Knowledge Thief

A Forgotten Promise

'Mana, someday you are going to be the guide for a superior champion, and you will have your time to shine as bright as a star', these were the words that reverberated in the little girl's mind when she was tending to Lee. 

Her name was Mana, she was born in one of the most prestigious houses in this world. Her family had been part of this great world for centuries and is one of the patriarchs of the world. When she was born, the grand elder had divined that she would be the brightest star in the family, and that she would guide the whole family to a time of prosperity. Hence, she was dotted by many and was envied by some. She grew up like a princess in the house, but everything changed because of a tragic incident. Her actions resulted in the death of a champion, which was considered the greatest taboo in this world. Because of this, she was shunned by most people in the house and the territory. 

The people who envied her used this opportunity to get her exiled and executed, but she was saved by the grand elder. She was sent to an exile to live with a granny who was exiled from their home. She left her house to live in the wild outskirts that was deemed dangerous to live. Initially, she was very sad about her actions and couldn't find the will to live, but the granny helped her go through the tough times. The granny used the story of a destined child to motivate her and helped her learn a wide range of skills. Although she suffered due to the rough environment, she was happy to live with the granny. Around a year back, the granny informed her that she will be the guardian for the next champion. But she didn’t believe it as the gods wouldn’t want to choose her for the role. She also knew that her own house wouldn’t allow it because of the incident. 

When Lee was transported into the world, she felt a deep sense of connection with him. She informed the same to the granny, who sent her immediately to aid the new champion. The granny also said not to worry about her family as only the grand elder would know that she is the companion. At the granny’s behest, she didn't go back to her house or meet the grand elder and rushed to the site to aid Lee. When she reached there, Lee looked like he had a great fall and was in a bad shape. She took some time to tend to his wounds. While she tended to his wounds, she was sizing him up. She felt nothing special about him, but also felt a sense of responsibility for his safety. 

While Lee was wondering about the world, she understood that he felt like he was dreaming. Hence she replied, 'You are not dreaming, you really died. You are in our world.'

She then went on to introduce herself, 'My name is Mana and I will be your guide in this world, Champion.'

'Champion?' exclaimed Lee. 

'Since you travelled from another world, you are considered a champion. You have been summoned to our world by the gods. So, we consider you to be our esteemed champion.' answered Mana seriously.

Lee took a moment to digest the information. He felt like he was in an Isekai novel where the hero has been transported. Thinking about the same brought a chuckle out of him. 

'My name is Lee.’ Introduced Lee. He then curiously asked, ‘So, what does a champion do?'. 

'Actually, I don’t know’ answered Mana. She then added, ‘Our family says that the champion will fulfill the wishes of the God. Actually, there have been only five champions that were summoned to our world. But those were during times of war and they had a clear role. However, the world is in a time of peace now. So, I don’t know why God has chosen to summon you.’ 

Mana was confused herself as to why Lee was chosen as the champion and why she was chosen as his guide and guardian. So, she was in no position to clear Lee’s doubts. 

Lee understood Mana’s confusion by reading her face. He asked, ‘Does anyone else know that I was summoned to this world?’

Yes. Some elders have a keen sense to know that a champion was summoned. But I don’t think that anyone would know that it is you. Since I rushed here based on my connection with you, I was able to reach first. Maybe, others might follow', answered Mana.

‘Actually, let’s leave then.’ stated Lee and started walking towards the distant walls. Although Mana was confused by his actions, she followed him.  

Lee couldn't understand why he would be summoned to a peaceful world. He felt like he was in a game with no objectives or goals. However, he felt that it is important to keep his identity hidden for now. He valued his freedom and he didn’t want people to impress their wills upon him. 

Lee and Mana merged into the crowd and made their way towards the large gate in the wall. 

‘Sorry for making a sudden request’ apologized Lee. Mana nodded to convey that it was not a big deal.

‘Anyways, what’s the plan now? What do you think we should do?’ asked Lee.

‘We can go to check your powers’ answered Mana. 

'Powers?' exclaimed Lee. 'I will have powers?' 

'Historically all the champions have had some sort of power, so there is a high chance that you would too. So can we go and check it now?' asked Mana. 

'Hmm... Actually do you guys have a library, I would like to go there first' said Lee. 

Mana was shocked, she couldn't understand the reasoning behind it. 'Who in their right mind would want to go to a library before finding out their power.' was what she thought. But she couldn't say that to Lee. She nodded and said 'OK, we will first check the city library.'

Lee saw that Mana was surprised by his request. He understood that reaction as he himself would have the same reaction. It is normal for people to find out their powers first but he knew that power is inherent and he would find it out by himself anyways. What he needed to focus on is understanding the world he was in to plan his life. Hence his decision to visit the library. 

As Lee concentrated on the road, he saw that there was a big queue of people who were waiting to get into the gates. There were all types of people in the line. Some looked poor, while some looked like nomad travelers. There were also some who wore fancy clothes and looked like nobles. Lee was astonished that all classes of people used the same line. He got a good impression from the scene as he felt that there might not be any discrimination based on wealth. 

'This road has people from all classes, are everyone treated the same way here?' 

'I wish' retorted Mana. 'Actually, the discrimination does not start here. Everyone is free to enter the city, but not everyone is free to enjoy the city. You will get to know it once we reach near the gates.'

'Anyways, you don't have to worry. Champions enjoy the most benefits at most cities. So, we can cut through the queue.' added Mana. 

Lee was dejected to know that even this world is tainted by discrimination. He thought maybe the champions brought the discrimination to this world. But he didn't want to ponder upon it more, as he was more concerned about the next thing Mana shared. He understood that revealing himself as the champion would give him privileges but it would also restrict his freedom. 

'Yeah, I forgot to ask. Is there any way to identify that I am the champion?' asked Lee. 

'Normally you can't. When you find out your power at the shrine, the gods will bestow a bracelet that would be the symbol that you are a champion.'

‘Oh’, exclaimed Lee. He then immediately added, 'Then, let us not reveal it. Let us not mention that I am a champion at the gate' said Lee. 

Mana looked at him like she was looking at a mentally disabled person. 'Almost every champion in history used their given opportunity to become a public icon. Until now, all five of the champions have exerted their power and influence in some form or the other. But this one here doesn't want to do it. Is everything right with him.' 

Mana could only nod dejectedly as she cursed internally, 'First, he didn’t want to know his powers. Now, he doesn’t want to reveal that he is a champion. Are all his choices going to be difficult to understand? Oh God, what have you gotten me into.'

…………………………………………….

As Lee and Mana crossed the fields to reach the road, six shadowy figures landed at the place where Lee was treated by Mana. While all six figures wore the same leather armor, the armor of the boss looked much better than the rest. While five subordinates started to examine the place to check for clues, the leader of the five looked towards the trial leading to the place where Lee and Mana merged into the crowded road. 

‘Did you guys find anything?’ asked the leader. She was a slim female who was well-built. She was dressed in a shiny armor and had a pitch black scarf.   

‘No, ma’am. It seems he just disappeared.’ answered a subordinate. 

‘Nobody can just disappear.’ commented the leader and added, ‘You guys just leave. The others will be near. I will handle this one myself.’ 

Before the others could reply, the leader pulled her scarf up to cover half of her face. She then sprinted towards the road. With a sigh, all five of the subordinates scattered to different directions.