ã€ŠTech Hero in Another Worldã€‹


 [00] Prologue

    The star-filled night sky was crystal clear in the small countryside of Japan, far from the light pollution of the big cities. A married couple, Hideo and Misaki Takamura, were enjoying the natural scenery while camping in an open field, the cool night breeze gently brushing against their tent. However, their peaceful moment was suddenly disrupted when a celestial object streaked through the atmosphere, leaving behind a trail of blue light before crashing with a loud boom just a few meters from their campsite.

    Shaken by the event, the couple cautiously approached the crash site. In the middle of a small crater, still emitting thin wisps of smoke, lay a large egg-shaped object that shimmered under the moonlight. With curiosity mixed with caution, they reached out to touch its warm surface¡ªuntil, all of a sudden, the top part of the object opened, revealing a baby boy with a human-like face yet an unusual aura.

    From that moment on, Hideo and Misaki decided to keep their discovery a secret, realizing that no reports from space agencies or satellite monitors mentioned any meteor crashing in the area. They raised the baby as their own, naming him Ren Takamura and showering him with love as if he were their biological son. As time passed, they silently watched as he grew into an extraordinary individual, possessing intelligence and abilities that defied human scientific understanding.

    Under the bright morning sky, a teenager with dark blue hair that shimmered with a silver hue casually walked toward his school. A large headset rested on his head, playing music that drowned out the surrounding noise. Ren Takamura, clad in a black hoodie over his school uniform, seemed to be in his own world¡ªa sight that stood out compared to most other high school students in Japan.

    As he entered the school grounds, a few curious glances were cast his way, but Ren was already used to it. Upon reaching his still-empty classroom, he took off his hoodie and headset before settling into his seat, as if switching to "ordinary student mode." However, the moment he sat down, he put his headset back on and opened an advanced mechanics book¡ªsomething uncommon in a regular school that didn''t specialize in engineering. He read it leisurely, occasionally chuckling at concepts he found far too simple compared to his vastly superior understanding.

    Naturally, his peculiar habits led most of his classmates to keep their distance. However, there was one person who never hesitated to approach him¡ªhis childhood friend, who also happened to be in the same class.

    "Yooo! Have you had breakfast yet?"

    The cheerful voice came from a sturdy young man with a relaxed expression, striding toward Ren before plopping down on the seat beside him. His wide grin remained unchanged despite his slightly droopy eyes, a sign that he probably hadn''t gotten enough sleep last night. This was Kiriya Asano, Ren''s childhood friend, always full of energy¡ªthough more often than not, that energy was spent on unproductive things.

    Ren glanced at him briefly before letting out a quiet sigh. "Kiriya-chan... You look sluggish today too."

    Instantly, Kiriya''s body stiffened, shuddering at the nickname. "Hey, can you not call me that? It feels weird!" he protested, leaning back against the desk with an annoyed expression.

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    "Heh, that''s never going to change. Also, Kiriya will always be Kiriya-chan¡ªforever," Ren replied flatly, shifting his focus back to his book.

    "Haaah¡­ You''re so stubborn," Kiriya sighed in resignation before pulling something out of a small plastic bag he had brought. "Anyway, here''s your chocolate bread. I bought it from the convenience store earlier."

    Ren''s eyes gleamed slightly as he took the bread with a small nod. "Hohoho, thanks. As expected, you always know my taste." He unwrapped it casually but still kept an eye on Kiriya, whose tired expression seemed more pronounced than usual. "By the way, you look pretty down. Did you stay up all night again?"

    Kiriya snorted and dropped his head onto the desk. "Yeah¡­ I just got rejected by Chiya-chan!" he confessed dramatically, as if his entire world had crumbled. "So I vented my frustration by playing games! But instead of feeling better, I ended up getting matched with a bunch of trolls, making it a double kill!"

    Ren paused for a moment, staring at him with a blank expression before exhaling softly. "Unfortunate," he remarked lightly before taking a bite of his bread.

    Kiriya lifted his head with a look of disbelief. "You seriously have no empathy, huh?" he muttered, rubbing his own face. However, after a few seconds, he straightened up and gazed at Ren with curiosity. "Hey, Ren. I''ve been wondering about this¡ªdon''t you want to enjoy your youth like a normal person? Living like this all the time must be boring, right? We''re already in our second year, you know!"

    Ren raised an eyebrow slightly, as if waiting for further explanation. "Youth? Be more specific."

    "Haaah..." Kiriya let out a long sigh, placing both hands on the desk as if trying to shake some sense into his friend. "I mean¡­ Do you really want to be some shut-in otaku? At least try socializing with others and get yourself a girlfriend! That way, your school life will be much more exciting!"

    Ren slowly chewed his bread, giving Kiriya a brief glance before shaking his head lazily. "You''re spouting nonsense. Who set that standard? I''d love to know what''s going on in your head to turn this place of learning into your personal entertainment club."

    Kiriya clicked his tongue in frustration while Ren returned his attention to his book. Though they had differing views on "youth," conversations like these had already become their morning routine. However, for Ren, all of this was just a minor disturbance in his peaceful life¡ªa life he had yet to realize was about to change forever.

    Kiriya leaned back in his chair, a rare serious expression on his face. "I''m being serious here," he said, slightly leaning forward. With a small nod of his chin, he gestured toward a girl sitting not far from them. "So, aren''t you interested in Hana-chan?"

    Following Kiriya''s gaze, Ren spotted a bespectacled girl with long, flowing hair, completely engrossed in whatever she was reading at her desk. Hana Sakuragi, one of their classmates, was known for being quiet but consistently ranked among the top in their exams. Noticing that Ren was looking at her, her face instantly turned red, and she hurriedly pretended to focus on her book¡ªwhich, upon closer inspection, was actually a manga with its cover discreetly hidden behind an additional paper wrapping.

    Ren let out a small sigh before leaning back in his chair. "Hmm¡­ She''s nice but kind of clumsy," he commented casually, showing no particular interest. "But Kiriya, you already know that romance isn''t my priority right now. I''m more interested in this." He tapped on the mechanics book on his desk. "I want to hone my skills and achieve what I want first. Only after that will I even consider looking for love."

    Kiriya scoffed, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. But before he could argue, Ren continued in a flat yet sharp tone. "Besides, I have my own views on relationships. People like you think it''s all sweet and beautiful, but once you grow up, you''ll be slapped by the harsh reality of how relationships actually work." He slowly closed his book, his expression unreadable as he looked at Kiriya. "In the end, when you have money, any woman will come to you¡ªjust like bees attracted to the nectar called ''wealth.''"

 [01] Summons

    Kiriya fell silent for a moment before finally letting out a small chuckle and shaking his head. "Haaah... You''re really strange, Ren," he said with a wry smile. "But I guess that''s exactly the kind of answer I''d expect from you."

    Ren merely shrugged and reopened his book. He didn''t hate romance, but he viewed it from a more realistic¡ªand perhaps slightly skeptical¡ªperspective. However, he failed to notice that nearby, Hana, who was still pretending to read her manga, was secretly listening to their conversation, her face slightly flushed¡ªwhether from embarrassment or from feeling challenged by Ren''s way of thinking.

    ''Also¡­ somehow, everything feels boring now, even though I used to find it exciting.''

    Ren let out a quiet sigh, his gaze drifting outside the window, watching the vast blue sky stretching over the school grounds. This world was too peaceful. No threats, no enemies lurking in the shadows, no situations that pushed someone beyond their limits. In the past, he had felt passionate, driven to become more than just an ordinary human. But for some reason, as he grew older, everything just¡­ lost its spark.

    His mind wandered back to his childhood, when he was obsessed with high-tech superheroes. Iron Man, Super Sentai, Kamen Rider¡ªall those characters filled his imagination with dreams and aspirations that words couldn''t fully capture. He wanted to be like them¡ªsomeone who protected the weak, someone who stood between danger and peace. Every time he watched them fight in advanced armor or wield incredible devices, something inside him stirred¡ªa desire that felt as if it had been ingrained in his soul since birth.

    But the real world wasn''t like movies or comics. There were no secret evil organizations controlling society. No grand threats requiring a hero to save the day. Just an ordinary, uneventful life. That was why, over time, his passion shifted toward mechanics¡ªbecause it was the only field where he felt challenged. Even though his understanding far exceeded that of his peers, he chose to hold back. Waiting for the right time.

    A small thud on his desk brought him back to reality. Kiriya had placed a drink bottle on the table, his expression inquisitive. "Hey, what''s up with you? Spacing out again?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Ren turned slightly, looking at his friend with a neutral expression before shaking his head. "It''s nothing. Just thinking¡­ about how boring this world is."

    Kiriya chuckled. "Hah! That again? You should be enjoying your youth, not brooding over stuff like that."

    Ren didn''t reply, only offering a faint smile before turning his attention back to his book. Youth, huh? He wondered¡­ was there something out there that could reignite the passion he once felt?

    The classroom gradually became livelier as students gathered in their seats. Conversations, laughter, and complaints about schoolwork filled the air, but everything came to an abrupt halt when the bell rang just as their homeroom teacher stepped in. As usual, the teacher adjusted his glasses, preparing to start the lesson. However, before he could speak, something unusual happened.

    From the classroom speakers, an unfamiliar voice echoed, disrupting the atmosphere. It wasn''t the school staff or a regular announcement¡ªit was the voice of a girl, cheerful yet¡­ unnatural. There was a distortion in her tone, as if it came from somewhere it shouldn''t.

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    The entire class fell silent, all eyes turning toward the speaker above the whiteboard in confusion.

    "Ahem... Hello, this is God speaking!" The voice sounded like a child playing around, but there was something about it that sent chills down their spines.

    Kiriya, sitting beside Ren, turned to him with a skeptical expression. "Hey, Ren, this has to be some kind of prank, right?" he whispered.

    Ren narrowed his eyes, sensing the strangeness creeping into the room. "I don''t know, but something feels off," he replied in a low voice.

    Before anyone could react further, the classroom was suddenly engulfed in visual distortions¡ªthe walls trembled, a radiant white light shimmered around them, and the air grew heavy, as if gravity itself had increased. Some students screamed in panic, while others remained frozen in place, unable to comprehend what was happening.

    "Ara~ ara~? Oh, you''re starting to notice, huh?" The girl''s voice returned, this time with a teasing tone, as if she was enjoying the chaos she had caused. "Don''t worry, all of you have been chosen for a grand adventure! So¡­ get ready, because you''ll be transported to a new world in... 3... 2... 1!"

    Before they could process her words, their bodies suddenly felt weightless¡ªas if gravity had vanished entirely. The classroom they knew dissolved into an endless white void. One by one, their bodies disappeared into the light, until nothing remained but darkness.

    And then, everything faded away.

    In an infinite white void, a group of students and their homeroom teacher floated weightlessly, their consciousness slowly returning. Some began to move, trying to grasp their surroundings, while others were too overwhelmed to react. The fear that had consumed them moments ago now shifted into deeper confusion.

    In the middle of this empty space, a small figure hovered gracefully, clad in a dazzling white dress that emitted a gentle glow. Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves down to her waist, and her large, amethyst eyes gleamed with both mischief and laziness. In her hands, she held a magical tablet that projected information about each individual who had just been transported.

    "Hmm¡­ 22 people, including the teacher¡­" she murmured, her eyes scanning the floating list before her. "No issues, all of them are average humans with standard potential¡­ But¡ª" Her eyes suddenly widened.

    Her gaze locked onto a single name on the list. The information that was supposed to display race, status, and abilities was a jumbled mess, as if the system had failed to analyze the individual. She furrowed her brows, tapping on the screen multiple times with her tiny fingers.

    "Arclight race? But isn''t he just a human? Why can''t I scan him?" she muttered, her expression shifting from curiosity to frustration. She tapped the screen again, trying to retrieve more data, but Ren Takamura''s information remained distorted, unreadable.

    After several seconds of trying, she finally let out a long sigh and flopped backward into the air as if lying on an invisible sofa. "Aah¡­ whatever, this is too much of a headache," she mumbled lazily, then casually tossed her magical tablet into the void, where it vanished in a burst of light.

    "It''s not like they''ll change this world significantly anyway," she continued, stretching as if preparing for a nap. "Just like before¡ªdefeat the Demon King, then I''ll send them back home. Simple!"

    With a snap of her fingers, golden magic circles appeared beneath each student, glowing and slowly rotating. An unseen wind swirled around them, signaling that the transfer process had begun.

    Without understanding what was happening, the students could only glance at each other with tense expressions. However, among them, there was only one person who showed no fear or surprise at all. Ren Takamura remained silent, his face expressionless, but in his mind, he had already begun analyzing every possible outcome of this event.

    And then, in an instant, golden light enveloped them¡ª

    And the world changed.

 [02] Summons (2)

    The golden light that had enveloped them gradually faded, leaving behind 22 figures now sprawled across the cold floor. The air felt heavier than usual, filled with an unfamiliar scent¡ªa mixture of burning candles and something akin to damp earth. As their consciousness returned, a low rumble echoed throughout the room, accompanied by the steady footsteps of robed men standing in a circle around them.

    Ren blinked a few times, still feeling the lingering dizziness from the sudden transfer. With some effort, he pushed himself up and clutched his throbbing head. "Haah¡­ damn it," he muttered under his breath before quickly turning to the side. "Kiriya-chan, you okay?" he asked, checking on his friend, who was now slumped weakly beside him.

