston felt too flustered to explain the history of underwear, so, he was forced to make up an excuse. I guess I should’ve expected they wouldn’t understand since so few ponies here wear clothes to begin with from what I saw.

In the end, Preston sold every thread off his back. In return, he was given a belt with attached pouches for his small belongings like the crystal he used as a smartphone.

“I hope these help you in your endeavors,” Seamster said with a polite smile. “Now, how much are you selling me your clothes for? I’ll spare no expense, of course, but did you have a particular charge in mind?”

“Well…” Preston said. “I’m afraid I don’t really have a good estimate in mind. This isn’t my field of expertise, you see. I can only assume they’d be expensive, but... To be completely honest, I’m penniless right now.”

“Not until now, that-” Seamster started before asking. “What is a penny?”

“It basically means I don’t have any money to my name,” Preston said concisely.

“I see…” Seamster said. “That is rather sad to hear. Well then, how does ten gold bits sound?”

Without any knowledge of the currency in this world, Preston had no way to judge the worth of ten gold bits. As such, he accepted.

“Sounds good to me,” he said. “Well, thank you for your help.”

“Wonderful! Well, here you are,” Seamster paid Preston with ten gold coins with laurel wreath embellishments on one side and a depiction of the sun and moon on the other. Each one was about the size of an American half-dollar.
“Thank you,” Preston said as he put them in one of his belt pouches. “By the way, you wouldn’t know where I could find someplace like an inn, would you? I’d like to find a place to rest my head before the sun goes down.”

“Why, yes,” Seamster said. “Turn right as you go out onto the street, then follow the road. You should see a sign for the Home-Away Hooves Inn, won’t be hard to find.”

“Alright then,” Preston said. “I’ll head off there now. Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome,” Seamster said. “If you come across any other unusual garments, please bring them my way.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Preston as he made his way out of the shop. “Goodbye.”

And so, Preston left the shop. He checked his crystal and saw that the time was 12:15 PM.

“Okay,” he said to himself. “Now that I have some money, let’s see if I can find something to eat. The inn will likely have meals made.” Then, something occurred to him. “Even if I did spot it, I wouldn’t know because I couldn’t read... Well, it wouldn’t be a problem since I could just keep asking people as I went. Even if I couldn’t read, I could still talk.” Then, another thought occurred to him. He opened the crystal’s map app. It showed his location on the town map and sure enough, the street and shop names were also displayed in a written language he could read. “That’s helpful.” He turned back to look at Seamster’s store. Looking at the map, he saw that it was identified as ‘Fashion King Seamster.’ “Hmm, interesting. I would say that’s appropriately named.”

On the way to the inn, Preston’s attention was caught by noises. Voices, even. Loud voices coming from one of the alleyways off from the main road. Sounded like an argument of some kind.

“I guess I better check that out,” Preston said.

He cautiously followed the sound and he saw three earth stallions confronting a trio of mares. One was a unicorn with a turquoise coat, emerald green eyes, and a blue mane and tail wearing glasses, another was a pegasus with a navy blue coat, azure eyes, and a light blue mane and tail, and the last one was an earth pony with a stocky build, teal eyes, and a light green coat with a cyan mane and tail wearing sports tape on her arms and a belt which had a pair of metallic green gauntlets mounted on the hips. The mares seemed around Preston’s age, maybe a bit younger.

“Please, leave us alone!” the earth mare said sternly. “We've done what you've asked and you should be happy about that!”

“Yeah!” said the pegasus in a tough, feminine voice. “This isn’t what we agreed on! You said you’d buy it for one gold bit!” The stallions stood grinning as if arrogantly mocking her. One of them held something like a deer’s antler made of glass.

“I said we’d buy your Crystal Deer’s antler for one gold if it was in perfect condition,” he said. “But, lookie right here, it’s scratched! A damaged antler’s only worth one silver, so, that’s what we’re paying you. Go on, take it and scram!” A single silver coin rolled to the ground at the mares’ hooves.

“That’s barely even a scratch!” the earth mare said. “It shouldn’t make it 100 times less valuable!” She slid her hands into the gauntlets. “You know what? Screw your money!”

“Hey!” Preston called. “Leave them alone!” This alerted the six to him.

“Oh, yeah?” said one stallion. “Who are you to-” But, he was interrupted when he saw both the horns and the wings of Preston. “An alicorn?!”

Another of the stallions brandished a dagger. “We don’t like you stuck up noble or royal-types.”

“Don’t misread me,” Preston said. “My business is actually with those mares there.”

“With us?” the Earth pony mare whispered to her friends.

“Are we supposed to know who he is?” the unicorn mare whispered in a soft, timid voice.

“That antler seems to be causing you a bit of trouble,” Preston said. “Would you be willing to part with it for a gold bit?”

The mares were surprised, but, agreed.

“You got a deal!” the earth mare said, clenching a fist.

Preston then grabbed a pebble and threw it at the antler, shattering it.

“Hey!” exclaimed one of the stallions. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“I think I’m allowed to do as I see fit with my own property,” Preston said calmly.

“You’re dead!” said the stallion with the knife as he lunged at Preston.

However, Preston perceived the scene in slow motion and got out of the way. What? I’ve never been this fast before, he thought to himself before using his elbow to slam the stallion to the ground. When he directed his attention to the mares, the other two stallions were knocked out while the earth mare had the gauntlets mounted back on her belt.

“Wow~” the unicorn mare gasped. She was facing Preston’s direction.

Preston sighed in resignation. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s get the complaints out of the way.”

“Complaints?” the earth mare asked. “Why would we complain?! You saved our necks and that was amazing!”

Preston was slightly taken aback. “Where I come from,” he explained. “Girls who aren’t my mom say something along the lines of ‘get bent,’ if I so much as OFFER help.”

“What?” the pegasus mare gasped. “That’s pretty stupid of them. They should be more appreciative that you would offer to help, just like we appreciate your help.”

“Yes,” said the unicorn mare. “Thank you for helping us, your highness.”

“I’m putting a stop to that before it gets going,” Preston said. “I’m not your majesty, your highness, or anything like that. My name is Preston. Just call me that.” He momentarily forgot to drop the n at the end of his name in his efforts to stop them referring to him as royalty.

“Alright,” said the earth mare. “Then, it’s nice to meet you, Preston. I’m Karate Chops. You can call me Kara.”

“My name is Novella Print,” said the unicorn mare.

“Navy Searchen,” said the pegasus mare. “You know, without the ‘n,’ your name’s spelt ‘Presto.’ Can we call you that?”

“I’ll allow it,” said Preston modestly. “Now, I believe I owe you this.” He handed them a gold bit while looking at the remains of the antler. I only shattered it to catch them off guard, he said internally. If I’d known they’d be beaten so easily, I could’ve saved it.

“Thanks,” Kara smiled.

“Out of curiosity,” Preston asked Navy. “Does your name come from your color?”

“Yes it does, actually,” Navy said in surprise. “Most assume it’s because I’m in the navy.”

“You’re quite astute, Presto,” Novella complemented. “Do you have a place to stay?”

“No, actually,” Presto said. “I was looking for the Home-Away Hooves Inn.”

“Huh,” Kara said. “Small world. We were on our way there ourselves.”

“So,” Navy said. “We can go together.”

Soon, they reached the Home-Away Hooves Inn, a white three-story building with a red roof and a sign containing a logo depicting a simple house with smoke coming from the chimney. Though, Presto found the writing difficult to read.

“This is it!” said Navy.

“It is?” Presto asked.

“Of course,” Novella said. “It does say on the- Oh, are you not familiar with the written language of this land?”

“Yes,” Presto shamefully admitted.

“Perhaps I could teach you how,” Novella offered. “Think of it as a way of thanks for when you helped us before.”

“Let’s get checked in,” Kara said. “We can hash things out later.”

“Alright,” Navy nodded.

They entered the inn and saw a slender earth pony mare with a peach coat, red eyes, and an auburn mane and tail aged about 20 at the front desk. All she wore was a simple salmon apron.

“Welcome. Are you all here for a meal or is it a room you want?” the mare asked.

“I know for sure I would like a room,” Presto answered. “How much is a night?”

“Twenty copper bits,” the mare said. “Meals are included with the price. You’ll have to pay up front.”

“Is that a lot?” Presto asked the other mares.

“No,” Novella said. “It’s actually a good deal.”

“Besides,” Navy said. “It’s cheaper than a gold bit.”

“I see,” he said. He then paid the innkeeper mare a gold bit. “How many nights will this pay for?”

The three other mares looked at him in bewilderment.

“That’s a gross overpayment!” Novella said. “One gold bit could get you 50,000 nights!”

“50,000 nights?!” Presto exclaimed. “That’s about 137 years!” Navy took a look at the pouch Presto held his bits in.

“And with the one you paid us earlier,” she said. “You’ve got ten gold bits! You could lodge in this place for more than a lifetime and never work a day!”

“Whoa,” Presto gasped. “That’s not the kind of life for me. How about I pay for a month of lodging for all four of us?”

“That should be good,” the innkeeper mare said. “Would each of you like separate rooms?”

“Yes, please,” Presto answered. “I’m sure everyone would prefer their privacy.”

“Okay,” the innkeeper mare said. “That’ll be four payments for a month of lodging. We haven’t had many customers lately, so, you’re kind of a life-saver. I’m out of silver and bronze Bits at the moment, so, I’ll give you the change in copper.” She took the gold bit and returned 997,600 copper bits, which were each about the size of a penny.

“Thank you, miss,” Presto said politely.

The mare then took out four hotel registers from behind the counter. “I need you to sign these.”

“Uh, that may be a problem for me,” Presto said. “I can’t write.”

“I’ve got this,” Novella obliged. After filling her own form, Novella started on Presto’s form. “What’s your last name?”

“Howard,” Presto answered.

Novella wrote this down in the language of the land.

“Howard?” the innkeeper mare said. “I believe there’s a noble family of that name in Mareica*. Are you related to them?”

“No, ma’am, I don’t believe so,” Presto said. Or, at least I’m not certain considering I haven’t met them. I can’t very well tell them I’m from another world.

Novella resumed filling out the form. “Date of birth?”

“August 1st,” he answered.

“Current age?” Novella asked.

“18,” Presto answered.

“Huh,” Navy said. “I couldn’t tell you were two years older than us just looking at you. You look pretty mature.”

“Thanks,” Presto said. “I pretty much woke up like this.” This wasn’t untrue, but, Presto left out the part about waking up in the forest.

“Well, okay, then,” Navy said with a shrug.

“That should do it,” Novella said. She then handed in Presto’s form as well as her own. The innkeeper mare gave each of the four a key.

“Here are your keys,” she said. “Your rooms are on the third floor near the end. They get the best sunlight of all our rooms. The facilities are on the first floor and this room is for dining. Speaking of which, will any of you be having lunch today?”

Kara’s rather large belly seemed to respond with a deep, loud rumble. “That’s a yes from me,” she said.

“Come to think of it,” Presto said. “I haven’t eaten since this morning.”

“And we’ve had the last of our rations for breakfast this morning,” said Novella.

“So,” Navy said. “That’s a yes from all four of us, please.”

“Then, I’ll whip you up something,” said the innkeeper mare. “You can take this time to check out your rooms and maybe rest a bit.”

“Thanks, Miss,” Presto said.

“Hey,” the innkeeper mare said. “There’s no need for ‘Miss.’ I’m only 20 years old. The name’s Peach Blossom. But, you can call me Peach.”

“Will do, Peach,” Presto nodded. He and the other mares went to the third floor while Presto struggled to read the label on his key.

“Do you need any help?” Navy asked.

“I can’t read the label on my key,” Presto said.

“Okay, your illiteracy is becoming a problem,” Kara said. “Novella could be more help to you than we could.”

“Yeah,” Navy said. “She reads for fun sometimes.”

“Well, I’m not quite sure I can teach that well,” Novella said before blushing and tilting her head down so her mane covered her eyes. “Though, I guess I could give it a try.”

“Give it a shot,” Navy said encouragingly. “What’ve you got to lose?”

Presto then handed Novella his key. She inspected it. “It says 3-42,” she said. She then looked at the door right next to her. “That’s this one right here.”

“Thank you,” Presto said. “Don't worry, the sooner I learn more about this language, the better.”

“My room’s 3-41,” Kara said.

“I’m 3-43,” Navy said.

Novella looked at her own key. “And I’m 3-44, two doors to the left of Presto.”

“Sweet, we’re neighbors,” Kara said.

“So we are,” Presto nodded.

They unlocked their respective doors and walked in. Presto found his room to be about the size of a small apartment room. It had a bed, a desk, chair, and closet.

“Hmm,” Presto noted to himself. “It looks pretty homey. It has the standards of a room anyway.”

He took a look out the window and saw fillies and colts running around and playing. By that point, he was slowly getting used to the fact that he was in a society where clothing was optional and naughty bits weren’t always visible anyway, but, he couldn’t deny that seeing fillies and colts running around and playing was a wholesome and pure sight.

“Hmm,” he said to himself. “Maybe this place isn’t bad. It’s already proving to be better than my academic environment. I wonder how mom, dad, and grandpa are doing, though. Will I be able to contact them? No, I don’t think I have other worldly coverage.”

He decided to leave his room and locked it. He saw Kara stepping out of her room and sniffing the air.

“Mmm!” she said. “Smells like lunch is ready!”

“You can smell it from here?” Presto asked.

“When it comes to food,” she explained. “My nose is really sharp.” She gave her belly a slight jiggle. “I’m very passionate about food. Can you tell?”

“…Uh, no comment?” Presto said.

Kara had a rather confident smirk. “You’re worried about offending me by calling me fat?” she guessed before putting her hands on her hips. “Don’t worry about it. I was raised on a farm just outside of town. My family and I are all a bit on the hefty side.” She gave her belly a confident smack, making it ripple.

“I see,” Presto nodded. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t impressed with her confidence. “So, yes, I can tell. We better get to it before the food gets cold.”

So, the four walked downstairs to the main floor. They followed the aroma to the dining area. Peach placed their meals on tables at booths. There was soup, something resembling a sandwich, and a salad.

“Sorry for the wait,” Peach said.

“It’s alright,” Novella said. “Thank you for preparing these all the same.”

Kara quickly took her seat. “Let’s get to eating already!”

“She sure seems eager,” Presto observed.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Navy said. “She could clear all four plates in ten seconds flat.”

“Then, we better get to ours before she does,” Presto said.

So, they each took a seat at the booth and partook in their lunch. Kara ate rather noisily. The other three ate their lunches comparatively quieter.

“So good!” Kara said.

“Say, can I ask about those thugs in the alley?” Presto asked after swallowing a bite from his sandwich.

“Well,” Navy explained. “They commissioned us to kill a Crystal Deer and bring back an antler as proof. But, you can see how well that went. I mean, being commissioned to hunt one of the least aggressive types of monsters in the world was plenty suspicious. But, we needed the money.”

“I was against accepting the request from the start,” Novella said. “I wish you two would listen to me more often.”

“So, you didn’t actually kill the Crystal Deer to get that antler, did you?” Presto asked.

