《Adventuring in Another World》


 B1.01

    Everything was dark. An herbal scent lingered in the air and the sound of someone coughing echoed through the space that he resided in. A hard wooden surface layed underneath him as something coarse and thin layed atop him.


    ''Where am I?'' drifted through the person''s mind as he tried to recall what exactly happened.


    The last he remembered was being on a train, a sense of weightlessness, screams, a hard impact and the pain that made him pass out.


    The person opened his eyes to see a wooden ceiling above him. A lamp hung just to the side... he thought it was a lamp, it produced light after all.


    With great difficulty that shot pain through his entire body he moved his head to get a better look around him.


    A curtain blocked his view from the majority of the room but from what he could see a stool was at his bedside. The first word that came to his mind was: Empty. A metallic bowl sat on top of a small table next to the bed that held little else with the exception of a rag and a roll of bandages. The walls were wooden with no decoration.


    Taking a look at his own body the person was taken back by the amount of bandages that were wrapped around him. His waist, both arms and a leg were wrapped up and bloodied, potentially from the multiple scrapes and cuts that had came from the impact. Maybe he had crashed through a window and the glass had cut him.


    As if sensing that he was awake footsteps drew closer to the curtain, a large silhouette was seen before an overpowering scent hit him that made his insides crawl. A force pushed from his stomache to his lips yet he closed his mouth preventing the vomit from escaping. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The curtains were thrown aside as the figure revealed himself in all of his stinking glory. The figure''s eyes focused on him as if gazing into his soul which cause him to freeze.


    The person''s watering eyes roamed across the newcomer, a shirt and pants stained with blood and herbs. Arms as thick as soda cans and hairy legs that ended in hooves... wait hooves? The person looked up at the head and saw curled horns that peeked from the scraggily hair that hung like a curtain covering the eyes.


    "Ah, I see you''re awake! Excellent! I have a few questions to ask of you." The doctor? bleeted and he quickly grabbed the bandage roll and took out a pen.


    "What attacked you? Who were you traveling with? What was your destination? Where did you come from? Do you have any money or possessions?" The doctor? rapidly fired these questions into the person''s face before he was abruptly stopped by the man himself.


    "I can''t answer you... but most importantly, Where am I?" The figure asked


    "How rude of me. Let me introduce myself. I am a healer that goes by the name Issa Glenwood and you are in the village of Sedatt." Introduced the doctor.


    This didn''t make any sense? Where was Sedatt? There wasn''t any location like that on the map.


    "Where exactly am I?" the injured person asked to which Glenwood smiled.


    "If you want exact exact then I''ll comply. We''re in the village of Sedatt on the continent of Hirath on the plane of Selvador. Does that help?"


    The words echoed through the person''s mind as he thought about the implications of it. He was in another world. Another world! If you''re in another world then obviously you had to be a hero right?


    "YAHOOO!" cried out the injured person, startling the doctor who fell out of his chair.


    Watch out Demon King! I''ll hunt you down like the hero I am!" the person thought to himself as he struggled to get up, only to feel a sharp pain before blacking out.

 B1.02 N S

    "Sorry about the shout, I''m Nino Eincarter." the injured person spoke with enthusiasm radiating from his frame. Despite his many injuries he appeared to be quite well and his general attitude was throwing off the poor doctor who could only scratch his head at such a display.


    "To be this energetic even after such an attack, ah the energy of youth." Issa sighed before he spoke up. "With the formalities out of the way, are you ready to answer the questions I asked of you before?


    "Can you repeat the questions please? Slowly this time..." Nino giggled.


    "Um... sure? Do you know what attacked you?" Issa asked


    "No, I woke up here without remembering a thing." Nino responded truthfully.


    "Were you traveling with anyone that you know?"


    "No one that I know, everyone was a stranger to me."


    "Where were you attempting to go? Is it near?"


    "Do you know the city of Orlando?"


    "Never heard of it, is it nearby or in another plane?"


    "I never heard of Sedatt before, nore have I heard of the continent of Hirath. So I''m going out on a limb to say it is on another plane..." Nino shook his head as he tried to recall the exact details.


    He was probably in another world. Of course it would explain why the creature in front of him existed unless it was some sort of cosplay.


    Issa continued to ask questions, rusing him from his thoughts. "Where did you come from? If you truly came from another plane then may I ask which one? I know Konchitan is the soutern gateway but to travel there from here may take weeks if not a month."


    "Konchitan? Is that another city?" Nino asked curiously and Issa groaned.


    "Another city... no you idiot its another plane of existence. It is seriously dreadful to think about since the gateway leads from a desert but I''m sure others may know where you hail from. Of course any knowledge about medical herbs and remedies just ask me about it." Issa proudly announced the last portion of what he said with glee.


    "Most importantly." Issa''s hards froze over, an icy glint in his eyes as he did a one-over.


    "What posessions do you have, healing you wasn''t cheap since you got many nasty cuts. The herbal remedies I used to keep you alive may have saved your life but it''ll cost ya. Of course I can''t deny giving you aid but I''d still expect to be compensated for saving your life." Issa said.


    "Did you find a bag with two straps and multiple pockets?" Nino asked but all he recieved was a shake of the Doctor''s head. "Sadly such a possession did not appear within the ruins of the caravan. If that was all of your possessions then it cannot be helped. Still, if you do happen to come across any cash or ,dare I say it, should you brave the forest to gather me some herbs I''d consider the exchange enough for healing you." Issa bleeted in annoyance but he was already standing and moving toward the next curtain.


    "Its rude of me to ask but... are you a satyr?"


    "Satire? I hardly condone such things." Issa growled, seeing the look on Nino''s face he gave a hearty chuckle. "It is a question I get a lot, however to remedy your curiousity the proper term for my species is Faun. Then again, if you were from around here you wouldn''t know such information."


