《Surviving this world with a broken meta!》 Prologue ¡°Shin-chan~ we¡¯re goinggg..¡± ¡°Shin. Take care of the house while we¡¯re away¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll miss you mom, dad. Take care.¡± As Shin confirmed his parents have boarded the taxi, he closes the door with a sullen look. Their departure might have caused him loneliness. ¡°Ooooohhh yeahhhh!!¡± Or not. Because of his father¡¯s work overseas, he must leave for quite a while. And this time, the company his father is working for has issued taking the family with him as this time it comes with a free vacation. His parents insisted that he must come, but his dramatical response rendered them speechless. He said ¡°No, you go mom. You have been stress lately. This is the perfect chance for you to unwind and have great time with dad. I can manage myself. Don¡¯t worry¡±. The rest was omitted simply because most of it is bunch of sugarcoated words just to convince them for him to stay. Although they are reluctant but eventually they agreed. He has been looking forward to the day that he can have the entire house even for a short time. He cannot miss this chance at all cost. ¡°Gaming 24/7 and no one will stop me! No scolding, no annoying errands, no compulsory household chores and especially.. no parents for 1 month! Absolute freedom!¡± Shin has been running around the house after his parents left. His happiness must have hit the top because the excitement he showed knows no bounds. Jumping around like crazy even stripping away his clothes, he even does back flip and regretted later after he hit the floor face first. Well he is the lazy introverted type so naturally he doesn¡¯t have the physique to do so. ¡°Guh.. Ou-oush .. the-thaf washh a ishufid. M-my exshayment got insho me .. ugh¡± Due to having his mouth kissed the hard floor, he cannot even talk properly. He took some ice cubes on the fridge and put it on a piece of cloth to put on his swell cheeks.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. After the swelling has gone, he took a lot of snacks composing mostly of junk foods then headed immediately to his room to turn on his computer. He almost tripped in the stairs on the way but having learned his lesson; he managed to balance his body. The sound of the computer turning on echoed his room. He must have set on the highest volume. Before, he only puts on headsets since his parents would scold him for the noise but now he is free to do everything he wants. He can even watch lewd videos without lowering the max volume but his oddity just increases because even though he is on adolescent age, he never finds indulgence on that kind of stuffs. You can call him weird or perhaps abnormal but he didn¡¯t lack common sense of this world. Maybe due to his addiction to online gaming that he didn¡¯t find the opposite sex appealing enough to make him stop playing or focuses on to something else. ¡°My dad¡¯s work this time did a very great timing! Today starts the week-long event. Double exp, item drop rate increased unlimited fatigue and a chance to meet with the GM! So cool¡± He couldn¡¯t hide his excitement and started to talk to himself. No one can stop him now. Minute became hours. Hours became days. Playing like there is no tomorrow. His happiness is nonstop. If he thought this craziness would last long, He couldn¡¯t be more wrong There is one crucial mistake that he should never ever forget. That one thing that he is incapable of. Well there is a ton he cannot do but this one thing is one of his many flaws. ¡°Ugh ¡­ uhhhh¡­ I-I cannot move¡­¡± Brrrrr~~ He doesn¡¯t know how to cook. And too busy to buy food at a convenient store. His stomach has been growling before he is even aware of it. Bad habits can¡¯t be avoided easily. His hardcore addiction to playing made him invulnerable to hunger for few days but the body has its own needs. Our body is like an engine, we can¡¯t move without a source of energy. Nothing escapes hunger and no one is an exception. After consuming all the junk foods he had while being too lazy to order food, he thought he could go on without eating. Playing for 1 week straight literally 24/7 without sleep, he is on his limits. It is not an exaggeration that he wouldn¡¯t last that long. ¡°¡­ I .. have no¡­ regrets¡­.¡± Uttering those undeniably crazy words with a triumphant smile on his face, he is just a step away 6 feet under. But as he was about to kick the bucket.. ? A blinding light illuminated his blurring vision. To cover his eyes, he forcibly raised his rotting log-like arms with all of his remaining energy. Together with the light, a voice reached his ears. ¡°.. I-is that you gramps?¡± The voice sounded like an old man so he assumed that was his grandfather. But the voice seemed a bit angry because his reply was a bit thorny. ¡°You? My grandson? Don¡¯t f*ck with me b¡ªErm! Sorry bout that. Heherm!¡± The old man? whom the voice originated readjusted his tone and changed into a business-like voice. ¡°If you like games that much to the extent of dying over it, I have a proposition which surely you will find very attractive.¡± Listening to the voice, he replied with his face facing flat on the floor. ¡°I¡¯m all ears.. Or more like that¡¯s the only organ I can use right now aside from my mouth¡± ¡°Then..¡± Acting as a cue, the light shines even more and envelops all the corners of his room. The next thing he¡¯ll see will be entirely different. The light then disappeared together with Shin. Chapter 1: Getting summoned by the old man Bunch of things happened and here we are in a pure white place devoid of nothing but a single ordinary desk and a chair. Sitting on it is a bespectacled old man maybe in between 60-70 of age clad in a butler suit. While on the floor lies a boy unconscious. ¡°Geheh..hehehe.. d-don¡¯t pick my nose like that.. heh-ehehe¡­ssshhh¡­.zzzzzz~~¡± Muttering incomprehensible things in his sleep, the boy lets out a creepy smile then goes back in his sleep letting out peaceful breaths. A vein popped in the old man¡¯s temple who is observing the boy in his desk while resting his chin with his hands. The old man has been observing the boy sleeping for about 5 hours now. He is letting the boy rest after he had summoned him. His foot has been shaking uncontrollably. Impatience is very clear in his face. That¡¯s it! The old man in his last straw after hearing the boy¡¯s endless sleep talking, took an empty tin can from who knows where and throws it straight into the boys idiotic face. ! *bonk!* It hit him right on his forehead. It was quite the throw that the hard sleeping boy finally opened his eyes. ¡°¡­. Mom please, don¡¯t wake me up like that. it¡¯s annoying¡­¡± Still half-asleep, the boy rubbed his belly with an annoyed face. He thought he was still in his room. But a loud shout waked him up. ¡°How long will keep on sleeping?! This isn¡¯t your house!¡± ¡°Eh.. eh?? Wh-where am i?¡± The boy named Shin looked all over the room. It is devoid of nothing. It is pure white without anything decorated except for the ordinary table and chair used by the old man. ¡°Looks like you are fully awake.¡± Says the old man. ¡°Where am I old man?¡± shin looked at the old man with a worried face. ¡°Did you forget? You died due to hunger. ¡° ¡°Oh. Hehe. I died didn¡¯t i?¡± Smiling, he replied while scratching the back of his head. The old man look at him with half-open eyes. ¡°Hoh~ not only you¡¯re annoying one but also odd.¡± ¡°I do get that a lot. It¡¯s nothing new really¡± It¡¯s not surprising though. A lot of his friends find him sometimes annoying because of his carefree attitude. Like I don¡¯t care about this world attitude. The old man continued. ¡°What makes you odd is you readily accepted the situation you are in.¡± ¡°Well, there is nothing I could do about it so fussing over it won¡¯t change anything.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The old man nods in affirmation. To him, this attitude is rare for someone who just died. All those people who have met him have various reactions towards the fact but all of them have one reaction in common, fear. Naturally, the old man looks at him in interest. ¡°So, what now old man? am I going to heaven or hell?¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Shin spoke breaking the old man¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Hmm. We don¡¯t always have this deal. We only offer it to people who have SPECIAL circumstances. Also, don¡¯t call me old man. My name is peter. I am the messenger that sends anyone to heaven or on the other world if deemed worthy.¡± ¡°The way your tone of the word special feels somewhat irritating but go on.¡± Peter intentionally raised his voice when he said the word special indicating he has other meaning to it so Shin easily have seen through it. Brushing it off, peter continued. ¡°Well then. This might take a while. You see, there are two worlds that all of you didn¡¯t know. Originally, there is only one but the high heavens created a parallel world different from the original. And that is the world that you are living in. it is be¡ª¡° ¡°Wait..¡± Shin interjected ¡°You mean the world, or the earth that I am living in isn¡¯t the original world but the other one?¡± ¡°Yes. The original world that have been created consist of everything very opposite to your world. It has magic and everything that you will find on earthly novel fictions. Different races like demons, demi-humans, elves and etc coexist. An ideal world to live in or so the high heavens thought.¡± Peter showed a grim look like he just remembered something horrible. It was only fleeting and he decided to continue. Shin noticed his expression but decided to keep quiet. ¡°The high heavens thought mixing together all race was ideal. All is well at first; the peace lasted for centuries until one race decided to step further outside their boundaries. It resulted to conflict and escalated to war. Even though the high heavens created that world, they can¡¯t just intervene easily. They don¡¯t know heaven existed so popping out like a zit would worsen the situation. It was so chaotic that they have decided to create a parallel world with no magic with only the same race, and that is your world ¡± Listening attentively to peter, shin showed a rare a serious look and spoke while rubbing his jaw. ¡°A zit, huh? I don¡¯t have one but looking at someone having that¡­ I bet they find it annoying too.¡± Idiot. Peter mumbled with hand of his face. ¡°That is not the point here!¡± Peter wanted to rebuke but he¡¯s too tired to do so. ¡°Sigh. Anyways, as you know it ended in conflict, it escalated to a total war. It continued for a long time but ended up in a stalemate. Some races formed an alliance in order for both parties to have a bond and mutual protection. The peace they have right now is like a sand castle, very fragile. It¡¯ll only take time for some wave to destroy it. And that is where you come in.¡± ¡°Eh? What? Come in where? Sorry I was distracted. Why a butler suit?¡± Shin has been curious as to why the peter wears a butler suit the whole time so he voiced his concerns. Another vein popped into peter¡¯s temple. ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret for deciding to offer you a deal. If you don¡¯t take this seriously, I would really love to reincarnate you as a bacteria somewhere in Jupiter. Also, butler outfit is fashionable¡± Hearing the threat peter just said, Shin broke into a cold sweat and unconsciously swallowed saliva. He never thought of it as an empty threat considering peter has a high rank in heaven. He decided to stop pissing him off. ¡°Aha- ahaha. I-i was just joking. I get the gist of it. You want me to be some sort of a peacemaker, is that it?¡± ¡°Huh? What are you talking about? Don¡¯t get carried away boy.¡± Peter looked at him like he was an idiot which he is. ¡°Naturally going from your story, you want me do something about it, right?¡± ¡°Nahh. That was just a setting to fire up the mood.¡± ¡°Say whaaat?! So all of it was made up?¡± Peter stayed silent for a while and then bursted into laughter. ¡°Hahaha!... oh my sides is hurting. Phew. Jokes on you boy!¡± Shin¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Now you take this seriously this time! You damn old geezer!¡± Still holding his side to suppress his laughter, peter speaks. ¡°..You should have seen your face. Eherm. You are right. We need you to do something about it. We don¡¯t need you to be a hero or something. we just want you to alleviate the situation. Put balance into things. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Huh. And how do I suppose to do that? My physical test results were even below average. I get easily exhausted just by running 15 meters. And you ask me do something about it? Also why me?¡± ¡°Alright. Calm down now. We perfectly know how useless you are in society.¡± ¡°Oy. You say mean things for someone holy.¡± said shin grudgingly. ¡°Truth hurts. More importantly, it¡¯s not like we will send you as is. As you know, the other world has magic right? Then by that logic, we will augment you cast magic on your own. But not the same magic commonly used in that world. Yours will be unique.¡± ¡°Hoh~ very interesting. Like what exactly?¡± He couldn¡¯t hide his excitement. He showed a rather evil grin. ¡°Hmmm. How about the skills of the last character you played before you died will be yours, how about it?¡± Jing! Something just triggered on Shin¡¯s head.¡± ¡°Wow! You can do that?! It¡¯s a bit broken. But i.. accept!¡± *grins* Somehow I got the feeling this is a bad idea. Said peter in the back of his mind. ¡°Ok. It¡¯s settled then? You will have that power after you wake up in a different world. In addition, you can have this.¡± Peter handed Shin a gold ring with a wing-shaped red stone embedded in it. In an instant, shin backed away from peter with an exaggerated facial expression. ¡°Stop it there old man. I don¡¯t swing that way!¡± ¡°You idiot! This is not a wedding ring! This ring will provide its user immunity to all negative effects. Do you want it or not?¡± Shin immediately took the ring off in peter¡¯s palm and put it in his pointing fingers. He was amazed on how the ring adjusted itself by the size of the wearer¡¯s fingers. ¡°It¡¯s nice. So, how what now?¡± Taking off white gloves from his pocket, peter wore it in both of his hands. ¡°Come closer. Straighten your stance then clench your teeth as hard as you can¡± Doubtful, Shin did peter exactly how he instructed. But now that he think about it. ¡°Wait. You don¡¯t mean---Bugrh!¡± He didn¡¯t even finish his words. A strong right dug into his stomach. ¡°That¡¯ right. This is the quick way to make someone sleep.¡± ¡°Y-you.. damn old geezer! ¡­..¡± Shin collapsed in peter¡¯s arms. He put him gently and whispers. ¡°Sorry about that boy. We have faith in you. Please be safe.¡± As shin lets out peaceful sighs, peter thrust his arms out gushing with magic and moments later, Shin¡¯s entire body disappeared. ¡°Good luck boy¡± Mumbled peter as a parting words. Chapter 2: The villainous Human Arsenal [Growwwl!~~¡­.] ! A loud growl in the distance woke Shin up from his sleep. As he wakes up, he found himself in a shrine-like place. The well is out of place and somewhat located in the center of a thick forest. Oddly enough the place is a clear spot; free of bushes only a clean grass surrounded by trees. He temporarily ignored the irregularities and pulled himself up then drank on a well situated near the place where he slept in and washed his face up. ¡°I don¡¯t know where I am but pretty sure this isn¡¯t heaven or Japan. If its Japan then it shouldn¡¯t be a monster¡¯s growl just now but the honking of cars.¡± Speaking to himself, Shin tidied his shirt but noticed he is wearing different clothes from the one he use to wear back when he was in heaven or on earth. He is now wearing a typical butler clothes you see in movies and anime. ¡°Damn you old man and your butler clothes fetish. Oh I just have to wear hood over it.¡± Shin grumbled but let it slide. So what now? Floated on his mind. Normally when people get into place they¡¯re not very familiar of, they often panicked and don¡¯t know what to do but Shin felt the opposite. He is even amazed by his own calmness amidst the situation he¡¯s in. He looks around looking for the source of the growling sound just minutes ago. He can¡¯t just wander aimlessly or it could cost him his own life. This is a MMORPG-like world after all. You can¡¯t let your guard down. ¡°Maybe I should test how my ability works. Somehow I feel like I know already how to. Like those created characters on games where items, skills etc are on the menu.¡± Shin moved his hand in front of him like swiping a screen on a smartphone. Instantly, a hologram pops out of nowhere and displayed various information. On the screen displayed his status, Items, gold or like his level which is 1, race that is naturally a Human but Shin temporarily ignored other information because he was surprised or like expected that what Peter have said did come true. On the previous conversation with the old man, He offered Shin a very favorable offer in order for him to live in this type of world. The condition states that the ability of the last character he played will be his own. The fruit of his nonstop gaming overnight for days earned him the human race¡¯s top tier job from the MMO he played was the ¡°Human Arsenal¡±. It can only be obtain through rigorous grinding of levels and mastering all sorts of weapon. Though it claimed his life in return. Unlike the lower class like swordsman who can only wield sword, the Human Arsenal weapon choices are unlimited from melee to range type. It naturally brought an ominous smile on him. Time to test it. Shin decided to try and summon a weapon. Like he¡¯d already have done it before, he summoned a weapon with only a little concentration without breaking of a sweat. In his hands, two guns or specifically two Revolvers materialized. But the appearance is different from the ordinary revolver. It had a bigger and longer barrel. ¡°Sweet¡± mumbled Shin then materialized another weapon with only minimal movements of his hands. Now, another weapon has appeared or rather on his arms. What materializes is a pair of Gauntlets. Its appearance has a shape of a turtle shell but longer more elongated while the design has intricate detail head of a dragon. And what makes it more fearsome is the color, the red and black combination made it look like weapon straight from hell. It covered his entire arms and extended up into his elbow.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Shin flexed his muscle looks at it with fascination. It looked heavy but he lifted his arms like there¡¯s nothing there. After a while, he dematerialize the weapons in his hand and decided to leave. ¡°Now then, I¡¯m quite tired. I need to find a city nearby to rest.¡± He walked past bunch of bushes but was startled a bit when he encountered a wild boar. Walking only few meters away, he already encountered a monster. Hoho~ what a nice timing. I¡¯m a little famished but a potential meal is right in front of me. Shin smiled devilishly while rubbing his hands like some gambler in a winning streak. As he looks at the wild boar while drooling, a screen appeared just above the boar¡¯s body. It displayed the monsters information. A common monster in this area. It may be a small fry but it can be deadly especially to newbie like Shin who is just level 1. Shin materialized a Desert Eagle. Known to be a powerful pistol with a strong recoil. He injected mana into the gun and aimed it in the boar¡¯s forehead for about 2 seconds. The green crosshair became red indicating the target is locked. The boar sensing danger stood firmly while stomping its front right foot ready to charge out. But before it could charge at him, Shin pulled the trigger unhesitatingly and shot the boar. The bullet flew at astonishing speed leaving a trail of bluish light right in the center of the boar¡¯s forehead. He blew off the smoke from his gun¡¯s nozzle while muttering the word ¡°Headshot¡± like a typical gunman from the old Mexican standout. Shin walked into the dead boar¡¯s body and touches it. Immediately, the body emitted a blue light then evaporates. *toot* He heard a notification sound and swipes the empty air like he did a while ago. A hologram appeared and Shin especially looked at the section where the word exp is found. ¡®Oh. So I have to kill 4 of this monster to level up. And the meat is kind of cheap¡± Shin has been speaking to himself for quite some time now. He is aware of this felt and that he really needs to meet someone from this world to communicate. He then decided to walk where he feels is the right way. Along the path he had taken, he encountered a number of Tusked Boar and mercilessly slain each and every one of them which resulted him to raise a few levels. And for over an hour of walking, he finally found a wide road that leads somewhere. It was paved but Shin think of this road is in the wrong place. Why in a middle of a forest where the monsters usually wander? But Meh it¡¯s none of my business anyway he thought. After following the road aimlessly with a carefree attitude while whistling some unknown song, he heard something in the distance. He looked where the sound came from and found a carriage parked between the woods just outside the road. He took good look at it and found some bags and stuffs, some ropes that look like it had been cut. Aside from that, it¡¯s empty. ¡°P-please stop! Please don¡¯t do this¡­¡± A woman¡¯s begging voice reached Shin¡¯s ears. He quickly reacted to the voice and explored the woods and almost immediately found in remote area between trees a beautiful blue-haired Onee-san type desperately covering a crying little girl probably her daughter surrounded by three men. He sticks closely in a nearby tree to observe and analyze the situation. Shin knows the motives of the three men but decided to calmly wait for the right moment. ¡°Why bother selling this beautiful slave? We can make her our own sex slave! Right, brothers?¡± ¡°Damn right! We can take turns every night. We will use her until we are satisfied and then dispose of her like a piece of rag! Ahahah!¡± Said the man looking at the girl with a disgusting look on his face. ¡°You can have the older one. I will have this little girl. Come¡¯re little missy. Don¡¯t be afraid¡± You lolicon. Muttered shin while looking at the one who tried to grab the little away from the Onee-san. ¡°You actually want to fuck this child? You truly are sick you fucker! Ahahaha!¡± ¡°No! Please. Not her. P-please do as you l-like with me but in exchange, please please please let her go¡­¡± The beautiful Onee-san desperately tried to plead for the little girl with large tears in her eyes but the lolicon rejected it completely. She tried to run while hugging the little girl but other man probably the big brother of the three grab hold of her shoulder as she tries to loosen his grip but the man¡¯s sheer strength prevents her to. ¡°We¡¯re you goin¡¯, huh? We¡¯re gonna have fun all day, all night. Nyahaha!¡± After observing them for quite a while now, Shin decided to make his move. He remembers his time in the game in which he had the most fun of. PK or Player kill In the game, when you go outside of town, the danger cannot only be experienced by the monsters alone but those bastard PKers too. Low level players have a hard time leveling up. Shin too was often targeted because of his weak-looking character but in actuality, it was only his disguise for hunting PK players. Shin has no qualms about those neutral players but his blood boils in excitement when looking at those scumbags PKing low level players. He has no remorse on killing those who tried to kill him, and often times he hunted those players preventing them to level up more. Looking at these men, in his mind, these people make no difference from those kinds of people. Blue light wrapped his arms. He wasn¡¯t planning to use any weapon but only his empowered fist. He exerted only a portion of his mana but the effect is clearly visible. This amount of mana is enough for these idiots said Shin in the back of his mind. He looks at them with smile on his face. His impression made him look pleased but deep inside Shin¡¯s leer is more sinister. Unaware of the death lurking in the shadows, the trio continues to draw close to the girls with disgusting smile on their faces. Chapter 3: Curtain Call Rays of sunlight peaks out in every gaps of a dense forest. Leaves rustle as the winds calmly passing through. Chirping birds in the distance made the scenery more serene and very peaceful. But as we drove down somewhere in the forest thick forest.. A man named Shin was walking through the foliage calmly making way to the detestable situation currently happening. The Onee-san tightly hugs the little girl while crying and begging helplessly to the three men before him who looks at her maliciously. As the biggest guy amongst the three who Shin concluded as the big brother, extended his hand towards the Onee-san¡¯s bountiful chest but suddenly stopped his action. ¡°Gentlemen! Good afternoon.¡± ¡°!!!¡±x3 Shin¡¯s sudden appearance together with a respective bow of greetings startled the three including the girls. ¡°You see, I¡¯m a little lost and don¡¯t know where the nearby city is. Can you help me?¡± Shin said shyly but we all know that¡¯s a big fat lie. The oldest brother whose back is facing Shin holds the Onee-san¡¯s arm tightly in his left arm and pulled a knife concealed is his belt. The Onee-san saw that action and tried to pull her arm panicking but she didn¡¯t even make him budge a little. He looked at his brothers and gestured by tilting his head sideways to take care of it. They nodded in acknowledgement. The youngest one from the three brothers secretly unsheathed his short sword in his back while the middle brother approaches Shin waving his hand with his other hand and the other on his back holding a knife. [Don¡¯t come near me you lolicon]. Complained Shin silently. He was disappointed in his mind too. Why do they make their intention so obvious? Oh but if appearance-wise, they don¡¯t look smart. Shin just said something rude in the back of his mind but still maintains an innocent smile. He then look at the Onee-san and asked. ¡°Miss, do you know where the nearby city is?¡± Still frightened, the Onee-san answered unsteadily with a hoarse voice. ¡°..U-um j-j-ust follow the r-road up ahea-- Mmmpphhh!!¡± She couldn¡¯t finish talking because her mouth was covered by the big hand coming from the man who is holding her. She locked eyes with Shin. Help me! is clearly the message she wants to convey to him. Shin already knows it from the beginning because he has been watching them so he only flashes the girl with a wink. Her eyes widen for a bit then nodded slightly like she knows the meaning of it. She trusted Shin not because she thinks he¡¯s powerful but only because she was clinging in to a glimmer of hope. ¡°Can you unhand the girl please? I think she wants to say something.¡± Shin directed his question to the oldest but was answered by a threat. ¡°I think you know what¡¯s going on here kid. If you don¡¯t want to die, then you get fuck outta here!¡± [Now this is the kind tone of reply I want to hear. As expected from typical bandits you can find anywhere.] Shin thought. ¡°Oh I see. But I really think you have to let go of the girls. Trust me. It¡¯s for your own good.¡± He showed them a rather innocent smile but the trio looked at each other and bursted into laughter. ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s cute kid. Now take a hike or I will separate your head from your body!¡± Said the oldest Deciding not to hide their killing intent anymore, the other two pulled their weapons. The lolicon or the middle brother approaches even more and spoke to Shin. ¡°Scram kid! Don¡¯t ever say a word about what you¡¯ve seen here. Or I could just kill you right here, huh?!¡± Pff. Shin only looked him like he was an idiot then replied calmly. ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry about me blabbing. You won¡¯t hear them anyway because you will be buried right here¡± Wow. Shin was amazed by himself just how confident he was. He doesn¡¯t even know where confidence come from his gut feeling tells him this would be a piece of cake. If he was on his own self, he would¡¯ve hid somewhere cowering. Not only he was granted the ability to manifest any kinds of weapons but he was also given the physique and mentality of a strong person. Hearing Shin¡¯s over confident reply made the lolicon middle brother popped his vein.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Don¡¯t kid around me you little fucker! Dieeeeeeeee!~¡± He ran full speed towards Shin and thrusts his knife. But he felt nothing. Not the feeling of a torn muscle by the knife. He only stabs nothing but air. The appearance of Shin just now in front of him disappeared in a blink of an eye. He looked around but found him nowhere. ¡°Brother! On top of you!¡± The youngest shouted his lungs out. ¡°Eh? ¨C Burggghhhh!!¡± Before the lolicon could even react to the voice, his entire head was buried mercilessly into the ground unmoving. ¡°One down. 2 more to go.¡± While his foot is still placed into the poor lolicon¡¯s head, Shin taunted the other two. Gesturing them to come closer with his pointing finger. Moments ago, reading the attacker¡¯s blunt frontal attack like an open book, Shin jumped and performed a high speed empowered 360 degree heel drop burying his opponents head leaving a small crater in the ground around the body He only has 39% remaining mana, using only just a bit for empowering strike still made quite the damage. But even if he can¡¯t use Weapon Manifestation when low on mana, he can still channel mana around his body empowering it. His low mana points were caused by him unaware of the high mana cost his special ability is using. Thankfully for the leveling quite a bit, the added attribute naturally added points for mana. With full mana count, he can cast 2-3 weapons consecutively. Manifesting weapons he had summoned before uses less mana but it still quite high. Even at level 1, manifesting 1 weapon cost him 40% of his entire mana. His Top Tier as a Human Race, Human Arsenal lets him summon and use any type of weapon and can use the weapon skills at its Godlike-level but its rather hard for him because of his low level unlike when he was playing MMO before, his character reached the cap. Shin needs to be careful summoning weapon from now on. Witnessing the instant defeat, the brothers were shocked rendering them speechless even the girls. Shin¡¯s amazing speed and power made them sweat their backs. The first one to recover is the older one. He ordered his cowering brother in an angry voice that it made him flinch. He was still more afraid of his older brother than Shin. He then faced Shin and took a sword stance. But just like what happened minutes ago, Shin disappeared from their line of sight. Naturally he looked above him he wasn¡¯t there. He tried to look in his older brothers¡¯ direction only to find him opening and close his mouth unable to utter a word while pointing in his direction. He looked at where his brother was pointing, there he found Shin just beside him yawning. Shin¡¯s clinched fist is in the stomach of the younger brother. (Tien hu: Airflow Interceptor) casted Shin. ¡°When did he-- Guhaaagh!