《Loners' Aimeless Journey》 Chapter 1 – Waking up. Feeling the warm sunlight on my eyelids, I slowly open my eyes. In front of me a vast grassland spread far to the horizon. I am standing in such a place. ¡° ¡­ ¡° A breeze blows. It isn''t cold, rather warm. There is not many clouds in the sky, is it spring ? My mind feels a bit hazy. I start looking around. I can see a dirt path stretching across the green grassland on my right. There is only a few people and a something that seems to be a carriage far away. I can''t make out any details since it''s so far. It seems they are moving to the direction opposite to me. I turn around, and see a forest a few kilometers away. There are mountains far away in the horizon. Aside from that, there is only an endless grassland. (I don''t know where I am.) I look at myself. I am wearing a leather chest protector-like thing over a white tunic and brown pants made of rough fabric. I also have brown leather gloves on my hands and boots. At my waist, a weight can be felt. (What is this ?) I pull at the handle of the object on my left side to take a closer look, and a rather long object comes out. (Is it ¡­ a sword ?) The sword has a metalic shine and gives a dull reflection of the sunlight. The blade is quite short, somewhat large and is double edged, it would be a called a short sword I guess. The sword doesn''t have any particular features. ¨C A common sword ¨C I check my others belongings. There is a leather gourd filled with water and a poutch hanging on my belt on my right side. I open it and inside there are coins of three different colors. 2 gold coins, 12 silver coins and 15 copper coins. (Money. Is this a high or low amount ?) ¨C Enough to live a few weeks ¨C Somehow, I can tell it is a decent amount. (But how do I know it ?) While pondering, I look at the small card hanging on my neck with a thin rope. On the iron card the size of a business card, is written a name, Sakuta, and ¡°Rank F¡± along with an engraved figure inside a circle. I feel like this name refer to me. (What am I doing here ? ¡­ Am I dreaming ?) While I was lost in thoughts, I suddenly hear a rustling sound. I turn toward the source of the sound and take a few seconds trying to understand what''s before my eyes. A greenish muddy round creature is moving slowly toward me, spreading the grass. Its jelly like boddy shake and change shape with its movements. Its about as large as a basketball. ¨C Slime ¨C For some reasons, the word appears in my mind. I see the slime accelerating toward me by making a few small jumps forward and then jumping higher with more strenght toward my chest ! Well, although I am a bit surprised, its can''t really be called fast. About as fast as a ball thrown lightly. I dodge the jelly ball by stepping aside. The slime land on the ground, making a thump sound like a ball thrown on the ground. Without any reason, I decide to attack it. The slime turn back to face me, or so it seems. I can''t tell for sure since it doesn''t have eyes ¡­ Anyway, before it takes another action I pull out my sword in my right hand and swing it downward on the weird creature. The swing is completely amateurish but it reach the unmoving slime and the blade split its body in two, while splashing dropelets around. ¨C Skill : Swordmanship aquired ! Current level : level 1 ¨C ¨C Level up ! Current level : level 1 ¨C (Hmm ?) Just now I feel like a voice resounded in my mind. It is a clear voice which feels nice to hear. But I am not sure. Did I imagine it ? Well~ it doesn''t matter. Rather than that, I check whether the slime died from this strike. The split body of the slime start to dissolve and make a puddle on the ground. In the middle of the puddle I find a small pebble the size of my pinky. I take the pebble between my fingers to take a closer look. It is mostly of a dull grey color, slightly transparent whith a hint of blue. What is this ? ¨C The stone is produced inside the body of the slime, and is left behind at the death of the creature ¨C (Huh ? How do I know this ? I never saw something like this though ¡­) For the time being, I put the stone in my pocket and start walking toward the dirt path, then walk along the road on the side of the forest. I feel like I should go in this direction. While walking, I encounter a few more slimes, and collect the stones that drop. There aren''t many peoples, and they are far away so I don''t meet them. ¡­ *Slash!* I cut down few moreslimes I found and pick up their stone. ¨C Skill : Swordmanship leveled up ! Current level : lvl 2 ¨C ¨C Level up ! Current level : lvl 2 ¨C I hear the voice again. So it was not my imagination ?Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. (I have gotten a bit better at swinging the sword. Now I can strike more accurately with the sharp part of the blade.) I have walked for a while now. I am starting to feel thirsty so I drink some water in the gourd but it tasted really bad. The water have a smell of leather. But I have to make do with this for now ... Right now, I am close to the forest. The forest is on the right, parallel to the path. Suddenly, I hear a weird scream from the forest. ¡°Giggya!¡± I turn in the direction of the scream, and see two small humano?d figures running out from between the trees. The figures have a green skin and reach a bit higher than my waist. They wear nothing but a dirty cloth around their waist and hold a wooden club in their hand. ¨C Goblins ¨C The name of these creatures flash in my mind while they run in my direction. My sight make contact with their yellow eyes. I canclearly feel their hostility. I tense up unconsiously. I didn''t feel in danger at all against the slimes before, and I can tell these goblins are a lot more dangerous for me. I could get injured against these if I am not careful. I charge toward the goblin on the right which is closer. It stop in front of me and raise its club. I make use of my longer reach to slash at it first. ¡°Gii!!¡± (Goblin A) A red line appear diagonally across its chest, and the goblins stumble backward, but the wound is more shallow than I intended it to be. (Am I hesitating because its a humano?d creature ?) While I hesitate, the goblin on the left closes in and swing down its club ! ¡°!!¡± (Sakuta) (I don''t have the time to avoid it !) I lift my left arm in reflex to protect myself, and the club crashes onto my arm ! ¡°Ouch!!¡± (Sakuta) It hurt !! But it should not be enough to fracture my bones at least. The pain pulls me out of the dazed state I was in since earlier. I feel as my mind suddenly cleared up. While I take a distance from the ennemies, the goblin I harmed previously rush toward me. ¡°Are you alright ?!¡± (Voice) Suddenly I hear someone''s voice, and with a flash, the body of the goblin coming at me is split in two vertically ! (Geh~ disguting. Wait, now is not the time to think that !) Behind the falling corpse of the goblin, appear a red haired woman wielding a long sword. With a step toward the second ennemy, she gives a powerful slash at it and cut it down in a single strike. ¡°Are you okay ?¡± (Savior) ¡°Y-yes, thank you, you saved me.¡± (Sakuta) (She is strong. There is no way I could cut down these guys with a single strike, even putting in all my strength. I couldn''t see her swing her sword at all too.) (Sakuta) The woman in front of me had mid-long scarlet hair tied up into a ponytail, blue eyes, and is quite tall. She wore metallic equipement over her body, which gives off a high quality feeling. Overall, she gives off a dignified atmosphere, like a western knight would look like in my imagination. ¡°No, I am sorry, I was hunting these monsters in the forest. If I didn''t let them escape, you wouldn''t have been injured. I am Leona, a B rank adventurer. You are also an adventurer ?¡± (Leona) (I see a copper tag hanging on a thin chain around her neck. The card has the same size as mine, and the same pattern. I am also an ¡°adventurer¡± I guess ?) (Sakuta) ¡°Yes, I am Sakuta, a F rank adventurer. Best regards.¡± (Sakuta) ¡°A beginner advanturer, I see. Lend me your arm, I''ll give you treatement.¡± (Leona) ¡°Eh? Ah. Thank you very much.¡± (Sakuta) I say, as I obediently pull up my sleeve and show her my left arm. ¡°Don''t mind it.¡± (Leona) She take out a pot and start spreading its content on my bruise. It sting a bit but it doesn''t hurt at all compared to when I received the strike, so I bear with it. ¡°There, done.¡± (Leona) Saying so, she walks upwto the monster''s body while taking out a knife, and squat down. Just when I was going to ask her what is she doing, she cut open the chest area and takes out a bloodied stone, similar to those from slimes, although a little bit larger. She also cut off an ear from each of the bodies. (So there is also stone like these in goblin''s bodies huh.) (Sakuta) Then, she suddenly streches her hand containing the stones toward me. ¡°Here. It is not much but you can sell these at the guild for a bit of money.¡± (Leona) ¡°Eh ? These goblins were defeated by you though ?¡± (Sakuta) ¡°It''s fine. It''s apology for letting them escape and injure you.¡± (Leona) ¡°Is that so ? ...¡± (Sakuta) I say as I place the stones in my poutch. (I wouldn''t mind though, since you already treated my injury. And it was my badfor not running away.) (Sakuta) ¡°Now then, you shouldn''t overdo it, and take a rest Sakuta-kun. The town is not far so you should take a rest for today.¡± (Leona) She point toward the end of the path, where I was walking to earlier. I can see walls over there. ¡°I''ll do so. What will you do Leona-san ?¡± (Sakuta) ¡°I am on a, so I will stay and keep hunting. Well then, see you around at the guild¡± (Leona) ¡°Yeah. See you.¡± (Sakuta) (Leona-san is such a nice person.) (Sakuta) Leona walk away and I start going to the city after she turn away. It''s a bit of a pity to part so fast, too bad. As I start walking, I begin to think about my situation. (I don''t know where I am !) (Sakuta) Getting hit earlier, I felt as thought I woke up in a jolt from a dream. I didn''t realise before but I have no idea in which country I currently am, or even which continent. Even those creatures earlier are stranges. I don''t recall having seen or heard of round jelly life-forms that pounce at you, or small green skinned humano?d with enough intelligence to use weapon. Such thingsshould have been well known. (Also, Leona-san carried a sword like it''s natural, and wear armor. I myself have a weapon and protective gears. Although I understand the necessity since there are monsters around, I never wore such things in the past... I think. Huh ? What was I doing before finding myself in the middle of that grassland ?) (Sakuta) I stop walking and try hard to remember. (I ¡­ can''t remember my surname ... nor my age.) (Sakuta) There are also other things I don''t remember, like things about my acquaintances, such as their name or appearance ... I know they existed, and remember how I interacted with them but that''s all. (I can''t recall where I lived. I have graduated from highschool. I still somewhat remember this period of my life. I think that at least a few years should have passed afterward, but I can''t remember anything between graduation and now...Hnn...) (Sakuta) I rub my temples. (¡­ I think I was planning to study sciences in a college. Have I graduated from college and found a job ? What job was it ?) (Sakuta) It''s a very strange feeling. I start getting uneasy and resume walking. (Really, what happened to me ? Was I transported to another era ? It''s unlikely to be the past since the monsters would have left a trace of their existence to the modern times. In this case the future ? There should not be a civilisation still relying on equipement like sword and armor in real fights. Then has the civilization regressed ? Was I frozen and sent here like in some SF movies or something ? No, I wouldn''t appear in the middle of a grassland in this case ...) (Sakuta) As I quickly think of many hypothesis, I suddenly hear that voice again. ¨C Skill acquired : Thought Acceleration ! Current level : level 1 ¨C ¡° ¨C!¡± (Sakuta) I stop my feets again. I think about the words I hear in my mind. (Skill ? Level ? It reminds me of the games I used to play. Is it thatafter all ?) (Sakuta) Unknown lands, monsters, skill and level. This situation is the same as in those novels which became popular at some point in time. (Was I transported in another world ?) (Sakuta) Although the idea is difficult to accept, it''s the same for all others possibilities I could think of anyway. Actually, finding myself in another world seems to explain my situation better. I don''t reject other possibilities, but for now let''s go with the another world theory. Well, anyway it doesn''t change what I should do. (Surviving, and finding more information about myself, this world, why and how I got here.) (Sakuta) So for now I will go to the town. As I decide my course of action, I find a slime some distance away. (Novel protagonists usually have something in common if you think about it.) (Sakuta) That''s... Cheats skills !