    "Why is that?"


    "Fu fu, curious are we? I''ll give you a geography lesson then. my species, the Fauns, normally inhabit the mountinous regions in the country of Osk located in Konchitan. As for why I''m here, I''ll say that it wasn''t entirely by choice but I makedo with what life throws my way."


    "So what now Doc? Whats the status of my wounds? Can I fight?" Nino asked vehemently.


    "Fight? It is possible but with that many scrapes and lacerations? I refuse to allow you out of the bed, the fact that I am allowing you to move that stupid head of yours is already pushing my patience. It will take several weeks for you to heal naturally but we can speed up the process if you agree to pay in full on a later date. I''m really doing you a favor here since normally I wouldn''t offer such an options."


    Its probably because I''m the Hero! Since I''m the hero, it looks as if a Regenerative Body is one of my powers, I wonder what I do have though, is it Super Strength?  Or Super Speed, could it be possibly an immense amount of mana and god-level spells? Maybe I have Invisibility or Flight. Can I transform with Transformation or have access to Genesis magic. The possiblities are endless!


    Nino sunk deep into thought before looking at Issa.


    "Heal me, I''ll do what I can to pay you back in full!" Nino exclaimed, his mind laughing at how easy it would be for him to gain the money and then some. He would go into the forest and find the herbs, and in the process find a damsel in distress and save them from harm. They''d beg to accompany him on the quest to defeat the Demon King... speak of which.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "Also, do you know where the Demon King is?"


    "The Demon King?" Issa repeated, an eyebrow slowly raising and uncertainty tinting his voice.


    "The Demon King, the lord of all evil and is terrorizing the populace." Nino explained.


    "Can''t say I heard of this Demon King fellow but the closest I can think of that is terrorizing the populace is those blasted machines back in my home country. Raids to gather all metallic substances they can get their hands on... sheesh I''m glad I don''t have to worry about them here. Now sit still, I got a potion for you to drink."


    Issa had a bottle of green liquid in his hand and he took the stopper from it. A fresh wave of herbal scent invaded Nino''s nostrils causing him to gag at the smell.


    "Don''t be a baby, take this!" Issa declared and he splashed the liquid all over Nino''s wounds.


    Nino felt a surge of heat as he gradually regained some of his senses. His body stopped aching as he regained motor functions. Moving his head no longer sent jolts of pain flashing through his body and upon removing one of his bandages the skin looked as if it was just born.


    "You can thank me later, I''ll compile a list of goods you''ll need to pick up from the forest so I''ll get that for you. In the meantime since you lost all of your possessions It would be best to register with our local adventurers'' guild so you can enter and exit with no fees. Of course I got my healer''s liscense so I can avoid the tax myself but I get taxed for owning said liscense..." Issa paused as if a realization dawned on him before he bleeted angrily. "They''re still taking my money even now!" He cried.


    Oblivious to his savior''s dilemma Nino hopped on his feet as he stretched. Arms moving in perfect order. Jogging in place with legs! Check!. Quest to complete. Keep them coming! It was time to be a hero!


    "I''ll be sure to complete the registration in no time, see ya soon gramps!" Nino called from his room before pushing out of the curtain and into a large foyer where another person was sitting. Ignoring the man, Nino pushed the door that had an exit sign above it and sunlight blinded him.


    Once his vision grew used to the brightness Nino saw a large central square with a fountain in the middle. Four streets branched from the square all of them bustling with activity as people went about their day to day lives.


    For a village, the fact that there was a paved road and central square spoke of a prosperity of sorts.


    Now to find the Adventurers'' Guild


    Nino looked around the central square to see if he could spot something similar to the large grandiose building one would often find in such fantasy settings.


    Behind him was a small hut with a sign with a the saying "Glenwood''s Healing Hut."


    Across from it was a shop with a sword and shield alongside the words "Evalo''s Armory. Products that Saves Lives."


    Nope that wasn''t it. Nino looked at west of him to find the square populated with various farmer markets stalls.


    "Fresh vegetables, harvested this morning! Come buy some vegetables to feed that growing child of yours!" A vendor''s booming voice called from the market


    "Pelt from a Raider Wolf, Top condition with only one arrow hole. We can easily turn it into a pocket for you if you dare buy it!" Announced a second vendor.


    "Your newest friend is sitting right here! Come adopt a pet and give them a loving home, or you can just take them out and use them as bait. Heck eat them for all I care, spend your money here!" a third vendor cried out


    More and more vendors called for people to buy their wares as Nino stared at them.


    "Can''t be helped, all cities have such a market. I can already tell that the fountain in the center has some sort of secret mechanic that opens it up for me to take the legendary sword once I approach. I can hardly wait!" Nino rubbed his hands together and proceeded to step into the market.


    As the fountain grew larger with each step he took, Nino could already imagine the crowd gasping in shock as he pulled out the weapon that no one knew about. They''d shower him with praises. They''d give him supplies that he would need to slay the Demon King


    Still, Issa didn''t know about the Demon King. Was this place far from the place that the Demon King resided in? Did his army march across the land as he stood? Issa hadn''t heard about it here, nore did he hear about it in Konchitan wherever that may be. These machines... could they be the "demons" of this realm?


    Thinking back to it, not all hero stories had the Hero face demons. Sometimes it was evil elves that wanted to live forever. Or it was to stop the evil wizard from ushering in the apocalypse. Sometimes the big bad was the king who had summoned the hero himself.


    I can''t rule out all possibilities, I wonder what I will face as the Hero? Then again I''ll find out because some sage in the forest will reveal the first clue of the one who wishes to plunge this world into darkness.


    Nino prickled with anticipation. "I can''t wait to start the journey... but who will appear as my companions?"


    Nino lost himself in his own thoughts as he wandered forward. Approaching the fountain, Nino brought himself back from his own fantasy and stared at it.


    No changes... could it be that I need to touch a part of it?


    When touching the fountain prooved fruitless he touched the water. When nothing happened in response to his touch Nino decided to jump into the fountain. Again no changes occured with the exception of his wet shoes to which Nino touched the base of the fountain. He even drew blood by biting his finger and nothing changed.


    Nino raised his arms to try to climb to the top of the fountain only for someone to place a hand on his shoulder. Turning his head Nino saw a man in a suit of armor alongside a long braided grey ponytail. Standing a bit back and out of the fountain stood what appeared to be his patrol partner. She was already glaring at him with a disapproving look on her face.


    "Hello. I am Benford Gelbrat and I''m a guard of this village. Can I ask what you are doing?"


    "I was trying to claim the weapon hidden in this fountain. I''m just trying to find out how to open it." Nino answered.


    "And how did you come across such knowledge?" asked the Benford.


    "Isn''t it obvious that the center of the town would house a weapon fit for a Hero?" Nino replied matter-of-factly.


    "Sir, can you come with us for a bit, we''d like to ask you some questions." Benford smiled


    How troublesome, don''t they see that I''m a hero? Why are they obstructing me from obtaining my birthright? When I conquer the Demon King and when the king grants me a position I''m sure they''ll be groveling at my feet. Still, for now I can''t cause any disorder since it is the Hero''s job to keep the peace.


    Nino coughed slightly before speaking. "Sure, I wouldn''t want to cause the guards any unnecessary trouble after all."


    "Good, we got much to talk about." Benford laughed before hopping out of the fountain.


    Nino smiled. It was time to see the look on their faces when he revealed he is the hero that they''ve been waiting for.

 B1.03 N S

    "Outrageous!" A voice screeched throughout the barracks, drawing the heads of many to a singular door situated in the back of the room.


    "It seems like Chief is at it again, I wonder who screwed up this time hehe." one of the guards chuckled before going back to his paperwork.


    "Just be glad it ain''t you or me, what do you think the punishment will be this time around? Sewer duty?" Another asked


    The two laughed between themselves as Nino became smaller and smaller as the angry lady in front of him seethed, if she was a dragon Nino dare say that she would have been breathing fire. He could already see the steam escaping from her ears.


    "I want to say that I am the Hero and I''m in need of a weapon to fight the Demon King. I was sure it was located in the fountain... are you sure its not there?" Nino asked cautiously.


    "Hero this, Hero that! Are you a bloody idiot? What even is this demon king you speak of? I may not be well versed in monsters, but demons don''t exist around these parts. The closest things that have horns is that quack doc that runs that stupid herbalist hut and the last I checked he was busy smelling bad if that is crime enough for you." The angry lady pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head.


    The angry lady was an alright looking woman, to Nino at least. She had tawny blond hair that fell in a simple pony tail. her sharp stone grey eyes complimented her hard glare that she was giving him. Her body seemed muscular and he couldn''t tell what her size was due to the bulky armor that she wore.


    "Look, Captain Ysurta. I know I may have been a bit presumptious but I just woke up in an unfamiliar surrounding, I have no clue where I am nor the customs that are appropriate here... can you at least cut me some slack?" Nino apolgoized hoping it would remedy the situation.


    Looking up, Nino felt hope shower his very being. It was possibly that they were charmed by his maganimousity.


    Captain Ysurta eyes were like orbs of blizzards. "This fucking..." Captain Ysurta released a sigh before slamming her fist on the table.


    "Listen here you brat. We have rules in this village that you failed to follow. Public disorder, defacing a public structure. Even an attempt at seducing the guards."


    "Seducing the... what! When have I ever did that?"


    "You tell me, I can''t exactly put it down as a bribe since you didn''t offer anything so I''ll go with the next best thing."


    "I thought this was a simple negotiation! This is abuse of power!" Nino cried.


    "And you are obstructing justice. Accept your punishment or be exiled from this village." Captain Ysurta growled.


    "But I have to repay that Faun for healing me. I can''t do that if you exile me." Nino argued.


    "That certainly changes things doesn''t it. Fine, I''ll change your punishment to community service, complete the quack doc''s request as well as two missons from the adventure''s board with difficulty of at least D-Rank."


    "I''m not even registered as an adventurer, how would you know what Rank mission I would have to complete." Nino complained.


    "That fountain was built to honor our late king, one that you so happen to defile with that body of yours. Technically I would have issued multiple Rank C missions but looking at your combat specs and that haughty attitude of yours. I think I''m doing you a favor." Captain Ysurta spat.


    "Leave my sight, I can''t bear to look at your sorry figure any longer. "Ben, Nina, escort this sorry escuse of a person to the adventurer''s guild."


    "Hey! I''m right here you know!"


    "I know, now get moving!" Captain Ysurta grinned, malice dancing in her smile and eyes.


    The old guard from before entered as well as the young female guard that was his partner.


    "Sorry for the captain''s attitude. She has to put up a hard facade else everyone will become complacent." Benford apologized.


    "I feel she is right to scold you like that. To think you''d enter the fountain of all things... how despicable." Benford''s companion badmouthed.


    "Be nice Nina, you know how it is with outsiders. I remember when Glenwood showed up sticking like a vat of horse dung. His strange actions offended people for weeks, not to mention that time with the Caith emissaries! If it wasn''t for his medical knowledge I''m sure the mayor would have expelled him from the village already."


    "So why is that fountain so special? If its not holding a legendary weapon or technique that is." Nino asked.


    Nina rolled her eyes as if to say ''here we go again'' and Benford just laughed at his innocent question.


    "A history lesson will do. The village of Sedatt belongs to the kingdom of Orveth that makes up the majority of the southern-central region. Be it simply we are it''s north-western-most territory. When we reach the Adventurers'' guild I can show you more about it. But simply the last king we had was King Jyrnath the Kind, named simply because of his policies that improved the livelihood of outlier villages and the poor." Benford explained.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Some of his other policies included the acceptance of other species such as the Faun you saw. Previously we''d be reluctant to even let him approach the gates much less serve the guy any food or water. I can imagine some of the places here still close their wares to other species.


    "One of the big changes that help this town is the negotiations with the Caith located in the West. You see, this village makes use of lumber, hunting and foraging to make-do with expenses but a stable food source is what we lack. To the west is the Kaizeb Plains which houses fertile soil and suitable farming lands that can easily feed this village many-times over. One problem is that it is occupied by the nomadic Caith tribes that call it their home and any disruptions to their natural home is often met with force."


    "Hold on hold on... slow down a bit that''s to much information!" Nino exclaimed, putting his hands into a T shape.


    "You''ve mentioned the Caith before, who are they exactly?"


    "The Caith are a group of nomadic tribes that live in the Kaizeb plains. There are many different types of Caith but the one that normally come to our humble village are the Torael."


    Nino pursed his lips as the trio kept on walking. The town was lively, bustling even. Nino became aware that many of the people that were wandering around were mostly human. A few other species were wandering around, a few of the creatures walking around were pig-like, standing on two legs with their tan and dirt colored hides alongside the tusks that protruded from their mouths, most of them wearing some sort of cloth tunic and loincloths.


    Sitting at a cafe were two panther-beastmen, their fur a sunset orange, standing on their hind legs, each of them dressed in hide cloaks sipping their cups gingerly. Not to far from them was a smaller


    Nino took note of the sparse appearences of the two species as he walked through the town following the two guards leading the way, their numbers were numerous enough to warrant interest, but one could tell that this village was mostly human in inhabitence.


    "Here we are!" Benford announced, waving a hand toward the wooden building before them.


    Nino took in the sight and sighed. It was nothing like he imagined it would be. The medium-sized wooden building with few windows made of stained glass, each dipicting a monster.


    A large set of wooden doors stood at the end of a four-step stairway that led into the building even if the edges were intricately carved to show humanoid figures, probably some legendary heroes or the founder of the adventurers.


    "Is this not to your liking?" Benford asked, his voice tint with worry.


    "I was expecting more of a... large grandiose building made of marble flanked by statues and the likes." Nino grimaced, earning him a scoff from their third traveling companion.


    "Oh so this ain''t good enough for you? Not satisfied by our local guild then? Why don''t you skedaddle to the capital where you can stop befouling our village!" Nina humphed before stomping away.


    Benford gave Nino a sad smile before speaking. "I''ll apologize for her, she can be rather fiesty but she is a good kid at heart." Benford chortled as if to push away the sadness and anger from before.


    "As for guiding you to the guild, we are here so I''ll leave you to it. I have someone I need to go comfort." Benford waved before departing, leaving Nino to his own devices.


    How should I make my entrance? How will they rate me? Will the hidden powers deep within me manifest?


    Nino strode through the doors, throwing them open with a loud bang, revealing a two-story room. In the center of the room stood multiple dining tables where various adventures of all shapes and sizes sat, eating, talking, planning and more. On the western side of the room was a counter where the adventurers must have gotten their food since multiple people were running around cooking food and placing them on the counter for people to pick up.


    On the eastern side laid two set of stairways, one going up and the other going down. And in front of Nino, on the very back wall were the request counters where the receptionists stood.


    His entrance only drew a few eyes though most of them looked away almost instantly.


    It''s fine, they don''t know that I''m the hero! I haven''t made any notable achievements yet so of course they wouldn''t know of me just yet!


    Nino strutted to the counter, smiling toward the receptionist, a young female human with auburn hair, who smiled back.


    "How may I help you today sir?" she asked calmly, professionalism radiating from her very being.


    "I would like to register to be an adventurer." Nino''s smile grew wider.


    "Alright, do you have any letters of recomendation or proof of mentorship?" She asked.


    "recomendation? mentorship?"


    "It would seem that you do not. Would you like to register as an E rank adventurer or would you like to do a trial for us to determine your capabilities?"


    "I''ll just take the E rank, I''m sure it''ll go away soon." Nino confidently exclaimed.


    The receptionist only smiled at his resolve and handed over a few papers for him to fill out.


    Nino breezed through it as the receptionist came back with a bag.


    "Thank you, this is your guild issued sword, for E Rank Adventurers we provide them with a wooden sword so that they can get a feel for the sword, when you promote to D-rank we will provide an iron one.As for your armor we are happy to give you leather armor for you to familiarize with how you will move in it. We can upgrade this to Iron when you approach C-rank. We also have belts to hold three potions, as such we have issued you two low-grade health potions and 1 low-grade stamina potions. The bag is for you to hold monster loot." The receptionist explained, pointing to each item within the bag.


    "If you want to practice in the training grounds just take the stairs down." the receptionist pointed toward the stairs on the eastern wall.


    "It''s alright, I just have to do this request for Dr. Glenwood." Nino waved a sheet in front of the receptionist.


    The receptionist took the paper in hand and her eyes roamed across it. "Everything seems to be in order, do you need this paper to identify the herbs you will need?"


    "Better to be safe than sorry, I''ll take it back thank you."


    "Let me make a copy of this for the guild then everything will be in order." The receptionist grinned before her hands started to glow.


    Her hands sped across the paper within seconds before she blew across the paper.


    "Copy done, here you go sir!" handing over the paper she waved goodbye.