    Kiriya raised a hand as if trying to reassure himself. "Yeah¡­ shit, my stomach feels awful," he groaned hoarsely, his face pale.

    Ren sighed, glancing at the robed figures who remained motionless around them. "Don''t puke here," he whispered sharply. "If you do, your sanity will be questioned later."

    "I know..." Kiriya tried to steady himself, but his expression remained strained. "Urgh..." He covered his mouth and clutched his stomach, desperately trying to hold back the nausea.

    Meanwhile, Ren ignored his friend for the moment and began analyzing the situation. A supernatural phenomenon like this¡­ how did it work? From the very start, he had sensed something off about the voice that called itself "God." Her demeanor was far too childish, completely lacking the presence of an almighty entity.

    But for now, analyzing that so-called deity wasn''t his top priority. What mattered more was understanding where they had ended up. Ren''s eyes scanned the massive chamber¡ªits walls adorned with mysterious carvings, towering stone pillars supporting a high ceiling, and a grand altar at the center that resembled an ancient ritual site. The dim glow of torches lining the walls cast eerie shadows, reinforcing the notion that they had indeed been transported to another world.

    The robed men surrounding them observed in silence, some whispering to each other in serious tones. One of them, standing before the altar and distinguishable from the rest by his more elaborate robe embroidered with gold, finally stepped forward.

    "Honored Heroes," his voice echoed through the chamber, deep and authoritative. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Eldoria. We have summoned you to this world for a noble purpose¡ªto defeat the Demon King and save humanity from destruction!"

    The previously silent room immediately erupted with murmurs and whispers from the students. Some looked panicked, while others were still struggling to grasp the situation. Among them, only Ren remained quiet, narrowing his eyes in thought.

    ''Defeat the Demon King, huh...'' he mused. ''How clich¨¦.''

    The tension in the room steadily grew. Some students, still grounded in logic, reacted with disbelief and concern. Their homeroom teacher, a woman in her early thirties, stepped forward with a firm expression, attempting to speak on behalf of her students.

    "What is the meaning of this? You can''t just take us to another world and expect us to fight in a war!" her voice rang out, echoing off the castle''s grand stone walls. "We''re just regular high school students! You have to send us back home!"

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    Some students voiced their agreement¡ªsome panicked, some angry, while others could only stand frozen in confusion. However, before the tension could escalate further, the sound of approaching footsteps reverberated from the main entrance. The robed men immediately bowed in respect, making way for the figure who had just entered the chamber.

    A young woman stepped forward gracefully, dressed in a resplendent white gown adorned with golden embroidery that shimmered under the torchlight. Her long, wavy silver-gold hair cascaded down her back, and her sapphire-blue eyes glowed softly like precious gems. The aura she exuded was enchanting, radiating both authority and warmth¡ªlike a princess straight out of a fairy tale.

    Nearly every male student held their breath, captivated by her beauty. Even Kiriya, who had barely recovered, was immediately enthralled.

    "Dear god¡­ she''s really a princess..." he whispered, eyes sparkling with admiration.

    However, unlike most of his classmates, Ren maintained his usual cold, unreadable expression. His gaze wasn''t focused on her beauty, but on her every movement, every subtle change in expression.

    (Her posture, her demeanor, her tone¡­ this isn''t the first time she''s done something like this. She''s too well-trained for someone merely giving an introduction.)

    The princess stopped just before them and spoke in a gentle yet commanding voice. "Honored Heroes, welcome to the Kingdom of Eldoria. I am Princess Anastasia Eldoria, first princess of this kingdom."

    She lowered her head slightly in a formal gesture of respect. "On behalf of my people and all living beings in this world, we humbly seek your aid. The Demon King has returned, and only you can save us."

    Some students swallowed nervously, whether out of anxiety or because they were simply too mesmerized. But to Ren, this was nothing more than a well-rehearsed script from a typical hero summoning scenario.

    (This is strange. If their world is truly on the brink of destruction, why do they seem so composed? If the situation were that dire, they should be far more desperate.)

    Ren remained silent, his gaze locked onto the princess, who continued to speak with grace and eloquence. With carefully chosen words, she managed to soothe the fears of the majority, subtly turning their uncertainty into a sense of duty.

    Among them, a tall young man suddenly stepped forward, his chest puffed out with determination. With a confident expression, he raised his hand and declared boldly, "I can''t just stand by! If the people of this world need help, then I will fight for them!" His tone was filled with conviction, as if he had been born to be a hero.

    Ren glanced at him briefly, suppressing the urge to sigh. (Look at him¡­ brave on the surface, but deep down, just another attention seeker.) His face remained blank, but his mind was already analyzing. (He''s probably thinking this is his chance to be the protagonist, a hero worshiped by all¡­ but, wait.)

    (A hero?)

    A long-forgotten memory suddenly resurfaced in his mind. His childhood, where he spent hours watching high-tech superheroes¡ªIron Man, Super Sentai, Kamen Rider. Back then, his heart had burned with passion, his dream crystal clear: to be someone greater, someone who protected the weak with cutting-edge technology. Once upon a time, he, too, had wanted to be a hero.

    But as the years passed, reality taught him that the world had no need for heroes like those in fiction.

    Ren shifted his gaze back to the princess, who smiled gently at the enthusiastic response of one of his classmates. (But what if¡­ this world was different? What if, in this place, I could truly become the hero I once dreamed of being?)

    His thoughts raced. Unlike his classmates, who would rely on whatever power this world granted them, he had something different¡ªsomething no one else possessed. Technology.

    Unconsciously, the corner of his lips lifted slightly. Not a smile of happiness, but the grin of someone who had just discovered a challenge worth pursuing.

    (Alright¡­ let''s see just how far I can push this world with my own hands.)

 [03] Different

    The newly summoned group of students was led through the grand corridors of the castle, their walls adorned with golden tapestries and intricate carvings that spoke of the kingdom''s glory. Fully armed knights stood guard along the route, their expressions neutral yet clearly vigilant. Though the atmosphere resembled a ceremony of honor, Ren couldn''t shake the feeling that they were being observed with an underlying sense of caution.

    After several minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the royal hall¡ªa vast chamber supported by towering pillars, its high-domed ceiling exuding an air of majesty. At the far end of the hall, two magnificent thrones rested atop a marble platform, occupied by the king and queen of the Eldoria Kingdom.

    The king, a man in his fifties with a thick beard and a heavy golden crown, gazed at them with a firm, commanding presence. Beside him, the queen¡ªan elegant woman with silver-blonde hair¡ªoffered a gentle smile, as if trying to ease their nerves.

    Once all the students had gathered in the center of the hall, the king finally rose from his throne and began to speak.

    "Honored Heroes, we welcome you to the land of Eldoria!" His deep, authoritative voice echoed throughout the chamber. "We have summoned you from another world for a noble purpose¡ªto defeat the Demon King and save this world from destruction!"

    A classic speech, one that was all too predictable.

    While most of the students listened intently, Ren remained silent, his eyes scanning the room, searching for anything out of place. Beside him, Kiriya leaned in slightly and whispered, "Psst... What should we do now?"

    Ren kept his gaze fixed on the platform, answering in a low voice only Kiriya could hear. "Just wait. Let''s see what they offer us first."

    Kiriya gave a small nod, though his eyes still held traces of unease. Meanwhile, the king continued his speech, reiterating the same grand tale of the Demon King''s evil and how they, the Summoned Heroes, were the world''s last hope.

    But to Ren, one crucial question remained unanswered.

    What was the kingdom''s true motive?

    They had forcibly summoned 22 strangers without consent, thrust them into a dangerous mission without asking for their willingness. Without even verifying if they were truly capable, they were immediately granted the title of "Hero" and expected to save the world. Something about this didn''t add up.

    After the lengthy speech filled with grand rhetoric, the atmosphere in the hall finally settled. An elderly man in a long purple robe embroidered with silver stepped forward, holding a staff adorned with a glowing blue crystal. His sharp eyes and the deep wrinkles on his face suggested years of wisdom and experience.

    "Heroes, before you can fight for this world, we must determine your strengths," he declared in a steady, authoritative tone. With a wave of his hand, several knights entered the hall, carrying a large crystal that emitted a soft, pulsating light. They placed it upon a small altar at the center of the hall, and an unseen energy radiated from within it.

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    "This is the Crystal of Appraisal, a sacred artifact capable of identifying one''s job and magical potential," the mage continued. His gaze swept over the students before he spoke again. "Each of you will touch it, and this crystal will reveal the true power you possess in this world."

    Murmurs spread among the students, many of them still looking unsure and hesitant. However, some¡ªparticularly those who had been excited about this summons from the start¡ªseemed eager. Kiriya swallowed hard, then turned to Ren.

    "Hey, this is just like in games, right? There''s gotta be rare or overpowered jobs!" he whispered, attempting to mask his nerves with humor.

    Ren didn''t immediately respond, his gaze locked onto the crystal. (A structured job system¡­ so this world has an organized power hierarchy.) he mused. (Interesting. But what''s even more intriguing is how this system functions on a scientific level.)

    A knight stepped forward and gestured for one of the students to go first. A young man with neatly cut hair¡ªthe same one who had boldly declared his desire to be a hero¡ªstepped forward with confidence. With hopeful eyes, he placed his hand on the crystal.

    The crystal began to glow, swirling with blue light before projecting glowing text into the air.

    [Holy Knight ¨C Sacred Hero]

    A few students cheered, while the young man beamed with pride. As if eager to prove he was destined for greatness, he clenched his fist and declared, "See? I was meant for this!"

    Ren raised an eyebrow slightly, unimpressed. (As expected, there are jobs directly tied to the hero role. But the real question is¡­ what about me?)

    One by one, the students stepped forward to touch the crystal, each receiving different jobs¡ªMage, Archer, Rogue, Paladin. Some even acquired rare jobs such as Elemental Lord or Spirit Summoner, immediately earning admiration from their peers.

    Eventually, it was Kiriya''s turn. He gulped before placing his hand on the crystal. Moments later, a bright green light shone from within.

    [Assassin ¨C Shadow Blade]

    "Whoa... Assassin?!" Kiriya stared at the floating text, eyes wide with disbelief. "Cool! I got a fast and stealthy job!"

    A few students glanced at him with envy, but Ren simply crossed his arms and waited for his turn. He stepped forward without any change in expression, standing before the crystal that still radiated its mysterious energy. The mage overseeing the process observed him with a hint of curiosity.

    "Go ahead. Touch the crystal and let this world reveal your true power."

    Ren placed his hand on the crystal¡ªand immediately, something strange happened.

    Unlike the others, whose results appeared almost instantly, the crystal began to tremble violently. The light inside swirled chaotically, cycling through blue, red, green, and gold as if unable to determine a result.

    The once-enthusiastic atmosphere was replaced by an eerie silence. Every eye in the room was now fixated on the crystal, their expressions shifting from curiosity to unease. The mage narrowed his eyes and gripped his staff tightly.

    "What is¡­ happening?" he muttered, his voice laced with tension.

    Then, without warning, the crystal cracked.

    A sharp cracking sound echoed through the hall, sending a wave of shock through everyone present. Before anyone could react, glowing text finally appeared in the air¡ªbut unlike the others, it was different.

    [Job: Unidentified]

    Silence deepened. All eyes turned to Ren, who remained standing with the same neutral expression.

    But in his mind, only one thought echoed.

    (¡­Just as I expected. I''m different.)

 [04] Different (2)

    Author: Ren doesn''t know that he or she is an alien, so the narrative doesn''t include what the character is aware of.

    ###

    The silence that had settled over the grand hall was abruptly shattered as the king rose from his throne, his previously dignified expression now replaced by one of shock. The knights around him exchanged glances, while the nobles and officials present began whispering among themselves. No one had expected that among the twenty-two summoned heroes, there would be one whose job could not be identified.

    The king turned sharply toward the mage overseeing the ritual, his voice firm yet laced with confusion. "What does this mean? Why can''t the crystal determine his job?"

    The elderly mage, who appeared just as bewildered, swallowed hard before attempting to explain. "E-Erm¡­ This has never happened before, Your Majesty." He glanced at the crystal, now bearing fine cracks on its surface, as if struggling to believe what had just transpired. "However, if I were to make a conclusion¡­ I would say that this child possesses a job that does not exist in this world, making it impossible for the crystal to identify."

    Ren, who had remained silent until now, raised an eyebrow with a blank expression. "Haah?" he muttered, his tone laced with skepticism.

    The mage let out a slow breath, straightened his posture, and spoke more clearly. "What I mean is, this crystal functions by reading the magical information within a person''s body and matching it to existing jobs in this world." He stroked his graying beard, his eyes filled with curiosity as he studied Ren. "But in your case, there was no data to match. In other words¡­ you possess a job that is either unknown or has never existed before."

    Whispers grew louder behind Ren.

    "A job that has never existed before¡­?"

    "What does that even mean? Does he have some kind of hidden power?"

    "Could he actually be stronger than all of us?"

    Ren could feel the sharp stares directed at him from various individuals. Some students looked anxious, while others gazed at him with envy, as if wishing they had been the ones to receive something "special." Even Kiriya, who was usually carefree, now looked at him with a mix of awe and concern.

    Still, Ren remained motionless, allowing everyone to drown in their own speculations. His mind, however, focused on something far more important.

