《I wanna be a hero! Beginning of the dark fantasy-》


 Chapter #1 The royal capital

    Hero?


    Hero who is the strongest of all, his adversaries trembles when they see him. Hero who protects the weak citizens and the whole world cheer for him. Hero who shall be just and fight for justice. Hero who stands firm on the top and always smile even if he on the averge of death. Hero who marries the most beautiful woman of the world, a princess.


    That''s the kind of hero Iwanted to become... but its look like that wasa foolish dream of mine, childish? Yeah, you can say that becauseI can''t laugh,Ican''t stand...I can''t do anything at all! I''mnotahero in the least bit!Ican''t even yell on my pathetic self!


    "sigh"


    Ithink that''s end for me, it suits well toa loser like me. Cover in my own blood, lying here all alone in this mud.Ithink Ican''t even open my eyes properly. Haah. My friends gonna laugh at me off their wits, talk about some heroIwas. IfIwere to reborn thenI''m goingto be afarmer. Yeah that life is good. Work on my farm, then marrya village girl, have kids, laugh with village folks and one day die happ-


    "like hell I''m gonna die like that!!! cough cough. Haah. Those assholes"


    FirstIshould try to get up


    Arsh tried to move his fractured arms. Actually his whole body was in very bad shape and his clothes tattered. If it was someone else he would have died or at least gave up but arsh was different! He trained his body like his life on the line. His muscles very detailed, bulged chest and thick arms like those street fighters in underworld or royal guards, slightly more than that of royal guards. But he has one more thing what even amongst the best fighters you can''t find. His dream and determination, to become a hero! Since he was a little kid, when his parents told him about the heroes from those fairytales, he fantasies and swore in his heart that one day he will become a hero! Every kid would have thought just like arsh when they are little and listen to stories about heroes. But arsh never gave up nor he thought even once about giving up because he always felt. It was his everything, his life goal, his existence itself for this reason. A burning fire what makes him keep going towards his dream. To become a hero!Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Arsh tried to get up while reminiscences his first day when he came to the royal capital of the Kingdom to become an adventurer. His very first step towards his goal.


    XXXXXXX


    Drac''Rst Kingdom. It is said that, here gods lived long time ago in this world. And in this Kingdom. There was one dragon god who had multiple heads and the dragon fought with the demon god and his tens of thousands of army to the death.


    The dragon god died after slaughtering the demon god and his massive army but some legends says that dragon god gave his divine artifacts to humans and left somewhere. But no one knows that, where are those divine artifacts or is this just baseless rumors.


    Drac''Rst Kingdom is small country but very proud. The king is very benevolent towards his people, not any unnecessary taxes, does everything to avoid wars.You can say its peaceful country where citizens can smile from their heart. And in the centre of the Kingdom, the royal capital.


    The royal capital. Where royal family lives and many nobles. The church. And main branch of the adventure guild.


    Arsh stood there at the entrance of the gate. Sparkle eyes and wide childish grin. Semi long and slight curly black hair, oval face and sharp eyes. Arsh is seventeen years old, still somewhat childlike expression... You can say he''s handsom and his physic catches people''s attention more than his face.


    Alright!I''m finally here in the royal capital! Just you wait for me world hereI come!I''m gonna be the hero!!!


    As arsh was lost in thoughts. Guard finally tapped his shoulder and shouted... After all, he was still a little hesitant after looking at arsh''s physic.


    "Hey! You! Are you listening? Move forward already, there are many people also wants to enter."


    Arsh snapped out of his thoughts. "Ah, yes, I''m sorry!" He bowed to the guard and people behind him.


    After entering the royal capital he was looking around cocking his head here and there. On the royal capital stone paved street there were countless people walking around, horse carriages , arsh was truly dumbfounded and his head was spinning seeing that many people for the first time in his seventeen years life, after all he''s from some small village and there''s no way that, some village can compare to the royal capital. Here you can find any and everything, merchant shops, magical tools shops, Smith shops, pawn shops, potion shops etc. For arsh its like festival was going on. He was feeling so overwhelmed and astonished. After a while he accepted as it is and decided to forget about all these things because there is something more important waiting for him. He took a deep breath "fuuuuaaahhhh~ Yosh, no time to waste!" he slapped his cheeks and started to walk to the adventurer''s guild. He did asked the city gate guard about the adventurer''s guild''s direction, where he was heading right now.


    Arsh was walking while surveying around him all the shops as his eyes were sparkling, looking at armors and swords while he stopped front of the shops. After all, arsh doesn''t have armor, weapons or anything like that. He was just some guy from a small village, so that much is obvious. He was wearing his usual clothes but slightly better because they were new, his uncle bought for him, loose shirt and trouser. Still it couldn''t hide arsh''s physic.

 Chapter #2 Adventurers guild & Adventurers

    In the royal capital, buildings were mostly 2-storied. And as arsh was heading for adventurer''s guild, he came to halt and looked up to adventurer''s guild. 3-storied Adventurer''s guild building as it stood there, looking sturdy not too flashy and there you can see a big sign board carved on it "Main branch of the adventurer''s guild of Drac''Rst".