Kara had finished swallowing her mouthful of food. “You kidding?” she said. “No way. Their crystal skin is pretty much impossible to damage. I hit it as hard as I could and it barely left a scratch. Then, I saw one of the antlers was loose and pulled it off.”

“I suppose that would make sense,” Presto nodded. “I did hear of some species of deer that shed their antlers. Though, why did that antler shatter so easily?”

“When a Crystal Deer’s antler comes close to being shed,” Novella explained. “The antler becomes as frail as glass.**”

“Ah, I see,” Presto replied.

“Crystal Deer are quite resilient to damage normally,” Novella continued. “The only race strong enough to damage them with minimal effort are dragons, who are the only ones that can eat Crystal Deer venison.”

“Whoa,” he said. Presto could tell dragons were a powerful race from that information alone.

“Well, lesson learned,” Navy said. “No more freelancing for us.”

“We could sign up for the Guild,” Kara suggested. “Think there’s still time to register today?”

Novella shook her head. “No, they’d be closed by the time we got there. Let’s try tomorrow.”

“The Guild?” Presto asked.

“Basically,” Navy said. “They take requests of individuals or groups, publicize them, and take a small fee upon completion.”

Hmm. Sounds like a temp agency, Presto internally said before speaking aloud. “If it’s okay with you, could I sign up, too?”

“What do you need to sign up for?” Navy asked. “You’re pretty much set for life.”

“Navy,” Novella said. “Just because the price for lodging is cheap here doesn’t mean it’ll be the same everywhere else. There are stores that sell their wares for much higher prices.”

“Yeah,” Kara said. “Besides, if he wants to join, we shouldn’t stop him. We did see he has the skills to fight and that should help out a lot.”

“Plus,” Presto put in. “I don’t really want to go through life without a source of income. That’d turn me into a failure of a man.”

“Well, I guess I can’t argue with that logic,” Navy said. “Okay, you can sign up.”

“Say, girls,” Kara said. “After you finish your meals, can we head to Smores’ bakery to thank him for helping us out?”

“That’s not a bad idea, Kara,” Novella said.

“Smores?” Presto asked.

“She’s our friend,” Navy said. “She runs a bakery called Oven Lovin’.”

“Hmm, sounds sweet in both senses of the word,” he nodded.

“Just wait until you try her cookies,” Kara said, licking her lips. “They’re the best in the region.”

“Indeed, I’ll have to taste what she has to offers,” Preston said.

After finishing their meal, the mares led Presto to a single-story building near the edge of town. On its sign was a logo depicting an oven with smoke shaped like a heart. As you might expect, Presto was unable to read the writing.

“Yes,” Novella said. “It does say, ‘Oven Lovin.’’”

“This illiteracy is getting more and more inconvenient,” Presto said. “I’m curious. What exactly is Smores’ race?”

“She’s a kirin,” Novella explained.

“Ah, fascinating,” Presto said.

As they stepped in, Presto saw a rather plump (though, not as much as Kara) mare who looked like a unicorn, but, with a bushier mane that wrapped around her head, slightly longer ears, a curved/branching horn, scaly carapaces on her muzzle and back, a thin tail, and tufted, cloven hooves. She had a toasted marshmallow coat, honey yellow eyes, chocolate brown scales with matching cloven hooves, and a graham cracker-colored mane and tail. For attire, she wore only an apron.

“Good afternoon,” the kirin smiled. “And welcome to Oven Lovin’. How may I help you today?” She then recognized Kara, Navy, and Novella. “Hey, welcome back, girls!” She then noticed Presto. “Ooh, you brought a stallion.” Her smile became somewhat mischievous. “He must’ve made a good first impression.”

In response, Navy became flustered and began waving her arms around. “Shut your gossiping mouth, Smores!”

“Yes, he’s just a friend,” Novella explained plainly. “He got us out of trouble.”

“Did he now?” Smores asked, feeling intrigued. “How about we discuss it over some treats I made?”

“That would be great,” Presto said before presenting a gold bit. “How much can we get for a gold bit?”

“Whoa, slow down,” Smores said. “You’d be spending way too much for one setting. Even for Kara. Do you have any copper bits?”

“Quite a few, actually,” he said.

“To be precise,” Novella said. “He has 997,600 copper bits.”

“Incredible!” Smores gasped in astoundment. She then cleared her throat. “So, what’ll it be?”

“Well,” Novella said. “I’ll have a plain croissant and some tea, please.”

“Two buttermilk biscuits and a glass of fruit juice for me,” Navy said.

“I’ll have my usual with milk,” Kara said.

Presto struggled to read the menu. “Uh, I’ll just have some cookies.”

“Chocolate chip or peanut butter?” Smores asked.

“Can I get both?” Presto asked.

“I’d be insulted if you didn’t get both!” Smores said.

“Ah, great,” Presto said with a smile. “So, both please.”

“Take a seat and I’ll have those orders ready,” Smores said.

“Thank you,” Novella said politely.

As they took a seat, Presto was curious. “So, what exactly IS Kara’s usual?”

“You wouldn’t believe us if we told you,” Navy said.

“Try me,” Presto said.

A short time later, Smores gave them their orders and Presto saw what Kara’s usual was as Smores pushed a cart loaded with five large donuts, four fudge eclairs, three birthday cakes, two brownie trays, and a cookie as big as her head. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“See what I mean now?” Navy asked.

“How is she not bigger?!” Presto asked.

“Her brawling fighting style allows her to burn off excess weight,” Novella explained.

“Plus,” Kara said. “I need the carbs and calories. I did say I have an appreciation for food, after all.”

As they ate, the mares explained what happened that led to them meeting Presto.

“So, those thugs tried swindling us over a tiny scratch,” Navy said.

“Yikes,” Smores said, shaking her head with disappointment at the stallions. “Stallions are rare enough already, but, genuinely decent ones are even harder to come by.”

“That’s where Presto came in,” Navy continued. “He shattered the antler and beat the thug charging at him with a knife.”

“How incredible,” Smores smiled. “But, I shouldn’t expect anything less from an alicorn. After all, they’re the most powerful of the ten pony races.”

Ten? Presto thought to himself. I would have to look more into this once I learn how to read this place’s language. “Out of curiosity,” he asked aloud. “What are the ten races? I don’t get out much.”

“Well,” Novella said. “There’s the earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, alicorns, kirins, changelings, hippogriffs, kelpies, thestrals, and hippocampi.”

“And there’s one of half of those races here,” Smores said with a knowing wink.

“Could I possibly ask how kirins came to be?” Presto asked.

“The first kirin,” Smores said. “Was the result of a union between a male dragon and a unicorn mare.”

“Fascinating,” he replied. “What if the dragon was female and the unicorn was a stallion?”

“I don’t think it works that way,” Novella said. “Non-pony females usually only accept genetic material from their own race while mares of pony races are able to accept non-pony genetic material.”

“I see,” Presto said. “Uh, sorry if this is a sensitive topic, but, how would they reproduce? Do they lay eggs or give live birth?”

“Well, the first kirin came out of a unicorn, which gives live birth,” Smores said. “It wouldn’t make sense if her children wouldn’t be able to do likewise, would it?***”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Presto said. “So, if a hybrid comes out of a mammal, it’ll be able to reproduce likewise?”

“Essentially, yes,” Smores said.

“There’s no evidence to the contrary,” Novella said.

“I see,” Presto said.

“I’m rather curious about kelpies,” Novella said. “Most of what I read about them is biased and prejudiced.”

“Maybe someday, we might be able to actually meet one,” Presto ventured.

“I read that kelpies have an unflattering reputation for luring unsuspecting ponies to a watery grave,” Novella said. “I personally don’t believe they’re all as bad as that, having never met one, but, better safe than sorry.”

“Hmm…” Presto said.

That night, Presto was alone in his room and discovering that he can use his crystal smartphone to check the news in his old world.

“Hmm,” he said softly. “Looks like that band’s breaking up.”

Presto continued to scroll through his feed until he started to feel tired. As he fell asleep, he found himself face to face with another unicorn mare. Unlike Novella, this one had a goat’s cloven hooves, a lion’s tail, a deer’s legs, and a slender, spiraling horn on her forehead. Her coat, mane, and tail were a shade of white that made freshly fallen snow look gray in comparison. Her eyes were a beautiful sky blue.

“I’m sure you have many questions, young Preston,” she said in a gentle, motherly voice.

“I do,” he admitted. “First things first, who are you?”

“I am Amalthea, the very first unicorn,” the mare introduced herself.

“It’s nice to meet you, Amalthea,” he said politely. “Second question is, why exactly am I here and will I be able to get back to my old world?”

“Oh, but, you’re already there,” Amalthea said. “You exist in both worlds simultaneously.”

“So,” Presto said. “I’m just my subconscious here or something?”

“Oh, you’re very much real in both worlds,” Amalthea said. “I made a copy of your memories and put them into a body I made you from scratch. Think of it like putting data on a disc and putting it in another computer.”

Presto had to take a moment to process the information. “I think I understand.”

“I happened to see you watching the finale of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic the other night,” Amalthea said.

“I did,” he admitted. “I did have the support of my parents and my grandfather, but, that series helped me through my tough academic life in ways I can hardly describe.”

Amalthea nodded. “I could see that you had true sentiment for what the show represented and possessed an unprejudiced heart,” she said.

“Thank you,” Presto said modestly.

“Most males in this new world lack the positive qualities you possess and it’s causing problems worldwide,” Amalthea said. “Since I’ve ascended to godhood, I’ve been subject to this rule that prevents me from interfering in the affairs of mortals.”

“I see,” Presto nodded. “So, since I’m a mortal, that rule doesn’t apply to me?”

“Essentially,” Amalthea said. “My hope is that you can set a better example for males. I’ve also made you an alicorn to help you deal with threats to this world yet to come.”

“That makes sense,” Presto admitted. “I’m assuming I have to learn magic and flight?”

“Indeed,” Amalthea said. “Now, I’m sure you’ve seen how magic works in Friendship is Magic.”

“I have, yes,” he replied.

“Full disclosure,” Amalthea said. “The magic system in this new world is different. I’ll let you find out for yourself tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Amalthea,” he said respectfully. “Say, would it be too much to ask for the ability to read the written language?”

“You’ll have to learn that of your own merit,” Amalthea said. “It wouldn’t be fair for others if you had all the knowledge you need right off the bat.”

“That’s fair,” he said. “I’ll have to see if I can learn it quickly. I don’t want to be seen as an inconvenience to my new friends. Though, will I be able to use magic myself?”

“Of course,” Amalthea said. “Alicorns are the most magically potent of all the pony races, which is part of the reason they’re so rare.”

“I see,” he said.

“I’m certain you’ve noticed that you were able to perceive that thug moving in slow motion when he attempted to stab you,” Amalthea said.

“Yes, I did,” Presto admitted.

“That would also be my doing,” Amalthea said. “I’ve given a boost to your memory, stamina, reflexes, and so forth. Assuming nothing too crazy happens, you’ll be rather difficult to kill now. Though, there’s something you need to be aware of.”

“What’s that?” Presto asked.

“If you use too much of your physical power in hand-to-hand combat,” Amalthea said. “You’ll injure yourself as well since you’re not used to being so strong.”

“I understand,” Presto said.

“It would also be in your best interest to gain information on this new world,” Amalthea said. “Once you’re able to read, of course.”

“Right,” Presto said.

“I’m certain you’re aware of that crystal smartphone,” Amalthea said.

“Yeah, I am,” Presto said.

“That is a smartstone,” Amalthea said. “I suspected you might feel homesick, so, the smartstone is a coping mechanism. However, I had to impose rules on its usage.”

“Let’s hear them, please,” he said.

“You can’t directly contact your old world,” Amalthea said. “No texting, no posting to websites, and no outgoing calls. However, you can observe, browse, and use search functions and whatnot. I’ve also set it up so you can call me should you ever need to. Though, I can’t stress enough that having my phone number in the smartstone is a privilege, not a right. If you truly wish to amount to anything, you need to be able to do things for yourself.”

“I understand,” Presto said with a nod. “I’ll make sure to save calling you for really big emergencies.”

“As well you should,” Amalthea said. “I understand that your initial reaction to waking up in the new world is overwhelming and I deeply apologize for the shock.”

“Now that I understand what’s happening,” Presto said. “I forgive you. Though, why were my clothes off?”

“I made your body before the attire,” Amalthea said. “I was unable to put them on as you were waking up when I finished them.”

“Oh, that explains it,” he said. “Though, I guess it’s kind of a moot point since I saw most ponies don’t wear all that much and I ended up selling them anyway.”

“Yes,” Amalthea said. “Clothes are worn more prominently by nobles or royals. Though, traditional footwear isn’t worn by any of them.”

“Fitting, since I noticed no one has any actual feet,” Presto said. “At least, not human feet.”

“Before you ask,” Amalthea said. “Your original body is completely unaware of your existence.”

“I was about to ask,” he said. “But, thank you for the clarification.”

“One more thing,” Amalthea said. “I recommend making friends in the new world to make your new life worthwhile. You can’t use them as replacements for your old family and you shouldn’t try.”

“Alright,” Presto said. “Thank you for the advice.”

“For good measure,” Amalthea said. “I recommend having one friend from each of the nine other pony breeds.”

“So far,” he said. “I’m on the right track by befriending an earth pony, a pegasus, a unicorn, and a kirin.”

“Good,” Amalthea said. “Now, I understand Novella mentioned reading that kelpies have an unflattering reputation for luring ponies to a watery grave with their singing.”

“Yes,” Presto said. “I had heard about kelpies before from Scottish mythology, but, I didn’t want to be quick to judge because I hadn’t actually met one.”

“That reputation comes from biased reports from a researcher that had encountered such kelpies,” Amalthea said. “That became a stereotype for many of the race as a whole. By now, the kelpies that follow that stereotype outnumber the ones that don’t.”

“I see,” Presto said. “Will I meet one who doesn’t follow that stereotype?”

“Yes,” Amalthea said. “In due time.”

“Alright,” Presto said.

“I shall leave you to your own devices now,” Amalthea said. “I wish you well on your future endeavors here.”

The next morning, Presto, Novella, Navy, and Kara were on their way to the guild. The first floor of the guild building was like a restaurant.

“Wow~” Kara said, amazed. “I’ve walked by here so many times, but, I’ve never seen the interior until today.”

“Welp,” Navy said. “Time to become legit.”

“Indeed,” Novella said. “And to earn a proper keep from our skills. Ready, Presto?”

He nodded and they headed to an ocean blue unicorn mare with a rose mane and tail and light brilliant cyan eyes wearing a red feathered cap with a pressed-in brim.

“Uh, excuse me,” Presto said. “We’d like to register, please.”

“Excellent,” said the mare. She then wrote down in her log. “Will that be for all four of you?”

“Yes, Miss…” Presto said, squinting at the nameplate.

“Ocean Song,” Novella whispered.

“Ocean Song,” he said aloud. He then whispered to Novella, “Thank you.”

“Alright, then,” Ocean Song replied. “Will this be your first time registering with the guild? If so, I can provide a basic explanation of what it means to register with us.”

“Yeah, this is our first time,” Navy said. “Now, we know the gist of it is that the guild takes requests of individuals or groups, publicizes them, and takes a small fee upon completion.”

“Those are indeed true,” Ocean Song confirmed. “However, there are a few more intricate details. The requests are split into ranks based on how difficult they’re expected to be, so, someone with a low personal rank can’t accept requests aimed at those of a higher rank. However, so long as half or a majority of one’s party are of a high enough rank, they would be able to accept such requests even if the others in the party don’t meet the rank requirements. Upon completion of a quest, one will receive payment. If one fails a quest, however, they will be charged with breach of contract.”

“Very well then,” Novella nodded.

Looks like I need to choose my work carefully, Presto thought to himself.

“In addition,” Ocean Song continued. “If one continues to fail multiple quests, then they will be deemed a low-quality individual and their guild registration will be revoked as a penalty. Should that happen, one will never be able to re-register with any guild branch in any town. Other stipulations include registration expiring if one doesn’t take requests for a five-year period and one can’t accept multiple requests at the same time. Concerning subjugation requests, one must hunt monsters within the designated area or their work will be considered invalid. As a general rule, the guild will not directly involve itself in personal dissent between adventurers unless such dissent is judged to be harmful to the guild itself. If you have any further questions, please direct them to the appropriate individuals.”

“Sounds like we better be careful,” Presto said.

Ocean Song gave out four blank forms. “Please fill in and return these forms with all of the required details.”

“Is it okay if someone else fills out my form for me?” Presto asked. “I can’t read or write.”

“As long as whoever writes it for you jots down the correct information about you,” Ocean explained. “Then, that’s acceptable.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Novella said.

So, Novella and Presto sat in a more comfortable spot where they could take down the information. Novella wrote down information Presto gave her when signing his form at the Home-Away Hooves Inn. After some time, they were done. Ocean took the forms and held a pitch-black card over each of them. She then took out a small pin.

“Use this to prick your fingers and spill a little bit of your blood on the cards with your respective names,” Ocean said.

Navy did hers first. Then, Kara followed suit, followed by Novella. And last but not least, Presto. After rubbing their blood on the surface of the cards, white letters floated up onto them.

“Whoa~” the four said in astonishment.

I still can’t read it, Presto said internally. This illiteracy is really getting embarrassing.

“Each of your personal Guild Cards,” Ocean explained. “Has a little spell on it that will make it turn gray if handled by someone other than its real owner for longer than a few seconds. It’s a simple anti-forgery mechanism. Also, should you happen to lose your card, please report to the guild as swiftly as possible. For a small fee, we will be able to issue you a new card.” She took hold of Presto’s card and stood there for a few seconds. Just as she’d said, it eventually turned from pitch black to a dull gray. The very moment she placed the card back in Presto’s hands, it snapped right back to black.

“Thank you,” Presto said gratefully.

“With this,” Ocean said. “Your guild registration is complete. All available work requests are posted on the board over there. If you see one you would like to accept, please confirm all details and apply for it through our quest clerk.”

“Sounds good,” Novella said.

The four newly registered Guild Ponies looked to see the aforementioned board.

“How about this one?” Kara said, pointing to a request notice. “It doesn’t look too hard and has a good reward.”

Navy and Novella also looked at the request notice. Novella read it aloud so Presto would understand it.

“It’s to kill five lone-horned wolves out east,” she read. “The reward is 24 copper bits. That could be six copper bits for each of us.”

“I’m not too sure about that,” Presto said. He was awfully fond of dogs, so, killing canines didn’t sit well with him.

“You won’t get far as an adventurer if you don’t step out of your comfort zone from time to time,” Kara said.

Presto took a deep breath. “Okay, but, let’s try not to do as many missions where we kill canids. I’m kind of a dog pony.”

“Fine by me,” Navy said.

“If they’re causing trouble to others, then, I’ll do what I can,” Novella said.

“Let’s accept it then,” Presto said with a sigh.

“I’ll handle this,” Navy said.

“Thanks,” Presto said as Navy took the request to the clerk.

Kara put a hand on his shoulder. “I can understand the sentiment,” she said. “I was quite close with the family dog on my family’s farm. But, I’m also not really a fan of lone-horned wolves. Those things leave a nasty bite.”

“Really?” Presto asked.

“Yeah,” Kara said. “There’s bandages under my sports tape from where lone-horned wolves bit me.”

“I see,” Presto said. Then, something occurred to him. “Uh, oh…”

“What’s wrong?” Kara asked.

“I don’t have a weapon,” Presto said.

“Don’t worry,” Novella said. “We’re going to get our own weapons momentarily. We’ll also stop by the general store for other supplies for you.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Presto said. “Thanks.”

“While we’re at it,” Novella said. “We may as well get some carrier belts and backpacks.”

Huh, Presto thought internally. So, they have backpacks here. Interesting. Though, I guess it would make sense for carrying bigger supplies like books or lunchboxes.

Navy then returned. “The mission is ours to work on.”

“We need to make a quick stop first,” Kara said.

“Supplies, weapons, and other essentials, you know,” Novella explained briefly.

So, the friends set out to get the equipment they need. The weapon shop had a logo with a sword and shield.

“Here we are,” Navy said before asking Presto the important question. “Any weapons you’re good with?”

“Well, my grandpa would teach me swordplay,” he replied.

“Nice~” Navy smiled in an impressed tone. “A blader.”

“Barrel’s got plenty of swords,” Kara said.

“Good to know,” Presto said. “Is Barrel the weapons supplier?”

“He’s the shop’s clerk and owner,” Kara said.

“Interesting,” he nodded.

They entered the shop and were greeted by a light brown, bearded earth pony stallion with a black mane, beard, and tail and brown eyes. His body made it easy to confuse him for a bear.

“Good afternoon, Barrel,” Novella said.

“Welc’m,” said the stallion in an unusual accent. “Lookin’ for somethin’?”

“We just joined the guild and we need weaponry,” Novella said. “And some carrier belts, too.”

“Well, yer in luck,” Barrel said. “Ah just got a shipment o’ carrier belts this mornin’.”

“Perfect,” Kara smiled.

“And,” Presto said. “You happen to have swords, correct?”

“Aye, ah do,” Barrel confirmed. “Jus’ look ter the left.”

“Thanks,” Presto said. He looked to the left and saw a selection of what looked like Japanese katanas. Novella saw them as well.

“Those look like the kind of swords made in Jockeypan,” she said.

“Jockeypan?” Presto asked.

“It’s an island country to the far east,” Novella explained.

“Interesting,” Presto said. Must be their version of Japan, he thought internally. He then grabbed one Katana and talked to Barrel. “How much is this one?”

“Err, that one, eh?” Barrel said. “That’ll be two silver bits, aye. Thing is, though, it ain’t exactly the easiest weapon ta use. Definitely ain’t something ah’d suggest fer a beginner.”

“Two silver bits?!” Navy exclaimed. “Isn’t that a little expensive?!”

“Well,” Barrel explained. “It ain’t like ah usually get ’em stocked often n’ even when ah do there’s hardly anyone who can use the dang thing. O’ course it’ll be pricey!”

“I imagine it would take a lot of supplies to make a sword,” Novella commented. “And it wouldn’t be cheap to ship it all the way out here in Marecia****.”

“Hmm, good points,” Navy said. “After all, we are a few miles away.”

“Okay,” Presto said. “I’ll take it. Uh, can you make change for a gold bit?”

“Aye, ah can,” Barrel said. Presto paid one gold bit and was given back 98 silver bits. “Pleasure doin’ business with ya. Interested in any protective gear while yer at it?”

“No, this’ll do for now,” Presto said. “I’ll come back when I have a bit more cash on me.”

“Gotcha,” Barrel smiled. “Well then, here’s hoping that sword helps ya earn a boatload.”

The mares made their purchases as well. In addition to carrier belts (which Presto saw was the type of belt he was wearing) for Navy and Novella, Kara got a pair of greaves, Novella got a silver wand, and Navy got a pair of daggers.

“Aw, yeah!” Kara exclaimed happily. “These’ll work great with my gauntlets!”

“I’ll be certain to channel spells through this,” Novella said.

“Now,” Navy said. “To go to the general store so Presto can get a small pouch, a canteen, a lunchbox, a fishing hook and some fishing line, a pair of scissors, a knife, a toolbox with plenty of handy little things such as matches, some medicinal herbs, some antidotes, and other little things along those lines. Oh, and backpacks to carry those in.”

“We should get those for ourselves, too,” Novella said. “Before we joined the guild, we had to rely on Kara to carry our supplies in her carrier belt.”

“Never a bad idea to get the things you need,” Presto said.

Later, they’d all purchased the necessary items. Navy’s backpack was a sling variation.

“Ah,” Presto said. “So, that’s how winged races wear backpacks.”

“Indeed,” Novella said. “Now, we’re all set.”

Two hours later, the group arrived in the forest.

“I’ll scout ahead,” Navy said before she flew above the trees. She spotted a clearing with feral wolves roughly the size of large dogs with gray fur and each one sporting a single black spiraling horn protruding from each of their foreheads. “Wolves dead ahead!”

The wolves had heard Navy’s outburst and turned to face the group. They growled fiercely, hoping to scare the ponies away. Kara put on her pair of metallic green gauntlets and got into a defensive stance.

“Get ready, guys!” she said. “This is going to be intense.”

As one tried to pounce her, she punched it square in the muzzle. Taking a smashing blow from her gauntlet-clad fist, the lone-horned wolf got thrown to the ground with all the life knocked out of it.

“Nice one, Kara!” Navy complimented. “I'll get the next one.” She pointed her dagger at a wolf charging towards her. That dagger gained a glowing green aura as Navy’s voice seemed to echo a bit. “Come forth, Lightning! Pure Sparkling Javelin: [Thunder Spear]!”

The dagger launched a spear made entirely of lightning at the charging wolf, electrocuting it.

“Whoa!” Presto exclaimed. “Was that magic?!”

“Yes, that was, Presto,” Navy replies, until she pointed to something close to him. “Look out!”

Presto saw a wolf about to pounce him. He drew his katana and managed to decapitate the wolf.

“Whoa!” Novella exclaimed. “Impressive!”

“Now it’s your turn, Novella!” Navy called.

“Right,” Novella said. She held her wand in front of her and both it and her wand gained a glowing red aura as her voice seemed to echo. “Come forth, Fire! Hail of Red Stones: [Ignis Fire]!”

Her wand shot a small flaming orb at a wolf approaching her. The friends continued to fight off the wolves until the last one was slain.

“Looks like we overdid it a bit,” Kara said. “The request was for 5 wolves. We took out 6.”

“That wasn’t a pup, was it?” Presto asked uneasily.

“No,” Novella said. “They were all fully grown.”

“Oh, I see,” Presto said, breathing a sigh of relief. “So, we better talk to the guild about this.”

“We need proof we did the job,” Novella said. “The horns will do.”

“Alright,” Presto nodded.

Kara used her strength to break off the horns from the wolf carcasses.

“Now that we’ve finished this,” Novella said. “Let’s return to the guild.”

Two hours later, they returned to the guild.

“Five horns from lone-horned wolves,” Presto said to Ocean Song. “We’ll keep the sixth as a trophy for our first successful mission.”

“Excellent work, all of you,” Ocean said. “Now, please present your Guild Cards.” They did so. “Thank you.”

She stamped each one. Each had a magical circle that disappeared after a few seconds.

“Thank you so much,” said Novella politely.

“What was that about?” Presto asked.

“This is to indicate your experience and how close you’ll start to rank up,” Ocean explained. “Stamps differ based on the difficulty of the request completed. The cards save the information about what you had done, so, as you accumulate stamps, eventually, your rank will increase and the color of your card will change.”

“Ah, I see,” said Presto. “What are the colors?”

“Black, Blue, Red, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum,” Ocean Song explained.

“Thanks,” Presto said as Ocean paid them 24 copper bits.

“And thank all of you for your efforts,” Ocean Song smiled. “Have a good day. Take some time to rest before you choose your next quest.”

So, the quartet treated themselves to treats at Oven Lovin’.

“How was your day?” Smores asked.

“Pretty good,” Kara said. “We joined the guild.”

“Awesome!” Smores said. “And it’s good to see you guys are safe.”

“Hey, Novella?” Presto asked.

“Yes?” the unicorn mare asked.

“In addition to teaching me the written language,” Presto said. “Do you think you can also teach me magic?”

“Well, it shouldn’t be impossible since you’re an alicorn,” Novella said. “What are your aptitudes?”

“My… what?” Presto asked with a slight head tilt.

“The kind of magic you can use,” Novella explained. “All sapient races in the world are born with magical energy, but, without an aptitude, they can’t cast a single spell no matter how hard they try.”

“In that case,” Presto said. “I can honestly say I don’t know mine.”

“Well, there’s a way we can find out,” Novella said. She then took out a small pouch and emptied it. Out of the pouch came eight translucent stones in the colors of red, blue, yellow, green, white, black, gray, and violet. “These are spellstones. They can be used to amplify, store, and release magical energy. We can use these to test whether or not you have an aptitude for magic. But, it can only provide a rough estimate, either way. Hmm. Water should be the simplest to demonstrate.” After she finished her tea, she grabbed the blue stone. “Come forth, Water!”

At Novella’s command, a small stream of water flowed from the spellstone into the teacup.

“Whoa,” Presto said.

“This is active magic,” explained Novella. “Just now, the spellstone responded to my magical energy and created water.”

“I see,” Presto said.

“By the way…” Navy said as she took the spellstone in her own hand. “Come forth, Water!” Unlike with Novella, nothing happened. “Since I can’t use water magic, nothing happened.”

“On the other hand,” Novella said. “Navy can use wind magic, which I’m unable to, and Kara can use fortification magic that neither of us can.”

“Interesting,” Presto nodded. “So, may I try?”

“Knock yourself out,” Navy said as she gave him the spellstone.

Presto gently took the spellstone and he held it close by an empty water glass.

“Come forth, Water!” he said. Before he could even blink, the spellstone started gushing water like a broken faucet.

He released the stone, stopping the water flow. All of the mares who are present gaze at him in surprise.

“Whoa!” Navy managed to say.

“What does that reaction mean?!” Presto asked.

“Presto,” Novella said. “You have so much magical energy that it’s almost overflowing... I think. To cause such a strong reaction with such a tiny stone and only the fragment of a spell... and on your first attempt, too... It’s just... your magical energy seems to be obscenely potent... I can’t believe my own eyes, even though I just saw it. I’ve read that alicorns have the most potent magic of all pony races, but, seeing it is just… incredible!”

“Believe me,” Presto said. “It’s as much of a shock for me as it is for all of you.”

“I suggest you practice outside,” Smores said.

The others sheepishly sweatdropped and made their way outside after paying their bill. They went to a picnic table. Novella placed the spellstones upon it.

“We know you can use water magic,” Novella said.

“Right,” Presto nodded. “Now, what to try next?”

