The Archagents

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

Weird... but pretty convenient.

I glance over at Mirabelle, smiling graciously as I took the sweet tonic from her hand, examining it for a moment.

"Much appreciated... Though maybe it's better used on someone who got hurt in this incident?" I offered it back to her. I can always walk off the soreness, right?

Then my attention turns to the captain of the guard. Finally, someone else who might be able to help me find my way.

"Good to meet you! I'm..." I pause... For some reason my own name eludes me.

"..."

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"Alright, let's see what else we've got..." I concentrated to try to see what else I can do... Then an image pops in my mind... a skill?

"...Seeing Double!" I shout out, using my Rock Craft... to increase my speed and create an afterimage of myself next to me.

"Looks like there's more where that came from eh?" Isabeau grinned.

"I'll take care of its buddy on the right!"

"Then I'll take the left one!" Mirabelle nodded.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"Alright, let's see what else we've got..." I concentrated to try to see what else I can do... Then an image pops in my mind... a skill?

"...Seeing Double!" I shout out, using my Rock Craft... to increase my speed and create an afterimage of myself next to me.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I stood there, listening to the angry mob take their shots at the Head Housemaiden. Yikes. It was no wonder she was so tense and emotional earlier with all these ingrates treating her like that.

...Or maybe the blame should fall on the King for not giving her the support she needs in this difficult transition?

Either way, that would have to wait. Mirabelle just up and sprinted into the direction of trouble... And it looks like I'm gonna have to back her up if no one else will.

"Look out!"

You and Mirabelle were shielded from a devastating rock blast.

Your protector was barely left standing after that attack.

"Captain Isabeau!" Mirabelle cried as she rushed to his side.

"Don't worry, this is nothing!" said the apparent Captain Isabeau.

"B-But..."

"It's a rock type, it'd hurt you a lot worse if you got hit by it..."

Mirabelle clasped her hands and created a healing force of energy. With Mirabelle busy healing the weakened captain it was up to you to strike the first blow against the creature.

"Careful when you attack it!" Isabeau warned.

"One of its heads is fake! Find the real one and hit it as hard as you can before it strikes again!"

I look towards the Captain with a worried look for a second before darting my eyes back on the enemy.

"Well there's only one thing for it then!" I pound my knuckles together, reinforcing my fists with Rock Craft to make them as hard and dense as possible. "Put 'em up, sucker!"

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I stood there, listening to the angry mob take their shots at the Head Housemaiden. Yikes. It was no wonder she was so tense and emotional earlier with all these ingrates treating her like that.

...Or maybe the blame should fall on the King for not giving her the support she needs in this difficult transition?

Either way, that would have to wait. Mirabelle just up and sprinted into the direction of trouble... And it looks like I'm gonna have to back her up if no one else will.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I've rested plenty! Besides, there's too much to do, not enough time to just be idle but..."

I pause, thinking about what the mysterious voice told me. Something about... the space time continuum being destroyed? Wishes clashing?

"...They're all true. A few months ago, the House of Perfection was attacked by a powerful craft user that sought to freeze everyone in time. Luckily for us, The King arrived and undid the time freeze curse. I...was there when it happened, but I honestly don't remember much about it after the fact. I'm just glad The King managed to unfreeze the world and set it back to the way it was before. If anything had happened to Dormont...to everyone in the house...I-I don't know what I'd do!" She started to shake a bit, but she grit her teeth and continued.

After all, the whole "broken and rotting in the universe" lines up with what I was told before.

"Y-You want an audience with the King?!" Mirabelle froze in place a bit.

"Well...I'll try to get him to give you an audience. But he is pretty busy most of the time. When we discuss matters of Dormont, I rarely have time to get in anything that isn't of utmost importance." Mirabelle wrings her hands and brings them up to her face but stops before she can bite her nails.

"I can at least tell you what I know. The King said that there was a curse that had erased his home, and he feared that the same might happen to Vaugarde too. He didn't specify much about it, but he said that the one that froze Vaugarde in time was connected to the curse somehow. That the curse had caused the world to break apart at the seams, the curse's rotting was causing the land to break apart, earthquakes, and a weird bright shade that hurts if you look at it for too long. His wish needs to be fulfilled in order for the world to set itself right again. After he broke the curse he said he could make it so that Vaugarde is safe and perfect forever...He made me the Head Housemaiden, since the previous one had completely disappeared. I initially refused, there were dozens of other housemaidens that were far more capable than me. But The King insisted, he said that thanks to my immunity to timecraft he needed me at his side should disaster strike again." Mirabelle became quiet for a moment. She broke her silence with hitched breaths.

