Transmigrate to another world

"Thank you, Ruby. How long was I out?"

Ruby says, "Just a few minutes, did you learn anything useful?"

So as I continue where I left off working on my new armor I tell Ruby everything Mericel told me. By the time I'm done telling her I'm almost done with the armor, all that's left is to sew the pieces together. So I grab the spider silk thread and start sewing while Ruby thinks about everything I've told her.

Ruby says, "So basically, instead of things getting better once we're outside, they'll most likely be even more dangerous."

"Yes, that's the bottom line. We'll be going into enemy territory with no friends and we'll most likely be hunted down as soon as we're spotted."

Ruby says "Sounds like fun! I'll fight by your side no matter what the odds."

"I'm glad to hear it. To be honest, there will probably be a lot of bloodshed in our future."

Drog says "I can't wait! Human souls are the best."

"Hmm, will I get to eat souls too?"

Drog says "No idea, I've never heard of a demonic beast before."

"Is that why I'm a unique demon?"

Drog says "Could be."

"What difference does it make to be unique?"

Drog says "Well, unique demons tend to be weaker at first, rise through the ranks more slowly, and end up being much stronger later on."

"I can imagine."

I go back to putting the finishing touches on my armor. Once it's finished, I try it on and make a few adjustments until it fits me perfectly. Then I gather my tools and the rest of the materials and put them in the bag.

Drog says, "Master, may I manifest?".

"What, why?"

Drog says "I want to stretch my legs, I never could do that except for the fight with you."

"Sure, be good."

It takes a few minutes for Drog to manifest a physical body, but once he does he scampers around sniffing everything. Just like a real puppy would.

Ruby says, "He's pretty cute that way."

"Maybe, but don't forget what he is."

Ruby says "I won't."

"Are you hungry?"

Ruby smiles and says "I could eat."

I get up and stretch, then grab the net and go catch some fish. Then I pick some mushrooms and start cooking a nice stew. While it's cooking, Drog comes over and starts sniffing the stew.

Drog says, "Mmm, that smells good, what is it?"

"Fish and mushroom stew, would you like some?"

Drog says "Yes, please, Master."

"Very well, it will be ready in a few more minutes."

Once ready I fill three bowls, give one to Ruby and put the other on the floor for Drog. Since they are both fire creatures, I don't bother to tell them it's hot. I watch them start eating while I wait for mine to cool.

Ruby says, "So, what's the plan now?".

"Next will be to go to the forge room for a while. I want to read some of the Archmage's journal."

Ruby says "Ok, then if you don't need me I'm going to rest for a while."

"Sure, sleep well."

After Ruby disappears into the amulet I notice Drog sniffing around the pot, so I pour the last of the stew into his bowl. While he scarfs it down, I finish my own bowl and get to cleaning up before heading to the forge room.

As I jump the river and head for the forging room, Drog follows me. I wonder if he really thinks this act of his is going to trick me into letting my guard down. I make sure to always keep an eye on him as I make my way through the cavern and into the tunnels.

Although I don't trust him, I admit it's nice to have another companion besides Ruby. Although I'm pretty sure I've eliminated everything that lived in the sewers, I continue to move cautiously through the tunnels until I reach the forge room.

When I reach the forge room, I enter the time dilation field and sit down on the stone bench. I take out the journal and start reading it. I can now read the language fairly quickly, only pausing now and then to translate a new word.

The first hundred pages cover the early years of the Archmage's life and are not very interesting. Although some of the stories of the trouble he got into are quite entertaining. Even these first few pages contain a lot of information about how he learned to use magic and the different spells he invented.

From the way he describes magic, it's obvious he was a prodigy. It makes me realize how valuable this book would be to other magicians. They would literally kill to get their hands on this book if they knew it existed.

I look up from the book to check on Drog, who is lying in front of the forge pretending to sleep. I know from the contract he can't disobey any orders from me, what worries me are the loopholes in my orders that he could take advantage of to cause trouble.

"Drog, I order you never to attack Ruby or me. Also you must never knowingly lead enemies to us."

Drog says "Yes, master" in a sad tone of voice.

I go back to my reading and read about the archmage's early days as a mage. Even before he served the empire he got into all sorts of trouble, including several duels with nobles. Reading his story I can't help but think it would have been fun to go on adventures with him.

It's when I get to the part of his story where he becomes an archmage that I discover his name. Archmage Phillip Deburin, the best wizard in the entire empire. The trials he had to go through to become an archmage were brutal and I know I could never have passed them.

It is when I read that he gained access to the secret histories of the empire that I become really interested. They were locked away in a hidden library atop the highest mountain in the empire. And it is here that he learned the true origin of the empire and about the race that lived here before them.