Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Nine

The Book's Challenge

ZAIRE LEVI's POINT OF VIEW

"What do you mean the bandit's leader is dead?" I ask looking at Blake, the new member of my team. Though I have to think of our team's name, I'll do that later.

He politely nodded his head. "Yes, Miss. When I went to check them in the dungeon, their leader is dead and his magic base is shattered."

What the hell? How come he died without me knowing? I would like to torture him some more. Oh well, can't be helped.

He deserves it, his greed and selfishness lead him to his death. I'm glad I didn't have to do it because if I have to, I would. Without a second thought.

Although I wonder how his magic base broke? Does it happen when a mage dies?

Suddenly, golden letters appeared in front of him.

[Answer: Magic base shatters for various reason, however, it does not shatter because of a mage death. His magic base along with his magic energy turns into magic energy in the surrounding place, slowly.]

Oh.

'Thanks...?'

These weird letters keep on appearing out of nowhere whenever I have questions though I didn't ask for it or summon it. It's almost like it's part of my consciousness giving me answer that I know but I don't at the same. Like a restored memory, but that would be weird. It's the book's doing. It contains the knowledge of this world, even lost ones, like the sword magic of arcane level.

[I'm at your service.]

Just like that, the golden letter dissipates. Okay, I really need to get used to this appearing out of nowhere without being too shock just like now.

"My lady?"

"Hmm?"

Elise, Blake, and the elf who's in front of me are looking at me. I must have spaced out a little too long than I expected.

"Are you alright my lady?" I smiled at Elise and nods my head. She doesn't look convinced but I'm glad she didn't press further.

I'm really okay, kind of.

There are numerous things running into my mind, things that I have to do, there are too many of them that I don't know where to start, what to do first.

This... this is why I don't like being in deep thought sometimes, especially when the tasks that I have to do are all important, it gets around my head making me unable to think what to prioritize.

Then there's also this elf— who still doesn't want to tell her name— what should I do about her? Should I send her back to the capital first?

Fuck!

"I hope you're not planning on dropping me off the carriage right now, human." She said eyeing me suspiciously.

"What?!" I exclaimed. This bi... I sigh. "I'm considering it right now." I deadpanned.

Her eyes widen. "You cannot! You promised to take me back to the capital!" She raised her voice in panic.

"I did?" I'm genuinely not sure if I promised her that. Maybe I did said I would take her asking for compensation in exchange but, did I promise her? I look at her with a confused expression.

Her eyes widen with an exasperated sigh. "You... you really are..."

I shrug, "I honestly forgot. Anyway, I did say I'll take you back to the capital but there are things you must tell me first."

She adjusted herself on her sit and nods her head.

"First, what's you—"

"I can't and I won't tell you my name."

I raised my brows. "I will not ask for it. I'm not interested, I don't care."

"You...!"

"Now," I heaved a deep sigh. Damn, this elf is more problematic than I had hoped. I mean yeah, she obviously has an attitude, not a nasty one or anything but rather that proud and uncaring attitude of hers. It's both a good thing and a bad thing. The bad thing is when it's aimed at me.

That air of arrogance of hers can only be achieved when someone is a royal or a noble. It comes out of them naturally like while they're in their mother's womb there's a lesson going there on how to act like a royal or a noble.

I wonder if they take lessons for that too?

"Now tell me, can you or your family compensate me?"

She jutted her chin, "Of course. Money is not a problem."

I smirk. Oho! That sounds amazing. I can see myself lying in silver and gold coins, if not, gold bars even!

I stop myself from grinning evilly but from the looks that Elise and the elf are giving me, I obviously failed.

'Oi book, what are the elves good at?'

[Answer: Elves are known for their mastery in long-range combat and their outstanding mastery of crafting bow and arrow.]

Oho! So that's how elves usually fight huh. Bow and arrow, hmm.

If the dwarves are known for their outstanding smithing, mining, and crafting, elves are known for their mastery and creation of bow and arrow.

"Okay. I want to have my own bow and arrow, made especially just for me." I smiled at her.

She gaped at me. "W-why would you need an elf to make one for you?!" She exclaimed while I just shrug. Isn't it pretty obvious? I want an elf to do it for me because they're the best at it. Let the professional do their job, easy as pie.

A magical bow and arrow, I wonder if the book knows about it or how to summon it. Ahh, another thing to think of. My goodness, just how many things do I have to do and consider to achieve living the life I want to?