"The worst part is that I can't even remember the first Head Housemaiden, not her name, not what she looked like, nothing!" She wipes the tears pricking her eyes.

"So I have even less excuses to mess this up. I know if she were here she'd know what to do. But she's not. I'm all that's left. If I fail then Dormont is doomed and it will be all my fault for being so useless!" She stares off into the distance. Her eyes narrowed in frustration at herself as she struggled in vain to keep herself together until she finally covered her face with her hands.

I stop to listen the rest of Mirabelle's words, soaking in this new information being presented.

"Safe... Perfect... Forever...?" I grimace slightly.

If there was one thing that fictional tropes taught me, it was that anyone who was looking for those particular goals is probably... a bit stressed about everything going on... and maybe not open to any constructive criticism.

But maybe I could be wrong? I haven't even met the guy yet and Mirabelle seems... grateful? About him saving them all? And her promotion? And oh, she's... she's crying... Ah shit. What do I do?

"O-Oh... No no, it's alright. You're... Well... It's a lot of responsibility on short notice it sounds like... and it also sounds like you're kinda... learning as you go, right? Maybe I can help you somehow?"

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I've rested plenty! Besides, there's too much to do, not enough time to just be idle but..."

I pause, thinking about what the mysterious voice told me. Something about... the space time continuum being destroyed? Wishes clashing?

"...They're all true. A few months ago, the House of Perfection was attacked by a powerful craft user that sought to freeze everyone in time. Luckily for us, The King arrived and undid the time freeze curse. I...was there when it happened, but I honestly don't remember much about it after the fact. I'm just glad The King managed to unfreeze the world and set it back to the way it was before. If anything had happened to Dormont...to everyone in the house...I-I don't know what I'd do!" She started to shake a bit, but she grit her teeth and continued.

After all, the whole "broken and rotting in the universe" lines up with what I was told before.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I've rested plenty! Besides, there's too much to do, not enough time to just be idle but..."

I pause, thinking about what the mysterious voice told me. Something about... the space time continuum being destroyed? Wishes clashing?

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

But then my ears perk up at a VERY familiar term being uttered.

"Boulang...erie...?"

That's... That's a French bakery, isn't it? Am I in France? An alternate France? France-adjacent???

Well, at least I won't feel too homesick with the smell of a baguette nearby.

"Ah! So you guys do have one of those... Well, I guess that's a good a start as any but uhh, that can wait for later. Where should we go first for the tour?"

The two of you set out towards the west of Dormont. At the end of the path an enormous tree towers above the both of you.

"Oooh, that's neat! Do people make wishes to it like on a particular day or is it like... a weekly or monthly or yearly thing they do?"

I walk up closer to the Favor Tree, examining it a bit closely, tapping on the bark with my knuckle.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

But then my ears perk up at a VERY familiar term being uttered.

"Boulang...erie...?"

That's... That's a French bakery, isn't it? Am I in France? An alternate France? France-adjacent???

Well, at least I won't feel too homesick with the smell of a baguette nearby.

"Ah! So you guys do have one of those... Well, I guess that's a good a start as any but uhh, that can wait for later. Where should we go first for the tour?"

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"... Is this a complimentary tour? Because I don't have any cash on me... So I won't be able to tip at the end..."

How odd... Was it their idea of a homeless shelter perhaps? Or did she just think about the most vacant abandoned building?

"Oh thanks!... Is there a catch though?" I squint my eyes with a look of apprehension. "... Do I have to fight other hobos to assert my rightful place in the clocktower?"

Oh... Wait, even if I get a house there's still another problem...

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

"... Is this a complimentary tour? Because I don't have any cash on me... So I won't be able to tip at the end..."

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I look around, having suddenly lost a sense of what I was doing a minute ago... or an hour ago... or...

"... Holy shit, how long have I been out?"

I reach up to touch my own face... It barely feels real.

"...I swear to God, if that sleezy vampire spiked my drink with pixie dust, I'm gonna shove a wooden stake far up his--!!"

I stop myself, realizing that someone or... something was talking to me just now. I take a moment to process the words that were just said to me.... Something about all this seems too... elaborate to be a really bad trip.