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Sakuta Level0 ¡ú 2
Swordmanship Lv0 ¡ú 2
Thoughts Acceleration Lv0 ¡ú 1
Chapter 2 – Understanding skills ? Facing the slime, Iimagine my possibilities in this new world. (Well then. What should I try ?) (Sakuta) Getting transported to another world, one would expect to get some kind of amazing power right ? ¡­ No well, I know reality might not be the same as those fantasy works, but let me have a little hope. (Hmm ¡­ considering the earlier battle, I have neitherparticular talent with swords nor great physical abilities. So how about magic ? I don''t have evidence that magic exist in this world, but there are monsters, and a game-like system with levels do exist, so it isn''t unthinkable. The point is, how do I use magic ? Would it be enough to imagine the phenomenon ? Or do I need to shout spell some kind of chant ? Or some weird ritual ?) (Sakuta) For the time being, I decide to try what can be done right now. I hold my right palm forward and picture in my mind fire shooting out and burning the enemy in before me ! But nothing happen ¡­ I feel stupid to have thought it would do something ! (Ugh ¡­ I don''t even feel like trying incantations ¡­ What should I try next ?) (Sakuta) I avoid the slime''s attacks as I ponder about what I''ll try next. - Skill Dodging acquired ! Current level : lvl 1 ! - (Is it the fast levelling situation ? No, I can''t tell yet. I don''t even feel like I am getting stronger at the times of these annoucement. Is level 1 even worth talking about ? Levels could go from 1 to 10 or up to 1000 for all I know.) (Sakuta) "... Appraisal then ?" (Sakuta) (I can''t think about anything more than status appraisal for now.) (Sakuta) I stare at the slime hopping that a game like status pagewould pop up in my mind. ¡­ Stare ¡­ Dodge ! ¡­ Stare ¡­ Stare ¡­ Glare. - Skill Intimidation acquired ! Current level : lvl 1 - (That''s not what I was aiming for ! But thanks anyway !) (Sakuta) Oh well, even if it wasn''t the skill I aimed for, it could still prove useful at some point, like, for avoiding fights maybe. (Let''s continue. Eh ? Where did it go ?) (Sakuta) The slime was nowhere to be seen. I search for it, looking around. (¡­ Ah?! It''s running¨C bouncing away !!) (Sakuta) The slime is hopping away ... If you are a monster don''t run away when someone simply stare at you ! ¡°Ha~...¡± (Sakuta) I sigh and start looking for another slime to train on. After wandering a few minutes, I find another one. I immediately stare at it ! Jii~... This time I will concentrate and look at the details of its body. (Look carefully at this ... this soft and round texture ... When it lands after jumping, its body jiggles and ripples are produced ... What an interesting lifeform ! The greenish matter is slightlytransparent if you look closely ! The slime compresses its body vertically by about 30% of its size before springing up, using this force to jump ! I have never seen such an original method of locomotion before. I ... I may have discovered myself a new interest in slime study !) (Sakuta)Stolen novel; please report. - Skill Concentration acquired ! Current level : level 1 ! - - Skill EnhancedEyesight acquired ! Current level : level 1 - (Yay ! I did it ! Tte¨C That''s still not it !!) (Sakuta) Although it''s good that I get many skills by facing a mere slime, and those just now sounded very useful, I want a skill or something to know my and the opponent''s strength. (Maybe something like that doesn''t exist ? But that would be seriously half-assed~ since there are levels and skills, there should be something to check these. Or do you have to memorise all your status changes ? Maybe a specific item or knowledge is needed ?) (Sakuta) I will try one last time. This time I will think about what I know about the targetand focus on the feeling I get from that voice announcing skill ups. (This creature is called a slime. There might be various species of slimes, and this one can be easily found. Furthermore it''s really weak. Even before I leveled up for the first time, I could kill one easily. So its level should be level one.) - Skill Status Appraisal acquired ! Current level : level 1 ! - - Status Appraisal - Slime It came out ! Finally !! The image of some kind of text appear in my mind. Eh ? ¡­ (Wait ! Isn''t the information way too little ?! Ah but the skill is only at level 1. If I train, it should show more information.) (Sakuta) For the time being, I will use the skill some more to level it. Skills probably level up by using them repeatedly. (But how do I use skills ? Is it a passive effect or do I use it simply by intending to use it ?) (Sakuta) I look at the slime and try to bring up the text again. (Use [Status Appraisal].) (Sakuta) [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime I did it ! Now if I could somehow make more text appear... [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime ... [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime ... [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime ... [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime ... [Status Appraisal] - Status Appraisal - Slime - Level 1 - Skill Status Appraisal leveled up ! Current level : level 2 ! - Ah ! It worked. The amount of information increased a little. I can now see the opponent''s level. I decide to stop. I wait for the slime to jump and cut it down mid-air. - Skill Swordmanship leveled up ! Current level : level 3 ! - - Level up ! Current level : lvl 3 - ¡°Fuh~¡± (Sakuta) I am starting to feel tired. I decide to stop hunting slimes and walk to the town. Can I use [Status Appraisal] on myself ? Let''s see~ I look at my hands and try using [Status Appraisal]. - Self Status - Human - Skill Self Status acquired ! Current level : level 1 ! - ¡°...¡± (Sakuta) How useless ! I don''t need a skill to know I am an human ?! At least give my name !! I am also surprised that a different skill was learned. Does it means that reading information about a monster and myself require a different skill ? Because of that I have to level all of them separately. (Oh well fine. I will increase this skill while I walk. Ah and I should try appraising inanimate objects too.) (Sakuta) I look intensely at the grass and ¡­ - Item Appraisal- Grass - Skill Item Appraisal acquired ! Current level : level 1 ! - (Hahaha... Thought so...) (Sakuta) I walk toward the town while using [Self Status] and [Item Appraisal] continuously. In the end I didn''t find any cheat abilities within myself, so I was quite disappointed, but mostly worried about my future.
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Sakuta - Human Level 2 ¡ú 3
Swordmanship Lv1 ¡ú 2
Dodging Lv0 ¡ú 1
Intimidation Lv0 ¡ú 1
Enhanced Eyesight Lv0 ¡ú 1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv0 ¡ú 1
Concentration Lv0 ¡ú 1
Status Appraisal Lv0 ¡ú 2
Self Status Lv0 ¡ú 1
Item Appraisal Lv0 ¡ú 1
Chapter 3 - Iskia Town After walking half an hour, I reach the entrance of the town. The entrance was guarded by a large gate about 3 meter tall. It''s currently open and there are some guards in front. The town was enclosed by tall stone walls with a maximal height of 10 meters and towers. There are also some guards on top. It''s exactly like a medieval fantasy town ... On the way, I defeated a few more slimes, but I didn''t level up and there were less and less encounters the more I approached the town. I also didn''t meet anyone on the road, isn''t that weird ? I think it is, although I don''t know the population density in this area, the town seems large enough so there should be some traffic along the road. Maybe the time is not right ? The sky is bright so it must be afternoon. I don''t know what means of travel exists in this world. If horses are used, going out the morning would be more practical if you don''t want to travel at night. Well, I have no way of verifying that right now, so forget it. I also increased the level of the skills [Status Check], [Self Status] and [Item Appraisal] by using them continuously on everthing I could see, and the levels raised to level 3, level 4 and level 4 respectively. At some point, my head started to hurt a little. I am convinced that using these three skills too much caused this pain. It''s similar to when you think too hard for a long period. Rather than pain, it would be closer to laziness instead ? Raising skill levels got kinda fun, so I ignored the discomfort and kept using the three skills. Like this I also got two new skills : [Pain Resistance lv1] and [Parallel Thoughts lv1]. [Pain Tolerance] probably comes from enduring the slight headache. After obtaining it, the discomfort dissipated. [Parallel Thoughts lv1] might be because I used all three skills at the same time. I needed a bit of effort to be able to use two or more skills at the same time. But as I thought, level 1 to 4 must be really low if it''s so easy to reach this point. The level cap must be higher than 10 at least. Maybe there is no cap actually ? Now, I see my own status like this : - Self Status - Sakuta - Level 3 Human HP : 100% There is a bar at bottom, beside the entry ''HP''. The bar is completely filled. Goodto know that I am in full health huh~. A slime''s status looks like this : - Status Appraisal - Grass Slime - Level 1 Slime ''Grass Slime'' must be a subspecie of slime, I guess. Using [Item Appraisal], I get the following results : On grass : - ItemAppraisal - Grass Alive Normal My equipment : - ItemAppraisal - Iron Sword Short Sword Normal -State :good - ItemAppraisal - Leather Chest Armor Light Leather Armor Normal - State : new - ItemAppraisal - LeatherGloves Light Leather Gloves Normal - State : new The results are a little different between living beings and equipment, even though it''s the same [Item Appraisal] ... Yet there is also [Status Appraisal] and [Self Status]. I don''t understand why there is three differents skills ... But whatever. It doesn''t matter as long as it can be used, right ? ¡­ Returning to the present, I am in front of the opened town gate. There is a few peoples in metal armor, four, wielding spears. Some also have a sword at their waist. They stand next toa carriage pulled by horses going outside of the town. (So there ARE peoples travelling out at this time, huh ? Hmm... As I thought, technology in this world is lower than my original world. They still use horses for transport. Well~ there might be some more advanced things here, depending on what they concentrate developpment efforts on. I just hope that it isn''t because of monsters acting as natural disasters and slowing down the development of this world ...That would be scary.) (Sakuta) I can see some peoples in the carriage, and the guards are talking to a man wearing some well colored clothes beside it. (Is he a wealthy person or are colorants common ? Dyed clothes were expensive during Middle Ages.) (Sakuta) After hesitating a bit, I approach the gate. I don''t know if I need some kind of identification and I only have my adventurer card, but nothing good will comes out of staying in the wilderness forever. One of the guards has a different uniform than the others. He seems to be higher ranked and is talking to the merchant. I try listening to their conversation. - Skill Enhanced Hearing acquired ! Current level : level 1 ! - ¡°... the capital, huh ? There will be a lot of peoples coming to watch the Hero Tournament. Guess it''s a good opportunity for you merchants.¡± (Guard A) (Eh ? Did I mishear ? ''Hero Selection'' ? The skill [Improved Hearing] might be too low level... Come to think of it, how do I understand the language of this world ? There is no way this is coincidentaly the exact same language as in my world right ?) (Sakuta) ¡°Yes that''s how it is. Though unfortunately, we missed the caravan moving out this morning. I am hoping to catch up before dusk.¡± (Merchant) With this, the guards let the carriage pass. I step forward and the guards turn toward me. (I feel a bit nervous now... What do I do if they ask where I came from ? Is the adventurer card enough as identification ? I have to keep calm.) (Sakuta) The guard who was talking to the merchant before,walks up to me. ¡°Are you entering the town ? Your identification please.¡± (Higher ranked guard A) ¡°Yes. I am Sakuta, F rank adventurer.¡± (Sakuta) I say, and show him my card. ¡°I see. By the way, what were you doing earlier ? Thrusting your hand in front of you and making weird movements while facing slimes ? We can''t let suspicious individual through.¡± (Guard A) ¡°-!!