    "Alright! Its time to complete this request!" Nino cheered before dashing out the door.


    "Will he be alright Kie? Isn''t he a definition of a novice who never swung a sword before?" one of the other receptionist commented, watching the newcomer go.


    "I''m sure he will be fine Ino, at first I thought he was an arrogant upstart but he was surprising..." Kie, The receptionist who registered Nino, responded.


    "Really? How?" Ino asked


    "Lets just say I have a good feeling about him."


    "He''s going to die isn''t he." Ino sighed


    "What makes you say that" Kie was provoked.


    "You say that you have a good feeling about those who are going to die. You did that when you met my grandma last month!"


    "Whoops" Kie chuckled.


    Nino you are an interesting individual. How far will you struggle before you die.

 B1.04 N S

    Why did it come to this? How did it come to this? I am the hero right? So why!


    Nino crashed through the brush, the air split in two as an arrow whizzed past him and impacted a tree with a Thunk!


    Nino almost dropped the bag that held the various herbs that he had spent hours trying to find.


    "I should have been able to take them, aren''t they like the weakest of monsters? Why did it turn out like this!" Nino lamented as he heard their cries echoing from behind him.


    It was the most basic of monsters, one that usually show up as the first of many enemies one would have to defeat on their journey to defeat the demon king. They were half his size, wearing rags and carrying makeshift weapons such as fallen branches or sharpened stone. Their green skin a constant in every game he had played beforehand.


    "Damn those goblins, aren''t they suppose to be trash? Why did it turn out that they had the upper hand?" Nino cried out.


    He remembered it clearly, how he had spotted the trio of goblins and how it went downhill from there.


    It was a simple task. He was to collect herbs for Dr. Glenwood, they were common herbs but he had to gather a large quantity of them. Nino was walking along the trail pointed out to him by the guards when he had spotted them. green skin, pointed ears, small stature and dressed in rags with stone and wood weapons.


    Goblins. They were one of the staples that people expected to see in fantasy worlds and the three of them in front of Nino was living proof that this was again another world than his very own.


    "Goblins, one of the first steps of a Hero''s journey. Would I go on to defeat the Goblin King that set up his nest full of human slaves? Or will they be some henchmen for the first of many demonic generals that will try to appease his master''s will? Lets find out!"


    Nino foolishly charged forward, his very steps alerting the trio of goblins as he crashed through the trees loudly proclaiming "Goblins! You may be emissaries of the dark lord so I will give you a quick and merciless death!"


    The goblins gave a warcry as one of them notched a stick into a makeshift bow of what looked like a vine and a branch before letting it loose, the other two prepared a jagged stone and a wooden branch.


    Nino avoided the arrow with easy by stepping to the side before he brought his wooden sword down, the blade crashing into the goblin with the jagged stone, the force flooring the goblin as it cried out.


    Nino gave the goblin a kick before bringing his sword down again as he used the force to split the skin, blood flying everywhere as the goblin gave a cry of pain, could it''s final scream? The very thought had Nino enter a state of glee. He was doing something right! He was taking his first steps!


    Caught up in beating up the goblin, an impact slammed into Nino''s back as he fell, wheezing as the air rushed out of his lungs.


    Nino stumbled to his feet only to feel something hit his shoulder, the pain caused him to drop his sword as he was sent sprawling by force alone. The taste of earth entered his mouth as he struggled to his feet, the world spinning around him.


    What?Nino thought as he watched through dazed eyes as the goblins cheered, before the one carrying a wooden branch leaped forward, swinging the branch downward.


    Nino raised an arm to block the strike, pain rushed through his arm before he kicked the goblin away. Dazed and disorientated he stumbled away from the mess of a fight. His shoulder ached from the pain as he gasped for air.


    Behind him the cackling of goblins echoed as footsteps came in hot pursuit of their prey... him.


    How? Wasn''t this suppose to be easy? A swing of my sword and all three of them should have been dead so why? What heroic power did I get? Why hasn''t it activated?


    Nino stumbled as he avoided arrows, the world spinning he picked up his pace as he heard more and more footsteps converging on him. Laughter echoed in the trees as the brush rustled from the movement made from both Nino and the Goblins.


    Reinforcements!


    Two arrows landed in front of him as more cries echoed from the trees.


    Reinforcements for the goblins... Nino once more quickened his pace, he ran. The labor of running caused his body to pump blood and adrenaline throughout his body.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Nino saw the wooden walls of the town and he legged it as the guards saw his figure, the two of them rushing forward to guard him yet it was for naught. The goblins, upon realizing that they were encrouching upon the town quickly fell back to continue their hunt in the woods.


    Nino felt the energy drain from his body as he realized that he was safe.


    Its over... its finally over...


    Nino collapsed where he stood, a singular object protruding from his shoulder caught his attention and he placed a hand on it. Coarse. Dry. A stick found almost anywhere in the forest.


    Nino grabbed it with his hands and he musted a final burst of strength to yank it out. He instantly blacked out.


    <hr>


    The first thing that registered with Nino was the smell. It was rancid, foul and earthy. An infusion of scents assaulted his nose as he came to, at first everything was bright, yet as time past his eyes adjusted to see a familiar curtain, a familiar wooden wall and desk.


    Opposite of his bed stood a faun who simply observed him.


    "Back from your little expedition are we? When I said for you to brave the forest to gather herbs for me, I didn''t expect for you to use them up... no matter. In this case your injuries are less severe than when we first met so I won''t charge you for the treatment this time around. Just don''t make this into a common occurance ya here." bleeted the doctor.


    "..."


    "The wound has already been closed, but I''d recommend at least a day to rest and recover but I can understand if you want to take a few to sit and recover." Issa said in an attempt to comfort Nino.


