Again..

When I came to, voices were echoing around me. Angry, unrecognizable voices in a back and forth, like a knife in my already throbing head. 

Opening my eyes to the light felt unbearable, I couldn't help but squint in a futile attempt to gauge my surroundings. 

I found myself in the back corner of an Unknown chinese(?) classroom room surrounded by unknown kids and an a beautiful 20 something woman at the head the room.. who is currently in a shouting match with a ginger haired chinese kid. 

What is going on.... 

We were drunk right? I remember the party, one last hurrah before we went to our deaths. We in our infinite wisdom, had picked a fight with a lord of sorcery. 

Someone who stood at the apex of magic. 

So yeah, odds not being exactly in our favor we got blackout drunk together one last time. 

I can't help but grimace, did I really wander far enough to end up in a school? Maybe In a drunken haze, wandered into the noble district? 

Rubbing my palms over my face in some attempt allievate the fatigue. I can't help but release a small groan, maybe I can sneak out when no ones looking? Oh who am I kidding there's kids everywhere and the whiny teacher is 5 feet from the door. 

Yep, no good way out of this one. The question is to hide till class is over or just casually walk out the door. Considering I have no idea how long this class is and I have to be back at the house by noon for final prep there's only one choice. 

Another defeated sigh as I accept my fate and start to get out of my seat and slowly start walking along the back wall, casually moving behind the students. Luckily crazy lady and undisciplined teenager are still going at it. Doing great Jack, just keep going, just keep going. Just keep goin- 

"Jian Yili where are you going?" 

Instinctively I turn to see that obnoxious woman staring right at me with what I assume to be second hand burning hate. The students have also turned to look at me, so this is now a problem. 

"Listen lady, I have no idea who this Jian Yili is, but I have something important to do, so i'll just go." 

Her face turns purple as she slams her hand with force so hard the table cracks. 

"Jian Yili I will not tolerate anymore disrespect. You and Nie lie will stand at the back of the room for the next 4 months!" 

This woman should not be a teacher. I know its not easy to deal with teenagers but you do not have the patience for this. 

Maybe I should actually observe this class a little.. this lady seems... unstable. 

By the time I finished my inner debate, orange haired kid has moved a few feet away from me and started leaning against the wall. I casually mirror him and can't help but notice he's pretty tall for a teenager, able to matching height with me. 

Looks familiar... have we met before...? Before I can finish that thought, some of the other kids walk up to the back and lean against the wall. 

Crazy(?) Lady just sneers and continues rambling. 

The woman keeps droning on and on about 'soul force' Colored realms and bronze star 1, what kind of school is this? 

"I hope a few of you will reach bronze star demon spiritualist then I and the Holy orchid Institute will be proud." 

Holy Orchid Institute? I haven't heard of any place around Whiteridge like that? Granted its not like I keep track of all the schools in the city but with a fancy name like that I think I would've heard of it. 

I cross my arms and frown; somethings off, really off. Noticing the conversation with orange kid and friends is starting to die down, I move over and take the opportunity to bump his shoulder and side mouth whisper. 

"Hey, what city are we in?" 

The kid slowly turns and stares for a second, probably trying to determine if I'm messing with him. A few seconds tick by, my serious expression meeting his searching gaze and eventually he relents. 

"Glory city." 

My frown deeps; again familiar, but there's no city around Whiteridge with that name. Where the fuck am I. 

I take another look at the kid, still staring at me like I'm a puzzle to solve. He still looks familiar I wonder...."Whats your name?" 

He stares for a second before giving a goofy grin. "What haven't you been listening to teacher Shen Xiu? Its Nie Lie." 

And just like that, the memories came back and it all started to make sense. 

Nie Lie 

Glory City 

Soul force 

Bronze Star 1 

Demon spiritualist 

I finally remembered. It had been years, even before my first *vacation* since I read that book; A book about a man who traveled back in time and decided to change his fate and those he cared about. 

A Tale of Demons and Gods. 

I shuddered, My palms started to sweat and my body went cold. 

After everything I had accomplished, everything I achieved, the power I gained, the things I learned... 

And it happened again. 

I felt worthless; crushed by guilt, anger, fear and countless other negative emotions. 

I let them down. 

I had left behind people who needed me. 

And not just in a emotional sense, my magic was a core part of our strategy to take down the false god. My spells were essential for holding down his army so my friends could push through. 

And without me there's no way to get past them quickly. They would burn through all their resources before they could even see their target. 

They would all die. 

I turn away from the others as nausea starts to build up in me as my mouth goes dry I start leaning on the wall for support as I resist the urge to dry heave. 

Deep Breaths. Deep Breaths. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Deep brea- 

"Are you ok?'" 

Turning, Nie lie standing in front of me blocking sight from the rest of his friends, a worried frown on his face somehow managing to make him look like an actual kid instead of the Old man that I now know he is. 

I can't help but chuckle, between the shock and soul crushing despair, the sheer ridiculousness of what was happening got to me. A fictional character is asking me if I'm okay. My chuckle grows to a full belly laugh. Oh man I have seen some *Shit* but this takes the cake. 

The fictional characters are staring at me and that thought makes me laugh even harder. I found relief in the crazy surealness of it all. My laughter finally dies down as I catch my breath, wiping the Tears from my eyes, take a deep breath and exhale. 

With a smile on my face I take a casual glance around and see everyone looking at me like I'm crazy. But that just makes my smile bigger as I reach over and put a hand on Nie Lie's shoulder as I speak just loud enough for the entire room to hear 

"That was the funniest joke I have ever heard, thank you Nie Lie, for telling it to me." 

Instantly, His face darkens as the entire room turns to stare at him instead. 

A quiet moment passes before Shen Xiu explodes in anger "Nie Lie How Dare yo-" 

*Ding Dong* 

Ah saved by the bell, Classic. Shen Xiu looks like she wants to explode again but just snorts and looks away. I smile and turn and give a 'what can you do' look at Nie Lie, as he glares daggers at me. Understandably as I had basically hung him out to dry in front of his friends and his Crush? Future wife? Whatever. 

The vague shell of a plan starts to form in my mind as I come to a quick decision. As I get up from the chair as I subtly turn to Nie Lie and mouth the words 'I owe you one, find me later'. 

He was a thousand something year old cultivator he should he able to read lips right? 

His eyesbrows furrow, but he gives a subtle nod confirming my suspicion, he gets up and quickly ushers his two friends out the door. Guess he wants to hurry up and farm some demon sheep. 

Taking a moment to breathe and relax, I rest my hand on my chest, Trying to feel for my magic energy. Nothing, nada, zilch. No response. I couldn't feel anything out of the ordinary. 

Normally magic sleeps until you call it, when you use it you feel a cold, relaxing sensation in the middle of your chest. Like when you rub alloe vera on yourself, And If you touch that feeling, you can shape it with your will. 

Magic on Elt works differently than any system or magic I've heard of in games or anime. Theres no special magic organ or predetermined amount of magic we can hold. We use our 'will' to command the energy in the universe. We use ourselves as the connection, then we mold the energy into different forms. 

When knowledge and Imagination are tempered by control, it becomes magic. 

Words from the first Eltsian master of magic, Greyrock Green. 

The first magician to turn magic from a nobles house-hold convenience, into manipulating the fundamental forces of nature. 

I can't help but snort, if the first master knew magic evolved to the point of chucking natural disasters at each other, I wondered if he still would've bothered teaching anybody. 

My mood can't help but sour a little, my powers are gone and I'm sorely outmatched against any cultivator, and every indication leads me to believe that I'm a commoner in a nobles world... And speaking of which.... 

I finally muster up the courage to take a good look at my hands. 

