《Dragged to another world, I sought independence》 Chapter 01 ¡°Coward!¡± ¡°If he says he wants to leave, let him. It¡¯s his right.¡± ¡°How can you be so cowardly as to run away? This is a Quest! A QUEST!! You know what that mean don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°A man¡¯s dream.¡± ¡°Even if it is dangerous they are asking us earnestly.¡± ¡°If you think it is dangerous, what is wrong with not wanting to go on it? Huh?¡± ¡°Yeah. At least he is man enough to say it upfront.¡± ¡°Though I am not fond of danger, we would still be together, won¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Yeah. So, Z-Zen-kun¡­ how about you s-stay?¡± Yeah, umm¡­ I can¡¯t make heads or tails of what is going on right now. For some reason, the previously quite group of schoolmates has started to clamour around quite loudly. And being the reason or topic of the discussion, I don¡¯t understand why though. ¡­ It¡¯s troubling. Their conversation sounds ludicrous, I know. They themselves add the ¡®danger¡¯ tag in their arguments. ¡­ This is cumbersome. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. And this all started, because the hero summoning ceremony that happened just an hour earlier. Yup. You heard me right. A ¡®Hero Summoning¡¯ ceremony. This is not a joke. That is what I was dragged into. The ceremony was conducted in a country called the Forman Kingdom, obviously in another world. It was supposed to have summoned only 3 people, but somehow or another, ended up with 30. Yep, 30, in like 3 x 10, 30 people. We were all from the same place, Japan. From Museino High in Tokyo. Not all of us are from the same class though. I don¡¯t even know half of the people here and the rest that I do know of are just people I am acquainted with. None that I am close with. The only thing was that we were in the same place, near the sports activity building at the time when a flash of light surrounded us and brought us to here. And ¡®here¡¯ is a large and luxurious ballroom like hall and in the middle of a double encirclement. A ring of those who seemed like heavy knights in full armour with spears at hand stood closest to us at a few steps away, with another larger encirclement of old dudes in baggy white and grey robes with walking sticks. I assume that these old fogies, plus a pig... I mean potbellied, gaudy king, who sat on a throne at the front of the hall, behind another 3 layers of knights and fogies were all the highest of highest heads of this country and responsible for our situation. These highest heads of the country made a mix of faces, from confused to gleaming shrewdness. Some elated others exasperated. I am sure that most of them were delighted at having more and not less. In the thick of it all, the ones who was the most confused was us who were suddenly summoned to a different world. And although it was like that, it¡¯s suddenly like ¡®Hero-sama!¡¯. You know? But, being someone who fancies reading web novels in my spare time, I immediately realized it was a different world summoning. There were a few others beside myself, who realized it as well, but they kept quite from the rest. Most likely not wanting to parade their WN or LN reading hobbies. It not what you expect to happen in real life and can¡¯t explain it very well. Scratch that, you couldn¡¯t explain it in any logical way. It is also one where you would be split between laughing and crying, depending on the situation. But, since we were all addressed as ¡°Hero-sama¡±, I expected just a little bit, you know. Despite the fact that it turned out to be a disappointment quite soon after. It came after one of the oldies came forward with an amicable (despicable) smile and explained that a status identification process was done on us who were summoned. He said he waited to speak until we had slowly come to, and calmed down. According to him, they did it using an identification magic item or something. It looked like an oracle ball you would see with a fortune teller. Many of the guys in the group had dubious faces when they saw it being placed in front of them and asked to place their right hand on top of it. Remarkably, once we do as instructed by the oldie, a hologram like projection floats over the oracle ball and some details pop up inside of it. With the identification done, all of us uniformly received the [Person from another world] title. This is uniform for everyone summoned, even in the past, according to the old fogy. In addition to that, each of us received other titles as well. Some among them received [Grand Knight], [Magic Knight], [Wizard], [Healer], your typical professions for a fantasy RPG. Few other received [Diviner], [Smith] and even [Holy Maiden]. But to top it all, was the actual existence of the [Hero]. And not surprising that it was the Ikemen from in the crowd. But, I was the only one with a unique, title. [*] was my additional title. ¡­ WHAT THE HELL???? Chapter 02 What gives? I was the only one with a unique, title. [*] was my additional title. ¡­ I feel like crying. What the heck is [*] even? I was gobsmacked. I felt my face twitch uncomfortably. I could help but take several takes on to the oracle ball that the oldie used for the identification process. Even the oldie checking us went blank by it. It was quite the ridiculous situation. The same expression mirrored by everyone else for quite a while. Another one of the oldies came up close and tapped on the oracle thinking it was broken