    "Am I really the hero?" a voice whispered.


    Issa looked up at his lone patient, uncertain if Nino had really said anything.


    "Can you tell me if I''m the hero? The one that saves the world from the darkness?"


    "..." Issa looked at the downtrodden Nino and he sighed.


    "Listen kid, you keep spouting things about a hero and some grandiose adventure to fight evil. Personally my own hero saved me from my dark past with good intent in mind."


    "What happened?"


    "Simply a tale for another time... we''ve only just met each other after all." Issa smiled


    "But the lesson to take from this is that heroics isn''t about going on some grand quest to right all wrongs. Its more a "personal journey". It doesn''t matter if you save the world if you yourself do not have the aspiration and resolve for it. You have to look within yourself and ask if it is what you want to do. Are you willing to go through the hardships that come along."


    Nino looked down, thinking about what the doctor had said to him.


    Aspiration? Resolve? He was destined to be a hero... right?


    Everything was suppose to fall into place for him. He was suppose to get the sword easily, just a simple tug. Magic would be bestowed upon him due to the spirits. He could understand if there wasn''t anyone who gets that. Tales of his great deeds has yet to spread after all. Of course not everyone will know who he is.


    But isn''t there some sort of prophecy? One that is told to all the kids of a hero who rises up from nowhere. One destined to save the world from evil?


    Nino growled. Clenching his fist Nino glared at the doctor before him.


    "You giving me some sort of peptalk. I''ll show you that I can do this. I know I can do this. I''m destined to complete this task!" He roared, his resolve burning within and Issa smiled at his patient.


    "With fire like that I can''t reprimend you. I already healed you up so you''re good to go, however it is late so I''ll ask for you to avoid the forest for now. Some of the tougher creatures come out at night."


    "I can''t see in the dark anyway. I may be determined but I''m not stupid." Nino laughs and Issa chuckled.


    Nino looked at his gear. His sword missing, his armor with minor dents and his clothing dirtied but intact save for the hole where the arrow punctured his shoulder.


    The bag of herbs he had collected had been opened and some of it missing, probably used to patch him up from his wounds.


    "You brought a surprising amount for this time of season. Most of them were junk but a few of them were usable. Tell me, have you ever herb-collected before?" Issa asked and Nino shook his head.


    "Back where I''m from we had markets with fruits, vegetables and herbs for sale. We don''t normally trek into the wilderness to find these goods as we just grow them ourselves."


    "Interesting. Herbs can be hard to cultivate due to their various the various tasks we healers have to do to maintain them so that they retain their healing property, in such cases I wish I had the skill[Growth]to make it easier for me."


    "Herbs that we get are farmed in large plantations so they are relatively common albeit expensive at times. As for skills I''m sure it came from experience bu...wait... skill? What do you mean by that?" Nino asked curiously.


    "Skills, they are a vital part of everyday life that makes things easier. I wouldn''t be able to concoct half of my remedies if not for my[Synthesis]skill.


    "What about classes, are they a thing?" Nino asked fervently.


    "Of course, I''m known as aLevel 7{Healer}.It isn''t that hard you just have to heal people simple as that. "


    Skills. Classes. A level system? How does it all work? He had to find out more. Would it be possible to gain levels in the{Hero}class? Did such a class even exist?


    "It''s getting late. Try to find some party-members so I don''t have to patch you up again, you can watch each-other''s backs thought it would benefit me more if you do get hurt." Issa laughed at his own words, Nino could only grimace at the idea.


    "I should get out of your hair you old goat. I don''t want this stench to become my very being like it did you!" Nino retorted and Issa just smiled.


    "Fine then, get out of here. You do have a place to stay then, a place where you don''t have to bother me?"


    Nino froze. Shoot, he had forgotten to check out the inns. Save that, he didn''t even have money since most of the herbs he brought weren''t usable.


    "Come on then, I know a nice place, maybe you can make friends your age instead of a kooky geezer like me."


    "Hey I have friends!" Nino cried out and Issa stood at the door with an eyebrow raised. "Sure sure, now lets get going you don''t want to sleep on the streets do you?"


    Nino emerged from the bed as he grabbed his gear. The fresh air beckoning him to get out of the rancid hovel that Issa called home. Tonight it was sleep, and tomorrow... maybe he would make a friend or two.

 B1.01 L K

    Pain... Everything was pain. She felt the pain race across her body as she moved an arm. She wanted to get up, she wanted to find out what happened but all she could see was smoke, ash and sand. Her ears were ringing, muffling all sound around her but she swore she could hear explosions in the distance.


    "...Go.... an...er...... surv....... re." A voice echoed


    "Q........efo.......machi......us......" another voice, different from the first answered the first.


    A sense of weightlessness as she felt herself being lifted up. She struggled to say something, anything but out of her mouth came coughing, and then blackness.


    <hr>


    The female figure woke with a start as she remembered the last part. Someone was speaking, there was pain and the fact that she couldn''t move her bod...y.


    The figure looked down, her clothing was replaced with simple cloth. Her arms were capable of movement albeit the many bandages that decorated herself as if she was a Mummy from ancient Egypt. Her auburn hair was tucked underneath a cap.


    Weary eyes scanned the room to see it was made mostly of compact dirt with few beams of wood to support the roof. A simple cloth door seperated her from the rest of the building, if you could call it that. The room also had a simple table where a candle sat atop, lighting the room to reveal shelves full of bottles of multi-colored liquids.


    "Okay Lauren... someone must have saved you from an accident... but why am I here instead of a hospital?" the girl asked herself.


    Lauren was at the ripe age of 20 and was simply taking the train to her college when she felt a sudden impact. As far as she could remember she must have been part of a crash.