    (An unidentified job? No, this isn''t just about magic or jobs¡­ this is about how this world perceives my existence.)

    If this world''s system couldn''t recognize him, then there was a fundamental difference between himself and the rules governing this reality. It could be because he belonged to the Arclight race, something not native to this world, or perhaps something even greater¡ªsomething even the so-called god who summoned them was unaware of.

    Before he could think further, the king spoke again.

    "Archmage, is this child dangerous?"

    The atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier. Some students who had only been whispering now looked genuinely concerned, while the nobles exchanged glances filled with speculation. Even the knights stationed around the room appeared slightly more alert, though they made no overtly hostile moves.

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    The Archmage, who had been observing Ren with keen interest, finally let out a sigh and turned to the king. "Your Majesty, I believe it would be wise to observe first before concluding whether this is dangerous or not." He stroked his white beard, then added in a more serious tone, "Besides, it is unwise to speak of such things while the person in question stands right before you."

    The king, who had initially looked hesitant, cleared his throat and straightened his posture on the throne. "Ahem¡­ My apologies." His gaze swept over the students before nodding in a more composed manner. "Very well, now that everyone has learned their jobs, you will be allowed to rest. The attendants will escort you to the rooms we have prepared for you."

    As soon as the king gave his command, a group of attendants dressed in elegant uniforms entered the hall, each carrying small lanterns emitting a soft glow. Though still overwhelmed by everything that had transpired, the students slowly began following them out of the hall one by one.

    Ren walked leisurely, hands in his pockets, still observing his surroundings. Beside him, Kiriya wore an expression full of questions, occasionally glancing at him. Eventually, after walking far enough from the hall, he could no longer hold back.

    "Hey, Ren¡­ What exactly are you?" he whispered, making sure no one else could hear. "Why couldn''t the crystal detect your job? Are you not human or something?"

    Ren kept his eyes forward, his expression unchanged. "Who knows?" he replied flatly. "I don''t have the answer myself."

    Kiriya clicked his tongue in frustration. "Man, you''re as cold as ever¡­ If this were a game, I bet you''d be some hidden-job character or something."

    Ren gave a faint smirk, but deep inside, he was wondering the same thing. (What exactly makes me different? And more importantly, how can I use it to my advantage?)

    Unbeknownst to them, a figure clad in a dark robe stood in the dimly lit corridor, watching Ren with piercing eyes. Whoever they were, their gaze held an unmistakable sense of intrigue¡ªand suspicion.

    Fortunately for Ren and Kiriya, they were assigned the same room, allowing them to discuss things more freely without fear of eavesdroppers. The room was spacious enough for two, furnished with two canopy beds, a carved wooden desk, and a large window overlooking the castle''s inner garden. Candles in the corners of the room cast a soft glow, adding a calm ambiance after the chaos of the day.

    As soon as the door closed and they ensured no one was nearby, Kiriya collapsed onto his bed with a tired groan. "Haaah¡­ I still can''t believe we''re actually in another world." He stared at the ceiling, trying to process everything that had happened. "It feels like a dream, but my stomach still feels awful, so I guess this is real."

    Ren, meanwhile, simply sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers interlocked as he pondered. "Well, you could say it''s interesting¡­ but also dangerous." His gaze drifted toward the window, observing the castle courtyard, where armored knights patrolled in tight formations. "I''ve been analyzing the situation since we arrived, and there are a few things that don''t make sense."

    Kiriya turned his head, raising an eyebrow. "Like what?"

    Ren took a short breath before explaining. "First, the reason for our summoning sounds clich¨¦¡ªdefeat the Demon King. But the way they presented it¡­ it felt like we were tools rather than honored guests." He tapped his finger against the wooden surface, carefully organizing his thoughts. "They didn''t even ask if we were willing or not. That means they see us as something they can control."

    Kiriya slowly nodded, realizing how right his friend was. "Hmm¡­ Now that you mention it, we haven''t been given any real details about this Demon King. Like, how strong is he? How close is he to destroying the world? Or¡­ is this just an excuse for them to use us?"

    Ren smirked slightly. "You''re starting to get it." He folded his arms, leaning back against the bed. "There are two possibilities. One, they''re truly desperate and have no other choice but to summon us. Or two¡­" He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "They have a much bigger plan, and we''re just pawns in their game."

    Kiriya swallowed hard, feeling a bit uneasy about the direction of this conversation. "So¡­ are we in danger?"

    Ren didn''t answer immediately. He stared at the night sky outside the window, his mind working rapidly.

    "For now, we should pretend to cooperate. But I won''t let them control me so easily."

 [05] Excommunicated

    The second day of training began with a more serious atmosphere. Each student had been assigned a role based on their combat specialty¡ªfrontline fighters for close-range combatants like Holy Knights and Warriors, support units for Healers and Support Mages, and ranged attackers for Archers and Mages. Two mentors were assigned to each group: one as the primary trainer and another as an assistant to provide technical guidance.

    Due to his unidentified job, Ren was placed in the support unit alongside Kiriya, who had been assigned the role of an Assassin. Though it seemed odd for an Assassin to be in the support unit, the justification given was that Assassins were not frontline fighters who engaged enemies head-on but rather operated as infiltrators or scouts. However, to Ren, this reasoning felt like an excuse¡ªan easy way to push him aside because they still didn''t know how to handle someone with an unidentifiable job.

    As the training session began, each group was assigned different physical exercises. The support unit was scheduled for stamina training, running laps around the training field, while the ranged attackers¡ªmostly mages¡ªpracticed controlling their newly acquired magic. Initially, everything proceeded as expected, though some students struggled to grasp the extent of their newfound abilities.

    However, the atmosphere started to shift when certain students, having just experienced the power of magic, began displaying arrogance. Those who were once ordinary children now felt superior simply because they could conjure flames from their hands or summon gusts of wind with a simple incantation. And for some of them, seeing someone like Ren¡ªwhose job was unidentified and who might not even possess any abilities¡ªwas an easy trigger for mockery.

    As the support unit continued running laps around the field, one of the students from the mage unit sneered and raised his staff, pointing it toward Ren, who was casually jogging at the back.

    "Hey, if you don''t have a job, why don''t you just go home? This world doesn''t need dead weight," he scoffed.

    Without any further warning, he swung his staff, and a small fireball shot directly toward Ren.

    Gasps rippled through the onlookers, some shocked, others watching with intrigue, eager to see how Ren would react. However, what they failed to realize was that while Ren''s job remained unidentified, his senses and reflexes were far beyond those of an ordinary human.

    As the fireball neared him, Ren subtly tilted his body to the side, avoiding the attack with an almost unnatural level of precision. His movement was so fluid that it seemed as if he had predicted the attack before it was even launched. The fireball missed him entirely, striking the ground behind him and leaving a smoldering black scorch mark.

    The entire training ground fell silent.

    But before Ren could respond, Kiriya¡ªwho had been watching the entire exchange¡ªimmediately exploded in anger.

    "OI, ARE YOU INSANE?!" he shouted, storming forward with fiery eyes. "THIS IS TRAINING, NOT A DAMN PLAYGROUND! WERE YOU TRYING TO KILL SOMEONE?!"

    The mage who had fired the attack merely shrugged, a smug grin on his face. "Relax. I just wanted to see if he could do anything besides running." Some students chuckled, while others remained silent, unwilling to get involved.

    Kiriya clenched his fists, on the verge of punching the guy, but before he could act, Ren raised a hand, stopping him before things escalated further.

    "That''s enough," Ren said coolly. His eyes met Kiriya''s, silently conveying a message. "Don''t waste your energy on something this pointless. If you give in to anger, you''ll only cause more trouble."

    Kiriya, still fuming, hesitated before finally exhaling sharply and lowering his fists, though the fire in his eyes hadn''t completely faded.

    Ren, meanwhile, turned to face the mage who had attacked him. His expression was no longer neutral¡ªit was calm, yet exuded an air of quiet intimidation.

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    "You wanted to see if I could do something?" His voice was quiet, but there was a weight to his words that made the mage instinctively straighten his posture. "Don''t worry¡­ You''ll see soon enough."

    Without waiting for a response, Ren returned to his position and resumed running as if nothing had happened. But deep inside, he knew one thing¡ªhe wouldn''t stay silent forever.

    Their training sessions weren''t just limited to physical combat and outdoor exercises. At times, they had to sit through classroom lectures, learning about the general knowledge of this world¡ªits culture, customs, and royal etiquette. However, for most students, these lessons felt dull, not much different from the subjects they had studied in their old world.

    Yet, among them, one person stood out.

    Ren absorbed every lesson with unwavering focus, taking in information as if it were second nature to him. To him, learning about this world was a far more crucial step than simply training for combat without a solid understanding of the environment he had been thrown into.

    On the third day, they began studying mineralogy, delving into the various metals, crystals, and raw materials used in this world¡ªfor weapon forging, armor crafting, and even magical tools. This was a topic that truly piqued Ren''s interest, and for the first time, he showed a level of enthusiasm far greater than before. His silver-blue eyes gleamed as he listened intently to the explanations of Orichalcum, Mithril, Adamantium, and other rare minerals that did not exist on Earth.

    Days passed, and now it was the fifth day since their arrival in this world. Most students had begun to show progress in mastering their abilities, but Ren still exhibited no significant development. Not because he lacked capability, but because he deliberately chose not to focus on physical training.

    Instead, he spent most of his time in the library, reading book after book, digging deeper into the knowledge of this world. He understood that compared to honing external strength, knowledge was a far more powerful and reliable weapon. Unlike magic or abilities granted by this world''s system, knowledge was something he could fully control.

    As long as he had unrestricted access to the library, he would make the most of it. Because in his mind, to truly master this world, understanding it was far more important than merely refining combat prowess.

    Within a week of his arrival, Ren had read and comprehended every book available in the royal library¡ªan achievement nearly impossible for an ordinary person. His learning speed was far beyond that of a normal human, and now, he no longer felt the need to hold back. Every piece of information he absorbed was stored neatly in his mind, as if his brain were a supercomputer capable of processing data in mere seconds.

    That night, inside their room, Ren sat leaning against his bed, his eyes focused on a book he had just borrowed from the library. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows over the pages, filling the room with a tranquil atmosphere.

    That peace, however, was soon disrupted by the creaking door as Kiriya entered, dragging his feet and holding a paper bag filled with what appeared to be stale bread.

    "Haah... Damn it, the food in this city has absolutely no flavor," Kiriya complained as he collapsed onto his bed. He grabbed a piece of bread, took a bite, and immediately grimaced in dissatisfaction. "Why does this taste more like a rock than actual food?"

    Ren let out a short sigh before getting up from his bed. He reached into a small bag in the corner of the room and pulled out something seemingly simple¡ªyet to Kiriya, it was nothing short of a miracle.

    A small bottle filled with a creamy, pale-yellow sauce¡ªmayonnaise.

    The moment Kiriya saw it, his eyes lit up. "Oi, oi, oi! What the hell is this?! You have mayonnaise?!" he exclaimed, suddenly sitting up straight. "Wait¡ªdo you know how to make this?!"

    Ren merely shrugged, drizzling a small amount of mayonnaise onto the stale bread before handing it to Kiriya. "Of course. It only took me one attempt to get it right."

    Kiriya eyed the bread with curiosity before taking a cautious bite. The moment the flavor hit his tongue, his expression transformed into one of pure delight. "This is amazing! Why hasn''t anyone in this world discovered mayonnaise yet?! They need to know about this!" he raved as he took another enthusiastic bite.

    Ren sat back down and closed his book momentarily. "The recipe is simple¡ªjust eggs, oil, vinegar, and a few seasonings. But I doubt the people here put much thought into culinary advancements."

    With their meal now made significantly better thanks to Ren''s homemade mayonnaise, Kiriya began recounting his experiences in the city while shopping. With excitement, he described how the markets were filled with unique goods, from high-quality fabrics to exotic spices that didn''t exist in their world. However, one thing stood out to him the most.

    Reaching into the small pouch he carried, Kiriya pulled out several oddly colored stone fragments¡ªminerals native to this world. The flickering candlelight reflected off their surfaces, giving them a faint shimmer that hinted at their potential value beyond mere decoration.

    Ren observed the stones with keen interest. (This is fascinating¡­ If this world contains minerals never documented before, then there''s a high chance I can create something even they haven''t imagined.)

 [06] Expulsion

    Kiriya collapsed onto his bed with an exhausted expression, though his wary gaze remained fixed on Ren. "I knew it... That smile of yours is terrifying."

    Ren, still examining the mineral in his hand, turned with a neutral expression. "Hooh?" he muttered, as if he didn''t understand what his friend was implying.

    Kiriya let out a sigh and shuddered slightly. "You''re never this scary when talking about your discoveries. I still remember being your test subject back in the day..." His voice carried a hint of trauma, as if recalling something far from pleasant.

    Ren smirked slightly, balancing the crystal shard between his fingers. "Of course. I needed more data back then." He resumed his observation of the magic stone in his hand, his eyes gleaming like a scientist who had just discovered a rare specimen. "By the way, this is a nice gift. I like it. This is a magic stone formed from the crystallized blood of a monster''s heart¡­ Hmm, I see."

    Kiriya sighed, unsurprised by Ren''s tendency to focus more on raw materials than the situation they were in. "Yeah, yeah¡­ Well, if you like it, that''s good." Then, his expression grew more serious, and his tone shifted. "Also, I know you haven''t just been sitting around doing nothing. While everyone else has been progressing with their jobs, you must have your own plan, right?"

