41heyo this is my first crack at a fic. I know its another OC in danmatchi but I hope mine is a little more original. I'd love to hear any feedback just in the comments, I may respond to comments with notes at the end of the chapters I may not. Thank you for giving this story a chance.
Opening my eyes I was greeted by a cave. Or at least it appeared to be a cave. It was strange, far too... rectangular? It looked almost man-made, but at the same time it radiated an unnatural aura. There were also some glowing lights at the top couldn't possibly be natural. Where was I anyways? Last thing I remember, I was heading to dnd with my work friends. We did plan on drinking. Did I over do it?
As I was wondering I noticed two more things. One being a skeleton wearing a rather dapper suit. The second being a fucking ugly as shit goblin. Warts all over it's face, gross milky white eyes and despite it's animalistic appearance it looked like it was brimming with hatred.
I didn't have much longer to ponder what was happening to me as the goblin lunged at me and bit my leg. And it fucking hurt! Well I guess I'm either having a schizophrenic fit, or this goblin is the real deal. Regardless I first screamed like a little girl, then proceeded to punch the thing until it stopped moving... Man, I am gonna feel so bad if that's Mac's dog or something. Well, not that bad. It bit me after all.
"Mac, Blake, Brick!" I shouted, "Anyone there?"
After a good minute of receiving no answer I was really starting to freak out. What the hell happened? Well, I guess it would be best to make my way out if this cave first and foremost. Best case scenario someone takes me to the hospital and this gets sorted out. Worse case is that I got isekai'd or something. I don't know.
After a while of searching the cave for an exit, I've come to notice a few things. First being that those ugly goblin things kept appearing and attacking me, which gave credence to the isekai idea or that I was in a forest with rabid squirrels or something. The second was that the skeleton was following me and not hostile.
"Hey do a pushup." I said as the skeleton dropped to the ground to do a pushup. Huh. Mac said I could have an undead butler... am I my character? Wait does that mean I'll be influenced by his backstory!? Fuck! Well at least I would have magic.
Speaking of magic there was a book with inside of a special holster on my side alongside a dagger. Flipping the book open and what do you know, all the spells that my character knew as a level three wizard. Well there was a lot more to the book I think. Beyond the spells that Mathew knew, the entire book was filled with writing. Only when I tried to read it the words would shift around and meld together and it gave me a massive headache.
That's a problem for later though. If the magic is real I can just spam Toll the Dead on any goblin that appears. Which I did. Quite frankly the spell was rather disgusting. First the air would fill with the sound of clangorous bells, then the very flesh of the goblin would rot away. By the time the bells ended the goblin would be nothing more than a pile of bones and a weird stone.
Naturally I picked the stones up, but figuring out what those were would come later. By this point I'm thoroughly convinced that I'm in some sort of magic world that isn't the same as my own. I've been walking for too long and the pain in my leg is too real for it to be some sort of psychotic mental breakdown.
"Are you okay?" A voice shouted from behind, startling me. Turning around I spotted a young albino boy wearing armor that looked like it came out of a fantasy game. Literally only covered his pecs.
"Well no, I'm quite lost and confused about what has happened to me." I blurted out without thinking. Well, M.M.M was supposed to be honest I guess.
"I was heading out of the dungeon for today anyways. Follow me." The albino said walking down one of the many corridors.
"I'm Bell by the way, who are you two?" He asked before leaning closer to whisper, "And what race is your friend? I've never seen anyone like him."
"Ah well my name is Matthew M. Mathers and this is my butler Reginald." I responded like an automaton. That wasn't the truth, my real name was... was... Fuck. Well I know Matthew is the name of my character and I don't think it was my real name.
"You must be real rich to have a butler." Bell said before shaking the undead's hand.
Well, I might as well play up the character if I'm gonna wear his face and use his magic. "Yes, well I was. See my father is a noble, but he and I didn't get along too well, so I made off with a bit of gold and went along my own path."
"So you came to Orario to become an adventurer?" Bell asked.
"Well no, you see I don't quite know how I ended up in Orario or this here dungeon." I told him truthfully... sort of. It had to have been some magic bullshit or I was in a coma, but the coma wouldn't make sense because my leg still hurt from that rabid goblin bite. Magic it is. What magic specifically? No clue.
"You don't know?" He asked.
"Magic if I had to guess. My memory is a bit hazy." I told him as a few goblins began to crawl their way out of the walls in front of us.
"Toll the Dead!" I shout as Bell ran forwards to confront the goblins. He cut down two rather quickly while the third was rotting from my spell. After that was said and done Bell looked back to me with stars in his eyes.