or the like. I felt so humiliated right then. I wish to find a hole to crawl into and never come out, as much as that would forever remain my delusion. In the midst of my inner turmoil, I could hear the snickering from some of the group behind me and few others from the dudes surrounding us. This was disheartening to say the very least and I felt like cursing out loud. It wouldn¡¯t have helped at all, so I stayed quiet. The only plus side was that I had some relatively good basic status. Even better than the [Hero]. While most had 150 to 250 stamina and magic powers, the [Hero] had 200 and 500, and I had 800 and 1500 respectively. Apparently, other stats such as strength, reflex, speed, and such could not be assessed right now and would be done in a proper evaluation later, or so we were told. Even so, they said that all of us have the strength that is more than this world¡¯s higher average.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Of course, they expected those with better titles to fair better there. Meaning, I am not included in the hopeful list. Still, I was fine knowing I trumped the [Hero] in two important stats. But¡­ the surrounding gazes still hurt, as they looked at me contemptuously. After everyone had been ¡®identified¡¯ albeit on a preliminary basis, we were greeted by the gaudy, potbellied king and was told a very elaborate story of ¡®impending doom¡¯. The king¡¯s words were super suspicious, as according to the king,
  1. The many non-human races were attacking his country.
  2. They were hell bent on conquering and subjugating this country and wanted to enslave or exterminate them.
  3. They were somehow, able to hold off for a very long time, but their strength has started to wane severely as of late.
  4. With things as is, the country is suffering with massive shortages and stuff.
  5. Therefore, with utter desperation, they have summoned us here at their convenience.
The underline of these points is that, knowing full well of the utter selfishness for doing at their own convenience, ¡®please help save our country¡¯ was what they wanted us to understand. The oldie next to the king added to the explanation that, they do not have the knowledge of retuning us back to our world. However, he offered a solution to it. He added at there was a ¡®Magus Tower¡¯ in the enemy territory that was to the far-far north. It was said that the most likely place to have the knowledge of a way to return us to our original world would it. And this so happened to be at the heart of enemy territory, at a place called [Vine Heart Basin]. But, I¡¯m not worried. Since I don¡¯t want or plan to return after all. I don¡¯t want to return to being normal. But leaving my personal feeling aside for now, the explanation of these two were super suspicious. Quite obviously so, I would say. From how the king spoke, this country should be in a dangerous situation, but the people in here doesn¡¯t have tragic feelings, you know. I mean, like the king is super gaudy, the throne room lack nothing, the soldiers seem unperturbed and what¡¯s more very relax and even sneering at us. The Oldie too was equal to or even more gaudy that the king. A sane person would wonder ¡®How the heck does one pay for that, if it was such troubling time?¡¯. If it was truly as they say it is in the country, how can they flaunt such riches and extravagance, in the presence of those they are trying to convince to help them. But it seems, those around me don¡¯t seem to notice, or may not care either way. From the way I see it, most of them, who are schoolmates from the same senior high, seem to have the [Hero Syndrome] as most of them had twinkling eyes as if imagining their own adventure already. I decided not to bother with anyone of them. It not in my personal nature to care. I only need to worry about myself after all. Therefore, based on my little close to otaku level of general knowledge, including otherworld fiction, and the comprehensive evaluation of such various things, I concluded that this is a ¡®bad¡¯ type of different world summoning. I can pretty much see the crux of everything leading up to now. Even though they are like ¡®Hero-sama!¡¯ with us, in the end, we would only be thrown into a war for the benefit of these people or something. Anyways, we would only be used by this country as they wanted. In other words, disposal pawns. On top of that, I¡¯m not a Hero or whatsoever, so I probably won¡¯t get treated well, at worst, there¡¯s even the possibility of getting executed. I mean, the title I have is the least appreciable from amongst everyone. I maybe first on the list of disposables. I decided that I should leave this castle right away. That¡¯s why, for the meantime, I assumed a humble attitude, to reach for their better nature. I gain permission from the king and stood up to great him and the audience and after, said this. ¡°Your majesty, though it is an honour to have been called here, it is with great regret that I am unable to offer true assistance for the cause. I do not have the honour or ability of a Hero, nor do I have anything suited to being helpful while being in this place. As I am now, I may only be a nuisance for everyone in the pursuit for the cause. I am most saddened by it, so if I were to be allowed to receive money to live 2-3 months until I gain a job, I think that I can do something about myself.