    So coool!! So this is theadventurer''s guild! Alright!Ijust have to go and register myself as an adventurer! Right! Here goes nothing!


    Arsh looked at the guild''s entrance as he began moving and entered the adventurer''s guild.


    XXXXXXX


    Arsh was in awe as he was standing inside the guild. To his left there were adventurers taking up quests as they were looking at the quest board. And his right was stairs connecting first, second and third floor. On the first floor was tavern, some adventurers were chatting and laughing sitting together whilst eating and drinking. On the second floor was guild master room, where guild master do his work and attends his important guest and on the third floor was inn.


    Arsh was watching and admiring adventurers who were geared up with different kinds of armors and weapons as he unconsciously walked up at the reception counter.


    "Welcome to the adventurer''s guild main branch. May I help you, sir?" Arsh''s chain of thoughts interrupted by a sweet voice.


    Arsh looked at the receptionist behind the counter, he opened his mouth but no words came out. In his village there were girls but not as pretty as her, arsh was dumbstruck as he stood still staring at her face with his sharp eyes. He had heard stories from few village folks who make their trip to the near city for business, about elves were prettiest but he can confirm that she was a human girl. Her brown hair braided as she was looking at him with her brown big eyes, her red lips form slight smile and slight pink blush on her white cheeks . Receptionist felt little uncomfortable by arsh''s gaze and decided to ask again.


    "Hrm. May I help you with something? "


    Arsh struggled as he finally form some words. "I..i..i.. want to become adventurer"


    "I see. So, you want to become adventurer" receptionist replied softly as she took out a form and gave it to arsh. "You have to fulfil this form. Fill only what you can understand and then we''ll proceed further"


    "Y-yes!"


    Arsh gave her energetic reply and began to fill the blanks. His name, age, gender, race, village name and that much is obvious, arsh didn''t know about his skills. After that he handed the form back to receptionist.


    Receptionist took the form from arsh and disappeared inside the room behind the counter. After a short while later she came back and handed him a copper plate and began describing guild''s rules.


    "Here. It is your proof that you are an adventurer from now on. If you happen to lose it, then you have to pay five gold coins as a penalty and penalty will multiple according to your rank because it''s an adventurer responsibility to keep it safe. It has your name carved, it works as your identity as well. You have just joined so you''re received this copper plate and as you progress and rank up, we''ll give you new plate according to your rank. There are 6 rank there. Copper, Ruby, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Receptionist took a deep breath, satisfied with herself and nodded.


    "Do you want to ask something you don''t get it?" She asked arsh.


    Arsh was clenching the plate in his hand so hard that his hand turned red.


    Yes! That''s it!I''m an adventurer now!


    Arsh looked at straight at receptionist'' face.


    "How to become a hero?"


    "Ehhhh" receptionist made a stupid sound as she was looking at arsh back, loss for words.


    "Cough" she cleared her throat and looked at arsh with serious expression. "What did you say?! You want to become a hero?!"


    She unconsciously raised her voice, enough to reach to every adventurer in the floor room. All adventurer''s attention now at the reception counter. Receptionist shrieked as she realized what she had done.


    "Yes! I want to become a hero! So tell me how can I became a hero!"


    Arsh was ignorant of receptionist''s feeling or adventurers gazes. As he confessed in loud voice.


    She rolled her eyes nervously as she heard him, she didn''t know, to laugh or to cry at this situation.


    "Hey, you kiddo! What did you say, what do you want?"


    An adventurer stood behind arsh as he asked him. Two meter tall, on his shoulder rest a big axe, thick and sharp blade and as long as his own arm, bald head, wide eyes and on his face plastered amusing smile. Looking down at arsh.


    "Yes! I want to become a hero! Baldy sir!"


    Guild floor resounded with noises as all adventurers burst into laughter. It was likely forbidden word and no one call him that except some of his close friends.


    "You brat! What did you call me!"


    Adventurer raised his voice as he asked arsh.


    "Yes! Baldy sir!"


    Adventurer enraged as his face turned red. He grabbed arsh''s collar and lifted him.


    "Are you making fun of me!"


    Arsh tilted his head innocently as he looked at adventurer.


    "No, baldy sir."


    "Do you not like your body in one piece! Are you asking for beating? "


    Adventurer spat this words as his head was in steam.


    "Okay. that''s enough, neil. He''s just a kid"


    Another adventurer came to them and said to neil (baldy).


    "What? Do you wanna go with me, dai?


    "I never said that. I meant, let him go, since he doesn''t know about you. You''re a experienced adventurer, you know. Have some self control"


    Receptionist was shrinking behind the counter while watching them.


    "S-sir. Inside the guild v-violence is n-not a-allowed" She stuttered as she said that.


    Dai turned his head and looked at her with gentleness in his eyes.


    "It''s fine. You needn''t to worry so much, chiyoko"


    "Umm... yes" chiyoko replied (receptionist) nervously.


    Chiyoko wasn''t new in adventurer''s guild, its just as her nature like that. Soft, gentle and nervous in this kind of situation.


    Dai was an experienced silver rank adventurer. Blonde hair, elegant expression on his handsom face, golden eyes slightly narrowed. He was a third son of middle level noble house, so he didn''t have had much of choice but he was still intelligent and mastered in swordsmanship. He decided to became adventurer, as it was still good status among nobles. He had been adventuring for 6 years now and because of his hard work he was still alive and a respectable adventurer, it was kind of rare for nobles since they don''t do much of physical work as much as commoners, nor there was any need. Just unlucky nobles who born as third and fourth son in line, have to live their life as commoners or worst.


    Dai''s party members came from one corner as they too were amused watching this scene and stood behind dai.


    Neil finally cooled down and he put arsh back, gave him warning before leaving.


    "Dai came to show off before chiyoko, how romantic"


    "Sssh. Idiot! Keep it down"


    "But to think, there was someone who will declare that, he will become a hero"


    "Yeah and he didn''t even look like he was embarrassed"


    "Yup, yup!"


    Dai''s party members were whispering while looking at arsh head to toe.


    "He was daring enough to confess his dream even if it is impossible, after all, not everyone can do that"


    Dai was staring at chiyoko as he said that and felt a pain in his heart. His party members felt silent as they understood the meaning behind those words.


    Dai approached to arsh and extended his as he introduced himself.


    "Hello. I''m dai, nice to meet you. You are rookie, are you not?"


    Arsh looked at his face, took dai''s hand and shook it while nodding.


    "Yes, sir! I''m arsh! Let''s get along!"


    Arsh showed his white teeth as he smiled.

 Chapter #3 First quest!

    Dai and his party members were sitting inside the tavern, on the chair around the round dining table as well as arsh.


    Hayato (Scout ). In his mid 20s, (actually they were all around 23 or 24 years old). Easy going expression and clear black eyes and black hair just like Arsh. Wearing light armor. On his waist were two sheathed daggers, bow beside him and on his back quiver packed with arrows.


    Itaru (Priest). Gentle expression, Silver hair and silver eyes. Wearing mantle and inside it chain mail, resting beside him his staff embedded with (children''s fist size) blue color gem.


    Jin (Thief). Chocolate color hair and eyes. His face expression was still, poker face. Wearing light armor just like hayato, daggers on his waist and one short sword.


    Hanae (Magic caster). Her tan color hair rested on her shoulder and in her eyes were like mysterious light. Wearing typical magic caster cloak and gauntlets, definitely magic items.


    Warrior. Dai their party leader. In sturdy and shining looking vest armor.


    "Well, we introduced ourselves. What about you, arsh?"


    "I''m from a small village! Seventeen years old! I''m gonna be a hero!"


    Arsh replied enthusiastically as always. Dai and his party members looked at each other as if they''re troubled.


    "I-i see. Well, that''s that. One more thing, we call ourselves Dragonior and we would like you to join us as a supporter. We can''t carry our luggage during the fight and there are other things like beast core, its skin, bones or the like, it depends. So will you join us, arsh? Of course we won''t treat you badly and I think you can learn a few things with us, after all, we''re silver rank party"


    "Alright!" Arsh replied.


    "W-what" Dai dumbfounded by arsh''s immediate answer.


    I can''t tell what he is thinking but I at least can tell that he''s a good kid and harworking.


    "Hrm. I mean, we''re glad to have you, arsh"


    We were managing somehow but we couldn''t trust completely on a stranger who isn''t one of (party member) us and they weren''t able to keep up with us either. This kid looking fine, look at his body he must have trained his like hell. Yup. I think we made good decision. His dream is to become a hero, huh. Far fetched but who knows it might will happen. Arsh, funny fellow.


    "So, Arsh. We have a quest. It''s monsters subjugation, I think traveller merchants requested it to the guild. It seems like some merchants got attacked on their way to the royal capital. It''s the forest near the royal capital border on the west. But it''s one enormous forest which is spreading to another country''s border, but we don''t have to worry about that. We can finish our job before dawn, probably. What do you say guys. Shall we go?"


    "Aye!!!"


    All members raised their voice in agreement. Arsh officially became their party member as their supporter.


    Arsh eyes were sparkling more brighter as he shouted loudly. "Yes sir!!"


    XXXXXXX


    Arsh, Dai and the party members were inside the smith''s shop. Why? Because Arsh doesn''t have armor or a single dagger on him. So, they decided to buy for him, of course Arsh will be paying for whatever he wishes to buy. Money is first and foremost for adventurers. After all, they risk their lives for it.


    "Arsh, I think you should buy a leather armor for now, since you don''t have money for a expensive armor... and a short sword or dagger should be sufficient for now, it would come handy for cutting monsters skin and extracting their cores"


    Dai gave him advice which was very reasonable.


    Arsh wanted to buy a long sword and shining armor just like a hero. He was jumping corner to corner like a kid while he was looking around restlessly. He heard Dai''s statement and showed a sad expression and sighed heavily.


    "Yes, lead Dai" he said.


    "My, why long face, Arsh? It''s just your first day"


    """He''s so impatient just like a kid"""


    Arsh bought a cheap looking leather armor and a short sword. Full of excitement and strong willed eyes as he was looking forward to his first quest!


    XXXXXXX


    Arsh, Dai and the others stood inside the forest as they were surveying their surrounding. Trees were so high and thick that sunlight couldn''t reach to the earth. Hayato (Scout) was gone ahead for clairvoyance.


    "Hmm... We haven''t seen a single monster even when we arrived deep enough inside the forest" Jin (thief) remarked.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Dai held his chin in his hand. "Yeah, that''s indeed unusual. We should''ve met a few low level monster and even two or three middle level. Something doesn''t feel right, its like monsters are afraid of something or someone?"


    They were discussing when hayato came back. Their gazes moved to him.


    He drank the water from his leather pouch then hung it to his belt, and began to report his team members.


    "I couldn''t find anything unusual except, I didn''t meet any monster when I was there. It''s creepy"


    "Yeah. We also felt something amiss but I can''t pin point what it is"


    "Dai. You can''t see a single monster this deep inside the forest. That''s what it is"


    "Hayato, I already know that but why, what happened here..." Dai furrowed his brow and creased his forehead as he was contemplating over it.


    Arsh was watching them from behind as he was standing there and he too was thinking about it as he heard over their conversation. But he was just a rookie so it''s not like he can give them any useful suggestion.


    At that moment a faint roar travel into their ears. As roar gotten louder and louder and the earth shook beneath their feet. Birds were flying desperately while crying. Everyone felt a chill ran through their back and they focused their attention where the roar was coming from.


    "W-what was that!"


    "I-i don''t know! Probably a monster?"


    "I have near felt something this dreadful from a monster! Are you sure about this?!"


    "How am I suppose to know that?!"


    "Something is coming! "


    "Everyone! Stay calm and focus! Take your positions! Arsh, grab the luggage and stand back! I think it''s a high level monster!"


    Dai shouted at his panicking party members while taking out his long sword. His brows furrowed hard as his forehead began to sweat. They are adventuring for six years together and they have never met something like this, what they were going to meet very soon.


    At the rear were Itaru and Hanae, in the middle Jin and Hayato just right behind Dai to support him. That was their usual formation. And a few steps away from them was Arsh as their supporter, he was not for fighting though, not to something like that.


    Finally a 10 meters tall monster came to their vision field and in a fastest speed what they couldn''t comprehend, stood front of them on his two legs as it roared loudly enough to numb their ear drums. His skin was deep red, probably because all the blood was leaking out from his wriggling veins all over his body. His face was messed up with blood, like someone had cruelly pierced it by some sharp object. His eyes were fixed on dragonior party members, though it has eyes or not it couldn''t be confirmed.


    Dai gulped loudly "I-it''s mutated monster" he could only uttered this words and his party members understood, what situation they were in.


    Mutate monsters has another name "The evil beings", they can''t mutate naturally but because of the demon''s blood. You can''t find demon blood just anywhere but only in the demon realm or if the demon himself chose to come to human realm. This monster seems to be one of the evil being.


    But why is it so near to the royal capital.Dai''s expression grimmed further as this thought crossed his mind.


    "We can''t fight him. We will retreat and report to the guild about this monster"


    "Y-yeah"


    "But... Will he let us go quietly, I can''t see it happening"


    Dai groaned at his companion''s remark. He himself know that, it wouldn''t be easy but almost impossible. They don''t have choice but to fight it.


    "Alright! Dragonior! We''ll fight him and retreat without any loss!" Dai shouted as he tried to cheer up his companions and himself.


    The monster roared loudly again as it descended its arms and stand on it four limbs, like a lion ready to jump on its prey.


    [GAAARHHH!!!]


    The monster leaped towards Dai. Dai jumped to the side and brandished his sword to attack the monster, to cut its neck. But the monster moved his one arm and slashed at Dai. Dai twisted his body to dodge it, however, monster was simply faster than him, Dai took the hit on his side as he flew five to six meters away. His clothes were tattered and some of his bones were broken. Dai checked his condition as he slowly stood up and looked up to the monster.


    Curse it! It really is unusually strong!I have had heard about them from platinum adventurers, who take requests and go outside the capital, fighting withhigh level monsters.Butits completely on other level, I don''t think even platinum adventurers can take him head on.To think something like this appeared here.


    Dai''s companions were telling him to run away as the monster leaped at him once again.


    "Dammit! [[Lightening strike slash]]" Dai jumped back and brandished his sword as a blue light wrapped around his sword and then struck to the monster''s face, the monster gave a painful roar and backed away quickly.


    Dai came beside his companions while breathing heavily. He has lost blood. His clothes were drenched with his own blood, he can''t go for much longer. They must escape or they''ll all die here.


    Unknown to anyone. One boy was standing behind them, grinning fiercely and a faint red color light slit in his pupils, while he was watching Dai and the monster fighting.


    The monster started to move again carefully while looking at Dai and his companions.


    "Hanae make it stop for a while so I can cut his throat!"


    "I-i will try!"


    "Hayato! Aim to his eyes!"


    "You got it!" Hayato took his bow and nock an arrow as he aim for the monster''s eyes.


    "Alright! You monster come and get me!"


    The monster growled at Dai while moving slowly, ready to attack at them and leaped towards them furiously.


    "Here you go! [[Manipulation magic: Dance of tree]]" Hanae bind the monster''s moments as the tree branches wrapped around his limbs and his body while Hayato was showering arrows at his face.


    Dai bent his body and stomped his one foot on the earth as he jumped into the air to slit monster''s throat.


    "[[Lightening strike thunder slash]]"


    But before the strike could hit its target. The monster freed himself and stood on his two legs. The strike cut open the monster''s skin at his abdomen, but that wasn''t any serious damage. Dai fell into despair and so his companions, because they knew that Dai would die this time and they will also meet their end soon. They can''t fight something like this.


    The monster roared and swung his arm with enough force to tear apart any human. Dai held his sword to protect his body, but he knew that, what would happen if this hit him. Behind him his companions were shouting and grieving.


    So, that''s my end huh. Laughable-"


    But something unbelievable happened before their eyes. No one knew how, but Dai was still standing where he was, holding his sword in his hands but the monster was a few metres away from him and one of his arm was missing.


    Dai and his companions noticed a single silhouette. Semi long curly black hair were swaying to the wind, 180cm height. Wearing cheap looking leather armor, however, his physic was unbelievably attractive.


    Arsh was standing at the side of the monster, who was lying in the ground.


    XXXXXXX


    Arsh''s veins popped up as his blood was boiling with excitement. He clenched his hands tight into fist while grinning and his eyes emitting faint red light.


    Dai was going to hit by the monster.


    Ihave to save him. Heroes always save the people who are in trouble. Ihave to save him... ifI want to become the heroIwant!


    Arsh sprinted at full speed towards the monster and Dai, before his party members could notice him. He took the monster''s arm and teared from his body, threw it away and then punched at the monster.

 Chapter #4 Unbelievable strength!

    Arsh was watching the monster lying on the ground, twitching and making painful roar.


    The monster slowly got up on his two legs while glaring furiously at arsh , maintaining distance between him and arsh.


    As Arsh was glaring straight back at him while grinning.


    The monster roared loudly as to letting out his rage and to intimate Arsh. But Arsh was unfazed by it, still standing right where he was.


    XXXXXXX


    Dai and the others were shocked that they couldn''t speak for a while, recognizing who he was.


    They looked at each other, then at the same time twisted their neck to look behind the empty space, where arsh was standing just a while ago.


    They were having hard time to adjust their thoughts.


    What was this situation... a copper plate rookie who just registered as an adventurer today was taking head on one of the evil beings, one of S+ rank or perhaps SS rank difficultly monster. That was absurd and shameful at the same time.


    But their feelings can''t change the reality. Arsh and the monster was standing each side, glaring each other. Ready to jump at each other again any moment.


    Dai and the others keep holding their breath while watching the fight before them.


    XXXXXXX


    Arsh took out his short sword and held in his right hand, ready to attack... and on the other side was the monster slightly bending his body forward as if gathering all of his strength.


    "Sorry for the sneak attack earlier , I was in hurry... Ready for second round eh"


    Arsh threw this joking words at the monster. The monster growled at arsh as if he understood him.


    They were both sizing one another through their eyes as if reading their opponents thoughts and movements and then sprinted together.


    Monster threw his left hand at Arsh''s face, who jumped in the air to confront him. Arsh folded his arms front of his face to block the monster''s hand and then landed on the ground few steps away. Then Arsh immediately launched his body like an arrow toward the monster while holding his short sword and slashed at monster''s waist. Monster roared, much like cry as his blood started to spurting from the wound. The wound was quite deep and you can see inside its white eerie bones.


    The monster''s eyes turned bloodshot and started to attack arsh as if he was lost all reasons.


    [GAARAAHAHHHH]


    "Quit desperate fella, aren''t you"


    Arsh mocked the monster while dodging his attack. The monster continued with his attack, punching trees all around as trees smashed to smithereens.


    Arsh jumped back and licked his lips while watching the monster. Then ran towards the monster while dodging his attack left and right at full speed like a bullet. Dai and the others were probably having hard time to keeping up with their eyes, how fast those two were moving. Arsh punched at the monster''s face and pierced his short sword in the centre of his chest and took out his core.


    "That was easy...ghhh... though he got me. I thought I was a goner for a second... phew" Arsh mumbled under his breath while touching his stomach. There was a hole on his leather armor, and blood was flowing out off it.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    He was standing while holding the core as his back was facing the monster. The monster fell with heavy "thud" sound and lay down there on the ground not making any move or even twitching.


    XXXXXXX


    Dai and others were dumbstruck as their jaws were dropped while looking at Arsh, who had just defeated the monster single handedly. Dai forgot his pain and everything about his body being in serious condition. Everyone stood there in complete silence, only sounds of leaves rustling and birds chirping were in the forest.


    Arsh broke the silence.


    "Lead Dai! That''s the core you were talking about, right?" Arsh passed the core to dai as he said that.


