As soon as they saw the exit of this "strange tunnel," they suddenly found themselves, both dazed, inside the house of an old man that looked like the classic "house in the woods" with a rug, a table and 2 chairs ready to welcome guests, an armchair in which the host was sitting, and a fireplace made of a strange black stone with a sandstone slab embedded at the top on which something was engraved in an unknown language, and inside there was a purple flame burning without the aid of wood. From the two windows in the house, they could see that they had ended up in a place very similar to a desert given the immense presence of sand. Furthermore, this house was located exactly at the edge of a precipice from which they could see a road descending into the valley. After a few minutes, they recovered and began to speak.
?How strange, my chest has become heavier. I feel like my voice has become higher and sweeter, and that something down here has disappeared…?
?I suddenly feel taller, lighter in the chest, and it seems like my voice has become darker and deeper. Also, I feel something strange in my lower parts…?
The two didn't notice that there was also another person in the room because they were still dazed from the journey, and he began to speak, gesturing to both of them as if to tell them to sit on the two chairs in the room.
?Hello, let me introduce myself. I am Yamamoto Asahi, and you two, Tokiko Cécilia Sexta and Kuroki Sextus, have been summoned to this world at Sexta's request because she didn't want to see a certain person, and having a similar name, my spell…?
?Hold on a minute, old man. Why have I become a guy and that walking trash can Sextus has become a beautiful girl??
They both exclaimed, looking at each other.
?No, wait! Now that I look closer… don't tell me you're…?
Asahi answered them both at the same time to clear their doubts.
?Exactly, during the summoning, your souls separated from your bodies and ended up in each other's bodies because you have an almost identical name. My spell not only accidentally summoned Sextus as well but also swapped the souls in your two bodies. Actually, there is a way to fix this problem, but I believe it would be too difficult for you…?
? Full Name
??????????????????????
Asahi Yamamoto
? Age
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Height
??????????????????????
168 cm
? Hair
??????????????????????
Decidedly long, straight
and white.
? Eyes
??????????????????????
Snow-white.
? Ankhom
??????????????????????
Ra
? Description
??????????????????????
He carries a classic mountain hermit's staff,
wears a black kimono with a white haori over it, his
long, straight white hair, and also has a
long beard with a somewhat peculiar style. From the way
he speaks and behaves, he seems like a man with a
great and long past behind him. His main characteristic
is always managing to remain calm without showing
any emotion.
?I don't want to stay in this idiot's body for another minute. I'd do anything to get my body back. Please, I beg you, I implore you, tell me what I have to do!?
?I understand… but don't say I didn't warn you, okay! It's very easy, you simply have to kiss each other, and your souls will return to your bodies.?
Sexta and Sextus were incredulous at what they had just heard, completely shocked, an exclamation escaped their mouths in unison.
?K-k-kiss?!??
?I imagine this is a classic old prankster who enjoys playing jokes, isn't that right, Sextus??
?I-I really think you're right. For a moment, I almost believed it myself.?
They were both worried about this kiss; between sworn enemies, it's obvious that certain things never cross their minds, right? But there's also the saying "those who despise, buy," she thought that maybe I should play a little prank on him in truth.
?Hehehe, yes, just kidding...?
The old man Asahi started laughing to give the two young people false hope, but immediately after seeing their faces starting to believe it was just a joke, he suddenly became terribly serious both in his face and in his tone of voice and continued.
?No, I don't know what problems you have between you, but I assure you that joking is the last thing I'm doing.?
?Listen, Sexta, as much as I hate to say it considering all our history, we have to kiss, unless…?
I thought that maybe Sextus had found an alternative solution to this very serious problem, so I tried to ask…
?Unless what??
?Unless you're enjoying being in my body this much.?
Sexta's face turned as red as a pepper.
?And here I was, for once thinking you were going to say something intelligent! Baka-roki!2?
Sexta mustered her courage and very quickly kissed Sextus on the lips. Just as old Asahi had said, the two suddenly found themselves back in their own bodies, both with terribly disgusted expressions, aware that they would never do such a thing again, not even for all the gold in the world. Once they overcame the trauma and agony of that act, which for them was sickening, the two started talking again.
?It's so good to have my own body back!?
Sexta, very annoyed by that statement, began to stare menacingly at Sextus.
?What are you trying to insinuate, huh??
?Huh??
Sexta, furious at Sextus's attitude and words, began to shout like crazy.
?Are you saying that my body wasn't to your liking? Excuse me if boys think that girls with a beautiful body are the ones with breasts as big as melons!?
?Girls can get angry for no apparent reason sometimes!?