¡± (Sakuta) (Ehh?! He saw that ?! Moreover from this far ?! Argh !! What weird movements ? I was dodging the slimes attacks and training [Status Appraisal]¨C And what''s that suspicious about ?! ¡­ Well I guess it was that weird... Sigh~ What do I answer ? ''I was trying to use magic randomly, but failed miserably since I don''t even know how to begin~ Tehe~''... I can''t say that...) (Sakuta) ¡°It''s nothing... I was... training...¡± (Sakuta) I say as I hang my head down.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°... Training huh ? Well whatever. You can go. Welcome to Iskia Town.¡± (Guard A) (I am so embarassed I want to hide in a hole...) (Sakuta) ¡°Thanks... Ah- could you tell me where is the adventurer guild ?¡± (Sakuta) (I want to separate as fast as possible, but I have to ask or I will have to wander around randomly.) (Sakuta) ¡°... First time here ? The adventurer guild is straight ahead. Just walk straight along the main road and you will find it. Ah it''s the big building you will see on the left.¡± (Guard A) ¡°Thank you very much¡± (Sakuta) I quickly walk past the guard to hide my embarassement. ¡­ -Guard A''s POV- Haa~ we have a nice weather today. I am a guard tasked with the duty of keeping watch at the south gate. We gate guards watch out for any suspicious peoples trying to get in or out of the town and arrest them, most of the time. There are also time when a stray monster come and we subjugate it. Fortunately, most monsters in the vicinityare weak. These weak monsters usually don''t approach the town since they know they will only get killed. Rarely though, there is a large amount of monsters, or strong ones which we can''t handle that comes. In that case, we have to close the gate to buy time and request for renforcement. Well, that''s a very rare occurrence. Most of the times we take action is when we find a bandit andillegal goods smuggler trying to pass the gates. This morning, we were 20 guard keeping the gate. Basically the maximum number we could have keeping watch since there was a need to take rests in rotation. Now we are four including me. This morning was extremely busy because a lot of people left for the capital since there is the Hero Tournament. But now that it''s afternoon, there isn''t many people passing by since they would have left this morning. It''s safer to travel with a lot of peoples after all. ¡°Huh-?¡± (Guard A) Far in the plain, I see a person facing a slime. Another guard wouldn''t be able to see what the person is fighting, but ! I possess the skill [Improved Eyesight lv 11] ! Thanks to this I am higher graded than the three others guard remaining on duty. By the way, I am usually keeping watch at the top of walls to make use of this. I can even see his movements. Huh ? He trust his hand out... Nothing happens. What is he doing ? You will die if you do such careless moves in front of a monster you know ? Fortunately it''s just a grass slime in front of you. Hmm ? He made an avoiding move. And again. Hey why don''t you just defeat it ? It can''t be that hard to beat a slime no matter how weak someone is right ? I use [Status Appraisal lv2] on him. Although it''s considered rude, we guards, along with knights and anyone tasked with security related job are allowed to use appraisal. I won''t be able to find out much at level 2 though ... - Status Appraisal - Human - Level 3 He is quite low leveled for a boy of his age travelling out. Well, even at level 1 it would be easy to defeat a slime. By the way, I am level 12. It''s average among guards here. The boy keeps avoiding without attacking. What a weirdo. I stop watching him and return to my duty. There is still an hour before my shift. I patiently wait while I keep watch. Moments laters, a carriage arrives from the town. I step forward to meet its owner. It seems he is a merchant heading late to the capital. For now I check his identity and those of the adventurers escorting him. We compare with the list of wanted criminals. After that, the carriage drives away, and a boy approach us. He is the weird boy from earlier. He has black eyes and hair and seems to be around 15 years old, which is quite young to be travelling alone. ¡°Are you entering the town ? Your identification please.¡± (Guard A) ¡°Yes. I am Sakuta, F rank adventurer.¡± (Sakuta). (Rank F. Well at his level he couldn''t be higher ranked except with backing. But aside from his black eyes and hair, he doesn''t have any outstanding features. His equipment looks brand new but nothing expansive. Just common mass produced stuff.) (Guard A) People with black eyes and hair are unusual in this country, but it''s not like I never saw one until today. It seems these features are on contrary the most common in the countries far in the west, instead of the blond hair or light brown we usually see here. ¡°I see. By the way, what were you doing earlier ? Thrusting your hand in front of you and making weid movement against mere slimes ? We can''t let suspicious individual through.¡± (Guard A) ¡°...¡± (Sakuta) He says nothing for a few instants. (Is he surprised I saw him from that far away ? Hehehe told you. My [Improved Eyesight lv 11] is quite something !) (Guard A) I grin as I have these thoughts. But he can''t see it since I have a helmet on. ¡°It''s nothing... I was... training...¡± (Sakuta) Ah he was just embarassed about doing weird things ? I should stop or it will looks like I am bullying him. ¡°...Training huh ? Well whatever. You can go.Welcome to Iskia Town.¡± (Guard A) (I won''t pry into this since I am a upright adult. He is not on the wanted list so I will let him through. I would remember it if he was since his features are unusual.) (Guard A) ¡°Thanks... Ah- could you tell me where is the adventurer guild ?¡± (Sakuta) (Huh ? First time he comes here ? Where does he come from ? A weak young boy just reaching adulthood travelling alone ? The nearest village is a day and half of walk away. He is quite lucky to not have encountered danger. Even a small group of goblins could heavily injure him.) (Guard A) ¡°... First time ? The adventurer guild is straight north. Just walk straight along the main road and you will find it. Ah it''s the big building you will see on the left.¡± (Guard A) ¡°Thank you very much¡± (Sakuta) He was quite the polite boy. Usually adventurers would just say ¡° ''ere¡± showing their adventurer card, ''...none of ya'' business'' and ''Oi wher''s the guild ?''.
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Sakuta - Human Level 3
Swordmanship Lv3
Dodging Lv1
Intimidation Lv1
EnhancedEyesight Lv1
EnhancedHearing Lv0 ¡ú 1
PainResistance Lv0 ¡ú 1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv1
Parallel Thoughts Lv0 ¡ú 1
Concentration Lv1
Status Appraisal Lv2 ¡ú 3
Self Status Lv1 ¡ú 4
Item Appraisal Lv1 ¡ú 4
Chapter 4 - Adventurer guild and cold reception I enter the town feeling a bit down. My first day in this world and I already have an entry for my black history... Well that guard seemed nice and he politely answered me. I just hope he forgets what happened. I decide to forget it since I can''t do anything now that''s done, and move on. I walk in the main street as I was told, looking around. The buildings are made mostly of stone, and wood. I gives the vibe of old europeean cities. There are also more peoples than I thought. ''I usually dislike crowded areas'' I remember about myself. It''s still alright since there aren''t as many peoples as at a festival. The peoples here mostly have blond hair in various shades, but there are also those with fantasy-like colours such as dark green, red, blue etc, though they are a minority. About eyes colour, I am not sure since I can''t just get close to someone and stare at their face, but I think I saw a guy with purple eyes. I pull my own hair to look at it. It''s black. My eyes are - Umm~ black. I think. I can''t know without a mirror but I seem to remember this fact. I don''t see anyone with these features here. (I hope I don''t attract too much attention.) (Sakuta) I unconciously shrink myself. I didn''t try appraising the status of the guards earlier. I try it on the peoples in come across. Most of the adults are between level 5 and level 8. I am quite disappointed when I compare with my own level 3 ¡­ (I am actually super weak am I not ?) (Sakuta) I sigh inwarldy. (For now I have to go to the guild.) (Sakuta) I walk a bit more and find a big building made of bricks on my left. There is a signboard with a drawing of a sword and axe intersecting over a shield. There is also another worn out sign with words on it. (''Adventurer Guild''. Huh ? I can read it ? Even though these letters are definitely not something I know of. Come to think of it, the words on my adventurer card are the same language. I didn''t notice.) (Sakuta) I take a deep breath and decide to enter the guild. ¡­ The inside of the guild was better illuminated than I thought it would be. And not as dusty as I though it would be from the rough exterior appearence. Though there are a lot of peoples here, it''s still less crowded than outside. Most are sitting around tables talking loudly between themselves, and the others are standing in lines in front of a counter with receptionists behind. (Just what you would expect ! A template adventurer guild !) (Sakuta) When I enter though, some peoples turn to look in the direction of the door and the noise lessen a bit. Eh ? They are not looking at the door but me right ?! Please don''t let it be the template where a muscle head comes seeking trouble ! I have no cheat ability so I will probably get hurt ! Okay. Let''s act as if there is nothing wrong and walk straight to a counter to avoid trouble. Keep a poker face. (I am a normal adventurer. There is nothing wrong with me being here, so you should stop looking at me. You don''t greet anyone who comes in do you ?) (Sakuta) As if listening to my prayers, people stop paying attention to me and return to their discussions. I sigh of relief in my mind and look at the counter. There is a free receptionist. Somehow, no one is waiting in front when there are 3~4 adventurer in line before all the others counters. I take a look to check if there are any differences, if the counter is reserved or something, but don''t notice anything peculiar aside from the lack of customers. (Strange ... But the less I wait, the quicker I get out of here.) (Sakuta) Thinking so, I stop thinking about it and move toward that unpopular counter. There is a female receptionist with short blue hair in a bob cut and golden coloured eyes. She is expressionless as she watches me coming over. "Excuse me, is this counter open?" (Sakuta) I ask in a small voice. "As you can see" (Receptionist) She said that looking sharply at me like she was looking at an idiot wasting her time. (Um ... I just came to this world and don''t know anything. Please forgive me ?) (Sakuta) I felt like crying a bit, but I have to move on if I want to get out of there faster. "I would like to sell these." (Sakuta) I take out the monster stones on the counter. "Yes, please wait a bit." (Receptionist) She fiddles with something under the counter. "Two goblins''s magic stones and thirteen slimes''s ones. This will be 46 Lys. Please, lend me your adventurer card." (Receptionist) She exchanges the stones for 6 copper coins, and 4 bigger copper coins. And I give her my card. The receptionist puts the card against some kind of tool and give it back to me. "The procedure is finished." (Receptionist) (Phew~ I am relieved it ended without a problem. If there was a deeper identity check, I might not be able to answer where I come from. Now, I just have one things to ask) "Say, I just came in this town, could you recommend me an inn ?" (Sakuta) The receptionist stare at me with an even sharper look, as if I was not only a trash not worth her time, but one that went out of its way to bother her. I feel like the room got a little colder all of sudden, but it''s probably my imagination. ''Like this, I might even get something like a [Intimidation Resistance] skill'', is what I though.