    "Doctor? Nurse?" Lauren called out, she made to move yet her legs failed her, causing her to fall to the side of her bed.


    Scurrying could be heard as footsteps rushed over to her location, the sounds grew closer as two figures pushed aside the cloth to reveal figures which caused Lauren to scream.


    Large round ears and enlonged faces and whiskers. Dressed in simple vests and long pants and boots. and a tail swishing behind the pair


    "Rat... RAT!" Lauren screeched at the top of her lungs causing the two to cover their ears. The one in front grimaced as the second only glanced discouragingly.


    "We''re Micefolk excuse you." the one in front scowled before mumbling something as it went over to the shelf and started to rumage.


    "Sorry abou my sister, she hates being compared to those raas." the second apologized. "Name is Cera Sable, and tha is my sister Lucille Sable. We''re known as the Sable Sisters." Cera took Lauren into her arms and placed her back into the bed.


    "Micefolk? Where am I? What happened to me? What is going on?" Lauren cried.


    "Shut yer yappers laddie, we were going to explain to yee what happened. Unlucky that yee got caught in the middle of a raid. We saved as many as we could but so far only yee had the best chance at surviving. If we pushed all our reserces we probably could save a few more." Lucille scoffedEnjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "So why aren''t you saving them? Why let them suffer and die?" Lauren argued.


    "Its not that simple laddie. We''re deep within enemy territory, we can''t afford to make constant supply runs without the risk of us being found out. If yee want to save them then do it yer self." Lucille growled and continued to rummage through the shelves.


    "She can be quite tempermental, still to explain. We are Micefolk, bipedal anthromorphs as you humans termed us as, who live naturally on the plane of Konchitan. You are in the middle of the desert near one of the Walled Cities, a common ground for the machines also known as the Metallic Empire to attack in their evergrowing search for metal goods." Cera explained.


    She held up a finger, seeing as Lauren opened her mouth to speak.


    "We do not control the walled cities, those belong to another inorganic being known as the Chels Society. A race of puppets and clockworks who are more tolerant of organics than the Metallic Empire is. To even enter we''d have to apply months beforehand where they''re council would argue amongst each other before approving or rejecting. People in need of saving... in your state it would be to late. So we have our own outposts. Underground bunkers if you will." Cera replied.


    Lucille approached with a green bottle in her hand, it was already unstoppered and a minty scent wafted toward Lauren.


    "Drink this, it''ll make yee feel better." Lucille spoke, ice in her voice.


    "What is it?" Lauren was bewildered at the turn of events. She was suppose to be in Mr. Minchell''s class studying Engineering. Why was she here in some underground bunker. Did she appear in an entirely new world?


    She had never heard of Konchitan. There definately were not Micefolk in existence. She also had never heard of the Chels Society nor the Metallic Empire.


    "Its a Soothing Potion. Its to relieve a person of stress, our apperance and the general situations has caused ye much of it." Lucille explained.


    "Tha... Thank you." Lauren studdered, taking the vial in hand she took a sip, mint overloading her senses as she felt her vision swimming. The room shook as the two micefolk sisters swam in and out of vision. They spoke words, Lucille? had turned to face the other before darkness overtook her once more.


    <hr>


    "Was that really necessary sis." Cera grimaced at the sight of Lauren slumping in her bed.


    "We have to be sure, the puppets are still striving fer perfection, You''ve seen the expiriment they''ve done with the cerpse. How can you not be convinced they''ve finally upgraded to experiment with dolls or puppets made of flesh, you''ve seen her clothing. Designs such as those could only be produced by the Walled Cities . If only you''d let me disect her we can find out how far those damn puppets have taken this "project" of theirs." Lucille glowered, the air turning heavy with tension as her sister paused.


    Deciding her next words carefully she spoke. "And risk the life of an innocent woman? We swore to protect the people caught up in this war between the Artificials, you''ve seen the state of those who we''ve found. they were blasted apart, decimated, a group of civilians caught in a warzone. And you have the gull to call her a spy." Cera spat, distaste already spreading in her mouth at the abhorrent behavior her sister was displaying.


    "We can''t take chances, the lives of this cell is dependant on if we can stay hidden, with all of this metal and enchanted wood... both sides would kill to claim this cavern." Lucille bellowed.


    "Quiet! I can understand your concern but we vowed to protect those injured in the fighting... if she were to die for any reason not caused by us. You can disect her all you want" Cera compromised.


    "Perfect, as soon as she''s healthy she''s going on a scavenging mission with me." Lucille smirked and she pushed aside the curtain and walked out of the room.


    Cera frowned. She reached over to her pocket to pull out a slab of metal, simply touching the side caused it to light up with numbers and words she couldn''t understand. What was... November? What is this nine dots that would make lines if you slide your finger across it? A secret transmission device?


    Cera took one look at Lauren before pocketing the device. "Please... please prove that your innocent... that you aren''t working for either side... that you can help us..."


    Cera took one last look and she exited out of the room. Lauren mumbling something about mint and sheeps.

 B1.05 N S

    "The inn I''m bringing you to is owned by a good friend of mine. He is well-known to many "odd" travelers that come from all over. It may be a bit shabby but it is home to many." Issa explained, Nino could only give him a look as the houses and buildings nearby steadily grew worse and worse.


    "Are you sure its a renown establishment? Everything around looks like its part of the slums." Nino asked and Issa gave a hearty laugh.


    "Everone says that. I can guarentee you that it is a reasonable establishment."


    Nino saw a group of people sitting outside covered in blankets, their unkempt hair and ragged clothes made it a testament of what type of area they were in.


    "Um... sure?" Nino questioned and Issa gave laughed.


    "Here we are!" Issa exclaimed and he threw open the doors. Nino glanced at the sign next to it.