“The red one is fire,” Novella said.

He carefully picked up the red spellstone.

“You guys better stand back,” Presto advised. “I don’t know how well this is going to go.” He held the stone in front of him. “Come forth, Fire!” The spellstone released a large flame, which the mares carefully dodged. “Whoa!” He dropped the stone, immediately ceasing the flame.

“Fire created by magic won’t harm the caster,” Novella said. “Unless that fire touches something the user’s wearing.”

“Good to know, all the same,” Presto said. “So, it seems I can also create fire magic. What next?”

“Earth is the yellow stone,” Novella said.

Presto then held onto the yellow spellstone.

“Come forth, Earth!” he said. Sand poured out of the stone and flowed over his hand, making a small pile on the table. He set it down and shook the sand off of himself.

“The green one is wind,” Novella said.

Presto then picked up the green spellstone.

“Come forth, Wind!” he said. The stone generated a wind tunnel that swept away the sand on the table. Novella was slowly becoming more baffled along with Kara and Navy.

“White is light,” she said.

Presto picked up the white stone. “Going by what happened so far,” he said. “Maybe cover your eyes.” They did so. “Come forth, Light!” And the spellstone glowed as bright as the sun. “Yep! Called it!” He set down the stone and rubbed his eyes from the intense brightness. As soon as the stone broke contact with him, the light died down.

“Black is darkness,” Novella said.

Presto picks this up next.

“Come forth, Darkness!” After the words escaped his lips, a dark cloud formed around him and the stone until he set it back down. He saw all three mares looking utterly baffled.

“…What the hell, man?!” Kara said. Presto could tell from that reaction that this wasn’t normal.

“This is insane!” Navy exclaimed.

“I heard alicorns had high magic potential,” Novella said. “But, this is the first time I’ve met a pony who can use as many as six different elements! I can only use three, but, that’s still quite rare.”

“Knowing this,” Presto said. “I think maybe I should save testing the other two spellstones for another time. Seeing you guys react like this makes me think I could potentially kill you guys with shock. Though, I’m curious. What do they represent?”

“Well, they represent the two types of non-elemental magic,” Novella exclaimed. “Aether and Mind, which are represented by the violet and gray spellstones, respectively.”

“I see,” said Presto. “Fascinating.”

“Both are kinds of personal magic,” Novella said. “Aether relates to the body and soul while Mind relates to the intellect.”

“Sounds like I would have to be really careful with those,” Presto considered.

“Well,” Novella said. “It’s very rare for two or more life forms to use the exact same Aether or Mind spells. Most that can use them usually have one spell belonging to either or both.”

“I can only use my Aether spell, [Boost],” Kara explained. “But, I don’t mind. Thanks to it, anyone who’s underestimated me because of my weight and the fact that I’m a mare has paid the price for it.”

“That must be why you’re so tough,” Presto commented. Kara nodded.

“When she uses it,” Novella explained. “She not only has her already high earth pony strength increased, but, can gain enhanced jumping height or explosive power to her physical attacks in short bursts.”

“And all she has to do is say, ‘[Boost],’” Navy said.

“But, how did she learn she had it?” Presto asked.

“Somewhere along the way, the name just came to me,” Kara explained. “It hasn’t failed me since. That was the case with my younger brother, Judo*****. Though, his was a Mind spell called [Precision].”

“I didn’t know you had a brother,” Presto said. “I would like to meet him someday, if possible.”

“Aether and Mind spells,” Novella said. “Have no set incantation and operate on spell name alone.”

“I see,” Presto said. “So, there’s no way of knowing what my Aether or Mind spell would be or if I have any?”

“Not necessarily,” Novella said. “You could still try testing with them. Just hold one of them and recite a spell belonging to the element of the spellstone you’re holding. Even if the spell doesn’t work, if you have an aptitude for Aether or Mind, the stones should still react. Like, they could glow or shudder a bit.”

“Alright,” Presto nodded. He picked up the violet stone.

“If you like,” Novella said. “You can try casting [Boost].”

“Alright,” Presto said as he picked up the Aether spellstone. “[Boost]!” On his command, his lower arms flashed red, the same sign when Kara’s [Boost] was active.

“What?!” Kara exclaimed in surprise.

“He can use Aether, too?!” Navy said. Presto’s arms reverted to normal in seconds.

“He really is something else,” Novella gasped.

“The last one’s Mind,” Presto said. “Are there others besides [Precision]?”

“Well,” Novella said. “I’ve heard about a Mind Spell called [Gate], which allows the user to create portals. That one’s exceptionally rare.”

“Whoa,” Presto gasped. “I can’t even start on how useful that spell will be. So, if I was to try that, how would it work?”

“Well, from what I’ve read,” Novella explained. “The user thinks about a location they’ve been at least once before while casting the spell and a portal opens to that location.”

“I see,” Presto said. “So, I would think of some place like the Home-Away Hooves Inn to get to it?”

“Yes,” Novella said. “But, not from locations such as this, where it would be within walking distance.”

“Yeah,” Kara said. “That would be pretty lazy.”

“Good point,” Presto admitted. “Hmm. How about that forest we hunted in?”

“That would be more efficient,” Novella smiled. “It took us two hours to get there and another two to get back.”

“And my belly didn’t appreciate it,” Kara said.

“In that case…” Presto said as he picked up the gray spellstone. “[Gate]!”

The stone produced a wall of translucent light before him. The wall was roughly the size of a door, but, no thicker than a sheet of paper.

“Seriously?!” Navy said.

“He can use all eight magical elements?!” Kara exclaimed.

Presto and the mares poked their heads through the wall, seeing the very forest they had their first mission in.

“And the portal works well,” Novella said.

They pulled their heads back and the wall of light vanished.

“Okay,” Kara said. “Hearing about how powerful alicorns are is one thing, but, seeing it firsthand is mind-blowing!”

Hearing this, Presto couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.

“It kind of feels like I’m cheating at life by being able to use that much magic,” he said.

“It’s not really your fault, though,” Novella said. “You are an alicorn, so, it comes naturally to you. My philosophy is that no matter how powerful someone is, what they do with that power defines their character.”

That made Presto feel a little better.

“Thanks, Novella,” Presto said. “And you do have a point. Let’s head back to the Home-Away Hooves Inn.”

So, with it being a short distance away, they headed back to the Inn. They saw Peach talking to a mint green unicorn mare with red eyes and a silvery mane and tail wearing a white apron.

“Wonder who that is,” Kara said.

Peach turned her attention to the four friends.

“Ah, welcome back,” said Peach politely. “Do you suppose you could help me out with something? My friend here, Peppermint, works at the cafe down the street called Minty’s.”

“What do you need help with?” Presto asked.

“I’m hoping to expand my menu,” said the mare, whose name was Peppermint. “And I was hoping adventurers such as yourselves might have some ideas.”

“Well, what do you have in mind?” Presto asked.

“Something that should be popular among mares,” Peppermint explained. “We specialize in desserts, but, I’d like to make something besides another cake.”

“Hmm,” Presto said thoughtfully. “The only thing that comes to mind is ice cream.”

“Ice cream?” Peppermint asked. “What sort of food is that?”

This caught Presto by surprise as he had vague memories of ice cream being well-known in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. “Well,” he explained. “It’s basically a flavored cream served cold, but, a bit soft as well.”

“Hmm,” Peppermint said, listening. “That does sound fascinating. Do you have the recipe?”

“Uh…” Presto started before a thought occurred to him. “Hang on a sec.” He pulled out his smartstone, which caught the attention of the mares.

“What’s that thing?” Kara asked.

“Uh, it’s a magic tool that helps me learn things,” Presto said. “I’m the only one who can use it, so, I’d appreciate you not asking too much about it.” Then, a thought occurred to him. “Are cows a thing here by any chance?”

“Oh, yeah,” Kara said. “One lives on my family farm. She’s a hard worker.” She then had a smug expression. “My brother certainly likes her.”

“Cool,” Presto said. “Would you mind introducing me to her?”

“I don’t mind,” Kara said. “You girls want to come along, too?”

“I don’t think all of us need to go,” Navy said.

“That’s okay,” Kara said. “My farm’s not too far outside of town.”

“Thanks, Kara,” Presto said.

Kara led Presto to a farm just outside of Stonewood. They saw a plump anthropomorphic cow with blue eyes and white fur and brown patches wearing a red bandana that stood about half a head taller than Kara stacking hay with a skinny vermilion earth pony stallion with a brown mane and tail and orange eyes wearing fingerless black gloves. The stallion was about a head shorter than Kara.

“I’m guessing that stallion there is your brother,” Presto said.

“Yep, that’s him,” Kara said. “Hey, Daisy! Judo!”

The bovine and stallion turned their attention toward Kara’s voice.

“Well, howdy do, Kara,” the cow said in a southern accent. “We heard y’all joined the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Kara said. “By the way, this is my new friend Presto.”

“Hi,” Presto greeted. “So, is it possible you could help us out with something?”

“Sure thing,” Daisy said. “What dya need?”

“Well, we’re trying to make something that’ll need milk,” Presto explained.

“Ya came ta the right cattle gal, Presto,” Daisy smiled. “Ah filled a milk can this mornin’.”

“Yeah,” Judo smiled wistfully. “She really is a strong, reliable beauty, isn’t she?”

“Is it okay if we have it?” Presto asked. “We can pay you back with anything you want.”

“O’ course,” Daisy nodded. “If’n it’s fer Kara, it’s on me. Her family gave me a job on this here farm.” She then booped Judo on the nose. “N’ this li’l cutie, too.”

Judo wobbled in a smitten manner.

“Y’all mind coverin’ fer me while ah get the milk can?” Daisy asked Judo in a rather flirtatious manner.

“Sure, why not,” Judo said in a soft lovestruck tone. Daisy gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading to the barn with a deliberate sway of her hips, which Presto and Kara noticed Judo gazing at.

“I can tell Judo likes Daisy,” Presto said to Kara.

“‘Likes’ is an understatement,” Kara chuckled to Presto. “He loves her.”

“Aww,” Presto said in a sweet and supportive manner. Shortly after, Daisy returned from the barn with the milk can flung over her shoulder. “Whoa, she’s strong!”

“Thank ya fer noticin’,” Daisy smiled. “Ah can tell that was a platonic comment.”

“It’s natural for her to be strong,” Kara said. “She’s a member of the cattlekind race. They’re naturally strong.”

“I see,” Presto nodded. “Are there more cattlekind creatures like her?”

“Oh, yeah,” Kara nodded. “There’s bisons and yaks, which are distantly related to Daisy’s breed.”

“We cattlefolk don’t of’n have magic,” Daisy added. “But, we ain’t pushovers.”

“I see,” Presto said. “As long as you have skills to help you, that’s what’s important.”

“Fer the record,” Daisy said, pointing to her rather sizable breasts. “These’re fer show.” She then pointed to the udders between her legs. “These’re fer milkin’.”

“Good to know,” Presto said, somewhat uneasily.

“Well, we better get going,” Kara said. “Thanks for the milk, Daisy.”

“Anytime, Kara,” Daisy said. “Anytime.”

Presto struggled to lift the can.

“Here, let me get that,” Kara said. She was able to haul the milkcan with little effort using both hands.

“Are all earth ponies that strong?” Presto asked.

“Some of them are with training,” Kara said. “A lot of earth ponies have strength while others don’t work as much as I do.”

Presto nodded in understanding.

They soon returned to the Home-Away Hooves Inn, where Peach, Peppermint, Navy, and Novella were waiting.

“Okay, we have one ingredient so far,” Presto said.

“Excellent,” Peppermint smiled. “What else do you need?”

“Hang on,” Presto said as he checked the recipe on the smartstone. “Novella, could you write down the recipe as I give it to you?”

Navy grew suspicious. “Wait,” she said. “You can’t read stuff written down, but, you can read what’s on that thing?”

“Oh…” Presto said, trying not to blow his secret. “Long story short, I was raised to read a different written language. This little thing has that written language in it. Don’t ask how.”

“I understand,” Novella said. “And yes, I can.” She readied a notepad and pen. “Go ahead.”

“Okay,” Presto said as he read the recipe. “Three eggs, two hundred milliliters of heavy cream, sixty to eighty grams of sugar… Does any of this sound unfamiliar to you?”

“Sorry…” Novella said. “What are milliliters and grams?”

“They’re units of measurements that I’m familiar with,” Presto explained before thinking to himself. Luckily, my family knows both the metric and imperial measurement systems. “Peach, do you have any measuring cups?”

“Yes, actually,” Peach nodded.

“Can we use one?” Presto asked.

“Of course,” Peach smiled.

Presto took one of the measuring cups and compared it to the kinds he washed in his old world when it was his turn to do the dishes. As Presto explained the measurements, he pointed to the exact points of the measuring cup coinciding with each respective ingredient in the recipe. Novella nodded and took note.

“We also need vanilla extract,” Presto said.

“I believe there are some plants with vanilla beans available close by,” Novella said.

“Good,” Presto said. “Oh, can you use ice magic?”

“Yes, I can,” Novella said with a modest sense of pride. “Ice spells are considered water magic, you see.”

“That makes sense,” Presto said. “Now, write down the steps as I tell you, please.”

Presto read the steps to Novella, who wrote them down carefully. After the ingredients were gathered, Peppermint carefully followed the steps.

“Alright, Novella,” Presto said when Peppermint was finished mixing the mixture, which he poured into a metal container that he put a lid on. “Freeze this container, please.”

“On it!” Novella said before holding out her wand. Both it and her horn glowed with a blue aura while her voice seemed to echo a bit. “Bind thus, Ice! Frozen in an instant: [Flash Freeze]!” At her command, the wand flash-froze the container into a block of ice.

“Well done,” Preston complimented. “Now, we have to wait 3-4 hours.” He put his hands on the ice block, only to instantly pull them back and wave them around.

“Are you alright?!” Novella asked.

“Yeah,” Presto said. “Guess it slipped my mind that ice would be cold.”

“Not to fret,” Novella said. “My ice magic is noticeably powerful. I can levitate this to the icebox.”

Her horn illuminated with a magic aura that matched her eye color. The magic aura then surrounded the block of ice and levitated it towards the icebox. Presto opened the icebox door and Novella slipped the block inside.

“That was a neat spell,” Presto said after closing the door.

“Thank you,” Novella smiled. “That was biologically exclusive magic. It can’t be learned by non-unicorns and doesn’t require any incantations. Since you’re part unicorn, you should be able to learn it and use it.”

“What aptitude does it fall under?” Presto asked.

“Biologically exclusive magic,” Novella said. “Operates independently of aptitudes.”

“I’ll add that to the list of things I’ll need to learn,” Presto said. “But, I’ll still need to learn how to read and write.”

“Maybe you can while we take the time for the mixture to freeze,” Novella said.

“That would be a good start,” Presto admitted.

“Novella can help there,” Navy said.

“Indeed I can,” Novella said. “We’ll have to be somewhere where we can practice safely.” She led him to the lobby. “Let’s try something simple to start.”

“Alright, Miss Print,” Presto said as if he were a student addressing a teacher. “What do you have in mind?”

Novella placed a pebble on the table with a slight blush. “Using only your biological magic,” she explained. “Try to lift this pebble.”

Presto focused on the pebble and while closing his eyes, tried to lift it with his biological magic. Nothing happened.

“Is it working?” he asked.

“No,” Navy said plainly.

“Try focusing your energy into your horn,” Novella said.

Presto tried to focus his energy into his horn. Slowly but surely, it began to illuminate with a soft glowing aura that was the same color as his eyes.

“Very good,” Novella said. “Now, picture the pebble in your head.”

Presto continued to concentrate and he was able to engulf the pebble with his magic. He started to levitate it slowly.

“Good,” Novella said. “Are you imagining picking it up with your hands?”

“I… yes, I am,” Presto said softly.

“Keep doing that,” Novella said. Presto softly groaned as he levitated the pebble.

However, the pebble suddenly fractured. Presto released his magical energy, exhausted.

“Did I…” he said between breaths. “Do it?”

“Well, you levitated the pebble anyway,” Novella said. “I think it’d be prudent for you to learn some restraint. You put too much effort into lifting the pebble and it caused you to strain yourself.”

“Looks like I have a lot to learn,” Presto said, somewhat embarrassed. “Let’s start with reading and writing. If future magic lessons have written diagrams, I’ll need to know what they’re saying.”

“Of course,” Novella said understandingly.

3-4 hours later, Presto had learned to read each individual letter in the written language.

“Thank you for all of your help, Novella,” Presto said kindly. “And it looks like three or four hours have passed. The ice cream should be ready by now.”

“Let’s go see,” Novella said.

She levitated out the block and Presto cracked the ice open before filling some small bowls with ice cream. Each of the mares sampled some.

“Wow!” Kara said. “What a sweet taste!”

“It melts in your mouth!” Novella said happily.

“It’s so cool~” Navy gushed.

“Think you might want it for your cafe, Peppermint?” Presto asked.

“Absolutely,” Peppermint said. “With how this tastes and feels in the mouth, it’s certain to be a success.”

“That’s good,” Presto said. “Do you happen to know ice spells?”

“No,” Peppermint said. “But, my sister, Spearmint, does.”

“Well, you both can have the recipe,” Presto said.

“I think I should learn the recipe, too,” Peach said. “I’ll need to hire someone who knows ice magic.”

“Very good,” Presto nodded.

“Between this stuff and that gem,” Kara said. “You keep getting weirder.”

“I would say more unique than weird,” Navy admitted.

“Well, I’m glad I could use my little trinket to repay you for teaching me how to read and how to use magic,” Presto said.

“We’re glad of that,” Novella smiled. “So we’ll truly be a team now.”

“Better believe it,” Navy said.

“Yeah!” Kara said happily.

Presto gave a grateful smile when something occurred to him. “We should save some ice cream for Daisy,” he said. “She provided the milk, so, it’s only fair.”

“That’s a great idea,” Kara said. “And I’m sure Judo wouldn’t mind a taste, either.” She then scooped up the remaining ice cream in her bowl and was about to eat it in one gulp, but, Presto stopped her.

“Don’t eat it too fast or you’ll get brain freeze,” he warned.

“Whoa!” Kara gasped. “That wouldn’t have been pleasant.”

“Indeed,” Novella said. “Like drinking a cold drink too fast.”

“Thanks for the warning, though,” Kara said.

She continued to enjoy her ice cream in smaller bites.

End of chapter.

Author's Note

Here's the first chapter of a new series I'm working on on the side. I took last week off of writing Nine Elements because Memorial Day. But, I didn't want to leave you with nothing, so, hopefully, this compensates.

*Try and guess what that would be in our world.

**Legit explanation.

***SID: An excellent point.

****A reference to Mercia. Look it up.

*****Idea by a Discord friend.

Thoughts? Comments? Ideas for future chapters? Y'all know the drill by now.

UPDATE 11/30/2024: changed the size of copper bits.

Chapter 2: The Party Grows

Roughly a week into the new world, Presto had learned enough of the written language to read simple words. On this particular day, there were various quests posted on the guild’s board. Some involved monster hunting while others involved gathering herbs or even investigating strange places. There were also a few rather simple ones like babysitting or doing chores. The day before, his, Kara, Novella, and Navy’s guild rank had gone up. As a result, their cards were blue, meaning they were no longer beginners. They could now accept Blue Rank quests as well as Black Rank. Still, they couldn’t let their guard down. They could end up failing quests and, depending on what the mission was, it could spell death. They needed to keep it together.

“Northern... ruins... hunting quest... Mega... Slimes?” Presto read awkwardly. “Reward… eight… silver bits. That doesn’t sound too bad. How about this one?”

“No way,” the mares said.

The unison of their refusal to Presto by surprise. “Is something wrong?”

“The biggest problem for me is that they’re sticky and they smell atrocious,” Novella said with a look of disgust present on her face.

“And that’s when they’re alive!” Navy agreed.

“They also dissolve carrier belts and backpacks,” Kara said. “Those things aren’t cheap.”

“Fair enough,” Presto said. “So, no slimes.”

Navy then spotted another request. “Hey, here’s a good one,” she said. “A request to deliver a letter to the capital. Travel expenses covered... the reward is nine silver bits... What do you think?”

“Ooh, I like the sound of that,” Novella smiled. “Though, we can’t split that evenly between us.”

“Well, we can just spend the leftover amount on something for all four of us,” Presto said.

“It’s a possibility,” Novella nodded.

Presto went to confirm the details of the mission Navy pointed out. The one who posted the request was Seamster Sansworth. Wait, he thought. Could that be the same guy? He checked the address and sure enough, it said ‘Fashion King Seamster,’ on it. Huh, it is the same guy. “How long does it take to get to the capital from here?” he asked aloud.

“About five days by carriage,” Navy answered. “I think…”

That’s quite a ways off, Presto said internally. This is looking to be my first long journey since I arrived in this world. But, I always have the option to use [Gate] for the return trip, which isn’t so bad. Plus, if I visit the capital even once, I can use [Gate] to go back whenever I want. Of course, it’ll have to be within reason.

“Okay,” he said aloud. “Let’s go with that one. I met the stallion who posted that request.”

“Is that so?” Navy said. “Well, how about you, Kara?”

“Sounds good to me,” Kara said.

“Well, it’s unanimous,” Navy said as she ripped the request notice from the board and took it to the clerk. She returned shortly afterwards. “We’ll get the specifics from the stallion who posted the request.”

“Alright,” Presto nodded.

Soon, they made their way to Fashion King Seamster.

“It shouldn’t take us too long to get to his tailor shop,” Novella said.

It was at that point that a thought occurred to Presto. Wait, he said internally. How would carriages even work in this world? Is it like rickshaws? No, those wouldn’t be big enough for this party.

Presto was so distracted by his own curiosity that he did see the opening door before him until it was directly making contact with his face. “Oof!”*

“Oh, I beg your pardon,” said the familiar voice of Seamster.

“Huh?” Presto said. “Oh, hi, Seamster.”

“It’s been a while,” Seamster said. “How have you been?”

“Been doing alright, considering,” Presto said, rubbing his nose. “Sorry about your door. I was deep in thought and wasn’t paying attention.”

“Ah, I see,” Seamster said. “Oh, so what brings you my way?”

“We’re here in response to your guild request,” Presto explained.

“Ah, how wonderful!” Seamster said happily. “I was hoping someone would respond to my request soon.” He led them into a room at the back of the shop.

“So, here we are,” Navy smirked. “So, we were told you’d give us the specifics?”

“For this job,” Seamster explained. “I would like you to deliver a letter to Viscount Hoofrey in the capital. If you mention my name, he should know what it’s about. I would also like you to return with a response from the viscount.”

“Yes, sir,” Novella said politely. “Is it an urgent matter?”

“I wouldn’t exactly describe this as urgent,” Seamster said. “But, it would be problematic if it’s left for too long.” He then took the letter out of a small tube and placed it on the table. It was sealed with something like wax and bore some strange insignia. “Here you are.” He then placed a few gold bits on the table. “Also, here are your travel expenses. I might have included a little bit too much, but, you don’t have to return what’s left over. You may use the spare change to go sightseeing around the capital, if you’d like!”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Kara said. “Thank you.”

Upon receiving the letter and the money for their travel expenses, they went about preparing for their journey. Presto procured a carriage, Novella bought food for the trip (quite a bit for Kara), and Navy and Kara went to the inn to retrieve any items they’d need along the way. While getting the carriage, Presto noticed some strange creatures. They looked like ostriches, but, they were each the size of a horse from his old world and their heads were slightly bigger.

“Excuse me,” he asked the carriage dealer, who was a crimson earth stallion with a silver mane and tail, golden eyes, and a rather average build. “What are those creatures?”

“Never seen a mount bird before?” the dealer inquired.

“Uh… no,” Presto said. “I mean, I had read of them before, but, this is my first time seeing one face to face.” Presto wisely decided not to mention that he’s from a world where such creatures don’t exist.

With the preparations done, the party set off. Presto found the mount birds hard to control.

“I think I better take over this job,” Kara said. “I raised a few of these on the farm so I know how to tame and handle them.”

“Fine by me,” Presto said.

So, Kara took over and managed to humanely control the creatures. After going north a bit, they had left Stonewood and saw something unusual. A post that was dangling a fishing net far away from water. Even more unusual was the seafoam green earth mare with a mane and tail resembling seaweed and a look of angry defiance in her ocean blue eyes trapped inside the net. They gasped when they saw that what was inside was someone alive.

“We better help her out!” Presto said as he jumped out of the carriage, which was more like a cart than anything else since it had no roof, but, was still better than walking the whole way.

“Don’t worry!” Novella called to the captive mare. “We’ll get you out of there!”

Presto drew his katana and cut the rope holding the net up. This caused the contents of the net to spill out. Kara was able to catch the mare in her arms. She then gently put her down. The mare’s expression was that of surprise.

“Are you okay?” Navy asked.

“Why?” the mare asked.

“You just had that look of angry defiance on your face,” Navy said. “And we also wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt up there.”

“Ah meant,” the mare said in a Scottish accent. “Why did yer save a kelpie like me?”

“Well, you were in trouble,” Presto said. “It wouldn’t feel right to pass by anyone who was in trouble.”

“Even if mah race has a reputation fer lurin’ unsuspectin’ muckers ter a watery grave?” the mare asked.

“The biggest one around is a water bottle I’m carrying,” Presto said before taking out a glass bottle full of a clear liquid from his carrier belt. “I can’t possibly fit in that.”

“I have actually wanted to meet an actual kelpie,” Novella said. “Now it looks like I’m getting my chance to. We all are. My name is Novella. What’s yours?”

The kelpie was more interested in the water bottle Presto had. Presto noticed and he offered her a drink.

“Would you like the water?” he asked.

The kelpie took the bottle and downed it in three gulps.

“Ah, thank ye,” she said, wiping her lips. “Ah’m Aquamarine McCoral, in case yer wonderin’.”

“From your accent and surname,” Novella said. “Can I assume you’re from Trotland**?”

“Aye,” Aquamarine nodded. “Born n’ raised there.”

“From the way you drank that water,” Presto said. “You must be pretty dehydrated.”

“There’s only so long that ah can be without any water,” Aquamarine explained.

“We’re on our way to the nearby town of Trotton,” Novella said. “Perhaps you can have a bath at the inn we’ll be staying at there.”

“Well,” Aquamarine considered. “Alright. Since ya showed yer willin’ness tae help me, ah s’poose ah could.”

On the way to Trotton, Presto noticed a sash-like harness that Aquamarine was wearing and grew curious.

“Aquamarine,” he said. “If you don't mind me asking, what’s that slash-like harness around your waist?”

“Oh,” Aquamarine said. “Ah use it fer carryin’ mah weapon.” She reached back, seemingly into her hair, and pulled out what looked like a lyre modeled after the spearhead of a trident.

“Oh, wow!” Presto said in an astounded tone.

“Ah, so, you’re a bard,” Novella said.

“Ah’m also a lancer,” Aquamarine said as she pulled the pommel at the bottom of the lyre, which telescoped into the shaft of a trident.

“Incredible!” Novella said with amazement. “I read that kelpies typically have water magic. Is that true?”

“Aye, that actually is,” Aquamarine nodded. “Ah use mah lyre trident ter channel mah water spells.”

“Fascinating,” Novella said, adjusting her glasses. “Are you by any chance with the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“Nae,” Aquamarine said. “We dinae have guild branches in Trotland. The way our culture is, we dinae really need one.”

“Ah, I see,” Novella said.

“Your culture?” Presto asked.

“There’s nae cowards in Trotland,” Aquamarine said. “We’re trained ter fight as soon as we learn ter walk.”

“Ah, I see.” Presto said. “Good to know everyone has a way to protect themselves.”

It was sunset by the time they reached Trotton. A thought occurred to Presto.

“Can’t I just use [Gate] to travel back to Stonewood and spend the night at the Home-Away Hooves Inn?” he asked. “I can just cast it again tomorrow to return here, so it’s no big deal, right?”

“No way,” Kara said. “The nice things about a journey are visiting unfamiliar stores in unfamiliar towns before spending the night at an unfamiliar inn. That’s what traveling is all about!”

“Yeah,” Navy said. “Besides, even if we had no money, there were the travel expenses that had been given to us. We might as well use the money out of courtesy to the one who gave it to us in the first place.”

“Hmm, that makes sense,” Presto nodded.

With that settled, they checked into an inn before the sun set completely.

“Enjoy your stay,” said the innkeeper.

The party took the opportunity to stay in a slightly more upper-class place than the Home-Away Hooves. Navy and Kara got a double room all to themselves as did Novella and Aquamarine while Presto rented a small single room to himself.

“This is pretty luxurious,” Presto said to himself. “I probably would have never been able to afford a place like this back home.”

With their lodging sorted, the party tied up their cart and, with convincing from Kara’s belly, went to dinner.

“I don’t know about you,” Kara said, rubbing her belly. “But, I’d like to try those noodles the innkeeper said were served around these parts.”

“I don’t see why not,” Navy said.

“So, how do we get there?” Presto asked.

“May as well look around,” Aquamarine suggested.

No sooner had they started looking than they heard a scuffle. A crowd of onlookers had gathered around to see the commotion.

“What’s that?” Presto asked.

“I don’t know,” Novella said. “We should look into this.”

They pushed their way through the crowd to see a rather unusual mare surrounded by several thugs. The mare had a peach-like coat and heliotrope eyes. Her mane was blood red and cut just above her shoulders. She also wore fishnet fingerless gloves as well as fishnet tights. She wore a black dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination as it was clearly cut beneath her chest. Her wings were bat-like also with a scarlet ombre to them at the bottom while the tops resembled traditional pegasus wings. If one looked closely, they would notice small fangs in her mouth.***

****

“We’re here to show our thanks for that incident earlier, girlie!” said one thug.

“What do you mean?” she asked. “I don’t remember anything about an incident.”

