AI: Artificial Isekai

Snowflakes drift down, covering the morning city in a blanket of white. The trams running through are unperturbed by the fluffy obstruction, barreling past with ease. Some people are using conventional shovels to clear their walkways. Others employ more whimsical means. The sidewalks and streets are effortlessly handled by a spread out group of mages.

I am walking toward the Guild, taking my time, and simultaneously, preparing myself for what is to come. Projections and possibilities are as numerous as the falling crystals, each one unique. I extend my arm, catching a flake on the tip of my index finger. Will you be the one? The flake melts away, refusing to answer my query.

The Guild Hall is suspiciously sparse. I spot a few newcomers giving me the side-eye. Passing by the counter, I nod at the present attendants and proceed deeper within.

Before I am even close to Ren's office, I detect two of the three people inside subtly twist their heads. The beastfolk woman is tall, standing more than a head higher than me. Coupled with her height is also an impressive physique. Long ochre hair, the fur covering her floofy tail a touch darker. The man is even taller than her, a neutral expression, completely unbothered by anything around him, but ready to shred anything that threatens his ward to pieces. Both have entirely human-like ears. Would have been interesting to see what skull shape a more fantasy-esque beastfolk would have had, but alas, big brains do get in the way sometimes.

When I knock on the door and enter, Ren greets me, "Lucius, good morning." He turns to the two beastfolk. "This is the adventurer that will be accompanying you, Your Highness."

I make my way to his desk, but before sitting down, give a short bow, right arm behind my back, left arm gripping my throat.

One of the two beastfolk laughs softly. "This isn't my mother's courtroom, Lucius." She extends a hand. "But I do appreciate the courtesy." I shake it. Her grasp is firm yet delicate.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," I say, sitting down to her side.

"A pleasure as well. We will be spending a lot of time together, so I do hope we get along." She smiles and continues, motioning to her other side, "This is Kor'To, the head of my security detail."

He nods. "Hello."

I return the nod. "Hello, sir."

After introductions have been made, Ren picks up the conversation, "As we've discussed, Lucius will accompany you around the city, if you deem it necessary, of course, but he must always be present when you are delving. You can request any dungeon you want, but the Guild will have the final decision." He smiles. "Don't worry. We are prepared to be as accommodating as possible. There are more than enough dungeons for you to explore. You'll probably be doing us a favor clearing out a few extra." A boisterous laugh threatens to erupt after his words, but he tempers it into a subdued chuckle, even covering his mouth politely.

Princess Khi'Na replies, "That is more than generous, Hall Master. We are merely guests in your home. We certainly won't be bad ones."

Kor'To addresses me, his eyes staring deeply into my own, "Lucius, you are to follow any and all of my commands while you are attached to us. Is that understood?" His question sharp, no room for negotiations.

"Yes, sir." My prompt answer satisfies him enough and distracts him enough to miss the momentary glance Ren gave him. The princess saw, the risen fur on her tail slowly flattening back.

She clears her throat, drawing attention to herself. "I am sure Lucius has been briefed about his duties, Kor'To." Number of international incidents avoided thus far—one. Ren is not happy with this arrangement, the head of security's understandably blunt attitude not helping. "Why don't we get out of Hall Master Ren's hair and let him return to his work."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Kor'To affirms and stands up. With a short nod, he exits the room first, waiting by the open door. Princess Khi'Na is much more polite, saying her goodbyes with Ren. As I follow after her, I turn back and shoot a glare at my precious hall master. He plasters on a guilty grin in response, scratching the back of his head. Lil' scamp.

We start making our way out of the Guild, Kor'To ahead, and the princess walking next to me. She asks, "Have you been an adventurer for long, Lucius?"

"Not really. Less than a year, Your Highness."

She waves her hand. "Please, call me Khi." Kor'To flicks a glance back but does not protest.

"Okay... Khi."

"Less than a year, and you've climbed so high up. No wonder you were chosen. I was concerned that my skills would dull during my stay here, but if I have you by my side, I am sure they will only soar. Just as you have."

I laugh awkwardly. "That is very kind of you to say, Your— Khi."

We make it to the lobby. Before we exit the building, the remaining five beastfolk file in behind us.

"The house I'll be staying at is being set up, so why don't we have a quick tour of the city. I assume the weather does not bother you?" She smiles at my light clothing, mirroring her own.

Did we just become best friends? "Of course."

"Once it gets closer to lunch, you could even recommend a place for us. My treat."

"Definitely. The food here is great."

She replies with mocked seriousness, "I will put that statement to the test. My home's cuisine is nothing to scoff at either." Her tail flicks away some accumulated snowflakes.

We continue walking around the city, the princess' tail swishing happily through the cold air. We briefly pass through the Academy campus, by the museum, and I show off some other notable sights in Harthes, including a grand monument commemorating the Cataclysm. Our group does get curious looks from the few brave souls facing the flurry, but nothing over the top. Not the first beastfolk they've seen, but certainly a rare occurrence. The tour finishes up at a relatively fancy restaurant. Haven't tried it personally, but I've heard good things about it. Safe choice for the first day. If we click, I'll take her to my favorites.

One of the other beastfolk enters first. After whatever is to be checked has been checked, Kor'To opens the door for the princess. Any snow that has stuck to her clothes, evaporates away. The one on me slides off, the wet spots starting to dry. Two more beastfolk enter as well, the other two remaining outside.

With the weather being not the best, there is ample room. The three security take a table for themselves, while the princess, Kor'To, and I take another.

The princess and I order the special, some premium cut of fatty meat, grilled to perfection. Kor'To is satisfied with just water.

"To be honest, Lucius, I carried some prejudice. You must realize that I did not choose to be here. It was by necessity. And I might have let my negative emotions poison my expectations of Harthes. But it would seem I was mistaken. I think I'll have a very pleasant stay. Especially judging by the aroma wafting from the kitchen."

"That's good to hear. I'm happy to help in any way I can." I chuckle softly. "If you want any more recommendations, I have many to share."

She smiles widely at me, pointed canines peeking through. "Marvelous." Her eyes gain a glimmer of something, her lips curling up slightly. "If it isn't rude of me to ask, what was the strongest monster you've faced?"

"Not rude at all. Adventurers love to boast about their accomplishments. Definitely a Lich boss." My answer elicits a reaction from Kor'To, his assessment of me changing. In what direction? I can't say.

"Not a lesser variant?" Khi asks. I shake my head. "Impressive. I have not yet experienced a green myself. What was it like?"

"Scary. But I had dependable allies by my side. The talking was the most unsettling part, though. It felt like I was fighting an actual person."

The princess studies my eyes. "You weren't scared of the monster. You were scared of what it might have meant to kill it?"

"In a way." I shake my head, as if trying to shake off her perceptive observation. "But powerful is no fun. Why don't I tell you about my most hilarious encounter." She nods approvingly. "Picture this—a beautiful, sunny day. The grass is green and the birds are singing. The dungeon is riddled with thousands of round monsters just rolling around without a single care. So much as touch one, and you get an explosion in return. The best part—the explosion was random." The princess listens intently. Even Kor'To deigns me with a smidgen of his attention. "Fire? Yep. Ice? Yes. Spikes? Indeed. A deluge of bouncy balls? Affirmative. And guess where the boss was? Hidden in plain sight, but good luck finding it when it looked the same as all the other monsters. That one was a doozy."

When the food arrives, we have a delightful dinner and even more delightful conversation. The meal eventually finished, I escort the princess back to her house. Both to keep the conversation going and to learn where it is located. With a delve scheduled for tomorrow, I let her settle in for her stay of unknown length. Khi reluctantly waves goodbye, not yet ready to see her entire life moved and unpacked.