"You know magic!" the boy shouted. Well, I was under the assumption that I was in a fantasy world. Is magic not common here? I better keep my skills more under wraps at least until I know more about this place.
"Yes but that's the onl- that's- yes." I tried to to tell him toll the dead was the only spell I knew but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Damn you character flaws.
"Do you think you could teach me magic too?" He asked as he began to cut into the two goblins he killed and retrieved the blue stones.
"I don't know, I've never taught magic before. Also we should get to the surface before we talk about teaching anything." I told him. Reginald moaned, making a noise for the first time. I know logically he shouldn't be able to do that without... you know flesh and muscles, but it didn't phase me at all.
"Yeah we're almost out anyways. Once we get to the guild I'll introduce you to Eina-san. If you're already registered to the guild then she'll help you find your familia and they can help with your memory problem." He explained with a smile and began to walk again.
No clue what a familia is and I very much doubt I have one already, but if this kid thinks this Eina gal can help then it can't hurt to try. As we made our way up a flight of stairs I was blinded by light, my unadjusted eyes struggling now that I was out of that cave. It still looked like we were inside, but the top of the stairs led to a clearly man-made building.
Bell led me to the true outdoors and into another building which I assumed was the guild. Once we got inside I noticed a bunch of fantasy races. Elves, dwarves and human-animal hybrids ranging from cats to dogs. One thing they shared in common was that they were all staring at Reginald, Bell and I... well mostly Reginald, but still.
"Eina-san!" Bell energetically waved to an elf at the counter ignoring all the fearful, disgusted and curious looks that were being sent our way. After reaching the counter myself this Eina girl looked like she was about to shit her pants in fear.
"Eh hem, I apologize for my own, and my companion's unsightly appearance miss, but Mr. Bell here said you could assist us." I said with as much charm as I could and the elf did appear to relax at my words thankfully. Wonder if that's just my charisma stat?
"Ah yes what did you need Mister?" She asked.
"Ah, sorry. Matthew M. Mathers. And I seem to have a foggy memory on how I arrived to the dungeon. Bell said you might have some sort of record on me?" I told her.
"Ah yes, I don't recall seeing you before, but I can check the guild records." She said before quickly darting off. Bell just pulled out a sack of those blue rocks setting them on the counter before turning to me.
"So you never told me what race Reginald was? What's his deal?" Bell asked innocently enough. How do I tell this poor kid without scarring him to death and making him hate me? I can't lie to him.
"Um, well... you see... Reginald is, er was a human." I started carefully. Bell just tilted his head like a puppy. Damn you boy don't make this harder than it needs to be.
"You remember how I told you about the disagreement with my father?" I asked and Bell simply nodded. "Well he is a necromancer."
I winced and waited for his reaction but Bell just tilted his head again. "What's a necromancer?"
Oh yeah magic isn't common in this world. "Necromancy is a school of magic which focuses on life, death and undeath. Reginald is, or was a person, who's corpse has been animated by magic."
"Oh that's so cool." Bell said completely throwing me off guard. Wasn't he supposed to run away in fear or something? Necromancy is always seen as an evil magic.
"So if I died could you bring me back like that!?" He asked excitedly.
"Yes. No. Kind of. Well... listen I can tell you more about it later okay?" I panicked as I noticed that all the looks of the people around seemed to magnify a hundred times over. Normally I never got anxious around a crowd, and that wasn't something Michael was supposed to have either, but the glares we were receiving were truly oppressive.
"Okay!" Bell said simply as Miss Eina returned.
"I'm sorry Mr. Mathers but you're not in our records anywhere. If you'd like I can help you register today." She said with a smile. By now she's either gotten over Reginald's presence or she just got good at hiding her discomfort.
"And what exactly is the reason for registering?" I asked.
"Well you need to first register to the guild as an adventurer before you are legally allowed to enter the dungeon or trade in magic stones for val. Since you said you're having memory loss we can overlook your transgression today so long as you either sign up or no longer return to the dungeon." She explained pushing up her glasses to reflect the light. Honestly despite her kind tone, her explanation was sort of intimidating.
"If I sign up will there be any requirements or expectations of me?" I asked.
"Well truthfully you could sign up as an adventurer and never enter the dungeon again in your life if you so chose, but you will be expected to join a familia." She said. There's that word again. I wonder of Bell would let me join his?
"I understand, I'd like to sign up if it's not too much trouble Miss Eina." I said and she handed me a sheet of paper.