"Oh wait... Oh shoot, I'm not hallucinating, am I..." I clear my throat, realizing that I was being rude just now. I make a salute with my fist pressed into my chest as though rehearsed... or just by habit now. "Erm... Sorry! I uh... I'm Zep. Archagent Nicholas Zep! 3rd Rank Pathfinder of the Optics Branch! I... Erm... and uh I..." I purse my lips, breaking into a nervous sweat all of a sudden. Why did it suddenly feel like I was in front of a classroom with my pants down? What was I supposed to say next or share about myself--

Actually. Why am I even saying all this to some voice I've never heard of???

"I am a being that has existed since the birth of space and time itself and it is my duty to safeguard both. You are here because of wishes, or more precisely wishes that clash with each other. I am trying to keep this reality intact, but I cannot cancel out the wishes. They will have to fight for dominance until one or all of them are satisfied... "

"...This will lead to more breaks in reality, perhaps one that can return you to your own reality…The choice is yours whether you want to take it. But until then you will be stuck in this world and you will have to protect yourself."

"Your abilities will be converted into a form of magic known as craft. Piercing craft is for moves that attack or destroy. Protecting craft is for moves that protect or strengthen. Creative craft is for moves that create or improvise."

Which one do you think suits you best? (What type or dual type will you be?)

I fold my arms, looking contemplative over the explanation.

"...Am I being pranked right now? Is this some sort of bit that the guys are pulling on me?" I narrow my eyes and look around to see if any of this was the result of some elaborate special effect or some parlor trick spell by some group of mages... "..."

"Oh god, you're serious. This is actually happening."

I hold my head for a moment... then drag my hands down my face.

"Ooooough... Dammit... What is with my luck these past few weeks...?" I mutter quietly under my breath before slapping my face twice... hard in fact. Harder than I should have. My cheeks are swollen red. Ow... Help.

"...Alright buddy, you're on." I flash a cocky grin while my cheeks are swelling up. "I uh... I'm told often that I get myself in a lot of situations where I hurt myself... and that I'm an idiot in a lot of respects... but um..."

You blink...and see a clear grey sky. 

The pale sun shines down on you through pristine clouds. You are surrounded by soft grass, a perfect spot to take a nap in any other circumstance. It's all such a picturesque place that some may wish would stay like that forever. Keeping the safety and nostalgia frozen in a perfect moment in time...

Behind you, you can see a clearing with various houses.

...Soft. Wow... I've never felt such soft grass before. Am I dead? Is this heaven or...?

I close my eyes for a second, seemingly convinced that this was some sort of obscure dream... or that I died somehow but with no recollection as to the cause of death.

That's fine. I can just lay here.

...

My foot's getting itchy--wait, dead people don't get itchy do they?

"...OOOOOUGH!!!!" I sprawl and scramble about the ground like some wild spasmic little thing, forcing my body into an adrenaline-induced panic as I get up all of a sudden. The grass around and under me gets torn and tossed everywhere in the process.

"...I'm alive... and... this isn't a dream... Either that or I'm in a wicked coma..." I narrow my eyes before looking into the clearing.

"Okay, now stay off that ankle for a bit. As long as you give it a few days rest, it should be good as new!"

"Augh, it still hurts a bit! Surely someone with more experience healing someone would have made all the pain go away?"

"Oh knock it off will you? If the king appointed Mirabelle as the Head Housemaiden there must have been a good reason."

"...Well, it's better than limping back with a bleeding ankle I suppose."

"Right, and anyway we've still got work to do and so does the Head Housemaiden."

"Humph, I certainly wouldn't want to do all she has to do today."

Two of the figures leave with one carrying the other's weight. Once the healer is alone you make out words that she had tried to keep under her breath.

"Pull it together Mirabelle, you don't have time to feel sorry for yourself when you do a bad job. Dormont is counting on you! The house of Perfection is counting on you! The King is counting on you! You have to be perfect!"

Looks like magic still works in... Wherever this universe is... The voice mentioned Protective Craft but I'm still not sure how it works. Maybe someone can tell me about it? And about this place?

Seeing the two fellas walk away, I slowly make my way over to this "Head Housemaiden" who seemed... A bit tense.

Shoot, is this a good idea? Is this even a good time to ask... Ah damn, it's too late, I've already approached. Gotta commit now.

"A visitor! I'm so sorry that I didn't see you sooner! I hope that you weren't left alone for too long. Everyone's been so busy working on the King's project-and I've had to heal so many people that got hurt on it-and I didn't even think to check the road to greet any new people-Oh…Sorry, I shouldn't make any useless excuses."

She suddenly stiffens her back straight as a board.

"My name is Mirabelle Chevalier, Head Housemaiden of Dormont's House of Perfection. We the people of Dormont are happy to welcome you!"

"Oh no, that's fine. I'm not worried about any of that erm... My name's Nicholas Zep. I'm frommmm..."

I pause for a moment, trying to keep in mind that this is a new world and therefore the geography would be vastly different.

"Well... You wouldn't know of it. It's not really a notable place. Not like here haha..." I take a quick glance around my surroundings.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I look around, having suddenly lost a sense of what I was doing a minute ago... or an hour ago... or...

"... Holy shit, how long have I been out?"

I reach up to touch my own face... It barely feels real.

"...I swear to God, if that sleezy vampire spiked my drink with pixie dust, I'm gonna shove a wooden stake far up his--!!"

I stop myself, realizing that someone or... something was talking to me just now. I take a moment to process the words that were just said to me.... Something about all this seems too... elaborate to be a really bad trip.

"Oh wait... Oh shoot, I'm not hallucinating, am I..." I clear my throat, realizing that I was being rude just now. I make a salute with my fist pressed into my chest as though rehearsed... or just by habit now. "Erm... Sorry! I uh... I'm Zep. Archagent Nicholas Zep! 3rd Rank Pathfinder of the Optics Branch! I... Erm... and uh I..." I purse my lips, breaking into a nervous sweat all of a sudden. Why did it suddenly feel like I was in front of a classroom with my pants down? What was I supposed to say next or share about myself--

Actually. Why am I even saying all this to some voice I've never heard of???

"I am a being that has existed since the birth of space and time itself and it is my duty to safeguard both. You are here because of wishes, or more precisely wishes that clash with each other. I am trying to keep this reality intact, but I cannot cancel out the wishes. They will have to fight for dominance until one or all of them are satisfied... "

"...This will lead to more breaks in reality, perhaps one that can return you to your own reality…The choice is yours whether you want to take it. But until then you will be stuck in this world and you will have to protect yourself."

"Your abilities will be converted into a form of magic known as craft. Piercing craft is for moves that attack or destroy. Protecting craft is for moves that protect or strengthen. Creative craft is for moves that create or improvise."

Which one do you think suits you best? (What type or dual type will you be?)

I fold my arms, looking contemplative over the explanation.

"...Am I being pranked right now? Is this some sort of bit that the guys are pulling on me?" I narrow my eyes and look around to see if any of this was the result of some elaborate special effect or some parlor trick spell by some group of mages... "..."

"Oh god, you're serious. This is actually happening."

I hold my head for a moment... then drag my hands down my face.

"Ooooough... Dammit... What is with my luck these past few weeks...?" I mutter quietly under my breath before slapping my face twice... hard in fact. Harder than I should have. My cheeks are swollen red. Ow... Help.

"...Alright buddy, you're on." I flash a cocky grin while my cheeks are swelling up. "I uh... I'm told often that I get myself in a lot of situations where I hurt myself... and that I'm an idiot in a lot of respects... but um..."

You blink...and see a clear grey sky. 

The pale sun shines down on you through pristine clouds. You are surrounded by soft grass, a perfect spot to take a nap in any other circumstance. It's all such a picturesque place that some may wish would stay like that forever. Keeping the safety and nostalgia frozen in a perfect moment in time...

Behind you, you can see a clearing with various houses.

...Soft. Wow... I've never felt such soft grass before. Am I dead? Is this heaven or...?

I close my eyes for a second, seemingly convinced that this was some sort of obscure dream... or that I died somehow but with no recollection as to the cause of death.

That's fine. I can just lay here.

...

My foot's getting itchy--wait, dead people don't get itchy do they?

"...OOOOOUGH!!!!" I sprawl and scramble about the ground like some wild spasmic little thing, forcing my body into an adrenaline-induced panic as I get up all of a sudden. The grass around and under me gets torn and tossed everywhere in the process.

"...I'm alive... and... this isn't a dream... Either that or I'm in a wicked coma..." I narrow my eyes before looking into the clearing.

"Okay, now stay off that ankle for a bit. As long as you give it a few days rest, it should be good as new!"

"Augh, it still hurts a bit! Surely someone with more experience healing someone would have made all the pain go away?"

"Oh knock it off will you? If the king appointed Mirabelle as the Head Housemaiden there must have been a good reason."

"...Well, it's better than limping back with a bleeding ankle I suppose."