    Ren remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "Umm¡­ I understand the situation. I need to make myself appear useless so they remove me from their watchful eye. That means I need to be expelled from this group¡­ in other words, banished."

    He placed the magic stone on the table and looked at Kiriya with calculating eyes. "Tomorrow, they''re taking us to meet the king again, right? I''m certain that''s when they''ll decide to get rid of those they consider worthless¡­ and I have a strong feeling they''ve already made plans to expel me."

    Kiriya grinned at the analysis, as if he had already expected Ren to take matters into his own hands. "Hoo¡­ Mind if I tag along?" he asked casually, but there was a seriousness in his eyes.

    Ren shook his head slightly, his expression calm as ever. "You can¡­ but not yet. I need you to stay here because I''ll need information later."

    Kiriya clicked his tongue but eventually shrugged. "Fine, fine¡­ But when you''re ready, don''t forget to come get me, got it?" he said in a joking tone, though there was a hint of sincerity behind his words.

    Ren closed his eyes for a moment before looking at him with a small smile. "I understand."

    As the night deepened, in the dimly lit room illuminated by flickering candlelight, the two friends had already made a major decision¡ªa decision that would set them on a path far different from the other summoned heroes.

    By the time Kiriya had fallen asleep, his steady breathing was the only sound breaking the silence of the night.

    Ren sat at the wooden desk near the window, the soft candlelight illuminating his hands as he held a small knife and the mineral fragments Kiriya had given him. His eyes studied the stone with sharp focus, analyzing every detail before carefully placing it on the table''s surface.

    Without hesitation, he pressed his fingers against the mineral''s surface. And in that moment, the power he had always known he possessed¡ªever since his time in Japan¡ªbegan to activate.

    Material Transmutation.

    That was the name he had given to his ability. A power that allowed him to alter the structure of any material he touched, as long as he fully understood its composition. He couldn''t create something from nothing like magic, but he could manipulate existing substances, reshaping them to fit his needs.

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    Tonight marked his thirty-second experiment since he began conducting research in secret. Every success and failure had been meticulously documented in a small notebook made from parchment. He had recorded every test in detail, ensuring he gathered enough data to understand this world through a scientific lens.

    (The minerals in this world are far more unique than those on Earth. If I can fully grasp their composition, I can create something even beyond this world''s imagination.)

    He picked up the small knife and carefully scraped the surface of the magic stone. A faint glow flickered from the crack he made, as if the stone was reacting to his touch. Ren narrowed his eyes, closely observing how the mineral responded.

    (I need more data¡­ And once I have enough, I can start crafting something truly useful for my escape plan.)

    A small, confident smile formed on his lips.

    They might see him as worthless¡­ but they had no idea who they were really dealing with.

    ###

    Just as Ren had predicted, the following day, he was summoned back to the royal hall along with the other students. The atmosphere in the room felt far more tense than before, and this time, neither the king nor the princess displayed the same warmth they had during their first meeting.

    After Princess Anastasia delivered a hopeful speech about the role of the Heroes, the king finally rose from his throne. His expression was far more serious than before, and his voice echoed throughout the grand hall.

    "After careful consideration, we have come to a decision." His gaze briefly shifted toward Ren, his expression heavy, though his tone remained firm. "Takamura Ren, as your job remains unidentified and you have shown no progress in training, we must regretfully remove you from the Hero party."

    A heavy silence filled the room. Some students immediately reacted, while others remained quiet, as if they had already expected this outcome.

    "What?!" Kiriya stepped forward, his eyes wide with fury. "You''ve got to be kidding! You''re just throwing him away because you can''t understand his job? That''s completely unfair!"

    A few other students also voiced their disagreement.

    "It''s true he hasn''t trained like us, but that''s no reason to just abandon him like this!" said a girl who seemed genuinely concerned. However, the majority either stayed silent or simply nodded in agreement with the king''s decision.

    On the other hand, some students felt this was the logical outcome.

    "Isn''t this obvious? If he stays, he''ll just be dead weight."

    "We''re talking about saving the world. There''s no room for someone useless."

    "He never took training seriously in the first place. This is his own fault."

    Through it all, Ren stood motionless, his expression devoid of surprise or anger. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had anticipated, and the reactions around him were nothing more than a script playing out as expected.

    However, their homeroom teacher, who had always been uncomfortable with this summoning, finally stepped forward.

    "Your Majesty, even if Ren must be removed from the Hero party, I ask that he not be cast out without any form of support." Her voice was firm, though she remained formal in addressing the king. "He is still one of my students, and I cannot accept him being abandoned without any means to survive."

    The king fell silent for a moment before turning to one of his ministers. After a brief discussion, he finally gave a slow nod.

    "Very well. As compensation, we will provide financial support to ensure he can sustain himself in this world."

    Still visibly upset, Kiriya took the small pouch that a royal attendant had prepared. He peeked inside and saw its contents¡ªten gold coins, enough to live comfortably for several months, perhaps even to indulge in some luxuries in the city.

    "Well¡­ at least it''s better than nothing," he muttered before handing the pouch to Ren.

    Ren accepted the coins without a change in expression, then looked at the king and princess one last time. "Thank you for your generosity." His voice was flat, yet there was a subtle trace of sarcasm that only those who were perceptive enough would notice.

    Without lingering any further, he turned and walked toward the grand doors, leaving everyone behind.

    However, just before he stepped through, he paused for a brief moment and spoke in a hushed tone¡ªjust loud enough for Kiriya to hear, yet quiet enough to avoid drawing attention from the others.

    "Just as we planned¡­ I''ll go first. Don''t forget¡ªkeep an eye on everything for me."

    Kiriya didn''t respond, but his fists clenched at his sides, suppressing the urge to follow. For now, his role was to remain within the castle, gathering as much information as possible for their future plans.

    As Ren finally stepped out of the castle, he lifted his head and gazed at the vast blue sky above.

    (Now¡­ everything begins.)

 [07] First day of adventure

    Ren walked out of the palace gates at a leisurely pace, still dressed in his school uniform¡ªthe only clothing that felt comfortable compared to the rough gear they had provided during training. The leather outfits they issued had been too stiff and itchy against his skin, so the moment he was dismissed, he immediately returned to the attire he had worn when he first arrived in this world. A white dress shirt, black blazer, long trousers, and indoor shoes.

    Before him lay a bustling cityscape, its stone-paved streets filled with merchants, adventurers, and townsfolk going about their daily lives. Wooden and stone buildings stood with classic medieval architecture, while royal banners fluttered at several corners, signifying that this was a prosperous capital. However, as he stepped further away, two palace guards stationed by the gates kept a sharp eye on him, their expressions wary despite his expulsion from the Hero party.

    Ren glanced at them briefly before letting out a short sigh. (Do they really think I''m going to do something suspicious? I don''t even have a grand plan yet.) But he paid them no further mind and continued walking down the city''s main street with a calm stride.

    His first objective was clear¡ªfinding shelter.

    With only ten gold coins in his pocket, he had to manage his finances wisely. Staying at a cheap inn for the time being was the best option, at least until he secured a source of income.

    After walking for several minutes, he finally found a building with a wooden sign that read "Silver Hearth Inn." The place looked simple yet well-maintained, and the lively chatter and clinking of glasses from the lower floor indicated that it also functioned as a tavern.

    Ren stepped inside, his eyes quickly adjusting to the dimly lit interior. Behind the reception desk, a middle-aged woman with wavy brown hair greeted him with a warm smile.

    "Welcome to Silver Hearth! You need a room, kid?" she asked in a motherly tone, though her gaze subtly studied his unusual attire.

    Ren gave a small nod before reaching into his pocket and placing a single gold coin on the counter. "Yeah. I need a room for a few days."

    The woman''s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the gold coin. "Oh? A gold coin? That''ll get you our finest room, complete with complimentary dinner service."

    Ren shook his head lightly. "No need for luxury. I just need a bed and privacy."

    She eyed him for a moment before nodding and retrieving a silver coin from the drawer beneath the counter. "Alright, kid. For a standard room, here''s your change. You''ll be in Room Seven, second floor."

    Without much fuss, Ren accepted the silver coin, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. Once he received the key, he made his way upstairs, leaving behind the lively atmosphere of the tavern below.

    Upon reaching his assigned room, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. The space was modest but comfortable¡ªfeaturing a small bed, a wooden desk, and a tiny window overlooking the city street.

    Locking the door behind him, he sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath.

    (Alright¡­ I''m officially on my own in this world now.)

    Lying down on the bed, he stared up at the wooden ceiling of the simple room that would serve as his temporary home. No supervision, no pressure from the kingdom, and no restrictions holding him back. Rather than feeling dejected about being expelled from the Hero party, he saw this as his greatest opportunity.

    (Now, I can do things my way.)

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    However, there was one issue he needed to resolve quickly¡ªmoney.

    He couldn''t rely on the nine gold coins he had left forever, as they would eventually run out. And as someone who aimed to create something using technology, he needed raw materials, tools, and other resources¡ªall of which wouldn''t come for free.

    The fastest way to make money?

    Registering as a mercenary or adventurer.

    In this world, the Adventurer''s Guild seemed to function just like the ones Ren had often read about in fantasy stories. They accepted a wide variety of missions and contracts, ranging from monster subjugation and merchant escorts to rare material gathering and other dangerous tasks. It was the fastest and most flexible way to earn money, especially for someone who didn''t want to be tied to the kingdom''s authority.

    With that plan in mind, the next morning, Ren packed his things and left the inn after a quick breakfast. The city was already bustling with morning activity¡ªmerchants setting up their stalls, adventurers gathering in small groups to discuss their missions. After asking the innkeeper for directions, he finally located the Adventurer''s Guild¡ªa large building with an arched roof and a crest of crossed swords engraved above the entrance.

    The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere was exactly as he had imagined¡ªloud, busy, and full of energy. Adventurers of various races and classes filled the hall, some sitting at tables enjoying their drinks, while others gathered around the mission board, selecting their next task.

    Ren made his way toward the reception desk, where a young woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail was busy writing down reports. As soon as she noticed his presence, she looked up and gave a professional smile.

    "Welcome to the Adventurer''s Guild. Are you here to register as a new member?"

    Ren gave a small nod and placed one hand on the counter. "Yeah. I want to become an adventurer."

    The receptionist nodded and retrieved a registration form from a drawer behind her. "Alright, please fill out this form with your details. Also, if you already have an identified job, we''ll conduct a small test to determine your starting rank."

    Glancing at the form, Ren picked up the feathered pen provided and began filling it out. But in his mind, he already knew this was going to be interesting.

    (An unidentified job¡­ How are they going to evaluate someone like me?)

    A small smirk formed on his lips as he completed the form.

    The receptionist maintained her polite smile before retrieving a transparent crystal orb from the shelf behind her, placing it on the desk. It looked nearly identical to the one used by the royal court to assess the students'' jobs.

    "Alright, now please place your hand on the crystal so we can record your job and potential."

    Ren stared at the crystal with a deadpan expression. (Haah¡­ this again?) Without hesitation, he placed his hand on it, and just as he had expected, the crystal immediately began to tremble violently.

    The light inside flickered chaotically, shifting between multiple colors as if the system was unable to process the information correctly. A few adventurers seated near the reception desk glanced over with mild curiosity, but most of them simply shrugged and went back to their own business. After a few seconds, the final result appeared in glowing text above the orb.

    [Job: Unidentified]

    Just like in the palace, the outcome remained the same. However, unlike the nobles who had been shocked and concerned, the receptionist merely blinked before jotting something down on her form, her expression completely unfazed.

    "Alright, your job is unidentified. That''s not a problem."

    Ren raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Eh? You''re not going to ask any questions?"

    The receptionist shrugged casually. "Here at the Adventurer''s Guild, we don''t really care about things like that. As long as you can complete the jobs given to you, your status or job doesn''t matter to us."

    A small smile played on Ren''s lips. (This is completely different from the kingdom. Much more flexible.)

    Once the registration process was complete, the receptionist explained the ranking system within the guild.

    "The guild ranks adventurers by letter, starting from the lowest rank, F, to the highest, S. Every new adventurer begins at Rank F, and to advance to higher ranks, you must complete a certain number of missions and receive positive evaluations from clients or guild officials."

    She then gestured toward the large board on the side of the room, where various missions were pinned on parchment.

    "Missions are categorized by rank. Low-ranked tasks such as material gathering and hunting small monsters are available to Rank F and E adventurers, while high-risk assignments like bandit suppression or hunting powerful monsters are restricted to Rank B and above."

    Turning back to him, she flashed another professional smile. "So, what do you think? You can start by picking an F or E-ranked mission to prove your abilities."

    Ren nodded, his eyes scanning the mission board, searching for the task that suited him best.

    (Alright, this is the first step to gaining complete freedom in this world.)

 [08] First day of adventure (2)

    After accepting his first quest, Ren immediately began his preparations with a methodical approach. The task was simple: gather medicinal herbs used as the base ingredient for healing potions. While it sounded like an easy job, the city''s supply of these herbs often ran out quickly due to high demand from adventurers. That meant competition for gathering them would be tough, and he would likely have to venture deeper into the forest to find the best stock.