    Dai took the core unconsciously while still staring at arsh.


    "Yeah... that''s the core... hmm?" Dai was staring at Arsh mouth agape, when Hanae came forward suddenly.


    "I should heal your wound first, save your chatter for later. Itaru, you check up on Dai" she said while casting healing magic on Arsh''s wound while glancing him.


    Arsh let out awkward laugh "ha,ha" then for changing the subject he asked Dai and looked away from Hanae.


    "You took quite the wound, lead Dai. is it hurt?" It was a stupid question to ask.


    Dai looked at Arsh exasperated and then sighed helplessly. "You should worry about yourself not me, Arsh"


    Dai then looked at Arsh seriously.


    "Arsh, you shouldn''t do something reckless as this again, you understand? True that I was really surprised to see your strength and you saved my life there but you are one of us now... so next time whatever you do, let us help too and do it together. Look how injured you are... you were lucky but what if this wound was dealt on your chest? I''m not telling you that you shouldn''t show your strength, however, you shouldn''t charge alone at the enemy. Understood?" Dai said it while lightly tapped on Arsh''s shoulder and smiled at him.


    Arsh scratched his cheek and smiled awkwardly.


    "Yes! I got it, lead dai!"


    "Let''s head back to the guild. I should report about the incident and the evil beings... I have a really bad feeling about this"


    The evil beings huh...


    XXXXXXX


    Adventurer''sGuild.


    Arsh, Hayato, Itaru, Hanae and Jin were in the tavern on the first floor while Dai was going to report about what happened during their quest to the guild master.


    Hayato "I didn''t knew you were that strong, kid"


    Itaru "indeed. You took down that monster so easily"


    Hanae "hmm~ I think I sensed really powerful magic from him... or maybe I''m misunderstanding?"


    Jin "You ain''t got muscles just for show eh, kid. So, how did you do it? You will tell us, right. We''re companions now"


    Arsh was feeling embarrassed while scratching his back of head.


    "Ah... We used hunt some beasts back in the forest near our village. So, I know one or two trick how to hunt down them"


    "I see. So, you thought it was just some wild beast and you killed him just like that.... Haah!! Are you kidding me?!"


    Jin jumped from his chair and leaned toward arsh as he rebuked him.


    Arsh was making troubled face.


    "Alright, jin. You don''t have to tease him too much"


    Jin clicked his tongue as he backed off "and who is the one teasing"


    Dai''s voice came from behind them. As he was walking down the stairs from the second floor. Dai walked over to them and took his seat beside Arsh.


    "Arsh, it was thanks to you that we make it back safely, but as I said before, we work as a team. So, you don''t have to fight alone, whatever foe we meet from now on" Dai smiled and then looked toward his companions.


    "Now then, dragonior. We shall celebrate for our safe return and to welcome our new companion"


    """Aye!!"""


    Traven waistress was a demi human, from dog clan. Waitresscame to their table and served food and drinks while her tail was waving, showing her charming smile.


    Dai, Arsh and the others started to digging the food. Obviously Arsh was seeing so many different kind of dishes first time. As he was wolfing down meat from every plate and gulping his drink, even though it was his first time drinking alcohol.


    Everyone was dumbstruck watching Arsh, his speed was really something as he was devouring food without any concern.


    Jin "You damn, brat! Slow down will ya?!"


    Jin grabbed the meat Arsh was holding and everyone joined them.


    Dai was watching them from the side as a warm smile floating on his lips. He thought about the conversation he just had with the guild master and his expression stiff slightly.


    Demons...They havestartedto make their move or it was just coincidence? No, noI can''t possibly be think so lightly. IftheDemonGod happen to revive then each and every race will be in danger. The whole world will be in chaos just like when theDragonGod fought against theDemonGod... Butwhat wouldhappen if theDragonGod is really dead... humans can''t possibly fight against himand win...and what about his army. We need hero... huh.


    Dai looked at arsh and his companions while thinking about it.


    "What is it, lead Dai? Your stomach is aching? I can help you"


    Arsh grinned and snatched Dai''s plate.


    Dai chuckled and then joined his companions.


    Well, we will see that later....

 Chapter #5 Are you a princess?

    After washing up his body he got ready, putting on his loose shirt and trouser. Arsh headed out the guild.


    He spent his last night in the guild''s Inn after their celebration. Other party members already have house or a place to live in but not Arsh, it was his first time here in the royal capital and he wasn''t familiar with anyone here.


    Arsh greeted chiyoko (receptionist) before heading out. He thought a bit then resumed his stride on the stone paved street while cocking his head left and right, his destination was commoner''s street.


    The royal capital was a small city protected by twelve meters tall stone wall. In the centre was the King''s castle, surrounded by five meters wall, which was much more sturdy than the city wall. It was clear that it was strengthened by some other materials. Along the wall stood watch towers to each four direction, where soldiers stationed day and night.


    South district was for business. You can trade here anything. South east and South west where noble lives.


    In North district. Pleasure quarters, while during day it appear any other small area with one and two-storied buildings, but during nights it become unusually lively. Black market- which work in underground and secrecy- deal in illegal and unauthorised goods. North west and North east where commoner lives.