Sextus thought to himself, but at the same time, Sexta's face clearly showed that she was disgusted by the intuition she had about what Sextus was thinking.
?From the look on your face, I deduce that you thought: "Girls always get angry for no reason," don't you??
Sextus gave a very irritated smirk and raised his hands in surrender.
?You got me there, I'd say.?
From his face, it was clear that Asahi was annoyed and bored by Sextus's and Sexta's behavior, so he interrupted them to return to the conversation he was having.
?If you've finished arguing with each other, now that you've sorted out your "intimate" problems, could we perhaps move on, don't you think??
Sextus understood that the old man had had enough of their behavior and decided not to waste any more time.
?As much as I regret not being able to continue arguing and wasting time with her, I will gladly accept the offer.?
Sexta, on the other hand, hadn't understood anything at all but simply didn't want to hear Sextus's voice anymore.
?Yes, yes, I don't care. Just go ahead, old man.?
?Cough… as I was saying… I am Yamamoto Asahi, and you two, Tokiko Sexta and Kuroki Sextus, have been summoned to this world at Sexta's request, although you, Sextus, as I already explained, ended up here by mistake. However, I wish you both a pleasant stay in this world, considering that you can no longer go back now.?
Sexta was frustrated by what she had just heard; she was deeply offended.
?Figures! There had to be a catch, huh??
Sextus, however, was driven by his curiosity and carefully assessing the situation.
?I don't mind exploring a new world, especially since things weren't going too well where we were before, to be honest.?
?Hehehe, well then, I hope you'll find this new world to your liking. I took the liberty of curing all your ailments while I was at it, so now you shouldn't need what you call "eyeglasses" anymore.?
Sexta and Sextus took off their glasses and could see clearly even without them. They were astonished, although Sexta still had that problem with blurred faces but preferred not to mention it.
?I should warn you about one thing though: it might feel hotter here compared to your world, but in reality, nothing changes; it's just a mental illusion. Besides that, in our world, Ra always shines up there in the sky and…?
The young Sextus, curious and amazed by what he heard, decided to interrupt Asahi's speech for a moment.
?No, no, wait, stop for a second. Did you just say Ra??
The old man Asahi, happy to see such curiosity, was truly pleased to answer him.
?Yes, exactly. I believe you have something similar called "Sun" and another thing called "Moon," the secondary names we use for "Ra" and "Thoth." Only, as I was about to say, we only have "Ra," and it is never "replaced" like your Sun by the Moon. Now that I think about it, there wouldn't even be anything that could replace it, except perhaps Thoth, but that's a legend.?
As soon as Sexta heard the word legend, a spark lit up in her eyes, and she bombarded Asahi with questions.
?Legend? What do you mean? Could you tell us about it??
Asahi was happy to finally be able to share all his knowledge with other people and decided to tell them everything he knew.
?The only thing I know is the phrase from the legend about Thoth: "When darkness falls upon the sight of the inhabitants of Nada, Thoth will take Ra's place, and thus a new nightmare will begin."?
You could see from his face that Sextus tried to understand what that legend meant but couldn't.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
?Honestly, I don't see any logic in that. What's the point of this legend? By the way, Nada is the name of this world, right??
?It serves to protect all the inhabitants of Nada. But it has never come true until now, so no one knows what it means. Perhaps, however, you might find someone in the city of Egyxo who can tell you more. Anyway, yes, Nada is the name of this world.?
Sexta, euphoric and full of enthusiasm for this new discovery, exclaimed.
?There's actually a city in this world?! Then we could do some shopping!?
Sextus was disappointed by Sexta's behavior and therefore had an irrepressible urge to comment on those frivolous words.
?You always think about shopping, I have no words.?
Saying this, Sextus put a hand to his face in a sign of disappointment.
?By the way, why is this world called Nada? I mean, in our world, “nada” means “nothing” or “not at all.”?
?A rather interesting question, young Sextus. You see, when this world was created by the "Ancient Spirits," this name was chosen, and a very important prophecy was engraved within a sandglyph, and the name was chosen precisely as a connection to the prophecy. The sandglyph has been in the custody of the Yamamoto family since it was created, and no one besides us has ever read its contents. Before you ask, a sandglyph is what you would call a sandstone stele with an inscription engraved on it, yes, I'm exactly talking about that slab embedded in my house's fireplace.?
?I'll overlook the peculiar location of the sandglyph without asking unnecessary questions, but I assume we can't know the contents of this sandglyph either, right??
?Since you are inhabitants of another world, I believe I can make an exception, provided you don't reveal the content of the sandglyph to anyone.?
Sextus swore not to do so and glared at Sexta to make her understand to do the same.