    "The Dancing Deer Inn"


    Nino entered after Issa to find the room scattered with broken furniture. Tables were overturned and chairs were in pieces. At the three remaining tables among the mess sat individuals and pairs as they discussed among themselves.


    Their entry caused a disturbance in the cozy atmosphere as all patrons of the inn turned to face them.


    "Ah Issa!" a voice called from the bar, a humongous giant of a man stood polishing a dish as he threw open his arms as if to pull them into a hug. Now Nino had seen giant people, this person easily looked as if he had trained to be a bodybuilder all of his life and then retired. What was odd for Nino was the man was not infact a man, as the large mane of hair that surrounded his head alongside the fur that ran along body, or the fact that he had feline eyes and nose.


    "Ornifer! It''s been too long my friend. Tell me, has Catalana stopped in yet?" Issa greeted the bartender, Nino following him to the bar as the other patrons brought their attention back to themselves.


    The barkeeper Ornifer gave a hearty chuckle as he set his plate down and gripped the bar.


    "Sadly ya just missed her, she came in around three days prior. Heading toward Rose Garden."


    "Drats, well how about Winstrom? Eris? Butch?"


    "Winstrom is probably still on tour, the Nagas are pushing for an invasion and he was drafted to defend against them. Eris is back in her kingdom as her trial is over and Butch hadn''t come in for weeks." Ornifer told them.


    "Welp, guess we won''t be meeting people your age young one. Guess you''ll have to wing it with these old folks am I right?" Issa nudged Nino who scowled.


    "Old, young, what does it matter? If we can work together and watch each other''s backs then I am happy to help them out." Nino glared.


    "Well, only someone with no friends would say that." Issa''s words jabbed at Nino who only deepened his glare. "Ornifer! A cup of Sun Shimmer for me... and maybe a water for the kid."


    "I keep telling you I have friends!" Nino cried out while the barkeeper laughed. "The usual then, alright doc it''ll be out in a few."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Tell me kid, what brings you to this place this late at night? Wouldn''t you like to stay at one of those better inns." Ornifer asked, his hands busy mixing together two liquids.


    "I''ll be honest and say I have no money. The doctor here was kind enough to recommend this place to me, saying I might meet some people to team up with."


    "Well..." Ornifer paused, scratching his head as he turned around, a cup of amber liquid in his hands. "We certainly get the eccentrics of the bunch, most inns tend to kick them out but I think they offer an amusing atmosphere at times." The barkeeps eyes glinted as he gazed at the figures scattered around his inn. The groups at the tables alongside the few that sat on broken chairs or leaned against the walls or simply sat down on the floor using a cloak to not dirty their pants.


    "If you want to talk to them then be my guest. Most keep to themselves so don''t take it to harshly if they ignore you." Ornifer smirked as a cup was handed to Nino who took it with both hands.


    Nino stared into the cup to see his reflection look back at him from the reflective liquid. His face had dark spots of dirt clinging to his face as well as his grizzled hair flowing all-over the place.


    "Maybe I''ll ask in the morning... when I''ve freshened up." Nino nodded his head before downing the drink. "One room please, I''ve no money for now but I''ll pay you tomorrow!" Nino exclaimed and slammed his cup on the bar, earning him gazes from across the room.


    "Floor 2 Room 4, and wash before you enter the bed, a bucket of water is in the room at the end of the hall." Ornifer hands over a key.


    "Thank you!" Nino grabbed the key and practically ran up the stairs.


    "He is an interesting kid doc. Thats why you brought him to my ole bar aye." Ornifer chuckles as Issa''s eyes lazily glanced at the Caith in front of him. "He has these wild ideas, keeps spouting about this demon king that will destroy the world. If I didn''t bring a crazy over whenever I meet them you''d run out of business." Issa slurred and Ornifer tightened his eyebrows.


    "Its a word of mouth place, never did like the spotlight anyway. What are his odds? He doesn''t look skilled at all so many of my regulars probably wont pick him up. Maybe the Gaunt Gems would take him in or ole Rufort and his team... he always had a bleeding heart."


    "You know the Gaunt Gems are on an assignment for the Kingdom of Inara and won''t be back for a while... heck if the rumors are true about their destination they won''t be back at all. As for Rufort and the Helm Horns... its cause of his bleeding heart that they''d have to take as many contracts as they do. I don''t often care for many people... not since that time but for some reason I just want to help this kid out... so look after him for me." Issa eyed his drink as if he found it distasteful before looking up again.


    Ornifer observed the Faun before him, his hands wiping away at a glass as he thought about the situation and looked around at the other patrons of the inn as he decided his words. A slow sigh escaped from the giant lion-beast as he put down the glass he was polishing.


    "You don''t often ask for favors so I''ll do this for you just once. I''ll give the kid breakfast and maybe an introduction, I got two who came in not an hour ago requesting additional aide, seems like they''re traveling to Rose Garden so he can meet Catalana if you needed to get something to her."


    "Just the two meeting is enough, if you can send someone to catch up to her and let her know she is to meet with Nino then I''ll greatly appreciate it."


    "It will be done doc, though this Nino kid talks about a demon king? I''ve heard stories about how this place used to be covered in ash, as battle raged across the land... only rumors... and only the most ancient of Fae and Flora speak of it."


    "Thats something to think on... good night Ornifer, I thank you for the usual and I''ll pay the tab by the end of the week!"


    "You better, next time you waltz in here without coin I''ll make sure you''ll need a doctor of your own you old goat." Ornifer playfully threatened and with a wave Dr. Issa Glenwood left the inn to those who still lurk away at night, who sat among the rubble and debris of past patrons. Leaving the giant of a Caith with a mane of hair that shown like the sun on this dim night, who wipes away at a glass as he observed each patron.