"Right, and anyway we've still got work to do and so does the Head Housemaiden."

"Humph, I certainly wouldn't want to do all she has to do today."

Two of the figures leave with one carrying the other's weight. Once the healer is alone you make out words that she had tried to keep under her breath.

"Pull it together Mirabelle, you don't have time to feel sorry for yourself when you do a bad job. Dormont is counting on you! The house of Perfection is counting on you! The King is counting on you! You have to be perfect!"

Looks like magic still works in... Wherever this universe is... The voice mentioned Protective Craft but I'm still not sure how it works. Maybe someone can tell me about it? And about this place?

Seeing the two fellas walk away, I slowly make my way over to this "Head Housemaiden" who seemed... A bit tense.

Shoot, is this a good idea? Is this even a good time to ask... Ah damn, it's too late, I've already approached. Gotta commit now.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I look around, having suddenly lost a sense of what I was doing a minute ago... or an hour ago... or...

"... Holy shit, how long have I been out?"

I reach up to touch my own face... It barely feels real.

"...I swear to God, if that sleezy vampire spiked my drink with pixie dust, I'm gonna shove a wooden stake far up his--!!"

I stop myself, realizing that someone or... something was talking to me just now. I take a moment to process the words that were just said to me.... Something about all this seems too... elaborate to be a really bad trip.

"Oh wait... Oh shoot, I'm not hallucinating, am I..." I clear my throat, realizing that I was being rude just now. I make a salute with my fist pressed into my chest as though rehearsed... or just by habit now. "Erm... Sorry! I uh... I'm Zep. Archagent Nicholas Zep! 3rd Rank Pathfinder of the Optics Branch! I... Erm... and uh I..." I purse my lips, breaking into a nervous sweat all of a sudden. Why did it suddenly feel like I was in front of a classroom with my pants down? What was I supposed to say next or share about myself--

Actually. Why am I even saying all this to some voice I've never heard of???

"I am a being that has existed since the birth of space and time itself and it is my duty to safeguard both. You are here because of wishes, or more precisely wishes that clash with each other. I am trying to keep this reality intact, but I cannot cancel out the wishes. They will have to fight for dominance until one or all of them are satisfied... "

"...This will lead to more breaks in reality, perhaps one that can return you to your own reality…The choice is yours whether you want to take it. But until then you will be stuck in this world and you will have to protect yourself."

"Your abilities will be converted into a form of magic known as craft. Piercing craft is for moves that attack or destroy. Protecting craft is for moves that protect or strengthen. Creative craft is for moves that create or improvise."

Which one do you think suits you best? (What type or dual type will you be?)

I fold my arms, looking contemplative over the explanation.

"...Am I being pranked right now? Is this some sort of bit that the guys are pulling on me?" I narrow my eyes and look around to see if any of this was the result of some elaborate special effect or some parlor trick spell by some group of mages... "..."

"Oh god, you're serious. This is actually happening."

I hold my head for a moment... then drag my hands down my face.

"Ooooough... Dammit... What is with my luck these past few weeks...?" I mutter quietly under my breath before slapping my face twice... hard in fact. Harder than I should have. My cheeks are swollen red. Ow... Help.

"...Alright buddy, you're on." I flash a cocky grin while my cheeks are swelling up. "I uh... I'm told often that I get myself in a lot of situations where I hurt myself... and that I'm an idiot in a lot of respects... but um..."

You blink...and see a clear grey sky. 

The pale sun shines down on you through pristine clouds. You are surrounded by soft grass, a perfect spot to take a nap in any other circumstance. It's all such a picturesque place that some may wish would stay like that forever. Keeping the safety and nostalgia frozen in a perfect moment in time...

Behind you, you can see a clearing with various houses.

...Soft. Wow... I've never felt such soft grass before. Am I dead? Is this heaven or...?

I close my eyes for a second, seemingly convinced that this was some sort of obscure dream... or that I died somehow but with no recollection as to the cause of death.

That's fine. I can just lay here.

...

My foot's getting itchy--wait, dead people don't get itchy do they?

"...OOOOOUGH!!!!" I sprawl and scramble about the ground like some wild spasmic little thing, forcing my body into an adrenaline-induced panic as I get up all of a sudden. The grass around and under me gets torn and tossed everywhere in the process.

"...I'm alive... and... this isn't a dream... Either that or I'm in a wicked coma..." I narrow my eyes before looking into the clearing.

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I look around, having suddenly lost a sense of what I was doing a minute ago... or an hour ago... or...

"... Holy shit, how long have I been out?"

I reach up to touch my own face... It barely feels real.

"...I swear to God, if that sleezy vampire spiked my drink with pixie dust, I'm gonna shove a wooden stake far up his--!!"

I stop myself, realizing that someone or... something was talking to me just now. I take a moment to process the words that were just said to me.... Something about all this seems too... elaborate to be a really bad trip.

"Oh wait... Oh shoot, I'm not hallucinating, am I..." I clear my throat, realizing that I was being rude just now. I make a salute with my fist pressed into my chest as though rehearsed... or just by habit now. "Erm... Sorry! I uh... I'm Zep. Archagent Nicholas Zep! 3rd Rank Pathfinder of the Optics Branch! I... Erm... and uh I..." I purse my lips, breaking into a nervous sweat all of a sudden. Why did it suddenly feel like I was in front of a classroom with my pants down? What was I supposed to say next or share about myself--

Actually. Why am I even saying all this to some voice I've never heard of???

"I am a being that has existed since the birth of space and time itself and it is my duty to safeguard both. You are here because of wishes, or more precisely wishes that clash with each other. I am trying to keep this reality intact, but I cannot cancel out the wishes. They will have to fight for dominance until one or all of them are satisfied... "

"...This will lead to more breaks in reality, perhaps one that can return you to your own reality…The choice is yours whether you want to take it. But until then you will be stuck in this world and you will have to protect yourself."

"Your abilities will be converted into a form of magic known as craft. Piercing craft is for moves that attack or destroy. Protecting craft is for moves that protect or strengthen. Creative craft is for moves that create or improvise."

Which one do you think suits you best? (What type or dual type will you be?)

I fold my arms, looking contemplative over the explanation.

"...Am I being pranked right now? Is this some sort of bit that the guys are pulling on me?" I narrow my eyes and look around to see if any of this was the result of some elaborate special effect or some parlor trick spell by some group of mages... "..."

"Oh god, you're serious. This is actually happening."

I hold my head for a moment... then drag my hands down my face.

"Ooooough... Dammit... What is with my luck these past few weeks...?" I mutter quietly under my breath before slapping my face twice... hard in fact. Harder than I should have. My cheeks are swollen red. Ow... Help.

"...Alright buddy, you're on." I flash a cocky grin while my cheeks are swelling up. "I uh... I'm told often that I get myself in a lot of situations where I hurt myself... and that I'm an idiot in a lot of respects... but um..."

(Optional background music)

You awake in a void pitched lightless surrounded by bright stars and astral bodies. Your body feels like mush, but it's quite weightless as you drift through the empty space. You hear a voice.

"…Oh!" "Oh ho ho, hello there!" "It seems you've come a long way from home haven't you?" "Hmm…What to do about this?" "I'm afraid I can't send you back to your own world in the shape I am right now." "…" "…Perhaps this could be just what this world needs." "But, if something were to go wrong-" "-This could very well destroy the space time continuum…" "But that probably won't happen! And anyways, it seems like there's no choice but to get outside help in this situation." "Alright now listen carefully, if you please." "You are about to be sent to a world a bit different than your own." "Don't worry it's quite similar to your own in a lot of ways, but…" "Well, I guess you will just have to see for yourself." "Before that though, why don't you get yourself reoriented a little bit?" "Why not start by…" "…Telling me a bit about yourself?"

I look around, having suddenly lost a sense of what I was doing a minute ago... or an hour ago... or...

"... Holy shit, how long have I been out?"

I reach up to touch my own face... It barely feels real.

"...I swear to God, if that sleezy vampire spiked my drink with pixie dust, I'm gonna shove a wooden stake far up his--!!"

I stop myself, realizing that someone or... something was talking to me just now. I take a moment to process the words that were just said to me.... Something about all this seems too... elaborate to be a really bad trip.

"Oh wait... Oh shoot, I'm not hallucinating, am I..." I clear my throat, realizing that I was being rude just now. I make a salute with my fist pressed into my chest as though rehearsed... or just by habit now. "Erm... Sorry! I uh... I'm Zep. Archagent Nicholas Zep! 3rd Rank Pathfinder of the Optics Branch! I... Erm... and uh I..." I purse my lips, breaking into a nervous sweat all of a sudden. Why did it suddenly feel like I was in front of a classroom with my pants down? What was I supposed to say next or share about myself--

Actually. Why am I even saying all this to some voice I've never heard of???