⟨⟨Astris is a metaphysical force which exists in all living and nonliving things. It functions as both internal and external signature, enhancing biological processes, enforces dominance hierarchies through presence, and enables limited interaction with environmental resistances⟩⟩
Sawatari began her explanation, but Yuzuriha was struggling to wrap her mind around it. From what they said—Wait.
'Wait. From what I'm hearing, Sawatari's voice is that of a woman, albeit a bit computerized. So, your pronouns will be she/her! That takes care of that. I really hope this country doesn't have gender wars'
With that settled, Yuzuriha resumed her train of thought about what the Manifestation had told her.
'Alright let's see. She said astris is some kind of force which exists in everything, right? Kind of like ki, mana, or spiritual pressure from anime. Ok, that simplifies that…'
Spending some of her time with Haru watching anime did have its merits—Yes, even a busy woman like her did make time to spend with her kids. But that's besides the point.
After processing what she just said, Yuzuriha's brows twitched and she took a nervous swallow.
'Comparable to ki or mana? But wouldn't that mean…this place is…it has magic?!'
That confirmed something that had been recently on her mind. That she was indeed…
'...In another world'
Even though Yuzuriha didn't know much about international stuff, she wasn't so isolated to the point she didn't know a single country outside of hers. And she had definitely never heard of a country called Tinsel in the south.
Also, the existence of magic—called astris in this world, only further proved her theory. Her old world did have magicians and whatnot, but they didn't really have 'magic', they were just tricks honed through years of training and practice.
"Oh my God. I've seriously reincarnated in another world!"
Yuzuriha excitedly shouted at the top of her lungs but immediately blocked her mouth with both hands.
'Ahh, did anyone hear me?!'
For a moment, Yuzuriha felt anxious. After confirming that nobody had heard her, she took a deep breath and exhaled, relief washing over her.
Now then, back to the reincarnated in another world dilemma.
As incredible as that was, it still didn't do her any favors. Especially not in this handicapped body.
In other words, what was the point if she couldn't even see it?
"Cheh! Of all the—oh wait, Sawatari, I have a question.
Why do I know some things already though? About this country, uh, kingdom—Tinsel?"
Even without being told, Yuzuriha would get a stream of sudden information flowing into her mind as if she had always known it. This happened on two separate occasions, the first knowing a bit about Leopold and this kingdom, Tinsel.
⟨⟨ Residual data. Most likely inherited from your vessel ⟩⟩
"Huh, vessel? You mean the girl before me?"
⟨⟨ Yes. The original inhabitant of this vessel. Your predecessor. The one whose flesh you now inhabit. She retained local cultural knowledge before expiration ⟩⟩
"Wait. So those sudden floods of information from earlier, those were the memories of Yor?"
⟨⟨ Correct. Stored subconscious fragments. Overtime, you would have attained everything she has ever known ⟩⟩
Yuzuriha was too stunned to speak, her legs gave out, and she slid to the floor, sitting down with her back against the door.
'Memories. Left behind'
So, she was slowly receiving the thoughts and memories of someone who had recently passed. The same person Yuzuriha had walked into her skin like it was an old dress left behind.
That analogy hits harder now more than the first time.
"...I-I, this wasn't—I didn't mean to—"
⟨⟨ Intent is irrelevant. You are the current operator. As such, I serve you now ⟩⟩
'Serve me now?'
This was confusing. It was too confusing. Why her of all people? Why did she get picked to have something like this?
Was this how the world functioned? Did Leo, Willow and Marcille also have something like Sawatari ringing inside their heads?
'Ahhhh, so many questions but no single answer! This is so stressful. It's giving me a splitting headache!'
Yuzuriha rubbed her head, expressing her conflict internally to which Sawatari didn't acknowledge. She was either rude or just didn't hear her.
At any rate, this changed everything.
"Serve me huh? Alright then, Sawatari. I have another question"
She muttered after calming herself down.
"Can you tell me everything about this world? Like its systems, rulers,supernatural hierarchies and whatnot?"
Learning everything about this world early on would be useful, especially in the long run. However, Sawatari took a moment of silence before responding.
⟨⟨ Negative. My data access is limited to what you or your vessel currently knows, beyond that I am functionally useless. I lack universal insight ⟩⟩
Yuzuriha's brow twitched.
"Huh, then what good are you?!"
If she was only limited to what she currently knew then she was just as clueless as she was. That wasn't really helpful at all!
The only useful thing here was that she also knew what Yor knew, the problem was that information only came in fragments. Possibly through triggers.
⟨⟨ I am a conduit. I learn as you learn. I am ever evolving ⟩⟩
'Ever evolving? Meaning it gets better the more it learns, like a supercomputer!'
Yuzuriha lowered her hands with a knowing grin etched on her face. Her eyes stared down at the tiled floor she couldn't even see. Her fingers were trembling.
Yes, it was true that she understood basically nothing about this world—other than she already knew— and that made it exciting.
Her trembling wasn't from fear…it was from excitement!
"Sawatari, let me get this straight. If I want to understand this world…if I want to explore every corner of it, dig deep into what makes it tick…you'll help me do that?"
⟨⟨ Affirmative. Your curiosity is the ignition key to my advancement. Ask, and I shall seek. Learn, and I shall grow ⟩⟩
Yuzuriha laughed under her breath. Back in her old world, she not only couldn't, but she also didn't have the time to explore and learn much about it.
She had always wanted to travel the world but was too restricted. Right now, in this other world, it was a chance.
That sense of aimlessness. The fog that had been clinging to her ever since she arrived—lifted just a little.
"Ok, that's it then. In this world, I want to survive, to live. Not for revenge or a superficial reason like that. But because this is my second chance and I want to do as much as I can. That's enough, right?"
'Also, I should probably get some revenge for Yor. It's only fair since I've possessed her body'
As soon as Yuzuriha announced this—KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Yor, what are you doing in there?! Who are you talking to?!"
"Eeep!"
Yuzuriha's heart almost leapt out of her mouth as she immediately jumped to her feet. That voice came from Leo.
"I—nobody! I'm talking to myself!"
"Whatever, I need to pee! You've been in there forever!"
Yuzuriha blinked.
"Oh, really, it's been that long? I mean, sorry! Just a sec!"
She called out in a panic, fumbling with the lock—for obvious reasons.