¡± Crunching sound resounded. The youngest brother throws up a lot of blood. The attack Shin used causes damage not on the external but on the internal parts. Instead of punching him in the gut, he channeled concentrated mana into his arms and released it forcefully resulting shockwave that damages the internal organs. The force was so strong that the air from shockwave passes through his stomach and into his back. ¡°Hiiiii-----¡° The oldest shrieked watching his brother die in front of him. His brother¡¯s body just lumped lifelessly. ¡°2 down, 1 more to go¡± Shin smiles at the oldest brother tauntingly. In the oldest perspective, it was a death flag. The oldest was in a bind. His mind wants his body to move but his shaking feet prevents him to do so. And in desperation, he took the Onee-san while little girl just cried endlessly. He placed his knife unto the Onee-san¡¯s neck and held her as a hostage. Onee-san couldn¡¯t even utter a word and just closed her eyes. She was terrified to death. ¡°Don¡¯t move or I swear I¡¯ll cut her throat!¡± Meh~ a hostage drama muttered Shin as he raised his hand into the air. The hostage taker dragged the Onee-san further into the trees away from Shin trying to get a distance enough for him to run anywhere. As he was 300+ meters away from Shin, he pushed the girl away started running like there¡¯s no tomorrow. ¡°You think can escape from me? Wrong choice letting your hostage go.¡± Once again, another sinister smile decorated Shin¡¯s face. As he confirms the Onee-san won¡¯t be caught in his attack, Shin started using his Special Ability. What started materializing is an 83inch long 14.5x114mmR PTRS-41 anti-tank rifle. This weapon wasn¡¯t design for carrying while firing and specializes in neutralizing enemy tanks but Shin carried it like a handy sniper rifle nevertheless using it on a human is obviously overkill. Not to mention it cost him 33% out of the overall mana he had left. However, he still aimed it while synchronizing his remaining mana to add more firepower. The weapon¡¯s maximum range is 1500m or 1640 yd. Thanks to his hawk-like eyes he can watch the silhouette of the running man in delight even for a distance approximately about 400+m so there is no need to mention what damage it could cause to flesh and blood target within its effective range. ¡°Trying to hide between the trees won¡¯t help you.¡± A magically imbued weapon and a magically imbued materialized bullet, Shin can¡¯t imagine how the corpse would look like. Without a moments delay, he pulled the trigger and a very loud *bang!* resonated the whole place. The Onee-san who was running towards the little girl fell into her butt not because she was running but the sound that was so loud it made her tripped. The recoil sends an enormous pushing power yet Shin stood still but cannot completely stops it from raising the tip of the gun up above. The bullet traveled past the hypervelocity passing through the trees and into the oldest brother/hostage takers body. The only thing left of the lifeless body was lower part, the upper body was completely destroyed. It made it look like he wasn¡¯t firing a bullet but a round used in a tank. Confirming the target was dead, Shin assumed a triumphant pose, raised his clinch fist into the air while whispering ¡°worth it¡±. ¡°If this was a movie, I¡¯d like to put We are the Champion as background music on this scene.¡± Said Shin to one but himself. ¡°Uwaaaa¡­ Yuffa Onee-chaaan I was so so scareedd.. uwaaaaa¡± The little girl, who was crying the whole time even until now, hugged the Onee-san tightly with substantial amount of tears still falling down. Wait.. ¡°You¡¯re not her mother?!¡± The beautiful Onee-san who was hugging the little girl was startled when Shin cried out in shock. She pulls the little girl into her back seemingly trying to her from Shin. The girl both have equally frightened look. He looks at them. After that, he dematerialized his weapon and raised his hands presenting a resignation pose. The Onee-san looked at him anxiously. Well he couldn¡¯t blame her, with the traumatizing she just experienced, everyone on her position would be on guard. Shin slowly walks towards them. The Onee-san inherently holds the little girl tightly expecting terrible thing might happen. She closed her eyes but was surprised when she opened it only to find Shin offering them a hand with a gentle smile in his face. ¡°Eh? ¡­¡± had escaped her mouth when she saw Shin showing a fairly gentle air around him different from earlier. ¡°A thank you would be nice. By the way I¡¯m Taiyoun Shin.¡± She stares at his face blankly for quite some time that it made Shin¡¯s smile started to cramped up possibly unable to fully understand his intentions. Moments later, tears started falling off her eyes smearing her beautiful face. Shin briefly panicked but felt relieved after he noticed what those tears meant. Needlessly to say it was the tears of reassurance. Intermission: A prelude to darkness *sounds of footsteps* In a rather wide dark hallway lighted only with a series of candles placed in the pillars, a group of people consisting of 7 individuals is chatting along the way in a serious manner. They stop in front of a very large door decorated in intricate designs twice as large as them. As they opened it with a creaking sound, inside of the room had a red carpet laid down and it extended up to the end of the room where a silhouette of a man was sitting in a throne in a more elevated place. The face isn¡¯t recognizable because of the dimness but what was noticeable is the quite large stature and glowing red eyes. As the group of people approaches, they kneel in front of the man almost synchronized. The man didn¡¯t say a word but waited for them to speak. ¡°My lord, the time for the blood moon might be still years away. But there is this worrying factor that might hinder us in the future¡± After the man spoke respectfully to the man in front of him and stands up, the others also followed. Perhaps the man was the leader as they followed suit. Hmmm.. The man who is called lord by the group of people in front of him only closed his eyes thinking deeply. Another person also spoke. The voice came from a man that had a deep low tone. ¡°Just the other day, a huge fluctuation light of magic just appeared out of nowhere around the area near the city of Saint Eli.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve read the records of the war archives. There was a mention of something like that but wasn¡¯t high lighten, perhaps the historian probably thought it wasn¡¯t a big deal.¡± Another person belonging to the group also spoke. Unlike the other one, his voice was rather cool. All their faces aren¡¯t visible but this one clearly had a glasses. After a brief pause, he continued. ¡°But I don¡¯t think this time is merely a coincident. In my opinion, that phenomenon played the big role in the war that resulted a stalemate. There was a third party involve that we aren¡¯t aware of. Or perhaps we do know them but the only evidence we have was that magic fluctuation. That doesn¡¯t prove it was them.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°I participated in that war thousand years ago, you know~ but I didn¡¯t feel even the slightest holy magic~¡± ¡°Tch. How useless. Other than your immortal unaging body, there is nothing else to be proud of.¡± ¡°Fufu~ wanna go at it? You¡¯ll know the reason why I live long~¡± A bewitching voice of a woman taunted the man who spats out insults at her. Killing intent is clearly visible in both of their eyes. ¡°You are in the presence of his Highness. Know your place.¡± ¡°..¡±x2 But a cool voice stopped them from continuing further. It came from their leader. His voice sounded cool and relaxed but to two of them, it was chilly. Both of them kept distance and bowed to the man in throne. ¡°Your highness, what is your decision?¡± Having been silent for a while now, he finally opened his mouth and told them what he had decided. ¡°The blood moon is still some time away. We have plenty of time to prepare for any unexpected things that might happen. The slaughter can wait. For now, I have a mission for you Margery¡± As the woman with a bewitching voice was called, she took one step forward and bowed curtly. ¡°Yes your highness?¡± ¡°I will have you do reconnaissance in Saint Eli City. Find out if there were irregularities happening in there.¡± ¡°As you wish, your highness¡± ¡°Mmm. Also Reginald, continue the research regarding the matters of magic fluctuation. The rest of you, get stronger more than you are now. When the time of the blood moon comes¡­.¡± The man in the throne lets out a smile that will send down chills to anyone who would witness it.. "Together with the red sky, the ground shallbe painted with the blood of those who do not know their place." He then thrust his jet black sword oozing with dark element swirling upon it. The group of individuals saluted. Afterwards, they left the room one by one except for Margery. She walked towards the big window near the pillars and talked as if someone was there. As the window was open, the light from the full moon illuminated her face. Her very beautiful feature was revealed. Her porcelain white skin lightens even more together with the blue light. Beautiful might not be enough to describe how out of this world her appearance was. She had a fiery red hair that extended up to her waist. The dress she wore had a long slit from her neck up to her belly button that revealed almost all of her bountiful chest out and exuded a very adult appearance. Roses were shame to bloom in the presence of her ruby lips. As she gazed at the moon through the window, she called a woman¡¯s name. Out of nowhere, another woman appeared in the shadows of the pillar. The woman just lowered her head waiting for Margery to say something. ¡°Nerissa, prepare my stuff. We have important things to do~¡± ¡°Yes Vampire Princess.¡± ¡°Fufu~ things had turn quite a fun turn~¡± Margery smiles in delight then afterwards, she disappeared in the shadows together with the woman behind the pillar. Chapter 4: Yuffa and Tanya Shin waited for the Onee-san to calm herself down. She was sitting powerless to the ground as a result of her recent traumatic experience. Shin tried searching for a handkerchief from his pockets but as expected, there wasn¡¯t any. Knowing that he doesn¡¯t have one, he touched the Onee-san¡¯s face and rubbed her falling tears off by his own fingers. Startled by Shin¡¯s actions, she immediately stood up like she wanted to run away but her still shaking legs gave up and landed in her butt. ¡°O-ow.. H-hurts..¡± ¡°O-onee-chan! Are you okay?¡± the little girl who watched her sister? who fell down panicked and rushed into her side ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush. More importantly, I¡¯m not going to hurt you. If I wanted to, I would¡¯ve done it minutes ago. Here take my hand.¡± He then offered his towards the Onee-san. She hesitated for a moment then slowly stood up with the help of Shin. ¡°T-thank you m-mister for saving us.¡± Said the Onee-san with a slight frightened look. ¡°Don¡¯t bully Yuffa onee-san!¡± Interjected the little girl. That action of a 7 year old girl protecting her sister assumed by shin was quite cute for him. His hand involuntarily reaches for the top of the little girls¡¯ blonde hair and slowly caresses it. For a moment the little girl looked unhappy but eventually enjoyed the feeling of Shin¡¯s hand on top of her head. ¡°..Ehehe ¡­¡± The Onee-san called Yuffa by the little girl looks at the scene before her in a shocked expression. ¡°Hmm? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Shin noticed her reaction and asked. ¡°N-nothing. It¡¯s just that this girl is usually hostile to other people especially around men. Seeing her like this is new to me¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± he paused for a moment and looked at the girl¡¯s smiling face. ¡°Maybe they haven¡¯t tried this? Most kids like it.¡± ¡°You sure are knowledgeable about this thing. Do you have child?¡± asked Yuffa curiously. ¡°A child? I¡¯m still 17 you know. And this isn¡¯t something to be proud of but I haven¡¯t even held a girl¡¯s hand.¡± ¡®E-eh? You haven¡¯t?? Considering how you look, aren¡¯t you popular?¡± ¡°What? You¡¯re saying I¡¯m handsome?¡± ¡°K-kind of¡± Hearing Yuffa¡¯s honest response, he heartily laughed and wrapped his arms around Yuffa¡¯s shoulders which made her twitch a bit. ¡°Let¡¯s be friends!¡± Yuffa looked baffled by Shin¡¯s exaggerated reaction. Not aware of his actions, he is disrespecting an older person. He is not aware either of the beauty Yuffa possesses. She had this aura like a 20+ years old office lady back in Japan. She is a few inches taller than Shin. Her sky blue hair had given emphasis to her fair white skin. Her complexion was a little pale but even though her lips were dry, a trace of pink is still visible. Below her right eye is a black dot. It was small yet it raised her charms by threefold. What also gave her another factor that men will find attractive was her large breast probably between C & D cup. She and the little girl only wore clothes that were probably made from a worn-out rag messily sewn which made them look untidy. ¡°U-uh sure?¡± Yuffa agreed vaguely. ¡°Oh right. You haven¡¯t introduced yourself. You are?¡± He then separated from her. Yuffa realizes her mistake. She then pulled the little girl gently beside her and together they bowed apologetically. ¡°I-im very sorry for the late introduction. I-im Yuffa Strauss and this is Tanya Facururi. Thank you for saving us¡± Shin felt weird having an older girl to apologize to him sincerely. But he couldn¡¯t care more. ¡°Nice to meet you Onii-chan!¡± Said Tanya. Shin nodded and introduced himself again. ¡°Nice to meet you Strauss-san and you too Tanya-chan. I¡¯m Taiyoun Shin.¡± ¡°You can call me Yuffa if you like.¡± .. Wait..The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°You have different last names? A while ago Tanya-chan called you Onee-chan instead of Okaa-san. What is your relationship with her?¡± ¡°Oh. We¡¯re not blood-related. She was our neighbor back in our place but I took care of this child ever since her family died years ago.¡± What a heavy topic right on the bat. Thought shin in his mind. ¡°Do you mind if I ask what happened?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay I guess? Her parents were both adventurer which is practically the job mostly everyone have in common¡ª¡° ¡°Wait.. an adventurer? You mean the adventurer that goes on a mission or a quest and get rewarded for it at the same time raise levels? Not that tourist-like adventurer?¡± Not comprehending what Shin was making sure of so Yuffa only nodded vaguely and answered. ¡°Uh.. yes? Is something the matter?¡± ¡°Eh? Oh. Nothing nothing. Just wanted to make sure. Anyways, and then what happened to them?¡± ¡°? Okay. Um one day they accepted a fairly easy grade C quest to obtain an item from a group of goblins somewhere in the thick forest located on the mountainside in our place. It was an easy task but as they got deeper and deeper into the forest¡­. they encountered a B+ class Goblin boss¡± ¡°A monster boss, huh?¡± asked Shin rhetorically. Knowing what the topic was, Tanya closed her eyes and covered her ears. Shin looked at Tanya and then to Yuffa in turn with a face like saying is it okay? Yuffa nodded slowly in response. ¡°Yes. Goblins are low level monster but their sheer numbers could easily defeat mid-level players. Their number even doubled if the boss is present. Her parents killed numbers of them but they just keeps on coming that it wore them down¡­. And probably you know the rest.¡± ¡°Yeah. So when was this happened?¡± ¡°6 years ago when she was still a baby. She was too young to remember the faces of her parents so accepting the fact wasn¡¯t as hard as I imagined the time I told her about this. ¡°You ended up being Onee-san or more like her mother to her¡± said Shin jokingly. Yuffa looks at Tanya and smiled gently. ¡°Perhaps so¡± Shin too lets out an involuntary smile. He then remembered what his initial plans is, he asked Yuffa. ¡°Yuffa-san, do you know where is nearest city here?¡± ¡°Are you a traveler Shin-san?¡± Yeah from Japan. Like he can tell her that. ¡°You could say so. So do you know where it is?¡± ¡°Yeah. Just follow the road from here. This is connected to Saint Eli city directly.¡± ¡°Oh. How convenient. Thank you. So, let¡¯s go?¡± Shin started to walk where Yuffa pointed to, but noticed that Yuffa and Tanya weren¡¯t moving. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked shin. ¡°Ehh.. uhh.. We don¡¯t have a reason to go there, we don¡¯t have house either. And in case you haven¡¯t noticed, we are slaves.¡± ¡°You both slaves?¡± Yuffa nodded shyly. ¡°We are. In fact just recently¡± Shin finally realizes. He had been oblivious about the way Yuffa and Tanya were wearing. He isn¡¯t someone to judge people base on their appearance except those with obvious looking like those three idiots he just killed a while ago. He only noticed just now they were wearing only a piece of cloth that exposes their shoulders and thighs. ¡°Where do you plan to stay?¡± Shin asked in a worried manner. ¡°Honestly.. I don¡¯t know. Maybe Tanya and I will sleep in the abandoned carriage near here. ¡° *Brrrrrrrrr¡­..* Tanya¡¯s stomache growled. ¡°Yuffa onee-chan¡­. I¡¯m hungryyy..¡± ¡°Eh? .. d-don¡¯t worry Tanya. We will look for edible fruits around here somewhere. Okay?¡± Yuffa comforts Tanya like a mother. But she still cannot hide her worry over. It¡¯s all written on her face. Seeing Tanya holding her stomach, he then called out to them. ¡°How about you come with me in the city?¡± ¡°Eh? we can¡¯t possibly be of any burden anymore to you Shin-san. You already saved us that we are thankful for it. Besides, the fee for entering the holy city is 4silvers. I don¡¯t know about you but we don¡¯t even have a single cooper.¡± 4 silvers? I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s cheap or expensive. Let¡¯s see . Shin swipes the empty air to summon his status. The section he was looking for was his inventory. He look it up and found a fairly amount in it. The exact number he found was 889,016gold(s), 89silver(s), 17copper(s). Hoho~ This number was his exact gold earnings from his last game. Peter included it huh? Said Shin thought happily. I don¡¯t know if I am rich or not but having only to pay 12 silvers for the three of is very cheap. Maybe I can even buy a place of my own with only this amount of money. He then decided. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s only 4 silvers for each of us anyway.¡± ¡°No. I appreciate it very much but we can¡¯t afford to burden you any longer. Thank you for the offer Shin-san¡± *Brrrrrr¡­¡­.¡± Tanya¡¯s stomach growls again. Yuffa then picked up Tanya and bowed to Shin attempting to leave. ¡°Sigh.. Wait!¡± Shin called them before they go. ¡°What is it Shin-san?¡± ¡°Leaving you guys to yourselves burdens me even more.¡± ¡°Eh? What do you mean?¡± ¡°I just can¡¯t leave you out here. It¡¯s very dangerous for you to wander around. I¡¯ve just rescued you and I don¡¯t want to see you two die somewhere I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°but¡­ ¡° Yuffa looks at Tanya who started yawning probably tired from the whole day and the event not too long from now. She wasn¡¯t sure what to do. One problem of being an adult is, they think too much. Quoted Shin in his mind. Him leaving these two girls on their own doesn¡¯t sit well with Shin. ¡°At least for Tanya¡¯s sake.. please?¡± He never persuaded to someone before except for his parents to buy him something. This time is different. He may not have a shred of conscience to those he killed but even though he just met these two girls, he really feels he just can¡¯t leave them. He is thinking how to persuade Yuffa without having her to feel guilt. ¡°How about this, I will hire you as my servants not as a slave. It made me sound like a bad person which I already am. Anyways, I still don¡¯t know the place around and how this worl- place works so I need some company to guide me. I will pay you accordingly. How about it?¡± Shin was about to say ¡°world¡± but Yuffa might ask him what did he mean by that. He can¡¯t reveal that he wasn¡¯t from this world. They might think he was crazy. Yuffa was still hesitating whether to accept or decline his offers but Tanya broke her out of her uncertainties with a rather enthusiastic voice. ¡°Yuffa onee-chan! Work! Work! We can finally work! We can finally earn money to buy food and not fruits and leaves only!¡± The contents of Tanya¡¯s words made Yuffa smiled shyly to Shin. She noticed Shin almost laughed that it caused her even more embarrassed. Seeing her acting like that made Shin feel that she wasn¡¯t a proper adult. She looked young and radiant even at the age of 25. Finally she agreed while asking Shin, ¡°Are you a son of a noble that I didn¡¯t know about?¡± He only smiled at her and said, ¡°Who knows?¡± Yuffa had a confused face. ¡°So, let¡¯s go?¡± As Shin started to walk, Tanya started running towards him like she just had an energy boost or something and hugged him from behind. ¡°Brrrrrr¡­.¡± It growled again that It brought Shin into laughter. ¡°Tanya-chan, if we arrive at the city, what do you want to eat?¡± ¡°Meat skewers!¡± She answered almost immediately. ¡°Yoshh! We¡¯ll buy a hundreds of them just for you Tanya-chan¡± ¡°Yayyy!¡± ¡°T-tanya! Don¡¯t act spoiled towards Shin-sama!¡± Behind their backs, Yuffa was panicking. At some point she started calling him Shin-sama. Before the veil of the night completely covered the thick forest, Shin,Yuffa and Tanya safely made it out to Saint Eli City. Chapter 5: Lets sleep together! Editor: Jack Sroft _____________________________________________________________ The city is surrounded by walls, and it had a wide bridge that connects them to the mainland. In front of them was a wide gate approximately about 30 feet tall built from bricks. This is the main entrance of the city, (more like a kingdom because of how enormous the city was, and how heavily guarded this place is). Lines of archers and mages occupied the top of the gate as well as the wall surrounding the city, while in front was the infantry division consisting of various melee types such as swordsman. Before Shin¡¯s eyes was a busy street. There were bunch of carriages and a lot of people were entering the gate.Possibly merchants or travelershe presumes. He looks at it in amazement. It was as he expected from the alternate world where everything looks like middle age Europe. What amazed him more, were the different races that where mixing together in a bustle of activity. ¡°So, this is what Peter meant about the alliance.¡± Shin mumbles inaudibly. They were all human-like but with distinct differences. Shin deduced that the alliance is established between the human, beast-kin and elves. This was because aside from humans he saw at the street, they were only people with cat-like ears and those pointed ones. A very typical alliance found anywhere on fictional books. Nevertheless, Shin was still overwhelmed with happiness. He was standing there motionless for a while now, so Tanya tugged the hem of his shirt impatiently, unaware of his thoughts. That gave Shin quite a surprise but inwardly laughed after he saw Tanya holding her stomach, signaling she was hungry. ¡°Oh. Sorry, sorry Tanya-chan. I was caught by my thoughts.¡± ¡°Muu... You said you will buy me lots of meat skewers¡­¡± said Tanya while pouting. Shin laughed and put hands on top of Tanya¡¯s head. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± ¡°Mmm¡­. I don¡¯t know where the meat skewers are sold in this city.¡± Tanya wasn¡¯t sure where to go so she asks Yuffa who was standing beside her. Now that Shin thinks about it, he noticed that Yuffa has been awfully quiet ever since they walked in the gate. She was walking timidly and trying to avoid eye contact with others, including Shin. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked worriedly. She grasped the hem of her shirt looking troubled. ¡°No. I-it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Come on. What¡¯s the matter? You can tell me anything that bothers you.¡± Yuffa then looked at Shin shyly and asked. ¡°Is it really okay for us to be here?¡± ¡°Hmm? What¡¯s wrong with you being here? Is this your first time?¡± ¡°N-no, but the last time I entered this city was when I was still the same age as Tanya.¡± Shin was taken aback when he heard how long it was. Considering her age now, surely it was a very long time. Although, he couldn¡¯t say it out loud because that would be very rude towards her.She probably has her own circumstanceshe thought. His relationship with her wasn¡¯t that close enough to ask something personal. So, for now, he decides to make her feel reassured. ¡°It should be okay, just look at the people around here. There are all sorts of races. Surely another human such as we are shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± ¡°Shin-sama should be okay. But I¡¯m quite ashamed of how dirty mine and Tanya¡¯s clothes are.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about? There is a saying that ¡®we are what we wear¡¯, but looking at it closely... ¡° Shin paused for a moment to look at Yuffa. His action caused her to fidget and look down as a result of embarrassment. After looking at her from head to toe, he continued. ¡°They may be dirty, but it doesn¡¯t affect your beauty one bit.¡± ¡°E-eh?? P-please don¡¯t t-tease me Shin-sama¡± ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t. I was actually telling you the truth, and in the off chance that they won¡¯t let you in¡­ I¡¯ll just have to make them do so.¡± ¡°I-is that so? T-thank you Shin-sama...¡± ¡°?¡± Unaware of the meaning behind his last line, Yuffa bowed to Shin. Her hair fell down and covered her face. Shin didn¡¯t see it clearly but he saw a tinge of red in her cheeks. Shin wasn¡¯t sure if it was worth thanking for but as long as her uncertainty to that matter is gone, it was worth it. Suddenly, someone is pulling down his shirt. It was Tanya, who looks at him and asked, ¡°Nee, nee, am I beautiful too?¡± As she did so, Shin smiled and patted Tanya¡¯s head. ¡°Of course, you are.¡± ¡°Ehehe¡­¡± Tanya smiled coyly. *Brrrrrr~¡­. * ¡°I¡¯m still hungry...¡± Hearing her stomach growl again, everyone looked at each other and Shin and Yuffa let out a heartily laugh. Tanya only looked at them while tilting her head. After they stopped laughing with a *whew*, ¡°Tanya is famished, so let¡¯s go?¡± said Shin ¡°Yaaay!¡± replied Tanya energetically while Yuffa only nodded with an ¡°Un¡±. Thinking that Tanya might be too weak to walk due to hunger, Shin lifts her up to her back in a piggyback manner. ¡°So, high~¡± ¡°Shin-sama! That¡¯s dangerous¡±. Yuffa showed her concern, but Shin only gave an OK sign. Albeit reluctant, she let him be. They walk towards the gate with Shin leading them. As they enter the gate, a guard halts them for the payment for admission together with the registration as a requirement to enter this city. The guard looked at the two girls in suspicion as they filled up the necessary documents. Shin was a bit worried if ever there was a problem. He might have to defeat all of them if the situation compels him to but luckily as he handed the money, the guard looked at Shin and Yuffa in turn and signaled that it everything was okay. They all felt relieved. Passing through the huge gate, what awaited them was a busier street compared to the outside, since this city only had a single entrance. The shopping district was located after the gate and it was the most logical place as the center of business, because it is where different people meet. Fruit stands, restaurants, repair shops and various other businesses were everywhere. For Shin, walking through the busy street was tiring as hell. He never experienced shopping after all. All of his essential needs were already in his fridge back in Japan. In this world, some of the merchants selling their goods are annoying. They shove their items in front of their face. Despite his annoyance, Shin and the girls casually walks on various stalls looking for meat skewers. As they did so, Yuffa and Tanya were looking at those shops with drool on their faces. ¡°Wow~¡± ¡°Yuffa one-chan~so many things to eat¡­ *slurps*¡± Shin opened his status menu secretly and took 10g in his inventory like he did a while ago as he paid the gate guard. Same as before, the money he took from his status menu naturally ended up in his pocket. He then ordered 3 sticks of what looks like a takoyaki and gave it to the girls without even asking the stall owner for the price.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Tanya took it. But before she did, she raised it into the air and said, ¡°Real foooood~!¡± Like worshipping an idol, she looks at it with genuine delight as she puts it in her mouth. As for Yuffa, she hesitated at first but Shin persistently shoves it to her. Eventually, she ate it with a chomping sound. Looking at both of them who were speechless, he also put it in his mouth and ate it. After a while... *Nom nom nom* ¡­¡­ ¡°Delicious!¡±x3 Three of them exclaimed. ¡°It didn¡¯t just look like a takoyaki, but it also tasted one! The springiness is the same as the takoyaki I tasted in Japan. This would¡¯ve been perfect if there was a mayonnaise dip, but nonetheless this was delicious!¡± said Shin commented like a food connoisseur. After tasting the takoyaki-like food, Tanya was still drooling while Yuffa is close in tears. ¡°Shin onii-chaan~ More pleashh~¡± ¡°So, this is how expensive food tasted like¡± said Yuffa. Even without looking at the two girls¡¯ reaction, Shin decided to buy some more because he knew they liked it. The price was relatively cheap so he bought another 10 sticks which leaves the stall owner as well as Tanya in big smiles. *Burp*x3 ¡°Hah~ that was good. I ended up buying some more. The food here is great¡± The street lights illuminated the city as the daylight had passed and the darkness of the night covered the city. It is now half past 8pm. After they stuff themselves with different kinds of food, they rested in the plaza located several meters from the shopping district. The three of them all have bloated stomach. ¡°Shin onii-chan~ I can¡¯t walk¡± said Tanya as she rubs her tummy with a pleased expression on her face. ¡°That was satisfying Shin-sama. Thank you.¡± Yuffa bowed to Shin respectfully. ¡°You¡¯re welcome Yuffa.¡± Shin smiled at her and continued, ¡°It¡¯s getting late. We should find a place to sleep. Let¡¯s look for an inn¡± ¡°Shin onii-chan~ carry meee~¡± ¡°Ta-Tanya! I told you to stop being spoiled at Shin-sama. Here let me carry you.¡± ¡°Nahh it¡¯s okay.¡± He then picked up Tanya in his back. ¡°How much did you eat? You got heavy Tanya-chan.¡± Commented Shin. ¡°Ehehe~¡± She only smiled innocently. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry Shin-sama. Let me carry her¡± Yuffa said apologetically as she offered help. But Shin rejected it. ¡°Men should do the heavy lifting.¡± A quote not suited for him if he was the same Shin back in his world. Thankfully his body was a lot stronger in this world than in his previous one. His body was magically altered to adopt instantly on this kind of world. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. More importantly, let¡¯s go find a place to rest¡± ¡°Un!