    Instead of rushing out, Ren started by gathering information first. He visited several alchemy shops and spoke with their owners, asking about the characteristics of the herbs he needed, their ideal habitats, and the best methods for harvesting them. This way, he could search more efficiently and avoid picking the wrong plants.

    Once he understood what he needed to look for, the next step was preparing his equipment. He couldn''t enter the forest unprotected, especially with the possibility of monsters roaming the area. With his remaining money, he purchased a hunting knife, a simple storage bag, and a lightweight cloak to help him blend into the natural environment. Conventional weapons like swords or bows didn''t interest him¡ªhe had his own plans for defense.

    With everything ready, Ren set off toward the nearest forest. However, instead of heading straight in to search for herbs, he first made his way to a secluded spot outside the forest. The area was far from the main path, hidden behind a formation of large rocks that shielded him from prying eyes. It was there that he began his work.

    Since his first day in this world, Ren had been collecting various materials he deemed useful¡ªscrap metal from old ruins, mineral powders from the marketplace, and basic chemical components he obtained from alchemists he spoke with. With all these materials gathered, he was finally able to craft something far more useful than just a hunting knife.

    Under the dim light of the late afternoon, he began reconstructing something that had only existed in his memory. Something that had once changed the course of history in his original world. A piece of technology created to balance the power between the strong and the weak.

    Something often associated with both gods and demons.

    A firearm.

    However, due to his limited materials and tools, Ren couldn''t immediately create a full-fledged rifle. Instead, he opted for something simpler yet still effective¡ªa basic pistol along with ten small-caliber bullets.

    Even though it was primitive compared to modern firearms, it was still far more advanced than any weapon in this world. Ren examined his creation with a faint smirk, carefully checking its balance and mechanism.

    "Good¡­ This will do for now."

    With this, he no longer had to rely on magic or swords like the other adventurers. Ren finally had his own weapon¡ªsomething this world couldn''t comprehend, and something that would give him an absolute advantage.

    With the pistol hidden beneath his cloak, he finally stepped into the forest, ready to begin his search for herbs¡­ and to test his creation if necessary.

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    The forest before Ren stretched vast and dense, its towering trees casting long shadows over the narrow dirt paths. The thick canopy above filtered the sunlight, allowing only faint beams to pierce through, giving the place a mysterious ambiance. The air was humid, mixed with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves¡ªtypical of a thriving natural ecosystem.

    Ren walked in calmly, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings. His main objective was gathering herbs, but he couldn''t ignore the potential dangers lurking within. Wild monsters, predators, or even hostile adventurers¡ªall were variables he needed to consider.

    As he ventured deeper down the narrowing path, he pulled out a small notebook containing descriptions of the plants he needed. Broad leaves with a deep green hue, stems that released a minty scent when crushed, and a preference for growing in areas with limited sunlight¡ªthese were the key characteristics of Gleamleaf, the primary ingredient for healing potions.

    After some time, he finally spotted a cluster of plants matching the description, growing between the roots of a large tree. Squatting down, he carefully examined the leaves to confirm their structure, ensuring they were the correct herb. Once satisfied, he began harvesting them methodically, making sure to keep the roots intact to increase their resale value.

    However, just as he was placing a handful into his bag, his ears picked up the faint sound of movement from behind the bushes.

    Ren immediately halted his actions and slowed his breathing, his body remaining still while his mind worked quickly. (That sound was too heavy to be just the wind¡­ and it''s not the footsteps of a human either. Something is here.)

    Slowly, he adjusted his cloak and reached for the pistol concealed at his waist. His index finger rested near the trigger, but he didn''t immediately aim it. Instead, he remained crouched, waiting patiently.

    Then, emerging from the underbrush, a creature covered in dark fur with glowing red eyes stepped into view. Its body resembled that of a wolf, but with longer fangs and sharper claws than any ordinary beast.

    A Dire Wolf¡ªa common low-level monster often found in forests like this.

    Ren didn''t panic. He had anticipated the possibility of running into something like this. Dire Wolves weren''t a major threat, but for someone untrained in combat, they could be a serious problem.

    The creature growled lowly, baring its fangs as it crouched, preparing to lunge. Ren remained still, calculating the distance and predicting its attack trajectory.

    "Seven meters¡­ If it jumps, an average wolf''s speed should close that distance in half a second."

    Ren inhaled deeply, then in a swift and precise motion, he raised his pistol and pulled the trigger.

    Bang!

    The gunshot shattered the silence of the forest, followed by a pained yelp from the Dire Wolf as it staggered backward. The small-caliber bullet had pierced its left shoulder, disrupting its balance.

    Ren stayed focused, not immediately attacking again. His eyes studied the monster''s reaction¡ªwould it choose to fight, or retreat?

    The Dire Wolf growled in anger, but hesitation flickered in its eyes. It didn''t recognize the weapon Ren had used, and now it was wounded without understanding how.

    Ren took advantage of that hesitation. He didn''t want to waste more bullets unless absolutely necessary.

    In a swift motion, he stepped forward, gripping the hunting knife in his hand. Before the Dire Wolf could react, he delivered a precise slash to the vulnerable spot beneath its throat. The blade cut deep, severing its vital arteries in an instant.

    The creature gasped, its movements growing sluggish before finally collapsing.

    A few seconds later, the forest fell silent once more.

    Ren exhaled slowly, wiping his blade clean before tucking his pistol back beneath his cloak. "One problem solved."

    He glanced at the Dire Wolf''s corpse. Its fur and fangs could be sold in the city for a decent price.

    (Gathering herbs alone won''t be enough to fund my long-term plans. It''ll be more efficient if I can also profit from the monsters I encounter.)

    With that thought, Ren took his hunting knife and began skinning the Dire Wolf with practiced efficiency.

 [09] Day by day

    As his hands moved with precision, Ren noticed something strange. Skinning the Dire Wolf, separating the flesh from the bones, even extracting its teeth one by one¡ªhe did it all without the slightest hint of disgust or nausea.

    For someone from a modern world, witnessing such an amount of blood, enduring the pungent smell of raw meat, and feeling the texture of freshly butchered flesh should have triggered a psychological response.

    Yet, there was nothing.

    No trembling, no unease in his stomach, no urge to gag. Even after finishing, he observed his work with a neutral expression, ensuring that every useful part had been neatly separated.

    (This¡­ is strange.)

    He knew that quick adaptability was one of his strengths, but this reaction was far from normal. It was as if his body had already grown accustomed to doing this, despite this being his first experience.

    However, he didn''t have time to analyze it further. The sun was still high in the sky, and he needed to return to the city before nightfall.

    With a heavier load than before, he hoisted his spoils¡ªcollected herbs and the valuable parts of the Dire Wolf. He had discarded the innards and useless parts in the forest, but the pelt, meat, and fangs were still quite the burden.

    But it was worth it.

    Upon returning to the Adventurer''s Guild, Ren made his way straight to the reception desk to complete his quest. The same blonde receptionist from before greeted him with her usual professional smile, but her expression shifted to surprise when she saw what he was carrying.

    "Whoa¡­ You really brought a lot. I thought you were just gathering herbs, but you also hunted a monster?"

    Ren shrugged before handing over the herbs he had collected. "The quest only required herbs, but I ran into a Dire Wolf along the way. So I figured, why not?"

    The receptionist chuckled. "You''re not just a typical rookie, huh?" she said, jotting down notes on Ren''s record. "Normally, first-time adventurers would be shaking in fear after facing their first monster. But you? Not only did you kill it, you even butchered it yourself like a professional."

    Ren didn''t respond, merely giving a faint, unreadable smile.

    Once everything was accounted for, the receptionist handed him two small pouches filled with coins.

    "For the herbs you gathered, you earn 10 bronze coins."

    She then lifted the second pouch.

    "And for the Dire Wolf parts, since you skinned it yourself and saved us the cost of hiring a processor, the total comes to 25 silver coins."

    Ren accepted the payment without a word, but internally, he was already making calculations.

    (Interesting¡­ If a single Dire Wolf can net me 25 silver coins, then monster hunting might be far more profitable than simply gathering herbs.)

    The receptionist eyed him curiously before finally saying, "I''ll mark your quest as complete. But if you''re planning to continue hunting monsters like this, you might want to consider ranking up sooner rather than later."

    Ren tucked the coins into his pouch, then met her gaze with a calm look. "Maybe."

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    Within a week, Ren had successfully built a stable income by balancing herb gathering and monster hunting. With careful calculations, he ensured that he didn''t stand out too much while still earning enough to sustain himself. Now, with a more secure financial situation, he began integrating himself further into this world.

    One of the most noticeable changes was his clothing.

    He no longer wore his school uniform but instead opted for attire that blended better with the local culture¡ªa long black coat with a lightweight inner layer, durable trousers, and sturdy leather boots for long-distance travel. With this, he could move more freely without drawing unnecessary attention.

    However, the most important development of all was his weaponry.

    During this time, Ren had never been satisfied with just the primitive pistol he first created. He continued researching, experimenting, and refining its design. The firearm he now carried was far more advanced than the initial version¡ªboasting higher accuracy, a smoother trigger mechanism, and additional features like an improved sight for better precision.

    But Ren knew one thing¡­

    A pistol alone wasn''t enough.

    While hunting, he had begun encountering monsters with thicker hides¡ªcreatures that his small-caliber bullets struggled to penetrate. If this continued, sooner or later, he would face an enemy that even his gun couldn''t handle.

    That was why he had started working on something bigger.

    At his hidden workshop outside the city¡ªinside an old warehouse rarely visited by others¡ªRen sat at his worktable, surrounded by metal parts, makeshift gun barrels, and various blueprints he had drawn by hand. After spending a week gathering materials from the black market and utilizing Material Transmutation, he had finally perfected his new project.

    A semi-automatic assault rifle.

    This weapon used larger-caliber bullets, capable of piercing through tougher monster hides. It had a higher magazine capacity than his pistol and, with a semi-auto firing mechanism, provided enough flexibility for various combat situations.

    Ren lifted the rifle, examining its design with quiet satisfaction. He slowly pulled the trigger, ensuring the internal mechanisms functioned perfectly.

    "With this, I don''t have to worry about heavily armored monsters anymore."

    But Ren wasn''t stopping here.

    ###

    One night, in a small bar tucked away in a corner of the city, Ren sat at a table in the far corner, sipping a simple drink while listening to the conversations around him. As usual, the place was packed with adventurers from all walks of life¡ªsome discussing their missions, others simply joking around after a long day''s work.

    However, one particular conversation caught his attention.

    "You heard? The Heroes summoned by the kingdom are finally going on their first real combat training in a dungeon this week."

    "Oh? So they''re finally getting their hands dirty?"

    "Yeah, they said it''s to give them actual battle experience. After all, they can''t just train in a safe environment forever."

    Ren, who had been absentmindedly stirring his drink, paused for a moment before smirking. (So, they''re finally stepping onto the battlefield, huh? It''ll be interesting to see how they adapt¡­ or fail.)

    Still, he had no interest in getting involved.

    Right now, he had far more important things to focus on¡ªsomething much bigger than simply keeping track of their progress.

    The next morning, Ren began preparing for his next journey.

    He had made up his mind to travel across this world, seeking out rare minerals and materials¡ªall for one ultimate goal.

    He wanted to go home.

    While many in his position might have resigned themselves to their fate as "heroes from another world," Ren refused to be trapped here for the rest of his life. This world was fascinating, sure, but to him, it was nothing more than another puzzle to solve. If he could gather the right resources and develop the necessary technology, he would find a way back to Earth.

    But he wasn''t in a hurry.

    During his journey, he could enjoy his adventures, help those he encountered, and¡ªif necessary¡ªplay the role of a "hero" from time to time, just like he had once dreamed of as a child.

    After gathering everything he needed, Ren made his way to the city gates, where a merchant caravan was preparing to set off for the next town. He had signed up as a temporary guard¡ªthe best way to travel while still making money.

    As he approached the group, a few other adventurers glanced his way¡ªparticularly at the long, cloth-wrapped object slung across his back, shaped like a massive battle axe.

    "Hey, you''re one of the escorts too?" a burly man with a scar on his cheek asked.

    Ren gave a brief nod. "Yeah."

    The man''s gaze drifted to the wrapped object on Ren''s back. "Your weapon''s kinda unique. A great axe?"

    Ren offered a faint smirk. "Something like that."

    There was no need to explain that what he was carrying wasn''t an axe¡ªbut rather, his custom-built assault rifle.

    With everything in place, the caravan finally set off, passing through the city gates and onto the long road stretching into the world beyond.

 [10] Day by day (2)

    The caravan slowly made its way out of the city, the wooden wheels creaking over the stone-paved road that stretched toward the horizon. The late afternoon air was cool, and though the journey would take about a week, the atmosphere within the group was fairly relaxed.

    Ren sat on the side of one of the wagons, listening to the gentle rumble of the wheels and the rhythmic clatter of hooves pulling the caravan forward. Beside him, a burly middle-aged man sitting in the driver''s seat glanced at him with a curious expression.

    "By the way, are you a new adventurer?" the driver asked, his deep voice carrying no hint of condescension.

    Ren glanced at him before giving a slight nod. "Something like that. I registered just a week ago."

    The man raised an eyebrow slightly. "That so? But this mission is for Rank C and above. Are you¡ª"

    "Yeah, I just ranked up to C," Ren cut in casually. "I''ve been taking a lot of monster hunting quests, so I ranked up quickly."

