Author Notes:
Yikes, I spent too much time planning kek. Bloody Hell, I need more recaf after the recent burnout and bad news. But hey, that's life for ya.
Enjoy the GSS chapter, everyone. It's a bit sad that the Recruitment Drive is closed, for now.
There are advanced chapters on Patreon for both of my fics, with a couple of special bonuses if you read the fine print
https://www.patreon.com/Heartbreak117
https://ko-fi.com/heartbreak117/goal?g=0
Income goal 750/880 USD (UmU)
Ein Taixuan https://postimg.cc/rz1YPL9n
-------------------------------------------------------------
[Jump successful... The User is operating at full capacity.]
[May this journey be fruitful for you, User.]
After the System's announcement, I come to see the light, normal light, at the end of the Kaleidoscopic tunnel that I just traveled through. It takes my brain a moment to register that I am on one knee, and the grass beneath me is soft and luscious, with an earthy, pure scent. I am touching grass, literally, and it ain't the hardy sorts that's more common to Cadia. This grass tempts one to just lie down and pass out then and there without a care in the world. It is that good, and borderline on the unnatural, according to my brain, mostly because I have forgotten the pleasant feeling of touching something that's not Warhammer.
Taking a calming breath of the unpolluted and cool air around me, I can just about feel whatever mental fatigue I have being gently blown away. It doesn't take much for me to know that I am somewhere high above sea level, where the oxygen content, while pure, is less dense compared to lower altitudes. It is, however, the best breath I have ever had in years. Cadia, while never contaminated like those Forge Worlds, doesn't have the luxury of a pure atmosphere like this world I'm in. This beats breathing through an apparatus all day, any day for me. Frankly, the air quality of this world seems to trump that of my past life, at least the one I know of.
So, good grass, great air, what else is in store for me? Well, apparently, it's the warm sunlight from above. And I tell you, the feeling of standing beneath a normal sun without the presence of the Eye of Terror is... Something. I mean, it's nostalgic, yes, but honestly speaking, the warmth offered by the Emperor's cuddles is way, way better. Still, it's good to have another benchmark, and I find this experience refreshing as I have never once set foot on another planet other than Cadia in this life, technically speaking.
After a few seconds more of indulgence, I focus myself, noting the presence of the same battle gear I carried with me onto the Chimera. So, it's either that I was whisked away, body and all, or I am inhabiting a carbon copy of myself, created specifically by the System just for this universe... There are certain ramifications either way, but they're something I can live with as long as the benefits I acquire here can be carried over back to my home universe.
Testing the weight of Black Steel in my left hand by digging it into the grass a couple of times, I firmly establish myself in this new reality. I am down on my right knee, with my shield being a stake in the ground to support a portion of my body weight. I am kneeling atop the steps of a splendorous mountain, marked by age and Mother Nature's gifts. Behind me lies a cliff that leads straight to a white canvas, painted by lazy clouds of purity and sanctity. Near my location are shadows cast by even higher mountain tops and grand archways that are seemingly hand-carved by a force unimaginable to man. A gust of wind blows, and my gaze turns to track the drifting plum blossoms that now travel to places unknown. With all the plum blossoms in the air, a sweet scent permeated my surroundings. I am tempted to spend yet another moment reacquainting myself with Mother Nature's gift once again, but then I catch sight of manmade structures that are built seamlessly into the distance stone archways, and sculpted mountainscape.
"Breathtaking, isn't it?" The soothing voice of a female comes from behind me.
Covering up my surprise, having been unable to sense anyone approaching, I pivot to tuck myself behind Black Steel and, in one smooth, continuous motion, pull out my Laspistol to level it at the newcomer. Once again, I meet someone taller than me... But this lady in front of me is something else. My instinct finally registers her presence and it is screaming about her unfathomableness. While not to the point of the Emperor of Man Herself, she is still way above the league of someone like Chapter Master Tu'shan or Chief Librarian Vel'cona. And frankly, my Laspistol may as well be a flashlight against her, even when I account for me taking absolutely lethal shots. More than that, I think I will still have my ass handed to me even with the Abyss Totem Stigmata in the mix.
If anything, it seems I've found my Martial Master.
After that thought, I sigh before holstering my Laspistol and standing up to my full height; my shield is lowered to a stand-by position. "My apologies for the discourtesy. I was merely... Surprised, by your arrival."
The lady nods in my direction as she steps forward on the grass, making no sound whatsoever, as if she's gliding on them. As she walks past near me to the cliff, I get to see her visage closer. White hair that fades into a soft red at the tip, a singular streak of vivid red hair going down her right bang. The mysterious lady is a head taller than me, with a youthful body that exudes a perfectly honed vitality and prowess. She may not have a buxom figure like my Mama, but the coiling power beneath her young facade is a statement in and of itself. She seems to be stoic and aloof from what I can glean from her face. Her ruby red eyes never once wavered, even when I pointed my weapon at her face. If that's any indication, it's the lady being confident in her defense. Her physicality matches that of Weiss, which is another way of saying that she is pretty. Although if Weiss is a Western-styled beauty, then this lady is of the Eastern-styled. Wearing a white and red qipao, the lady has the look of a beauty that can topple nations and castles in Ancient China. Additionally, her outfit is complemented by the red and black gloves, a red hairpiece, black leggings, and black heeled boots. While the combination is surprisingly modern, it does help her exude a sense of martial mastery, furthering my suspicion of her being my Martial Master.
So, what should I do next? For once, I'd better answer her previous question. "More than breathtaking, it is a vista that one will never forget... Where I am from, things are never this peaceful."