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. She doesn''t answer, and a silence occur as I find myself unable to break eye contact. "..." (Sakuta) "..." (Receptionist) She is the first to look away. Taking out a sheet of paper, the receptionist quickly scribble some things on it before handing the paper to me. Taking a quick glance at it, I understand that it''s a map of the town. Moreover, it''s quite detailed for something drawn on the fly. "Thank you very much." (Sakuta) I thank her and turn back to exit the guild, thinking that although she is scary, the receptionist still helped me. But I then notice that the adventurers are looking over here and had stopped talking before I knew it. No. They are whispering among themselves. "Hey, did''ya see that brat ? He went to talk with ''that'' receptionist" "He must be new here." "He even bothered her to draw a map !" "He didn''t even flinch in front of that glare ! Actually he expressionlessly walked over." "This boy have guts. Even I avoid the ''Frost Glare" ''s counter." "Oi, don''t use that nickname, shewill hear ya." (Eh ? What''s up with these reactions ?) (Sakuta) I supress the urge to look back at the receptionist and walk out of the guild. (Hah~ I ended up gathering too much attention. Let''s hope it doesn''t turn troublesome.) (Sakuta) ... -Receptionist''s POV- I am Seria. A receptionist at the Adventurer''s Guild of Iskia Town. Our main job is to deal with advnturers, appraise the spoils they get from defeating monsters, handing them rewards, and advise them ... When they are listening though, since most of them are only doing as they please. Most of them take up the adventurer job because they have no other altenative. Being third son or more, they can''t succeed the job of their father. Without particular talent or connection, the only other choices beside becoming an adventurer are to either become a mercenary, or a bandit. Being a mercenary is a lot harsher than being adventurer. Although the work you do is mostly the same, you have to make a name for yourself if you want to get hired, unlike adventurers who have the guild''s backing them to find requests. Requests can be any legal job as long as there is demand. From escort, monsters and magic beast subjugation, collect of ressources in dangerous places, to delivery, construction work and any odd job. Though these odd jobs are particularly unpopular, and these tasks are only taken when an adventurer is broke and doesn''t find anything else. There are also ex-nobles who becomes adventurer if they don''t succeed a title. They could become merchants since they have a better education than commoners, or other nobles'' retainers and live safely without ever stepping in this place. The reason is that it''s possible to attain nobility by obtaining a great achievement like slaying a True dragon, or becoming a A-rank adventurer and higher. I seldom saw an ex-noble adventurer. Much less talked to one. That''s right, today again, I stand behind the counter waiting for an adventurer to show up. And yet. And yet ! (No one ! There is no one !) (Seria) I don''t mean that the guild is deserted, on the contrary, it''s only a little less filled than usual. Because of the Hero Tournament, the highest ranker went to the capital. What I mean is that no adventurer are lining up before my counter ! If you look at the other receptionists, there is almost never a time when they are left alone. What''s with this difference intreatment ?! ... But I actually know why I am not as popular. The reason is that I scare away the adventurers. Yes, even these guys who hunt monsters are afraid of me. In particular, of my eyes. I have a sharp gaze that is very intimidating. I also show very little facial expression beside frowning, on top of being bad with my word which cause me to berude when I am nervous. From the various gossips I hear, adventurers feel a chill in their back when talking to me ... Because of all this, I got the nickname of ''Frost Glare'' from the adventurers when I am not even an adventurer or a knight. (I am not happy at all about this ! Why do I have to get such a scary nickname ?) (Seria) I was always like this from as far as I remember. Other children were afraid of me so I didn''t have friends ... Actually I had only a single friend who also works as a receptionist and recommended me for the job. I only got the job thanks to her, so I am very grateful to her. I am always grateful to her for everything. Still. What should I do if even adventurers are scared of me ? Before I knew it, my [Intimidation] skill raised to ... level 24. I can''t even control it. It''s seriously depressing. Thankfully, because the guildmaster have a high [Fear Resistance] level, and mediation from my friend, I can keep the job. (But today is another day without me being able to do anything again...) (Seria) As I though that, someone enter the guild. He is a young boy who seems to have just reached adulthood. He has unusual black hair. (I have never seen him before. Is he here to make a request ? But seeing his equipment, he must be a new adventurer. Did he register when I was off duty ?) (Seria) He looks around then walks to the counters. (Eh ? He is coming over here ? Really ? Ah I see, since he is new here, he doesn''t know about me.) (Seria) Alright ! I have to do my best ! Smile, smile. H-how is it ? "Excuse me, is this counter open?" (Sakuta) He asks. "As you can see" (Seria) (Oh no, why did I answer like this when I could simply answer "Yes" ?! It sound like I am being hostile !) (Seria) "I would like to sell these." (Sakuta) He calmly takes out monsters cores on the counter without changing his expression. Is he actually fine ? "Yes, please wait a bit" (Seria) I appraise the cores with a magic tool under the counter and calculate the reward. "Two goblins'' magic stones and thirteen slimes'' cores. This will be 46 Lys. Please, lend me your adventurer card." (Seria) He gives me his adventurer card and I press it against the magic tool. This tool is used both for appraising items and recording adventurers'' reward and achievements. "The procedure is finished." (Seria) (Phew~ I''m glad it ended without problem.) (Seria) "Say, I just came in this town, could you recommend me an inn ?" (Sakuta) Eh ? Did I misheard ? he saids it''s his first time being in this town ? That means he traveled here right after registering as an adventurer, but why would you do that instead of raising your rank first at the place you registered ? He is rank F and his record was blank. Ah! I have to answer him ! It will be more convenient if I draw him a map instead of explaining. I will also avoid saying rude things, and I am quite confident in my drawing abilities. I quickly draw something and hand it over. He looks at it for a while. (I-Is there something wrong with my map ?) (Seria) "Thank you very much." (Sakuta) But contrary to my worries, he thanks me before turning around. My eyes follow his back as he exit the guild. "Good work Seria-chan. You did well !" I hear someone praising me from my side, smiling as if something good happened to herself. She is Amy, my friend. She is also the most popular receptionist of this guild. "Un." (Seria) I make a small nod. I am really happy that I managed to do my work properly. "Do your best ! Maybe he will become your regular !" (Amy) I nod again and she smiles more brightly. (It would be nice ... I have to work hard !) (Seria) I take a look at the appraising magic tool. (Sakuta-san is it ? The registering place field is blank. I wonder where does he comes from.) (Seria)
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Sakuta - Human Level 3
Swordmanship Lv3
Dodging Lv1
Intimidation Lv1
EnhancedEyesight Lv1
EnhancedHearing Lv1
PainResistance Lv1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv1
Parallel Thoughts Lv1
Concentration Lv1
Status Appraisal Lv3
Self Status Lv4
Item Appraisal Lv4
Note : Changed [Dodging] to [Evasion]. Sounds better in my opinion. Chapter 5 - The inn. Finally, a rest. After I exit the guild, I take a new look at the hand-drawn map. It''s really well made for something made on the fly ¡­ The town has a circular shape, with gates in the four cardinal directions. On the west side is the commercial and industrial district where I can find markets and weapon or armor smith shops. The residential district is in the east. That would be where most of the population lives. Lastly, at the northern part is the noblemen and wealthy peoples living places. This part of the town is enclosed with an inner wall. (Hmm ¡­ It seems there are nobles in this world. As expected of a fantasy world should I say ? Is it a system similar to medieval Europe, or with feudal lords ? I better avoid the north area for the time being. I don''t want to get into trouble due to my lack of knowledge about this world and anger them.) (Sakuta) I decide to avoid interacting with nobility as much as possible until I understand this world better and move toward the inn indicated on the map. It would be better to secure a room as soon as possible I thought. Ah, it seems there is a religion in this world, since there is a temple near the plaza, at the center of the town. I wonder what kind of religion it is. I didn''t believe in gods or occult stuff in my previous world, so it probably doesn''t have anything to do with me ¡­ Though I did end up in another world somehow, so there might actually be gods that interact with peoples ? Night will fall soon. A couple more hours at best, judging by the brightness of the sky. I hurry myself. The inn is located close to the south road, a little inside the west side of the town. I avoid empty, small streets just in case, and progress toward my destination. I also avoid overly crowded places though. There are open air stalls on the roadsides, peoples clustering around some of them making a fuss over prices. Of courses, there are also first floors of buildings serving as shops. These shops have painted signboards picturing their specialties. There aren''t any buildings with more than three floors. I eventually tell myself to stop sightseeing and focus on finding my way in these unfamiliar streets. (I can go sightseeing later, when my situation stabilize) (Sakuta) ... I finally arrive at the inn I was recommended. Fortunately, I didn''t get lost, didn''t get talked to by strangers and went around unnoticed. There wasn''t a sign indicating that it was an inn at first, so I almost missed it, but looking more closely, there is a bed and food plate drawn on a small board hung on the door. Most signboards until now were large boards put over the entrance. Putting my handle on the door, I slowly open the door. I am greeted by the sight of a dining hall, with peoples eating and chatting around circular tables, ordering food and more alcohol. A waitress in green uniform is happily moving around serving customers and replying in a cheerful tone. Huh wait ? (Isn''t this waitress a little girl ? Is it alright for her to work here ? This looks like an adventurer specilized inn. Also she has pointy, furry ears atop her head and a cat-like tail ! This world has beastraces !) (Sakuta) The girl with tea coloured hair, fluffy cat ear and tail keeps working without minding the frozen-in-place me. (... Rather than looking, I should get going and rent a room.) (Sakuta) ''Where is the reception ?'', I look around and find it on the left side. Standing behind a desk is a cat-eared woman wearing a charming business smile. She looks like a grown-up version of the earlier waitress. ''Is she the elder sister ? They look quite similars.'' I though, walking toward the desk. "Good evening~. Welcome to our inn, The Sleepy Cats~. Would you like to rent a room ? Or did you come for dinner ?" (Cat-eared woman) The woman asked in a sleepy voice, which you would not expect from her bright, almond-shaped green eyes. "I would like a room." (Sakuta) "Understood~. An individual room is 50 Lys a night~. Shared rooms of four customers is 30 and it''s 5 Lys per meals~." (Cat-eared woman) Somehow her sleepy voice is quite soothing... (... Wait ! I don''t know how to use the currency of this world. What do I do ? Erm... ) (Sakuta) "Customer~?" (Cat-eared woman) "Ah yes ... Single room please ..." (Sakuta) (That makes 50 ''Lys'' a night. I guess ''Lys'' is the name of the currency here. Which reminds me, at the guild earlier, I sold monster stones for 46 Lys. It was all copper coins with two different sizes. Four larges ones, and six smaller ones.) (Sakuta) "... for three days." (Sakuta) I think fast in order to figure out how money work as I talk. Three days should be long enough to settle a bit, and short enough to avoid wasting money if I decide to move elsewhere. "That will be 150 Lys~. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Will you take your meals here~?) (Cat-eared woman) (At 5 Lys a meal, that will be 65 Lys a day for food and lodgings. Smaller copper coins seems to be worth the least, so if I suppose those are worth 1, the biggers ones would be worth 10. I had 15 more of the smaller ones, so, in copper coins, I have in total 61 Lys.) (Sakuta) "I will take breakfast and dinner." (Sakuta) (I don''t know if there are others coins size, so I have no idea how much silver and gold coins are worth.) (Sakuta) "It will be 60 Lys per day, so 180 Lys then~. Would you like to pay it all at once~ or separately ?"