    Adventurer''s guild and inns in East district. In West district is military, ministry and other official buildings.


    Commoner''s street was in East district. Arsh was walking leisurely while humming and smiling, looking around. Folks were busy opening their shops and at the side street were food stalls. It was still early morning for a city like this so there wasn''t many people there, just a few passers-by.


    Heat of the sun blended with light breeze was perfect, giving him comfortable feeling.


    Arsh caught sight of a girl, her long honey-colored hair reaching to her hips, slim waist, white skin which was shining more brighter under the sun rays. Any man would amaze by her beauty.


    Arsh jogged toward her direction.


    "Hey! Are you a princess? " he asked the girl while stepping ahead and standing beside her.


    The girl startled. Looking at arsh with her big eyes, blue pupils. Long eyelashes, rosy pink thin lips, elegant face. Wore a golden dress, anyone can tell that it was really expensive only high class noble can afford it. On her neck was a jewellery with red gem embedded, gem was laid there between her firm bosom it was another charm adding with her beauty, her height was around Arsh''s shoulder.


    Arsh was looking at her waiting for her reply but the girl was at a loss. He was clearly a stranger, his appearance was very simple, even commoners wear good clothes in the royal capital than him. What if he was a thief wearing? So the girl hesitated and took two or three step back from him.


    "Eh. Can you speak?" Arsh asked her again. This time indicating with his hand, what if she can''t listen or speak, those were his thoughts.


    Suddenly a flash of light assaulted arsh. Arsh jumped back and looked toward source of the light.


    Two small ears were on the head of a girl and a long tail stood straight from behind of her waist. Long black eyes, golden slit pupils, furrowed deep glaring straight at Arsh, in her hands was slightly curved long sword. flat chested, her body was slim, same height as the girl beside her but unlike the former girl delicate physic, she was like a hunter. In maid outfit, around her waist was a leather belt where hung a scabbard at her side. She was a demi-human from the wolf clan, master of agility.


    "My deepest apologise, young lady" she bent her waist slightly and greeted the beautiful girl. "Did he do anything to you?" Her face muscles tightened as she asked her while still keeping an eye on arsh.


    The girl tilted her and smiled gently toward the demi-human girl. "You don''t need to be so barbaric about it, Mie. What if you hurt someone?"


    "I-i''m sorry, young lady but I got worried when I saw that suspicious looking man near you" she made an awkward expression then immediately her expression became professionally calm.


    "Ohh" The girl looked at Arsh, as she just remembered what she was talking about. "Hmm~ he seems suspicious but he was just asking if I was a princess or not"


    Mei felt speechless. "What kind of questions is that. Everyone knows who the princess is. We all saw her with the king during the national parade two years ago"


    "Umm... Yeah that''s right then why would he think that a princess would come here to eat this cheap stuff" The girl tilted her head in confusion and put her finger to her lips.


    Mei looked at the girl while making troubled face as she said. "It''s the same for you, Juliana- young lady. You''re a daughter of marquis Steven... so why did you sneaked out of the mansion early in the morning and came here. How worried I was, do you have any idea?"Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Juliana was cowering as Mei''s tone was a little harsh. She was making pitiful face as she said "I-is that so... I apologize"


    Mei straighten her back and turned to Arsh, like she has forgotten about her query and however dissatisfied she was. "No, she''s not the princess but she''s the first daughter of marquis Steven. Do you still want something from us?" She said as she raised an eyebrow.


    Arsh was eating a meat roll from the stall. Arsh titled his head to look at Mei, still chewing while answering Mei. "Muang mueing nom mye?" Arsh said something to her, what no one can understand.


    Mei felt something rising from her stomach "Disgusting! First finish it then talk!" She barked at Arsh.


    The girl beside her giggled, finding it funny.


    She glared at Juliana and said "We should head back, young lady. Lord is worried about you and we''ll be late for our journey"


    "Ah... but I haven''t even eat this delicious looking meat roll" her eyes sparkled as she looked at the meat roll, sauces dripping out of it.


    Mei looked at the meat roll then Juliana "You don''t have to eat this food from some side street, I''ll ask servants to prepare breakfast for you"


    Mei was that kind of girl. Strict and devoted toward her responsibilities or she wouldn''t be appointed to taking care of a marquis''s daughter for many years now.


    "No! I want to eat it, Mei! It looks so good... Yes! We should eat it together!" Juliana smiling brightly, holding Mei''s hands "please!" said in childish tone.


    Mei sighed. Mei knew the girl before her was always like that, cheerful and childish but Mei didn''t dislike it. Mei was older than Juliana so Mei always treated her like a little sister and their relationship was like close friends more than that of master and servant.


    "Yes, Juliana" Mei shook her head while a gentle smile hung to her lips.


    "I was asking, are you talking to me? Arsh made his way between two girls while holding meat roll,( btw it was his fourth meat roll) as he said that, startling both girls.


    Mei felt her anger raising again while Juliana let out a chuckle, she was amused.


