Cross Worlds (Hiatus)

Chapter 7-1: "What Comes Naturally" (Side- Reality)

When my alarm goes off the next morning, I don't hesitate to start getting ready for the day. I'm ecstatic that I get to learn how to use a weapon of my choosing under a master of weapons. Not to mention that the master is a drop-dead gorgeous woman! I asked Fantasy about moving the usual exercise to later in the day, and he said that it was fine as long as it got done at some point. Thank god for that because I wouldn't miss this for the world. In fact, I'm ready a whole 30 minutes before we're even scheduled to meet, and I've eaten a quick breakfast. Currently, I'm waiting in the lobby for Artemis. I'm thinking of messaging Riku Fantasy while I wait to see how his morning preparation is coming along, but I hear that angelic voice before I even tap on my watch's screen.

"Oh? I wasn't expecting you to be early. Good morning Riku." I'm convinced that Artemis wakes up looking as beautiful as she does.

"Good morning Artemis." I give her the brightest smile I have in me.

"If you were a student, I'd give you personal bonus points for being so early." She chuckles softly and pats my head.

"Please don't treat me like a kid..." I laugh nervously, but internally, I'm beaming.

"Sorry sorry." She smiles. "If you're ready to go, then I'll lead the way."

"I'm one hundred percent ready! Let's go!" I grin, not realizing how childish I'm acting right now, but I just can't help it. I do drop by the animal pen first to say goodbye to Roco and make sure he'll be alright without me. Seeing how comfortable he is in his new room, I leave without any worries.

The two of us walk for quite a while, walking outside of the city and into the grassy plains that surround it. Once we're outside of the actual city, I can see a large group of people, all broken off into different sections. Every small group has a mentor teaching them how to use the weapons they hold, from swords to guns and bows to shields.

No matter what weapon they're using though, everyone is wearing the same training equipment. The armor they wear also all seems to be made of the same material. There's padding on their shoulders, elbows, and knees, a vest on their torsos, and they're also wearing boots and fingerless gloves. Under the armor, everyone's also wearing the same black shirt and pants. Not to mention, the weapons they're all using don't actually seem to be real weapons, but training weapons. Although, I'm not quite sure because they look different from the training weapons Riku Fantasy had in his personal "gym".

Artemis comes to a stop just a few yards away from the closest group, and fires off one of firework stars into the air. The "POP!" it makes quickly gets everyone's attention, and one of the teacher's shouts, "Everyone! Lady Artemis has arrived! Turn your attention toward her!" All of the trainees and instructors quickly do so, standing at attention.

"Hello everyone!" Artemis raises her voice just loud enough so everyone can hear her. "Allow me to introduce a new student! His name is Riku Fumiya, and he's even more of a novice than the newest of you apprentices!" Considering the surprised look some of the teachers and students give, I imagine that must mean even the greenest of the green come to Artemis at least with some knowledge of the weapon they want to learn. Since I don't know anything about using any kind of weapon, outside of what I've seen in anime, their reaction isn't exactly uncalled for.

After Artemis has stated that, the mentor from before shouts once again. "Even so! What is Lady Artemis' motto if you wish to learn her teachings?!"

Every student yells in unison after that. "NO MATTER HOW GREEN ONE MAY BE, THEY WILL BE TREATED WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY, FOR THEY ARE STILL OUR PEERS!"

"Good!" Artemis smiles proudly. I'm amazed she's unified so many people. I could tell just from her aura that she was a great teacher, but I never imagined she'd be this good. "To explain to you just how green he is, let's just say he was attacked by three brutes yesterday and was nearly killed! If I hadn't found him and his griffon when I did, he'd most likely be dead!"