(Cat-eared woman) "Separately please." (Sakuta) I place four large coins and twenty small coins on the desk. "Thank you for the business~! By the way customer ? Was this inn recommended to you ?" (Cat-eared woman) "Yes, by the Adventurer Guild." (Sakuta) "I see~. Customer doesn''t looks like an adventurer so I was wondering~."(Cat-eared woman) ... That one hurt a bit. I know I am thin and don''t practise sport at all. Looking around though, I can tell this is a natural reaction since all the men here are well built. "Ah I''m sorry~. It''s my bad habit to says everything I think about aloud. I didn''t mean to be rude~"(Cat-eared woman) She says, putting a hand to her cheek, looking apologetic. (Well, I don''t really mind anyway.) (Sakuta) The woman then clap her hands together, looking like she was struck by a good idea. "I know ! How about we make tonight dinner free of charge ? As apology and to welcome a new customer~."(Cat-eared woman) (... Good idea. I forgot that I didn''t eat anything since I came in this world.) (Sakuta) After that, she register my name after looking at my guild card. It seems her daughter will guide me to my room after I eat dinner. Or rather ''she is a mother ?!'' I though. It can''t be helped since she seems to be in her early twenties, but I might be mistaken. Or maybe it''s not considered that young here. I don''t know. I don''t know anything about this world common sense. ... A few moments latter, I am sitting at a small table in a corner of the room. The small waitress took my order with a perfectly practised friendly smile. I ordered today''s recommandation since I was completely clueless about any food on the menu, and water. (Was it alright ? I think I once read some trivia about water being unclean in Middle Ages, so most peoples drunk wine or ale. It might be exagerated though.) (Sakuta) "Thanks for waiting ! Here''s your order !" (Cat Waitress)Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The waitress brings a plate and a mug. It seems to be a ''something''s'' stew. Don''t misunderstand, it doesn''t look bad. I am simply unable to recognize what ingredient was used here. It actually looks quite appetizing and makes me realize that I am very hungry. I nod to her, take the spoon beside the plate and start eating. "By the way customer ? I heard from mom that you were an adventurer. Is that true ?" (Cat Waitress) "Yes it''s true." (Sakuta) I answer simply with a nod. (So she really is this inn''s daughter ?) (Sakuta) "Heee~. You look quite young, you can''t be much older than me so I was curious !" (Cat Waitress) (Eh ? Seriously ? Do I looks this young ?! It''s true I was once told that I look younger than my age ... But to think I would look this young ...) (Sakuta) The waitress is as small as a middle schooler while I should be at least 18. "My name is Mina ! May I ask customer''s name ?" (Mina) I answer her shorlty. It seems she is quite curious about me. Shifting my gaze down a bit, I can see a cat tail swinging slowly. Mina is wearing a thick green dress under a white apron. It looks a bit like a maiduniform. Looking more closely at her face, I notice that she has the same green almond-shaped eyes as her mother. You can also notice vertical-slit black pupils. She is very cute. Cute enough to be popular 2D character among a peculiar otaku community of my previous world. I will declare right here that I am not part of this sub-community ... In this world she seems to be this inn''s poster girl. "Sakuta-sama is it ? Since when are you an adventurer ? I''ve never seen you around. Where do you come from ? What ..." (Mina) She asks me a lot of questions, with sparkly eyes full of curiosity. I could answer that I became an adventurer today, but I am somewhat troubled about telling her where I come from. (Should I answer evasively that I come from somewhere far away ? But it seems like it will make her even more curious. ''Curiosity killed the cat'' ... No. Let''s not say something so ominous and I''m not that kind of character. What if I told her I actually came from another world ? Anyway, is it alright for her to chat while she is working ?) (Sakuta) While I am pondering how to answer Mina''s questions, some other customer call out to her, ordering more alcohol. "Ah~... Yes~ coming ! Sakuta-sama, please enjoy your stay here !" (Mina) Looking a bit disappointed, Mina went over to take orders. It''s not that I dislike Mina, but I felt a bit relieved that I didn''t have to answer her questions. This relief was short. After Mina went away, a few men came over and suddenly sat around my table on the remaining chairs, making me surprised and intimidated. "Yo~ newbie. ''Looks like ya getting along quite well with our cute Mina-chan HUH?!" (A rough looking guy) (''Our cute Mina-chan'' ?! The hell is wrong with you.) (Sakuta) "You are new here, so I will tell ya. It''s a common agreement here to not talk more than ten seconds straight to Mina-chan !) (Mean looking guy) A second guy with a suspicious eyes continue the rough looking guy. "It''s all for protecting this little angel from bad insects !" (A not very noticeable guy) This last guy wasn''t very noticeable ... I didn''t know he was here until he talked. These three peoples are adventurers. It can be understood from the bronze tags they are showing off on their chests. "And so- Oi!! Why are ya calmly eating when I''m talkin'' to ya !" (Rough guy) (Sorry but it can''t be helped. I am hungry, and the food will go cold if I wait for you guys to stop talking. It seems you will be talking for quite long after all.) (Sakuta) The man seems quite angry, but his face quickly turn into an ominous grin. "... Oh well. It can''t be helped, since it''s the food Mina-chan brought. Eat well while I explain ya how stuff works here." (Rough guy) (That''s what I intended to do. No need to stop eating to listen.) (Sakuta) "But let me tell ya something first. That food you are eating was made by a big old beastman !" (Rough guy) (Eh ? Okay.) (Sakuta) After saying something random, these three guys started grinning and laughing. "Fuhahaha ! Are you disapointted ?! You though Mina-chan cooked that foo d for you huh ?!" (Mean looking guy) (...No ? Not really. I mean, she was working as waitress. There is no way she has time to cook. Are these guys idiots ?) (Sakuta) "... Not really." (Sakuta) "Fuu~! No need to hide your disappointment." (Rough guy) He says that while making a smug face. It''s somewhat irritating. "Rather than that, what did ya talk about with Mina-chan ? Don''t misunderstand okay ? She is only talking to ya because you two are close in age. Don''t get cocky, newbie" (Mean guy) I swallow the food in my mouth, and ready myself to say that I didn''t talk a lot with Mina, that it was mostly her asking a lot of questions, that their way of walling her Mina-chan Mina-chan is creepy, and a lot of other things, but ... "... Nothing in particular." (Sakuta) (Huh ?) (Sakuta) I suddenly remember something important. About an important ability necessary in daily life... "What~! Don''t give me that !Ya were talking all happily with Mina-chan !" There is no way I was talking all happily with Mina because ... (I am bad at chatting with other ! I am alright with people asking me question I can answer simply, greetings, asking direction, business related stuff, anything where I can give a template answer, but anything more complex is difficult !) (Sakuta) "That''s not true." (Sakuta) The rough guy sitting next to me strongly press his hand on my shoulder. "Don''t say that. It''s a rule here that everyone has to tell what they talked about with Mina-chan ! To be sure that no guys with bad intention swarm around her !" (Seriously ! I didn''t talk much to her ! Also don''t suddenly touch me and act so familiar. It''s giving me goosebumps ! And hearing you guys call her Mina-chan, Mina-chan is seriously creepy ! Stop it !) (Sakuta) There is so much I want to say, but no words come out from my mouth. The situation is starting to get really uncomfortable. Then a savior appeared right at the best instant. "You guys~ ? What are you doing bothering our new customer ? Hmn~?" (Mina) "AH ! Mina-chan ! No it''s not what you think ! We were just welcoming the newcomer ! Hahaha ! Haha..." He said that while slapping my shoulder... Stop it. "If you are trying to scare away new customers, you better be ready to get out of this inn, alright~?" (Mina) Although she is smiling, Mina-san''s eyes are not laughing at all ! """~! We are sorry- !""" They finally went away ... "Thank you." (Sakuta) "Don''t mind it. Sakuta-sama, I am very sorry for this. They aren''t bad peoples, but they are sometimes ... overly excited ?" (Mina) I nod, as to tell her not to worry. (It remind me of that time in highschool, when that most popular girl talked to me for some small stuff. The next day, I received threatening letters... It must be the same kind of situation.) (Sakuta) "Anyway, since you finished eating, how about I show you to your room ?" (Mina) I stand up and follow Mina-san inside the inn. My room is located on the second floor. "Here it is." (Mina) She shows me the room and give me a metal key with a simple design. "Don''t lose it okay ? Oh and our inn provides a warm water bucket to clean yourself. I''ll bring it to you immediately so wait an moment !" (Mina) (Oh so there are no bath or shower ... ) (Sakuta) But I shouldn''t expect that the hygiene customs are the same here anyway. (Wait. Did she say she will bring a bucket full of water ? By herself ?) (Sakuta) That sound difficult. There are stairs too. Will she be alright ? It''s too late though. She already went away. And so, I take a look at the room. The room is a little above 12 square meter. There is a window opposite to the door with wooden shutters, but no glass. The window can be closed with thick cloth curtains. A single person bed is positionned in the corner beside the window. There is also a small desk with furniture box beside it. I close the door and notice a panel hiding another part of the room. Looking behind it, the floor that was made of wooden plancks, is replaced with a brick floor, built into a shallow basin. I understand that this is the ''bathroom''. I sit on the bed. It''s more comfortable than I though. Is the filling made of straw ? I sigh and a strong sense of exhaustion wash over me, along with pain on my feets and mental weariness. (I. Was I this tired ? I didn''t notice at all.) (Sakuta) I guess that without knowing it, I felt tense enough to not feel th exhaustion until I reached a place where I could rest. I lie on the bed and close my eyes, breathing deeply and slowly, trying to relieve my tiredness. ... *Knock knock* A few minutes latter, right when I almost fell asleep, I hear knocking sounds from the door. I quickly realise that it must be Mina-san bringing a bucket. I get on my feets and open the door. There, as expected, is Mina-san holding a bucket full of water. What is more unexpected is that the bucket is a lot bigger what I expected. She is carrying it with both her arms wrapped around it. "Here is your water !" (Mina) "Thanks. Are you alright ?" (Sakuta) "Yeah, I''m used to it !" (Mina) After setting the bucket down near the bathroom, she raises an arm an pats it with the other hand. She doesn''t look particularly muscular though. I suddenly think of using [Status Appraisal] on her. - Skill [Status Appraisal] leveled up! Current level : level 4 ! - - Status Appraisal - Woman - Cat Beastman- Level 6 Beastman (Level 6 ?! This child is twice my level !) (Sakuta) "I also brought a towel since it doesn''t looks like Sakuta-sama prepared one. After you are done, please put the bucket outside beside the door. And don''t spill water on the wooden floor ! Then I''ll be going ! Please enjoy you stay and good night !" (Mina) She went out of the room while I was still stunned in an internal orz pose. ... Anyway, I close the door, window''s shutters and check that they are locked. I then undress, and pour water over my head. I rub my skin and somehow get rid of my sweat. (Soap would be nice. I wonder if soap is developped already in this world ?) (Sakuta) - It exist - Somehow, I got the feeling that it exists. But it might be expensive. Maybe it''s something only wealthy peoples can afford. After wiping myself dry, I put the bucket outside. (It was a long day. I''m so tired.) (Sakuta) I complain to myself in my mind, as I crawl under the bed''s blanket. I sleep in my underwear since I have no change of clothes. I put everything else on the desks for the time being. (Tomorrow I have to buy clothes. I mustremember to do that ...) (Sakuta) I quickly fall asleep under the dim moonlight filtering between the window shutters'' plancks.