Oddly enough despite being in a fantasy world all the writing was in plain English... or well I suppose everyone has been speaking in English as well. The sign-in paper was actually rather simple. The only thing I really needed to do was sign a consent form that said I acknowledged the dangers of the dungeon. It also asked what familia I was in and my place of residence, but Eina said I could fill those out later.
"Well do you have any idea what familia you want to join Matthew-san?" Bell asked. San? Where the hell did that come from.
"Bell I don't even know what familias are or which ones are which." I told him truthfully as I saw Eina begin to count those strange blue stones.
"Oh well a familia is a group of adventurers that form under a god or goddess. The god or goddess in question blesses their familia with a flana which grants us great strength." He explained.
"And I can provide you with a list of all the familias in Orario and their specialties if you would like. Unless you have one in mind already." She said not very subtlety looking towards Bell.
"I'll take a look at that list of you wouldn't mind, but Bell do you think your familia would let me join?" I asked. Honestly the kid seemed kind enough, and if he wasn't going to freak out at any necromancy spells I sling around then that's a huge plus.
Bell looked like he just won the lottery when I asked him. "Yes! I'm absolutely positive Goddess will love to have you! We don't really have a good place to live, and we can't afford to get you good gear or food right now, but I'm sure we can make lots of money in the dungeon together!" He spewed out.
Damn chill out. But this kid is in poverty it sounds like. He helped me out when I really needed it, so it would be wrong of me not to help him out. Besides it's not like I have a place to sleep anyways so whatever he has is better than an alleyway.
"Are you sure you need a list?" Miss Eina asked. Jeez lady I get it, you want me to join Bell.
"I have a feeling the list won't be necessary, but I'd like one anyways in case Bell's goddess wouldn't have me." I told her. Even if I didn't think I'd need it, it would be better to have a backup plan ready. Eina just scowled at me and brought a list as well as a bag.
"Here you are Mr. Mathers. Bell, you've earned ten-thousand, three-hundred vals today." She said, much more cheerfully once she was referring to Bell. Honestly good for you Bell. Despite Miss. Eina's attitude she was quite beautiful.
"Thank you, Miss. Eina. Ok Matthew-san follow me." He said grabbing the bag of money and leaving the guild. Bell seemed quite happy to get a new familia member and I was just happy to be out of that place. The starring was starting to really freak me out.
As we walked down the streets of the city I noticed it became gradually less populated until we stopped at what appeared to be an abandoned church.
"Here we are!" Bell proclaimed.
What the hell do you mean here we are? This church doesn't even have a roof. I'm sure even if you're impoverished you could at least get a shack that stops the rain Bell.
"There's no roof." I responded dumbly.
"Oh yeah, follow me." He said as he entered and opened up a caller hatch. To my surprise this basement area wasn't actually that bad. It wasn't roomy or anything but there was enough space that I didn't need to crouch. There was a couch, a bed in the back, a small kitchen area and what I presumed to be the restroom. Ok I take the shack comment back this isn't bad.
"Goddess!" Bell shouted. After hearing a flush a short, extremely busty woman came out if the restroom.
"Bell!" She shouted and tackled Bell with hug knocking the kid to the ground. Damn Bell, two hotties are after you and you're what like fifteen. Are you some sort of playboy?
"Ahem." I coughed drawing the attention of the... goddess. You'd think a god would be a lot more imposing, terrifying and awe-inspiring. No she was just kind of like a regular woman. With huge tits.
"Eh! Who is this rich weirdo!?" She screeched. Hey what the hell? And rich? Is she just saying that because of my tux?
"Goddess this is Matthew-san, we met in the dungeon and he's come to join our familia. Matthew-san this is Hestia." Bell said excitedly as the goddess began to look me and Reginald up and down with a critical glare.
"Mmmmmmm. Okay." She said completely unenthused. I'm starting to have doubts about this. Bell may be cool, but his goddess clearly doesn't like me.
"Lady Hestia I won't be offended if you just say no." I said with a chuckle. I mean that's why I got the list after all.
"EHHHH!" Hestia cried as her eyes popped out.
"NONONONO I didn't mean it like that I'm so sorry. Please join my familia!" She said getting on all fours and began prostrating in front of me. I won't lie, having a GOD bow before you gave an incredibly powerful feeling. It may have boosted my ego a little... a lot.
"No need to beg like that Lady Hestia. It just seems like you don't like me." I explained with an awkward chuckle.
"You just look like a rich jerk, and your bony friend creeps me out. I'm sorry for judging you based off of your appearance." Hestia said still not raising her head.
"Okay, I forgive you. And I'll join your familia if you'll have me." I told her. The bowing goddess thing gave a short ego trip but now it was kind of awkward, especially so if I'm going to enter her service. It wouldn't do for my goddess to beg like that.