Sexta, having received Sextus's glare, decided to play along and also promised not to reveal anything.
?Even though I honestly don't care, I promise too.?
?Hehehe, well, well, actually it's not necessary because there's an intrinsic spell in the prophecy that prevents you from revealing it to those who don't have the consent of a member of the Asahi family. So I was just teasing you, hehehe.?
Sexta, irritated, puffed out her cheeks like a child when she's angry.
?How witty we are, huh!??
?Honestly, I don't care if it was a joke, but I want to know what it says!?
?Hehehe, since you're so keen to know, I'll tell you: "Nada is that place where everything begins and everything ends, and when everything ends, there will be a new beginning."?
?I must say, this prophecy is even more enigmatic than the other one…?
?You must know that we of the Yamamoto family have continued to guard and watch over this sandglyph day and night, knowing that one day there will be someone able to understand this prophecy and save this world, and I believe those people are you two. There's another thing that has been passed down orally in the Yamamoto family, it's a legend that speaks of 7 doors, each with a lock that can be opened by a different key. Each of the 7 keys that open those locks corresponds to one of the 7 ancient knights of the prophecy whose names are still unknown. I know for certain that the first of these keys is inside the sandglyph, but I also know that it is indestructible and that the only way to get the key is to understand and solve the prophecy.?
After that long speech by Asahi, a brief dialogue began between Sextus and Sexta, who started talking to each other, forgetting Asahi's presence.
?Well, I think we can also wander around this world a bit, considering that it will take me quite a while to understand what this prophecy means, and above all, we can't go back, so it would be pointless to stay here doing nothing.?
?Unfortunately, you're right, and I think this is the first time I agree with you on something… I must say, it's really annoying.?
?Honestly, no one cared about your comment. Rather, there's one thing that doesn't add up, I feel like I'm forgetting something really important. I have a strong feeling that there was someone my equal who could always solve riddles and mysteries that I couldn't solve with astonishing ease… it's really annoying.?
?Among our classmates, maybe there was someone who fits your description, only I don't have a good memory, hihihi.?
?You might be right, but…?
Sextus thought to himself.
?What was that final giggle? It was really irritating.?
?But what, Sextus? Finish talking and don't leave sentences hanging!?
?Nothing important, Sexta. Anyway, Asahi, is there anything else we need to know about Nada before we can visit it, isn't there? I noticed right away that you wear very particular rings on your hands. Do they serve any purpose??
Asahi had been waiting for that question to finally conclude the conversation.
?Hehehe, it seems nothing escapes you. These rings are called Ankhan, and they are magical artifacts capable of harnessing and using heka. Before you ask, heka is the foundation of Nada. The ancients used it to create Nada, its inhabitants, and everything else, and it represents the life force of everything.
The magic of this world is divided into:?
Ua - Physical Magic: Used to enhance weapons and one's own body.
Hekau - Spiritual Magic: Allows one to unleash magical attacks based on their Ankhom. It goes without saying that Hekau can be used to cast spells or curses.
?Before you ask, the Ankhom is none other than the spirit of the Ancients that resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened by the spirit gems.?
?Mhh, yes, I understand. But instead, can the Ankhan also be something other than rings, is that correct??
?Exactly, Sextus. The Ankhan are forged in various forms, and now I will tell you all the variations.?
- Head: Earrings.
- Neck: Collars, Necklaces, and Pectorals.
- Arms: Rings, Bracelets, and Armlets.
- Legs: Anklets.
?When we talk about these variables, people use their hands to utilize the power of the Ankhan, and those are usually the most used. For example, those for the legs are the least used, given that this type of Ankhon favors and almost imposes the use of only the legs to be used. And that's why it's rare to see someone who uses them. Yet, at the same time, it is said to be the best method to fully exploit the power of the Ankhan.?
Sexta was hopeful for an affirmative answer to her question.
?Going back to what you were saying earlier, old man, you were talking about each of us having an inner Ankhom. But how do you figure out which one it is??
Sextus, hearing these words, suddenly burst out laughing, pointing at Sexta.
?Are you seriously thinking that you also possess an Ankhom, even though you come from another world??
Consequently, Sexta became angry in reaction to Sextus's behavior.
?It's useless for you to make fun of me; I know you were about to ask the same thing.?
Sextus, after hearing those words, looked in the opposite direction from Sexta, putting his arms crossed behind his head and starting to whistle.
Sexta, seeing that scene, got even angrier.
?Come here, and I'll teach you a good lesson.?
Immediately after, Sexta punched Sextus hard on the head, on which a bump formed.
?I hope you'll avoid playing with fire next time.?