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Sakuta - Human Level 3
Swordmanship Lv3
Dodging Lv1
Intimidation Lv1
EnhancedEyesight Lv1
EnhancedHearing Lv1
PainResistance Lv1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv1
Parallel Thoughts Lv1
Concentration Lv1
Status Appraisal Lv3 ¡ú 4
Self Status Lv4
Item Appraisal Lv4
Chapter 6 - Aruvetia "...Hmn..." (Sakuta) Feeling warm sunray pouring on my face, I open my eyes. I look around the unfamiliar room, illuminated only by the sunlightcoming through between the window''s shutters. (... Ah right. I came into another world for some unknown reasons, walked to the nearest town, and rented a room at this inn.) (Sakuta) I get off from the bed and stretch my body. I don''t feel any of yesterday''s exhaustion. Then, noticing that I have no other clothes than what I wore yesterday, I remember I wanted to go buy clothes before I fell asleep. (So, how much money do I have, and how much does clothes cost, is what I should consider.) (Sakuta) I put out all the money I have on the desk. 2 gold coins, 12 silver ones, and 1 small copper coin. (A small copper coin is worth 1 Lys. A larger one is worth 10, from how Ipaid for this room. Decimal system is probably used here too, so a silver coin might have a value of 100 if there is no larger coin for copper. Anyway, like this, a gold coin would be worth at least 1000 Lys. In total, I have at least 3201 Lys.) (Sakuta) It''s quite inconvenient that coins don''t have their value inscribed. There is only some kind of crest on one side, and someone''s face on the other. (Dividing this amount by the price of a night with two meal, I can live for 53 days. I don''t know how much cost clothes, but worst case I will settle for second-hand or something.) (Sakuta) Thinking so, I gather up the coins and go out of my room. I don''t forget to lock the door, though I didn''t leave anything inside anyway. I climb down the stairs and get to the hall room / dining room / reception. "... Have a nice day !" (Mina-san) There, I hear Mina-san seeing off a group of peoples with an energetic voice. (Looks like there is no customers left.) (Sakuta) The room was quite silent now that all only Mina-san was left. "Good morning, Mina-san." (Sakuta) "Ah good morning Sakuta-sama ! Did you spend a good night ?" (Mina-san) "Yes, I have no complaint." (Sakuta) (Honestly, as long as the room is clean and the bed isn''t too hard, I won''t complain. Oh and it''s better if the room is safe. I can''t ask for too much when I don''t even know anything about this world.) (Sakuta) Mina-san nods with a satisfied smile. "Mmhmh ! That''s good. Don''t hesitate to say it if there is anything wrong. By the way ... Why are you calling me Mina-san ? Just call me Mina or Mina-chan like everyone else !" (Mina-san) Well, if the person herself says so, it''s fine I guess. "Alright." (Sakuta) "..." (Mina) "..." (Sakuta) The conversation came to an abrupt stop. Sorry, Mina. I can''t be a good conversation partner. "...*smile*..." (Mina) "..." (Sakuta) "So ?" (Mina) "So ?" (Sakuta) "This is where you call my name !" (Mina) She exclaims, and makes a pouty face. "Oh right ... Mina. You can simply call me Sakuta too." (Sakuta) "No, no, I can''t do that. Because Sakuta-sama is the customer." (Mina) "It''s fine. I don''t mind." (Sakuta) I don''t really care how I am called, as long as it isn''t depreciative or mocking. (Does she remember all her customers names and call them with -sama ? That''s quite impressive. I wouldn''t even remember half of their names.) (Sakuta) "Well, if you say so. So, Sakuta, you are quite the late waker, aren''t you ?" (Mina) "Not really." (Sakuta) (I don''t know what time it is, but, although it''s true I woke up late today, it must be because I was really tired yesterday. I will wake up sooner next time.) (Sakuta) "It''s too bad ... you missed the breakfast, an father already went to buy supplies." (Mina) (No way ?!) (Sakuta) "Hmm... what to do... Alright ! I will make you something !" (Mina) "Thanks. Sorry for the trouble." (Sakuta) "Don''t mind it ! But ..." (Mina) Mina suddenly lower her voice, and with a serious expression, raises a hand to hide her mouth. "... keep it a secret okay ?" (Mina) I don''t understand why, but for the time being, I nod. Not like I had anyone to talk to about this, and there would be no point anyway. "Usually, my father cook all meals. If it''s known that I cooked, it will become a disaster. The males adventurers of this inn will go berserk over it." (Mina) Oh that''s what it''s about. I see. I already witnessed yesterday''s behaviour, or more like I was the victim. Better avoid becoming all mens of this inn enemy. I nod strongly to Mina to show my understanding. ... A few minutes later, I am eating bread and what looks like scrambled eggs. It''s good. I remember I couldn''t savor yesterday''s dinner because of those disturbing guys. The taste is a bit different from chicken eggs. I can''t say how exactly, maybe a deeper flavor ? I wasn''t a gourmet. I used to cook and eat randomly. ''As long as it was edible, filled my stomach and wasn''t too bad for health, I wasn''t picky with food. If it was easy to cook, then it was even better.'' I though, remembering my highschool days, when I lived alone in an appartment. "I am going." (Sakuta) I said to Mina. "Good bye ! Have a nice day !" (Mina) ... I walk on the south main road toward the center of the town. I am aiming for the west district, thinking that there should be more shops selling clothes there. Since I am unfamiliar with the streets, I choose to take larges roads which are easy to navigate in. After walking for ten minutes, I reach the center plaza. The place is crowded with peoples busily bargainning prices at the numerous stalls selling anything, from food, to animal pelts, and random items I don''t recognize. The place is suurrounded by big buildings which seems to be either shops or restaurants. Certainly, this place looks like it will always be filled by peoples, so it''s among the best places to set up a shop. Then I notice a huge, white building. The building has stairs leading to its large, opened doors. The walls are supported by big columns. Globally, it looks a bit like a greek temple. ''Ah that''s right, there was a temple here...'' I though lightly. Yesterday, I had though that this was a place I had nothing to do with. Now that I re-think about it more leisurely, there might be clues to my coming in this world to be found here. After all, who know if a god exists and communicate with peoples, in a world where monsters and levels exist. (However, there is also a possibility of being a targeted for heresy or something if I said ''I came to find god so he can tell me why i am here''. There might be others issues too. Should I really go and check ?) (Sakuta) - Yes, go to the temple - I don''t hesitate for long. Something is telling me to go. My intuition is telling me to go. I can just hide the fact I came from another world until I feel it''s safe. And so, I stop a distance away from the temple, observing peoples coming in and out of the ancient looking building. Various peoples from all age and lifestyle are using this place. (Looks like anyone is free to come and go. That''s good for me.) (Sakuta) I mingle with the crowd, walking up the stairs to enter the temple. ... The inside of the temple is brightly illuminated by spheres of light fixed on the walls. The floor is made of white marble. Overall, the inside of this temple gives off an impression of holiness. Even though there are a lot of peoples here, the large hall is mostly silent. I turn left and right to take a look around and understand the layout of this place. There are five rooms which, together with the entrance, are placed at the corners of an hexagon. Priests looking peoples are keeping rows of peoples in order, before each of these rooms. Except one. The room on my immediate right from the exit is unpopulated. Now then what will I do ? (I will obvioulsy check this one first !) (Sakuta) Thus, I stepped inside a circular room of about 20 meters in diameter, devoid of peoples except from me. I stand before the huge 5 meter tall statue of a goddess. The statue is made of pure while material which makes the outside walls seem old and slightly yellow in contrast. Actually, this whole room feels as clean as brand new. (And now ? What am I supposed to do ?) (Sakuta) - Pray to the goddess'' statue - (Alright I will pray in front of this statue. But there is no offering box ... Can''t be helped.) (Sakuta) I close my eyes and clap my hands together, concentrating on the sentences ''I wish to meet and ask. Why did I appear in this world ?''. I wait. I will wait one minute, and if nothing happen I will go to another room. "..." (Sakuta) At some point, I feel as if the air around me changed. I can''t find other words to describe it. Just as I was about to open my eyes, I hear a voice. "I welcome thee to my divine realm, otherworlder. As thou do not possess a blessing, do thou wish to accept mine blessing, goddess of Growth, Aruvetia''s blessing ?" (Aruvetia) I open my eyes at the same time I hear those words said with a clear, bell -like voice. A beautiful woman, clad in a pure white robe, sewn with silver and gold thread descend slowly to the ground, where the statue was, softly landing on her sandals. She is surrounded by a halo of light. The fabric of her white robe twinkles in a faint blue.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "But I guess you have some more important questions to ask first." (Aruvetia) She squints her deep blue eyes, smiling beautifully. Her long and flowing pink hair flutters as she tilts her head sideway. Two locks of hair spread on the side behind her ears like two small wings. These hair have a supernatural shine, with purplish or blue hue at some places, and surround her perfect facial features. A golden and black hairband makes itself conspicious with its dark tones over light colors.Her pale skin looks smooth and flawless. (How beautiful ...) (Sakuta) I am mesmerized at this sight. I can only think of a single word to describe her : a goddess. "Ara~. Thank you, it has been a long time since I was complimented as such by a mortal." (Aruvetia) She place a white hand on her cheek. I feel slightly embarassed at those words. Eh ? (I didn''t say anything ... Could she, possibly read my mind ?) (Sakuta) (Yes I can. But only the thoughts you allow me to hear. If there is something you wish to hide, I shall not abuse my power to peer into your mind.) (Aruvetia) I hear a voice, identical to the announcement of level and skills up, in my mind. (I ... don''t have anything to hide ... I think ? I didn''t do much since coming to this world. Ah um ... Aruvetia...-sama was it ?) (Sakuta) "Yes. I am Aruvetia, this world''s Goddess of Growth." (Aruvetia) (''This world'', and ''otherworlder'' ... Is it fine to ask questions ? There is a lot of things I want to know.) (Sakuta) The goddess answer my thoughts in a gentle voice. "Yes, take your time." (Aruvetia) "Why ... am I in this world ?" (Sakuta) "Umm ... it would be difficult to answer ''why'', after all, your soul wasn''t brought to this world by anyone''s intention. At least, from my knowledge." (Aruvetia) (... So, this is ...) (Sakuta) "Yes, you were brought here by accident. So to speak, it was something like a natural disaster." (Aruvetia) Aruvetia said, making an apologetic face. (I see ...) (Sakuta) So I was brought to this world by accident ... And it wasn''t even something like being summoned by accident, as a bystander like it happen in various web novels ... It come a bit like a shock, no ... suprise ? That I came here as the result of a disaster. "Most likely, you died in your original world, and your soul drifted between worlds instead of going through the cycle of reincarnation." (Aruvetia) My soul ? "Aruvetia-sama, why do you say ''my soul'' ?" (Sakuta) I still have a body ? "Indeed, you lost your original body. Souls wandering between worlds aren''t unusual, although it happens rarely from a human''s perspective. For exemple, in this world, the previous one came four hundredsyears ago, and before that, nine hundreds years ago." (Aruvetia) She then said something about a decision among the gods of this world that, when a soul with a developped consciousness wander here, a body would be made for this soul. "After all, if left alone, a lost soul might take over a newborn''s body. It is also possible that you would find yourself in the body of another specie, be it an animal or a monster ... Worst case, you might be taken by the Demon God. In order to avoid that, a new body is made for these individuals. The body is made from the person''s mental image of himself." (Aruvetia) (D-Demon God ? That sure sound ominous. I have to thank the goddess.) (Sakuta) "Thank you. I am very grateful." (Sakuta) I bow my head low to express my thanks. ''You are welcome'' she answered with a smile. I''m glad I met with this goddess. What would have happened to me if it was a dangerous god ? (If it''s Aruvetia-sama, I would be alright with worshipping her.) (Sakuta) *giggle* "It''s