“Quit playin’ dumb!” the thug said. “Don’t think you can get off safe after doin’ a number on our buddies like that!”

“Oh~ you guys must be friends of those stallions I turned over to the authorities earlier today,” she said. “That incident was entirely their fault. They shouldn’t have been going around drunk during the day like a bunch of idiots.”

“Shut yer yap!” another thug said. “Grab her!”

The mare nimbly dodged the attacks. She then proceeded to grab one stallion by the arm, swiveling him around, and then throwing him. He fainted in agony as his back was slammed on the ground.

“Come forth, Dark!” the mare said as a black aura pulsed from her hands. “I seek the lord of hounds: [Fenrir]!” From the mare’s shadow emerged a wolf about as large as a garbage truck. The thugs were a bit intimidated, but, this didn’t last long as the wolf faded from existence after a few seconds. The mare staggered a bit as her movements became sluggish. Kara could tell she was about to collapse due to hunger.

“She needs help!” Presto said to the others in his group. He then held out his hand, which radiated a yellow aura. “Come forth, Sand! Obstructing Dust Storm: [Blind Sand]!”

He said his incantation and channeled the spell at the thugs. Grains of sand flew from his hand into the eyes of one thug.

“Ah!” he exclaimed. “My eyes!”

While blinded, Presto hit the thug with a dropkick. The mare, who was slowly coming back to her senses, was surprised to see this newcomer jumping into the fray. However, she seemed to have judged that Presto wasn’t an enemy, so, she returned her attention to those before her.

“Aah, geez, why do you always have to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong?!” Kara let out a bemused comment as she joined the fray with a swift but heavy gauntlet-clad punch. But, for all her complaining, she sure was smiling a lot.

It wasn’t long until the thugs were all flat on the ground. Half of them were beaten into the dirt by Kara. Presto was a bit terrified of her. The town guards soon arrived, so, Presto, his party, Aquamarine, and the new mare left the rest to them and left that area of town.

“Thanks,” the new mare said. “I owe you one. I’m Velvet Cupcake, daughter of Baron Chocolate Cupcake.”

“That thestral who earned the title of baron for his baking business?” Kara asked.

“That’s the one,” Velvet nodded.

“So, you’re a thestral?” Presto asked.

“Yep,” Velvet said. “Well, that’s only half true. My dad’s a thestral, my mom’s a pegasus.”

“Intriguing,” Presto nodded. “Oh, by the way, I’m Preston Howard. You can call me Presto.”

“Howard?” Velvet said. “As in the noble Howard family from Mareica?”

“I don’t believe I’m from that Howard family,” Presto said. “So, what happened back there? You became sluggish all of a sudden and that wolf vanished in seconds.”

“Well…” Velvet said. “I don’t have very high mana reserves, my unique brawling style burns through it quickly, and while it’s a bit embarrassing to admit, I dropped my travel funds a while back, so—” Before the hybrid mare could finish, a loud, ferocious growl erupted from her belly.

“Yep, that figures,” Kara said. “I face similar problems.”

“So, why don’t you join us?” Presto offered. “We were about to head out for dinner ourselves and we have more than enough funds.”

“Okay,” Velvet said. “Though, can we go somewhere that serves meat?”

“I’m pretty sure the noodle shop we were headed to has meat options,” Novella said.

They soon found the noodle shop and Velvet was gleefully feasting on what looked like a pork bowl. The others enjoyed the dishes they ordered.

“I can see why this place would be a popular place for the locals,” Navy commented after swallowing a bite of her food. “Who would’ve guessed dried slime innards could make such good noodles?”*****

“For real,” Kara said.

“In Trotland,” Aquamarine said. “We make jams n’ jellies out o’ slimes.”

“You don’t say,” Presto said. “Does feeding them different fruits give the jams and jellies different flavors?”

“Aye,” Aquamarine said. “It doesnae have ter be fruit, either. Ya can use vegetables, cheese, meat, er if ya like, even fish!”

“Captivating,” Novella said. “Perhaps one day, should we ever visit Trotland, we would have to try these jams and jellies. Not the meat or fish ones, though.”

“Putting that to the side,” Presto said before turning his attention to Velvet. “What brings you here?”

“I’m on my way to meet someone at the capital,” Velvet said.

“I see,” Presto said. “We’re actually here to visit the capital, so, we’re going in the same direction.”

“Huh,” Velvet said, finishing her third bowl. “Small world.”

“Indeed,” Presto said. “So, I can see you’re a brawler.”

“Yep,” Velvet said. “I can also use wind and darkness magic.”

“That second part we saw, albeit briefly,” Novella said. “It must take a lot of mana just to summon that beast.”

“It does,” Velvet said before starting her fifth bowl. “I sometimes forget to monitor my mana.”

“It can be helpful if you traveled with those who can remind you of that,” Kara said. “Say, do you have a place to stay?”

“No,” Velvet said. “I figured I could fly there, but, I got tired getting this far.”

“Why don’t you stay in one of our rooms tonight?” Kara offered. “Or we book you a room for yourself?”

“Hmm,” Velvet said as she finished her eighth bowl. “Let’s go with that last option.”

It was then that Presto noticed how much Velvet had eaten as well as Kara. The latter had gone through ten bowls while Velvet had eight. Those two will eat us to bankruptcy! he said internally. I can only hope the staff doesn’t get too angry with us. Presto paid 110 copper bits for the meal. Each individual bowl cost five copper bits, which gave him a sense of relief.

“Boy, I’m feeling much better already,” Velvet smiled.

So, Presto used some of his own bits to book Velvet her own room.

That night, Presto did a bit of internet research on his smartstone.

“Aww,” he said. “I was hoping to see that movie. Well, since I’m technically still in the old world, I’ll be able to.” When he felt satisfied with what he read, he thought to himself, I wonder if I’ll always care about news from home. My time in this world’s been a lot more interesting. Then, he had an idea. He opened the notebook app on the smartstone and wrote down the noteworthy events of the day. When he was done, he placed his smartstone on the nightstand and went to bed.

Presto was awoken next morning by a knock at his door. He slowly got up and answered.

“Yes?” he said.

At the door was Novella, who had a book in one hand.

“We’re getting ready for breakfast before we leave,” the unicorn mare said.

“Oh, sure,” Presto said. “I’ll be right there. Thanks.”

After breakfast, Presto, his party, Aquamarine, and Velvet were in the cart. Aquamarine, having experience with mount birds herself, offered to take the reins. After leaving the town limits of Trotton, Novella spoke up.

“Presto,” she said. “I have a theory that I would like to test with you.”

“Yes?” he asked.

“You know that Kara’s brother can use a Mind spell called [Precision], right?” Novella asked.

“Yes, I’m aware,” Presto replied. “I keep forgetting to ask him how it works.”

“Try using it now,” Novella said.

“Well… alright,” he said, taking a deep breath. “[Precision]!” Nothing seemed to happen. “Uh, I don’t think it did anything.”

“Hmm,” Novella said with a nod. “Kara, can you explain to Presto how that spell works?”

“Sure,” Kara said. She cleared her throat. “Basically, it lets Judo spot weak spots on his opponents so he can make more precise strikes.”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Presto said with a nod.

“Try using it now,” Novella said.

“Alright,” he said. “Though on what?”

“Try on me,” Navy said.

“Alright,” Presto said. He then focused his attention on Navy. “[Precision]!” This time, Presto saw a series of glowing lines highlighting Navy’s wing joints. “I-it worked! I can see glowing lines on Navy’s wing joints!”

“That’s what Judo says he sees when he uses that spell!” Kara said.

“So, it looks like your theory is right,” Presto said to Novella. “Wait, what’s the theory?”

“That you’re able to use any Aether or Mind spell as long as you know its name and understand its effect,” Novella said. “Since Aether and Mind spells are fundamentally similar, we only need to test a spell from one or the other.”

“I see,” he nodded.

“Since you’ve learned to read,” Novella said. “I’ve gotten you a spell book of Aether and Mind spells. This way, you can learn any potentially useful spells.”

“Ah, that is helpful,” Presto smiled. “Thank you.” He then took the book. On close observation, he noticed that it was about the size of a phone book. I know Amalthea enhanced my memory, but, how much? he said internally. I may as well memorize an encyclopedia. As he started reading, he found a large number of spells that didn’t seem to have any practical use. There was a spell that makes incense sticks burn longer, a spell that makes the color of tea more appealing, one that makes dogs more friendly, one that makes the hair of others all poofy, and one that always makes the stems in tea stand upright. Not much use for these, he thought to himself. Then, he found a spell that removed friction between the user’s target and the ground they were standing on. Hmm, this [Slip] spell might come in handy. Then, he found another spell that intrigued him. “This is an interesting one,” he said aloud.

“Which one?” Novella asked.

“It’s a Mind spell called [Aports],” Presto said. “It says that it lets the user summon small objects to their hand.”

“Ah, that is a good one,” Novella said. “It could come in handy.”

“The book says that the user has to have a clear mental image of the object in question,” Presto said. “I’ll give it a try.” After a deep breath, he focused his chant. “[Aports].” Nothing appeared in his hand. “Okay, so it seems I haven’t had a clear mental image.”

“What’d you try to use it on?” Navy asked.

“Well, I wanted to see how Aquamarine would react to discovering her weapon vanished,” Presto said.

“Perhaps that’s too big,” Velvet said. “It did say small objects, after all.”

“True,” Presto said. “Maybe the object has to be small enough that only one hand is needed to hold it. Let’s try again.” He took a deep breath and focused again. “[Aports].” This time, one of Velvet’s hair clips appeared in his hand.

Velvet felt the noticeable difference in her hair. She tapped her bangs gently and noticed the missing barrette.

“Looks like it worked,” Presto said.

“Indeed it did,” Novella nodded. “That spell’s quite convenient, but, also a bit terrifying.”

“True,” Presto said as it dawned on him that it could be used for pickpocketing. “So, I’ll have to use this spell when there’s a serious need for it.” He then had a thought occur to him. “I wonder if underwear would be a valid target.”

The mares wore confused expressions.

“Under-what now?” Velvet asked.

“Uh, let’s save that for another time,” Presto said before he could get too flustered. “Oh, you can have this back, Velvet.” Presto handed her hair clip back.

“Thanks,” Velvet said, clipping the barrette back into her hair.

The party passed through several small towns and before they knew it, three days had passed since the journey initially started. Presto checked his smartstone map and confirmed they were halfway there. After deflecting rather curious comments from Velvet and Aquamarine about his smartstone, Presto resumed his staring contest with the spell book. Through his efforts, he discovered another potentially useful spell.

“Here’s another interesting one,” he said. This piqued the mares’ curiosity.

“What is it?” Navy asked.

“A Mind spell that enhances the user’s senses,” Presto said. “I’ll try it out. [Long Sense].” Sure enough, Presto was able to see and hear up to a mile away. “It works.”

“What can you see or hear?” Novella asked softly, to ensure Presto’s own ears weren't hurt.

“You don’t have to be so quiet,” Presto said. “The book says the user can consciously adjust the sensitivity of the senses to avoid sensory overload.”

“Ah, I see,” Novella nodded.

Suddenly, Presto started sniffing. “Looks like it works on smell, too,” he said.

“Any good smells?” Velvet asked.

Presto sniffed a bit before answering. “There’s this very powerful smell,” he said. He then opened his eyes in shock. “It’s blood!”

“Blood?!” gasped the others.

Presto focused his sight to where the smell was coming from. “Aquamarine, there’s a group of ponies being attacked by monsters! Full speed ahead!”

“Aye!” Aquamarine said and they went faster.

Upon reaching the area, they saw armored ponies battling against anthropomorphic lizards in leather armor. The ponies were guarding a high-class carriage against the lizards, who proceeded to cut the ponies down one-by-one.

“Come forth, Fire!” Novella said as she drew her wand and aimed at the lizards. “Whirling Spiral: [Fire Storm]!” Suddenly, a tornado of fire burst to life in the center of the pack of lizards.

“Lizardkin,” Aquamarine said, drawing her weapon and extending it to trident mode.

“We can stop them!” Kara said. She quickly donned her gauntlets. “[Boost]!” Activating her Aether spell, she jumped out of the cart and delivered a powerful punch to one lizard’s head, which made a sickening crunch.

“Nice shot!” Navy smirked. She then drew her daggers and, with her natural speed, used them to slit the throats of each lizard she passed while Aquamarine performed thrust attacks on some that charged at her. All the while, Velvet readied her summoning spell.

“Come forth, Dark!” she said. “I seek the lord of hounds: [Fenrir]!” The large wolf from when she met the others in Trotton emerged from her shadow and began attacking scores of lizards at once while Velvet ate bread to gain more mana.

Presto found himself facing another lizard. “Time to test it out,” Presto said. “[Slip]!” All friction between the lizard’s feet and the ground vanished in an instant, which sent it into a backflip so ridiculous that it would’ve even been ruled out of a comedy show.

The Lizardkin were intimidated by this group, so they scrambled away as well as they could, considering the spell was still overcoming them. They made their way to a robed figure.

“Come forth, Dark!” the figure said in a masculine voice. “I seek a scalebound warrior: [Lizardkin]!” At his words, several more lizardkin came crawling out of the shadows around his hooves.

“Presto,” Novella said. “That’s summoning magic! These lizardkin are being summoned by that stallion in the robe!”

“Well, we’ll put a stop to that,” Presto nodded. “[Slip]!” Presto aimed his spell at the summoner.

The stallion in the robe stumbled in an embarrassing manner. Velvet saw an opportunity and reached one hand above her head.

“Strike true, Lightning!” she said. “Hundredspear Thunderclap: [Lightning Javelin]!” Three spears made entirely of lightning formed above her hand. After making a throwing motion towards the downed stallion, the spears were launched at him, electrocuting him on contact. The stallion fell lifelessly to the ground and not too long afterwards, the lizardkin that hadn’t been culled yet faded from existence. The ponies guarding the carriage were amazed.

“Looks like it’s over,” Presto said. “Everyone alright?”

“Well, we’re not dead,” Kara said, stretching. “So, I’d say, yes.”

“I sure am,” Navy said as she used a rag to wipe off the blood on her daggers.

“I’m alright as well,” Novella said.

One of the armored ponies made his way to Presto, dragging a leg behind him.

“Can I help you?” Presto asked.

“Thank you,” the pony said. “You saved us.”

“We just did what anyone would have done,” Presto said modestly. “What’s the casualty rate?”

“Of ten bodyguards,” the pony said. “Seven of us were killed. Dammit, if only we’d noticed sooner.”

Presto comforted the armored pony.

“S-Someone!” a small female voice called from in the carriage. “Is someone there? Joshua’s been hit!”

“We’re here!” Novella called. “We can help!”

Novella and Presto entered the carriage and saw a light pink unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail and sap green eyes wearing a darker pink and red dress and white gloves sobbing near a dark gray earth stallion with a gray mane, tail, and mustache and amber eyes wearing a formal suit. The stallion had blood flowing from his chest as he wheezed in pain.

“Please help him!” the filly pleaded. “He was hit by an arrow!”