    The man''s eyes widened slightly before he let out a small chuckle. "Heh, that so? Well, that is the fastest way to rank up. Hunting monsters racks up points faster than escorting or gathering missions."

    Ren simply gave a faint smirk. (Of course. As long as you can hunt efficiently, ranking up is no problem.)

    During the week-long journey, Ren didn''t simply sit idly by.

    He used the time to familiarize himself with some of the people in the caravan¡ªbut always in a measured manner. He wasn''t the type to engage in pointless socializing. If someone had no value to him, he wouldn''t waste time getting close.

    However, there was one group he found worth approaching¡ªthe merchants.

    (In this world, power isn''t just about combat. Connections and resources are far more valuable.)

    Merchants were the ones who transported rare goods, had access to information that most adventurers didn''t, and frequently traveled between cities. If he wanted to acquire special materials, establishing connections within the merchant circles would be incredibly beneficial.

    Thus, throughout the journey, he spent more time conversing with the traders, listening to their stories about commerce in different cities, the types of goods that fetched high prices, and the most dangerous trade routes. At first, some of them were hesitant to share too much, but once Ren demonstrated his understanding of business and spoke in a language they were familiar with, they gradually opened up.

    "As long as you have money, anything can be obtained," said an old merchant with a long beard, sipping his warm tea by the campfire one evening. "The key is knowing where to look and who to buy from."

    Ren leaned back against a wooden crate they were using as makeshift seating, his eyes watching the flickering flames. "That''s exactly why I want to learn more about trade routes. I need materials that can''t be acquired through ordinary means."

    The old merchant gave him a knowing smile. "You''ve got an interesting ambition, kid. Just make sure you have enough coin and the right connections when the time comes."

    Ren smirked slightly. "Don''t worry. I know how to handle that."

    ###

    The sun had risen to its highest point in the sky, signaling that their caravan journey was only half a day away from reaching the next town. A warm breeze swept across the vast fields of grass stretching on either side of the dirt road they traveled. The atmosphere seemed peaceful¡ªbut to Ren, nothing in this world was ever truly safe.

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    Sitting on the edge of one of the wagons, he narrowed his eyes, carefully observing an unusual movement among the tall grass. The gentle breeze should have made the grass sway in a natural pattern¡ªyet some areas moved differently. The motion was out of sync with the rest, as if something was deliberately hiding beneath it.

    Ren didn''t act recklessly. He took a slow breath, then turned slightly toward the driver guiding the wagon. In a low but sharp voice, he whispered, "Psst¡­ Do people usually crouch in the grass around here?"

    The man furrowed his brows. "What!?"

    But before he could ask further, Ren raised a hand, signaling the others.

    The gesture was clear to anyone with experience¡ªit was a warning of a hidden threat. The once-relaxed adventurer guards instantly tensed up, their hands moving toward their weapons. The merchants, who had been casually chatting, now exchanged uneasy glances.

    A lightly armored adventurer stepped closer. "Are you sure?" he asked, his tone serious.

    Ren kept his gaze locked ahead. "The grass isn''t moving naturally. Something''s hiding in there."

    The tension thickened. One of the guards cautiously stepped forward, attempting to get a closer look at the suspicious area¡ª

    Srekk!

    In an instant, a group of ragged men leaped out from the tall grass, their weapons drawn.

    "ATTACK!"

    The shout became the signal for dozens of bandits to emerge from their hiding spots on both sides of the road, armed with swords, bows, and clubs.

    The adventurer guards immediately sprang into action, drawing their weapons and forming a defensive line around the merchants. Shouts and the clash of steel filled the air, transforming what had once been a peaceful road into a battlefield.

    Ren, still seated, let out a short sigh.

    "So, this is my first time facing human enemies in this world¡­"

    His hand slowly reached for the weapon strapped to his back, wrapped in thick cloth like a large battle axe.

    But as he stood up and unraveled the covering, what emerged was not an axe¡ªbut a long, jet-black barrel with an unfamiliar design for this world.

    An assault rifle.

    With steady movements, Ren raised his weapon, took aim, and pulled the trigger.

    Bang! Bang!

    The sharp, piercing cracks of gunfire rang through the battlefield, a sound far different from the hum of arrows or the clang of swords. The fighting momentarily paused as both the adventurers and bandits turned toward Ren, stunned by the unfamiliar noise.

    Meanwhile, the first bandit hit by a bullet collapsed, clutching his now-bleeding leg. His face paled as pain struck suddenly¡ªso fast he couldn''t even process what had happened.

    Ren remained calm, his rifle still raised, the barrel lightly smoking. His gaze was cold, yet his aim was precise¡ªhe wasn''t shooting to kill, only to incapacitate. Each shot that followed struck a shoulder, a leg, or an arm, causing bandits to lose their balance and drop one by one.

    The tides shifted almost instantly. What had started as an ambush quickly turned into chaos for the bandits.

    "W-what the hell was that?!" one of them shrieked, eyes wide with terror as he watched his comrades fall without even understanding how.

    "Is he using magic?! There''s no chant, but his attacks are instant?!" another cried out, his body trembling as he saw their advantage crumble in mere seconds.

    Seeing the panic begin to spread, Ren didn''t let the opportunity slip away. With slow, deliberate steps, he moved forward, his rifle still aimed at the remaining bandits.

    Then, with a firm, commanding tone, he spoke¡ªturning their fear into his weapon.

    "HEY! IF ANY OF YOU STILL FEEL LIKE FIGHTING, PREPARE YOURSELVES¡ªBECAUSE MY MAGIC BULLETS WILL KILL YOU INSTANTLY!"

    The standing bandits swallowed hard, sweat dripping down their faces.

    Ren continued, his voice growing sharper. "IF YOU DON''T WANT A HOLE IN YOUR HEAD, THEN DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!"

    Silence fell over the battlefield.

    A handful of bandits immediately threw down their weapons and dropped to the dirt, their faces drained of color. They knew they had no chance against someone who could strike with the speed of lightning and without a single incantation.

    But a few still hesitated, their pride as bandits refusing to let them surrender so easily.

    "D-don''t be scared! He''s alone! We can still¡ª"

    Bang!

    A bullet struck the dirt right in front of his foot, kicking up dust from the impact.

    Ren turned his gaze to the man, his expression cold and sharp.

    "Go ahead. Say that again."

    The bandit froze, his body rigid as a statue. Within seconds, he dropped his weapon and raised his hands, surrendering just like the others.

    Now, the battlefield had completely flipped.

    The adventurers who had witnessed the entire event stood motionless, still processing what had just transpired.

    Finally, a female adventurer broke the silence, her voice a mix of awe and fear.

    "¡­What did we just witness?"

 [11] Experiment

    With the bandits now restrained and powerless, the caravan resumed its journey toward the city in a much calmer atmosphere than before. Some of the adventurers on escort duty looked relieved, while others occasionally glanced at Ren¡ªor more specifically, at the assault rifle now slung across his back.

    After a few minutes of walking, a burly adventurer clad in light armor finally spoke up.

    "Oi, Kiddo, what was that weapon you used earlier? I''ve never seen a magic staff like that before."

    The question immediately caught everyone''s attention. The merchants, who had previously been focused on the road ahead, now turned their curious gazes toward Ren as well.

    "That''s true," added an older man, the head merchant of the group. "It wasn''t a sword, a bow, or even a spear¡­ but it was faster than magic and didn''t require a chant?"

    Ren met their stares for a moment, quickly thinking of a response. If he told them the truth, it could lead to serious trouble. Firearms didn''t exist in this world, and if the kingdom¡ªor any other power¡ªdiscovered what he was capable of creating, they might try to take his technology for themselves.

    So, with a relaxed expression, he shrugged and started weaving a story.

    "Oh, this?" he said, patting his assault rifle. "It''s just my personal magic staff."

    The adventurers exchanged uncertain looks. "A magic staff?" one of them repeated, clearly skeptical.

    Ren nodded confidently. "Yep. Basically, I''m a mage, but instead of using long incantations or magic circles, I use a quick-activation mechanism built into this staff. You could say I fire magic projectiles in a more stable and rapid form."

    Their eyes widened slightly. The explanation sounded bizarre, but¡­ it made sense in the logic of this world.

    "So, it''s magic, huh?" one of them murmured. "No wonder I didn''t see any arrows or bolts¡­ I thought it was some kind of secret artifact!"

    Ren simply gave a small, knowing smile¡ªbut inwardly, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

    (Phew¡­ luckily, they bought it.)

    A female adventurer who had been silent until now finally spoke up. "But¡­ I''ve never seen magic like that before. You must be from an elite mage family, right?"

    Ren chuckled lightly, keeping his demeanor casual. "Not really. I just have a unique method that not many people know about."

    The conversation eventually died down, though a few people still seemed curious. However, since no one could prove him wrong, they had no choice but to accept his explanation.

    After all this, Ren realized one important thing¡ªhe now had a new identity in this world.

    If anyone ever asked what weapon he wielded, the answer was simple:

    "A magic staff."

    ###

    As the sun began its descent toward the west, the caravan finally arrived at Vermont City¡ªa bustling trade hub located in the southeastern part of the Eldoria Kingdom. Compared to the previous city, Vermont was livelier and wealthier, its streets packed with merchants, adventurers, and blacksmiths. It wasn''t surprising, given that the city was located near a major mining site, making it the center of trade for high-quality metals and minerals.

    Upon reaching the city gates, Ren received a small but unexpected surprise. A city guard approached their group to inspect the captured bandits, only to discover that one of them was a wanted criminal with a bounty on his head.

    "You''re pretty lucky, kid," said one of the senior adventurers who had joined the escort mission. "This guy''s bounty is worth three gold coins. Since you were the one who took him down first, you get the biggest cut."

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    Ren received one gold coin and five silver coins¡ªa significant boost to his earnings, considering most of his previous income had been in silver. With that money, he wouldn''t have to worry about living expenses for the next few months.

    After parting ways with the merchants and fellow adventurers, Ren immediately sought out a modest inn, paid for a night''s stay, and collapsed onto the bed.

    "Fuuuh¡­" he exhaled deeply, staring at the dim wooden ceiling of his room.

    "Everything is going according to plan so far. Now¡­ it''s time to take my equipment to the next level."

    The next morning, Ren began exploring the city, searching for the resources he needed. As expected, since Vermont was close to a mine, rare minerals were more abundant and affordable here. Blacksmiths and alchemy shops offered raw materials such as black iron, orichalcum, and even mithril shards, though the rarer materials were still quite expensive.

    However, Ren didn''t rush into buying anything. As someone accustomed to working with materials, he preferred to gather samples and study them first before deciding on the best components for his project.

    After gathering a sufficient variety of materials, Ren rented a small house on the outskirts of the city¡ªa location far from the bustling crowds, allowing him to conduct his experiments in peace. The house was simple, consisting of a single bedroom, a small kitchen, and a spacious main area¡ªperfect for setting up his workshop.

    As soon as he locked the door behind him and ensured no one was watching, he pulled out all the materials he had gathered and neatly arranged them on the wooden table.

    "Alright¡­ time to start experimenting."

    Rolling up his sleeves, his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

    Today, he would take his technology to the next level.

    Experiment Log

    Day 1

    Everything is progressing normally. I spent the entire day researching the various materials available in Vermont before beginning work on my planned project. This city has a much richer resource pool than I initially expected¡ªrare metals, unique minerals, and even magic-infused stones that seem to have potential as an energy source.

    The main project I want to build is a miniature fusion reactor.

    Back in my original world, I had attempted to design one in theory. However, due to the limitations of technology and the high risks of handling uranium, I ultimately abandoned the idea before it could even begin. But in this world, the restrictions that once held me back are gone.

    I don''t have to hold back anymore.

    If uranium was the primary fuel for fusion in the modern world, then maybe this world had an alternative. Magic, mana energy, or even certain naturally radioactive minerals could serve as a more stable substitute.

    So, my first step was to analyze all the minerals I had collected, testing their conductivity, durability, and potential reactions under various conditions. I needed to determine whether any material could act as a reactor core without producing uncontrollable radioactive waste.

    Day 2

    I haven''t found a suitable material for the reactor core. Every tested substance either had unstable atomic structures, leading to wild reactions, or failed to produce enough energy.

    Even though many rare minerals are available in this city, none of them meet the necessary criteria.

    But I''m not giving up. There must be another material that can replace uranium. I just need to expand my search and dive deeper into the structure of this world''s elements.

    Day 3 & 4

    No significant progress.

    Just researching, eating, and sleeping.

    My experiments haven''t found a breakthrough, but I know that in research, hitting dead ends is part of the process.

    Day 5

    Finally, a glimmer of hope.

    I stumbled upon a strange mineral with no known name. I obtained it by chance from a merchant while searching for extra materials for my project.

    At first, I only bought it because its crystal structure intrigued me, but after testing, I realized that this material might have the potential to be an energy source.

    I will continue testing to confirm my theory.

    Day 6

    Success!

    The composition of this mineral is perfect! It has remarkable stability and can withstand fusion reactions without excessive energy loss.

    With this, I can move on to the next phase of development.

    If everything proceeds smoothly, this miniature fusion reactor will become a reality.

    Day 14

    Okay¡­ I''ve hit a wall.

    Theoretically, everything should work perfectly. But there is **one missing material¡ª**something essential to stabilizing the reactor core under extreme conditions.