"My lady, we have arrived." Announced Elise.

Finally, not like I'm looking forward to going home in this household because of Felicia or Clarence, I'm more worried for Mom, Kate Bluerose. Sheesh, so it's still a little awkward to address her like that. Maybe I'll get there soon.

"Hep, wait!" I called unto the elf who's ready to leave the carriage. She raised her brows at me. "I have to warn you that this household is full of toxicity."

"...what?"

Ah yes, the term toxic people is not really famous in this world.

"Meaning, my biological mother and my sister, I personally think those two are the number one source of my problems."

Her head tilted to the side clearly confused but I choose not to explain. Don't we have a saying to see is to believe? I smirk at the elf and get off the carriage and in three, two, one...

"Jozine!" Baam, there goes the voice of the Mistress of the noble house of Vesaurius.

Felicia Vesuarius' face booming with anger and irritation while holding her extravagant gown— her clothes on daily basis.

"You insolent child!" Geez. Child. Child who? I didn't speak and watch her descend on the stairs with Clarence tailing behind her while looking at the new faces with me. Her eyes particularly widen upon seeing the elf although she has a hood on, it wasn't able to hide some of her snow white skin though. "Where have you gone to? Did you know how many invitation I declined yesterday because you are nowhere to be found?!" Felicia's loud voiced boomed around the entire mansion. Even though we're outside, I can hear echoes as after effect.

My lips tugged a grin—smile . "I'm sorry, I had something to do."

"I do not care! The least you could is to ask permission wherever you want to go! You did not bother asking for permission and we missed three chances of meeting the Pri—"

"Oi," I called out looking at her intently. I noticed her tense as she met my eyes but I did not look away. "Your word stings my ears." The heck, ask her for permission? Me?

Fuck. That definitely means losing freedom. Asking her for freedom wherever I want to leave? What the hell.

"You. You do not own me, you do not own Jozine Vesaurius. I will not ask for permission to do what I want." I walk pass her frozen state, "Especially not from you, mother."

I walk away and was able to reach the entrance when she shouted my name.

"How dare you talk to me like that, Jozine! I let you act all high and mighty these days but this is too much! You brought unfamiliar people in this noble house! What do you take this house for?!"

I heaved a dell sigh, turned around with a frown but seeing Felicia's face and Clarence irritated one, my grin came back.

"I," I wish to leave this house right now, bitches. Who would want to stay in this hole of toxicity? "I would like these visitors to experience how noble our noble house is. Isn't that great?" Smile Zaire, keep smiling. No bad thoughts, no violent thoughts.

No...

"That boy is obviously a commoner. Take him away!"

No. Don't. Don't lose your temper, Zaire.

That is Jozine's biological mother regardless of what.

"GUARDS, TAKE HIM AWAY!!"

"You can't. He is my subordinate."

Felicia gasps and turns to me wide away. "A subordinate? A lowly commoner like him?!"

Seriously, why am I freaking stuck in this drama?

I blew a loud breathe and raised my right hand. "Okay, seriously, this is stressful. I'm tired. We're all tired. If you want to preach us, me, do it tomorrow. Bye." Without waiting for her response I turned to my heel and walks away.

"JOZINE!!!" I just rolled my eyes. How dramatic.

"TOMORROW!!" My voice boomed causing a little shake on the ground that completely shut her up. Even the maids around froze.

Damn it.

So much for not losing my temper.

It's just too much to ask especially when I'm facing Felicia, all the temper I have seems to fly out of my own body every damn time. It made me wonder if I've always been this short tempered. Nope I'm not. I wasn't. I... think.

After the elf and Blake settled down, I visited Jozine's— Mom, Kate, I'm relieved to hear that she's okay despite me not being around recently. A little amazed that Felicia didn't pull any funny tricks but I guess she is not that immature. Hopefully.

Lying wide awake despite being in bed for two hours now, I took the piece of paper where my to-do list is.

I plan on moving out of this household anytime soon but for me to do that, I need money. Enough— no, I actually need a lot of them. It may sound greedy but I need not just enough money to live but enough for me to have my own country — just kidding!

Yes, I first need money, oops no, I need to get stronger first. Should I level up my magic base first or study the Intermediate level magic of all my elements?

AHHHHH!!!!