They're smaller; not only that but my calluses and scars are gone. Before I went on my first 'trip' I been learning guitar again. Rebuilding my calluses after not playing for a year. Shortly after that I went on my 'Vacation', got jabbed by a few things got a couple of scars on my left hand and forearm. 

Everything is gone. 

Every scar, callus, and even a few moles I have are just gone, smooth as can be. Not to mention I'm now wearing old worn brown and blue robes like you would see on a monk and old, worn, ratty chinese style slippers. 

And all the clues together do not paint a pretty picture. 

I grimace forcing myself out of the chair and towards the door. After moving past a few rows of desks, I coincidentally lock eyes with Shen Xiu, her glaring at me like she wants to set me on fire, which based off of the light smokey smell coming off of her, is within her skillset. Ugh.. I need information, but to get it from her.... 

Going back and forth in my head a few times I Eventually cave, forcing myself to wear a friendly attitude, and walk up to Shen Xiu. 

"Teacher Shen Xiu I was wondering- 

She cuts me of snorts and a derisive flick of her hair. "What could Commoner trash want to know from me." 

Forcing myself to remain calm and ignore her I push on. 

"I was wondering if the library was open at this time?" 

Shen Xiu looks disgusted as she openly sneers at me. "Don't waste my time. You know that the library is closed today for commoners, garbage like you shouldn't even be here." 

I breathe deeply, carefull to keep my expression neutral, fist gripped so tightly my knuckles turn white. I turn around and head towards the door, doubtless of the fact that Shen Xiu is laughing at me behind my back, my face turns stone cold. It's been awhile since someone humiliated me like that. And next time I see her, I'll get even.

-

-

I followed the endless rows of students as they made their way out through the giant wood gates, mostly peeling off in different directions heading to various districts. 

Rubbing my neck I can't help but sigh. My options are fairly limited at this point. I need information, badly. But basic questions such as 'how much money is worth' and 'whats your basic cultural etiquette' are way to suspicious to ask just anybody. 

So, I can't use school library for Info and since this land is basically ancient China I'm pretty sure they are not sharing their 'public' library with 'Commoners' if there's even a public library to begin with. 

I could focus on getting my powers back but that would take time, quiet, and lots of untouched nature. Which if I remember correctly there's a giant forest training ground behind the school; so it won't be impossible, just dangerous considering I'm pretty sure Nie Lie's currently there hunting demon sheep. 

Should I just ask Nie Lie about all this? I was planning on sticking to him anyway, considering this is a Xianxia world there's death in every inch of the soil. And my magic's more tailored to support than offense anyway.

No... I think i'll hold off for now on the greater details. I don't have a strong grasp on his personality and I can't predict how he will react. I'll play it safe and act like an ignorant moron. 

Get my power back first, then I'll have a little wiggle room and have a bit of a safety net, But first..... 

I need to find a mirror and confirm something

-

-

After a few minutes of wandering I managed to find a vendor with what I need and... 

I can't help but groan. I knew it was coming; the signs all pointed to it but still, I held hope that it was just in my head. The subtle questions I had held were finally answered. 

Why Nie Lie and the others were around the same height as me. 

Why nobody blinked when a fully grown adult was just 'hanging out' in a random classroom. 

Why Shen Xiu thought I was just another student. 

Why my scars and calluses were gone. 

Why my hands were smaller. 

As I looked in a mirror in a random stall on the street, I saw an image of my younger self with my dark brown messy hair, green eyes, and slim build staring right back at me. 

I was a teenager again. 

Why? 

And what was the name Shen Xiu kept saying? 

Jian Yili. 

The kid that everyone thinks I am. I didn't possess his body, at least I don't think so; I still look like me, just younger. A 1 to 1 match when I was a teenager. 

Was he born here? Does he have a family? How did he get access to the Institute without any Soul force? I thought only commoners with good potential were allowed into the institute? Do I have Soul force? All questions with unsettling connotations. 

