Where am I?
Nilo with his half-opened eyes is bewildered after seeing the blue sky above. A moment ago, he took a nap after watching a boring TV series on his sofa. But now, he is lying feeling the lush green grass. His senses slowly recover; such as the ringing sound on his ears which is slowly dissipating. After few moments, he hears the swords clanking in the distance, although still faint.
There's something going on? A fight? What's happening right now... Where am I!?
As the scene leaves Nilo with more confusion, a sudden translucent dark blue floating screen popped in front of him.
[ Gathering world data... ]
The screen in front left him with more questions. At this point, he has no choice but to observe what is currently happening like a clueless baby seeing the outside world for the first time.
[ Data gathering complete. ]
[ Hello. I am Aqa, an AI assistant ]
[ To enter 'active mode', say "Aqa open". In this mode, I will respond to any of your prompts, whether it is from your thoughts, or spoken out loud. To exit 'active mode', say "Aqa close." Upon, exiting I will not respond unless you say "Aqa open". This is the default phrase for activation or deactivation. If you wish to change the phrase, tell me during the 'active mode'. ]
[ Once again, I am Aqa, an AI assistant. What can I help you with? ]
The blue screen in front of him appears to be the channel for the AI to communicate with him. As for Nilo, his senses became clearer until everything is no longer numb. Sensing that the situation is grave, he gave no hesitation to inquire.
Right now, where am I?
The AI is currently in the 'active mode'. As he asked in his thoughts, the AI responded.
[ You are currently in the Laudia forest. You are currently possessing a man's body named -]
Ugh wrong question! I don't need trivial details, what should I do now?
[ Judging from sounds you currently hear, there are fights occurring towards your right. Find a nearby tree to your left to hide then assess the situation more. ]
Nilo stood up, immediately running towards the nearest tree on his left, hiding behind it. Afterwards, he took a peek of the fight, to see what appears to be armored adventurers struggling against a strange creature.
Aqa. What are they fighting against?
[ Analyzing... ]
[ It appears to be that they are fighting against a lizardman. According to adventurer's guild, they are categorized as C class monsters. ]
How do you fight them?
[ According to accounts of adventurers, although they are more durable and faster, they can easily be outsmarted using weapons. ]
Aqa close.
The screen in front of him disappeared.
Dammit, then why are they struggling against this dumb creature? If they can be easily outsmarted, what if I distract them? No I don't have any weapon in my arsenal- A short blade?
He felt the dagger sheathed on his hip.
Maybe it would be better if I sneak behind them and cut their tail.
He sneaks in tree after tree, bush after bush. When he was finally near, he activated the AI assistant.
Aqa open.
[ What can I help you with? ]
Hey, what should I do now?
[ Could you tell me more details on what is happening right now? ]
Oh yeah, this is an AI.
[ As an AI, I have 'spatio-analyze mode' where I will analyze the surroundings around you in a given meter radius and give conclusions which align to your objectives. A 50 meter radius will take a minute. ]
One minute is too much. Also, I think no need. I will just explain it briefly. I'm right behind a Lizardman who is currently distracted. Can I cut their tail using a short dagger. Would cutting them help?
[ Cutting their tail is an excellent way to subjugate a lizardman. Lizardmen use their tails to send sudden attacks that leaves their enemies off-guard. Without it, their strength will approximately be E-D class, being slightly stronger than a regular human. However, to be able to cut them depends on an individual's strength and dagger's sharpness. Additionally, keep in mind that they have keen senses and fast reaction times. ]
I guess there is no way but to find out.
After a deep breath, he ran sloppily towards a Lizardman. The creature notices and uses his tail attack Nilo. He is sent flying, pounding on a nearest tree.
ACK!!!
Though It was not pointless. The lizardman in question got his attention diverged, which led the adventurer to find an opening.
With the sword, the adventurer pierced through the creature's chest. The creature froze for a few seconds, then fell down.
I guess, a poor plan with great execution is better than great plan with poor execution.
[ The quote 'a poor plan wi- ]
Aqa close.
Subsequently, Nilo thought about the way he ran towards the lizard, thinking that he should've approached the creature quieter or faster. While at it, before he knew, he lost consciousness.
- - -
As one lizardman has already fallen, the equilibrium is broken. The adventurers slowly advances toward their attack, defeating several creatures in the process. Sensing that they are now being overpowered, the lizardmen retreat in a pace faster than humans.
"There's no point chasing after them." The leader of the squad, who appears to be a veteran adventurer said.
"Hah... We were in a deadlock. Good thing Cayl distracted an enemy." The woman who is holding a staff felt relieved.
"Wait speaking of... Cayl got attacked, let's find him!" The young man urged.
- - -
Nilo regained his consciousness, although his eyes are still shut.
What a weird dream. Oh crap, I forgot I have to finish my part in our thesis. If I can't then our group leader will be mad. Guess I'll have to borrow a computer in the school library and finish it there.
he voluntarily opened his eyes in a gradual manner. As he sees that there was no ceiling above him, his eyes went wide open in shock.
Wait what?! This isn't a dream? Did I just ... get transmigrated?
This time the sky is orange, unlike before; it was sunset. Along with the fire crackle from a distance entering his auditory senses, in his peripheral vision, someone is looking at him closely. It was the woman holding a staff.
"Cayl. Oh you're awake."
"... Huh?"