"Thank you thank you thank you!" She cried as she leapt up to hug me, and then Reginald. "Let's get you two a falna."
"Lady Hestia, I don't know how falna work but I don't think it would be a good idea to give Reginald one." I told her. I don't know how a god blessing a non-sentient being would work. Besides, Mac said that my butler would be a 'crumbling dead' easy to restore and maintain, but useless in combat. "He's not a person, he's more like a puppet."
"Oh yeah you still need to tell me how your necromancy works!" Bell said excitedly.
"Well don't think my magic will make you unkillable now that I'm joining your familia. It would turn you into an undead. Your body would be back, but not your mind and soul." I explained.
"That's still cool!"
"AAHHHHHHH!"
"Do you have any idea how much danger that puts our familia in? All the greedy gods in Orario will want to steal you from me!" She shouted.
"Relax Lady Hestia, I already said I would join you. I won't let some other god seduce me away." I tried reassuring her, but it didn't seem to work.
"That doesn't matter if they declare a war game." She pouted. War game? I'm going to assume they aren't just tabletop strategy games given the frown Hestia gave me.
"Well Hestia, I won't go around bragging about my magic if it worries you." I said with a smile. And I meant it. Magic was already non-existent or at least uncommon here, I don't want to be the center of attention until I have access to spells stronger than level two.
"Mmmmm fine. Now strip and lay down!" She commanded with a spark in her eyes. Strip? What the hell?
"Just your shirt Matthew-san." Bell deadpanned.
Bell also began to take his shirt off and I followed suit. Laying on my stomach I felt Hestia clime on my back and shortly after a drop of liquid could be felt.
"Mmm mmm mmm mmMAAAHHH!" Hestia screamed.
"What's wrong Goddess!?" Bell asked worriedly. I heard a paper changing hands and Bell started screaming immediately after.
"What's the issue? Don't tell me it's cancer." I joked.
"No, look at your flana!" Bell said excitedly as he handed me the paper.
Matthew M. Mathers Lv 1
Strength - I 0
Defense - I 0
Dexterity - I 0
Agility - I 0
Magic - I 0
Skills
Arcane Spellcaster III - Rather than drawing from a pool of mind to cast spells, user expends spell slots. Ritual spells do not expend spell slots.
Current spell slots - I (4) II (2)
Spell slots recovered via long rest or study of spellbook.
Arcane Student III - Ability to learn new spells up to tier II through study of spellbook
Arcane Tradition - Necromancy I - Necromancy comes naturally. Study of spellbook reveals necromancy spells quicker, ability to cast necromancy spells as if they were one tier lower.
Spells
Mending (cantrip), Minor Illusion (cantrip), Toll the Dead (cantrip), Cause Fear (I), Crumbling Dead (I, ritual), Expeditious Retreat (I), False Life (I), Find Familiar (I, ritual), Ice Knife (I), Identify (I, ritual), Shield (I), Tasha's Hideous Laughter (I), Binding Ice (II), Invisibility (II)
"Yeah other than the arcane tradition that all looks about right." I told the two of them. The arcane tradition ability alone was busted. It meant that I could cast False Life as a cantrip. I don't quite know how temporary health would work in reality, or how much less I would gain from using it as a cantrip, but being able to get temp health every six seconds for an hour straight would make me unkillable.
"I can't deal with this, you troublesome child." Hestia moaned before plopping down onto the bed. "Bell come to bed with me, Mathers you take the couch."
Bell and Hestia then quickly went to bed, but I had other plans. I made my way to the entrance of the church while reading my spellbook. After finding the page with the find familiar ritual I spent about thirty minutes making sure I knew the chant, and hand gestures to go along with it.
After a further hour of chanting a small raven manifested before me radiating a mischievous aura. I didn't want to risk offending any god walking on the mortal plane so I chose to summon a fey rather than a celestial or infernal.
"Welcome to the world, Crow." I told the raven as it cawed at me in annoyance. I felt strong disapproval coming from my familiar as it's beady black eyes peered into my own.
"Don't like the name Crow huh? Well what would you like to be called?" I asked the raven. The small bird then began to project a deep feeling of pride towards me.
"You want to be called Pride?" I asked receiving a caw of affirmation in return. Eh, not something I would have chosen, but he's a sapient being, he can pick his own name.
"Alright Pride, you can spend the night however you like, but I want you to return to me at the church by morning." I told him. He sent me a feeling of appreciation before fighting off into the night sky. And with that I decided to head to bed, not that I could sleep. My mind was far too busy. I was in a new world after all.