It's different from the last time. On my first journey, I was just there; I popped in after going to bed. No potential body possession, I was just there. Just woke up in a forest and got saved by a traveling carnival troupe who had took pity on lost 'amnesiac'. I miss those simpler times. Lot less social and political manipulation in those days. 

But now? I don't even remember what I was doing before I woke up, I know there was party and I vaguely remember getting smashed with the others, but thats about it. 

There's more to this, I know there is. But the haze just won't clear. Shaking my head, reluctantly forcing myself to shelve this problem till later, I start moving toward the forest as a determination takes over me. Its time to get my powers back.

-

-

Walking back through the school and past one ye-old security gate and Im in. 

Taking a look around seems like your standard fantasy world forest. Large pockets of grass, uneven, bumpy terrain, a few dirt paths and trees as far as the eye can see. Peaceful, Natural, and Quiet; Excellent. 

Following a random dirt path I eventually come across a large clearing in the trees, where I see one of the kids who was standing against the wall with Nie Lie. Actually taking a good look at the kid, he had blue spikey hair and a deep blue gi on. 

Ah yes, one of Nie Lie 'Comrades'. I honestly remember nothing about them. They show up sporadically and I can't recall a single time they actually help in the grand scheme of things. I could be wrong, but despite being people Nie Lie would bear the 'fate of the world' with, they have very little impact. 

And speaking of the said 'comrade', he's currently running from what I can only describe as the goat from hell. Red eyes, demonic horns, head of a ram, body of a moose. 

Its actually giving the poor kid the run around, everytime he changes direction, the goat is right back on him and is slowly, but surely gaining ground. 

Meanwhile arrows shoot out from nearby bushes, missing the goat completely; though one does see to find its mark, only for the goat to duck out of the way right before it hits and immediately resume chasing the kid. 

I can't help but frown, this is getting hard to watch. Shouldn't Nie Lie have saved him by now? 

Where is he? 

The goat is bleets with anger as a red aura from around its body, moving faster than ever and quickly closing in, before a single arrow shoots from the bush striking the beast in the thigh and immediately dropping to the ground. 

A beat passes as Nie Lie and a kid with brown hair in a bun, with bangs stick out both sides of his head and a bored expression on his face wearing black and grey robes with patches sewn randomly. Exiting the bush, they begin chatting back and forth, before eventually skinning their kill. 

I release a quick sigh, I've wasted enough time, let's just get this over with. 

Moving out from the tree lines with my hands raised I yell out to Nie Lie and friends. "Hey Nie Lie!" 

The three of them jump a little as their eyes dart over to me. Nie lie tensed before relaxing, realizing it was just me, but thing 1 and 2 are still stiff as a rock. 

Thing 2 aka brown hair bun, takes a step forward with a guarded posture and a threatening expression. "Will you fight us?" 

A little more guarded than I expected. Probably worried I'm going to poach their kill. 

I casually wave my hand in non-threatening manner. "Dont worry I'm not interested in your spoils, I'm just passing through." 

Nie lie walks up behind hair bun, and puts his hand on his shoulder and gives him a goofy smile. "Dont worry, this guy owes me a favor so he won't do anything." 

The 2 and relax at his words, but I can't help but raise an eyebrow. I was genuine when I offered him that favor, but instantly trusting the word of someone you just met, not to mention someone that threw you under the bus? 

He's trying to play me. Nie Lie may act like a goofball but behind that childish exterior is a cold blooded killer. A thousand year old man with enough experience in deception to effortlessly flip any plan or trap back on me. 

I'm not sure if Jian Yili was really in the original timeline, but there's no way he disrespected Shen Xiu like I did. 

So he's gonna get close to me, in order to watch me. 

Good. 

Get as close as you can. We'll even become brothers, share pain and victory, as we overcome any threats to come. And when he realizes that I'm not a threat, then the lie will become truth. I'll make him drag me to the peak of this world in the name of brotherhood. 

Giving a small practiced smile. "Forgive me, It occurs to me I have not introduced myself; I am Jian Yili." 