¡± The three of them searched for a place to stay. It was now already10pmbut they haven¡¯t found at least one. All the inns they¡¯ve asked were fully-booked. They were getting tired of walking around and eventually they found a place. It was a simple inn named ¡°Koitushere Inn¡±. The exterior was made of bricks and woods as well as the interior. A common structure you find anywhere. They asked the lady in the counter who is probably older than Yuffa a bit. She had a velvet hair and a beautiful figure. If this was the earth, they would call it MILF. The lady in the counter answered curtly and said that there is only one room left. Luckily or unluckily, the room was rather small but it had a rather big-size bed disproportionate to the size of the room added the lady. Thinking that there are three of them, the room might not be enough but looking at Tanya¡¯s peaceful snore in his back, they cannot afford to look for another inn, and they are also tired. He looks at Yuffa like he was saying ¡®what now?¡¯. Strangely, Yuffa agreed and said she doesn¡¯t mind. After the owner gave them the key, Shin stayed behind to take a bath while he handed the sleeping Tanya to Yuffa as she carried her to the room. A while later, a wisp of steam is floating on Shin¡¯s body as he gets out of the bath. He asked the counter lady for an extra pajama because he had no other clothes to change into. Luckily for him there was only one of them. As he entered the room in his pajama, he noticed that Yuffa was fidgeting for some reason. She was sitting in the edge of the bed with a flushed face. He asked her what the problem was but she only replied in a stuttering voice. Question mark could almost be seen on Shin¡¯s head while he was not understanding what she was trying to say. Anyways, he told her he was done so she could go to the bath next. He handed over an unused bath towel to her. She took it from his hand while mumbling something inaudible to Shin. She excused herself and left the room walking briskly. Shin surveyed the room. The interior only had a wooden desk, a lamp and a chair as furniture. He isn¡¯t looking for something extravagant, as long as it has a bed and an efficient place to rest. It¡¯s all okay, *yawns* He lay down in a rather large bed. It was large enough to fit 4 people in it. Like it was just made for them and in the middle, was Tanya sleeping peacefully. He pulled the blanket to cover Tanya. Minutes later, Shin too started feeling dizzy, he was about to close his eyes but a door opened in creaking sound. He reflexively looks at who was it and found Yuffa only in her bath robe with a very red face. So, he asked, ¡°Why are you still dress like that?¡± ¡°I-I-I got careless. I saw Shin-sama wearing a sleeping wear so I thought there¡¯d be free to use in the counter but yours was the last one. W-w-what should I do?¡± ¡°Wear mine instead. I¡¯ll get my clothes.¡± ¡°N-no. Shin-sama should wear it. I-I¡¯ll just to use this bath robe.¡± Shin wanted to protest but he was too tired so he just consented and told her to sleep. She agreed but for some reason she started loosen up the robe revealing almost all of her chest. Shin was bewildered. He didn¡¯t understand what she was doing so he asked for the reason. ¡°T-t-this I-is my f-first time. If I-it¡¯s Shin-sama... May-maybe¡­¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling cold without it?¡± ¡°E-eh?¡± Yuffa was dumbfounded by Shin¡¯s reply. ¡°Eh what? Why are taking off your clothes?¡± ¡°I-in exchange for saving my life and hiring me as your servant, a-aren¡¯t you going to do s-something on me?¡± asked Yuffa stuttering. She¡¯s still hesitant to do it but she feels this would only be fair to do this for everything Shin had done for her and Tanya. But what she didn¡¯t know about him... ¡°Something what?¡± asked Shin as he yawns. ¡°S-something...¡± ¡°Something-- what?¡± ¡°S-s-s-ee¡­¡­. *poof*¡± Unable to control her embarrassment anymore, Yuffa¡¯s face was beet red. She hurriedly tightened up her robe and pulled the blanket to hide her face. ¡°T-that was embarrassing. To think I get embarrassed from someone younger than me. I-I¡¯m an idiot!¡± Yuffa mumbled only she can hear. ¡°?¡± Looking at Yuffa who¡¯s covered in blanket fidgeting for some reason, Shin realizes that all this time, the two girls were only wearing a slave clothes that exposes their shoulders and thighs.Tomorrow, he decided to buy them new clothes to wear. With that in mind, Shin finally closed his eyes and drowned in the vastness called dreams¡­ Chapter 6: Painting the wall red Editor: Jack Sroft -------------------------------------------------------------- The night has passed and Shin is currently stretching on the rooftop of the inn. He didn¡¯t know this little place until the lady by the reception desk told him about it. She said that it is a great spot to watch the sunrise. It¡¯s only 6am and strangely he woke up early. A while ago, he saw that the two girls were still sleeping so he left them as they were. Because the location of the inn is in an elevated area on the north side of the city, all it takes to watch the entirety of the city, was to power up his feet and jump a hundred feet above. Overnight rest helped his mana regenerate to full capacity, so there is nothing to worry about from mana depletion. In addition, buff skills take less mana than the offensive ones. He only bent his knees a little as he buffed himself up with the help of magic, especially on his feet. With his hands on his pocket, Shin jumped for about hundred meters straight up effortlessly. The chilly feeling of the morning gently touched his face. As he opened his eyes, what he saw amazed him. Houses of various sizes, people taking a morning stroll, shop keepers opening their stores¡­ all of them were visible, but what took his interest the most, was the castle that was built in the center of the city. Its sheer size took up almost 40% of the entire city. Even when standing at the gate the castle is visible, but as he looked at it in a different perspective or in a bird¡¯s-eye view, the scene was incredible. The structure¡®s design resembled like that of the Lord of the rings, but on a larger scale. Its silvery appearance radiated even more as the light of the rising sun struck it. As he started descending, he looked to where he would land and saw there was a girl near the entrance door of the rooftop holding a cup while looking for something or someone. He landed gently on the rooftop of the inn. Since he appeared out of nowhere, the girl was surprised almost tipping off the cup. ¡°Good morning Yuffa. Oh... Thank you.¡± Shin greeted Yuffa as he took the cup she offered to him. ¡°That scared me. W-Where did you come from Shin-sama?¡± ¡°*sip* ...above. How did you find me?¡± ¡°H-huh... Um Mrs. Ellen told me.¡± ¡°Mrs. Ellen? Who is she?¡± ¡°She is the lady at the counter. She owns this inn.¡± ¡°Oh. Okay.¡± ¡°So Shin-sama, what are your plans today?¡± Shin sipped his tea while pondering for a moment. ¡°I was planning to go to the Guild and be an official adventurer. What about you Yuffa?¡± ¡°Well... I am Shin-sama¡¯s servant technically, so I will go where Shin-sama goes.¡± ¡°True but even if you are, I don¡¯t plan to restrict you or where you go. In fact, if you want a new life, I could give it you.¡± As Shin lets out those words, Yuffa grasped her chest tightly. For some reason, something¡¯s prickling her heart. She thought that what Shin said wasn¡¯t the same as she imagined so she asked him in rather scared feeling. ¡°What do you by that Shin-sama?¡± ¡°Well, I hired you in spur of the moment because I don¡¯t want you two to risk your life out there. Now that you two are safe, I feel relieved now and¡ª¡± ¡°Where you going with this Shin-sama? Are you perhaps letting us go? You don¡¯t want us anymore?¡± Before Shin could even finish his words, he was interrupted by Yuffa who asked him successive questions with a sad voice. He was kind of surprised from her reaction. It was different as he expected. He thought she would be happier now that she is free. ¡°Of course, not. It was very convenient for me. Like this that you brought me tea. I don¡¯t have to walk 4 floors to get one. Truthfully, it was fun having a companion. It¡¯s just that I feel like I¡¯m hindering you and Tanya on the things that you wanted to do, so was thinking about letting you go.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want that!¡± ¡°!¡± Shin almost jumped in shock at Yuffa¡¯s sudden outburst. He was sipping his tea while conversing with Yuffa and it resulted in almost spilling all of its contents. Realizing what she had just said, her eyes widened as she covered her mouth. Why did I say that!? Even Yuffa didn¡¯t know why she shouted like that. All she knew, was that thinking about Shin walking away made her feel somewhat complicated. She just recently met Shin and barely knew him so reacting like that wasn¡¯t normal. But one thing she knew for sure is that Shin is different from all the guys she ever met. This feeling of security when she is with him, Yuffa never felt it before. The thought of Shin leaving scared her.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. *siiiiiiip* Shin finished his tea in one go as he recovered from initial shock. ¡°I-I¡¯m very sorry Shin-sama. How rude of me.¡± Yuffa bowed apologetically. ¡°O-oh...¡± he vaguely answered looking troubled what to say. He then continued. ¡°So, you want to continue working for me?¡± ¡°If you permit us to. I-I know that I am being unreasonable. It¡¯s just that we don¡¯t have anywhere else to go or people that we know. We don¡¯t know who to trust too.¡± ¡°Does that mean you trust me?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t put it into words but I really get the feeling that Shin-sama is good person¡± For a moment, Shin was about to laugh but seeing Yuffa said it sincerely, he chose not to. That would be insensitive of him. Her circumstance might made Shin put in the good side. Although he doesn¡¯t mind it he still feels this girl is too trusting. Well, I was sent here for a reason. Having a companion is very favorable for me. Not to mention I have my personal maid(lol). said Shin in his mind. ¡°Well that works for me.¡± ¡°R-really? Thank you very much Shin-sama. I will do anything just for you.¡± Yuffa said happily with a small tear flowed in the corner of her eye. If what Yuffa said was directed to another person more specifically on other male, it must¡¯ve triggered something on their mind but Shin only took her words on a face value. The words ¡°I will do anything¡± don¡¯t mean anything to him, other than he can order her to do errands and menial tasks. ¡°So let¡¯s go?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Shin started walking down to the stairs. On the other hand, Yuffa looked at back of walking Shin then bowed. Underneath it was the brightest smile she ever had. *** After they descended, they picked Tanya who was already awake and headed on the first floor. There they meet Mrs. Ellen who greeted them good morning, and then offered them breakfast. After they finished, Shin asked Mrs. Ellen where the guild was and she instructed him on where it was located in the city. Afterwards, they immediately headed to where the Guild building is. Along the way, they stopped by various stores because Tanya was drooling every time she looked at the fruits. She just had a breakfast but this girl still had some leeway to eat plenty more. You know what they say, there is always room for desert. Yuffa apologized to Shin for Tanya¡¯s behavior but he didn¡¯t mind it one bit. Shin also bought clothes for himself and the girls. Yuffa and Tanya were very thankful to him. Yuffa was even shedding tears when she wore the clothes that weren¡¯t covered in dirt and grime. The shop owner asked what was the problem but Shin only had a wry smile and looked away. Also, Shin just learned the currency of this world, 100 coppers equals 1 silver, and 100 silvers equals 1 Gold. The room they rented on the inn was 2 silvers. Thinking about it, living here was pretty cheap. The food, shelter and clothing are very affordable in this city. Wait, does that mean I¡¯m rich? Shin thought after considering his recent expenses. He only spent 10 silvers all in all. But he decided to think about it later. He has to take his first priority first, and that is to be an official adventurer. After about 15 minutes of walking, they arrived at the Guild building. It was a fair distance from the inn. The Guild HQ looks like an ordinary building. It even has a part that looks like a caf¨¦. But the difference was that on the outside, there were a bunch of people chatting with weapons on their waists or on their backs. Tough-looking people were everywhere, men and women mixed together, but the majority of the adventurers were men. ¡°Hoh~¡± Shin was awestruck. He then proceeded to the entrance of the building. Strangely enough, everyone was looking at them, or more specifically at Yuffa. *whistles* Some of the boys even whistled. This made Yuffa uncomfortable. To her, it felt like she walked into a tiger¡¯s den that was filled with men, so she sticking close to Shin. She was practically clinging to Shin¡¯s arm and her chest was on his shoulder while walking with her hands wrapped around him. It made it slightly difficult for him to walk. ¡°¡­I¡¯m scared Shin onii-chan...¡± Even Tanya was sticking closely around his feet, and that it made even more difficult to walk. Shin only let out a troubled smile. Suddenly, a 7-foot tall, large-built man obstructed their path. He only wears some pants maybe to show off his muscles and upper body. He also has a great sword on his back that was equally just as large. ¡°Yo, niichan¡­ Ya got some fine lass there. Introduce us will ya?¡± The man looked at Yuffa with a devious smile. Yuffa shook her head vehemently. ¡°Sorry. She doesn¡¯t want to.¡± said Shin. ¡°¡°Yahaha! Boss got rejected!¡±¡± The group of people most likely the man¡¯s subordinate laughed at him. The man glares at them angrily which made them immediately go silent. You could hear a few of them swallow out of fear... ¡°So, how ¡®bout it?¡± ¡°But she just said no?¡± replied Shin. Hearing his carefree reply, it made a vein popped in the man¡¯s temple. ¡°Y¡¯see. I don¡¯t want to be embarrassed in front of many people. So how ¡®bout you just walk away and leave the girl here. I will take care of her. I promise.¡± The man licked his mouth maliciously causing Yuffa to twitch. Shin looked at Yuffa again and saw her shook her head even more. He then looked towards the man while gesturing at Yuffa like he was saying ¡°See?¡±. Looking at Shin¡¯s carefree attitude, the man draw even closer, too close that his nose almost touched Shin¡¯s. ¡°You seem awfully relaxed, huh?! Do you understand the situation?¡± ¡°A-albert-san. Please let them be. I-I think they are new here--¡± A man from the crowd spoke up, but then turned silent when the man called Albert turned his face towards him. The man looked at Shin again and spoke in a threatening tone. ¡°You¡¯ve guts I¡¯ll give you that. But my fist might give you some sense.¡± The man clinched his fist. Starting to feel annoyed, Shin still spoke in a calm tone. ¡°We just want to register as an adventurer. So, can you please let us go?¡± ¡°How ¡®bout¡­. No.¡± The man smiled at Shin mockingly ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Sure as hell.¡± ¡°Not a single ounce of consideration?¡± ¡°Not¡­One¡­bit.¡± Shin is on his last straw but still asked the man politely, ¡°Please?¡±. ¡°No.¡± The man responded. Shin was denied immediately. This might leave me a bad reputation but oh well. Said Shin in the back of his mind. In the blink of an eye, the man¡¯s entire body disappeared. Afterwards, a sound of breaking glass together with an explosion was heard, leaving only Shin with his right arm thrusted sideways with a hint of smoking off of it. The people in the Guild didn¡¯t comprehend what happened immediately. Shin¡¯s action was too fast for them to see what he did. In reality, Shin summoned his dragon gauntlet for a split second in his arm and swung it sideways. He only intended to knock him unconscious, but the result wasn¡¯t nearly as he expected. The man flew at full speed, crashed into the wall of the Guild, and was comically buried in it. Moments later, they were shocked after they saw the man¡¯s body was buried under the wall. Their mouth opened wide in shock. The man called Albert had a quite the build yet he flew like he was an arrow shot from a fully strung bow. Everyone was still in shock, but a voice returned them to their senses. ¡°Splendid.¡± The voice and the sound of a pair of hands clapping, came from a man who was looking at them while on the stairs that led up to the second floor. It was an elderly man with a beard that extended down to his chest. Chapter 7: Guild HQ Editor: Jack Sroft --------------------------------------------- After the commotion at the first floor in Guild HQ, Shin and the girls were brought to a room. It had a neat ambience on it. In the center was a long wooden table with several chairs in it that were probably for dining purposes, or where the Guild meetings were held. On the corner, two flags stood while crossing each other. One was the Official flag of the City and the other was the Guild flag. Whereas in the deeper part of the room was an office desk. Sitting on it, was the old man who Shin and the girls met earlier. ¡°Sorry for the rudeness of one of my subordinates.¡± The old man bowed and continued, ¡°I am Theodore De Burghs Baltazar, the Guild Master. Please to meet you.¡± ¡°Please to meet you too. I¡¯m Taiyoun Shin, sorry for the commotion earlier.¡± ¡°H-hello. I am Yuffa Strauss.¡± ¡°Hi uncles. I am Tanya Facururi¡± ¡°Hohoho~¡± Theodore nodded with a smile while caressing his beard. Shin greeted the old man curtly, while Yuffa had a difficult expression. Tanya, on the other hand,was showing a pure smile that was very different from when she entered the building. Theodore¡¯s outward appearance had a quite friendly aura that might cause Tanya to not be so scared. Shin looked at the old man with curiosity. He had a friendly face, yet one cannot deny the fact that he wasn¡¯t someone to be messed with. Contrary to the western Europe-like setting that Shin had described, Theodore was wearing something that resembled a black kimono. Since his chest was slightly exposed, his rippling muscles were visible. Despite his age, Theodore had a fairly large stature. ¡°That was quite the spectacle you showed me earlier.¡± Said Theodore. ¡°Huh¡­Sorry for breaking your wall.¡± ¡°No, no. it¡¯s okay. In exchange, I did get to witness something incredible.¡± ¡°Yeah I agree. I never thought a man that big could fly like a plane.¡± said Shin with a small laugh. ¡°Hmm¡­?What plane?¡± Theodore didn¡¯t understand what Shin just said. Airplanes haven¡¯t been invented in this age yet after all. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. What do you mean by incredible Guild master?¡± ¡°Oh no. You can call me Albert or Albert-san. It feels stiff when someone calls me Guild Master.¡± ¡°Okay. So what did you mean?¡± ¡°You managed to both summon a weapon as well as release magic, in a split second, didn¡¯t you?¡± Theodore interrogated Shin with a serious face. ¡°Yes, and?¡± Shin answered in a care free manner. ¡°Don¡¯t play innocent with me boy. Did you just use [Spatial Magic]?¡± ¡°[Spatial Magic]? What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Theodore was quite taken back how Shin didn¡¯t know his skill. He continues. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re playing with me or you really don¡¯t know what it is. Spatial Magic was a lost magic over a thousand years ago. When the first invasion of the Demons came, our hero used that kind of skill to stop the war from escalating. He appeared out of nowhere and used a strange magic that summoned a mushroom-like object out of thin air, and then ate it. After consuming, he became very much larger and taller as he stomped the enemy mercilessly.Coincidentally, your magic resembles it, but on a different degree.¡± As Theodore finished his story, he looked at Shin who was silent like he was thinking of something. Wait, if I came here and have skills as the last character I played, then the past hero must¡¯ve played¡­ ¡°Hahahahahaha!~ Oh god, my sides hurt! Ahahahaha!¡± ¡°Eh...What? What¡¯s the matter Shin-sama?!¡± ¡°Shin onii-chan?¡± ¡°H-huh? What so funny boy?¡± Everyone was baffled at Shin¡¯s sudden outburst of uncontrolled laughter that was strange for someone of his character. Theodore looked at him strangely, like he didn¡¯t know what to do, while Yuffa and Tanya looked at him worriedly. ¡°Sorry, sorry. I just thought of something funny¡­ so why was this Spatial Magic so rare?¡± Tears were on Shin¡¯s eyes as a result of the boisterous laughter. Even though he was suppressing his sides while trying not to laugh, he still asked something important. ¡°Boy¡­Have you been living in the mountain? You seriously don¡¯t know anything about magic?¡± ¡°Eh? Uhh¡­S-sort of. Aha-ahaha...¡± Shin put his hands on the back of his head and showed a wry smile. He can¡¯t casually say where he came from. Even he did, no one would probably believe him. Theodore looked at him like he was someone suspicious. He looked at his expression but lets out a sigh. ¡°Fine then. I¡¯ll explain it to you. Spatial Magic is very unusual; you can even call it special magic. Why you ask? It¡¯s because each person can only wield magic that corresponds to their natural element such as Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Meaning, one can only use a single element as their magic affinity. There are those special people that can wield 2 elements but they are in the minority.¡± ¡°Such as you Theodore-san?¡± Shin interjected as he smiles. ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t. It¡¯s just a wild guess. Being a Guild Master must require a strong special person so, you know¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Oh. Haha, you got me there, boy.¡± replied Theodore amused. ¡°So, based on your story, Spatial Magic defies the common knowledge of Magic?¡± ¡°Exactly. That magic has no dependence on any other element. Not just that magic, but after many years of living in this world, I have encountered many people with abnormalities, such as yours. The only thing that was well-established fact was that demons wield special magic. In fact, almost all of them have. We still lack information on that matter, or what might be useful against demon race that has unknown magic.¡± ¡°Good thing M*rio saved you all.¡± ¡°Mario?¡± Theodore tilted his head unable to understand what Shin said. ¡°No. it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°You say some strange things boy.¡± ¡°Haha. Do I? So anyway, it seems we¡¯ve gone off topic.¡± ¡°It seems we have. So, you want to apply for an adventurer?¡± For a while now, Yuffa and Tanya were standing on the corner of the room, waiting for Shin to finish his business. They talked for quite a while, causing Tanya to start yawning repeatedly. So, Yuffa carried her in her arms to help her fall asleep. Shin looked in their direction and pondered for a while, and then he decided. ¡°Can you make it three?¡± ¡°Hmm? You also want to register those girls?¡± ¡°Ehh??! Shin-sama??¡± ¡°Yuffa one-chaan?¡± Hearing the content of their conversation, Yuffa shouted in surprisewhile causing the sleeping Tanya in her arms to wake up. ¡°S-shin-sama? What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t it natural for you to be an adventurer too?¡± ¡°Including Tanya?¡± ¡°Yeah, Whynot?¡± ¡°U-um, aside from the fact that I can¡¯t fight, isn¡¯t it quite dangerous?¡± Oops! I haven¡¯t thought of that. He was somewhat careless of his decision. Being an adventurer that is always surrounded by constant danger, might result to Tanya being hurt. Bringing her along might be a bad idea, but the reason why Shin wanted to bring her along, was because she just can¡¯t leave her alone. He can¡¯t just entrust her to some stranger, not to mention they don¡¯t know anyone in this city. Shin wasn¡¯t sure of something, so he asked Theodore, ¡°Theodore-san, there is a party system, right?¡± ¡°Yes, why do you ask?¡± ¡°How do we form a party?¡± ¡°W-wait Shin-sama...¡± Shin turned around and looked at Yuffa as she stopped him from talking further. ¡°I-I¡¯m really thankful for all the things that you¡¯ve done for us,and I¡¯m really happy to be an adventurer too, but I think that bringing along Tanya[] might put an extra burden on you.¡± Hmmm¡­ Her concerns are the same as his. Even though what she said is right, somehow, Shin had a feeling that it¡¯s not really a big deal. His baseless confidence couldn¡¯t be justified, and he also couldn¡¯t put it into words, but he really felt like it posed no problem. Because Shin couldn¡¯t explain it, he patted Yuffa on the shoulders and said to her with a broad smile on his face: ¡°I don¡¯t know how to say this, but don¡¯t worry Yuffa. No matter what it takes¡­ you two will be my priority, okay?¡± *Poof* ¡°Yuffa? What¡®s wrong?¡± After Shin said those words, Yuffa was looking on the floor for no reason, so Shin shook her shoulders and asked curiously. But she only said ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡±. Still hanging down her head. ¡°But your ears are red. Are you feeling sick?¡± Added Shin. ¡°Oh, quite the opposite boy.¡± Theodore answered off-handedly. Shin was clueless about the meaning of what Theodore said, so he didn¡¯t pursue the matter anymore. ¡°About the party system, can I ask for more information about it?¡± ¡°Sure. But first, take this.¡± Theodore handed each of them a semi transparent card. The three of them looked at it curiously. ¡°These are?¡± asked Shin. ¡°That is an identification card in this Guild. Put your right thumb on the circle in the center and say your name.¡± As Theodore instructed, the three of them touched the card. Afterwards, the card glowed with a tiny blue light and displayed the statuses on each of them.
Name:Taiyoun Shin Lv. 9
Race: Human Class: Human Arsenal(Legendary) Guild Rank: F
Name:Yuffa Strauss Lv. --
Race: Human Class: Guild Rank: F
? Naturally, Tanya wasn¡¯t given a card because her age was inappropriate. Sending a little girl to fight would be barbaric. That concept exists only in the anime back in Japan where Shin lived. Shin peeked at the card Yuffa was holding, he observed that aside from the name and race, no other information is found. That means starting now¡­ would be the first herexperience as an adventurer. I¡¯ve got to try harder if I want to protect these girls. ¡°About the party system you were asking about, it¡¯s actually very simple. Just decide who will be the party leader. If you already have, then the party members will presenttheir Guild cards to the leader. The party leader will submit the cards here to be recognized as an official party, to start sharing experience and Guild ranking points together. Daily Quests or Special Quests greatly add points in order to rank up in Guild Rank. Guild Rank is divided into 7 tiers such as F, E,D,C,B,A, and S. Rank F is the lowest rank and SSS+ is the highest. F is given to new recruits and can only accept rank E quest and F only. The higher the rank, the higher the rewards. One last thing is that each rank is separated between higher and lower tier of the ranks, hence F-, F, and F+.¡± Theodore explained the important information in one go, but Shin still have one question left. ¡°Yuffadoesn¡¯t have class yet. Where or how can she apply to get it?¡± ¡°Oh. You don¡¯t know about the class system either? But do you have one, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°How you obtained it was the answer.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not sure¡­Maybe by default?¡± ¡°Well it¡¯s not that hard to explain how anyways...¡± Shin couldn¡¯t say that it was given by a God. He doesn¡¯t plan on showing his Guild card either, because the word (Legendary) was in there. The meaning behind that word might raise some questions that could trouble him in some ways. He intended to hide the fact that he came from an alternate world. It¡¯s really for the benefit of all, especially for his hope that his time here in this world would be smooth sailing. But if Shin wanted to form a party with the girls, he really needs to present his Guild card to Theodore. He can only wish for Theodore to overlook that one particular detail. Breaking out of his thoughts, Theodore continued, ¡°About the class system, one should choose a weapon first. They will use it as a tool to level up.When they do, information regarding the Skill of that weapon would naturally be instilled to their minds after they level up. It¡¯s really that simple.¡± ¡°Hooohh~ So Yuffa, what¡¯s your weapon of choice?¡± ¡°E-eh¡­? Um...Umm...¡± Since she was asked suddenly and didn¡¯t really think about it before now, she was indecisive. The sleeping Tanya on her chest moved a bit because of her sudden action. Can¡¯t blame her. I kind of forced her into this. Shin felt apologetic, but he also felt it was necessary. ¡°How about you think about it after we go back to inn?¡± ¡°Y-yes!¡± Shin presented his Guild card together with Yuffa¡¯s to Theodore. He received it and took out a scroll in his desk drawer as he wrote something on it. Afterwards, he gave it to Shin and extended his arms. Shin took it and shook his hand. Theodore smiled and nods in agreement and spoke. ¡°Welcome to the Guild.¡± ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure. I¡¯ll be in your care from now on.¡± ¡°Please take care of us.¡± ¡°¡­m¡­meaaatt¡­zzzzz¡± Shin replied curtly and smiled. Yuffa bowed while Tanya laid her head on Yuffa¡¯s chest while mumbling in her sleep. ¡°Then, please excuse us Theodore-san.¡± ¡°Excuse us.¡± ¡°Uhn.¡± Theodor nodded. The sound of footsteps resounded as Shin and Yuffa descended from the second floor, and everyone looked at them reflexively. Some are still visibly shaken from the earlier fight before. In his peripheral vision, he saw the man whom he hit was still on the wall, while the people tried really hard to pull him out. I hope he¡¯s not dead. If Shin knew the extent of his power, he could¡¯ve used his bare hands. But oh well, it was the other guy¡¯s fault anyways. With that thought, Shin and the girls walked out from the Guild HQ. Chapter 8: Impending encounter Editor: Jack Sroft -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the sun started to rise, Shin and the girls started preparing for their first adventure. Yuffa, together with Tanya, had just gotten back from the market while buying their travel necessities, like food and water, as Shin instructed. Shin worried that they would get lost, but his worries calmed down, as he saw the girls chatting happily while they put what they have bought on the table. Well, Yuffa might be a bit timid sometimes but she is a proper adult after all. ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you to buy a weapon for yourself Yuffa.¡± Shin said. ¡°Is that okay? Weapons can getpretty expensive depending on the grade.¡± ¡°Whatkind of price rangeare we talking about?¡± ¡°Um, I remember Tanya¡¯s parents having a regular sword¡­I think it cost about 30 silvers?¡± The prices here are really cheap. Or is it that I just have too much gold on me? Shin thought. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the price.¡±Even the money I gave them to buy food might be too much for normal expenses. ¡°Now that you mention it Shin-sama, you gave me quite a shock when you just handed me 10gold like it was just some spare change. No one gives out 10gold just for groceries. As I thought, Shin-sama must be the son of a noble.¡± Peered Yuffa but Shin only laughed at her, seeming to avoid the topic. Not because it was the truth, but he can¡¯t exactly tell her how he got it. Suddenly, Tanya pulled the hem of Shin¡¯s shirt while chomping on something that looked like beef jerky. Shin looked at her and said in the back of his mind: She¡¯s totally like a hamster¡­ ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Shin asked. Tanya swallowed her food in one gulp and spoke innocently.