fine there isn''t any rites that you have to do for me. Ah but I would be happy if you came to talk every now and then." (Aruvetia) (Wouldn''t I be a bother ? I won''t have anything interesting to talk about. And a goddess might be busy.) (Sakuta) "No it''s fine ! I actually have a lot of free time after all." (Aruvetia) I see ... I don''t know how much I can take those words in their litteral sense, but for now I will do as she said. Still, it''s quite a peculiar feeling to have your thoughts read. But with this, I can convey things I want to say but am unable to. "... What do I look like ?" (Sakuta) (Aruvetia-sama said that my body was made according to my own image of myself, right ? So I am curious about my appearance. I didn''t look at a mirror since I came here.) (Sakuta) "Mirrors are expensive after all. Here use this." (Aruvetia) Extending her hand gracefully, palm down, a full-length mirror appeared. I place myself in front of that mirror. "..." (Sakuta) What I see in the mirror is the reflexion of a black haired, black eyed boy, in my clothes and equipment, standing with an expressionless face. The boy looks like he is only 15 years old. (Why am I so young ?! I should be at least 18 years old ! I''m sure I looked at least older than this. Did I believe myself to be younger inconsciously ?) (Sakuta) "It''s quite amusing that you show no emotion at all, but when I peek in your mind, you are full of thoughts and emotions." (Aruvetia) Saying so, the goddess puts a hand over her mouth, hiding a laugh. Feeling a bit embarassed, I look at my own reflection''s face. (Am I really lacking in my facial expressions ?...) (Sakuta) I try smiling a bit. What I see on the reflection is ... no changes ... No, the corner of my mouth moved by 2 mm ! Maybe ... A memory suddenly surface in my mind. Itthis scene of myself doing the same thing, trying to smile in front of a mirror in my apartment. I understand instinctively ... That this is hopeless. This face shall never show any emotions. "If one was unable to read your thoughts, it would be almost impossible to tell your feelings." (Aruvetia) I feel a bit depressed inside. The goddess, smiling wryly, not knowing what to say, puts the mirror away and changes subject. "Aside from that, do you have anything else to ask ?" (Aruvetia) I think a bit and ask. "Is there any way to return to my world ?" (Sakuta) I do not even know if I want to return to my former world, but this question should be asked. I might have left a lot of things behind by disappearing suddenly. Aruvetia-sama answers, wearing a sad expression, "I am sorry Sakuta, but it''s most likely impossible. Although I could send you to another world, there are countless worlds out there. I do not know the coordinates of your original world, and you don''t know either, right ? Furthermore, even if you luckily reached the right oneafter aiming at a random world, you are unlikely to land at the right time period." (Aruvetia) (Is that so ? Well I understand. I won''t try then. It would be pointless if I landed 1000 years in the future. It would be the same as going to yet another foreign world.) (Sakuta) "You are taking this surprinsingly calmly, Sakuta." (Aruvetia) Somehow, I wasn''t surprised at this reality. Maybe I knew intuitively that I wouldn''t be able to return. (I can''t do anything about it, so it can''t be helped. Anyway, if I don''t return, I will have to live in this world. *Sigh* It would be so convenient if I had cheat skills. I would have an easy life.) (Sakuta) "Cheat ?" (Aruvetia) (Ah it''s something about fictionnal stories in my world. Someone travelling in a foreign world would be granted great power by gods or the world itseld. Enough to be called a hero and be the strongest.) (Sakuta) "Hmm. I see. But we gods, can''t grant this much power to a single individual just like this. It would destroy the world''s balance, and in the first place, your soul wouldn''t be able to hold out." (Aruvetia) "Ah well, it can''t be helped then." (Sakuta) I can only do my best, strive for my survival. "It''s not to the extent of something that can be called a cheat, but in this world, one does receive something upon getting lost in this world." (Aruvetia) (Really ?! What is it ?) (Sakuta) I suddenly get excited at those words. After all, it''s directly related to my life. Aruvetia-sama smiles wryly, as if telling me not to get my hopes up. "Aside from the belongings you found on yourself upon awakening, you were given a special skill. It''s called ''divine skill [Common Sense]''." (Aruvetia) (Ehh...) (Sakuta) My thoughts froze from the unexpected words. Common sense ? It sounds so disappointing after being put together with ''divine skill''... "W-Well, the name was choosen by that god, Deus. He insisted to call it like this." (Aruvetia) Haa... Ok... "... What does it do ?" (Sakuta) "When you ask yourself a question in your mind, as long as it can be answered within the average knowledge of this world inhabitants, the knowlegde will be directly transmitted to your mind. Additionally, you obtain knowledge of the most common language of the region you appeared in." (Aruvetia) "... Isn''t that really good ?" (Sakuta) Without it, I would be unable to talk to peoples ... This skill isn''t very flashy, but it''s actually something vital isn''t it ? (If I think about it, I unknowingly used this skill a few times already. It was this skill that lead me here. I might still be lost in the grasslands if I didn''t have it. Thank you for this skill, Aruvetia-sama.) (Sakuta) "No need to thank me. It wasn''t actually only me who decided to create this skill. It was the decision of us six gods and goddesses after the Devil incident." (Aruvetia) "Devil ?" (Sakuta) She explains an event from two thousands years ago, where an otherworlder obtained power took decided to destroy this world... ... (I''ve stayed in this room quite a long time now. Is it fine ? There is no time limit to meet gods ?) (Sakuta) "Do not worry, the time flows faster here, and there is no time limit. Ask as many questions as you want. However, understand that I cannot answer all questions." (Aruvetia) That''s good. I take a lot of time to ask questions about this world. The goddess doesn''t answer questions like ''what is the recipe of an all-curing elixir'', ''where to find a legendary artifact sword'', or ''what is the strongest spell''. Since it would break the balance or something. ... This world''s civilisation worship six god and goddesses. - Goddess of War, Lisanthius, - Goddess of Magic, Elemia, - Holy Goddess, Feris, - Goddess of Art, Meifeng, - Goddess of Growth, Aruvetia, - Creator God, Deus. Additionally, there is a Dragon God who created dragons, and then stopped interfering with the mortal world, and the Demon God who appeared in this world a long time after all others gods. The six gods are those worshipped in temples all over the continent. "But I only saw five rooms in the temple ?" (Sakuta) "Deus, doesn''t have a statue. He never showed his appearance to peoples after all." (Aruvetia) I see... There is another thing that bothers me. "There wasn''t anyone before your statue." (Sakuta) I remember there was a lot of peoples waiting before the four other rooms, but none here. I wonder why. The five goddesses should be about equaly prayed to, right ? "T-That''s ... " (Aruvetia) The goddess averted her gaze on the side ... Suspicious. "D-Don''t you have more important things to ask ? Hahaha ..." (Aruvetia) She forcibly tried to change subject... Her divinness is dropping. "..." (Sakuta) "Uuuh ... Fine ... Actually, gods can give blessings to some of their followers, speeding up their skills'' growth according to which god they receive blessing from..." (Aruvetia) It seems that it''s something like a large bonus in growth rate in martial arts related skills for the War Goddess, Magic related skills for the Goddess of Magic, etc... And for Aruvetia-sama, since all skills are affected, the bonus is a lot lower. Something like +15% versus 3%... The general opinion is that, focusing on a single field of competences is better than ''wasting effort'' in fields one will never use. "And so, I don''t have a lot of believers... There is currently no one who possess my blessing..." (Aruvetia) So she concluded, visibly depressed. (... Could it be, I stepped on a landmine ?) (Sakuta) I can almost see the gloom over her head. Wait I can really see it. "That''s right... I am so free because no one comes pray to me... I was so free and bored that Deus took pity and handed me the task of making level up annoucements...*hic*" (Aruvetia) She is hanging her head sighing and emitting negativity. I am starting to feel really bad for her ... "Cheer up ?..." (Sakuta) I don''t know how to cheer someone up, much less a goddess... "*hic*... I am even getting cheered up by a human ...! Uwaanh~ *sob*" (Aruvetia) She started crying ?! "*hic* Even though I repeated many time to look dignified ...! Uguu-" (Aruvetia) You repeated ?! It was all acting ?! ... Some time later, Aruvetia-sama finally calmed down. "Sorry, Sakuta. I calmed down now." (Aruvetia) She said, wiping tears at the corner of her eyes. "It''s fine. Don''t mind it." (Sakuta) Somehow, when I think about it, it was kinda cute. Makes me want to pat her head... (No, no, no. I better not think about such rude things. She is still a goddess.) (Sakuta) Anyway, I still feel a bit of guilt. "So, can I receive Aruvetia-sama''s blessing in my case ?" (Sakuta) "Eh ?! You want to receive mine ?!" (Aruvetia) Her face was colored in disbelief. "Is it no good ?" (Sakuta) "No ! It''s alright ! Please accept it !" (Aruvetia) Light Surrounds me before I hear the goddess'' voice directly inside my head. - You received the blessing of Aruvetia, Goddess of Growth - "It has been a long time since I gave my blessing to someone." (Aruvetia) The goddess had a large smile blooming on her face. She seemed extremely happy so my guilt faded away. (Cute...) (Sakuta) After this, I asked a few more things about status, skills and blessings, and bid farewell to the goddess. "Come again ! Whenever you want !" (Aruvetia) I decided to come once a week. It should be good enough. Light engulfed me and I found myself in the temple room in front of Aruvetia''s statue. ... (It was a lt of information all at once ... I''m tired.) (Sakuta) I found myself back at the inn before I knew it. When I went out of the temple, a temple sister talked to me. It seems she manage an orphanage behind the temple and was searching for donators. I didn''t listen too much since I had too much on my mind, so I gave her a silver coin and escaped. "Welcome back ! You came back early. Did something happen ?" (Mina) Mina was sweeping the floor with a broom. "I''m back. Not really, I have a lot of things to think about." (Sakuta) (About what I will do from now on.) (Sakuta) "Is that so ? Anyway, will you take lunch here ?" (Mina) "Yes." (Sakuta) "Got it !" (Mina) I returned to my room and sat on the bed, ready to put my thoughts in order. Then I suddenly remembered something. (I forgot to buy clothes...) (Sakuta)
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Name : Sakuta Specie : Human Level 3
Blessing : Goddess of Growth - Aluvetia
Skills :
Swordmanship Lv3
Dodging Lv1
Intimidation Lv1
EnhancedEyesight Lv1
EnhancedHearing Lv1
PainResistance Lv1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv1
Parallel Thoughts Lv1
Concentration Lv1
Status Appraisal Lv4
Self Status Lv4
Item Appraisal Lv4
Divine skill : Common Sense