    Without it, I can''t complete the project.

    Now, I have to find out where it comes from.

    Day 15

    Finally, after digging deeper and speaking with several merchants and miners, I discovered the answer.

    The material originates from the Southern Dungeon¡ªa location two days'' journey from the city.

    That means I can''t rely on merchants to acquire it.

    I have to get it myself.

    Ren closed his notebook and exhaled deeply.

    "So¡­ a dungeon expedition, huh?"

    This was a journey he couldn''t avoid.

 [12] Make work easier

    Ren closed his journal, carefully considering his next move. The journey to the Southern Dungeon wasn''t something he could undertake without thorough preparation.

    The monsters inhabiting that place weren''t weaklings. Giant lizards with steel-like scales and massive spiders with exoskeletons strong enough to withstand normal attacks. If he wanted to break through their defenses, he would need a weapon far more powerful than what he had before.

    "Alright, I need something that can punch through stone-hard flesh."

    Ren immediately began listing the equipment he needed.

    A new weapon with a higher caliber ¨C His handgun and assault rifle might not be enough. He needed something with higher firepower, something that could obliterate a monster''s natural defenses in one or two shots.

    Special ammunition ¨C If normal bullets weren''t enough, he''d have to craft high-explosive rounds or use stronger materials than steel.

    Protective gear ¨C Even though he relied more on strategy than close combat, he couldn''t ignore defense. He needed to upgrade his armor, at least something that could protect him from sudden attacks or venomous bites.

    Food and water supplies ¨C The journey would take at least two days to reach the dungeon, not counting the time needed to explore and mine the materials he required. He had to bring enough provisions to avoid returning to the city too soon.

    Mining tools ¨C Since his goal was to extract rare minerals, he needed the right tools to harvest and transport the materials without damaging them.

    Once he confirmed everything he needed, Ren got to work.

    Inside his small workshop, he began crafting something new¡ªa weapon far superior to what he had used before.

    He took a high-quality steel block he had purchased from a blacksmith in the city, then used Material Transmutation to refine the smaller components that couldn''t be crafted manually. Every mechanism had to be precisely engineered, ensuring flawless performance.

    After hours of non-stop work, the weapon finally took its full form.

    "Alright¡­ I present to you¡ªthe first-ever Anti-Materiel Rifle in this world."

    A long, high-caliber rifle, powerful enough to punch through thick steel plates. With this, monsters with hardened defenses were no longer a problem.

    Ren smirked. "Now, let''s see how effective this is in the field."

    With almost everything ready, his journey to the Southern Dungeon was about to begin.

    ###

    Deep within the Southern Dungeon...

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    The sound of ragged breathing and hurried footsteps echoed through the dark, damp stone corridors.

    A short-haired female adventurer, covered in blood, ran with everything she had, her body trembling from exhaustion and pain.

    Her eyes were filled with terror as she pushed herself forward, but the pain in her legs was getting worse.

    She stumbled, her foot catching on a sharp rock hidden in the darkness, sending her crashing to the ground.

    "Ugh¡­!" she groaned, her hands scraping against the cold, rough floor. But she couldn''t stop now. She had to get out. She had to warn the guild before it was too late.

    That monster¡­

    It wasn''t supposed to be here.

    "Why¡­ why is there a Basilisk in this dungeon¡­?!" she muttered in a trembling voice, her eyes widening as the memory of the terrifying creature resurfaced in her mind.

    Basilisk.

    A legendary monster known as the King of Serpents¡ªa massive creature with armor-like scales, deadly venomous fangs, and a paralyzing gaze that could freeze its prey in an instant.

    A creature like that should never exist in a mid-level dungeon.

    Out of eight people in her party, she was the only survivor.

    Tears threatened to fall from her pained and frightened eyes, but she clenched her teeth and dragged herself forward.

    Even though blood was still flowing from her wounded leg, she had to keep moving.

    "I¡­ I have to¡­ warn the others¡­"

    But before she could fully stand up, a low rumbling echoed through the darkness.

    That sound¡­

    It wasn''t from a normal monster.

    Holding her breath, she slowly turned her head¡ª

    And saw a pair of glowing red eyes emerge from the shadows.

    ###

    At the entrance to the Southern Dungeon¡­

    Ren finally arrived at the cave''s entrance, known as the Southern Dungeon.

    Before him lay a massive chasm, leading into utter darkness. A cold breeze flowed from within, carrying the scent of damp stone and earthy minerals.

    He adjusted the weapon on his back¡ªa 10-kilogram anti-materiel rifle and a 3-kilogram sidearm hanging from his waist. The weight wasn''t a problem for his trained body, but it was still impractical.

    "I wish I had some kind of item box or spatial storage¡­ but I''ll have to make do."

    Ren sighed, recalling how in other isekai stories, protagonists always seemed to conveniently receive some kind of magical inventory system.

    Of course, this world didn''t grant him such luxuries.

    Naturally, he didn''t carry all his gear on foot the entire way. He had rented a horse from the city, leaving it tied not far from the dungeon entrance. The horse would wait there, ready to be used for a quick escape if necessary.

    Ren stared into the dark corridor ahead.

    "Alright¡­ Let''s see what''s waiting inside."

    With his rifle ready, he stepped forward into the Southern Dungeon.

    The further he walked, the more the light from the outside world faded, replaced by the suffocating darkness of the cavern''s depths.

    The air grew colder and eerily silent, the only sound being his own footsteps echoing along the rough stone walls.

    Anticipating this, Ren flipped a small switch on the side of his helmet, activating a built-in headlamp he had crafted beforehand.

    A bright white light cut through the darkness, illuminating the rocky path ahead.

    "Hmm, working perfectly," he murmured, his eyes scanning every inch of his surroundings, making sure nothing lurked in the shadows.

    As he navigated the cave, Ren didn''t act carelessly.

    He knew that getting lost in a dungeon could mean death, so he took extra precautions to prevent it.

    Using thin, handmade paper, far more practical than thick parchment, he began sketching a map of the dungeon.

    Every turn, every open chamber, every dead end¡ªhe marked them all carefully.

    (There''s no automatic navigation system in this world, so I''ll have to rely on old-school methods.)

    Suddenly, his ears caught a faint sound in the distance¡ª

    The sound of something heavy scraping against stone.

    Ren immediately stopped, holding his breath and lowering his stance.

    His eyes narrowed as he aimed his headlamp toward the source of the noise.

    From the darkness ahead, something began to move.

 [13] Exploring the Dungeon

    From within the darkness, the rustling sounds grew louder¡ªlike thousands of tiny legs moving in unison. Ren sharpened his hearing, and within seconds, his eyes caught movement along the cave walls.

    A swarm of insect monsters emerged from the cracks in the stone¡ªsoldier ants the size of grown dogs, their sharp mandibles gleaming under his headlamp''s light.

    "Ants, huh¡­ Of course, they''re not just ordinary ants," Ren muttered, adjusting his grip on his assault rifle.

    The ants moved quickly, clicking their razor-sharp mandibles in a disturbing chorus, as if warning the intruder who had dared to enter their domain.

    But Ren had no intention of backing down.

    With practiced precision, he raised his rifle, aimed at the center of the swarm, and pulled the trigger.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Three consecutive shots exploded through the cave, the sound echoing down the stone corridor. The first bullet pierced through the leading ant''s head, its upper body bursting apart in a spray of green fluid.

    The insect monster staggered and collapsed, but the others didn''t stop.

    The remaining ants charged forward fearlessly, their lifeless eyes glowing in the dark.

    Ren pivoted slightly, shifting his aim to a new position, and fired again.

    Bang! Bang!

    His high-caliber bullets tore through legs and bodies, severing limbs and shattering hardened exoskeletons as if they were nothing more than brittle shells.

    But there were too many of them.

    Ren swiftly moved backward, continuing to fire as he searched for a more strategic position.

    "If they''re behaving like normal ants, then there has to be a queen behind all this."

    Ren kept moving, cutting down wave after wave of ants that blocked his path. With quick and precise movements, he dodged their snapping jaws while landing lethal shots at their vulnerable points. Each bullet hit its mark, causing explosive bursts of green, sticky liquid.

    Yet, despite three magazines emptied, the swarm kept coming, as if endless.

    (This won''t stop if I just take them down one by one.)

    Ren realized that if there was a soldier ant army, then there had to be a queen.

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    After several minutes of navigating through the dungeon''s narrow tunnels, he finally arrived at a massive chamber, completely different from what he had seen before.

    Inside, thousands of ant eggs were scattered across the floor, glowing faintly under his headlamp''s light. The cave walls were coated in sticky, slimy nests, and at the center of it all¡ª

    A colossal Ant Queen, bloated and monstrous, her oversized head towering above the horde of guardians protecting her.

    But what caught Ren''s attention even more was the metallic glimmer spread throughout the chamber.

    Among the nests and eggs, he saw the very mineral he had been searching for¡ªthe key material he needed to complete his fusion reactor.

    Ren chuckled, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at the precious resources before him.

    "So this is where it was hiding."

    But before he could move any closer, the soldier ants surged toward him again, defending their queen with unwavering ferocity.

    "Damn, you''re really not going to let me take it that easily, huh?"

    Ren reached for his belt¡ªpulling out a homemade grenade designed with fragmentation-based explosions.

    Without hesitation, he pulled the pin and lobbed it directly into the heart of the nest.

    BOOM!

    The explosion rocked the chamber, obliterating dozens of eggs and sending the Ant Queen sprawling with severe injuries.

    Unlike her warrior ants, the queen was far less durable¡ªand as her body weakened, the remaining soldiers began losing their coordination.

    Without the queen''s command, the swarm fell into chaos, some even turning on each other.

    "Perfect. Now, time to start mining."

    Ren immediately sprinted toward the glowing mineral deposits, pulling out a custom-made portable drill¡ªa lightweight yet highly efficient tool he had engineered himself.

    With skilled precision, he began extracting the rare ore, carefully separating the unnecessary fragments while only taking the highly stable, energy-rich portions.

    A soft blue glow pulsed from the mineral, signaling its immense energy potential.

    "With this, I can finally move forward with my project."

    Once he had gathered enough minerals, Ren scanned his surroundings. The soldier ants were now completely disorganized, some running aimlessly, others turning hostile toward each other.

    There was no reason to stay here any longer.

    Ren checked his equipment, secured the precious materials in his backpack, and prepared to leave the dungeon.

    As he walked toward the exit, a chilling sensation crawled up his spine.

    His instincts screamed at him.

    There was something else here.

    Without hesitation, Ren raised his rifle and aimed his headlamp''s light down the dark corridor ahead.

    The bright beam pierced through the shadows, illuminating a massive figure lurking in the darkness.

    His eyes widened.

    There, lying in wait, was a monstrous reptilian beast, its obsidian-green scales shimmering like gemstones under the light. Its massive jaw, lined with razor-sharp fangs, twitched slightly as it stared back at him.

    Ren''s breath hitched.

    A Basilisk.

    A monster that wasn''t supposed to be here.

    Basilisks usually thrived in tropical ecosystems, in humid jungles, not in rocky underground dungeons like this.

    Yet, the fact that one was blocking the only exit meant that something was very, very wrong with this dungeon.

    The monster''s slitted, golden eyes narrowed, locking onto him.

    In that instant¡ª

    The air grew heavier, suffocating.

    Ren immediately turned his gaze away, dodging its paralyzing stare by sheer instinct.

    "Shit¡­ So this is why this dungeon is way more dangerous than expected."

    A Basilisk wasn''t just physically overwhelming¡ªits petrifying gaze could paralyze or even kill those who stared into its eyes for too long.

    Ren tightened his grip on his rifle, shifting into a combat stance.

    "Alright¡­ Looks like getting out of here won''t be as easy as I thought."

    The massive serpent let out a low, guttural growl¡ª

    Then, in a flash, it lunged forward.

 [14] Defeating the Basilisk

    The Basilisk immediately sensed Ren''s presence. Its massive body slowly emerged from the darkness, its rough green scales glistening dimly under the flashlight''s glow. Its powerful legs dug into the rocky ground, and its long tail coiled behind it, ready to crush anything in its path.

    Ren instinctively shifted into a defensive stance. Without hesitation, he unstrapped the two bags filled with minerals from his back, letting them drop to the dungeon floor with a dull thud. Carrying unnecessary weight in a fight like this would only slow him down.

    Now armed with his anti-materiel rifle, he swiftly scanned for the best firing position.

    (I''ve read about this creature¡­ but facing it in reality is a whole different story.)

    Back in the royal library, he had studied Basilisks¡ªhigh-tier monsters that were nearly unbeatable in close combat.

    Characteristics:

    Scales as hard as steel, capable of deflecting conventional weapons.

    Deadly gaze that paralyzes its prey within seconds.

    Venomous fangs strong enough to kill a young dragon.

    A heavy tail that could shatter bones with a single strike.

    Weaknesses?

    Its eyes and the underside of its neck had significantly weaker defenses than the rest of its body.

    (The target is clear, but the problem is how to hit it precisely without getting caught in its gaze.)

    The Basilisk let out a sharp hiss, and in the blink of an eye¡ªit lunged forward with insane speed for a creature of its size!

    "Tch!"

    Ren leapt to the side, narrowly dodging the sudden attack. Its razor-sharp claws ripped through the stone floor where he had been standing, sending splinters of rock flying in all directions.

