Rebirth Online World

Albatros’s Company Studio, Lisa’s POV

Just look at Icicle, struggling to do anything!
Pffffft!
That’s so much different from his usual behavior, although that interaction between him and princess’s attendant was ceirtainly fun to watch.

*sip*

Jack: Isn’t someone up and early! Hey boss, give me some of your coffee!

Lisa: In your dreams Jack.

Carl: Have you seen the recent interaction of your “chosen one” boss?

Lisa: Don’t give me that smothered laugh, Carl. Play the video.

When I saw Icicle calling that Water Mage Teacher honey, sweetheart and all, something inside me snapped.
I felt dizzy.

*crash*

I realized that the cup fell off my hands.

Carl: Boss, are you okay? Has any of the hot coffee or glass hurt you…?

Lisa: I-I’m fine, clean that up!

Jack: Where are you going, boss?

Lisa: I need to make a very important phone call.

Jack&Carl: H-Huh? Was something supposed to happen today…?

…

Icicle’s POV

I didn’t even look at it while fighting my “supposed to fall for me today” woman, Vilenne, but three messages were waiting to be read.
*sigh* Just who is it…

Instituting myself as a house leader?

Show household overview.

To my surprise, there was something like this.

Hmm, so this is the menu.
This 500 prestige seems to come from Ice Mages’ inheritance or something like that.
I wonder if there’s something else I don’t have the access to just because I’m not the current leader.

Appoint leader, Icicle Whitesnow.

I assume this dev team is becoming less and less popular day by day…
*sigh* Let’s hope Mika will be satisfied with this, if not, I’ll have to curb her down.
I may be clueless when it comes to women romantically, but when it comes to business… I’m a veteran.

Responding to Mika, I typed the following.

Call it abuse or whatever you wish, but that’s the only thing you can do to tone down rowdy girls like Mika.
I don’t see any “Crazy women care center” over here.
By crazy I mean hard to tame.

Okay, what’re the other two letters of grievance…

This is a way to write to someone!
You don’t start with “GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE SHITHEAD!”, but “How are you? I hope you’re well.” and then ask about your business carefully.
Like I could ever expect it from Mika…

Phew, two over with.
Looking at the third one, my heart filled with dread…

Oh god…
Remember when I told you that the only person I’m scared of is my mom…?
Well, that’s because Clare doesn’t get mad…
Or at least she didn’t.
I assumed my sister has inherited mom’s temper, but she has never showed it.
Until now.

Just to be safe, I decided to respond immediately.
Who knows what she could really do…
I may be open and courageous when it comes to business, but there’s no way I can “take care” of my family.
Yup, they’re my achilles heel.

I hope I can extricate myself.
Let’s pray for my good fortune…
… but I’m not religious.
Who should I pray to, Likaan?
Nah, I’ll leave it to fate, my chances will most likely be higher that way.

Zetra: Everything okay, Master? You seem pensive.

Icicle: Yeah, I’ve been responding to the messages of some people. Kind of like telepathy we use, it just pops up as a kind of a warning. It’s something adventurers use.

Zetra: Mmm, I see. Telepathy sounds better nonetheless.

Icicle: That’s true, it does. But we, adventurers, are not capable of that. We’re learning telepathy from you guys. That said, we can learn to talk with you, but not with each other.

Zetra: So you’re saying we’re better than you? Hmph, maybe I should become your Master then?

Icicle: How about me cooking you over a low fire? I presume the broth would be quite tasty.

Zetra: After considering, I assume it’s better the way it is. Please forget about the matter, Master.

Icicle: Is that so? Well then, my little flying taxi, take me to the Assassins’ Guild.

Zetra: What for? Are you trying to learn new skills? Don’t tell me you’re changing your class!

Icicle: Pffft! You sound almost too happy. Of course I’m not changing my class, how else would I be able to bully you?

Zetra: You’re so cruel, Master… What is it then? Looking for poisons?

Icicle: Remember two girls you’ve transported, Haruno and Vanessa?

Zetra: Yeah, you’ve mentioned visiting them, but why Assassins’ Guild?

Icicle: Apparently, these two have become students of the said guild. That’s why we’re heading there, for a visit.

Zetra: I see. Grab my plumage tightly, we’ll reach that place in a jiffy.

I didnt even have the time to say anything.
My Griffon activated his [Wind surge], which made the wind whirl, turning into a tornado.
This tornado propelled Zetra, making him reach astonishing speed.
If it weren’t for the stats from the [Enhanced Light’s baptism] that was now gone, and the training I’ve done here, I would most likely get ripped to pieces.

It sure is great, living in a fantasy world.

Just as Zetra has said, we reached the village in a couple of minutes.
We could arrive at the place within 30 seconds, but the thing is, we couldn’t find it.
After two minutes of hovering in the air above the forest, we’ve seen someone exiting some kind of an underground tunnel, hidden trapdoor in the leaves.

Pinpointing the location, this overgrown crow of mine took a nosedive.
Landing next to the person dressed in green robes covered in various leaves, as if he was trying to camouflage himself, I was met with hostility.
It was expected.

When the dragger flew towards me, it bounced off the [Frost barrier].
Seeing the person, Drag Kai was his name, flinch, I asked clearly.

Icicle: I’ve come here to visit, where are Haruno and Vanessa?

Drag Kai: Who are you?! How do you know of their existence?!

Icicle: What are you getting so riled up about? I’m their house’s leader, Icicle Whitesnow. Call them here, I don’t want to cause trouble.

Drag Kai: Hmph.

With a snort this strangely dressed person left, leaving me waiting.
Moments later, the trapdoor opened.
I expected Vanessa and her daughter to be there, but instead of two blue-haired maidens, I was met with an old male.

A big fish, huh.

Vafar: Who are you, stranger?

Icicle: I’ve already introduced myself, didn’t your subordinate tell you?

Vafar: Mind your tongue, young one. You’re not speaking to your equal.

Icicle: I don’t care who I’m speaking to, Vafar. Get Haruno and Vanessa over here, I’m losing my patience.

Vafar: Vafar, you say?! I wonder who told you about this… There are few people who have managed to live after hearing this name! I told you that I’m not your equal, and you dare to condescend to me? Very well, you deserve to perish from this world!

Vafar was dressed in a light green robe.
Its sleeve flickered, throwing a miniature sized knife at me.
I didn’t even bother blocking it with [Frost barrier], this was a show of power.
If I can prove myself, then he’ll let go.
At least I hope so…

Casting [Cure poison], I received following message.

Icicle: Do you have anything else to throw, old man?

Vafar: Y-You’re still alive? What the hell are you?! Hmph, no matter, you’ll die nonetheless!

Enormous killing aura surged from the man.
Its pressure weighing down on me.
Normal person would probably crumble underneath it, his legs would buckle and he would just lie there, on the ground, unable to move.
To me, however, this pressure was nothing more than a prick of a needle.
Compared to Nyu’s, this was a child’s play.

I realized that one of the titles helped as well, [Indomitable] decreased the pressure I could feel by a staggering 90%.
What’s more, it increased my pressure by 100%.
This was no time to be conservative.
With full power of my [Frost realm], I looked Vafar in the eye.

Icicle: Is that all of the pressure you can muster? You’re not really convincing.

Vafar: You’re ignorant, young one. If I released my full pressure just like you, it would cover many kilometres. I prefer to keep it simple and powerful.

Icicle: I’m not talking about the size, old man. What I mean, is pure pressure. It’s not convincing at all.

Vafar: Hmph, I can see you’re not sharpest tool in the shed. Very well, I’ll tell you how it is. My base pressure is greater than yours, by leaps and bounds. However, you have something that decreases it, not to mention, increases yours exponentially. Do you understand, arrogant brat?

Icicle: Don’t blame the items and whatnot. Get Vanessa and Haruno here, I’m not leaving without them.

Vafar: Do you really think I’ll just agree? Get out of here while I’m still polite, insolent brat.

See?
He’s impressed!
I’m not, so it’s a show time, this time, however, it’s my turn!

Icicle: I was trying to be courteous, yet I was attacked. If only force can get to you, so shall it be.

Casting [Ice breath], Vafar became covered in frost up to his neck.

Vafar: Do you really think this kind of measly spell can work against someone of my level?

Without using any spells, Assassins’ Guild Master just shrugged it off, as if my spell was nothing,
Snowflakes and a little bit of ice shards fell, without any power in them.

Icicle: Zetra, your turn, move this old man gently, I’ll search for these two myself.

Zetra: Right away, Master.

Vafar: Using your Griffon, huh? You’re such a snotty brat, I too possess a familiar! Eerio, come out!

Earth trembled, and from it, giant brown snake with yellow strips emerged.

Approximate level?
Is my [Garner] ability’s level not high enough to see the exact one? Or am I lacking something?
Jesus, that thing is strong…

…

Haruno’s POV, inside the Assassins’ guild entranceway

I heard some commotion, so I rushed to the tunnel to get outside.
On my way there, my mom followed me.
Just when I was about to reach the end of the tunnel and climb out of the trapdoor, I stopped in my tracks.
Grandpa, our Guildmaster, was looking grim, emitting some kind of a killing aura.

