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A Month Later...
It had already been a month since I woke up in this new body. My physical condition had greatly improved. I had grown stronger, leaner, and to my utter disbelief—ridiculously handsome. My once-pale face now glowed with life, as if my cells had decided, "You know what? Let's make this guy look like a fantasy heartthrob."
The real shocker, however, was the discovery of my powers. Everyone was stunned when the Mana Element chose me—twice! First, from the rarest magical class: Imaginative Magic, and second, from the mysterious equipment class: Ninja. Apparently, it's nearly impossible for someone to be chosen by two different elements… but hey, I'm clearly not your average Joe.
My father, equally amazed (and maybe a little scared), ordered his guards to find the best Ninja warrior in the city. His goal? To find someone who could properly train me. The guards returned with a legendary name—Yazan, also known as The Thunder Ninja. A fugitive who had deserted the army ten years ago during the Outlaw War.
But the surprises didn't end there.
Turns out, Lisa—yes, our sweet, stern, always-scolding Lisa—is one of the most powerful Metal Magic users in the empire! She specializes in Chant Magic, and let me tell you, she's scary when she casts. I had my first lesson with her just two days ago, and I barely survived. Not even joking. I pulled a muscle just breathing wrong during the warm-up.
And that's when I discovered something else… I had an affinity for Shadow Magic. That's right—teleporting through shadows, summoning shadow blades—classic edgy hero material. The only downside? It's incredibly hard to master as a beginner. Every time I tried teleporting, I ended up in weird places… once inside a wardrobe, once halfway stuck in a wall (Lisa had to yank me out), and once… let's not talk about that time in the chicken coop.
Of course, Lisa got furious every time I failed. But honestly? She's kind-hearted. She just hides it under layers of sarcasm, strict rules, and occasional death threats.
Blushing slightly, I muttered under my breath, "And… she's beautiful."
This morning, I looked everywhere for her, but couldn't find her. When I asked my father, he told me Lisa had gone out with Halk to retrieve my new teacher and second companion.
For the record, Halk is my father's primary bodyguard—think of a mountain that walks and talks. He's gigantic, way too muscular, and wields a massive Mana Cannon that he calls "Little Spark." He's actually really sweet for someone who could crush boulders by hugging them.
As for companions, each member of House Gold has two. Everyone except me. I only had Lisa… until now.
Suddenly, we heard a commotion outside—screaming, chains clanking.
"Ah, that must be the second one," my father said, sipping his tea as if someone wasn't being dragged through the garden.
I peeked out the window and saw a man tied up in enchanted chains, being carried over Halk's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"We've got your new teacher!" Halk yelled with a grin.
Lisa walked beside him, looking completely unfazed.
When we went out into the garden, I finally saw him up close—the infamous Yazan. He was trying to chew through the chains.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Those are Grade-One Binding Charms, you old fossil. You're not biting through them."
"Who're you calling old, you rusty tin can?!" Yazan snapped.
Lisa's face turned red with rage as she conjured a blade of shimmering steel. "I'll end you right here, you toothless geezer!"
"Enough!" my father interrupted calmly. "Lisa, we're not killing him—yet. Let's talk first."
Yazan scoffed. "You're all mad!"
My father looked at him with that terrifying diplomatic smile and said, "Yazan, you're a wanted fugitive. The Empire will tear you limb from limb and feed you to their dogs. Lisa here might cut your head off before lunch. If I let you go, you'll starve to death in the slums. But… if you join my household, you'll have food, clothes, safety, and even a salary of 100 gold yals a month. So—what'll it be?"
Yazan stared down at the grass in silence for a moment. "...Fine. I'll do it. Just… take the chains off, will ya?"
Lisa smirked and released the spell.
Yazan stood up, stretched, and looked dramatically offended. "How could you chain up an old, fragile man like me?"
Halk patted him on the back so hard it almost knocked him over. "You were a pain to catch, buddy. Honestly, if you were at full strength, we wouldn't have had a chance."
(In his head, Halk added: This guy nearly escaped me and Lisa even though he hadn't eaten in weeks. He's terrifying.)
We brought him inside the mansion, and I told the kitchen to prepare a feast. When the food came out, Yazan devoured it like a starving beast, tears running down his face with every bite.
Lisa watched him quietly, then muttered under her breath, "You idiot… Where have you been all this time? I missed you…"
Halk, standing behind her, smiled softly—like a man who knew an old story neither of them wanted to tell.
After the meal, I handed Yazan a towel and said, "Go shower and change into your new uniform."
A while later, he returned… and everyone gasped.
He was… handsome.
Ridiculously so.
Tall, with sharp blue eyes and long hair that shimmered like dark sapphire.
"No way…" I whispered. "He's a pretty boy…"
Yazan gave a polite bow.
And immediately passed out from exhaustion.
"Somebody get him to his room!" I called.
Our new companion had arrived. Training… was about to get serious.
And maybe, just maybe, a lot more hilarious too.