“Novella,” Presto said. “Can’t you use healing magic on him?”

“...I-I can’t,” Novella answered with a heavy heart. “The arrow must have snapped, and part of it is still lodged in the wound. If I heal him in this condition, the arrowhead will get stuck inside his body…” The mare started trembling with apology and regret. “E-Even that aside... my magic wouldn’t b-be effective on a wound this dire...!”

The filly was still crying, clutching onto the older stallion.

“Young miss…” the stallion said weakly.

“Joshua!!” the filly sobbed.

“I am afraid…” he said. “That we must part here... But please know... the days I spent with you... were among the happiest of my— ghh! Ack...!”

“No!” the filly sobbed sadly.

“Not today,” Presto said before grabbing the end of the arrow that broke off, comparing it to an unbroken arrow, and internalizing the image of the arrowhead of the unbroken arrow. He placed both arrows down and concentrated. “[Aports].” A bloodsoaked arrowhead that had clearly broken off appeared in Presto’s hand. Novella, seeing this, then put her healing magic to work. However, she was discouraged by the size of the wound.

“I don’t know if I can heal that,” Novella said.

“That’s okay,” Presto said. “You’ve been healing most of us so far. I’ll take this one.” He held his hand over the older stallion’s wound. “Come forth, Light!” he said as his horn emitted a white aura. “Soothing Comfort: [Cure Heal]!” As he cast the spell, the wound on the old stallion’s chest began to close itself until it looked as though the wound was never there in the first place. The stallion, whose name was Joshua, then inhaled deeply and exhaled deeply.

“...What is this?” he asked. “The pain... is receding? Whatever is happening, it... doesn’t hurt? It doesn’t hurt... I’m healed?”

“Joshua!” The filly said, the tears of sadness being replaced with tears of joy. “You’re all better!” She wrapped her arms around the stallion.

Presto gave a humble sigh of relief.

“Thank you so much,” said Joshua.

“It closed the wound,” Presto said. “But, it didn’t replenish the lost blood. You may want to take it easy for a bit.”

“Yes, of course,” Joshua nodded respectfully.

While Joshua rested a bit, the armored ponies got to work burying the dead. The smallest one was insistent on burying one in particular himself. Presto learned that the first one to die was his older brother. Once they finished, they bowed their heads respectfully in a moment of silence.

Once the moment had passed, the little filly spoke up. “You have our gratitude, kind adventurers,” she said. “Not only did you risk your lives to save us from danger, but, you also brought Joshua from the brink of death.”

“Forgive the delayed introduction,” Joshua said. “I am Joshua Jenkins and I am honored to call myself a butler in service of good Duke Gallopena. The young filly before you is the Duke’s only daughter, Lady Millicent Angelina Gallopena II.”

“But,” the young filly said. “You can just call me ‘Millie’ for short.”

Presto noticed that the mares were bowing around him, confusing him. “What are you doing?”

“She’s a lady,” Novella explained. “The daughter of a duke. As such, she must be greeted properly with a bow.”

“Yeah,” Navy said. “Don’t you know what a duke is?”

“A nobleman?” Presto answered with a question.

“Exactly,” Kara said. “So, bow.”

“Duke and its female equivalent of duchess,” Novella explained. “Is the highest rank a noble can achieve. It can only be granted to those who share blood with the king.”

“The king?” Presto said.

“That’s right,” Millie said. “My father, Duke Archibald Roswald Gallopena, is the younger brother of his royal highness.”

“Oh~” Presto said. He then genuflected down on one knee in a respectful manner.

“That won’t be necessary,” Millie said. “If anything, I should be the one bowing to you. I owe you my life. Please stand.”

They stood up again.

“What’s a noble doing out here in the first place?” Presto asked.

“We were on our way back to the capital after visiting my grandmother,” Millie said. “Then, that mage attacked. Almost like he knew I was coming this way.”

“Coming from me,” Velvet said. “That’s creepy.”

“With the mage dead, we can’t get more information,” Presto said.

“Right,” Novella said. “What matters is that you’re safe.”

“What do you plan to do next?” Presto asked.

“Regarding that matter...” Joshua said in a somewhat apologetic tone. “Over half of the guards have been felled and if we are attacked again, I fear we may not be able to keep the young miss safe. Would you consider lending us your services as bodyguards? I shall see to it that you are paid adequately as soon as we reach the capital safely. Will you assist us?”

“I don’t see why not,” Presto said. “We’re headed for the capital anyway.”

“Aye,” Aquamarine said. “We’ll make sure ter keep ye safe.”

So, the two vehicles set off. The old cart trailed along behind Millie’s cart while two guards on mount birds were out in front leading the way. The remaining guard (a pegasus) had flown ahead to deliver a letter Millie had written explaining the situation to the duke’s family. Presto rode in the carriage as Millie’s personal bodyguard. As a battle mage and an alicorn, it was decided that this was the best possible position for him.

It kind of feels like I lucked out, Presto thought to himself.

“I don’t believe I caught your name,” Millie said to Presto.

“It’s Presto,” he said politely. “Presto Howard. Before you even ask, I don’t think I’m related to the noble Howard family from Mareica.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Presto,” Millie smiled. “If you don’t mind, could you tell me a story to pass the time?”

“You actually want me to?” Presto asked, somewhat surprised.

“Of course,” Millie said. “I love listening to stories.”

“Well, I’ve heard quite a few stories throughout my life,” Presto said. “Full disclosure, these are not experiences I personally had. Is that okay?”

“Yes, that’s okay,” Millie nodded. “To me, secondhand stories are still stories.”

During the journey, Presto had told the young lady stories about stories such as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Tortoise and the Hare, the Three Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and even Shrek. For a few of them, he removed any mention of humans and replaced them with terms that Millie would understand. The little filly was enthralled.

“My, what captivating stories,” Millie gasped happily.

“And some of them teach good life lessons,” Presto said. “Can you guess the lesson of the Tortoise and the Hare?”

“You had said yourself earlier,” Millie said. “Slow and steady wins the race.”

“Very good,” Presto said. “Would you like another one?”

“Yes, please,” Millie said.

“Hmm,” Presto said. “Long ago, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a widowed merchant who lived in a mansion in a city with his six sons and six daughters. All the daughters were beautiful, but the youngest, Belle, was the most gorgeous of them all.”

“Ooh~” Millie said in an intrigued tone.

“Belle’s name literally means beauty,” Presto said. “She was not only lovely, but, kind, well-read, and pure of heart. Her older sisters, in contrast, were cruel, selfish, vain, spoiled, and envious of Belle.”

“Oh, dear,” Millie gasped.

“One day,” Presto said. “The mansion burned down and the merchant’s ships were lost at sea and robbed by pirates. The merchant and his children were forced to live in a small cottage in the countryside and work for a living.”

“Oh, my,” Millie gasped.

“Belle,” Presto said. “Made a firm resolution to adjust to rural life with a cheerful disposition.”

“That’s good,” Millie smiled.

Presto found it strange telling stories of fantasy in a world where such things were commonplace, but, when he saw the pure innocent smile on Millie’s face, he was able to put those feelings aside. So, he continued on with the story.

“Ooh, we’re almost there! It’s the capital!” Millie said as she looked out the window later.

Presto looked out himself and in the distance, he could make out a white castle surrounded by tall walls, framed by a large waterfall behind it. That was the Royal Capital, Crestworth. Located on the bank of Lake Riverbrook, a large body of water that formed at the base of the waterfall, it was also known as the Lake Capital. Situated on the western part of the continent, the Kingdom of Marecia had a comfortable climate. That plus the fair rule of the reigning king made it a relatively peaceful country. The silk goods made in the Saddla region of Marecia were renowned as some of the highest quality in the world. They were light and soft, sturdy, and beautiful. The goods were popular among nobles and even the royal families of other countries, so the business was the pride of the kingdom, and supposedly an indispensable source of income.

“Whoa~” Presto gasped softly. As they got closer, the walls seemed to get larger. Imagine an iron fortress designed to keep any enemy out, but, made of brick and mortar and that should give you an idea. “Wow!”

Several soldiers were conducting inspections at the city gates before allowing people passage into the capital. However, the party was allowed in as soon as the guard caught a glimpse of Millie and Joshua’s faces. Presto had a feeling that the duke’s family crest on the side of the carriage played a part.

“The cart following us is allowed by special invitation,” Millie said to the guard.

“Understood, miss,” the guard saluted.

The carriage continued straight on toward the castle, crossing a stone bridge which spanned a large river below along the way. There was another checkpoint in the middle of the bridge, but the party rolled right on through once more.

“Beyond this point is the nobles’ residential district,” Joshua explained.’

“Interesting,” Presto nodded.

They traveled through a street filled with rows of beautiful buildings and arrived in front of a massive mansion. The walls around there were huge, too. When they finally pulled up in front of the entrance, five, then six soldiers slowly opened the very large, presumably heavy doors. Only now that they were directly in front of it did Presto recognize the crest on the door as being the same one on the side of the carriage. Presto could see that everything in the duke’s estate was huge.

“Whoa!” Presto gasped.

The carriage pulled up in front of the foyer and Millie opened the door with gusto.

“Please,” Millie said happily. “Come in.”

“Welcome back, young miss!” said a wall of maids who appeared and bowed their heads in unison.

Presto sat dumbstruck in the carriage until Joshua urged him to step out.

“Come along please,” Joshua said.

Presto felt out of place in that location. When they entered the foyer, a light red unicorn stallion with a golden mane, tail, and mustache and green eyes wearing a long open nobleman's robe, a white long cravat, a waistcoat, and trousers came running down the red carpeted staircase before them.

“Thank you!” he said. “Thank you for keeping my daughter safe!”

“Father!” Millie said as she made a beeline for the stallion.

The two embraced warmly.

“When that letter arrived,” the stallion said. “It felt as though my heart had stopped in my chest...”

Presto surmised that this stallion was Duke Archibald Gallopena, brother to the king. He had a strong body that told of his good health at a glance. But, despite his sturdiness, he had a gentle face which made him appear to be nothing but kind. Eventually, the duke parted from his embrace with Millie and made his way to Presto’s group.

“You are the adventurers who rescued my daughter, I gather,” he said. “You have my sincerest gratitude. Truly, thank you so much for all your help.” Presto was surprised when the duke bowed his head before him.

“Please, there’s no need to bow your head,” Presto insisted. “We only did what anyone would do in that situation!”

“I can tell you are quite modest,” said Archibald. “Nonetheless, I am grateful for your efforts all the same. No doubt you know already, but allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Archibald Roswald Gallopena.”

“I’m Presto Howard,” Presto said. “Before you even ask, I don’t think I’m related to the noble Howard family from Mareica.”

A bit later, Presto, his party, Aquamarine, Velvet, and the duke were out on the second floor terrace overlooking the garden, enjoying a cup of tea as Presto explained the situation.

“I see,” said Archibald after Presto finished. “So, you were already here to deliver a letter. Had you not accepted that request, Millie may very well be captured or worse by now. I’ll have to thank your client.”

“Do you have any idea who might’ve been behind the attack?” Presto asked.

“I almost wish I could say that I didn’t…” Archibald answered. “But, considering my position, I’m sure there’s no end to the list of sordid individuals who see me as a bother. There may even be some amongst the nobles who would seek to kidnap my daughter and use her as leverage against me to make me dance to their every whim.”

“My dad’s a thestral baron who sleeps all day,” Velvet said. “And even he’s not that corrupt.”

“That’s horrible,” Presto said with a disgusted tone.

“I’m back, Father. Sorry for the wait,” Millie said as she returned in a salmon dress with pale pink frills and in her mane was a headband fitted with a matching pale pink rose. It suited her very well.

“Have you spoken to Millicent?” Archibald asked the filly.

“I did,” Millie said. “I left out any mention that Joshua and I were attacked. I didn’t want to worry her.”

“Millicent?” Presto asked. “Would that by any chance be Millicent Angelina Gallopena I?”

“Yes,” Archibald confirmed. “She’s my wife. I’m sorry she couldn’t come out to meet you even though you came to our daughter’s rescue... She’s quite terribly blind, you see.”

“Blind?” Aquamarine asked.

“She came down with an illness five years ago…” Archibald explained. “The family physicians managed to save her life, but not her vision.” The duke let his gaze drop as he told the story. Millie noticed and placed her hand on top of his.

“...D-Did you try treating it with magic?” Novella asked.

Archibald’s answer was as follows: “I called out to practitioners of healing magic throughout the land, but... it was no use. They said that if it had been caused by a physical injury, then magic might have helped to some degree, but that it would have no effect on the after-effects of an illness.”

Needless to say, this made Presto feel rather powerless.

“If only grandfather were still alive,” Millie said in a small, regretful voice.

Upon noticing Presto’s curious expression, Archibald explained.

““My wife’s father…” he began. “Millie’s grandfather, that is, my father-in-law could use a very special kind of magic. He was able to cure any abnormality within the body, which earned him the title of Marquis from my father. The reason Millie originally left on a journey was to find out more about his magic and try to find a way to recreate it.”

“If we had grandfather’s magic,” Millie said. “We would be able to heal mother’s eyes. Even if we couldn’t use that magic, there was the possibility that knowing more about it would have allowed us to substitute it with a spell from a different school of magic. That was what I heard from the court magician, at least. Else, we could try to find someone who could use the same magic as grandfather...”

“She said that the possibility of that was very low indeed, Millie,” Archibald said. “His spell was of the Aether variety, which is a largely personalized magic. There are almost no two beings who can use the exact same Aether or Mind spell as each other. But, I’m sure there must be someone out there who can use a similar spell. I’ll definitely find that person, one way or another...”

The mares looked at each other before Novella spoke up. “You needn’t look any further than the alicorn sitting before you, Duke Gallopena.”

“Pardon?” Archibald said.

“During our time with Presto,” Novella said. “We’ve learned that he can use any Aether or Mind spell there is.”

This gave Millie hope. “Can you really cure my mother?” she asked Presto.

“Honestly,” Presto said. “I won’t be able to say either way without trying it out first. Though, it’ll help if I know the spell’s name and the details of what it does.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be a problem,” Millie said. “I spent nearly a month at my grandmother’s learning as much as I could about the spell, hoping against hope that I could use it myself. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to, but, I can still tell you what I learned.”

So, Presto listened carefully as Millie explained the spell in detail.

“Oh my, do we have guests?” inquired the white unicorn mare seated within the bed of a room wearing a white long-sleeved blouse with a gold trim and a long pastel blue skirt. The mare in question looked like Millie, only older. The only difference apart from the coat color was that she had a light brown mane and tail in contrast to the blonde of her daughter. To compare her to a flower, she was less like a rose or a lily and more like a baby’s-breath. She was still young, too. Presto deduced that she probably wasn’t even thirty yet. But, he felt as though her youth only drew more attention to her blind eyes. Her lilac eyes were still open, but it felt like her gaze never quite settled on anything. It almost made one wonder exactly where those eyes were gazing into.

“My name is Presto Howard,” Presto said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Millicent.” Presto had learned that Millie was called as such to be distinguished from her mother, who was called Millicent.