I wondered who could it be that dared to challenge grandpa.
That’s when I saw him, it was Icicle!
Even though I wanted to go outside, some seal didn’t allow me to.
My mom was looking at the whole time with wide eyes.

That’s when it happened, killing aura surged from Icicle, one I haven’t thought he was capable of.
In my eyes, he seemed distant, cold.

Vanessa: Seems like Icicle came to visit us.

Haruno: Really? Then why is he fighting grandpa?

Vanessa: Guildmaster isn’t someone who would just let a stranger in. Don’t you remember how he treated us when we first arrived here? If it wasn’t for Cindy’s letter we would be welcomed in the same way…

Haruno: Mmm, I see.

That’s true, grandpa wasn’t friendly when we first arrived.
After seeing our efforts and unique abilities, he opened up, became excited and decided to personally teach us.

Watching the battle unfold, our guild’s treasured familiar appeared.
It shouldn’t happen.
This large snake, Eerio, wasn’t supposed to just come out whenever some stranger came.
You could call it a last resort summon.

I was petrified!
Was Icicle really that strong?!
I’m surrounded by monsters!
That made me feel safe, secure, I wouldn’t have to run anymore!

Whoever dares to lay a hand on me, will now have to go through these two first!

…

Icicle’s POV

Vafar: Do you think you can oppose me now, brat? Get your buttocks out of here. This is the last warning I’m going to give you. If I ever see you agai-

Eerio: What are you summoning me for, Vafar? Do you really have problems with this kind of brat?

Vafar: N-No, I-

Eerio: You what, want to show off your power? Just make the kid disappear, jeez. Waking me up from my slumber to land my sight on some lowly insect. Oi, little one, how about this, I’ll eat this bird of yours and you’ll save your puny skin. How does this sound?

Icicle: Did you just say you’ll eat my Griffon?

Zetra was uncomfortable, but one look from me made him stay ramrod straight, eyes proud.
My killing aura was becoming unstable, still rising, even though I thought it’s as high as it can go.

Eerio: Your measly aura doesn’t work on me, little one. Yes, I said so. Any problems with that?

To think this goddamn guild would make me resort to this…
Someone’s going to be mad…

Icicle: *Oi, Nyu, wake up, this snake wants to get all of your chocolate from me. Stop him, please.*

Nyu: *Nya? What did you say, human? Someone wants to take away my sugar…?! I still need energy to recover, and this one tastes really, REALLY GOOD. WHO WAS IT?!*

Recover? Recover from what exactly?

Vafar: Is that little thing supposed to scare me? Where did you keep it? In your pocket? What is it anyways, a mini yeti?

Ancient voice rang out, one that made me stagger.

Nyu: Oi, you little reptilian lizard, are you the one trying to steal my treasure, HUH?!

Entire area shook, as if an earthquake was about to conjure into being.
Trees sway heavily under the fierce winds and pressure, losing many of their leaves, some of these trees started uprooting.
I looked, with my eyes wide, as Nyu was intimidating a level 3500 creature.

Eerio: Y-You, how can this be…! I thought all of you were dead…!

Vafar: What are you talking about, Eerio? Just crush this miniature of a creature!

Eerio: Crush it?! You old fool, do you even know what that creature is?! It’s an ICE GUARDIAN. YOU GODDAMN MORON.

Eerio’s voice was powerful, making my eardrums ring.
Nyu’s was far stronger, yet this snake seemed to be powerful as well.

Vafar: So what if it’s an Ice Guardian, they’re about level 3000, you’re stronger than them!

Eerio: Of course I’m stronger than the weakest ones, you old fart. Look at that one, does it seem ordinary to you? *sigh* I’ll tell you because you’re so close minded and stuck in that basement of yours that you can’t even grasp it! It’s their leader, Nyuva. Does it ring a bell?

Vafar: N-Nyuva? That battle freak was supposed to be dead! Are you telling me that she’s in that weak form?!

Eerio: I don’t care if you believe me or not. I’m not willing to die just because you started it off of a wrong foot with some brat. My apologies, Nyuva, I didn’t mean to offend whoever’s your new Master. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave.

Nyu: Hmph, that brat isn’t my Master. Fine, get out of here, little lizard. You’re not worthy of my time anyways. *yawn* I’m going back to sleep.

Shaking was gone, trees returned to their rightful place, at least the ones that didn’t uproot.
All fierce winds seemed to subside.
There was a lot of damaged things around.
Cracked soil was littered with broken branches, as if a stampede of mammoths just passed this place.

