"You shall submit as you had in the past."
What was that?
Wait. Don't tell me I'm some incarnation of some ancient magical freak.
That seemed like a lot of trouble, but at least I'll probably be able to use some magic. So that brings me to the next question: what kind of world am I in?
Is it a silent type of transmigration, the kind where the protagonist doesn't know they even transmigrated until a lot later, because the new world is like a parallel world of theirs with only a handful of differences?
But I'd have to confirm it. With that thought in mind, I grabbed my phone and searched for the continents, countries, ministers, history, culture, celebrities, and so on. I even subtly interrogated Sonan, but found nothing different, so I can confirm with confidence, I didn't transmigrate.
Okay. Now what?
Look up other transmigration or isekai tropes to make sense of my current situation?
No. On second thought, this ain't transmigration, I can smell it, the subtle smell of burnt gas, human sweat, fresh breeze mixed with a hint of that sour smell underneath that mix of spices with a slightly burnt acidic scent.
It's strange, though, I frowned. Why didn't I detect it earlier? Was something draining the energy of this world away?
I mean, it's only logical to assume there are other worlds besides ours, and even more so now that I can partially confirm magic exists, unless it's just me hallucinating.
You shall submit as you have in the past.
These words slipped out before I could even react.
That's right. You shall submit.
F**k!! I almost jumped out of my seat.
Where the hell is it coming from?
I took a deep breath and let it go. Belatedly, I realised I was sweating like crazy.
So, we know this ain't some transmigration trope, nor is it reincarnation. And the only thing that comes to mind is those tropes where a game becomes reality or dungeons descending and stuff.
Cool.
Yeah, really cool.
This is so f**king cool.
I mean, who wouldn't like getting their own world to become a cosmic playground for whichever entity is up there messing around?
Having magic is cool and all. But it would be way cooler if I were actually alive to use it. Besides, wouldn't it have been better if this magical playground were somewhere else and not on Earth (is that even what it's called?)
A soft hand brushed the few strands of hair that had fallen over my face amidst my contemplation, jolting me out of my thoughts.
I traced the hand to its owner. Sonan. Of course, who else would I be so unguarded towards?
"Are you ok? Do you need to visit the infirmary?"
I shook my head. "Just tired. I'll take a nap," Saying that, I lay down on the desk, not being able to stand the concerned look in her eyes.
I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep, but my mind was somewhere else.
First of all, I need to figure out how to use magic so that I can last a little longer when the apocalypse descends. Also, learn about the mythical stories and folklore around here. It'll probably help a lot. There is no smoke without a fire after all.
Speaking of which, is there a system or something? And when exactly is doomsday gonna descend?
Sigh
Whatever. Let's take it one step at a time. Let's figure out how to use magic.
Let's see. According to the novels, you need to enter a meditative state or something and sense the magical energy present in the surroundings.
Entering a meditative state is relatively easy for me, but how am I supposed to sense the magical energy around me?
By the way, the "magical energy" is so uncool. Let's follow our predecessors and call it mana.
That decision was somehow very satisfying. D*mn.
Anyhow, let me give it a try.
First, inhale deeply and exhale. Empty your mind and turn your gaze inwards. Relax both your body and mind. Once it stabilises, slowly turn your consciousness outward. Try and identify what is around me, not leaving out a single thing.
It took some time, but I slowly got into it. But it was difficult to focus because the posture was kinda weird. Who even meditates by lying down on a desk?
Wait!!
When did I even start noticing the whispers and those shadowy things?
Strange. Very strange. I don't seem to remember.
A certain possibility came to mind, filling me with dread and apprehension.
Could it be? Is it possible that my mind was tampered with?
Think d*mn it. Think. Was there any other instance that was strange or inconsistent?
I mentally made a note to look into it more when I have time, before starting the meditation all over again. As I identified the objects around me, I quickly realised something that made me fume in frustration.
I was identifying the objects with the many sounds around me, not the "mana sensing thingy". If I can't even do this, how am I even gonna sense mana?
True, it takes time to get it down. But God!! I feel so frustrated!!!
It would've been cool if I could just say the magic word and the "system" just comes to my help.
Wait.
Should I just try it out?
I took a deep breath to calm down. Focus.
Yeah. Focus.
Hoo. Here goes nothing.
System!!
I called out in a low voice.
1 second, 2, 3, 4.....
Uhh... System???
System!!!!
Oh God, I thought I'd at least get a cheat- I mean-
System!! System Godfather! I'll worship you as my God!
System!
Wait. System? System Panel? System Window?
Profile? Profile Bar? System Window?
Status?
[Ding]
Oh my God!!!!
It worked!!!
A translucent screen popped up in front of me.
But....
Aren't these things supposed to be in blue?
Why is mine black and purple?
Heh. Am I the protagonist after all? Hehe.
On second thought, I don't think so. The protagonist can't possibly be targeted by those shadowy things, right? I mean, of course, the protagonist suffers, but this kind of story is most likely villain-coded, ain't it?
Yeah, that makes sense, especially after I saw thatback then.
I shook my head before focusing on the black screen showcasing my name and current stats in a royal purple that somehow made the whole thing look way cooler than it should.
[Status]
[ Name: Navya Raj
Age: 18
Race: Human
Bloodline: ???