¡°Will you give me a weapon too?¡± Shin smiled and patted her small head gently. ¡°No. it¡¯s still too early for you, so Leave the fighting to me. You just have to stick close to Yuffa at all times¡­At.All. Times.¡± He stressed the last part. ¡°Don¡¯t leave her side. Okay?¡± ¡°Kayyy~¡± Tanya replied while she closed her eyes and enjoyed the patting from Shin. After a while, they started preparing and walked out of the inn. Before they did, Shin told the lady in the counter named Mrs. Ellen that they will be back by dusk, so that no one would occupy the room they were renting. Even in the morning, the streets were already filled with people. The group walked through the crowds as they were looking for a weapon shop so that they could buy a weapon for Yuffa. Eventually, they found a weapon shop located some distance away from the commercial streets. It looked rather old and musty, but contrary to how it looks, a number of people could be seen going in and out of the place. They entered the store and found a bearded man tending the shop.He looked at them and asked: ¡°What can I do for you?¡± ¡°I am looking for a weapon suitable for beginners.¡± Shin replied on Yuffa¡¯s behalf. The man looked at Yuffa and pondered for a moment. ¡°What does the girl wants to specialize in? A melee, range, or magic type?¡± Asked the bearded man to Shin. ¡°Hmm...¡± Shin was thinking about giving the job of support over to Yuffa. Taking Tanya¡¯s safety into account, it¡¯s better to have her in the back. While supporting Shin, which would probably not be needed in most situations, she can protect Tanya by just being at her side. That, and it would reduce Shin¡¯s worries greatly. Going by this, means Yuffa has to carry a weapon typical to support, such asa magical staff. ¡°Do you have a magic staff?¡± asked Shin. ¡°Do you mean a wand sir?¡± ¡°No I mean an actual staff with magic capabilities for a support role.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re going to have her as a support. What kind of a support then? Will be more offensive or defensive?¡± ¡°A little of both but more on defense, what do you think Yuffa?¡± Shin turn towards Yuffa to face her. ¡°If I can be of any help to Shin-sama, I¡¯ll gladly accept it.¡±She then agreed happily. ¡°Wait a sec.¡± Right after the bearded man confirmed that Yuffa agreed, he left and went into the back of the store. Minutes later, he came back and brought a wooden staff. The tip of the staff is bent downwards with a shiny gem embedded on the tip.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°This item here is unique, and very suitable for support role. Using this staff enables the owner to use elementary ice magic as an offensive skill. It¡¯s a bit weak for offense, but this staff has a side skill that grants a healing effect. Health recovery varies depending on user¡¯s level.As such, the higher the level, the more health theskill recovers. For a multi-role item,such as this,it will cost you a hefty sum of money. I could get you a lower quality though if you are on a budget.¡± The bearded man explained as he tried to warn Shin of the price. ¡°So, how much is it?¡±Shin asked normally. The bearded man raised his eyebrow and told him the price bluntly. ¡°2_gold and 56 silvers.¡± After hearing the price, normally Yuffa would make a shocked expression, but knowing her master that casually gave them 10gold, she kept her mouth shut and tended Tanya who was moving restlessly. Shin thought in his mind. He says hefty, but that number is like .001% of the overall money I have. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± So, he decided to buy it without a delay. He took 3_gold out of his pocket and handed them over to the bearded man. That action caused the bearded man to give a doubting look, to Shin but he accepted his payment nonetheless. After thanking the man, the group exited the shop and headed straight outside of the gate. Theywalked along and presented their identification card they got last time. After the gate guard confirmed, they started walking off the open field. A distance away from the city, was the place where newbie adventurers tend to level up. It was a wide grassland, filled with low level monster like and . The further you are from the city, the more vicious monsters roam the area, especially into the woods.If you are about hundred meters away from the city wall, anyone and everyone is vulnerable to monsters¡¯ surprise attacks. But for now, Shin decided to put up with low level monsters for Yuffa¡¯s sake. As they walked on the grassy lands, they encountered a group of wandering aimlessly. Noticing the monsters, Yuffa panicked. She pointed her staff to where the monster are with one hand, while the other was holding Tanyaever so tightly. ¡°Calm down. You don¡¯t even know how to use that staff, do you? Let me handle this. You just need to hold on to Tanya carefully.¡± Said Shin as he stepped forward. He looked at the group of monsters and counted them. 1,2,3,4¡­ there are seven of them. I could shoot them one by one, but it¡¯s kind of troublesome. As Shin decided on something, he () held both of his handsout, like he was holding a big gun. Afterwards, a weapon materialized as he poured his mana and used his magic, unlike any other magic possessed by anyone from this world. What appeared in his hands was a 40x46mm Multi-shot grenade launcher (MSGL). Shin could¡¯ve just used a lighter weapon, but given that the enemy formed a group in one spot, it is only reasonable to use weapon with an AoE. He poured mana into the grenade launcher, and loaded it with explosive rounds. It consumed 33% of his overall mana, because this was the first time he ever use that type of weapon. Although summoning that weapon next time would consume lesser mana, he thought that he might¡¯ve useda bit too much this early. But if this results in Yuffa leveling up quickly, then it was worth it. Shin aimed and fired two shots of explosive rounds. *explosion sounds*x2! ¡°Kya!¡±x2 The blast was powerful enough to reduce the monsters to ashes. It even left a mark on the grassy field. A big one to be exact, he might have defeated that monsters with just one shot of the grenade, but he fired twice to be on the safe side. The loud noise from the blast reverberated in the open field, causing the nearby monsters feel agitated. Even the distant adventurers were startled by the explosion. Shin was unfazed by the sound, but the girls behind him shouted in surprise as they hugged each other for protection. ¡°Uuuu...That scared me Yuffa onee-chaan~¡± ¡°W-what was that just now, Shin-sama?¡± Yuffa asked while still hugging Tanya in her arms. Shin scratched the back of his head as he silently apologized to the girls in his head. The loudness of the explosion coming from the blast was completely unaccounted for. ¡°Sorry about that. I fired it at a rather close distance.¡± ¡°N-no it¡¯s okay Shin-sama. We were just taken by surprise. That¡¯s all¡± ¡°Shin onii-chan. You meaniee~ It scared me.¡± Tanya spoke to Shin as she puffed out her cheeks. He apologized to the pouting Tanya again, as he patted her head. After that, he faced Yuffa and asked to confirm something. ¡°Anyways, did you leveled up?¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, I did feel a gush or information in my head. Let me see¡­¡± ()Yuffa took out her guild card, and looked at the detail beside her name that displayed her level. Before it only had ¡°¡ª¡±,but now it displayed ¡°Lv. 3¡±. ¡°Yay! I¡¯ve leveled up! Look! Look Shin-sama. I have leveled up!¡± Yuffa was so excited, knowing that she leveled up. She was jumping and shouting, while Shin looked at her with a smile while trying to calm her down. ¡°So, what skill or skills did you learn?¡± Shinasked. ¡°Let¡¯s see. Um... It says [Staff mastery Unlocked!] and a buff skill called [Minor healing]¡± ¡°I see. Congratulations Yuffa.¡± Shin gave an ¡°Okay¡± sign to Yuffa who had a watery eyes. By the way, the exp points that had been earned from the dead monster barely helped Shin at all. It was almost impossible to see the increase in his exp. Considering the gap between his level and the toad, naturally, it won¡¯t give him any exp at all. But, it wasn¡¯t Shin¡¯s purpose. It was for Yuffa to unlock the skills of her staff. Skill system in this world relies on the weapon being used at level 1. Except for Shin who naturally uses a vast range of weapons and their godlike abilities, other people can also use different kinds of weapons.Everyone else, however, would need to leveleach weapon one by one. It would take time and wouldnt improve as much as compared to mastering just one weapon, which is very optimal choice. Meanwhile, since the time was still too early and they barely even leave the city¡¯s territory, Shin decided to go further outside the city and into the forest. Yuffa was slightly hesitant because of Tanya¡¯s safety, but knowing that Shin wasn¡¯t an ordinary person and possessed an incredible power that she couldn¡¯t even comprehend, she decided to go for it. ¡°This is for Shin-sama too. I must do my duty.¡± Yuffa mumbled. Along the way to their destination, they encountered many monsters, including the which Shin encountered right as he transferred to this world. To Shin, monsters in the area weren¡¯t even suitable as cannon fodder, much less an enemy. He annihilated every monster in his path without breaking a sweat or having Yuffa to use her staff whatsoever. Honestly, he was kind of bored of how easy things were. He felt like he was just strolling around plucking wild flowers. Even the girls who was wearing a scared face a while ago, () were showing a rather relaxed expression. Looking at their master¡¯s prowess made them feel more secure. Who could blame them? As Shin was getting bored... ¡°Uwaaaa¡ªHahahaha! Circle it up!¡± He heard a voice coming from the inner forest they have entered. But he was confused about the voice. It was from a girl who is running from something. At first, she sounded like she needed help, but almost immediately changes into laughter like she was having fun. Curious, Shin searched for the owner of that voice while the girls followed him from behind. As they walked from the series of trees, they found a wide area inside the forest. There, they found a group of adventurers rounding up a monster. Noticing what the monster was, excitement came back to Shin. In the middle of those adventurers stood an 8-foot tall bear. The bear had an armor plate in its chest, and battle scars were littered all over its body. Its paws had a metal gauntlet with spike protruding out of it. It glared at the people who surrounded it with vicious killing intent oozing from the bear. Its fangs were visible as it growled at them. ¡°Interesting.¡± Watching from a distance, Shin muttered those words with excitement clearly visible in his face¡­ Chapter 9: Area Boss The party lead by Shin started their first adventure and headed to the plains outside the city wall where new team and beginners like them tend to level up. But fighting common low level monsters wasn¡¯t as fun as Shin have expected so he decided to widen the hunting ground to look for a stronger monsters. And as they walked to a more dangerous area in the forest, they found a party of 4 several meters away from them facing a big armored bear. A to be specific. Shin halted the girls as he watches the scene with interest. Judging by their equipment, they were probably new party like Shins¡¯. Most of them only wore leather armors and ordinary long sword. ¡°Ooooohh¡­. We are in luck guys. A rare area boss appeared!¡± said the man with a spear in his hand. ¡°Veteran adventurers said that this monster give instant +3 level and a bunch of loot if defeated!¡± another man said excitingly as he draws his sword. ¡°That¡¯s right but they also said that never engage it if you¡¯re 5 level below it!¡± ¡°We may all be level 12 but we have the numbers. It¡¯s 4 to 1. It should all be alright¡± said the girl ¡°Yeah!¡±x3 They couldn¡¯t be more wrong. Their conversation was heard by Shin as he and the girls draws closer to them. It¡¯s because he knew to some extent that that monster is definitely out of their league that¡¯s why he muttered those words. He warns the girls for the impending danger so he instructed them to stay put and hide behind the tree. Shin added that Yuffa has to prepare her staff in case of any situation which she eagerly nodded holding Tanya tightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea.¡± ¡°!¡±x4 The party frantically turn towards their back from a sudden appearance of someone, needless to say it was Shin. ¡°Who¡¯re you?!¡± ¡°Ya tryin¡¯ to nab our loot after we defeat it, huh?!¡± ¡°We found it first! Go away!¡± ¡­ ¡°? .. Y-you?¡± Contrary to the boys¡¯ reaction towards Shin, the girl looked at him like she wants to say something. ¡°That monster is 6 levels higher than you lots. Fighting it with your current equipment is like suicide¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even try to trick us. If we agree and left, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll call your teammate and steal our prey!¡± ¡°Yeah! Go away!¡± ¡°? ..¡± the girl only looked at Shin with mouth agape. Shin warned them out of concern but was denied immediately yet he wasn¡¯t angry but only gestured them like he was saying ¡°go ahead¡± and distanced himself. Having Shin backed away, the party turns their attention to the monster in front of them who oddly been calm for a while after it tried to attack them. It only stood there like it was imposing superiority but clearly its stance indicates that it was on guard. ¡°Position yourself in each direction! We will attack it in all side. Clarisse! Take advantage of the range of your bow and support us in a distance. You distract it!¡± The man holding a spear supposedly their leader lets out instructions to each member as they nodded in agreement. He may have lashed out on Shin unreasonably but he gave a quite impressive battle plan. As was instructed, the girl hops away and knocked several arrows at once as she targeted the silver bear. The other members position themselves as they plan to attack in different direction. They drew closer in vigilance. The silver bear continued to remain still, unmoving. ¡°Now!¡± shouted the leader. Hearing the cue, the girl fired several arrows with a confindent smile on her face targeting the silver bear¡¯s eyes as it used its arm as a shield. Their leader saw that action and as it go according to plan, they charge at it with force. ¡°We¡¯ve got you!!¡± Their leader jumped and thrusts his spear while consequently the other two stabbed their sword. Feeling the flesh as they stabbed their weapon to its body..Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Did we get it? I think we did! That was easy¡± Smile of confidence started forming in their lips Triumph is visible in their faces.. But not for long, They look at the bear that is unmoving and tried to pull their weapons. But can¡¯t.. It¡¯s like it¡¯s stuck. They pulled it hard but it won¡¯t even budge. ¡°!¡± Looking at the distance, the girl twitched as she saw the movement of the bear who they thought was dead. She tried to shout but no words came out. Her fear engulfs her vocal cords. Unaware of the impending danger, the men still tried to pull out their weapons. ¡°It¡¯s stuck! Maybe we just left it as it is. Besides we¡ª¡° ¡°We what boss?¡± Their leader tried to say something but stopped midway. As he raises his head to look up at the face of the monster they thought was defeated, what he saw was entirely opposite to what they have expected. Cold sweat drifted in their leaders face as he turns pale. The other two saw his expression and reflexively looked at the monster. All blood left their faces after they saw it. They found it looking at them in its glowing bloodshot eyes with clear murderous intent. Oh-oh. I tried to tell you but oh well. Shin said in his mind. He was just standing there watching how it would progress. He plans to help out if things get ugly but not for now. This would teach them a lesson or two. ¡°Run!!!¡± The first to recover from fear was the girl. She shouted her lungs out in order for her comrades to snap out of their consciousness. But it was a little too late. Before her teammate could even react to her voice, one of them flew into the woods colliding in a nearby tree like he was just some rock casually thrown away as the monster swung its arm with force. It was their leader. ¡°Hiiiiiiiiiiii-¡° The other two shriek in fear when they saw their leader¡¯s lifeless body. They started to run away but the monster¡¯s attack speed was much faster. Its sharp claws dug deep into their backs. The other man looked at the girl who watched them in terror, helpless as he extended his arms begging for help while the claw is still dug in his back. But the monster was merciless. It continued to push its claws out until it punch way through his chest. ¡°You can¡¯t look!¡± Even in a distance, Yuffa saw it clearly how horrible the situation was and covered Tanya¡¯s vision to avoid her being traumatized by the scene. While the girl who watched her comrade die wanted to run away but her fear impaired her legs. Shaking, the girl fell into the ground. She even tried to knock her bow but her strength left her body. Because the girl made a sound as she falls, the monster looked at her and directed its bloodlust. Its action made the girl fall into complete despair. ¡®I¡¯m gonna die¡¯ was the only thing on her mind. The bear monster started running to the girls¡¯ direction in all fours. The girl wanted to crawl away but the next thing she knew, the bear monster was looking down on her as it gritted its teeth. It raised its claws. Death is upon her. She can only close her eyes as she didn¡¯t want to see her inevitable death. She tightly closed her eyes but¡ª *Clang!* A sound of metal clashing sounded. The girl who heard that sound slowly opens up her eyes and saw a man stands to block the bear monster¡¯s attack. Her eyes widen as he look at him. It was Shin. ¡°Y-you ¡­¡± Shin who couldn¡¯t stay any longer, decided to help. He was aware how cruel of him about not helping the other three but truthfully, he underestimated the bear¡¯s power. Shin only expected that they¡¯ll only end up with bruises or cuts not death. Well, what¡¯s done is done. He said. The least he could do to repent is to save the girl. The minute he saw the monster closes up to the girl, he ran at full speed, As the monster raises its massive claws, Shin summoned a katana but few inches longer that those normal one. He used it to parry the monster¡¯s attack. Shin managed to block it yet the bear¡¯s sheer strength caused him to move an inch. The bear wasn¡¯t finished attacking, it raised its other claw and swing it full force but Shin was a step ahead and summoned another katana identical to the other and parries it. He now wields two katana. This is the first time he used this kind of weapon so it naturally consumed fairly large amount of mana but he didn¡¯t worry as he still had plenty of reserve. The two contested their strength; both didn¡¯t move and continued to press their weapons together. Shin cannot move not because of the bear¡¯s power but because the girl is still sitting in the ground in shock behind him. ¡°Oy¡± He tried to talk senses to the girl but was unresponsive. Looking at her blank expression made him pissed a little bit so he kicked off some dirt to the girls¡¯ direction *cough* *cough* Dusts must¡¯ve gotten into her as she coughed. That gave some senses to her as her body twitched and realized what situation she was in. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, run towards those trees over there. Frankly, you¡¯re getting in my way¡± he said to the girl as he pointed the direction by tilting his head sideways. ¡°H-huh?..¡± ¡°Just run.¡± Shin said calmly but there was impatient tone mixed in. Even though the girl was confused, she still ran towards the place where Shin pointed. After confirming she got away, Shin leaped backwards to put distance between him and the bear monster. He then took a good look at it and smiled seemingly amused. The monster didn¡¯t waste time and runs to Shin as it swings its lightning-fast claws. Though the speed its speed is terrifying, Shin dodged its every attack effortlessly. *Rawwwrrr!* The monster releases its battle cry. It became pissed as it can¡¯t catch up to Shin¡¯s fluid movements. Every time the bear attacks, Shin just casually turn sideways to evade it. Maybe realizing that it was being played with, the lets out an ominous red aura. This is its special skill as an area boss. The bear¡¯s special skill uses its own vitality to maximize its full capacity such as power and speed. This will only last a minute but the result was obvious. Before, Shin just casually avoiding its every attack using only his agility but now, he uses his weapon to defend him from those dangerous claws. It managed to keep up with him yet the smile on Shin didn¡¯t even left his face. He was now enjoying the fight unlike a little while ago with those bunnies and frogs. This monster in front of him is a very decent opponent so he decided to get serious for a bit. To gain distance, he performed a high arc back flip. And as he landed, he uses that momentum to dash forward. *Rawwwwrrrr!* The bear shouted another war cry to face the incoming Shin. It swung its claws to intercept him but Shin used that exact moment to land on it and jumped a couple of meters above the bear. The bear couldn¡¯t react immediately. It looked around cautiously but it couldn¡¯t find him. But the time it looked up, what entered its vision was Shin in a sword-drawing stance on a falling motion using only one of his katana. It tried to howl another war cry but couldn¡¯t. Its head left its body as Shin slashed its neck in godlike speed horizontally. He then landed and recalled his weapon. The silver bear¡¯s lifeless body releases tiny blue lights as it disappeared gradually and turned into exp points. [Invoker Skill unlocked] Shin checked his Guild card, in the level section it displayed level 12 and learned a new skill. Chapter 10: The Vampire Princess appearance / A new Companion PART 1 Few days earlier¡­ It was a peaceful night. Leaves sway innocently by the gentle cold winds of the night. The calm light of the full moon disperses darkness and brightly lit the face of the earth. And on a particular place, a village situated near the mountain had a feast circling on a bonfire. It is a celebration for a great harvest this month as they bask in the veil of moonlight. Chatting voices could be heard here and there and some of them even played instrument while others sang merrily. It was a festive night. But Unbeknownst to anyone, On a darker side of the mountain, a shadow of a woman is observing them in her fiery red eyes. Her face cannot be recognized due to dimness of the shadow that casted by a tree above her. But what was noticeable is her out of place dress that is usually worn by a person with certain amount of money or a daughter of an aristocrat. ¡°How gauche. These people don¡¯t know how to throw a party properly. What a primitive way of celebrating.¡± She commented as she looks at them disappointingly. After she said those words, another shadow of a girl appeared out of nowhere wearing a maid uniform. ¡°Preparation complete. Please give us the signal¡± She reported while kneeling. Her voice sounded monotonous. ¡°Good job Cerica. ¡° The woman congratulated her maid and flop her fan in front her face. ¡°They lack elegance, don¡¯t you think?¡± She added. ¡°It is as you say¡± The maid responded respectfully. ¡°Should I lighten up the mood?¡± ¡°As you see fit¡± Although the maid is aware of those rhetorical questions, she still answers them respectfully because of her loyalty. ¡°Well then..¡± With a flick of the woman¡¯s fingers, countless eyes lights up as they begin to stand up consecutively. Monsters of unknown levels probably a hundred of them readied themselves. Some of them have heights as tall as a tree. The commotion must¡¯ve rattled the villagers. They¡¯ve temporarily stopped celebrating and looked around the surrounding. They became cautious. The merry atmosphere was replaced with sudden ominous silence. Then.. *Huff Huff Huff* What appeared out of the thickets was a green-skinned Orc twice as big as a human being with bulging thick muscles. Seeing the orc didn¡¯t terrify them at first since monster like that is very common in the hunting grounds. ¡°Is it lost?¡± Some of the villagers snickered of the snide remark but some find it odd. Usually, monsters tend to avoid humans. They distance themselves especially with many people like the village. Although some find it strange, they choose to shut up. Though the size of the monster is not a laughing matter but knowing its fairly low level not to mention it¡¯s alone, 2 or 3 adventurers should be enough. They took their weapons. Five of them tried to approach the immobile monster that looks like it¡¯s going to attack at any moment. ¡°Finish it quickly! The meat might turn to charcoal!¡± The village leader shouted at them together with his joke. He was all smiles but as he looks at the adventurers, he was confused as to how they suddenly stopped. One of them was running away. ¡°Is he looking for a toilet? Did anyone put weird stuff of the soup again?¡± They all laughed at their leader¡¯s joke. What they didn¡¯t know.. As the adventurers approaches the monster, one of them noticed the weird atmosphere behind those trees. They begun to raise their weapons but suddenly halted. They thought that the monster was alone so they carelessly tried to kill it but.. Looking at it closely, monsters were actually hiding behind the tree line under dimness of the place. 1, 2, 3, 4¡­ and so on.. Monsters started appearing out of the darkness like they blend in it. Watching them appearing one by one, the adventurers stood rooted until one snapped out, drops his weapon and runs away. ¡°Are you kidding me¡­..¡± Hopeless words were uttered from of the adventurers. They wanted to fight back but their strength left them as they were overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of monsters. Finally realizing the reason of their actions, the villagers with their faces full of smiles took a complete turn. Even though the monsters haven¡¯t attack yet, the people in the village started running away. Panicking voices of people overlapped one another together with the crying voices of the children. Watching the village in turmoil with delight, the woman walks out of the dark. Gentle light of the full moon struck her and revealed a very beautiful woman with a fiery red hair that contrasted the moon¡¯s blue light. The men who stand rooted at the place looked at her in daze. They were completely bewitched by her unworldly beauty.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. The woman smiled at them and caused the men to cringe in excitement. A moment ago, they were impaled by fear. Now they were strangely relaxed. ¡°Men..You are all the same.. You will all be part of me~¡± Those sweet words were uttered as she licked her lips bewitchingly. She then pulled something out of nowhere. In her hands appeared a huge chained scythe, convulsing it¡¯s as if the weapon is alive. And without a moments delay, she swings it towards the men effortlessly. It was as fast as lightning that the men couldn¡¯t react immediately and the result was horrifying. With a clean cut, their bodies were cut in half as blood gushes out uncontrollably. The woman held her scythe towards those lifeless bodies. The pool of blood that was spilled everywhere gathered in her scythe like it was being sucked. As the blood continues to enter the scythe, the woman hugged her own body erotically feeling the ecstasy like she was aroused. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve had these feeling. Thanks for the feast~¡± the woman spoke while wiping a drool on her lips. Her maid stepped out of the dark and spoke as she kneeled. ¡°What are your orders?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be so distant. Come here~¡± ¡°As you wish my la---¡° She couldn¡¯t continue her words. Without warning, her lips were ravaged by her masters¡¯. The girl in maid uniform moans in pleasure contrary to her cold looks. It continued for a while until the woman let go of her. The maid¡¯s legs gave out as she falls in the ground with a flushed face. ¡°Vampire princess¡­¡± the maid uttered those words still in dazed. The woman called the vampire princess watched her maid in a satisfied manner. She then picked her up whispered. ¡°It¡¯s time..¡± Her maid stood out straight as she heard her master¡¯s orders. She put on a serious face but her face still had a trace of redness. The vampire princess smiled and suddenly disappeared. The festive atmosphere of the village was then replaced with the shouts of anguish as the village started burning. PART 2 ¡°Amazing~~¡±x2 ¡°Shin onii-chan is so cool~¡± The girls were beyond astonished after they witnessed Shin¡¯s martial prowess. Even Tanya¡¯s eyes sparkled in amazement. Although this wasn¡¯t the first time that Yuffa and Tanya saw how Shin fights, the spectacle of him fighting still leaves them in awe. And for someone to witness him fight for the first time, his movements were way too fast and way too powerful for some newbie adventurer. Shin instructed the girl whom the party was just slaughtered to take a safe distance and hide from the trees. She didn¡¯t expect that someone was there that it gave her a shock. She wasn¡¯t sure at first but now that she thinks about it, these two girls with her was the one that accompanied that infamous new recruit that created a scene at the guild headquarters. The girl was part of that crowd that went silent after that relatively known man from the guild went flying from a side swing. That scene did leave quite an impression on her. And now, after witnessing a bit of that man¡¯s true abilities.. Something just triggered a warm sensation deep in her heart. The feeling of fright was replaced with excitement. ¡°Hey, hey, hey.. are you that mans¡¯ wife?¡± The girl asked Yuffa curiously. ¡°Ehh??! W-w-wife?! N-n-no, we aren¡¯t l-like that!¡± Being asked suddenly with an unexpected question caused Yuffa to stutter as her face turn beet red. ¡°You don¡¯t?¡± ¡°Y-yes! Shin-sama is just our master. We are indebted to him¡± ¡°Indebted?¡± ¡°Shin onii-chan saved us from the bad guys.¡± Tanya answered in behalf of Yuffa. ¡°Is that so?.... I¡¯m relieved¡± ¡°? Relieved?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh. It¡¯s nothing. Aha-ahaha¡± ¡°Huh~¡± Clarisse lets out a forced laugh as she puts her hand behind her head while Yuffa only tilted her head. ¡°By the way I¡¯m ClarisseGreenville, pleased to meet you!¡± the girl introduced herself. ¡°Oh. My name is Yuffa Strauss and this is Tanya. Pleased to meet you too.¡± ¡°Hello Clarisse-oneechan~¡± ¡°How cute~¡± The girl named Clarisse was delighted with Tanya as she poked both of Tanya¡¯s cheeks. Meanwhile.. After the bear monster disappeared, Shin received the rewards for killing it. He definitely raised 3 levels in an instant. His level is now 12. I don¡¯t know if the exp system covers a wide range of distribution regarding teammates away from the action. I should just ask Yuffa but in the mean time. Shin wanted to confirm if the exp reached where Yuffa is but he has to check first the notification that popped up. The skill says [Invoker] He swiped his finger to view the skill details.
Lv. 10 INVOKER
Unique Passive: All elements unlocked. Dark Attribute now usable. Can use magic other than original magic. Mana Restoration increased. Unique Active: When activated, Users can now add element to any weapon used
Seriously?! Before, Shin only uses his bare mana to enhance weapon efficiency and to increase power. The result was already beyond newbie level but now, this skill he had learned would give him even more fighting capability. His job before in the game only summons various weapons together with its skill but never had the option of embedding it with elements. This version of him is way better than the intended job he had given. Good job old man! He thanked the old man that gave him this opportunity in his mind. He also thought that summoning weapons and enhanced body is the entirety or the limits. Now, he has another thing to look forward to. Shin kept his excitement and casually walks to where the girls are. Noticing Shin coming closer,Clarisse fixed herself up. She brushed her hair and dusted off her dirty clothes as she greeted him. ¡°H-h-hello! T-thank you for saving me back there.¡± Shin was thinking of something so he was quite surprise of Clarisse¡¯s sudden greetings. He stares at her for couple of seconds. ¡­.. Oh. He then placed his fist in his palm like he just remembered something. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Noticing Shin¡¯s reaction gave her quite a blow. ¡°Did you seriously just forget my existence??¡± she asked in a high tone. Shin awkwardly looks away. He can¡¯t say that his excitement by his sudden growth in power made him forget everything that happened. His action caused even more blow to Marianne so she just decided to keep quiet. ¡°By the way Yuffa, how¡¯s your level? I¡¯m not sure if the exp points reached this far. Can you check it for me?¡± ¡°Eh? Shin-sama, did you forget that my Guild card is in your care?¡± Crap. How forgetful I can be that I forget even this important thing. I still haven¡¯t got used to party system here, haven¡¯t I? Shin said in his mind. The party system here is completely different compared to the actual game where you just have to right click the character you want to party with and play. Shin needs to straighten up. ¡°Hey ¡° Shin called the girl who has been silent for a while now. She only looks at him with a pouting face. ¡°What¡¯s with that face? Anyways, sorry about your companions¡± ¡°Oh they¡¯re not my companions.¡± Shin apologized sincerely but her reaction wasn¡¯t the as he expected. He thought she would be heartbroken. She continued. ¡°I was hunting here alone and happen to meet them. They found that rare monster deep in the woods marking its territories by scratching its claws to nearby trees. They only asked my assistance in exchange for a loot.¡± ¡°Is that so? Still it was very idiotic to underestimate it. That monster wasn¡¯t labeled rare for nothing.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. I thought I was going to die at that time. Thank you again for saving me.¡± She then smiled ear to ear but turns serious and added. ¡°But how come I haven¡¯t heard your name before? Surely with that kind of strength, you would be quite famous by now. You just started in the guild but you far outclassed that monster. Just who are you really?¡± ¡°It¡¯s really nothing. More importantly, you haven¡¯t told me your name. You are?¡± Shin just casually brushed off her query. If possible, he wants to remain his anonymity. All personal or information about him must remain hidden. Marianne frowned for a moment but decided to drop off the topic. ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry for the late introduction. My name is Clarisse Greenville. Pleased to meet you Taiyoun Shin¡± ¡°Hmm? How¡¯d you know my name?¡± ¡°Yuffa-neesan told me your name¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± said Shin and added ¡°Well then, see you around?¡± ¡°Bye bye Clarisse-neechan~¡± ¡°Bye Clarisse-chan¡± After Shin replied and the girls bid their goodbyes, he then instructed Yuffa to get ready to leave. The sky started to darken as dusk approaches. He then decided to call it a day. As Shin, Yuffa and Tanya started walking off. ¡°Um!¡± They turn around as Clarissecalled them. ¡°Yes?¡± Shin asked. ¡°Um¡­ mmm¡­ Right! Um.. I know how to use a bow. And I¡¯m quite proficient using it! And oh I¡¯m level 12!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Shin only gave her a quizzical look because he was clueless to understand what she was trying to say. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°That is¡­ Ummm.. You know.. are you looking for a p-party member?¡± Marianne asked shyly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe? Why?¡± ¡°If you want.. P-Please let me join your party!¡± ¡°Ohh~¡± Shin hasn¡¯t thought about it before. But now that something like this came up suddenly, he wasn¡¯t sure if he wants a new team member. Yuffa and Tanya was a special case because of certain circumstances. He pondered for a bit and looked at the girls unconsciously. ¡°Its Shin-sama¡¯s decision. I think that it would be more fun having many people around. What about you Tanya?¡± Said Yuffa as brushes off Tanya¡¯s hair. ¡°Un~!¡± answered Tanya energetically. She must¡¯ve liked Marianne even though she just met her. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Really??¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Yay~!¡±x2 Tanya also joined Clarissecheering up. ¡°Thank you. I will be in your care. I will do my best!¡± said Marianne as she bows and showed a heartfelt smile. Yuffa smiled watching Clarisseand Tanya getting along. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the city while the sun is still up.¡± Said Shin as he started walking. ¡°Yes!¡±x3 The girls nodded and followed Shin as they walk along the stone-paved road. Chapter 11: Someone to protect A night has passed since they have defeated the area boss and met with a new companion named Clarisse. Right now, Shin is doing his daily routine on the rooftop doing his stretches early in the morning. He was already awake since 5am so he got nothing to do. Yuffa also woke up minutes after Shin and she is accompanying him in his exercise after she got off the bath. Her flushed face and wet hair indicated as so. Her sweet smell also caused Shin to look at her in daze for a couple of seconds. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired Shin-sama? You¡¯ve been exercising for quite a while now¡± ¡°Hmm?... a bit I guess.. fuuu.. ¡° Shin has been doing push-ups so his words are fragmented. ¡°Back in my place¡­ I wasn¡¯t even¡­ fit enough to do.. tiring work.. suuuu¡± ¡°Is that so? It¡¯s hard to believe because whenever I see Shin-sama fights, your smile won¡¯t leave your face. It¡¯s like you¡¯re having fun despite fighting a high level monster like yesterday.¡± Yuffa had an astonished face and at the same time had a doubtful face as she tilts her head. ¡°Is that how I look?¡± Shin got up and stretched his back as he asked Yuffa without looking at her. ¡°So it seems that I am having fun. I never thought this kind of life only existed which was originally just a setting on a game. This world is fun.¡± He continued. He clinched his fist and thrust it forward on the empty air. His sweat glistens as rays of sunlight struck it. ¡°H-huh~ here Shin-sama.¡± ¡°Oh thank you¡± On the other hand Yuffa had a question mark on her face implying that she didn¡¯t understood what her master said all the while as she handed Shin a clean towel to wipe off his sweat. ¡°Can I ask you some errands Yuffa-san?¡± ¡°Of course I will do anything for Shin-sama. What could I be of service?¡± ¡°Why so formal? Anyway, can you buy some bread and warm milk for Tanya-chan? Also you can buy anything that interests you.¡± ¡°I-is that okay? Then I will humbly take your offer.¡± Shin handed Yuffa some gold coins. She then took it and bowed as she immediately headed down the stairs. He continued his routine for a while but when he noticed that the sun has started to penetrate his skin, he headed down to the inn to find the bath to clean himself up as it is now half past 7. **** It¡¯s been couple of days that Shin came to this world. Many things have happen yet he still can¡¯t fully believe that this is happening. Regarding his physical strength, he feels the same as he was before but he can feel the unexplainable energy that is surging in him. It¡¯s true that he was given godlike skills even so; he felt like very ordinary. The old man entrusted him with a task but can he really do it? He thought. Despite the fact that he became strong, he cannot get this into his head. If this is a game then surely he was still on a certain village or perhaps a dungeon where a novice player is starting its adventure. He doesn¡¯t even know what the level cap this world has. Judging by the fact that he rose a certain level quite steadily, he thought that if there is a cap then surely it will exceed 500 roughly estimate. If that is the case then maybe it was a bad thing that he took those girls with him as a party. It¡¯s not that he was thinking about abandoning those girls. He was just genuinely worried if something were to happen to them.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. This is a dangerous world that¡¯s for sure. For now things might have been a breeze but he knows that there is something out there. Maybe something that even Shin might not be able to handle. And in order to avoid that thing to happen, he needs to become stronger. If not the strongest, at least strong enough to protect those who are in need especially the girls with him. With these in mind, Shin submerges his entire body in the water to clear up his thoughts. The bath house on this inn greatly resembled onsen in Japan. Though compared to Japan where the heat coming from the water came from a nearby volcano, the heat of the water here came from a magic stone that resembled a salamander that was erected at each ends of the man-made bath as it emitted a red light in its tongue. Is what the owner said. After he finished cleaning himself up, he got back to their room. There, Tanya was rolling around the bed shouting ¡°So huge!¡± but Yuffa wasn¡¯t there. It has been quite some time after he gave her an errand. That¡¯s weird. Buying something like bread wouldn¡¯t take that much time. Thought Shin as he assumed a thinking pose. ¡°Hey Tanya-chan, has your Onee-chan didn¡¯t come back yet?¡± ¡°Nope~ Waaaa~ So big~ so fluffy~!!¡± ¡°Is that so¡­ Stay here Tanya-chan. I¡¯m going to look for your Onee-chan, okay?¡± ¡°Ah Un!~ Take care Shin onii-chan!¡± Tanya answered innocently while hugging a pillow and continuing to roll around the bed. Shin smiled and waved his hands. But deep inside he was starting to get worried. Kids can be quite sensitive towards the feelings of the adult so he was careful not to show it in his face to avoid Tanya getting worried. He quickly left the room and headed downstairs. He headed straight to the woman in the counter to excuse himself for a little bit. Just as he got out of the inn, a hand touched shoulders halting him. He turn his head towards the owner of the hand, there was Clarisse leaning of the wall beside the door of the inn. She retracted her hand and raised it. ¡°Yo!¡± ¡°Hello. Clarisse is it?¡± ¡°Yeap! I¡¯m glad you remember me.¡± ¡°Why would I forget? Are you waiting for us here?¡± ¡°Ehehe.. Yes, I just got here though.¡± ¡°Is that so. Why didn¡¯t you come in?¡± ¡°W-well, I can¡¯t just walk right in like that, you know? I¡¯m still a new party member so I cannot act very friendly right away. I might annoy you accidentally and that would be band in more ways than one. ¡° Her face had a trace of red seemingly embarrassed. She was looking away at Shin not meeting his gaze sometimes glancing his way as she speaks. Although Shin wanted to chat more but now is not the right time. His worries might be for nothing but better safe than sorry. ¡°Oh right! Are you in the hurry Taiyoun-san? It seems like you wanted to go somewhere¡± Maybe impatience is showing on Shin¡¯s face that it made Clarisse remember what she wanted to ask as he saw him walks out in a hurry. ¡°Yes. Yuffa hasn¡¯t come back yet so I¡¯m looking for her. Also, I don¡¯t like my last name that much so you can call me Shin if you¡¯d like.¡± ¡°E-eh?! First n-name basis?! E-erm.. if it¡¯s Yuffa-san, I caught a glimpse of her at a bakeshop on the shopping district not a while ago. I wanted to call her but she was talking to Earl Phillip so I didn¡¯t want to disturb her.¡± ¡°A noble?¡± ¡°Yes. He is well-known in the kingdom. He is from a distinguished Lateran family consist of high ranking military officials as well as internal affairs. What of it?¡± Tch. A noble, huh? I have read too many light novels where nobility is involve. Each one of them if not all, every noble is up to no good. If he is one of those stereotypes, surely he is a bad news. For the record, I¡¯ve always wanted to beat up a noble. ¡°I see. Can you lead me where it is? I don¡¯t know quite yet the entirety of this kingdom, if it¡¯s okay with you.¡± ¡°Gladly! Leave it to me *fufun*¡± ¡°Lead the way.¡± Clarisse puffed out her modest chest with a look of assurance. Shin nodded and they started walking. **** They continue to walk through the busy street of the shopping district and headed straight to a certain bakeshop located quite a distance away from the crowd. There they found a prominent blue hair that has been tied up in a ponytail surrounded by a gaudy looking man and his guards. Her bangs swayed as she tries to get away from the hand that is holding her. ¡°That looks bad.¡± Mutters Clarisse beside Shin who looks at the situation with a worried face unaware of the serious face Shin is making. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°W-wait¡ª¡° Before Clarisse could even protest, she was stopped by Shin¡¯s hand gesture signaling its okay. His words towards those men were calm but there is no shed of warmness into it. Despite that, Yuffa¡¯s face brightened and tears of joy start to form on the corners of her eyes feeling relieved at the arrival of Shin. ¡°Shin-sama..¡± Shin looked at her and then to the hand that is holding her. ¡°Let her go.¡± ¡°Huuuh?! What are you talking about? Huuuuh?! This sow is now the property of Master Phil¡ª¡° *gunshot* ¡°Aaaaarrghhhh-! M-my arm!! ¡° ¡°Did I tell you to let her go?¡± Shin pulled a long silver revolver out of nowhere and pulled the trigger almost instantaneously along with his cold words. The guard that was holding Yuffa tightly was now writhing in pain as he holds his severed hand with other. Chapter 12: Rose en rameaux A single gunshot sound and a wailing of a man in pain reverberated in front of a certain bakeshop on a shopping district. They all gasp in surprise. The people involve on the situation all had the same expression of shock. ¡°What was that just now?¡± Clarisse who was beside Shin cupped her ears from the loud noise of the gun. Even the owner of the bakeshop retreated to his counter and also the bystanders started running away from the commotion. Multiple curious stares were directed at them ¡°¡±¡±What did you do you brat?!¡±¡±¡± ¡°Well, the flow of his words suggested that talking is useless and might drag on so I just cut to the chase.¡± The guards that who held their gasp just now were directing their spears towards the perpetratorwho only shrugged his shoulders. Noticing that she was no longer being held, Yuffa seized this chance and ran towards her master. ¡°Hey wait! Catch her!¡± ¡°Take one more step and you¡¯re next.¡± One of the guards tried to grab Yuffa back but stopped after he saw that the unknown silver weapon is now pointed at him. Tch! what¡¯s with that weapon? I never saw something like that before. He thought as he clicked this tongue. They can only watch the girl run away in vexation. Instincts tell them that the boy in front of them isn¡¯t to be taken lightly. It was only natural to hesitate facing the unknown enemy before them who held a weapon which they have never seen before. ¡°Shin-sama!...¡± ¡°O-oh .. ¡° Without so much as a care to the hostile atmosphere, Yuffa jumped and hugged her master as tears flowed down her cheeks feeling happy deep inside her heart. Shin never expected her actions that caused him to nearly fall down in his butt as he catch the sobbing Yuffa. She was a head taller and older than Shin that to the people watching them, it looks like an older sister hugging her little brother. Maybe because this was the result of the traumatic experience she had with those bandits before that despite her, being older than him, she is vulnerable to such situations. ¡°*sobs* Thank you for¡­ *sobs*¡­ coming for me, Shin-sama¡­¡± ¡°You were taking your time and I¡¯m starting to get worried, you know?¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. *sobs*¡­ I was about to go out of the bakery and head home when that person started talking to me. He said he is a noble and wants to take me to his home. Even though I rejected him, he still continues to persuade me..¡± ¡°I see..¡± ¡°He went to grab my hands and I unconsciously flayed it forcefully. It made him angry and he called her guards. They started to drag me¡­ but then you came. I was very happy *sobs*..¡± ¡°Is that so. Good thing I made it in time¡± ¡°¡­ Thank you very much Shin-sama¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome. It¡¯s my responsibility to protect you girls so I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you, I promise.¡± ¡°Shin-sama¡­¡± Yuffa looked at her master¡¯s earnest smile causing her to hug him even more as she buried her face in Shin¡¯s shoulder. Shin can only smile wryly feeling the soft bulges pressing against him. He wanted to break free but the position he was in, he could only push her touching her chest or her waist. Afraid that she might get angry, he can only pat her back gently. Amidst the cheesy atmosphere, a shadow past by the standing soldiers and approaching the two with considerable speed.. ¡°Sh-shin!!¡± Clarisse who was watching Shin and Yuffa noticed the incoming man thrusting his weapon towards them and shouted. In her mind it was already too late. No matter how good Shin is, he cannot avoid the incoming ambush attack that is already in front of him with the situation that his in at the moment. Currently, Yuffa was still hugging him so he cannot make a big movement or evade.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. She closed her eyes to the inevitable. He cannot make it. *gakin!* Instead of sound coming from a torn flesh, what reverberated was the sound of clashing metal. She opened her eyes to confirm what happened. She gasps in disbelief as her eyes widened. What she saw was Shin with the same posture he had, he was still being hugged but his left arm was on Yuffa¡¯s back parrying the assailant¡¯s rapier with a dark red gauntlet resembling a dragons¡¯ head that extended up to his shoulders. Not to mention that, that frontal attack didn¡¯t even budge Shin¡¯s arm even a little. All the while, Yuffa who had been paralyzed due to the sudden attack just now was running towards Clarisse as Shin instructed. The assailant puts more power to her thrust yet the gauntlet had an incredible defensive power. No matter how hard she pushes his rapier, it just wouldn¡¯t budge or more like it started pushing her weapon. She momentarily has an impressed face together with disbelief but judging that this might become stalemate; she retreated with a hop, put out some distance and pointed her rapier back at Shin. Her figure stands out the most in the vicinity. Her white armor shines whenever the rays of the morning sun gazed it. Adding to her charm, her long blonde hair that have ringlets at the end of her hair sways even in every small actions. She had spotless white skin that would make you hesitate to even touch it. Lastly, in contrast to her beautiful face was her piercing stare towards Shin. Though it depends on perspective, she is in par to Yuffa in terms of beauty. To sum it up, she¡¯s like a rose, a figure of both beauty and danger. ¡°Oooh! .. Captain Emilia De Ravenborn!! Thank god you¡¯re here! Now kill that boy!!¡± The noble who was cowering behind the guard the entire time shouted in joy after the unexpected back up. His distorted face in fear now replaced with a smug look, looking at Shin like saying ¡®How¡¯s that?!¡¯. But for some reason the girl in rapier clicked her tongue in annoyance that didn¡¯t suit her beautiful face. She only looks at the gaudy noble in disgust and explained, ¡°I was just taking my morning walk when I noticed the commotion. If I wasn¡¯t a relative or even a soldier, I wouldn¡¯t even bother saving someone like you. But as a Knight, it is my duty like it or not.¡± ¡°W-what is with that tone!? You¡¯re insolent as ever! If it wasn¡¯t for my recommendation, you wouldn¡¯t be a part of the military!¡± ¡°Huh? What are you saying, old man? Sure it¡¯s your recommendation but it was my skill that put me here. Even without it, I¡¯m confident to be accepted so don¡¯t forget that. Or would you like me to carve that in your head with my rapier?¡± ¡°Hiiiiii--!¡± Hearing those words from the old man made Emilia looked at him like he was looking at a piece of trash. The receiving end of that glare cowered in fear. Watching their exchange, Shin scratched the back of his head not knowing what to do. ¡°Umm, can we go now?¡± ¡°Wait, why did you attack a soldier?¡± ¡°You should ask that old man right there. He should learn to accept no for an answer.¡± Shin nudged his head towards the noble old man. Hearing his vague words, Emilia looks at the subject in question but he turned away his face. Looking like the old man wants to feign ignorance; Shin explained everything to Emilia as she nods in every detail she heard. ¡°You never change disgusting old man¡± right after Shin explained everything, Emilia heaved a long sigh and muttered those words in resignation. Apparently she knew the hobby of the old man so rather than being shock, her reaction was like saying ¡®not again¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry for his action and mine as well. I thought you were a bad guy after attacking one of the soldiers. Also this disgusting uncle of mine has a thing for beautiful girls like everybody else. The only difference is that he has lots of money and whatever action he does to a commoner is excused for he is a noble.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. But for a kingdom that is named after a saint, what an unfair law, I can even say it¡¯s rotten.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. The kingdom¡¯s law is just together with its ruler. It¡¯s just that, most people in position are corrupt bastards. Like that trash old man over there¡± ¡°What¡¯d you say?!¡± ¡°¡­. You got a problem, baldy?¡± The old man violently retorted but cowered afterwards when he was asked in a very cold tone. The cold chill ran towards his entire body that he again seek refuge behind a soldier while covering his receding hairline. ¡°Hey, hey. Isn¡¯t that man a noble? Is it okay for you to say those things?¡± ¡°Does it matter? It¡¯s the truth after all. If they have problems with it, they¡¯re free to face my blade.¡± ¡°How scary. Quite confident, I¡¯d say.¡± ¡°Speaking of confident, what you did to stop my attack was the same. What in the world was that weapon?¡± ¡°Oh that? It¡¯s a magical gauntlet, to put it simply, one of my arsenal weapons.¡± ¡°Arsenal? You, you wield different kind of weapons?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Now that I think about it, you also wielded that weird stave just a while ago. But wouldn¡¯t that put you a small room for improvement?¡± ¡°Not the slightest. In fact I can use them all quite well¡± ¡°Interesting.¡± Emilia looked at Shin in interest from head to toe. Not knowing the meaning of her stare, he can only smile at her. Looking at their casual exchange, Yuffa who have been watching them from a distance started to panic for some reason. Even Yuffa herself didn¡¯t understand why she became worried all of a sudden. Clarisse noticed her expression and asked what is wrong but she only smile shyly saying that it¡¯s nothing. ¡°I am Emilia De Ravenborn by the way. Nice to meet you¡± ¡°Nice to meet you too. I am Taiyoun Shin¡± ¡°Ta.. taiyoun? Sh-shin? What a weird name.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mind it though.¡± ¡°More importantly, you caught my attention from what you said minutes ago¡­ I want to test that ¡®quite well¡¯ that you said, so what do you say?¡± ¡°What, you mean like a duel?¡± ¡°Yes. Fair and square¡± ¡°Hmm.. it¡¯s okay and all but are you sure you want to leave him like that?¡± Emilia, Yuffa, Clarisse, the old noble and the guards looked at the place that Shin has pointed. About few meters away from the guards, there was a man facing flat on the pavement while foam was coming out from his mouth as he held his severed hands. Shin is the reason why he ended up that way. Instead of feeling angry, he felt pity for the man. ¡°¡±¡±¡±Ah¡±¡±¡±¡± With all the happening that occurred, apparently, he was neglected and set aside. Not that he was important in the first place. Chapter 13: The talk at the Restaurant ¡°Are you not worried about the duel Shin-sama?¡± The question suddenly came out of nowhere from Yuffa. Right now, the time is half past 7pm so they are having dinner at a restaurant. The place isn¡¯t luxurious or something but the ambient it gives is relaxing. Different from others where most adventurers eat which would turn to a rowdy place filled with boisterous laughter, this one gives the feeling that this place is more family oriented. On a perspective, Shin and the girls do look like a family. It is a given that Tanya was the daughter but on the mother side, going by the looks and age, Yuffa is clearly has the advantage over Clarisse. ¡°Yuffa-san is right, you know?¡± Said Clarisse that as she stop slicing the meat in order to talk to Shin properly. ¡°Shin onii-chan¡­ eryi goer shu¡­ fight? Nom nomnom.. ¡°(are you going to fight?) Shin who was the subject of those questions only shrugged and patted Tanya who was struggling to chew the steak ¡®swallow before you talk, okay?¡¯. Tanya nodded while the steak still in her mouth. Looking at her, Shin thought that the next time they eat; he will have to order something that is easy to chew for a kid. This kind of typical attitude of Shin made Yuffa look at him in worry. Certainly, he is strong but that doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t stop worrying about him. Early this morning, Shin received an invitation to a duel. It started with a stereotype noble who aggressively hit on her that incurs Shin¡¯s wrath and one thing led to another. Yuffa felt responsible for the trouble she causes so she felt that she had to at least warn him. Yet the person she was worried to is eating leisurely without a bit of care of anything else. In fact, he is currently poking Tanya¡¯s puffed cheeks as she continues to struggle chewing her steak, laughing while he does it. Yuffa recalls the face of the woman who challenged Shin. She only met her once but she had a gut feeling that she can¡¯t be taken lightly. Call it a woman¡¯s intuition. Although she might be wrong, still it isn¡¯t right to be careless as well. She wants to convey her worries but there isn¡¯t anything she can do so she only swallowed her words. Perhaps she notice the face Yuffa was making, Clarisse talked straight to Shin. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to prepare something, like training Shin?¡± ¡°Hmm?For what?¡± ¡°The duel¡± ¡°Oh that..¡± ¡°What else could it be? So what are you gonna do?¡± ¡°Nothing, I guess?¡± ¡°Nothing you say, can¡¯t you show a bit of panic Shin? The duel is tomorrow, to-mo-rrow¡± ¡°It is as you said. The duel is tomorrow so there isn¡¯t enough time for me to prepare something¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. But even so-¡° ¡°Even if I have something, it is useless because I don¡¯t know anything about her skills, except for her weapon. Also, if I have to start training now, then it will leave me exhausted tomorrow.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°¡­. So what are you gonna do tomorrow?¡± His words made sense. Considering the time of the duel which is after lunch, training or practicing at this hour is futile indeed. In fact, if he would go for strenuous practice now, the result would be as what he said, he would be exhausted for tomorrows duel and that would obviously put him at disadvantage. So without a doubt, the best action for him would be to do nothing. Without anything to arbitrate Shin¡¯s reasoning, Clarisse can only ask in a small voice. She only has known Shin for a short while so she doesn¡¯t know much about him or how strong he really is. His age didn¡¯t differ as hers however his unbelievable skills that she witnessed at their first meeting left a big impression on her. She knows that Shin isn¡¯t an ordinary adventurer like anybody else but knowing his opponents, it made her doubtful if he can really do it. ¡°It might be late for asking you this Shin but do you know who you are facing to?¡± ¡°No, we just came here recently. As a matter of fact, this is the first time we ever set foot on this city, right Yuffa, Tanya-chan?¡¯ ¡°Y-yes¡± ¡°Un that¡¯s right!¡± Yuffa and Tanya answered consecutively. Hearing their answers caused Clarisse to sigh. ¡°And yet you accepted her invitation without knowing her¡± ¡°Well, it was a spur of the moment decision. Why, is she that strong?¡± ¡°Umm.. Where should I start, let see. She is the daughter of the Lateran family which is known for their service of the kingdom as military officials. At first, the Lateran family¡¯s ancestor was a common family you see everywhere but their sheer strength were top notch so the king granted them the honorary position of knights. Since then, their family started serving the king directly. Like anyone would do as to not disappoint the kings¡¯ expectations, they trained their child as young as possible. Emilia wasn¡¯t an exception; she was trained as long as she can remember so you can imagine what she had become, right?¡± ¡®what a rough childhood. Good thing I was born to an ordinary family on a different world. I can¡¯t imagine spending my childhood days like that¡¯ Given the fact that his opponent is as dangerous as what Clarisse is implying, Shin¡¯s concern was on entirely different thing. Noticing that his brows were frowning, Clarisse misunderstood that and thought that Shin was thinking about how fearsome his opponent is. ¡°Now you get it. So you better prepare for the worst¡± ¡°Huh? Oh sure¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not that I won¡¯t have a chance against her¡± ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°You see she is also in the same position as I am. Of course I know nothing about her or anything but doesn¡¯t that apply to her as well? Not knowing what the other party is up on their sleeve makes one anxious and that would cause them to be cautious.¡± ¡°True but since both of you are on that position, doesn¡¯t that put you both on an impasse?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°So how come that situation gave you a chance?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ I think that I have much bigger element of surprise¡± ¡°Where did that confidence came from?¡± ¡°Who knows?¡± ¡°Look here¡­¡± ¡°You worry too much, right Tanya-chan?¡± Not understanding one bit about what they are talking, Tanya tilted her innocently while rubbing her stomach. Apparently, she finished her meal while they are busy talking. Shin was satisfied looking at her as he pat her head. ¡®do you like the food?¡¯ ¡®Un! That was delicious~¡¯. Despite the seriousness that Clarisse was showing towards the subject matter, Shin only replied with a carefree tone. ¡®Does this man doesn¡¯t have panic button?¡¯ she thought on the back of her mind. Maybe worrying over him is useless. Sigh. Instead of worrying, she can only pray for him. Watching their exchange from the sidelines, Yuffasmiled looking like she was relieved from something. Clarisse glanced at Yuffa after noticing her expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Yuffa-san?¡± Being asked unexpectedly, Yuffa waved her hands in front of her chest and smiled reservedly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± said Yuffa as she looked at Shin who stood up and was carrying Tanya on his back and continued ¡°It¡¯s just that my master is an amazing person, that¡¯s all¡± she said with a gentle smile on her face. Clarisse looked at her, then to Shin and nodded. ¡°Yeah. I suppose he is.¡± The two of them watched his back with gentle expressions. Maybe feeling their gazes on his back, Shin turned around to look at them. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Come on we¡¯re going home.¡± ¡°W-wait Shin-sama¡± ¡°Wait for us!¡± Yuffa and Clarisse¡¯s reaction was kind of late and ran towards Shin who started walking off without them knowing. On the side note, earlier today, Clarisse decided to stay on the same inn Shin and the girls was staying at by Shin¡¯s suggestion. Thankfully, unlike the other day, the inn has a vacant room. Since she became a party member, this would make things easier and more convenient. With that, Shin and co started walking off. Chapter 14: Uncertainties After arriving at the inn, Shin and the others headed straight to the inn. But before she goes to sleep, Clarisse always go to a late night bath. She headed down and opened the door to the women¡¯s bathroom. She took all of her clothes, puts it in the basket and covered herself in a towel. The towel is only covering her chest up to her legs so it couldn¡¯t hide all of her flawless white skin especially from her neck to her shoulders. She dipped her toes to measure the heat of the hot bath. Judging that it was on the right level, she took off her towel and slowly buried herself unto the relaxing heat of the water. Clarisse was also a traveler and just recently arrived at the Saint Eli Kingdom and became an adventurer. She came from a village several miles away north from the kingdom which is still a territory and under the jurisdiction of the kingdom. Just like Yuffa and Tanya, she was also a daughter of a farmer. Being surrounded by flat lands and mountains, farming is the primary source of income of most residents. Although being an adventurer has a better pay than an ordinary farmer, many people chose a much safer job mainly farming, mining and peddling thus creating a balance in human resources. Clarisse¡¯s ancestors were all farmers; needless to say her parents weren¡¯t an exception. Things as they are, deciding to be an adventurer did quite give her parents a shock. It¡¯s not because she hates farming, in fact, she enjoyed it very much yet she feels it lacks something. Back from the time that she was only 10, every time her neighbors come home from adventuring, she always wants to hear their story about what happened or how did they defeat their enemies, all sorts of stuff and every time she did, she can hardly contain her excitement. And so, after reaching the age of 16 she finally wanted to leave home and become an adventurer. Hearing that, her parents or more specifically her father was furious about her decision adamantly wanting to stop her. Her father was just worried about her daughter¡¯s safety. Being an adventurer is a man¡¯s job he said. It¡¯s not as easy as she thinks it is. If she wanted to survive that kind of job, it requires practice and years of training. And her physique was just the opposite. Like what you expect from a girl in teenage years, her slender body is simply unfitting for a rough job such as fighting so they couldn¡¯t just let her go as it is. What her father said was all true and reasonable but Clarisse has also a background in the same laborious work. Although she said laborious, farming and fighting are two different things. Not to mention it wasn¡¯t that much compared to fighting monsters. She wanted to say something back but she cannot find the right words. Not until her father said his primary reason for stopping her. He wanted her to get married to their village leader¡¯s son. He was Clarisse¡¯s childhood friend. They grew up and played together along with the children at the village. And some point, he started to have feelings for her. After Clarisse¡¯s fifteenth birthday, her childhood friend proposed to her (In this world, fifteen is the marriageable allowed by the church). Everyone cheered and clapped but immediately subsided after Clarisse refused him flatly. She cannot treat him other than being a friend she said. It was all in the past but it seems the matters regarding that weren¡¯t finished yet. Hearing her father¡¯s reason being that he only wants the best for her, evidently, he only wants her to stay so that she could be married. Clarisse truly loves her parents but that is the only one thing that she cannot obey. For her, marriage is still not on her plans. She didn¡¯t want to be tied on to someone she didn¡¯t love. Marriage will only be possible if she chooses the groom herself. For now, She wants to explore, she wants to go on an adventure.. With that in mind, Clarisse ran away from home. After that day, she never heard anything from her parents. Maybe they are looking for her but her resolve is set. She won¡¯t come back even if they¡¯ll find her. This is her dream and she will do anything for it. Maybe because of the heat that Clarisse¡¯s thoughts is currently running wild, she shakes her head to shake off unnecessary things. She splashed her face with hot water and tapped her cheeks strongly.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ~~~~ After clearing off her thoughts, silence befell the room briefly. *sound of sliding door* After hearing the sound of an opening door, a figure of a woman appeared amidst the fog created from evaporation coming from the hot bath. The woman smiled and greeted as she noticed Clarisse. ¡°Ara. Hello Clarisse. Pardon the intrusion. I thought I am the only one using the bath at this hour.¡± ¡°Oh Yuffa-san. It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not like I own this place anyway. Where¡¯s Tanya-chan?¡± ¡°I suppose. She immediately goes to sleep after we arrived. May I sit next to you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s too bad.... Sure thing.¡° With a smile, Yuffa sat at the place next to Clarisse. Clarisse only met her not a while ago along with Tanya. She is a member of Shin¡¯s party and also her maid. She only knows a little thing about Yuffa, about that she was a former slave. But is that really the truth? Looking at her closely, judging by her looks, she may be around 24 she assessed. Her skin doesn¡¯t have scars or spots; it was as flawless as hers. If she dresses up like a noble lady, nobody would even doubt that she is one. Unlike the other slaves she saw up until now, Yuffa just didn¡¯t look like one. She can even say that she was more proper than her. She really can¡¯t believe that someone beautiful like Yuffa ended up a slave. ¡°What is it?¡± Yuffa asked Clarisse as she tilted her head. Apparently, Clarisse had been staring at her the entire time. ¡°O-oh. I-it¡¯s nothing. I just thought that Yuffa-san is just too beautiful¡± ¡°E eh? Where did that came from? Anyways, thank you very much.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Can I ask you something, Yuffa-san?¡± ¡°Sure, what is it?¡± ¡°How did you meet Shin?¡± Clarisse moved closer to Yuffa as she asked her curiously. Yuffa then put her finger on her lips in a thinking manner, immediately after; a gentle smile befitting of her age appeared like she remembered something very nice. Watching that smile, Clarisse was convinced that their meeting is something that Yuffa remembered fondly which also made her smile reflexively. Yuffa started talking about everything that happened before they met Shin as to how they ended up being a slave. Hearing the story behind Yuffa¡¯s circumstance, it cleared off Clarisse¡¯s doubts a while ago, although it was mostly because of Yuffa¡¯s appearance. Unaware of Clarisse¡¯s thoughts, Yuffa continued. ¡°We we¡¯re about to be sell off to their costumers but halfway thru the destination, they veered off the path and took us into a remote place in the forest. I know what they wanted to do and it scared me¡­¡± ¡°Those scumbags! And then, what happen?¡± ¡°At that time, I only wanted Tanya to be safe. I wanted to run away but my legs just won¡¯t move from fear¡­.. Inside of me, I had given up on hoping that someone would save us to that situation, I could only hug Tanya and closed my eyes.. and then¡­. Shin-sama came along¡± Yuffa¡¯s smile brimmed all over. She continued ¡°He walked towards us calmly and talked to the slave traders. I know he was aware of the situation but he walks towards us without a slightest bit of panic, you know. And after that, a one sided fight, or more precisely, a massacre¡± ¡°I kind of imagine the face he was making.¡± Clarisse made a wry smile as she said so ¡°Witnessing the fight between that armored bear and Shin, I can only say that he is not an ordinary person.¡± ¡°I think so too. I¡¯ve witnessed many adventurers before but I¡¯ve never seen anyone like him. He is still under level 20, you know? Also the weapon he¡¯s using is out of this world and very powerful¡± ¡°Le-level 20?! Are you serious?! Normally, that kind of power most likely belongs to 100+ level!¡± ¡°You think so too? I can¡¯t believe it myself either not until he registered his name of the guild together with. Undeniable proof that he was still new¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­¡± Clarisse¡¯s jaw dropped after she heard his level. Now that she thinks about it, shehasn¡¯t seen anything like that before. The sword that he used against the armored bear is kind of ordinary but at the same time unique. In addition, that weird stave he used to severe the guard¡¯s arm that was holding Yuffa this morning is also unusual. What is he? Floated all over Clarisse¡¯s mind. But her thought were cut off by Yuffa¡¯s words. ¡°In all things, me and Tanya are very lucky to meet someone like Shin-sama. He gave us everything without asking in return. And so, I will devote myself and serve Shin-sama with all my heart¡± Clarisse didn¡¯t say a word but only nodded and smiled towards Yuffa. ¡°Shin is also lucky to have someone like you Yuffa-san¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. How can you say so?¡± ¡°He is! I mean look at you. You¡¯re beautiful, you¡¯re blue hair, you¡¯re figure, and everything is perfect. *whispers*¡­ Unlike my childish figure¡­. *whispers*¡± That last part was mostly whisper that only audible to Clarisse only. Noticing that Yuffa was silent, she looked at her and saw that she way smiling shyly. Clarisse asked what¡¯s the matter and Yuffa answered shyly. ¡°That¡­ I think Shin-sama doesn¡¯t even see me as a woman¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s as it says. It¡¯s like Shin-sama doesn¡¯t have interest in opposite sex or romance itself. It feels likehe¡¯s only focus onto adventuring, nothing else¡± ¡°What did you say? That can¡¯t be possible. They say that all men are wolves.¡± ¡°Not Shin-sama¡± ¡°Seriously?¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± ¡°Hmm¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Why do I feel like this would be a problem.....¡± ¡°Why is it?¡± Yuffa didn¡¯t understand what Clarisse just said and tilted her head sideways. Clarisse pondered for a moment and met Yuffa¡¯s gaze. It remained for a couple of seconds until Clarisse started to laugh. Yuffa wasn¡¯t on the same wavelength as Clarisse even so she started laughing too. Maybe it was something that they both have in common but was uncertain what it is. On the other hand, Yuffa has a vague idea of what she was starting to feel but chose to remain it hidden. They continued to chat for a while. But when they started to get dizzy on the bath, they both got out and walk out under the veil of fog covering their splendid figure. Chapter 15: Lightning vs Wind A day has passed and currently, Shin and the others are on the backyard located on the premises of Emilia. This was arranged before they parted yesterday. The girls exclaimed as they saw the house. As expected of someone with stature and nobility, her house simply outclasses the others. Upon entering the gate to her house, you are guided by neatly trimmed plants that resembled a wall as high as Shin¡¯s shoulders and on the center is a fountain with a sculptor of a warrior in a riposte position pointing at the gate. Her home was established at the exclusive place for nobles to build their houses. Sturdy walls separated them from the commoners. And every gate has guards station to it. Before a commoner could enter this place, they will need a permission letter from a noble with their signature. Hence, before Shin and the girls entered the place, they were halted. Fortunately, Emilia and her old butler were waiting for them near the entrance. They received and guided them to her place. Shin was perplexed about Emilia¡¯s actions. Why would she even go to such hassle to receive them? She can just order her butler or maid to pick them up. Or maybe this is just her being formal since she was the one who invited him. Whatever reason she has, she¡¯s the only one who knows. Although they came here as a guest, they haven¡¯t actually entered the house. Instead they were guided straight to her backyard. As they entered the backyard, what immediately came into view was a wide flatland filled with girls in light armors practicing their swords. Despite its location, this place is actually the training grounds for the Female Imperial Knights and Emilia as the core and the leader. Men and women knights trained separately to avoid conflicts which were agreed on both sides. When the girls noticed Emilia, they all stopped and lined together to greet her in respect. Emilia nodded in affirmation. After that, some girls walked to her side. ¡°Emilia-sama, is he the one you are fighting?¡± A short-haired girl with a dignified face put her hand on her chin and looked at Shin from toe to head like she¡¯s appraising goods. Likewise, Shin did the same. Her height is a head shorter compared to Shin so she was practically looking up. The girl noticed his action and narrowed her eyes even more; they were narrow to begin with. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± ¡°I could say the same thing to you.¡± ¡°Staring at a girl¡¯s body is an action deserving a title of a pervert.¡± ¡°I see¡± Shin only shrugs at her words. His reaction caused a vein popping at the girl¡¯s temple. ¡°.... Emilia-sama, can I cut him instead?¡± Surprised by her blunt question, Emilia calmed her down with a wry smile. ¡°Now, now. More importantly Tia, can you tell the girls to clear the grounds? We¡¯re using it now¡± ¡°Alright..¡± This was supposed to be their first meeting so Emilia was rather shock by her attitude. Normally, she was compose and calm so her demeanor is really surprising even for Emilia. It was because of Shin¡¯s lack of response and his indifferent tone that the short-haired girl named Tia bluntly expresses her annoyance. The reason behind that action was that Shin thought it was rude to appraise a person, measuring its worth. Before leaving, Tia glanced to Shin one last time with animosity and then walked briskly to the practicing girls. After that, the girls seized their action and make room for them to use. Emilia walked to the open field and turned back to face Shin. ¡°Shall we start?¡± Shin nodded and glanced back to look at the girls who also lined up few meters away from the duel grounds as they cheered him on before walking towards Emilia.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°Shin-sama¡­ please be safe¡± ¡°Do your best Shin¡± ¡°Where is Shin onii-chan going?¡± Yuffa and Clarisse had a worried look but Tanya doesn¡¯t seem to understand what was going on so Yuffa had to pull her closer and lightly hugs her. Shin lightly raised his hands to say he¡¯s okay and turned his gaze to the girl who was pointing her weapon to him. ¡°Sorry for being willful and thank you for accepting my duel invitation¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. As matter of fact, I¡¯m kind of bored lately so this is a good change of pace.¡± ¡°Hoh? What a coincidence, I was the same too.¡± A smile broke into Emilia¡¯s face. ¡°May I ask why?¡± ¡°Well, there are only few S-class adventurers I can spar here and all of them had a mission so I was stuck here with nothing to do but patrol the whole kingdom¡± ¡°So why don¡¯t you go on a mission yourself?¡± Her smile was then replaced with a sigh when she heard Shin¡¯s question. ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯m not an adventurer so I can¡¯t. You see, I¡¯m directly employed by the king so the only time that I can go on a mission is when I am ordered to. But it has been stale lately so I¡¯m rather bored. Don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯m not complaining of something¡± ¡®Then what do you call that?¡¯ Shin wanted to retort but kept it to himself. Nonetheless, he understands the situation she was in. Being held here with nothing to do but walk around aimlessly waiting for something to happen must be pretty boring. Shin thought about it so he can only sympathize. This might be why a soldier can¡¯t be an adventurer at the same time. It would be inconvenient for the employer if they asked for assistance but there won¡¯t be any because the employees are away; therefore they cannot do both things. To do a good job, one must pick and devote oneself by their chosen profession. On a side note, if we¡¯re talking about salary, a soldier has a more steady income compared to an average adventurer but that¡¯s it. Being an adventurer has some benefits and risk as well. Their income might be reliant on a quest which sometimes gives random rewards but it will also give a high chance to obtain treasures like a rare drop or even legendary items that could be sold amounting to millions, if they¡¯re lucky enough. Risk and its equivalent rewards so to say. But more importantly, as Shin was been occupied by these thoughts, he was interrupted by a rather loud voice who was been calling him the entire time. ¡°Hey! Are you listening?¡± ¡°Eh? Oh I am. I am¡± Shin scratched his hair ¡°So what now?¡± ¡°As I¡¯ve said, are you ready?¡± ¡°Oh that. I¡¯m ready as you are¡± ¡°You say that but where is your weapon?¡± ¡°Oh that.. here¡± As Shin said that, he pulled a weapon out of thin air. To him, what he did wasn¡¯t anything special but that didn¡¯t apply to the surrounding audience who became rowdy. What appeared in his hand was a Japanese sword in a scabbard a few inches longer that the usual katana. He decided to use a melee weapon instead of his usual guns. Even though there¡¯s no such rules like melee-to-melee or range-to-range combat, he decided to fight fair and square without any advantages to his side. Emilia watched that scene in a serious manner. ¡°Unique Skill, huh?¡± she said under her breath. She never has seen anything like that before so she deemed that the man she would be facing is a dangerous opponent. She always had this gut feeling after they first met. She then pulled out her weapon and put it in front of her emitting blue light. ¡°Ready? ¡­ Here I go!¡± Without waiting for Shin¡¯s reply, she dashed agilely towards Shin with great speed. As fast as lightning, her movement caused her image to blur and the next thing was she¡¯s already in front of Shin. ¡°I got you!¡± She shouted as she thrusts her rapier targeting his chest. But even though she was fast, Shin had already guessed her move. He already knows what a rapier is best at, and that is direct frontal attack. Its thin blade is best for stabbing the opponent in their vital organs with pinpoint accuracy. And so, by putting the katana in his waist, he performed a sword drawing technique and parried her attack with a vertical strike. Emilia widened her eyes. Seeing her attack failed and was blocked with ease caused her attack to stop momentarily, but she still continued and pulled out a dagger from her back and aimed at Shin¡¯s side. Shin also wasn¡¯t finished with his move. He performed another vertical slash by rotating his body a full 360 degrees after his sword drawing technique. [Twin Moon Slash] Their blades clashed. Feeling the power of Shin¡¯s blade, Emilia used that strength to push her up. She used that momentum to jump above Shin. Now on mid-air, she began chanting and focused her mana from her body into her rapier. Her weapon then emitted light that turned into lightning. She then swiftly thrusts her weapon and rays of lightning headed straight, targeting the man below her. ¡°Try to dodge this! [Lightning Spear]!¡± Emilia¡¯s revered attribute, the lightning element. One the rare and powerful element that a person could ever have and that power is heading down towards its target ready to obliterate. But¡­ Even against a strong attack, a small smile escaped in the corner of Shin¡¯s lips. He stood his ground, puts his katana back to its scabbard and pulls it out instantaneously with great speed. [Wind Wall] Like a storm, a strong gushed of wind reflected and changes the trajectory of the lightning attack causing it to strike down an empty ground few meters away from him Emilia who was now falling down couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. ¡°Impossible! That just now-! Argh-!¡± She tried to speak but couldn¡¯t even finish her words. Shin¡¯s [Wind Wall] isn¡¯t just for defensive purposes but also offensive. With no ground to serve as a foothold, the strong wind blasted off Emilia. (((((Emilia-sama!))))) Watching that spectacle caused the audience full of girls exclaimed mixed with surprise and worry when they saw their captain being blasted off. On the other hand, the girls on Shin¡¯s side had their mouth agape. ¡°Shin onii-chan so strong~!¡± The two girls were speechless and words didn¡¯t escape their mouth except for Tanya who is waving her hands happily while being carried on by Yuffa. Everyone held their breath is disbelief. Even though the fight isn¡¯t over, the power that Shin has showed leaves a big impression to the one who witnessed it. Chapter 16: Overwhelming Superiority ¡®Just who is this man?¡¯ This question ran through Emilia¡¯s mind just as she landed gracefully by doing a back flip and stabbed the ground to use as a stopper after being blown away by the storm-like wind that was caused by Shin¡¯s sword swing. Watching that Emilia is unharmed, the girls shouted excitingly and the surrounding area overflowed with loud cheers. But the person wasn¡¯t at least happy. Their cheers never reached her ears. Her gazed never left Shin even for a second. It wasn¡¯t that destructive but when a mere swing of his katana made that kind of effect, one would speculate that he still have something more terrifying in his sleeve. Thinking about that made Emilia more cautious about his existence. To think that the renowned Emilia Nicolette Von Lateran was being toyed with an amateur fighter whom she just known.. is simply unacceptable to her. It is not an exaggeration that the entire people in the kingdom know that name. It¡¯s like the word strong is synonymous with her name. Because of Shin¡¯s unusual skills, she invited him for a duel thinking that he might be good for a spar. She couldn¡¯t be more wrong. She never expected he was even more than that The fact lay in front of her. ¡®Am I this weak or he¡¯s just too strong?¡¯ There¡¯s only one thing to find out! Emilia pulled out her sword and raised it into the air. Dark clouds gathered above where she was standing. Thundering sounds permeated. ¡°This might be overkill.. but I can¡¯t afford to hold back!¡± [Lightning Arts: Thunder Armor] Together with the loud sound and a blinding light, a massive lightning hits Emilia. But instead of damaging her, the lightning engulfs all over her body and became her personal armor Her appearance resemble like the lightning itself. ¡°Shall we start the second round?¡± Her words disappeared with the empty winds as she flashes forward to Shin with breakneck speed. [Lightning Arts: Aries steps] Shin slashed the ground and created an [Earth Wall] to fend off her incoming attack but it only lasted momentarily. He¡¯s effort were futile against the lightning goddess in front of him. The earth wall shattered instantly offering no resistance against her attack. She easily broke through the wall and in a matter of seconds, her blade clashes with Shin¡¯s sword. His eyes widened for a second yet it didn¡¯t break his usual composure. Shin used the sword¡¯s hilt to block her blade much to Emilia¡¯s chagrin. Infuriated, Emilia let¡¯s out electric charges to electrocute Shin using their weapon as a conductor. With the common knowledge of modern technology as what that would do to his body, Shin immediately lets go of his weapon and retreated few steps away using [Flash Step]. His weapon then disintegrated almost instantly as soon as it was off his hands. [Lightning Arts: Overcharge] It¡¯s like an intense flame rather than lightning. What a terrifying result. He thought. He was glad that he immediately lets go of his katana. If he was a bit late of his decision, he probably would¡¯ve end up just like his weapon, disintegrated from metal to ash. Is she planning to kill me here? I thought this was just a friendly duel. Shin thought. As soon he distances himself away from Emilia, her silhouette disappeared and nowhere to be found. Shin frantically searches and looked left and right. Could it be?! ¡°Where are you looking at?¡± *bam!* Before Shin could respond to those words, he was hit directly in his back by an explosion caused by lightning surges that is coming out from Emilia¡¯s rapier.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. His body was blown away by the explosion and the smoke covered his whereabouts. The crowd cheered blissfully thinking victory is now apparent especially Tia who had a ¡®Serves you right!¡¯ face. Of course except for Shin¡¯s companions who had a horrified faces. Yuffa kneeled and mumbled Shin¡¯s name helplessly while Clarisse looked away from the battlefield. This can¡¯t be happening¡­ Even before the fight began, the girls were rather doubtful that Shin could pull this out. No matter how powerful he is, they think that he could not match up to one of the pillars that is supporting this kingdom in terms of military might. They should¡¯ve stopped him from the start. Yet for Emilia, who stood there still in her [Thunder armor], looked seriously where Shin is supposed to be and waited for the smoke to dissipate with a rather grim expression. Victory is supposed to be at hand but the uneasiness didn¡¯t disappear in her heart. She gripped her weapon tightly. She was sure that her attack did hit Shin. But why is it that it felt unreal? And if it did hit him, she was afraid that the attack might have had killed him instead. This was just a practice match so going all out was her being clumsy. She felt she couldn¡¯t be indifferent about this matter. Is he alright? Did I overdo it? All of the questions and doubts that had been swirling in her head were soon answered. Amidst the smoke was a man standing with his weapon resting on his shoulders, unscathed. But there was a little different about him. ¡®What is that?¡¯ Another doubt floated around the crowd as soon as they finally saw Shin when the smoke disappeared completely. They were baffled as soon as they saw what was different about him. It¡¯s that both of his arms and legs were replaced by something metallic. Its color silver and design made it looked like straight from science fiction, a cyborg. In addition, his weapon is now replaced by a long and slim orange colored katana. On his left shoulder, it had a burnt mark. Shin managed to cast self-enhancement magic at very last second and used his metallic shoulder as a shield from Emilia¡¯s attack. Her attack was quite powerful so he ends up tumbling over but initially regained his feet. His gift really defied common sense on this word. Calling his power a cheat isn¡¯t wrong at all, even Shin thinks so. Ever since he unlocked the [Invoker] skill which was originally for elemental mastery, he thought that that was only it. To think that even enhancement magic can be usable¡­ just how broken can he be? ¡°Spatial Magic and now body enhancement magic¡­ even my attack only leaves a scratch¡­ just who on the heavens are you?¡± ¡°I could say the same thing to you. If I was a bit careless earlier, I might have ended up just like my weapon, reduced into ashes.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡± Emilia puts her hand on her firm hips as she asked Shin seemingly impressed at the level of his capability, whereas Shin smiled and expressed his honest opinions. ¡°You¡¯re really amazing, I¡¯ll admit that. I was even worried for a second. I thought that you might have died from my attack. Guess I was foolish enough to think about that¡­¡± She paused for a second and continued ¡°I was a bit doubtful for a while but now I¡¯m sure you are indeed strong, there will be no holding back for real¡± ¡°Please go easy on me.¡± ¡°Get ready. [Lightning Arts: Multiple electric amplifier rods]!¡± With great force, Emilia stabbed her weapon on the ground and countless metallic rods protruded across the field and almost covered the area. ¡°I¡¯m not done yet! [Lightning Arts: Overcharge]!¡± Using her [Thunder Armor] to release a massive volt, lightning travelled from rod to rod and quickly engulfs the entire field. With no other way to dodge her combo skill, Shin jumped from the ground but Emilia already saw this coming and she was already above Shin. She lunges downwards to intercept him. ¡°I got you now!¡± This was her plan all along. Her combo skills were just a diversion. They were fighting for quite a while so she knew that Shin is also fast, but it¡¯s a different matter when you¡¯re on the air. With no solid ground, he cannot adjust his body to another direction other than go straight up so Emilia would use this opportunity to end their duel. So far it¡¯s all going well until she noticed a hot sensation in her chest. She looked at her body and there was Shin¡¯s katana firmly stabbed in her heart. What? How did he¡­.. ? Moments later, a total darkness filled her entire vision and lost consciousness. ((((Emilia-sama!!!)))) They all shouted in a terrified voice as they watched Emilia hang her body lifelessly in Shin¡¯s katana as he held it in front of him. He pulled out his katana and held Emilia in his arms. No one could survive a stab to the heart. This was supposed to be duel but to kill one¡¯s opponent is out of the question. It won¡¯t matter if Shin was the one that has been killed but to think Emilia would suffer as such. To them it¡¯s unforgivable. Sounds of weapons clanking permeated as the girls prepared their weapon and ran towards him with killing intent. Some of them started chanting spells targeting him but they all stopped when Shin signaled them it¡¯s okay with a smile on his face. He carried Emilia in his arms and walked towards them. They were vigilant at first but as soon as they saw her breathing, they all sighed in relief and lowered their weapons. Suddenly, someone grabbed Shin on the collar. He staggered for a bit because he was carrying Emilia but remained standing when he noticed the one holding him. It was Tia. Her face was so close to Shin that he could feel her breath on his face. ¡°Hey, careful. I might trip and drop Emilia-san to the ground.¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?! That doesn¡¯t make sense at all!¡± ¡°Huh? What is?¡± ¡°Just now, you stabbed Emilia to the heart but how come that she was still alive?! Did you cast revive on her??¡± *sounds of footsteps* ¡°Huff huff.. Yes, I agree. What did you do Shin-sama? I was terrified. I thought you killed her just now?¡± ¡°Same here. I was quite afraid what they might do to us when you killed her.¡± Yuffa and Clarisse butted in as they catch up to the girls. They too were curious about the welfare of Emilia who miraculously lived after being stab. They might misunderstand the situation and treat him like a bad guy so Shin only answered their question honestly. ¡°Oh that¡­ Of course not. I¡¯m not a cleric so I don¡¯t have such skill like that. That just now was one of my sword skills. It¡¯s called [Weightless stab]¡± ¡°H-huh? Weitulessu? What¡¯s that?¡± Tia tilted her head sideways. ¡°It¡¯s as the word says. That skill cannot inflict damage, wound or anything to the body. But it causes hallucination. That¡¯s all¡± ¡°You mean Emilia-sama is dreaming right now?¡± ¡°Yes. She¡¯s probably having a bad dream right now.¡± Shin bended his knees in order for Tia to take a closer look at Emilia since she is shorter than him. She watched the sleeping Emilia with a worried look and whispered her name. Maybe reacting to her voice, Emilia¡¯s body twitched and her face contorted a little. Tia can¡¯t complain on how things go because this is a duel. But in all things, she was rather grateful to him that he didn¡¯t kill her. He had the chance and the power to do so. If by chance he¡¯d be a little cruel, he can do it if he feels like doing it. To think that Emilia whom Tia regarded to as the most prominent in this kingdom was defeated by an unknown man is very hard to believe but evidence showed it so. Unconciously, Tia had been staring at Shin with a serious face. Chapter 17: Main quest update Having been under Shin¡¯s skill, Emilia finally woke up. ((((Emilia-sama))))) She blinked her eyes and wandered about. She noticed that the girl knights were circling around her and looks at her in relief; the thought immediately comes to her that she was defeated. But without remembering anything from the fight, Emilia felt rather discontented. She raised her body weakly. Her head still feel fuzzy so she supported her head with her hands but she still managed to stand up without problem. Tia looks at her condition bitterly and drew closer to support Emilia from falling. ¡°Are you okay Emilia-sama? Does it hurt somewhere?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Though I¡¯m a bit nauseated but I¡¯m okay now. More importantly, what happened to the fight?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t remember Emilia-sama?¡± Tia asked in surprise. ¡°No. All I remember was I had the advantage. I¡¯m sure I caught him by surprise¡­ but strangely after that, I don¡¯t or more like I can¡¯t remember what happened next.¡± No matter how Emilia tried to recall the events, all she can remember is complete darkness, just nothing. ¡°Apparently, you were under this man¡¯s sword skill. I¡¯m not really sure about the specifics but he said that you were in a state of dreaming of some sorts. Emilia-sama, this man is so weird¡± Even the girls including Yuffa and Clarisse nodded at Tia¡¯s statement. Tia who had learned what just happen to Emilia explained while rudely pointing at Shin who had a wry smile on his face. ¡°Dreaming? What did you do to me?¡± Emilia turned to face Shin. Watching Shin, Emilia had a mixed feeling. The discontent hasn¡¯t disappeared but evidence showed that she had lost. No matter what, she had to accept it. A knight must face a battle fair and square and accept the result without any resentment. But that doesn¡¯t mean she has no right to ask how she was defeated. ¡°As I¡¯ve explained to Tia-san a while ago, it was one of my sword skills. It¡¯s called [Weightless Stab]. As the name gave you an idea, it can¡¯t cause physical damage because the target of that skill is the mana inside your body. It temporarily disrupts and cuts the flow causing the target to feint and cause hallucinations.¡± Being asked, Shin answered eloquently. ¡°Ha¡­ I¡¯ve never heard of that skill before. So that explains why I blacked out? I probably would¡¯ve died if you have stabbed me seriously back then.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that. Besides, it¡¯s a waste to not be able to see that beautiful¡ª¡° ¡°B-beautiful?! H-how shameless. I¡¯m not b-beautiful or anything¡± Before Shin could even finish his words, Emilia suddenly interrupted him as she reacted to that certain words with a red face. Tia also reacted to those words with a frowned face as she looks at Shin and Emilia alternately. Shin tilted his head seemingly clueless about her reaction. He also couldn¡¯t hear her properly because her voice became smaller and smaller. Her expression didn¡¯t suit her dignified face as she turned away face and placed her hands on her hips trying to hide her embarrassment but Shin still finds it cute somehow. And a certain 2 females looked at Emilia with a complicated expression, one having a wry smile, the other with a rather annoyed face. But Shin¡¯s next words made Emilia stagger for a moment. ¡°That beautiful armor made of thunder was great. I want to see it again¡± ¡°The armor?...¡± ¡°Yes. Why? I can¡¯t?¡± ¡°Eh..ah no that¡¯s not it. I-its nothing¡­ Eherm..¡± For some reason, Emilia had a disappointed face. She initially gained her initial composure but there¡¯s still traces of red in face. Wait; now that she thinks about it, this was the first time that she had been defeated ever since she was delegated as a knight of the kingdom. Even to the male knight commander whom she frequently duel, she had never lost nor win. Their skills were proportionately equal that every time they fight, it always ends up in a draw. Recalling the rather one-sided fight, she took another good look at the man in front of him. She hasn¡¯t known this man, not until yesterday. And then came in a thought, How come this man wasn¡¯t known even before? This question only lasted for a moment. Everybody has their own circumstances so prying into someone¡¯s life isn¡¯t a commendable deed that¡¯s why she let it be. Emilia drew closer to Shin and extended her hands.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Seems like I lost¡­ yet I still have a lingering discontent so if¡­ if given a chance, would you¡­ accept my duel invitation again?¡± Acting very different from the usual cool and dignified Emilia, what she is right now issomewhat very uncharacteristic of her, to be shy and hesitant. ¡®To think Emilia-sama would make that kind of face¡¯ Tia never missed that change in Emilia and made an amazed expression. ¡°What¡¯s with the hesitation?¡± Shin smiled and shook her extended hand. He continued ¡°If you¡¯re okay with me, then yes. Our fight was rather enjoyable. I¡¯ll be on your care¡± Shin flashed another smile. Emilia watched his expression and felt something warm welling up in her chest. ¡®What was that just now?¡¯ She touched her chest trying to understand what that surge of feeling was but Emilia immediately dismissed her thought and continued talking to Shin seemingly clueless to how she really felt. ¡°Oh right. Why don¡¯t you apply for the military? This kingdom needs someone like you. I¡¯m sure, with your power, climbing ranks should be easy. I can vouch for you¡± ¡°Nah, I think I¡¯ll pass. Thank you for offer by the way.