Sexta smiled hysterically and turned to the old man Asahi.
?If you don't mind, you can also go on to tell us what I asked you, old man.?
The old man Asahi, in response, laughed in his own way before continuing.
?Hehehe, with great pleasure. You must know that there is a particular type of gem called a "spirit gem" that doesn't have its own color but changes color from hand to hand, and each time a different symbol appears. And it is thanks to this that we discovered the Ankhom. When the spirit gem is brought close to any person, it changes its color according to the Ankhom of the person in question, and the symbol that distinguishes that ancient spirit from the others will also appear. Obviously, the gems set on the Ankhan are also spirit gems. In fact, based on their color and symbol, you will be able to understand the Ankhom of the people you will meet in the future. One important thing to know is that multiple people can have the same Ankhom, but depending on the person, the powers derived from it vary drastically, because the Ankhom have their own will. In fact, the gems take on various colored shades to define the same Ankhom, and it is from those shades that you can understand how much power the Ankhom within you is granting you to use.?
?So, if I understand correctly, your rings have yellow gems like the sun, and as a symbol, I seem to see a white sun. So your Ankhom is Ra, right??
?Exactly, Sextus, and it is one of the ancient founders, those who gave birth to Nada. They are respectively:?
Thoth: represented by the symbol of the Moon.
Shades: Unknown.
Ra: represented by the symbol of the Sun.
Shades: Yellow, Amber Yellow, Ochre Yellow.
Maat: represented by the symbol of the scales.
Shades: Bright Purple, Violet, Lilac.
Isis: represented by the symbol of the cross.
Shades: Magenta, Fuchsia, Orchid.
Horus: represented by the symbol of a tornado.
Shades: Emerald Green, Lime Green, Green.
Amun: represented by the symbol of Yin and Yang.
Shades: Silver, Ash Gray, Slate.
Hathor: represented by the symbol of a river.
Shades: Blue, Cobalt Blue, Midnight Blue.
Bastet: represented by the symbol of the shield.
Shades: Vermilion, Orange, Bronze.
Anubis: represented by the symbol of the skull.
Shades: Red, Vermillion, Carmine Red.
Notes: The symbols on the gems are always and only white!
?Although, as I mentioned earlier, Thoth is a legend, and it is not known if he truly exists. In fact, no one has ever seen his symbol and color appear on the spirit gems. Do you want to try to discover your Ankhom then??
Sextus was surprised to hear those words, while Sexta was thinking of nothing else but what her Ankhom might be, her eyes shining like a child looking at a box of candy, but they both exclaimed in unison:
?What!??
?Hehehe, you heard right. You too have your own Ankhom from the exact moment you were summoned to Nada. Decide who will be the first to discover their Ankhom.?
To decide who should discover their Ankhom first, they played rock-paper-scissors, and Sextus won because he played rock, and Sexta had played scissors. After the game, Sexta stated demoralized while crouched down "drawing" circles on the ground with her fingers:
?How bitter defeat is.?
?Hehehe, well Sextus, take this gem in your hand.?
Asahi gave a spirit gem to Sextus, and it turned a bright purple, and a scale appeared as a symbol.
?Hehehe, it seems you have the full favor of the ancient spirit Maat. You will be able to use its powers to their full potential if you learn how to use them.?
?That's awesome! I feel like the protagonist of an anime now that I know I have such power.?
It was clear from her face that Sexta was even more demoralized after this discovery.
?To add insult to injury.?
Immediately after, she puffed out her cheeks like a child who had just been wronged.
?Hehehe, now let's find out what your Ankhom is, Sexta. Are you ready? Take this spirit gem in your hand.?
An immensely blinding light pervaded the entire room as soon as Sexta took that gem in her hand, and the gem turned black, but no symbol appeared on the gem.
?That's really strange, it's the first time I've seen such a black gem, but especially a gem without a symbol, very curious.?
?My bad luck will follow me forever and everywhere…?
Sextus, who still had many doubts about everything he had just learned, asked the old man Asahi:
?Do you happen to know where we could find more information about this strange gem without a symbol and about spirit gems in general? So we can understand how to use their powers.?
?Hehehe, certainly. You just need to go down this mountain and reach the city of Egyxo. Once you get there, you'll have to go to the Chikafuji and tell them I sent you, so you'll know exactly what to do.?
?Well, Sexta, I think it's time to go explore this city, don't you think??
?Absolutely yes.?
?Hehehe, nothing really escapes you, young Sextus…?
The old man Asahi, who was currently on the doorstep in front of
the two young people, rested his staff on the ground, placing both hands on it, and began to look at the sky.