Before the others can introduce themselves, spiky hair points at me with a shocked expression. "Ah! You're the guy who tried to walk out in the middle of Shen Xiu's class! 

Letting out im out a genuine chuckle I rub the back of my neck. "I'm just shocked I'm the only who tried, that woman is insufferable." 

The others let out chuckles of their own, before brown hair bun steps forward a regretful expression on his face. "I am Du Ze, Forgive my earlier rudeness." 

I shake my head and wave him off. "You were just being cautious, dont worry about it." 

Blue spiky hair steps forward next with and excited grin. "I'm Lu Piao, It really was funny seeing Shen Xiu that mad." 

Smiling slightly, I pat him on the shoulder. "Thats good, because I plan to make every class with Shen Xiu as 'funny' I can." 

He laughs again before moving aside, as Nie Lie steps forward, goofy grin on his face, arms behind his head, seemingly without a care in the world. "I'm Nie Lie, but I'm sure you knew that." 

I give a grin. "Yeah, I doubt I'd ever forget the name of the person who told me a joke,

'that' dirty." 

As Nie Lie's face sours, I bust out laughing as Du Ze and Lu Piao just stare questioningly at him. 

Shaking the laughs off, I decide to cut to the core the matter. "What're you guys doing here anyway?" 

Instantly, the three freeze and exchange silent looks. 

I just shake my head. "You don't have to tell me I was just curious." 

Du Ze and Lu Piao look at each other while Nie Lie looks directly at me, has a pretty sharp look for a 12(?) year old body. If I wasn't used to this kinda crap, I would definitely be intimidated. 

Surprisingly enough, Nie Lie is the one to break the silence. "We're earning money for pills to boost our Soulforce." 

Well that was somewhat honest. Come to think of it why did he hunt sheep again? Wasn't he an alchemist? They make absolute bank in this world and he was master wasn't he? I'm pretty sure he came up a method to make cheap, worthless grass into some sort of super item. 

Other than the fact that he saves that one girl is there any reason to be here? I can't think of one... Well... might as well kill to birds with one stone. 

I can ingratiate myself with the protagonist and prevent that one girl from becoming obsessed with Nie Lie. 

Dramatically sighing, I put my hand on side of my head. "You guys are having money troubles too?" 

The three of them all look confused, probably not expecting me jump in on this. 

"Maybe I'll just say screw it and become an alchemist. I hear they make millions with barely any effort, I'm sure I'll get lucky and discover an ancient recipe and be set for life." I throw in a dramatic snort and look to the side. "Like that would happen." 

I wait a few seconds before looking back to the group. Du Ze snorts and Lu Piao chuckles a little while Nie Lie... looks like a lit up Christmas tree. I know I layed it on a little thick, but had he really not considered becoming an alchemist to make money? 

Nie Lie, practically bouncing with excitement walks over and throws his arm around my shoulder with his trademark goofy smile. "Jian Yili consider your debt fulfilled!" 

I give a helpless smile, honestly a bit thrown off. 

This guy really is an incredible actor, if I hadn't known he was suspicious of me, I would've thought he was just another happy go lucky guy. His face is relaxed, controlled and body posture matches his expression perfectly. 

Suppressing a chill down my spine, I force myself to mirror his enthusiasm as I pat his shoulder. "Dont worry about it what are friends for." 

He just smiled his goofy Nie Lie smile and looked over Du Ze and Lu Piao. "I have an idea, lets meet up tomorrow, after class." 

Du Ze and Lu Piao exchange looks before nodding. The three waving goodbye before running off towards what I assume to be the exit. 

I just realized I'm lost in the woods, surrounded by monsters,super powered teenagers, and who knows what else. 

Today's a fun day.

-

-

After an embarrassing amount of time wandering around looking for the perfect spot, dodging any misnomer 'sheep'. I finally find and area the meets the minimum requirements. 