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you think a bit more before deciding? I mean, compared to adventurers, being in a military has more stable income. Also, if you¡¯re strong enough to lead the military, the king might bestow you with an honorary title of a knight. So how is it?¡± ¡°Ha¡­ that certainly is appealing but I¡¯ll pass¡± Without a bit of hesitation, Shin declined her offer because there is something that he wants to do no matter what. ¡°Is that so. But at least give me a reason why turn down my offer?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not that big of a reason¡­ I just want to explore this world, that¡¯s all. I want to be free and there are lots of things I want to do. So a position like that is rather inconvenient for me¡± Hearing his reason, Emilia thought that it was such a simplistic idea but at the same time it was grand. Everyone wants to do something. No matter how simple it is, as long as you pursue something that you really wanted to do, then that itself is worth your time spending for. ¡°I see. So that¡¯s what you wanted to do huh? It¡¯s disappointing but what can I do, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± ¡°Oh no no. You don¡¯t have to apologize. It¡¯s just me being selfish¡­ So, once again, thank you for your time. But next time, I will be the one to defeat you¡± ¡°Bring it on¡± (((You can do it Emilia-sama!))) (((His win was just a fluke!))) (((Right? You can beat him to a pulp next time))) (Emilia-samaa!) Shin and Emilia both have a confident expression on their faces as they faced each other and did a fist bump. The girl knight corps also started their cheers all of a sudden that it got noisy. There were too many of them and even their plate armor made a sound that it covered the voice of a man who¡¯s approaching the crowd. The man was huffing and puffing. He supported his tired body by placing his hands on his knees. ¡®fuu¡­.¡¯ He catches his breath and then squeezed his body to the crowd trying to find Emilia. The crowd of girls then made way upon noticing the man. It was Emilia¡¯s butler, Bastian. His white hair with no spec of black indicated his age. He wore the same butler uniform Shin wears. Unlike him, the old man was a proper butler. ¡°Bastian-san? Do you need something from me? You look tired as well¡± ¡°*Huff* Sorry for the sudden appearance. I was in the garden trimming the plants when suddenly a group of military personnel gave me this and asked me to hand this over to you.¡± Bastian carefully handed a red scroll towards Emilia. ¡°A summon?¡± Emilia¡¯s face turned serious. The crowd turned rowdy after hearing her words. Receiving a red scroll is a special message exclusive only for those high ranking military officials and it means a job order while a receiving a blue scroll serves as an invitation for a party in the palace available only for people of noble birth. Emilia opened the scroll and carefully reads the content. After she finished reading, she showed a shocked expression. ¡°A village under attack by monsters?!¡± ¡°Why are so surprise all of sudden, Emilia-san? Is that something to be surprised about?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Every village has a barrier placed in them. Even though it¡¯s not that strong, it is sufficient enough to ward off nearby monsters. For them to attack¡­. There must be something that is pushing them to be that aggressive..¡± Shin asked Emilia but the one who answered him was Tia. It¡¯s no surprise if Shin doesn¡¯t know about this. He hasn¡¯t been here for a month so there are tons of things he doesn¡¯t know. ¡°Does the monster have hierarchy or something? Like do they have leaders as well?¡± ¡°Ha? Of course they do! You don¡¯t know anything, do you?¡± Tia had a ¡®what¡¯s this man saying¡¯ face as she answered Shin¡¯s question. ¡°If that is so, then maybe there is a high level monster that is leading them.¡± ¡°Monsters aren¡¯t capable of such things. They are all idiots¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know that. Maybe there is a monster with a high intellect out there somewhere.¡± ¡°Perhaps, but, the one that are capable of leading monsters are those damn demons.¡± Tia spoke of those words with a spit. Her actions were unladylike. But it just shows just how deep she loathes demons. ¡°B-but, didn¡¯t the demon vanished a hundred years ago?¡± The one who spoke was Yuffa who mustered her courage to speak. ¡°Who told you that? The demons never vanished. They¡¯re just inactive¡± ¡°¡±¡±Tia-sama? Is it okay to say those words to a civilian? It might cause trouble¡±¡±¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to hide? People will know about it sooner or later anyway¡± ¡°¡±¡±But even so¡­.¡±¡±¡± The girl knights tried to talk over to Tia but she only shrugs it off. ¡°¡­¡± All of sudden, Shin was silent. He remembered the purpose which was nearly forgotten due to the events that keeps on happening. He was sent here for a reason. Although it may be his negligence on his part or being an idiot that he was sent here but in exchange for a new life, he was given a task. Shin was given cheat-like skills for this. ¡°So where is this village?¡± ¡°Hm? You want to help, Shin?¡± ¡°If permitted to, yes. I want to help¡± ¡°Having a very strong companion is assuring. Okay, you can go with us¡± ¡°But Emilia-sama! Isn¡¯t this an official order? Isn¡¯t he an adventurer?¡± ¡°Tia, it¡¯s because it is an official order that we are allowed to hire adventurers to help us, you know?¡± ¡°B-but¡­¡± Seemingly out of counter reason, she stayed silent. Shin paid her no mind and asked a favor for Emilia. ¡°Can I bring my companions as well?¡± ¡°Ha?! This isn¡¯t a vacation¡ª¡° ¡°Sure. One or two more isn¡¯t a problem¡± Tia butted in again but was silenced by Emilia. She pouted. ¡°So where is this place anyway?¡± ¡°About that, it¡¯s a farming village in the north just inside the border several miles from here. We will reach there in 4 days using a carriage. The village is called Celesta.¡± *thud* ¡°No way¡­.¡± ¡°C-clarisse?! What¡¯s the matter?¡± Yuffa shouted in surprise as she noticed that Clarisse kneeled for some reason. ¡°T-that¡¯s my village¡­.¡± ¡°Clarisse¡­¡± Clarisse said so in a resigned tone as Yuffa gently hugs her trying to comfort what she feels. Emilia and the others had a downcast expression on their faces. Even though they are unrelated, they still felt that it was something to be sad about. ¡°Clarisse, is that true?¡± ¡°Un¡­ *sobs..¡± Clarisse looked at Shin weakly as she answered. Shin pulled her up. ¡°I hope that your family and the others are safe. We will go as soon as possible¡± In response she didn¡¯t say anything; she only nodded her head still looking at her feet. And in that time, something appeared in front of Shin all of sudden with a beep. Shin touched the screen that appeared and reads the content. ¡°Shin-sama? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yuffa peered closer to Shin as she noticed that he had widened his eyes seemingly surprise. ¡°It seems my job here starts now¡± Shin answered without looking at her as he continues to focus his attention on what was written on the screen, [Saint¡¯s Quest 1: rescue the village and defeat the horde of monsters] Chapter 18: Lovey-dovey? The meeting place was decided and they will all meet at the gate were the carriage will be waiting for them together with Emilia and her soldiers. After everything has concluded, Shin and the girls returned to the inn to prepare for immediate departure for their quest. They cannot wait for another day because it might be too late for them to do anything. The news has just arrived but who knew how many days the attack started. Since the injured man lost consciousness after he said those things, they cannot ask for more information and they have to wait for him to wake up. Emilia arbitrarily decided to depart now so before she would meet with Shin and the others, she has to visit the palace to inform the king. This also gave Shin and the girls plenty time to prepare. Yuffa went to the market with Tanya to buy their travel necessities while Shin and Clarisse remained. While waiting for them, Shin sits on the opposite side of the table from Clarisse who has been silent ever since they arrived. He already knows what¡¯s going on in her mind. He wanted to say something but decided not to. Shin never experienced comforting a girl before so he finds this situation rather hard. What he said earlier was just on impulse when he saw how visibly shaken Clarisse was, but nonetheless he means it. But what if the situation turned for the worst? Then Shin will find it hard to face Clarisse after he said those words. ¡®There is no greater grief than for a loss that is yet to come¡¯. Shin remembered those quote he read in the past. So, before that happens, he must do something about it with haste. While Shin is thinking about those things in his mind, Clarisse started to sob. *sobs* *sobs* Though her voice was small and barely inaudible, Shin heard it clearly. He dragged his chair close to Clarisse and gently pats her back without saying a word. Clarisse sobbing voice continued. Slowly, she leaned her head to Shin¡¯s shoulders. Shin wanted to look at her expression but her face was covered by her hair so he just wordlessly comforts Clarisse and waited for her to calm down. They both didn¡¯t say a word for a while. Not until Clarisse spoke first with a slight shivering voice. ¡°I¡­ I ran away from home..¡± Shin responded with a nod and didn¡¯t say a word indicating that he wanted for her to continue. It seems that she¡¯s worried about her family with deeper reasons. Clarisse wasn¡¯t just worried about her family; Shin rather felt a deep sense of regret coming from her. He doesn¡¯t know everything about Clarisse but her gentle yet outgoing personality made Shin liked her from the start. Her cheery attitude makes her approachable for everyone; even Tanya liked her ever since they met. And maybe because she was younger than Shin that it was easy to get along with her. It might be coincidence or fate that allows them to meet but Shin was glad either way. ¡°Hey, Shin¡­¡± Clarisse continued with a low voice. ¡°¡­ What do you think of a person who would do anything for the things they wanted to do, even hurting the ones they love in the process?¡± Is she talking about herself? Anyhow, Shin searches for the proper words in this situation in his mind. ¡°An idiot, I guess?¡± Or not. Clarisse had a down casted expression hearing Shin¡¯s answer. ¡°I-idiot is it?¡± But contrary to his answer, Shin was smiling at Clarisse and looked at her like he was teasing. Shin poked her cheeks causing Clarisse to look at him. When she saw his expression, she pouted a little. Clarisse thought that Shin wasn¡¯t taking her seriously. But his next words dispelled that thought. ¡°Those kinds of people are idiots but that doesn¡¯t mean they are necessary wrong. Sometimes what made them idiots is that they tend to make reckless decision based on what they feel. Yet at the same time, what made them right is that when they know that they are right, they follow through it no matter what.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°Is that a good thing?¡± ¡°It depends¡± ¡°It depends on what?¡± ¡°Do you feel that you did the right thing?¡± ¡°N-no.. i-I wasn¡¯t talking about---¡° Clarisse was trying to hide it, that¡¯s why she was asking Shin in a third-person perspective. But it was futile because this was very obvious right from the very start. Shin¡¯s eyes never left Clarisse. He¡¯s looking at her seriously like saying ¡®I¡¯ll be mad if you won¡¯t tell me¡¯. Maybe that subtle expression got into her so she shyly bows her head as if apologizing. After that, she grasped her chest trying to motivate herself and spoke. ¡°S-sorry.. um.. that¡¯s.. I¡¯m not sure if I did the right thing¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°There was this situation that I was compelled to decide to leave my house..¡± Shin nodded and urges her to continue. ¡°My parents wanted me to get married but I just can¡¯t¡± Shin widened his eyes for a moment after he heard that. He already knows this fact that, in this world, 15 is the legal age allowed to marry. For him this was too early. Fifteen is just far too immature for something so grownup. If this was japan, her age should still on a stage where she gossips or talks about their crushes or something. Not marrying and raise a child. ¡°Ohh that thing, huh? Why, you didn¡¯t like the guy whom you suppose to marry?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. He was my childhood friend, you know? But I feel like we¡¯re too young for that. I have many things that I wanted to do, places I wanted to go. And to be tied down so early is very sad for me. So,¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you left, right?¡± ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t regret what I did. Not until now.. If.. If I was there, maybe I could do something about their situation. Hey, Shin.. am I a bad daughter?¡± ¡°No, you are not.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°I am. What you did was wrong from your parents¡¯ perspective like they always do but sometimes they are wrong as well. Parents have certain rights on us but not to that extent. In that matter, all they can do is judge whether the person you¡¯re marrying is worthy of you, not push it on you.¡± ¡°Does that mean I did nothing wrong?¡± ¡°Yes, so don¡¯t worry about it too much, okay?¡± ¡°Okay..¡± Clarisse nodded with a gentle smile in her face. ¡°In addition, even if you did accept their decision, the situation in your village won¡¯t change the slightest. It¡¯ll eventually come either way whether you accepted or not. It will put you in danger though¡± ¡°At least I¡¯m there to do something about it¡± ¡°True. Things happen from time to time, good or bad, we can only wait and do something about it¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Hehe¡± ¡°Oh? You¡¯re feeling better now?¡± ¡°Yes. Thank you Shin for listening to me. Who knew that you were this knowledgeable about this kind of thing?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that kind of mean thing to say?¡± ¡°Not at all. I was complimenting you.¡± After that exchange, they both laugh still sitting right beside each other. Shin was relieved that she recovered faster than he was expecting her to be. He guessed that she was mature enough to accept things more openly and not brood over it too long. Good thing she was positive person or Shin might have needed more time just to comfort her. ¡°Are you okay now?¡± ¡°Yes. Worrying doesn¡¯t do anything good. Though I just hope my parents are okay¡± ¡°We will know eventually. That¡¯s why we are leaving right after Yuffa and Tanya-chan is back from their groceries. In the meantime, we should prepare too¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Hya--!¡± When they both stood up, Clarisse tripped over something and began to fall. But before she did, Shin was quick to respond and catches her with both his hands. Clarisse is currently wrapped in Shin¡¯s arm and her hands are placed on his chest. It¡¯s as if feeling his warmth and heartbeat. To other peoples¡¯ perspective, it¡¯s as if the two are hugging passionately. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Shin asked worriedly while still hugging her but Clarisse didn¡¯t answer. Clarisse chose to hide her face because she knew what color her face was making. Her embarrassment rendered her unable to move away from her current position. Of course, not until an innocent voice changed her embarrassment to instant panic. ¡°Hah!~ Shin-oniichan and Clarisse-oneechan lovey-dovey~ Nee nee~ Onee-chan, look! Shin-oniichan and Clarisse-oneechan is hugging¡± Clarisse immediately move away from Shin exaggeratingly. ¡°N-n-n-no. w-wai---¡° Apparently back from their groceries, Yuffa and Tanya are standing at the door looking at them. Tanya was squealing right after she saw Shin and Clarisse. She¡¯s now tugging Yuffa¡¯s skirt happily wanting her to look at them. On the other hand, Yuffa was motionless. No matter how hard Tanya tried to pull her, she didn¡¯t move an inch. Yuffa was trying to analyze the situation. In her mind, a chaotic battle has started. ¡®What is happening?¡¯ ¡®Why is Shin-sama hugging Clarisse-chan?¡¯ ¡®Why is Clarisse hugging Shin-sama?¡¯ ¡®What is happening?¡¯ For now, Yuffa took a deep breath. She decided to stay calm. There must be reason why this happened so she calm herself down. ¡°H-hmm~ you two get along well huh? Isn¡¯t that a good t-thing¡± Her face betrayed her words. Yuffa was indeed smiling but the corners of her mouth were twitching, it looked like she swallowed something bitter. When Clarisse saw that, she immediately broke into cold sweat. ¡°Y-yuffa-san. I-it¡¯s not what it looks like! I was not h-hugging Shin or s-something! It-it¡¯s just that.. that.. I ¡­ uuuu ¡° Clarisse tried to explain the best she could but her mind didn¡¯t function properly due to the panic. She tried to search for words yet her stuttering voice didn¡¯t allow her to. Without having a single clue as to why Clarisse was in a panic, one man as dense as ever spoke like nothing happened in his surroundings. ¡°Oh Yuffa-san, Tanya-chan. Welcome back¡± ¡°We¡¯re back Shin-oniichan~ ehehe¡± Tanya ran towards Shin who is now sitting and hugs him. Shin received the running Tanya and pats her head. Tanya is happily hugging Shin while humming an unfamiliar song. All the while, Yuffa is still on the entrance and looks at Shin like she wanted to say something. Shin noticed her look and asked. ¡°What is it Yuffa-san?¡± ¡°U-um.. W-what was the meaning of that.. just now?¡± ¡°hmm? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Y-you know.. That.. About you and Clarisse hugging..?¡± ¡°Oh that? She just tripped and I managed to catch her. Why?¡± ¡°N-no. I-it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Is that so? More importantly, are you all done? We¡¯ll leave as soon as possible.¡± Yuffa¡¯s hesitant question was answered by Shin honestly and immediately dismissed it like it was just something so trivial. Yuffa alternately looked at Shin and Clarisse to confirm something. Upon looking at Clarisse, she was nodding vehemently. Whereas Shin started packing things at the same time chatting at Tanya. Yuffa was now convinced that nothing really happened. Lastly, she took another look at Shin and heaved a sigh. Under her breath she said ¡®what was I thinking?¡¯. After that, the four finished their preparation and leaves the inn promptly. Upon arriving at the city¡¯s entrance, several military carriages were waiting for them. And on that group, Emilia was waving at them. Chapter 19: Felt like nothing happened A total of 4 military carriages pulled by couple of horses treaded the paved road away from the kingdom. The sun had just started to set when Shin and the band of female knights which is led by Emilia departed from Saint Eli. Right now, the calm breeze of the night gently caresses Shin¡¯s cheeks as he slightly opened the window to get a glimpse of the moon. ¡®Why does it look different here?¡¯ he muttered in his mind. Their destination is a certain distressed village on the north several miles away which happen to be the village of Clarisse whom she left for her own reasons. Just before they departed, Clarisse opened up to Shin for the first time. After learning the dilemma from her, Shin is even more dedicated to take action. Although aside from the issue concerning Clarisse, Shin also has a more pressing matter currently at hand. His original purpose being sent from this world has just begun. He knew that this would come someday. It¡¯s just that he never expected this to arrive a little too early. Regardless of their level, Shin hadn¡¯t ventured far enough to discover this world to gain better understanding. His task may be too early for his level; nonetheless, this should serve as a method for grinding. The quest was given to him directly from peter himself so from the start; he already suspected that the matters about the village have everything to do with demons. With the quest as his basis, he suspected that they might have started to move from a hundred years of idleness so he needs to investigate further to prove his suspicion. He never told anyone about this thing. It might be too early for them to know about him, about the real Shin, so for now he needs to keep his secret as long as possible. It might be unfair for the girls but for him, this is necessary. *kara kara kara* The sounds of hooves withered away Shin¡¯s chain of thoughts. Shin has been staring outside of the window for a while so Emilia started to talk to him. ¡°You seem to thinking there. What do you have in mind, I wonder?¡± Upon hearing Emilia, Shin lifted his face away from the window and faced her as he smiles. He wanted to answer Emilia but as always, Tia was there to interrupt them. ¡°Probably lewd. ah ah~ that¡¯s why men are the worst. ¡° ¡°It¡¯s nothing. There¡¯s this thing I am concerned of but it doesn¡¯t matter at the moment.¡± Being ignored again, Tia grounded her teeth and stared daggers at Shin and looked away with a ¡®hmmp!¡¯. The carriage they were riding has a 3-seater couch in both sides. This is rather small compared to the luxuriously designed carriage back in Emilia¡¯s mansion so every time they hit a rock on the road, the carriage shakes uncomfortably. If a noble should ride this rugged transportation, they¡¯ll surely complain yet surprisingly or unsurprisingly Emilia didn¡¯t voiced out a single complain. Tia wanted Emilia to ride her expensive carriage but since they are on an official mission, they cannot bring such eye-catching transport. The seating arrangement inside was, on the couch facing away which is basically at the back from the driver were Clarisse, Emilia and Tia with Emilia in the middle. And on the opposite of them were Yuffa, Tanya and Shin. It would take a day and a half to reach Celesta village so they have plenty of time to rest. This should benefit Emilia and Shin most but both of them didn¡¯t show any hints of tiredness. Unlike the two of them, Yuffa closed her eyes and leaned at the side while Tanya is on her lap making peaceful sleeping sounds. Shin took out blankets from the bag nearby and put it on Tanya and Yuffa respectively. Looking at him, Emilia called Shin and gestured to lean over. ¡°What is it?¡± She placed her hand on the side of her lips so that no one other than Shin could hear her voice. ¡°Are you into older women?¡± Shin nearly spat out after hearing Emilia¡¯s whisper. ¡°Where did that came from?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not important. So, what is it?¡± Emilia asked again curiously. ¡°Yeah Shin, are you into Yuffa-san type?¡± ¡°Hah! He''s probably into that big melon type. How indecent¡± Despite the ruckus coming from the wooden wheel of the carriage is making earlier, Emilia¡¯s whisper clearly echoed inside when they happen to pass on an even road. Fortunately, the subject was asleep. Clarisse and Tia butted in with different reaction and question. The former asked curiously while the latter spats out her honest opinion.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°Why ask me that all of a sudden?¡± asked Shin ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just somewhat curious. Yuffa might held feelings for you¡± ¡°Me too! I agree with Lateran-sama¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested even the slightest¡± (Clarisse still calls Emilia with her last name because she still hasn¡¯t gotten close enough to call her with her first name albeit Emilia insisted that she do) Why do girls likes these kinds of topic? Shin can only wonder. Deep inside, Shin isn¡¯t a complete blockhead. He is aware of the beauty that each girl around him possesses. It¡¯s just that he knows his place and own value so he doesn¡¯t think of himself as someone who is the subject of interest from the opposite sex. In that logic Shin will never assumed that someone would hold affections on him. And because of that kind of thinking, things like interest will remain blank for the time being. Just as Shin is thinking about that, the carriage made a sudden stop. The force of the stop made Shin tumbled towards Emilia. The horses that pulled the carriages neighed in fear. His head collided in her chest. Unfortunately, Emilia was wearing a breastplate so instead of colliding with her bosom, he was met with cold hard steel. As for Tanya and Yuffa who was asleep and didn¡¯t expect that even more than Shin, tumbled forward more forcefully. Luckily, they were caught by Clarisse. Their sleepiness vanished in an instant. ¡°W-what happened?¡± Yuffa said as she looked around. ¡°Hey, are you okay? What is happening?!¡± Emilia shouted towards the driver. Tia was about to open the door but it suddenly swung open. A female knight was standing outside. She saluted and reported the situation in a hurriedly manner. ¡°Pardon me Emilia-sama, it¡¯s a group of night hounds. The leader of the pack is blocking the road and the first carriage is unable to move. And as we speak, the underlings are currently surrounding the entire area, waiting to attack. That¡¯s all¡± ¡°Thank you¡± Emilia nodded. ¡°They must¡¯ve smelled the food we¡¯re carrying. Tell the others to ready their weapons. Even if the night hounds are only lv. 13, do not underestimate their numbers. Act in groups, secure the perimeters around the carriages!¡± ¡°Orders received!¡± The female knight saluted again and left in a hurry. Clanking sounds filled the surrounding. The band of female knights got out of their carriages together with their weapons and formed a circle around. The night hounds have black furs. They can blend easily in the dark so they are fairly formidable enemy at night. They are fast and agile but their downside is that, their yellow glowing eyes blow out their cover at night. Emilia got off the carriage together with Tia. Shin followed after. ¡°You can just sit back, Shin. Just this much is easy for us¡± ¡°hmm? Ah no. I¡¯m just stretching my legs. It¡¯s a bit cramped in there¡± ¡°Even at this situation, you¡¯re calm as ever¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that because you and your knights are here?¡± ¡°Is that really the case I wonder?¡± After Emilia said those words, she unsheathed her rapier out from its scabbard and raised it in front of her. Tia joined and lined up together with the other female knights. ¡°Girls, guard every direction. I¡¯ll deal with their leader¡± ((((Yes ma¡¯am!)))) The female knights saluted altogether. They raised their guard and pointed their weapons to the nearby hounds. The leader of the pack is twice the size from the normal hounds and 5 levels above them [Superior Night Hound lv 18]. It stood nearly five feet with two heads together with 2 tails. Just the size alone can make someone shiver in fear. But even so, judging by what Shin have seen so far from Emilia¡¯s skills, this should be easy for her. Sensing the danger coming from the knights, the surrounding hounds started to growl showing their sharp teeth while scratching their claws on the ground. All the while that this was happening, Shin came back to the carriage to see if the girls are safe. There he found that Clarisse was preparing her bow ready to go while Yuffa was holding the sleepy Tanya who¡¯s rubbing her head probably from the fall earlier with her other hand, the other was her staff. By the looks of it, they wanted to help. ¡°I was about to call you girls for something. But I guess there¡¯s no need, huh?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t just stay in there without doing anything. We want to fight too.¡± ¡°Clarisse-chan is right. They allowed us to accompany you to your travel so it is our time to repay their kindness. I want to help¡± ¡°I see. Oh- does you head hurt Tanya-chan?¡± Seeing that Tanya was rubbing her head with tears on the corner of her eyes, Shin also rubbed it gently where it hurts. ¡°It will be okay. Don¡¯t ever leave Yuffa-san¡¯s side, alright?¡± ¡°Auuu~ alwayyt~ ¡° Shin smiled at Tanya and face Yuffa and Clarisse. ¡°Um, Yuffa-san, can I order you to join the others? But don¡¯t line up with them. Stay within the circle and support them with your buffs and healing skill in a safe distance¡± Yuffa accepted the instruction and left after replying ¡®Okay¡¯. ¡°Clarisse, climb with me on the roof of the carriage. Let¡¯s use our range advantage to support them from the back¡± ¡°Okay. Though I thought you¡¯d mow down those monsters in one go¡± Said Clarisse as she teased him. ¡°Well, you¡¯re not entirely wrong¡± Without waiting for her reply, Shin jumped on the top of the carriage. He immediately released magic and summoned his usual twin pistols; twin desert eagles. Clarisse followed right after. The situation was on a standoff until the [Superior Night Hound lv 18] opened its jaws and lets out a howl. Serving as a signal, the surrounding hounds immediately pounced towards the defending female knights. Yuffa casted her elementary magic [Minor Defense Aura] to the knights. They stood their ground and fended off the hounds. But the attack didn¡¯t end there. The hounds were now circling the defending knights trying to look for a weak spot. Meanwhile, Emilia is staring eye to eye to the leader of pack in front her, waiting for it to attack. It also glared its piercing eyes trying to intimidate her but it wasn¡¯t effective. Unable to wait any longer, Emilia attacked first and dashes off [Riposte]. She was aiming at the head of the monster. The superior hound reacted fast. It stepped back and rotated its body furiously [Tail Whip] to counter her attack. Emilia then stopped momentarily to avoid it but immediately right after that, she began her second strike by rotating her body 180 degrees and unleashed her super-fast attack. From the others point of view, her rapier won¡¯t reach because of her weapon¡¯s length and the distance between her and the superior hound. But her attack wasn¡¯t just and ordinary stab. She imbued her rapier with lightning magic and thrusts it forward [Lightning Blade Reach]. Her weapon extended few meters and find its way thoroughly to the target¡¯s body from its mouth to its rear. The hound didn¡¯t make any sound. Its lifeless body dropped to the ground. It turned into tiny lights and disappeared. An instant death. The monster didn¡¯t have any chance against Emilia at all. She wasn¡¯t just the female knight commander just for a show. Even for a mini boss like [Superior Night Hound lv 18], Emilia didn¡¯t break a sweat. It was too easy that it was boring. ¡°That was fast. It looks like you¡¯re done too¡± Emilia sighed before turning her head to direction of the voice. ¡°It was rather boring. Compared to mine, yours was even faster.¡± ¡°Why would you assume it was me?¡± ¡°Like I didn¡¯t hear those countless explosions coming from that stave of yours earlier¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t get any chance to strike down those hounds. How vexing!¡± Tia inserted. ¡°I only managed to strike down 3 hounds. It¡¯s good enough for me¡± Said Clarisse with a smile on her face. Emilia looked around and found that there were no more monsters. She then sheathed her rapier. ¡°Good job everyone! Now go back to your respective carriage. We will continue on our journey¡± ((((Yes ma¡¯am!)))) Everyone took action and boarded. The night hounds ambush only lasted several minutes. It was so brief that it felt like nothing happened. Moments later, the sounds of a whip resounded, the horses neighed and started to pull the carriage. With that, Shin and the band of female knights resumed towards their destination. Chapter 20: Worries and Determination A night has passed and the sun shined brightly. It is now noon and the visibility of the surrounding is as clear as the day(lol). Celesta village is within the eyes reach. The place is a common farming village and wide fields surrounded the area that gave off that country feeling. The carriages carrying Shin and the others moved off from the path and stopped for about 200 meters away from the village under the cover of thick forestation. Reports said that the village is swarmed with monsters so they cannot just barge in without a plan or concrete information, especially when they haven¡¯t heard whereabouts of any survivors, if there are any. For now, they all got out from their vehicle. Emilia gathers her knights and chose one from them to scout the village premise and gather useful information. A female knight who was assigned by Emilia immediately dispatches off the scene. Meanwhile, the other knights are preparing their gears waiting for instructions. But despite being a rather dangerous mission, you cannot feel any tension coming from the knights nor hesitation in their eyes. Everyone is on high spirits. Some even got into a playful mood. As expected from the highly trained knights, not losing composure even in this situation, thought Shin in his mind. Because of this, Shin¡¯s girl companions were at ease. This will be their first experience in actual combat. Unlike the stationary monster they have encountered during their first adventure together, the monster that they will encounter sooner or later would be somewhat different. What¡¯s odd about them is that they defy the common knowledge about monsters. They naturally tend to avoid human settlements because as what Tia said before, every village has a protective barrier in them that wards off nearby monsters. Shin¡¯s conclusion leads to demons controlling them. It¡¯s a bit of a long shot or might not that¡¯s why Shin requested to come here. He wants to make sure if this was demon related or some high level monster¡¯s doing. Either way he came here for his quest regardless of what it is. But first, he needs to protect the people around him. He¡¯s not confident enough to assure everyone¡¯s safety. Good thing Emilia and her knights are here. Seeing how strong they are, this quest might be easy. After a while, the knight who was tasked to check out things on the village returned. ¡°Status report?¡± Emilia immediately inquired. And with a bow, the female knight reported. ¡°We can easily enter the village. Somehow the entrance isn¡¯t that occupied by monsters. Their numbers can be counted by fingers. But it is tad different within the village.¡± ¡°How many are there?¡± asked Emilia. ¡°Roughly about 40 to 50¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite a number, huh? What kind of monsters are there?¡± ¡°Orcs. They are common around this area. Usually, they can be found almost every cave around here. Having them attack a village is unheard of¡± ¡°This might be an isolated case¡± Emilia in deep thought and continued. ¡°Tia, we haven¡¯t received a report about a village being attack other than this village haven¡¯t we?¡± Being called upon, Tia grabbed her bag, picked some documents and scanned it thoroughly. ¡°Yes, Emilia-sama. This is the first one. I checked again if maybe I neglected some of the papers. It seems this is an isolated case.¡± ¡°Is that so. We will investigate about this oddity later. More importantly, how about the people? Have you seen them?¡± ¡°About that, it seems that they barricaded themselves inside the church. The local priest might¡¯ve set up a barrier around it. I don¡¯t know how many of them are in there but sadly as expected... it seems that there were others who didn¡¯t make it.