¡± My words were unexpected to some, shameless for others and best preferred by most (among the high heads of the country). From there I came to my current situation of receiving a torrent of discontent. Chapter 03 After having spoken in the chamber, I received a torrent of discontent, most for show, others in pure disgust, especially from those who received highly appreciated titles. From among the group of us summoned here, some of them tried to reason with me and at least get me stay. Others tried to force my commitment with a bit of force. Well, most of them had already agreed to give this country their help and commitment. But, I am no charity worker. Getting dragged here at their convenience, with nothing for benefit, and telling us what I consider to be lies and deceit, in order to make us pawns, disposable at that. Nope. Not going to have any of that. While I don¡¯t have the appropriate evidence, I am sure that my deduction on things isn¡¯t wrong. While the group went on to argue and scuffle amongst the selves for a while, the noise went on increasing. Looking around I could see more contemptuous smiles on some of the fogies and I could see black lines form on the king¡¯s face. Noticing that I quickly decided to at least intervene here, and got everyone to calm down. ¡°Hey! Hey! Guys! Calm down! You are in the presence of king, so mind your manners at the very least.¡± After they quieted down, I turned towards the king. ¡°On behalf of them all, I do apologies your majesty. Please forgive them, as it seems my withdrawal was a stirring and unacceptable topic for most of them. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I hope you can show some of your great magnanimity for the slight disrespect.¡± I made a heartfelt, sincere apology while blowing some praises for him. Considering everything so far, they are people who like to be praised endlessly and proven right at all times. If you give them something good, it leaves room for negotiating. As it goes in such plots in the WNs I read. After my bit of flattering the king had broad smiles quickly return to his face as he waved off the matter and gave a boisterous laugh. With things coming down again, I tried to think of some solution to my situation. But my thoughts got interrupted when one of the grey robed old fogies on the side, stepped in closer and spoke to me. ¡°Little boy, I know what you are thinking.¡± He spoke with a glint in his eyes and an amiable (disgusting) look on his face. I replied unhurriedly. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°You were thinking that, with an unknown title, you would be useless, right?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes. I don¡¯t think I am wrong with thinking that.¡± ¡°Hahaha. There is no need to feel constrained. I remember clearly, you are the one with the most amount of magic from among your group. We could nurture you and help you gain strength.¡± ¡°¡­¡± At that, I was momentarily speechless. This was not a route I expected to come out in this muddy place. This damned fogy. Saying something like that here. What is his goal? Is he trying to find a way to use (kill) me? I can already feel the burning gaze from the [Hero] and co. ¡°Are you considering it?¡± Seeing that I was in loss while staring back at him, the oldie asked with a grin on his still amicable (disgusting) looking face. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have to consider. True, you could possible help and train me. But¡­ would that not take time and resources, which as per what we are told, you do not have abundant of?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Humph. Even if you try to wool my eyes, I won¡¯t let you. I¡¯ll turn it around on you. ¡°Also, I am not fond of the thinking of fighting and the like.¡± ¡°What the- mm mnfm!¡± ¡°I think it would be better for the benefit of the country that it focuses on the nurturing of the [Hero] and those able and willing companions. With having fewer, and fewer resources to spare, selectiveness in dire times, is but a necessity, I think.¡± Ignoring the slight moment of interrupting noise, I continued with reasoning arguments. I tried to push the focus on to the already brainwashed [Hero] and his group. I intended to indirectly have his support in getting me out of here. ¡°Hmm¡­ Your argument is sound. But I do think it would be a waste not to develop you. In considering your words, how about not the country, but I personally take charge of developing you?¡± This fogy still won¡¯t give up. ¡°Would that not be a hindrance, with you being busy as a high standing member of the elite of this country? I believe that the country that is so strained definitely needs more attention and care from someone of your stature.¡± ¡°HAHAHA! For one so young, you are very considerate and clear minded with your thoughts and words. It is rare and appreciable. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem at all. While tis true I am part of the country¡¯s highest levels, I am but a weak and old man. I can do nothing much with my feeble abilities in this current time.¡± With that, the old fogy had a gleaming smile. His eyes slightly gave off the glint of looking down on me. I am sure he tried to hide that, but, I mean, his behaviour was quite obvious after all. He must be thinking that I am beat and would just roll over right now. But why is he so focused on me. What do I have that is so special in value? Chapter 04 I am stomped as to why this fogy won¡¯t quit trying to get one over me. Umm¡­ Think back. Think back. What was his focus? ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Ah!!! Is that it? Really??? I mean, it is one of the things I have of in spades. But, I don¡¯t know what special use it could have without any training or stuff, so I can¡¯t be pretty sure that is what he is after. My magic power. It had a unit of 1500, so it was very impressive for everyone. But¡­ no one had any serious reaction to it, so at first I did not take it to heart much. If that is what he is after¡­ I don¡¯t think it can¡¯t be anything good. I can already infer that these baggy robed fogies are wizards or mages, so that means they do a lot of experimenting. Would I become one of this fogy¡¯s experiments? ¡­ ¡­ Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡­ ¡­ No. Just thinking about gives me the shivers. Nope. I have to fight this out. No way in hell will I become a test subject for dissection. Raise my head and give the oldie a mean glare. My actions surprise him, but not giving him any room, I turn towards the king. He is the only path to get out of this situation, since the fogy won¡¯t give in anytime soon. ¡°Your Majesty! I hope you could grant me the permission withdraw. I am but truly unfit for such an arduous situation. And while only been relatively new to this world, I would like to go out and find something that I can truly help in this kingdom. I do wish to aid, but I wish to find that with my own hands and ability. I am sure, that the country of your majesty, that has fought so bravely and for so long, would definitely be a prosperous and powerful nation. Its many gears, running ever forward to power the country. I ask you majesty, to please let me become part of that system. I truly hope, you would grant my simple request with your grand majesty.¡± I spoke up passionately and knelt down to one knee and tried to express as earnestly as possible. The oldie that I ignored started grumbling. I could feel his wrathful look. But I ignored it all. I kept my eyes on the potbellied king on the throne. He nodded quite agreeing. He was apparently delighted with my words that sung such ¡®sweet and emotional¡¯ praises, so much so that he made a decree to grant me freedom in his country. I was relieved and startled when he ordered a previously hidden person near him to make some arrangements and then told me to still wait around as they went over other details before I get escorted out to the town. When all this happened, a few of the others from the group also murmured about considering leaving themselves. However, nothing came to as no one spoke up after me. Not I particularly cared. The old fogy that previously tried to coerce and jump me, also left quickly after I ignored him, and before the king granted me a sort of amnesty. I waited on the side as the rest of the group went through a couple more inductions. Some basic introduction as done on topics like skills, abilities, elements and equipment. I made sure to make a mental note of everything that I could use after I leave. As I listened in and watched from a side-line, as they went around going all ¡®woo~¡® and ¡¯aaah!¡¯, I was starting to feel melancholic at the thought of separating from this group. ¡­ I don¡¯t know why though. It¡¯s not like I had any connection or sort of feeling with them. Strange. Sometimes I puzzle even myself. After another hour or so of waiting, the man the king gave the order to came over. He introduced himself as the prime minister. That left me shocked once more. For the prime minister to have so little presence that I did not notice him in that hall while he was next to king until he moved for the order was absolutely surprising. Plus he had a deadpan expression on his face. The prime minister however was oblivious or ignoring of my surprise and started a separate induction for me. He gave me three things. First was a small pouch filled with 100 or so gold coins. He said an extra was given at the order of king. Supposedly 20 gold coins would be enough to live for 6 months in the capital, in relative comfort. The second was a set of maps. One for the city with few places like the various guilds, market, wards and areas marked. It wasn¡¯t too detailed as giving away such maps would be a security risk. The second map was a map of the Forman Kingdom. Highways, noble territories, towns, natural marks and the border were marked on it. It too wasn¡¯t too detailed I was told. Only general knowledge areas of the kingdom were marked. The last item I was given was a letter of introduction that I could use when joining any group, I chose. It was supposed to help me, who had no identification and looked foreign. I was truly quite surprised by the excessive goodwill gesture of the king. It seems he was truly a simple minded man who very much liked my praises. The prime minister uttered quietly under his breath that I was smart at flattering the king. I simply feigned ignorance at it, since I would rather not acknowledged something like that and get into trouble later. The prime minister did not hold it against me as he quite amiably bade me farewell and had some guards escort me out. It was slightly heart-warming, and would have been better if his face was not so deadpan all through the exchange and after. After separating from the guards at the gate, I briskly walked into town and loose myself into the crowds. Jovially, I took my first breaths of freedom, in an alternate world. Eager for a fresh lease on life.