I join the lady by the cliff, overlooking the sea of clouds below and the structures that form a town in the distance. "Something is always simmering beneath the surface back home..." I add with a sigh, and ain't that truly the case?
While the majority of the Imperium may never see apocalyptic conflicts for generations, it will be foolish to say that one can safely traverse the dark without bumping into something horrid. The shadow never rests in the Imperium.
The lady next to me hums in acknowledgement of my words. "It would seem that humanity never has it easy, no matter where we are."
I let out a small smile. "Hearing you say that, I guess the humans of this world have troubles of their own as well."
"Well, it's only a genocidal event or two." Very calmly, the lady says something shocking. "But I guess this is but a small number to the figures from where you hailed from, am I right?"
"... Right." Welp, that seals the deal.
I turn fully to her, and thanks to my Master of Ceremonies Perk, I perform a splendid martial bow, hands cupped together and all. "My name is Ein, and I greet Master."
The lady regards my action for a few seconds before sighing, and her hands move to stop me from maintaining the bow. "Willing as I am to train you, this is only my second time accepting a disciple... I don't think I am at all comfortable with the title of Master, for I don't think I am one at all."
Master, are you serious? I am pretty sure I won't last three punches from her before I am out for the count. And that, in my opinion, warrants a certain degree of self-respect for this Master of mine, but she is surprisingly humble.
"Then, if not Master... Then what should I call you?" I ask seriously.
"This... My real name is Hua, although for various reasons, I have taken the name of Fu Hua. If you are not comfortable with calling me by the name, then at least settle for the title of sister for my sake." Master, Fu Hua, answers with a wry smile before looking in the direction she came from.
"Or you can call her Jingwei!" Comes the cheery voice of a petite young woman, who is now waving at me in greeting. "Yahallo~! You must be Ein! It's indeed better to see a new friend in person, rather than through a playback by the System. Oh! Oh! You can call me Nuwa, or sister Nuwa as well! That is, if you're fine with me being your senior.
The cheerful lady, Nuwa, is a woman who has a fair skin complexion and red eyes, which seem to be set in a casual and relaxed expression. Her dark brown hair is extensively long, reaching her ankles in length, and it parts in the centre. It is tied into 2 buns at the sides of her head, held together by a golden ji hairpin. Her youthful look is complemented by a black long-sleeved qipao. "And this is my older twin sister, Fuxi!"
"I can introduce myself, you know? But yes, I am Fuxi, the sister to the rambunctious Nuwa." Fuxi replies dryly, though one can clearly see a smile beneath her stern eyes. She is every bit a carbon copy of Nuwa except for her eyes being blue and that she is wearing a white qipao. Additionally, Fuxi's hairpin has two red tassels hanging off on both sides of the pin.
"And you love me for it, tehe~! But last but not least, this over here is our family's pride and joy, Ji Xuanyuan!" Nuwa continues tattling off, pushing forward a girl who has been behind her.
"H-Hello!" The girl stammers slightly when being put under the spotlight by Nuwa. "I-I am Ji Xuanyuan, and if you're Jingwei's new disciple then... That makes me your senior sister as well?"
Xuanyuan says uncertainly before she seriously ponders the matter, nearly forgetting that I and the rest are here as well. Ji Xuanyuan appears as a short young woman. She wears a traditional Chinese orange dress with her dark hair being short and adorned with simple ornaments. She also has amber eyes that, while reflecting youthfulness and curiosity, are steady and unwavering... At least in some parts. From what I can read from her expression and gait, she is a simple girl with a chance and a dream. For reasons unknown to me, I can't help but see myself in her.
As they gather around me, I take the chance to say. "Well, I guess you all must have known of me thanks to the System, but allow me to reintroduce myself... My name is Ein, a Corporal of the Cadian 8th Regiment, which is in turn under the command of the Joint Task Force belonging to the Imperium of Man... Which are titles meaningless to where we are. From here on out, I am someone who seeks the training necessary to protect what I hold dear. So..."
I bow at them all, Fu Hua, Fuxi, Nuwa, and Xuanyuan. "I'll be in your care, sisters."
"Yes!"
Ignoring Nuwa, who is jumping in joy and shouting something about getting another little sister to care for, Fuxi offers an encouraging smile and a nod. Xuanyuan regards me with a warm gaze, while my new sister and Master, Hua, gazes at me appreciatively and inquisitively. Hua then says.
"Come on, Ein, you should follow us to our shared abode. It will also be your new home in this world from now on."
Fuxi nods, adding with a curious tone. "And as we ascend the steps, perhaps we can trade some intelligence. I hope you do excuse me, Ein, when I say that, while the System may have shown us a few tidbits about you and the promise of tangible benefits by associating with you, we do require more than those if we are to fully trust you."
I acknowledge her concern with an understanding expression. "Don't worry, sister Fuxi, I do not take offense to what you said. Instead, I am more than willing to answer your questions, those that I can comfortably share, at least."
Hua interjects calmly. "And we will do the same, Ein. Sincerity begets sincerity. This shall be our first steps at getting to know each other properly."
"Then perhaps we can start this off by discussing the System itself? If anything, its existence is wild." Nuwa adds with a grin before stepping closer to hug Xuanyuan's left arm, causing the young woman to fluster. "But let's see if we can talk about it in easy-to-understand terms, don't want poor Xuanyuan here to go googly eyes on us, right?"
As the air around us gets more and more animated as we ascend the steps to a point higher than where we were, I have a sudden feeling that the following days will be more than just being fruitful. A bumper harvest is guaranteed, at the very least.