¡± Shin and the girls who were listening on the side wore a sad face when they heard the report. Among them was even more devastated Clarisse who covered her mouth with her hands and almost broke down. Good thing Shin was there to support her as he added some words together with Yuffa and Tanya. ¡°I know this is hard for you but hold it together for now. Because for all we know, your parents might be safe inside the church. We can only hope for the better¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Stay strong Clarisse-chan. We¡¯re here for you whatever happens¡± ¡°Nee.. Why is Clarisse onee-chan crying? There, there onee-chan. Where does it hurt?¡± Tanya was poking Clarisse¡¯s side trying to ask her but then she settled by hugging her on the side. Clarisse smiled a little and hugged back Tanya. Though deep inside, she¡¯s not prepared for the worst. She still hasn¡¯t apologized for leaving them without warning and it¡¯s now weighing in her conscience. She loved her parents very much so she can¡¯t forgive herself if something happened to them. If that happens¡­ Clarisse tightly hugged Tanya to soothe her inner feelings. Shin watched the girls and some thought came into mind. Isn¡¯t hope supposed to be present at the very beginning? It is that time when you¡¯re expecting from something you are unsure of the outcome, doesn¡¯t it? But why does most of the time, hope only comes after you¡¯ve given up? And isn¡¯t hope supposed to be a positive thing? But why does it sound like it comes from a negative feeling? After coming to this world, Shin started to feel like he¡¯s slowly learning about life more deeply. He started to feel like he¡¯s maturing compared to his old self. Although it is a good thing, but thinking about this deeply, he thinks that his life before might be a little better when things were easier and less complicated. Even so, This kind of life might be tad different from before but so far it¡¯s not all bad things. He gained something even more than that. Something that the other life cannot offer. He might experience far from his expectation of what he thought his life would be in this world. But the reward of adventure and its equivalent risk makes it all worth it. After a while, Emilia walked closer to them. Apparently, they¡¯ve finished discussing their strategy and she wants to share it with Shin and the girls. ¡°Are you all ready? We¡¯ll charge through head on¡± Shin counted all of them and they numbered 28 including the drivers which are also members of the knights. They¡¯re a little outnumbered but that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re outclassed. ¡°Our numbers should be enough. How¡¯s the villagers?¡± ¡°They¡¯re safe as long as they don¡¯t go out of the church. Every corner of the village is surrounded. They can¡¯t get out of there unless the place is monster-free. We¡¯ll just have to eradicate them all.¡± ¡°With you saying that, I guess this isn¡¯t so hard after all.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ve encountered many Orcs before so yes. They are big fellows but the only thing they can boast about is their brute strength. That¡¯s all¡± ¡°Same here. I¡¯m just not sure if the Orcs here is the same as I¡¯ve killed before¡± ¡°Why is that? Have you killed a higher level Orcs or some kind of different type? I thought monsters have specific levels to them?¡± ¡°You are right Emilia-sama though-¡± Tia suddenly intervened after she separated from the group of female knights. She continued ¡°They do have specific levels but it depends on the location¡± Opps.. Shin made a blunder. He can¡¯t say that he killed them in a game. He was taken by the flow of conversation that¡¯s why Shin slipped out. This would be the first time that he was thankful of Tia¡¯s intervention. ¡°What do you mean Tia? Even though I¡¯ve been killing all kinds of monsters from the past, that¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard of it¡± said Emilia with a frown. ¡°I can¡¯t blame you Emilia-sama. You never left this country because of your duty to the king of this kingdom after all. Unlike me who were gone into different continents because of many errands. Apparently, the closer you are to the demon continent, the stronger the monster they become. That¡¯s why the Scorching Shield kingdom on the fire continent which is the closest from the border of the demons is the destination of those 200+ adventurers.¡± ¡°That¡¯s explains why we have the highest adventurer registration every year since our location is the farthest from the demon continent. Perfect place for starters¡± ¡°Yes. It is a lot safer here but there¡¯s not much of a difference. Monsters are more aggressive the farther you are from the kingdom especially to the west side. So new adventurers tend to ignore west and proceed north where the direction of the fire continent is¡± When Emilia and Tia where conversing, Shin learned for the first time that the place he was dropped to is the starting line for new adventurers. Also, that the kingdom is far away from the demon continent. ¡®Wait.. demon continent? Does that mean that this place is separated from demons? If so, then the behavior of the Orcs was just illogical and had nothing to do with them?¡¯ This is either good or bad news¡­ Shin wasn¡¯t sure. But one thing that makes this a good news for him is that, he was just starting. He is somewhat elated when he knew that there are more powerful creatures out there somewhere. That what he is right now still have more space to improve or upgrade. Shin might face far greater than he could even imagine. He might die in the process. Who knows of what the outcome of his mission in the future. But this doesn¡¯t change what Shin feels. He chose this path and he will see through it to the end. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s with that creepy smile of yours?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Shin was spacing out when someone broke his thoughts. It was Tia who was looking at him making a scared face intentionally. ¡°Quit that smiles of yours and get ready. Everyone has gathered except you. We will enter the village now.¡± Eh? Huh? Shin looked left and right for Yuffa and the girls but they already left his side and lined up with the female knights. He failed to notice his surrounding when he was in deep thought. He cleared his mind then joined in and lined up with Yuffa. ¡°Shin-sama? I thought you heard me when I said that Emilia has called for us.¡± ¡°Sorry about that. I was occupied by my thoughts. So what are you going to do?¡± ¡°Um.. Since you¡¯re charging in front together with Tia-sama and Emilia-sama, they asked for my assistance and requested that I support them at the back together with Tanya and Clarisse¡± ¡°Is that so? It¡¯s good then. Do not let your eyes off of Tanya, okay?¡± ¡°I will protect her with my life¡± ¡°Mou~ Shin-oniichan~ treating me like a kid. Hmmp¡± ¡®but you are a kid¡¯ is what Shin wanted to say but didn¡¯t because of Tanya making that kind of face. Tanya pouted because Shin treated her like a child. How cute~ Shin laughed and ruffled her head. ¡°She also said that I¡¯ll only need to aid her knights and Clarisse because Shin can do anything on his own¡± Yuffa added with a wry smile. ¡®What¡¯s up with that?¡¯ Shin looked involuntarily to Emilia¡¯s direction. Their eyes met. Emilia immediately showed a smile that most likely meant to tease him. To that, Shin only smiled back with confidence. He then turns his attention to Clarisse and finds she was holding her bow with a shaky hand. Clarisse wasn¡¯t afraid because of the monsters. She is afraid to know the condition of her parents. Whoever in her situation will understand her worries and will feel the same way as she is if we¡¯re talking about parents. It is obvious how someone on that situation would feel so Shin lightly taps Clarisse¡¯s shoulders. Having many thoughts, she was distracted and didn¡¯t expect his tap so she was a little jumpy. ¡°E-eh? W-what is it Shin?¡± Shin gave her a look of confidence and speaks as gently as possible. ¡°Calm down. What would you do if you hit your allies with your bow because of your shaky hands? Listen, I know you are worried about your parents but we have to do what we can as best as we can. Leave your worries for now and focus on what¡¯s ahead of you, got it? We will save them all.¡± Clarisse nodded wordlessly. She took a deep breath and calms herself down. Shin is relieved knowing that Clarisse is a strong girl. He walked to the front and lined up with Emilia and Tia. They looked at each other and nodded. When all of them are in position, Emilia thrusted her sword upwards and shouted. ¡°Everyone! Let¡¯s go!¡± With that as a signal, everyone strides towards the village entrance. Chapter 21: An Ominous Sight Sounds of countless footsteps and armors clanking permeated the open field. After the planning and the preparation, Shin, the girls and Emilia¡¯s knights walked towards the village cautiously. Their sword and shields were positioned forward to intercept against their opponents. Upon approaching, monsters residing outside the village noticed their arrival. Sensing their intent, the monsters glared at them dangerously at the distance. Their numbers were few on the outside of the village but albeit their considerably low level, their well-built constitution makes them not suitable for new adventurers. However, the knights here were all veterans in the battlefield so Shin can rest easy and not worry too much about his personal companions. ¡°This should be easy¡± ¡°Quite confident, are you?¡± Emilia smiled as she replied Shin¡¯s remark. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not just talking about myself. I¡¯m sure your knights can handle this easily right?¡± ¡°Why do you think I only brought few of them?¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the confident one now?¡± ¡°Who knows?¡± Emilia shrugged off her shoulders intentionally and they both laughed as they continue advancing to the village. Watching their carefree exchanges, Tia knotted her eyebrows and decided to speak up. ¡°Pardon me, I get that that both of you are strong, but think about the morale of the knights present here, especially you Emilia-sama. This isn¡¯t a walk in the park you know¡± ¡°Hmm? Isn¡¯t the sight of the leader being carefree makes them ease, don¡¯t you think? And Shin¡¯s attitude is quite contagious?¡± ¡®How is that my fault?¡¯ Shin complained his mind but decided to keep quiet. Meanwhile, as they get closer and closer, all of the monsters¡¯ attentions within the vicinity were now focused on the approaching intruders. They grunted at them. Back in the game he used to play, monsters of these types are common. They are the passive type but highly territorial. So if they treat this village as theirs then most likely Shin and his companions will be greeted with warm welcome. To test if they are the same as the in the game, he raised his hand to halt everyone. ¡®What is it Shin?¡¯ asked Emilia but Shin didn¡¯t respond and walked towards the closest monster face to face. The orc he was facing was about 7m tall. Shin was looking up because it was much taller than he is. Its appearance is just as he expected. A green-skinned pig-like appearance with bulging muscles wearing only dirty pants like it was made from rug. On its hands was a club, a type of blunt weapon that has no edge instead deals heavy physical damage. The orcs aren¡¯t so different compared to goblins, the only difference is that they are like the improve version. They are much bigger and stronger compared to them. They fight recklessly and they had significantly high stamina. However they are not organized compared to goblins that fight in numbers and excelled in ambush attacks. Goblins are more crafty and cunning. If in a situation in which both teamed up, it will be troublesome. Shin is sure there will be casualty. But luckily, as far Shin have observed, there are only orcs around. ¡®Are they aggressive?¡¯ Shin thought in his mind as he mindlessly approach one nearby. Tia was about to question his sanity when she saw that Shin was looking straight at the face of the orc. She was about to question Shin when the orc shouted first and raised its weapon. It swung violently and caused the wind to howl as if being punished. Everyone who saw that grasped in surprise. *thud* Something went flying and dropped to the ground with a thud. They searched for it and found what it was. It rolled in a circle and stopped. It was the head of the orc. ¡°Ohhh? They give big exp than expected. Lucky¡± Everyone looked at the man who said those words with nonchalant tone. While looking at his status panel curiously, on his shoulder rested a katana with unusual length and on his feet was the headless orc lying lifelessly. It twitched for a couple of seconds and stopped. Guess orcs isn¡¯t even a decent opponent to him, huh? Emilia sighed in amazement. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding when you said this would be easy, huh?¡± ¡°Hmm? Did you say something?¡± Shin turned around and tilted his head. His thoughts were preoccupied on watching his status menu in silent so he didn¡¯t hear what Emilia had said. ¡°Forget it. More importantly, we should hurry up and rescue the villagers. It seems that quite a number of monsters lurking in the village have made an appearance.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The monsters residing inside started coming out so the number of monsters outside started to increase by each moment. If they won¡¯t move now, getting inside the village would be harder by the minute. ¡°Alright.¡± Deciding this would be a good time to advance, Emilia turned to her knights. ¡°Form a group by four. Each group should watch each other¡¯s back. Let us retake the village with might!¡± ((((Yes ma¡¯am!)))) ¡°Um.. if we can be of any help, we¡¯d like to do our best to support you¡± ¡°Do our best!¡± ¡°¡­ I¡¯m coming mother, father, everyone...¡± Yuffa, Tanya and Clarisse voiced out their support. Shin watched their expression and saw resolved in their eyes especially Clarisse who didn¡¯t hide her intent as she looked at him and nods with determined look. He then looked at Yuffa and their eyes met. Her smile hinted assurance like she¡¯s saying subtly ¡®don¡¯t worry about us¡¯. She is the oldest in his party so no wonder despite in this situation; she¡¯s the most calm amongst the girls. ¡°Shin onii-chan, Shin onii-chan, leave Yuffa Onee-chan to me~ fufu¡± ¡°Ho~ is that so? Then I¡¯ll leave her to you Tanya. And when we get back, I¡¯ll treat to whatever you like, okay?¡± ¡°Really!? Yay! Shin onii-chan is the best!¡± The overly excited Tanya hugged Shin between the legs and caused Shin to laugh. ¡®It really feels like I had a younger sister¡¯ is what entered his mind and rubbed her forehead. Her innocence in the current situation eased the tension on their party. He was worried in all of them but it was a needless worry. He also trusts the female knights with them. And so there is only one thing he could do. Suddenly, his arms were pulled lightly. Shin looked at his arms and found that Clarisse was looking at him with a determined look. ¡°I believe in Shin. So, please save my family and my village. In exchange I¡¯ll do anything you want!¡± ¡°Eehh?! Cla-clarisse-chan?¡± The one who reacted wasn¡¯t Shin but Yuffa instead. Hearing the word ¡°anything you want¡± from Clarisse gave quite a shock. She didn¡¯t know Clarisse would be this daring and bold. But the person being the subject of that word didn¡¯t seem to catch was she was trying to convey and only accepted it in a face value. ¡°It goes without saying Clarisse. Leave it to me, Well then, I¡¯ll go ahead and clear the path for all of you¡± ¡°Wai-! Shin-sama?!¡± Shin dashed off without looking back. The girls watched Shin go and also followed him seconds late before he did. Except one of them looks visibly troubled. Not long after, gunshots echoed the surroundings and monsters blocking the path started falling, together with numerous thuds and grunts of agony from the falling monster filled the area. Meanwhile, Inside the village, the remaining survivors took refuge on a small chapel. As per the ordinance exclusively under the kingdom¡¯s territory dictates that every village must have a place of worship, not just for the purpose of religion but also for the villages¡¯ protection as well. Its structure looks small and made only out of wood that you can mistake the building as an ordinary house. It doesn¡¯t look prominent unlike any other chapel that you find in bigger cities or town. In a glance, you could tell that this building cannot provide a proper shelter for the refugees regardless of how it is built; its capacity is very limited. Apart from the materials that are easy to burn, it¡¯s not that sturdy as well. However it was not about the building or the chapel that provides protection but rather the cleric that is assigned in every village. According to Emilia, a cleric is also an adventurer but had a direct affiliation with the church. And before they will be dispatch, they must first undergo a special magic training that specializes in support-based skill specifically on barrier-type and seal-type exclusively for cleric class. They are also given a choice whether to go on an adventure or be assigned at a chapel in every villages. They are not prohibited to use offensive magic and they can offer support when needed. Just like in the most MMORPG games. Inside the chapel, there¡¯s a man standing near the door with his hand extended towards it while the other hand was holding a long white staff and was wearing a dirty looking brown robe. A white glow surrounded his body extending to his arms. His name is Ronald. He was roughly 50-60 years old based on appearance. His face clearly shows his exhaustion due to deteriorating mana inside his body. He has been protecting the entire place all on his own ever since the monsters started attacking the village. Fatigue from mana depletion is now showing in his face. He looks exhausted. ¡°When will the help coming Ronald-sama? It¡¯s been three days and no one is coming! Are we going to die here in starvation?!¡± A woman wailed while hugging her daughter. Her voice of dismay and anger also fuels the anxiety everyone felt who have been stuck in the church for a long time. They also started to voice their frustration one by one. Like their food and water is starting to run out that it became noisy inside the church. But one voice silenced all of them. It was rather low but carried intensity with it. ¡°Everyone calm down!¡± ¡°B-but Chief! Aren¡¯t you hungry too? Don¡¯t you feel-¡° ¡°I feel the same way as much as everyone else does. More importantly, we may be in a barrier but too much noise might reach the monster outside and might start attacking this place again. Complains won¡¯t get us anywhere. It will only raise panic and anxiety. I know what you feel, all of you. You may not be aware but the one who is suffering the most is Ronald-san. He¡¯s been there from the start. There is nothing we can do at the moment and i cannot risk all of you to get out there and sneak our way out. There are children here and we are only bunch of farmers. Even if we get away, the monsters will catch us eventually. It is frustrating but all we can do right now is to wait and continue waiting. Don¡¯t lose hope. I¡¯m sure someone will come for us.¡± ¡°..¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Everyone turned silent. Just as the village chief has said. There¡¯s nothing they can do but wait until help comes. As expected of the chief, he is calm and logical person amongst them. But unbeknownst to them, he didn¡¯t believe his own words. Because of his role as the chief, he must remain collected in all occasions especially this one. Panic must be avoided and so he is left with no choice but to lie, even to himself. He hung his head in despair silently as to avoid seeing everyone his expression he is making right now, hoping that help may come as soon as possible. *gunshots* When silence befell, a sound of hope from outside was heard; the sound of gunshot they were unfamiliar of. The barrier surrounding the entire chapel wards away nearby monsters. Additionally, it blocks the sound from escaping outside the barrier in order to avoid the attention of the monsters and it is sound-proof only in the inside not outside to have the awareness of what is going on outside. Simple yet effective. And because the barrier only blocks the sound inside but not outside, everyone heard it. The silence didn¡¯t last long. Their unease resurfaced again and they became rowdy again. Everyone turn their attention to Ronald for information but naturally, he only shakes his head. They were anxious, until someone knocked on the door. ¡°Hello? Is everyone safe there?¡± Shin already noticed the pale sky blue dome-like barrier surrounding the chapel and walks right thru it. ¡°We¡¯re here! We are all good. We¡¯re saved!¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that. Oh but don¡¯t get out yet.¡± Everyone inside was greatly overjoyed just by hearing the voice. They were all eager to go outside but were halted by Shin because there are still things left to do. ¡°There are still monsters left in the village but rest assured. We are almost done. After that, we will come back here, okay?¡± He immediately left the vicinity and headed straight to the main battlefield which is currently happening at the center of the village. Shin was confident that the situation is under control since Emilia was there together with her female knights. He was about to arrive at the scene but what came into his view were the female knights were scattered and lying unconsciously on the ground together with the bodies of the orcs mixed in. What¡¯s more is that Emilia was kneeling in one knee while holding her shoulder. Few meters away from Emilia, he found Yuffa and Clarisse covering Tanya with their bodies. Shin had a sense foreboding that something bad will happen. Without a doubt, a huge ball of fire is heading straight towards the place where Yuffa and girls were. Chapter 22: A formidable enemy? The girls watched Shin dashed off with incredible speed. ¡°Yuffa-san, was it?¡± ¡°Eh? A-ah yes! What is it? Emilia suddenly spoke to Yuffa which caused her to be startled. When she noticed who it was, she gave a respectful response. Yuffa is older than Emilia so her demeanor caused her to smile wryly. She just can¡¯t get use to this kind of treatment from other people. They might have slight age difference but Emilia finds it slightly awkward when an older with the same gender lowers their heads like this. If you were to compare their looks, Yuffa would look like a teacher in her mid-20 while Emilia would be a 3rd-year high school student. And if this is Japan, both would certainly be popular in the whole school each in their own league. ¡°Can I ask you two to support Tia in the flank? There are still several monsters scattered throughout the village. Thanks to Shin, the monsters around this place have been reduced significantly but we still need to be careful. There might be some still lurking around. Yuffa-san tend the wounded with your heal and Clarisse to support their backs.¡± ¡°Got it¡± x2 Both nodded at Emilia¡¯s instruction while Tanya also joined in with vigor. Yuffa and Clarisse started to walk away but Tanya didn¡¯t move and just stood there. She was looking at Emilia like she¡¯s expecting something. What does she want? Emilia titled her head. ¡°Tanya will help too~¡± ¡°Kuh-! Erm.. I get it. I get it. Now go to your sister¡¯s side¡± ¡°Hehehe~ okay¡± Her reaction didn¡¯t escape Emilia¡¯s grasp. ¡°Cu-¡° ¡°mmm?¡± Tanya heard her mumble as she tilted her head. ¡°Cu¡ªop~!¡± ¡°Muu. What are you doing? We¡¯ll leave you behind if you¡¯ll just stand in there. Oh Emilia-sama, what is it?¡± ¡°Eh? Uh erm.. It¡¯s nothing. Go on ahead¡± ¡°Yes. Now come one here Tanya-chan. Clarisse-chan went ahead of us. It¡¯s dangerous so don¡¯t ever leave my side, got it?¡± ¡°Un~!¡± Before Tanya was pulled, she stared at Emilia with a blank look and then suddenly grinned widely as she waved her hand before walking away briskly. *kyuun* Kuh. I want to hold her. Emilia muttered and looked away while clinching her fist. Yuffa and Tanya joined Clarisse who were assisting Tia and some of the female knights who were busy eliminating the remaining orcs within the village. There were some wounded and were healed by Yuffa. They were rounding up houses by houses checking each of them if there are some monsters occupying it. ¡°We are almost done here. That last house uphill will be the last one. Let¡¯s go¡± Tia pointed at the house located uphill near the woods which was detached from the other houses. From how it looks, it might be the storehouse in village that resembles like a barn house made out of wood. As they go nearer the storehouse, Clarisse got a sudden chill from her back. ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯. She grasps her bow tightly unconsciously. Not knowing what¡¯s causing her to feel cautious, they continued to walk towards it. The feeling got stronger and stronger that Clarisse was unable to hide her feeling of unease so she called out to Tia. ¡°Tia-sama, I have a bad feeling about this. I feel like there¡¯s something in there.¡± ¡°Ho~ you¡¯re rather perceptive. Clarisse, is it? I know what you mean. As soon as we got close to it, I felt shiver for no reason.¡± On a closer look, Clarisse noticed that Tia¡¯s hands were both in the hilt of her two long swords in her waist ready to pull it any second. About 30 meters away from the storehouse, Tia raised her right hand signaling them to stop. Even without using verbal command, the female knights withdrew their weapons and assumed a fighting stance. There are 8 female knights excluding Tia. They consist of 4 archers and 4 vanguards equipped with a long sword and a shield as their primary weapon. The vanguard positioned themselves at the front and slowly marches forward; the archers simultaneously pulls arrow from their quiver and followed after positioning at the back while Tia, Tanya and Clarisse were on the rear. They were about to open the entrance when suddenly a flash of light obstructed their vision followed by an explosion. Tia and Clarisse were fast enough to react and avoided the blast. Their reaction looked like it was rehearsed. Tia grabbed Yuffa and pulls her from the side while Clarisse hugged Tanya away from the blast. Celesta village isn¡¯t that big so the sound of explosion reached Emilia¡¯s ears and turned her attention to her opposite direction in which Tia and the girls where. The explosion destroyed half of the storehouse. As the female knights were close to door where the explosion occurred, they were caught by it and got thrown couple of meters away from the blast. Fortunately their shields absorbed most the damage but they we still knocked unconscious.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. All the while, one of the archers who slightly managed to take cover from the vanguard only received minor bruises and scratches, the other two archers laid unconscious. As she recovered from her initial shock, she immediately became vigilant and put some distance. She worried for her vice-captain if she was okay for a moment only to find her totally fine and was tending a little girl. As expected of the vice-captain. *cough* *cough* ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt somewhere?¡± ¡°Mm~ I¡¯m fine. Thank you¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad. Stand back and sit right there okay? We will be fighting over here so it¡¯ll be dangerous.¡± ¡°Yes~¡± Tanya answered and dusted off her clothes. I¡¯ve been wondering about this for a while. That man, bringing a child to a fight? What is he thinking? Does this kid doesn¡¯t have a family in the kingdom? If that is so, then don¡¯t they even have a relatives or a friend that could be the child¡¯s guardian for a short time? Is he that confident to be able to protect such a kid? Or does he trust us so much that he could leave her with us? Whatever the circumstances there is, I¡¯ll properly confront that man after this. Tia then called the attention of the still conscious knight with her. Subsequently, she instructed her to grab the fallen girls into safety. ¡°We will help too.¡± Yuffa and Clarisse who She watched the female knight pulled the unconscious bodies with ease despite them wearing full armor. As the dust from the half-destroyed storehouse settles, a silhouette of a large build carrying something seemingly like a staff emerges. Towering at almost 9 feet tall and oozing with visible dark aura, it was an Elder Orc [Lv. Unknown]. It has noticeably larger build than an ordinary orc. It¡¯s carrying a black spear-like staff with ringlets on each side and wore a tattered black robe and a necklace made out of human skulls adorning its neck. A-are you serious! Why is this thing here? How is this possible?! Moreover, it¡¯s overflowing with dark energy! S-so, this might be one who¡¯s leading this band of orc, huh? Tia uttered in her mind as she stares with wide eyes at the unbelievable thing right in front of her. A hint of fear is clearly visible in her eyes. For the record, an Elder Orc isn¡¯t an unusual or a rare monster for Tia to have this kind of reaction. What made her in shock was the place it¡¯s currently in. An Elder Orc is a type of mini-boss different from other monster and is known for their unique difference in level depending on the location where they are found. In this world, there are different types of monster in each region and continent. For example, a rabid rabbit can be found only in the outskirts of Elijah Kingdom. Each map resides different monsters and are never the same. But an Elder Orc is one of the few exceptions. They are found in almost every dungeon in every country but with different levels. However, in the demon continent, they roam everywhere together with other monsters and are of significantly higher level than an ordinary Elder Orc found in the dungeon. Any adventurer or a party that isn¡¯t an S-class or higher that would foolishly challenges even a single Elder Orc or any other monsters in that continent would surely perish in an instant. The dark miasma covering the entire demon continent serves as a mana pool of dark energy that causes mutation on every monster living there. All the while, the Elder Orc was only standing there seemingly observing its surroundings. It then turns its attention to the direction of Clarisse and Yuffa who were silently pulling the unconscious girls into safety. Lightning starts to appear at the tip of its staff. It raised its arms that is holding the staff and then turns its whole body towards Clarisse and Yuffa. This isn¡¯t good. We can¡¯t leave these girls here. But if this goes on, Yuffa and I will be also be caught on the attack too. Clarisse who thought of that made a decision in her mid. ¡°Yuffa-san, I¡¯ll draw its attention away. At that time, you have to get those girls into safety.¡± ¡°I-I can¡¯t do that! It¡¯s dangerous. I¡¯m not knowledgeable about monsters but looking at that black aura surrounding it, It¡¯s clearly isn¡¯t your ordinary orc. That¡¯s why we will just have to pull them fast as far as we-¡° ¡°I know but I¡¯m afraid it isn¡¯t possible. There¡¯s no time. It will fire at any moment. Please Yuffa-san¡± ¡°But-¡° ¡°Trust me on this. I have confidence in my agility-- it¡¯s coming!¡± Yuffa who was not prepared nearly jumped and dragged the girls one by one. ¡°Hey hey hey~ I¡¯m here you ugly pig!l Look at this way! ¡± Tia who watched and understood what Clarisse was trying to do, decided to ran towards the back of the enemy seemingly flanking it as she brandish her sword. Whistling sounds were produced by each arrow penetrating the air as it hurls straight towards its target. 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. A total of 4 arrows were fired in rapid succession. [Successive Shot] Clarisse used her mastery of the weapon that she had been perfecting for years. It didn¡¯t only serve as a distraction but also filled with the intent to kill her opponent as her arrows were enhanced with magic. The Elder Orc immediately stopped casting its lightning magic as it surrounded itself with [wind barrier]. Three arrows were knocked off by the wind but 1 arrow slips past through and pierced its shoulders. However the momentum was greatly reduced by the wind barrier so it didn¡¯t have any significant damage. It¡¯s acted as if some fly just landed on its shoulder; it only looked at Clarisse and grinned without even pulling the arrow out as if mocking her. ¡®Kuh¡¯ She had little hope that her attack could at least deal damage the enemy. But looking at it seemingly unscathed, made her grit her teeth in frustration. For now, Clarisse successfully achieved her goal to get its attention. Perhaps even too successful she might even regret it. Its full attention is now on her and she felt a sudden pressure causing her stomach to churn up. The black aura oozing from its body seemed darker than before. ¡®This is not good. If this goes on, I might be done here. But I can¡¯t afford to die, not here, not now.. I still have my family waiting for me!¡± Her eyes were directed towards the Elder Orc. To be precise, she was looking at someone behind it. Their eyes met and nodded. Even without verbal communication, it¡¯s as though they knew each other full well before this ordeal. In their minds they knew what to do. Clarisse noticed something about the enemy and wanted to try something. In order for her to that, she must wait for her enemy to attack. The enemy cancelled its wind barrier and traces of electricity started to emit from the Elder Orc staff. This was the cue she had been waiting for. ¡®There is nothing to lose in trying here then might as well try.¡¯ Faster than the Orc¡¯s casting speed, Clarisse once again attack with her [Successive Shot]. It¡¯s not as though the Elder Orc is slow at attacking but compared to the bow that doesn¡¯t need casting, Clarisse obviously has the upper hand in terms of speed. The Elder Orc then cancelled its channeling skill and re-casted its wind barrier and deflected the arrows. ¡®Bingo!¡¯ A smile suddenly formed in Clarisse¡¯s face. She then called the person behind the Elder Orc who was waiting for the turn to attack. ¡°I found its weakness! As I thought, it can¡¯t attack and defend at the same time. If I keep on attacking, it will be compelled to cast its barrier and cannot do anything. At that time, it¡¯s your turn Tia-sama. It should be weak to melee attack. And I¡¯ll switch to my daggers too our distance to it will be on arm¡¯s length. I¡¯ll start now¡± ¡°Impressive. Don¡¯t be worried about your arrows hitting me. Just fire as you will. Here I come!¡± Clarisse immediately started firing unstoppable volley of arrows while advancing towards the Elder Orc and at the same time, Tia readied her sword and dashed off matching Clarisse¡¯s speed in order for them to reach their enemy at the same time. When the distance was close enough to reach their enemy by hand, Clarisse put away her bow and pulled two daggers in her waist, and Tia raised her sword to slash her enemy. Their weapon were about to tear the flesh off of the Elder Orc¡¯s body when it muttered words only the two of them can hear. ¡°Kukuku.. Humans.. Foolish ..¡± ¡°Wha--?¡± Without giving time to react, the Elder Orc unleashed a huge burst of dark energy.