?There are things that can be said, and others that cannot, but in this case, you won't find the answer by looking for it from me; time will give you an answer.
Young Sexta, could you come closer for a moment? I need to make sure of something.?
Sexta turned to Sextus because she wasn't sure what to do, and after a nod from Sextus, she decided and approached the old man Asahi.
?Exactly as I thought, ever since you arrived in this world, I had noticed something strange in your eyes. It seems someone cursed you with something very similar to a Hekau, but I think I can remove it anyway, just give me a moment.?
The old man Asahi placed both hands over Sexta's eyes, and strange, very small, spherical blue lights entered her Ankhan. This peculiar situation lasted only a few seconds, and immediately after, the old man Asahi exclaimed:
?I'm almost certain I'm done!?
Sexta opened both eyes and for the first time in her life was able to see the face of a person who wasn't Sextus or her parents. She was so happy that she didn't know what to say; she stood there open-mouthed, staring at the face of the old man Asahi, whom she could finally see clearly.
?However, I must say it's strange; this curse had a very peculiar filter. I believe time will give you an answer this time too. I don't think it's up to me to tell you more than I already have. Anyway, I wish you good luck with your adventure!?
Sexta suddenly began to cry, and with tears in her eyes, she took the old man Asahi's hands in hers and thanked him while continuing to cry, because she had been ridiculed and bullied because of her inability to see people's faces except for only 3 people, and finally this great weight had flown away. It didn't seem real to her, and she still couldn't believe what she was seeing, yet it was all true. The old man Asahi, moved by Sexta's gesture and behavior, decided to whisper in her ear.
?There are very important things you have forgotten but that I am sure you will remember soon. You don't have to thank me for this small and simple thing I did, but yourself for finding the courage to withstand everything you have faced and for helping many more people than you can imagine. You are the one who should be thanked, not me. Now go with Sextus, and please, let this conversation remain between us, and remember that Sextus, as much as you may hate him now, has always been by your side.?
Sexta knows very well that what the old man Asahi says is true, but she can't forgive Sextus in any way. She wiped away her tears, greeted the old man Asahi very quickly, and immediately after stated:
?Let's go to the city to go shopping, baka-roki!?
?Do you only ever think about that, huh? You're truly an incredible person.?
The two began to descend the staircase made of gleaming white stones that led to the bottom of the cliff above which the old man Asahi's house was located. Once they reached the valley, they followed a kind of path formed by strange vermilion-colored rock from which they could glimpse the city of Egyxo with its imposing walls, like those of a medieval castle. They could also see a large open wooden gate that served as the entrance to the city. Walking along this road, the two finally began to talk to each other.
?I have a question for you. What were you dreaming about in class shortly after the history teacher's lesson ended? You fell asleep exactly when the teacher had left 20 minutes early to go to a meeting with the other teachers. You looked like you were having a terrible nightmare, you were so agitated!?
Sextus stated with a faint smirk on his face that he covered with his right hand so as not to be discovered.
?In fact, I decided to call you to wake you up so you could get ready since there were a couple of minutes left before the end-of-lessons bell. By the way, you fell asleep while the teacher was explaining who the knights of the apocalypse are and their history; it was a very interesting lesson.?
Sexta was a little irritated by Sextus's giggle, and it was clear from the tone of voice with which she replied.
?Thank you very much, but you must know that at that moment I was in the middle of an anime-style fight in which I was the protagonist and I was about to defeat the antagonist with a super crazy overpowered power that I will never know what it did, since you woke me up!?
In the last part of her speech, Sexta put a bit of euphoria as she remembered how epic that scene was.
?Well, you seemed rather agitated during this dream, so in my opinion you were about to be pathetically defeated by someone stronger than you, but you don't want to accept it in any way, do you??
Sexta crossed her arms and began to look in the opposite direction from Sextus, she pouted and closed her eyes, in fact she didn't notice that they had arrived at the city and bumped into the right half of the entrance gate which was open. Before our young adventurers stretched and rose the city of Egyxo, seeing it up close it is decidedly larger than it seemed from a distance, the buildings inside the sandstone walls were for the most part also made of sandstone, they were of varying size and length. Immediately at the entrance, along the largest street in the city, stretched a series of wooden stalls with colored cloths above them to prevent the sun from bothering customers interested in purchasing the goods that the merchants offered. Some sold blue apples, yellow pears with purple vertical stripes, others sold handicrafts such as peculiar vases of every shape, length, width and color, local sweets created with who knows what, and also counters with Ankhan of various types but without spirit gems set in them. Both remained open-mouthed at the sight of this city, completely different from the world in which they lived, full of traditions and customs unknown to them that they could discover during their journey.