Chapter 2: Stat Boosting
"That looks like a knife from Earth; it looks pretty old, too."
Trent exclaims, examining the knife up close. He looks at the shiny bronze plaque below it for a few minutes before saying,
"Nope, I don't know what it says."
I let out the breath that I was holding in. I had forgotten that I still had to learn the writing of the world, and it would have to be the same for these guys.
"This does look like something that only might come from Earth, and it's been here for a long time, then maybe someone else from Earth is here too. They might have made it back, or maybe they could help us. What do you all think? Should we ask where this knife came from and try to find the person who brought it here?"
He stands before the fireplace, facing the group and looking around at everyone. He somehow eases everyone's tension just by stating that some people came before. Everyone nods, and some get pumped up and cheer with the others to mark the start of a new life.
I consider telling them that I was the knife's owner, but I got to the part where I lost track of how long I was stuck here without any clue about how to get back to Earth. Heck, it's been so long that I had almost forgotten that I came from Earth.
I try thinking about the time before I came here, and I don't remember anything. I think of the story I told everyone, and I remember it from a fiction I published. It has nothing to do with my old life on earth, just a story I had made up.
I feel a tsunami of emotions wash over me as I try and try thinking about my parents and my pets. Did I even have pets? What did I even do? What country did I live in? I feel myself turning pale; I stand with a shake to my knees. And Trent notices me,
"Are you alright, Brandon? You don't look too good; want help to a room?"
I shake my head and drag my feet over to the closest door. Before I close the door, I hear Trent say, "You'll feel better after a good night's sleep."
I stumble past a small desk with a lamp and a paper and quill laid out. I collapse on a wooden bed with a *Pouf*, and feathers fly out between the seams.
I look out the only window in my room and see we are pretty high above the village. The sun disappearing behind the thin wisps of clouds calms my mind as it reminds me of my room in the demon king's castle.
Although my room was far more extensive, I miss my mana bed. I came up with the idea of filling a bed with mana, and it became a quick success as it was similar to a waterbed.
I leap out of my bed, my heart racing. I see the familiar small stone room that I had fallen asleep in. Out the window, I see the first light of the morning casting a shadow of the castle upon the city below.
I quietly open the door, and I see that Trent has taken the sofa in the living room. I can't help but think, What a nice guy. The old man said we are going to train today? I'll give this guy a little boost to help him start out.
I walk over to Trent, who is sound asleep. I put my hand just above his head and cast some protection and strengthening spells. I just hope this is enough to make him stand out enough for insurance in case I mess up.
I hear a knock on the door to the living room area, and the Archbishop walks in. He calls out
"Everyone, it's time to get up. You must become stronger to not falter in combat!"
Gradually, everyone exits their rooms and gathers in the center of the room, waiting for the others. When all 21 are in the group, The Archbishop walks out the door and leads us to a courtyard with a straw dummy's setup and a multitude of weapons to choose from.
"Find a weapon that suits you, and we will begin an assessment to see your talents."
Some rush to look through the weapons to look for something "Cool" or something that would inflict the most damage. But while I know how to use every weapon, I am best with a short sword.
I walk over to a weapon stand close to me and grab towards the short sword. I see another hand reach for the sword next to it at the same time as me. I look over to see Trent's face smiling back at me.
"Feeling better, Brendon?"
"Yeah, I am, thanks. Just… a lot of memories."
Trent looks confused for a moment but goes along. He picks up the long sword, and I see he is already holding a large shield in his other hand. So I ask
"That's supposed to be two-handed, and that shield is rather big. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"It's strange, but today I feel so much stronger than before! I feel confident that I can, and if I can't, it's not life or death yet."
"I guess so; just be careful."
"Don't worry, I'll get everyone back to earth!"
I even feel empowered by his strong words. He is going to be a good leader in the future.
The Archbishop gathers everyone in the courtyard and introduces a red-haired woman clad in light armor and chainmail. Just from looking at her, I can tell that it's not her standard battle armor. As she walks to introduce herself, I notice her movements look stiff, like someone walking in a puffy coat and snow pants.
"I am Rebecca, A knight of the first order serving under the king and queen. I hereby forth will be your commanding officer and train you into heroes."
She places her right hand into a fist and pounds it to her chest where her heart is and her left arm behind her lower back. A few others pick up on it as a salute and follow. I Don't need to imitate her, as I was once part of the royal army.
I catch her eyes snap to mine, and I realize I'm doing it too well for my supposedly first time. Everyone is uncertain if they are doing it right, so I loosen my arms and slouch a bit, and she continues sifting through the crowd.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone