Tensura: The Odyssey

Chapter 2 : A New Friend, A New Name: The Tempest Awakens

The voice—or presence—I felt was ancient, powerful, like a storm brewing in the distance. It resonated in my mind, reminiscent of rumbling thunder, carrying a gravity that seemed to draw me in whether I wanted to or not. There was something undeniably charismatic about it, like his very thoughts were being imprinted directly onto my consciousness. But despite the overwhelming power, I could tell there wasn't any hostility or malice—just a deep curiosity.

That didn't change the fact that I had no idea how to respond.

How the hell am I supposed to answer him?  It's not like I have vocal cords anymore, and mind-to-mind speaking? I have no idea how he's even doing that.

"Stop ignoring me. I know you can hear me," The voice rumbled again, impatience creeping in.

"Shut it, baldy!" The words just spilled out of my mind. "I don't even know how to speak! How the hell am I supposed to answer you?!"

Wait... Did I just... reply? Through my thoughts?

"Baldy? You dare call me that? Kuku... kuaha... KUAHAHAHA!!"

Oh crap!  He heard that. Damn it, mouth—I mean, mind. I really need to think before I speak... wait, I didn't even speak! I just thought it.

I sighed internally. This is going to take a while to get used to.

His laughter echoed through the cavern, but instead of feeling menacing, it almost seemed... amused. Still, it's probably not a good idea to go around insulting ancient, powerful beings—especially when I've just learned how to accidentally speak to them.

Maybe I should apologize... yeah, better safe than sorry. I focused my thoughts, trying to form the words. "Uh... sorry about that, Mr. Baldy—I mean, sir! I didn't mean any disrespect."

There was a brief silence, and then his voice thundered again, full of amusement.

"Sir, is it now? Hmm... it's been centuries since anyone dared speak to me like this. How intriguing."

Well, at least he's not mad... I think.

The ground seemed to tremble beneath me slightly. His overwhelming presence remained, but it didn't feel like a threat. Instead, there was a flicker of interest in his tone, almost like... curiosity.

"Uh, the thing is... I can't actually see anything," I admitted, feeling a bit awkward. "I can only get a sense of my surroundings, sort of like a pseudo-vision, thanks to my skills. But the barrier around here... it's kinda interfering with it."

"Interesting,"  he mused. "A pseudo-vision through skills, you say? Hmm... Say, how about I give you real vision, then? Though in exchange, you'd have to do something for me. What do you say?"

I froze for a second. A deal? He doesn't seem like a bad guy, but still... I don't even know who or what he is.

"What would I have to do for you?" I asked cautiously. No way was I agreeing to something blind—well, in more ways than one. He might sound amused, but that didn't change the fact that he was still an unknown entity in a place filled with overwhelming magicules which he seems to be the source of.

His laughter rumbled again, softer this time, but still powerful enough to shake the air around me. "A wise question, little slime. I wouldn't expect you to agree without knowing the terms. All I ask is for some companionship. It's been far too long since I've had someone to talk to, and, well... I find you rather intriguing."

I blinked—mentally, of course. Wait, what? He just wants someone to talk to?  This guy had to be some kind of ridiculously powerful being, and all he wanted was a chat?