The thing about sparking your magic, is you need to be surrounded by the 6 major elements all at the same time. 

Fire, water, earth, wind, light and darkness. 

Earth and wind are simple, that shit is everywhere. 

Fire and water are a little bit tricky, you need to be by small campfire and at least a decently sized body of water. 

Light and Darkness are just a pain, where does dark and light meet in nature, I hear you ask? 

The Sunset. 

Just as the sun sets on the horizon line to be precise. Which means I have a time limit. I do not want to spend another day around super powered, murder boner teenagers without packing heat of my own. 

Gathering dry leaves and some sticks for the campfire is simple, set a makeshift pile about 10/15 feet from the pond shore, easy enough. Thank whatever God there is, my mentor had me learn how to do this properly. 

Survival training was definitely not fun, but in a magical world it was downright essential. 

Sweat beads down my face and my nerves tense, as I make final preparations. Sunset is fast approaching and I reallllly don't want to spend the night in the woods surrounded by monsters. 

My hands starts getting slippery with sweat as I try rubbing the sticks together. Time ticks by and nothing, panic starts to creep in as I watch the sun inch lower and lower; hands bruised and raw, as I continue to rub away. 

Come on come on come on come on come on. 

My concentration breaks for a split second and the stick briefly shifts out of position, luckily causing just enough friction To spark a small ember. I quickly kneel down and lightly blow on flame, feeding it oxygen. Soon enough, I have a full sweltering fire at my disposal. 

Running my sweaty, sore hands through my hair I can't help but let out a sardonic chuckle. 

That was way to close. Survival has never been my specialty, but that was just messy. 

I run my hands down my face, forcing myself shake it off and take position, sitting equal distance between the campfire and the pond. Not exactly necessary, but it felt right. 

Taking a deep breath, I sat down stretching my arms and legs out before laying down on the grass on my back, arm behind my head. The truth about meditation is you don't actually need to sit cross legged in the traditional pose and hum to yourself. 

Just a comfortable position where you can relax your body and focus on your surroundings. 

The way the breeze feels on your skin. 

The way the grass tickles your toes. 

The feeling of your dirt on your fingers. 

That classic nature smell in the air. 

The chill from the water. 

The heat from the campfire. 

The light fading from above the trees. 

The darkness slowly overtaking the sky. 

Its time. 

In my state of relaxation. I send my focus down into the earth, touching the will of the world, just as the sun sets disappears. 

1 seconds 

2 seconds 

3 seconds 

4 secon- 

A sudden wave of pressure slams into my body like being hit by a bus, Coughing and hacking as the air gets knocked out of me. Face beat red and eyes wide as I roll over onto my stomach and dry heave. Agonizing seconds pass as I feel more force press down on my body, like someone dropped a refrigerator on me. Unable to breath or move, laying there in unbelievable pain. 

Tears running down my face as my body seizes in pain. Dark spots start appearing my vision as the pain becomes unbearable. Just as i feel my conciousness fading; 

It stops. 

As the pressure slowly dissipates, my vision clears and all I feel is... relaxed. All the tension in my muscles fades away as air rushes back into my lungs, as if I had been drowning and suddenly found air again. 

It was exhilarating; what the ceremony lacked in dramatic flair, it made up for with sheer eurphoia. My eyes saw a bit clearer, my sense of smell a bit sharper, my lungs breathed a bit deeper, and the tension in my body completely vanished. 

It felt like I had taken a steam bath, gotten in a hot tub, jumped in a cold pool and then gotten massaged. 

And once more, I could feel the energy in the air.

Boundless, formless, invisible energy that covered as far as the eye could see, that I could manipulate at the flick of a finger. A shit eating smirk dons my face, It may have only been a day, but it felt sooo good to be back.

-

-

Authors note 

Hey just figure id dump an old never posted fic and Elt is an original setting, with an original magic system. 

Might update might not

Also on FF,spacebattles,sufficient velocity under "fadeoh1" Thats also me

Have a good one