When Nyu announced her sleep, with a blur, she disappeared from the public eyes, seemingly teleporting away.
Truth be told, this fulball was still laying on my shoulder, sleeping soundly.
I wonder what kind of disguising spell is she using…?
And how can she fall asleep that fast…

What shocked me, was this new information I just heard.
I couldn’t let Nyu know, so I acted as if nothing happened before she fell asleep.
Hearing “battle freak” made me excited.
My little familiar was actually this powerful!
I can now only guess how mighty Nyu really is…

I was about to pass the old man, going straight into his “basement”, as Eerio called it, when Haruno and Vanessa run to me on their own, hugging me from both sides.
When they did so, my oppresive killing intent subsided completely.

Haruno: Icicle, you came to visit us!

Vanessa: It’s good to see you, Icicle.

Icicle: Long time no see, you two. I’ve come to pick you up. Are you ready to leave?

Haruno: Huuuh? But we’re doing well here! There’s a lot of things we can learn, I didn’t know father’s ancestors were this awesome!

Vafar: As you can see, they’re eager to stay here. Within the guild, they’re very important disciples. Don’t take them away.

Icicle: Do you really expect me to leave two of my precious members so you can send them on some suicide mission in the future?

Vafar: It’s not your call. Let the women decide.

Icicle: I didn’t allow you to speak, so shut up, or I’ll have my companion leave this forest with a new, nice crater, approximately of a radius of your entire guild.

Shock covered Vafar’s face, he knew my threats weren’t empty, but had solid foundation.

Vanessa: Do we really need to go, Icicle? Haruno is so eager to learn, I wouldn’t mind getting stronger either… Give us some time, okay?

Seeing these two pleading made me flinch, but there’s no way I can just let them stay…

Icicle: No can do, Vanessa, Haruno. I don’t want you to be a part of an Assassins’ Guild, they’ll require you to fulfill some dangerous tasks, and I care too much to let you die like that. That’s why, I’m taking you to my dungeon, I’m establishing my base there soon, you’ll be housekeepers, just like you wanted.

Haruno: B-But…

Tears appeared in Haruno’s eyes.
*sigh* Treating them as family really doesn’t do me any good…

Icicle: If the Assassins’ Guild wishes to send someone to teach you there, I don’t mind. However, I won’t allow you to stay here.

Haruno: G-Grandpa, will you still teach us…?

Her voice was shaking, making my heart bleed a little.
I’m really getting too invested in this world…

Vafar: Teach you? I don’t even know where, Haruno…

For some reason Vafar’s voice seemed fond, as if he cared deeply for Haruno.

Icicle: It’s in Zaryoux Temple, old man.

Vafar: Are you taking me for a fool? I may have lost to you in available resources, but I’m not stupid enough to just die from one of our worst enemies – undead!

Icicle: *sigh* Listen, old man. Undead are under my command, they won’t touch you. Unless you act naughty, of course… Then I’ll have to use all my available subordinates, even that powerful, almost level 1000 necromancer raid boss monster to contain you.

Vafar: I don’t believe a word you said, brat. I won’t fall into that kind of an easy to see through trap. Not in a hundred years!

Haruno seemed to shake, watching her chosen future on a verge of dissipating into air.

Icicle: How about this then. When the month ends, on the first day of a new month, that is two weeks from now, I’ll open my dungeon to the public. If you’re scared, you can come with your whole guild to test it out. I’ll welcome you warmly, fufu~. Inside, I’ll show you that these fiendish, nightmaric creatures listen to my every word. Then, if you’ll find it suitable, you’ll teach these two. That’s all. Are you up for it, or do you think I’m capable of ensnaring you like a fly?

Vafar: Stop ridiculing me, brat. I know that if you wanted to kill me, that familiar of yours would have already disposed of me. I’ll come and see for myself if you’re speaking the truth. If you’re not lying, I’ll continue these important disciples’ tutelage. You had better say the truth, otherwise…

I didn’t mind Vafar’s threat.
I would be surprised if he didn’t say anything and just complied.
The only thing was the cost.
There’s no way I’ll pay an astronomical sum for this old man’s “dangerous trip” to and fro.

Icicle: Free of charge?

Vafar: Free of charge.

Haruno: Thank you, grandpa!

Jumping into this wizened old man’s arms, Haruno hugged him tightly.
Vafar smiled in return, his green eyes glowing, as if Haruno was his lost grandchild who just returned.
I guess I made the right decision.

Thought flickered in my mind, one regarding Nyu.
There was someone who knows her, someone I could ask about her…
It’s a six handed snake-like creature.
Siryja Ferngard, also known as Sixxy!

After saying their goodbyes, I gestured the two blue haired-women to mount Zetra, which they did willingly.
There was still some business to be conducted before I could return to the dungeon.

I was headed towards lord Vilen’s residence in the Starting Area.