    Mei greeted her teeth and stepped back while holding Juliana''s hand "How unmannered. No, you can dissappear from our sight" as she said that, Mai looked away from arsh.


    "Oye, brat! Let''s go we have a mission, we were looking for you and you''re here eating and chatting with girls..." The person who called Arsh was jin. He snickered at arsh and turned back. "Hurry up or you''ll be left behind!" He yelled before began walking.


    "Oh, yes! Let''s meet later, beautiful girl... and flat chested maid warrior?!" After saying that Arsh fled from there in lighting speed.


    Juliana was laughing loudly holding her stomach while Mei was fuming in anger while holding her unsheathed sword, ready to slash arsh.


    XXXXXXX


    Dragonior were waiting outside the royal capital, at the main gate.


    Hanae, Itaru, Hayate and Arsh were sitting on a horse carriage. Their carriage was very simple looking, there was no roof, two benches were each side facing one another, just a simple carriage, they have rented it especially for this mission.


    While Dai and Jin were on horses, beside their carriage.


    Arsh was one to speak. "I think the mission is tomorrow, Jin must have made mistake. No wonder we''re waiting here forever" He said while glancing at Jin slyly.


    Jin mouth twitched when he heard that. "What was that, brat? I''m your senior, you know? You wanna know what. Haah!?


    Dai and the others didn''t even bother to say anything, it was just a few days but those two always act like they are childhood friends, and so others got used to it or just simply started to ignore the two.


    Jin was lecturing Arsh, when a luxurious carriage came out- each side were 20X20cm small windows. Carriage''s interior space was literally small that only two person could fit in... It was most likely designed for some noble to his/her personal use and its frame was painted with silver color and golden outer line. Pulled by two white horses, while a maid was driving it- from the city gate and behind it were five soldiers riding on their own white horses, to guard the person was inside this carriage. Dragonior looked towards the luxurious carriage at the same time with impressed gazes.


    Luxurious carriage stopped just a few meters ahead of Dragonior party members. Dai kicked his horse and lead it toward the carriage, separating himself from his companions.


    "We''re the escorts of Miss. Juliana Bar Vell." Dai slightly lowered his head to show etiquette and introduced himself. "My name is Dai, leader of a adventurer party- Dragonior- silver rank. We''ll be escorting young lady" He looked at the maid who was sitting on the driver seat of the carriage and then return his gaze to small window of the luxurious carriage.


    There was a little movement inside it and window''s door slide open. A beautiful young lady poked her head out of it. Smiling gently toward Dai and her blue eyes were bright as gems.


    "You don''t have to be so polite, Dai Tan Mentt" Her sweet voice travelled every person''s ear, who were there. Arsh recognized this voice and jerked his head to look who it was.


    "You are also a nobility, so you can drop the formalities. We''re grateful to have you and your companions during our journey"


    "If that is your wish Ms. Juliana. Now, let me reform our position and then we should begin to move. We have to cross the forset before sunset" Dai was talking to Juliana, when Arsh came from behind.


    "I thought it was familiar voice. So it was you beautiful girl from before and... ah, there you are, maid warrior. Eh~ you can also drive horse carriage" Arsh grinned looking at them.


    Juliana chuckled at arsh formal talk. While Mei suddenly lost her composure and attacked him with her long sword. Arsh jumped back, smile still hung on his lips.


    Mei turned around to look at Dai and said "What this suspicious, unmannered and vulger guy doing here! Don''t tell me he is with you?!" She shouted at Dai while her face was bright red. She must have remembered those words he had said earlier about her chest, because she covered her chest with her arms.


    "Oye, Oye! What vulgar things are you talking about? I''m an adventurer, you see" Arsh showed his copper plate, which was hanging to his neck. "And I''m gonna be hero some day" he puffed his chest while he said that. He was donning a new set of silver color armor- though it was not rare material or anything. Arsh was still happy to wear a new armor and on his waist there hung two short swords and two daggers.


    Mei ignored Arsh while still looking at Dai.


    Dai was dumbfounded while looking between Mei and Arsh, then turned to Juliana as if he was asking what happened between those two and how.


    Juliana was enjoying it honestly, because she hadn''t seen Mei''s flustered side before. It was only this second time and the cause was the same- Arsh.


    Dai understood, he himself have to do something and said "I apologize if our subordinate have insulted you in anyway. He is our party member but he is still young and not familiar with etiquette... Won''t you forgive him for his childish behaviour? You seem quite refined woman, so you ought let it slide this one time"


    Mei cooled down hearing Dai''s polite words. Looking behind at Arsh "Hmph! You should be grateful to your leader" she said and returned to her driving seat.


    "My~ it was really impressive of you, Dai. As expected of a noble, you have became adventurer but your glibly tongue haven''t changed" Juliana giggled


    Dai only smiled at her and then returned to his companions side, signaling Arsh with his eyes to keep his mouth shut or it will be bad for him.


    Jin finding his chance spat out words "Serves you right, brat. She should have at least gave you a good beating. Ha ha"


    " Enough of this. Ready to move.... I say it again, we must cross the forset before sunset"