“The pleasure is all mine,” the blind duchess said. “Darling, is this young man a friend of yours?”

“He is,” Archibald said. “He’s someone that looked out for Millie while she was on her journey... and upon hearing about your eyes, he said he would like to see what he could do.”

“My eyes?” Millicent said.

“Mother, please relax for a moment,” Millie said.

Presto placed his hand over Duchess Millicent’s eyes, his mind focused entirely on them as he cast the spell he learned earlier. “[Recovery].” A soft violet light glowed from the palm of his hand and into the duchess’ eyes. When the light faded, he pulled his hand away.

Millicent’s gaze wandered for a moment before gradually settling down. After blinking her eyelids a few times, she quietly turned to face in the direction of her husband and daughter.

“...I-I can... see?” she said. “Darling...! I can see!” Tears began to flow from the grateful duchess’ eyes.

“Millicent!”

“Mother!”

The three of them clung to each other and started crying. Finally seeing her husband and daughter for the first time in half a decade, Duchess Millicent smiled brightly through her tears. She simply continued gazing at their faces through tear-stained eyes. The faces of her beloved family. Joshua, who had been quietly watching the scene from nearby, turned his face upward and began sniffling as well. The other mares were also shedding tears at the beautiful scene as well. While Presto felt moved by the scene as well, he was under so much pressure to make sure it worked right that he was more relieved than anything else. Though, he wisely kept that to himself.

“I am greatly indebted to you,” said Archibald later in the parlor. Millie was still in her mother’s room with her. “Really, you have no idea what this all means to me. You not only saved my daughter, but you even cured my wife... Thank you, thank you so much.” He began bowing to Presto again.

“Please, don’t mention it,” Presto said. “Millie’s safe and your wife’s cured. I’m just glad everything’s alright now.”

“No,” Archibald said. “I cannot possibly leave it at that. I really must show you the appropriate level of gratitude. Joshua, bring it over.”

“Of course, sir,” Joshua said as he carried over a silver tray with several objects laid out on it.

“First of all, take this,” Archibald said. “It’s your reward for saving my daughter. As well as escorting her home safely.” Joshua handed Presto a bag that Presto assumed had money in it. “You should find forty platinum bits within.”

The mares reacted as if they couldn’t believe what they heard.

“Is that a lot?” Presto asked.

“Platinum’s the denomination above gold,” Kara said while bringing a cup of tea nervously to her mouth.

“Yeah,” Navy said. “Just one platinum bit’s worth a hundred gold ones.”

“100 gold bits?!” Presto said before doing some calculations.

From his time in that world, he’d learned that there were different types of bits with different values. The base unit was the tin bit, which he equated to one cent. A hundred tin bits equaled a copper bit (which he equated to a dollar), a hundred coppers equaled a bronze bit ($100), a hundred bronze equaled a silver bit ($10,000), a hundred silver equaled a gold bit ($1,000,000), and now, a hundred gold equaled a platinum bit ($100,000,000). He then multiplied that by 40.

And today’s final jackpot is, Presto said internally. $4,000,000,000?!

“W-Wait, I can’t accept this!” Presto said. “That’s way too much!”

“Don’t say that, please, just accept it,” Archibald said. “If you plan to make a living as adventurers, you’ll need equipment to keep you alive and for that, you’ll need money.”

Presto hated to admit it, but he couldn’t argue with that logic. That aside, he could tell the duke wouldn’t let up unless he accepted the reward.

“Okay…” Presto said, not even trying to hide his reluctance.

“In addition,” Archibald said. “I would like to give each of you one of these.” He lined up six medals with lanyards on the table in front of him.

Each medal had a diameter of about an inch. The medals’ design featured a shield in the center with a pair of knights facing each other on either side, presenting their swords. Presto thought there was something familiar about them.

“They’re medals featuring my family crest,” Archibald explained. “With this, you will be able to pass through any checkpoint with relative ease and you will also be able to use facilities normally exclusive to nobles. Should anything ever happen, they will act as guarantee that my family will provide support to you. They are a form of identification, I suppose.”

Presto learned that such medals were normally given out to the family’s exclusive merchants or other such important figures. Each of the medals had the individual names of the party members carved into them and a single word, which meant there could be no duplicates made. This was to make sure they were never abused if lost. Presto’s word was “Tranquility,” Kara’s was “Fervor,” Navy’s was “Vigilance,” Novella’s was “Philanthropy,” Aquamarine’s was “Valor,” and Velvet’s was “Sincerity.” Presto felt these would be useful as it meant he could visit Millie more easily. Though he figured that in an emergency, he could bypass the checkpoints with [Gate] anyway since he’d been to her place at least once already.

When it was time to leave, Millicent and Millie saw them off in the foyer.

“Come back and visit!” Millie said as the party got in their cart.

The party waved goodbye until Millie was out of sight.

“Now, we can deliver this letter to Viscount Hoofrey,” Presto said.

“That’s who you’re delivering to?” Velvet said. “Viscount Hoofrey?”

“You know him?” Kara asked.

“He’s the reason I was going to the capital,” Velvet explained. “He helped out my dad years before.”

When they arrived, they saw that while the viscount’s home was small compared to the duke's, it was still a grand place, clearly rich with history. They mentioned Seamster’s name at the front gate and were let in. They soon met the viscount himself, a dark blue earth stallion with an auburn mane, tail, and goatee and crimson eyes wearing what looked like a martial arts gi. Even with how baggy it was, Presto could tell he was quite muscular.

“My name is Willard Gaylord Hoofrey,” the stallion introduced himself. “Are you the messengers that Seamster sent?”

“We are,” Presto said while handing over the tube containing Seamster’s letter. “We’re here to deliver this letter to you upon his request. We were also asked to receive a response from you to take back with us.”

The viscount took it and removed the wax seal with a knife before reading the contents.

“Wait right here,” Willard said. “I shall write a reply.” After he spoke, the viscount left the room. As he left, a maid entered the room and made tea for the party. “Sorry to have kept you,” he said as he returned with a sealed letter in hand. “Alright, please give this to Seamster. Also, hold on a moment. Before you go...” As he handed Presto the letter, his gaze shifted to Velvet. “I’ve been wondering since I first laid eyes on you... Have we... No, I don’t think we’ve ever met before. Still... What is your name?”

“Velvet Cupcake,” Velvet responded. “Daughter of Chocolate Cupcake.”

“Ah, so, the dozer managed to have a daughter,” the viscount said with a broad smile as he looked her over. “Yep. There’s no mistaking it. Fangs aside, you’re the spitting image of Vanilla. I’m just glad you take your looks from your mother and not your old man!”

“So, do you know Velvet or…” Presto asked.

“Chocolate and I went to school together,” Willard explained. “He slept through the classes, but he managed to get better grades than me and tutored me. It’s thanks to him that I made it to viscount.”

“My dad said you were the most skilled brawler he’d ever seen,” Velvet said.

“That so?” Willard asked.

Velvet nodded. “He even said that if I were to meet you,” she continued. “I should try brawling against you.”

“Did he now?” the viscount asked. “Well, if you are up to it, I would like to see what you can do.”

The viscount’s garden had a dojo in it. Upon entering, Presto couldn’t contain his surprise. It resembled the Japanese-style dojo that his grandfather trained him in.

Whoa, he said internally. This makes me think of home.

“This building was designed by our martial arts master,” Willard explained. “And was built by my father. It was designed to have a Jockeypan aesthetic, as you can see.”

“It’s just like the one my dad has at home,” Velvet said nostalgically. “So, shall we brawl?”

“Before we do,” Willard said. “Pick the leather gloves that suit you best. They’re lined up by the size of their padding.”

Velvet looked them over. She then found a pair of gloves that suited her.

“Do any of you know healing magic?” Willard asked.

“I do,” Novella said.

“Same,” Presto added.

“Then, there’ll be no need to hold back,” Willard said. “Come at me with all you have. But, no magic if you can use it.”

The others sat at the edge of the dojo so they wouldn’t interfere with the fight. Presto was struck by an idea and took out his smartstone.

“What are you doing?” Novella asked in confusion.

“I just had a bit of an idea and I wanted to see how it would play out,” he explained. As he did, Kara took on the role of the referee and took her place between the fighters.

After confirming they were fully ready, she signaled the start.

“Battle… start!”

As Kara’s voice rang throughout the dojo, Velvet dashed toward the viscount with the speed of a bullet. He caught the first punch in his hand and neatly deflected it, repeating the process for all attacks that followed. Velvet momentarily backed away and attempted to adjust her breathing. However, despite the golden opportunity, the viscount didn’t attack her. Instead, he just watched her movements. Facing one another, they closed in on each other as if drawing an inward spiral. Little by little, the distance between them shrunk until it reached a point that summoned another exchange of gloved fists… leading to another chain of vicious blows. However, Velvet was the only one attacking while Willard showed no signs of going on the offensive.

“I see…” the viscount panted. “That’s how it is, huh? Well, how about this?” He shifted his right fist to a lower position and Velvet fixed her aim and breathed as her shoulders moved up and down in quick succession. It was apparent that she was running out of stamina. “Your brawling skills are proper. I would even go as far as to call them exemplary as I don’t see a single wasted movement. It’s just like my old master taught me.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Velvet asked.

“Not in the least,” the viscount said. “However, you don’t have anything beyond that level.”

“Wha–?!” Velvet started before Willard shifted his left fist into an overhead position and displayed his first act of aggression.

“En garde!” He took a step forward and, before anyone noticed, quickly leaped and closed the distance between him and Velvet. The fist he held above his head quickly went down toward her head. Velvet responded by positioning her arms above her head. However, the next moment, she fell to the ground with an unsatisfying sound. She could be heard moaning as she placed her hands on her belly.

“That’s enough!” called Kara.

“I advise against moving too much,” cautioned Willard. “The strike may have caused internal bleeding.” He then looked to Presto and Novella. “Okay, come heal her.”

Presto and Novella obliged and went to heal Velvet. They each placed a hand on her belly and cast a healing spell. At first, Velvet was writhing in pain. Sooner than later, likely due to the fading pain, her expression turned calm.

“Hah,” she said with relief. “I feel better now.” She gave a sincere bow to Willard. “Thanks for your guidance.”

“Of course,” said the viscount. “Your brawling style has no real dark side to it. You mix feints and actual attacks, charge and back away when needed... It’s both fierce and open-ended. However, a proper manner of brawling like yours doesn’t break the limits of dojo training. Now, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. After all, true strength differs from one to another.” His sharp eyes pierced Velvet. “What do you seek from your brawling style?” Velvet didn’t really have an answer. “That is the first thing you must learn. Then, you will find your true path. And when you do, feel free to come back to me.” With those words as his last, the viscount left the dojo.

“Hey, well…” Navy said during the cart ride out of the estate, trying to be supportive. “You shouldn’t mind it too much! Battles are all about luck. If you lost, you were probably bound to lose anyway!”

“Och!” Aquamarine said sarcastically. “Vera helpful words, lass!”

Navy chuckled sheepishly, realizing what she had said. “I’m not the best at these types of things.”

“So, what’ll you do from here, Velvet?” Kara asked. “We’re headed back to Stonewood.”

“Stonewood?” Velvet asked. “My father’s estate is there!”

“Do you want to join us,” Presto asked. “It would make sense if you wanted to visit your father.”

“Ah’m thinkin’ o’ joinin’ yer party,” Aquamarine said to Presto. “Yer the first ter show me kindness n’ ah feel this would be a good way ter repay it.”

“I see no objections to that,” Presto said. “So, I think the Guild will allow it.”

“I kind of envy adventurers,” Velvet sighed. “You have the freedom to make your own decisions and go places for quests while my freedom’s limited. Not only that, but, you make an honest living while I’m being handed money I didn’t earn myself.”

“Who says you can’t be an adventurer?” Novella said. “We’ve seen the way you fight and have no doubt you’re capable.”

“Yeah,” Velvet said. “But, my mana reserves are pretty low. My only other skill is baking.”

“Well, how about that?” Navy said. “We have a kirin friend who owns a bakery. She’s the only staff, so, maybe she can hire you to work part-time.”

“You’d do that?” Velvet asked.

“Of course,” Navy said.

“And hey,” Kara added. “If I’m injured, sick, or otherwise unable to go on a mission, you can fill in for me.”

“Boy, that would be great,” Velvet smiled.

“Presto,” Novella said. “What exactly were you doing at the dojo?”

“Oh, filming the match,” Presto answered nonchalantly.

The mares all made confused faces.

“Film-ming?” Kara asked. “What’s that?”

“It’ll be easier just to show you,” Presto said as he took out his smartstone, brought up the match he recorded, and played it for Velvet.

“Wh-What is this?!” Velvet exclaimed. “Ah! W-Wait! That’s me! And the viscount! Kara’s there, too!”

“I can’t believe it!” Kara gasped. “Is my butt really that big? I honestly thought it was bigger.”

“What the hell is this?!” Navy said. “They’re moving, but, they’re right here! How’s this happening?!”

“Maybe if you’d all calm down for a second,” Presto said. “I can explain better.”

The trio did take some time to calm down.

I’ll need to put this in terms they can understand, Presto thought. “This is…” he explained aloud. “Sort of like my personal Mind spell that allows the recording of events so you can see them again later. I used it to record your match.”

“Oh, I see,” Velvet said. “So, why did you do this?”

“Just for the sake of experimenting,” Presto explained.

“So, what’s the spell called?” Navy asked.

“Uh,” Presto said. “Smartstone, I guess?”

“Interesting,” Kara said.

Velvet took the smartstone and gazed intently at the screen. Soon enough, she got to the part where she was defeated.

“Hmm,” Velvet said. “I’m going to have to work on my defense. My belly’s not as big as Kara’s, so, it can’t take as much punishment.” The recording showed that while Velvet blocked the attack from the viscount’s left fist, she forgot about the right fist, which struck her in the belly. “Ah, I see. That’s what happened. With both my arms occupied blocking my head, my belly was open to attack. Now, I understand what he meant when he said my brawling style has no dark side.”

“So, that should be something to consider,” Presto said. “Sometimes, you don’t wait for openings in your enemy, but, create them yourself.” Velvet nodded in understanding. “Feeling better?”

“Much better actually,” Velvet answered. She gave the smartstone back to Presto, who put it back in his carrier belt. “I made my decision. I’ll be your backup brawler!”

“That’s the spirit,” Kara said.

“Let’s look for a guild branch while we’re here,” Novella suggested. “That way, Aquamarine and Velvet can register.”

“Good idea,” Presto nodded. Then, he thought to himself, I may not deserve these powers, but, if I’m helping others by using them, who cares?

End of chapter.

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter to compensate for being late with the Nine Elements chapter last week.

*Running gag: Presto gets distracted by his own curiosity and bumps into something because he lost track of the world around him.

**This world's Scotland.

***Character by Kitsulestia.

****Art by Blake.

*****Idea from Delicious in Dungeon.

Thoughts? Comments? Ideas for future chapters? Y'all know the drill by now.

Chapter 3: The Crystal Monster

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