I'm going mad!

Suddenly, golden letters appeared in front of me.

[This entity has taken the liberty to assist you, would you like to listen to my advice?]

Oh... wow. Is this another content of that book?

Speaking of which, it never has a proper table of contents. Anyway, it’s suspicious but I don’t really have much of a choice and this book has been helping all this time. If it weren’t for that magical wristband and the book I wouldn’t be able to have superpowers.

To think being able to use magic was once a childish dream of mine! Hoho!

“Sure.”

[Very well. I, this entity residing in this book challenge you, Zaire Levi from Earth to reach Distinguished Level in all your element within thirty days.]

Man, that is so basic. I just have to reach the highest level of magic energy of all my elements within thirty days. I don’t even need to sweat. I’ll just go jump off a cliff or something instead.

“... are you f*****g serious?”

I think it would have been easy if this books just said ‘Zaire you earthling, go die.’ It would sound easier than this!

[I am. Please refrain from using such words while talking to me.]

I raised my brows. “And if I don’t?” Oh my god I have to shut up!!!

[... If that is what you wish then, go on...]

Really? I expected this ‘entity’ to be mad or something. Not this one.

“Sorry, I’m just messing around with ‘ya. Anyway, what if I won’t reach that level?”

[Good question. Failure to reach the level means failure.]

That took me one minute to understand what this entity said. Of course, why am I so stupid right? Failure means failure. Gosh it didn’t even cross my mind.

I internally groan and massaged my temple. I don’t know if this entity is serious or what.

“What I meant was if I failed to achieve that. What will happen to me?”

[Nothing. You just failed.]

My face twist wonderfully. I don’t know how I look right now but I choose not to look at myself in the mirror in fear or my own face.

“Will I be punish, be place is probation or something?”

[No. My purpose is to help you grow stronger. Punishment is not part of my job...]

There’s a continuation to the book— the entity’s sentence but it was blurry and incomplete. Completely unreadable.

“Your purpose is to help me?”

[Precisely.]

“If that’s the case then just level me up!”

[Thank you for coming up with an idea to help me with my job, however, we are given specific instructions to train you this way and not the way you want.]

I smiled. “Fair enough.” Although I want to level up really quick that would be too realistic and too impossible to happen huh.

[Would you listen to my assessment of your growth?]

Listen? I’m more like reading right now but I don’t think I have to point that out.

“Sure thing.”

[Very well. Your growth in magic and awakening of five elements of magic is exceptional even for your age, there is no doubt how fast you learn..]

I knew it. I’m naturally gifted. Thank you very much!

[..however,]

Sheesh I don’t like this sound of that word.

[regardless of how exceptional you are, your foundation and understanding of magic is not enough, your understanding of this world and its system in terms of magic is not enough. I, this entity, suggests that Zaire Levi strengthens not just her magic base but also her understanding of this world.]

Oh... She, he, it, the entity is right. I may know the basic and some complicated stuff but overall, I’m still a stranger of this world. I may have Jozine’s memory but that’s it, it wasn’t mine. It’s Jozine’s. Maybe that’s why no matter what I do I will not be able to grasp this world, its magic and even its system because... I... I’m not even sure of what I really want to do.

Even being in Jozine’s body and fully recognizing what our, my situation is, part of me, that deepest part of me would whisper that I’m living right now but Jozine is not. Doesn’t matter what our interaction is before I took over her body, I still felt I stole her life from her despite how shitty it is.

I may console myself that I took her pain, did I really took just her pain? Isn’t it also her life?

These questions I choose to pass and disregard, trying to shrug if off thinking Jozine wanted this, did she really wanted this? Our talk and that promise, was it really what she wanted? What if that too wasn’t true?

Jozine and I. What really happened between us that turned into this?

Another golden letters appeared in front of snapping me from my thoughts.

[I understand that you have questions, that is why successfully completing this challenge, I will help you answer your questions.]

My eyes widen, I even jumped from shock.

“For...real?!” I gasps.

[I dare not lie.]

Thirty days. I have to achieve they highest level within thirty days and if I do that, mu questions to Jozine will be answered.

Slowly, a warm feeling swept me. My heart started racing, my smile slowly forming.

Thirty days. That’s all I’m given to see Jozine again and even though this challenge sounds impossible, I will make it possible.

I smirked. “Alright. I accept!”

~