After another day of rest, the effect of system backlash had worn off and his muscles could finally move like normal.
Auri stretched his arms above his head, his back arching, a groan escaping his lips as his lethargic muscles finally loosened. He considered going out for a jog to start his day, but remembered that he didn't have any workout clothes in this world. Not even flat shoes to make running comfortable.
Swinging his legs to the edge of the bed, Auri placed his feet on the floor's surface. His toes curled at the feeling of sand underneath his feet and immediately searched for the reed sandals Maryam had leant him. As it was made of woven reed leaves, it was lightweight and easy to use, but still not as comfortable as the cotton-made indoor slippers he was used to.
Auri made his way to the small room at the end of the clinic, his bladder already begging for release. As soon as he entered inside, he was reminded that he was indeed in a different world where technology hasn't advanced much to have a fancy plumbing system. He stared at the hole in the elevated wooden seat and scrunched his nose at the smell coming from it.
It was definitely a new experience when he first used it. But now, he just recoiled in disgust, even though he was only about to piss.
Everything was so simple back on Earth. Toilets were everyone's personal throne. All he needed to do was sit, shit, wash, flush, and then it's done. There was no need to overthink how he's going to sit or how he was supposed to wipe his ass.
Auri sighed and unfastened his pants to relieve himself.
Being sent to another world wasn't as fun and magical as he initially thought. Or maybe he was just too unlucky to be sent into a world where taking a piss would give him a major existential crisis.
Once done, Auri washed his hands with what little water was available inside the toilet room. That was another problem. They were in the desert, so every drop of water was precious, which was challenging to adjust to since he was used to a lifestyle where water was never a problem.
Auri exited the toilet room and made his way to the small table where his first-ever book restoration task was waiting. The tome belonging to Maryam's late mother rested on the table in humble silence—a fading legacy longing for hands that would heal its wounds, just as it did for those who benefited from its knowledge.
"Should I start on this now?" Auri said as he summoned his Repository Codex. "Let's see."
Thankfully, his repository contained all the basic tools and materials he needed to perform a full book restoration. However, the materials were limited as it was just given by the system like a starter pack freebie, which means there would come a time where he would need to replenish his items. He would likely need to upgrade tools as well, but he will think about it later once he's got a steady source of money.
Auri flipped through the pages of the repository and looked for the tools he would need. "I need to assess the damage first, so... this one and this."
The page gave a soft light, and the illustrations of a sable brush set and magnifying glass materialized in the air at the touch of his hand.
Auri flicked the page to look for other tools he might need. When he found an illustration of a hand-pumped air blower, he touched the image to pull it out, but a startled gasp halted the process. He turned around to find Maryam looking at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.
"Y-You're a mage?"
"Huh?" Auri frowned, then realization hit him as he remembered he had never shown his power to anyone yet. "Ah, maybe?"
Maryam shut the door, looking frantic, before pressing her back against the door. "Auri, are you a certified mage?"
"Do I need to be?"
"Oh, God! You are not."
The panic in Maryam's voice sent his senses on high alert. This can't be good.
Auri unsummoned his Repository Codex and raised both hands in front of him. "I can explain."
Maryam looked at the door once more before she strode towards him, her voice a harsh whisper. "Auri, you shouldn't use magic! Not when the inquisitors from the Holy Kingdom are still here. You will get in trouble. You will get us in trouble!"
"I-I didn't know." Auri took a deep breath, trying not to panic himself. "Okay, um. Let's calm down first."
"What were you trying to do?"
"I swear I'm not doing anything bad. I'm just getting my tools so I can work on your mother's book. That's all I'm doing. Nothing world-destroying magic or whatever, so you can relax."
"Your tools?" Maryam still looked confused. "I don't understand. How are you getting your tools inside a book?"
"Wait, let me show you."
Auri re-summoned the Repository Codex and flipped to a random page. He touch the illustration of a vintage-looking electric lamp and summoned it.
Maryam's mouth went agape, and her eyes turned into saucers. She locked eyes with him, then into the item in his hand, mouth opening and closing, but no words were coming out. The simple 'magic' she had witnessed seemed to have caused her brain to short-circuit.
"So, ah, that's it." Auri gave an easy smile, putting the lamp on the table, undoing the summon of his inventory. "See? Nothing fancy. Just taking out my tools as I said."
Maryam nodded, still looking whacked in the face, but she shook the astonishment out of her system, then grabbed his hand. "Auri, listen. I'm going to pretend I didn't see that, but you must promise me not to let anyone see you perform such tricks around here."
"O-Okay? I promise."
"I am serious. You must not let anyone see you do it, especially Captain Kaleo of the Holy Empire."
"And what am I not supposed to see, hmm?"
Auri jumped along with Maryam at the unmistakable velvety voice. He looked to the clinic's entrance and found the inquisitor captain leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, an amused smirk playing on his lips.
Neither of them heard him came. Auri didn't know how much Captain Kaleo see or heard, but his appearance here could never be good.