Chapter 7 - From now on I went out again to buy clothes and came back. There was an open air stall selling clothes similar to what I wear, so I bought three sets. Since those were second hand, it should be on the cheap side. When I though to myself ''How do this country''s currency works'', - From lowest value to highest value, the standard coins used are : small copper, large copper, small silver, large silver, small gold and large gold - A small copper coin is worth 1 Lys, a large copper one 10, and the value increases ten fold each times. There is also iron coins in circulation among commoners, but those aren''t issued by the country so the value fluctuate around 5 iron coins for a small copper. This knowledge was transmitted directly in my mind. I understand that it was the effect of [Common Sense]. It seems that theree are also currency of higher value than large gold coins used in large transactions between royalty and the wealthiests noble families, but I didn''t get more details. [Common Sense] is useful to obtain basic knowledge that anyone have, but not what''s outside, well, common sense. I wonder what is the deciding factor between information I can obtain and what I can''t ... majority ? (Wait ... I should have used that to know the market prices before purchasing clothes...) Oh well, it can''t be helped ... I will be careful next time. Anyway, considering a day costs me 65 Lys for a bed and three meals, one of my small gold coin covers 150 days of expenses ... Eh ? Am I not quite rich ? Ah, but there are others expenses to care about. Let''s see ... clothing, repairing my equipment or replacing it when it wears out, medecine, ... (In the first place, how fast does a sword wears out ?) ... I didn''t get any answer. After all, it all depends on how I use my weapon and the quality. The answer would vary a lot depending on these factors. (Anyway, what should I do from now on ?) This is the main issue. To sum up the facts that I understood from my conversation with the goddess, it would be like this : - I woke up in the middle of a grassland, in another world. - It seems that I died in my original world, and my soul drifted between worlds instead of undergoing a normal reincarnation. - I was reincarnated with an adventurer setting. - There are monsters, and it seems there are also demons and demon lords. However, I have no exceptional abilities that would guarantee my safety. - Unfortunately, my physical abilities are on the lower side of the spectrum. - I can''t return to my former world. Also, from what I can tell, some of my memories are missing. I can still remember my family. I lived with my father, mother and had a little sister. Like anyone, I went to middle school. Then I started living alone in an appartment when I became a high school student, made a few friends (mostly others guys who ended up alone like me). (And then, a large blank. I am pretty sure I wanted to get a place in science courses in a somewhat good university.) I must have succeeded on this point. Since after thinking and trying hard to remember as much as I could, I found out I had knowledge out of reach of a normal high school student. Mostly in mathematics and physics. Like matrices, topology, electromagnetic field calculation ... It feels quite uncomfortable to miss a part of your memories. The goddess said that it''s an usual occurrence to lose some of your most recent memories, since your soul travels across interspace, which is an environnement hostile to life in general. (Like a place full of radiations ? Isn''t it where I get super abilities from some kind of mutation ?) ... I shouldn''t think of such worthless things ... Come to think of it, I am taking this surprisingly well, am I not ? (If I had to choose, in this kind of situation, I would return to my former world if possible. If I had cheat-level abilities, maybe I would want to stay, but that''s not the case. If so, shouldn''t I be desperate about going back ?Is it that situation I read about ? During disasters, peoples would keep living their everyday lives instead of panicking, even when the danger is incoming. No... I think my case is different.) All I think about this situation, are things like ''It can''t be helped'', ''I should think about how to live from now on'', ''It''s a waste of time to grieve over things I can''t change'' ... Even if I know those are rational thoughts, I find myself here, worrying over the fact that I don''t worry enough. And feeling guilt for so easily discarding my past life with a simple ''It can''t be helped''. My biggest regret would be, to leave peoples, who could be sad for me, behind. Like my father and mother, my acquaintances. My sister ... would be alright. For some reasons, she seemed to dislike me. I would have liked to know why before it was too late ... For a long time, I kept ruminating these thoughts. "..." In the end, I decided to stop grieving over my past. Because I can''t find anything else I can do. (And so, how should I live from now on ?) For the moment, I have enough funds to live for a while, but I will eventually run out of money. As an adventurer, I can hunt monsters and accept requests to earn money. I should take some time to investigate how much those jobs can get me. That''s it for the short term. (And then ? Assuming everything goes well, what will I do after a month ? A year ? A decade ? Keep adventuring ? What should I aim for ?) If it was before, I would aim to get a job relying on mind, and during my free time, read novels or play video games... AH!! I wanted to play those VRMMOs and read the continuation of those novels !! Damn ... (Anyway... In reincarnation stories, the protagonist could become a merchant with his otherworldly knowledge, or become a high ranking official with administrion cheats.) However, for those jobs, I would need to make connections with peoples, earn their trust. It would be difficult for me who is bad at communicating in depth with others... One could think that I can just bulldoze over difficulties with overwhelming technologies to sell, but simple products I can think of already exist. Like soap, paper, glass,... Then, if it''s about more complex products, there are guns I guess ? For this, I would need the backing of at least a skilled blacksmith, money to start a business, and maybe even a special permit to sell weapons. I can think of a lot of stuffs. Even a simple computer might be possible, since I have the necessary knowledge, from doping semiconductors, transistor structures, to programming. unfortunately, there is no way I would have access to a factory capable of microtechnology !!You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. How about medecine ? I could use knowledge about diseases and anatomy to be doctor ... Being a self-proclaimed doctor sounds so shady though... Also, there is magic in this world. I don''t know to what extent magic affect society yet, so I can''t tell what will be successful and what won''t. (Sigh... Even if I have the knowledge, I still can''t think of something to earn money easily... I am not suited for business. How do adventurers usually live their lives ?) - Most adventurers don''t live past their first year of work. Those who do live gather money for years, before opening a store, an inn, or a restaurant. - ... Thanks for the grim explanation, Common Sense. Hmm... ''Common Sense'' is too long. I''ll shorten it to [CS]. Anyway, maybe I could open a restaurant ? I know a few recipes as a result of living alone for a while. Though I''m not that good at cooking. After all, I never cared too much about taste back then. Aside from opening a business, protagonists characters would ... Become heroes ! (Well, it''s common too read stories about ''being a hero is a hassle''. You would be forced to fight whether you like it or not, your success will make you target of envy, peoples might want to use you, then if you make a single mistake, you lose all support. In case you defeat the last boss, you are forced to participate in military parade, in various events, wearing a fake smile in front of peoples who wear more fake smiles...) It sounds like a pain. Although it''s all stuff I read in fiction, I can''t deny that it could actually happen. (But then, the hero would save womens and make a harem !) Building a harem ... The goal of almost all those reincarnation web novels. (The protagonist doesn''t need to become a hero though.) I try imagining myself surrounded by beauties for a bit ... My first though : it''s impossible. (Impossible. No way. I can''t see myself achieving that at all.) Not that I seriously want a harem. Mmh, it might be nice being loved by a lot of beautiful women, but I would have to make sure there is no bad feeling between them. Then I could start thinking about it. (If it happened, I would need to love them back properly. I would feel guilty if I left someone feel less important.) If I''m not confident in loving all of them enough, it would be better to have a single lover in the first place. (Also, there is a need to earn enough to sustain a big family properly, also, power to protect them. Come to think of it, aren''t all those harem protagonists guys with special abilities ? Be it saving a person in distress, saving someone from a debt, it require power or money, earned through power !) And so, in those novels, women are basically attracted by power ! Which I don''t have ! (... Alright. Let''s stop thinking about the depressing stuff.) Anyway such events won''t happen to me. (So... I have no idea what I will do in the far future.) - Skill [Concentration] leveled up! Current level : level 2 ! - For the moment, I will do my best as an adventurer. And grind my level and skills, since this world is dangerous. Not only are there monsters, demons and demons lords, the public order isn''t as good as my previous life. My work will be easier with high level, and I gain the ability to defend myself. There is no demerit in grinding. Making this decision, I decide to first go to the adventurer guild to investigate rewards, but ... *Growl~* My stomach rumbled. I just noticed that it was already past noon. And so, I moved to the dinning hall to eat lunch. ... I find myself inn front of the adventurer guild again. I casually opened the door, and headed straight to the counter ... Correction. Intended to head straight to the counter. *Grin* After I entered the guild, a bald and wild looking guy with tanned skin, stood up and put himself in my way, arms crossed and grinning. "Yoo~ rookie. Y''know, this isn''t a place for brats her''. How ''bout going back to your mom. Gahahaha." (Adventurer) (Shit. It''s this huh. A bad looking adventurer trying to scare away new adventurers who don''t look too strong, with their over practised speeches and behavour. These guys are probably satisfying there cheap pride by taking out their frustration over a recently failed job onto a newcomer, and ... *Cough*. Anyway let''s look at his status) (Sakuta) - Status Appraisal - Male - Human- Level 23 - (Level 23 ?! This guy is not the small fry he is supposed to be !! What do I do now ? In MMORPGs, a level difference of 20 levels is mostly hopeless if both sides have similar player skill and equipement. And in my case, I don''t have a lot of fighting experience, and am in starting equipment. Damn. This event is not supposed to happen after the first day ... Should I just say ''Hello senpai. Please take care of me ?'' ... Doesn''t sound like it will work...) (Sakuta) The distance separating us was still about 6 meters ... I have an idea. "Yoo~ rookie. Y''know, this isn''t a place for bra- Huh ?!"(Adventurer) Since he didn''t seem like he would stand out of the way, I bypassed him from the side ! Good ! *Grab* I suddenly feel a strong pressure over my right shoulder ... (It wasn''t too good of an idea was it ?) (Sakuta) Reluctantly, I turn back to him.The adventurer looks at me with a sour face. I can''t tell what he is feeling from his expression, but from the situation I guess he is mad... I made him mad. "..." (Sakuta) "..." (Adventurer) (So ? Throw a tantrum and let''s get this over.) (Sakuta) I clench my teeths and brace for impact. *Grin* "Yoo~ rookie. Y''know, this isn''t a place for brat her''. How ''bout you go back to your mom while you''re safe ?"(Adventurer) (He acted as if nothing happened ?!) (Sakuta) Dumbfounded, I simply stare back at him. And he stares back at me. The stare contest keeps going for a whole minute, until- "Oi! Dreil ! Again at it, ''welcoming'' newbies ? You never tire out of this don''t you ?" (?) A large muscular man, almost like a body-builder, with dark brown hair crashed into the standstill situation. (Did he come to help ?) (Sakuta) "A- Ah-! No ! It''s nothing but getting along with the rookie ! Hahaha ! Aside from that, what did the esteemed you came down here to do ?" (Adventurer) The guy who acted so confident before is now sweating, acting all polite toward the big guy, and slapping my shoulder stiffly. Gross. It hurt too. Anyway, it seems the situation will be solved for now. "Hmm ? Hoo~ Hear this out. It seems a new rookie came in yesterday, and went to have a lenghty conversation with our little intimidating receptionist Seria-chan. So, I can to check him out." (?) He smiled widely, as if one was given a nice surprise present. (Intimidating ? Ah~ That receptionist. So her name was Seria-san, I see. Wait doesn''t that mean he is here for me ?!) (Sakuta) - Status Appraisal - Male - Human- Level ?? ?? - Skill [Status Appraisal] leveled up! Current level : level 5 ! - (?!? The level is hidden ?! Hidden status usually show overwhelmingly higher level ... This situation, isn''t it bad ? It just worsened to a whole new level of hopelessness.) (Sakuta) "Ho~ You have some guts to use [Appraisal] on me after I started using [intimidation] and showed killing intent." (?) (What''s ''killing intent'' ? It''s some chuuni stuff. It doesn''t exists does it ? And how could he tell I used [Status Appraisal] ?) (Sakuta) I then notice that the weight on my shoulder disappeared without me noticing. I turn around but the level 23 guy was nowhere to be seen. Also most adventurers disappeared somewhere too, and the remaining were keeping low profile, silently chugging their mugs and averting their eyes. (Even though they were all watching happily before... Just who is this guy.) (Sakuta)
Summary of Sakuta''s current status :
Name : Sakuta Specie : Human Level 3
Blessing : Goddess of Growth - Aluvetia
Skills :
Swordmanship Lv3
Dodging Lv1
Intimidation Lv1
EnhancedEyesight Lv1
EnhancedHearing Lv1
PainResistance Lv1
Thoughts Acceleration Lv1
Parallel Thoughts Lv1
Concentration Lv1->2
Status Appraisal Lv4->5
Self Status Lv4
Item Appraisal Lv4
Divine skill : Common Sense