    In a split second, Ren pressed his left cheek against the ground, closed one eye to avoid direct eye contact, and raised his rifle.

    (I only have a few rounds for this weapon. I can''t afford to waste a single shot.)

    He took a deep breath, steadying his racing heartbeat.

    The Basilisk twisted its head, zeroing in on Ren''s movement.

    Ren pulled the trigger.

    BOOM!

    A high-caliber round pierced through the air, heading straight for the weak spot under the Basilisk''s neck.

    But at the last split second¡ªthe Basilisk twisted its body, and the bullet ricocheted off its hardened scales, sending a shower of sparks flying!

    "Damn it!"

    Ren quickly rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the Basilisk''s massive tail as it slammed down where he had just been, obliterating the stone floor with brute force.

    (I can''t just rely on reflexes. I need to outthink this monster.)

    Panting slightly, he rapidly recalculated his approach.

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    (If one bullet isn''t enough¡­ then I need to make sure my next shot doesn''t miss.)

    Suddenly, an idea clicked in his mind.

    Ren glanced at his remaining ammunition¡ªtwo armor-piercing rounds.

    (If I can force it to expose its weak point¡­ I can finish this in one strike.)

    The Basilisk hissed aggressively, creeping closer, preparing for another attack.

    Ren smirked.

    "Alright¡­ You want to play? Let''s see who''s smarter here."

    With precise and practiced movements, Ren swiftly set his plan into motion.

    From his tactical belt, he pulled out two grenades¡ªone fragmentation grenade and one smoke bomb. He knew that a direct fight against a Basilisk was suicide. This monster had high durability, lightning-fast reflexes, and killer instincts.

    If he wanted to win¡ªhe had to outwit it.

    Without hesitation, he tossed the smoke bomb first. The moment the canister hit the ground, thick white smoke erupted, quickly flooding the chamber and obscuring vision.

    (Step one: Take away its main advantage¡ªits eyes.)

    The Basilisk let out a sharp, agitated hiss, its body shifting uneasily within the smoke. It likely had sharp senses of smell and hearing, but its lethal instincts still primarily relied on its vision.

    As the smoke spread, Ren didn''t stay idle. He moved swiftly, repositioning himself between the dungeon''s rock formations and debris.

    But the Basilisk was no fool.

    Driven by its killer instincts, it began rampaging blindly.

    Its claws tore into the dungeon walls, sending chunks of stone crashing down from the ceiling.

    The cave was slowly collapsing.

    Ren quickly assessed the situation. If he didn''t end this fight soon, he wouldn''t just have to deal with the Basilisk¡ªhe''d also risk getting buried alive in this dungeon.

    Amid the chaos and destruction, the Basilisk suddenly caught a silhouette through the thick smoke.

    Its eyes gleamed.

    With insane speed, it lunged forward, its massive claws slamming into the ground with tremendous force, followed by a spray of thick green venom from its fangs.

    Unlucky for the Basilisk.

    The silhouette it attacked¡­ wasn''t Ren.

    As the smoke began to clear, all that was left was a decoy¡ªa lifelike statue created through Ren''s ability, Material Transmutation.

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the chamber, Ren had already positioned himself in the perfect spot.

    Standing atop one of the last remaining stable stone pillars, he held his ground firmly, a massive high-caliber rifle resting on his shoulder.

    But this was no ordinary rifle.

    This was an anti-materiel railgun¡ªan experimental weapon that used electromagnetic acceleration to launch projectiles at supersonic speeds.

    The Basilisk let out a furious roar upon realizing its mistake¡ªbut it was too late.

    Ren smirked coldly.

    "Time to fry, lizard."

    He pulled the trigger.

    BRRZZZT¡ªBOOM!!

    In an instant, a massive metal projectile shot out from the railgun''s barrel, leaving a streak of blue light as it tore through the air at an unimaginable velocity.

    The impact was devastating, creating a shockwave that shook the entire dungeon.

    The bullet pierced straight through the underside of the Basilisk''s neck¡ªone of its weakest points.

    The monster let out a deafening screech, its entire body convulsing violently before it collapsed onto the ground with a thunderous crash.

    Dark green blood pooled beneath its massive form, staining the surrounding stones. The Basilisk''s body still twitched, but its breathing was growing weaker, and its once-glowing eyes were starting to fade.

    However, Ren didn''t have time to confirm the kill.

    The cave was about to collapse.

    Without wasting a second, he swiftly hoisted his heavy weapon, strapped it back onto his back, and grabbed his mineral-filled bags from the ground. Chunks of rock began to rain down from the ceiling, crashing onto the dungeon floor with thundering echoes. The air was becoming thick with dust and debris.

    Without looking back, Ren sprinted toward the exit, leaving the Basilisk''s crumbling remains behind.

    The narrow dungeon corridors now served as his escape route.

    Ren kept his pace steady, despite the heavy weight on his back. He knew that if he stopped now, he might end up buried alive.

    But just as he was nearing the more stable part of the dungeon, something caught his eye.

    Through the swirling dust and falling debris, a figure lay partially buried within a small crevice in the stone wall.

    Ren skidded to a halt, sharpening his gaze through the chaos.

    A woman.

    Her leather armor was torn and stained with blood, her short hair disheveled, and her face pale with ragged, labored breathing. Judging by her condition, she had likely been trapped there for some time¡ªprobably long before Ren had arrived.

    Ren frowned. (Was she part of the adventurer group that first discovered this Basilisk?)

    The woman was still conscious, though her eyes were dull with exhaustion.

    With a weak, desperate voice, she lifted her trembling hand slightly, reaching out toward something¡ªor someone.

    "Help¡­ me¡­"

    Ren let out a short breath.

    (This is going to complicate things, but¡­)

    His cold expression softened slightly.

    He couldn''t just leave someone to die here.

    Without hesitation, he moved toward her.

 [15] Storm debut

    "Haa!"

    The woman jolted awake, her eyes widening as she stared up at the night sky, glittering with countless stars. The cold night air brushed against her sore skin, but as her consciousness slowly returned, so did her awareness.

    "I¡­ I''m still alive?!" Her voice trembled, still struggling to grasp the reality that she had managed to escape the nightmare inside the dungeon.

    Her ears picked up the soft crackling of burning firewood, offering a small warmth against the night''s chill. Slowly, she turned her head to the side¡ª

    And there he was.

    A man with dark blue-tinted hair sat near the campfire, his expression neutral yet focused. His left arm was exposed, revealing a fresh wound that he was carefully bandaging.

    Around him, a small tent, a large bag, a resting horse, and¡ª

    Two long, black objects she had never seen before, lying neatly beside his belongings.

    "Strange metal rods¡­ or maybe, weapons?"

    Before she could think further, the man turned to her.

    "Oh, you''re awake?" he said casually, his deep voice more of a statement than a question.

    She blinked in confusion, trying to piece together her fragmented memories.

    She recalled the dungeon''s collapse, the Basilisk, and the overwhelming despair as her body neared its limit.

    And yet, now¡ªshe was here. Alive.

    "Did¡­ did you save me?" she asked, her voice still weak.

    The man finished tying off his bandage with practiced ease before glancing at her briefly, then returning his gaze to the fire.

    "Well¡­ more like I just happened to find you along the way," he replied flatly. "You were lucky you didn''t get buried alive in there."

    The woman fell silent, realizing just how narrow her escape had been.

    "I¡­ really was lucky, huh?" she murmured, half-speaking to herself.

    Ren didn''t reply. Instead, he reached for a water pouch and tossed it toward her.

    "Drink. You need fluids after losing that much blood."

    She stared at him for a moment before accepting the pouch without hesitation. Her throat was dry, and the moment the first drop touched her lips, she realized just how desperately thirsty she was.

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    As she drank, her gaze remained fixed on Ren, the stranger who had saved her life.

    There was something about him¡ªsomething unfamiliar.

    His face was unlike any she had seen before. His eyes were sharp, his expression unreadable, and his demeanor eerily calm, even after what must have been a life-or-death battle.

    "Fuuuh¡­ That''s done," Ren muttered, finishing the last of his bandages. He rolled his sleeve back down before meeting her gaze.

    "By the way, I found you alone in that cave. What happened? Were you attacked by the Basilisk too?"

    The moment he mentioned the monster, the woman tensed.

    "Ah! That''s right¡­ I have to report this to the guild!"

    (I won''t let my comrades'' sacrifice be in vain!) she thought, clenching her fists tightly.

    But just as she tried to stand, Ren let out a short sigh and raised a hand, stopping her.

    "No need," he said nonchalantly. "The Basilisk is already dead."

    "Eh?"

    She froze, staring at him in disbelief.

    "Y-you''re joking, right?" Her voice wavered, as if hoping this was some kind of cruel joke.

    Ren simply shrugged. "No. Remember the dungeon collapse? That was my doing."

    "Then¡ª"

    "Yeah. The Basilisk was buried along with it."

    The woman remained speechless, her brain struggling to process the information.

    Defeating a Basilisk¡­ alone?

    That was a high-rank monster, something even an entire party of veteran adventurers would struggle against.

    And yet, the man in front of her spoke as if it was nothing.

    "...How¡­ did you kill it by yourself?"

    Under the flickering glow of the campfire, Ren''s eyes gleamed for a split second.

    "That''s a secret," he replied casually before returning to checking his equipment.

    She continued to stare at him, curiosity now mingling with suspicion.

    The night passed uneventfully.

    After making sure she had eaten enough, Ren simply lay down and fell asleep without another word. His body was exhausted from the battle, and though he was used to situations like this, there was no reason to push himself further.

    Meanwhile, the woman sitting across from the fire remained awake, occasionally sneaking glances at the man who had saved her.

    (Who is he? How did he kill a Basilisk alone? And¡­ what kind of weapon did he use?)

    But despite the flood of questions in her mind, exhaustion weighed heavily on her body. Eventually, she decided to rest as well, knowing they would start their journey back in the morning.

    Though she was grateful for surviving, the loss still haunted her.

    The Basilisk that had slaughtered her entire party might be dead, but the wounds it left behind¡ªthose wouldn''t heal so easily.

    At dawn, as the sun slowly crept over the horizon, Ren was already preparing to leave.

    Standing beside his horse, he tightened the straps securing his large bag. His supplies were neatly packed, ready for the journey back to the city.

    It was then that the woman hesitantly approached him.

    "Umm¡­ Thank you," she said softly.

    Ren didn''t turn immediately, merely letting out a short breath before replying in his usual indifferent tone.

    "You''re welcome. Now hurry up and wash your face before we go."

    She blinked at his blunt response but eventually nodded. "I already did¡­ Ah, um¡­"

    Her eyes flickered downward for a moment, as if gathering the courage to say something.

    Ren, after ensuring his gear was secure, finally turned to face her.

    "What?"

    She took a deep breath, then looked him straight in the eye.

    "Ehh¡­ We haven''t introduced ourselves yet, have we? Oh, right! My name''s Wendy! What''s yours?"

    Ren paused for a moment.

    Giving out his real name probably wasn''t the best idea.

    While Wendy seemed kind and without ill intent, she was still a stranger. There was no harm in being cautious.

    After a brief thought, he settled on a different name.

    "Strom. You can call me that."

    Wendy blinked a few times, then gave a small smile.

    "Strom, huh? Alright! I''ll remember it!"

    Ren simply gave a slight nod before mounting his horse.

    Today, they would leave this place behind.

 [16] Stone, just Stone

    On their way back to the city, Wendy could no longer hold back her curiosity.

    She turned to look at Ren¡ªor rather, "Strom"¡ªwho was casually riding his horse beside her. The morning breeze rustled her short, still slightly disheveled hair.

    "So, Strom¡­" Wendy started, her voice filled with curiosity. "Did you really take down that Basilisk all by yourself?"

    Ren didn''t answer immediately. He simply glanced at Wendy before returning his gaze to the road ahead.

    "You don''t believe me?" he replied flatly.

    Wendy quickly shook her head. "Ah, it''s not that I don''t believe you, but¡­" She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "It''s just hard for me to accept. There were nine of us fighting that Basilisk, and we were slaughtered in minutes. But you? Alone, without a team, and with only a few scratches, you actually defeated it?"

    Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to find any hint of a lie in his expression.

    However, Ren remained calm, showing neither arrogance nor any desire to boast.

    After a brief pause, he exhaled lightly and shrugged.

    "Hmm¡­ I had a strategy."

    Wendy raised an eyebrow. "A strategy?"

    Ren nodded, his tone steady as he replied.

    "I memorized the Basilisk''s characteristics, attack patterns, and weaknesses from the Monster Encyclopedia."

    Wendy''s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

    "So¡­ you took down a Basilisk just by relying on knowledge from a book?"

    Ren gave a faint smirk but didn''t answer directly.

    To Wendy, it sounded impossible.

    But to Ren, that was simply how his mind worked. He didn''t need brute strength or overwhelming magic. All he needed was logic and preparation.

    During their journey back to the city, Wendy continued making conversation with Strom¡ªthough she now knew his real name was Ren.

    She was fascinated by this man. From his combat skills to the way he spoke, and especially how he remained so composed in every situation. Unlike most adventurers she had met, Ren didn''t show arrogance or rough behavior, even though it was clear he possessed extraordinary abilities.

    What surprised Wendy even more was that Ren never seemed annoyed by her questions.

    No matter how many times she spoke, he always responded calmly, with a tone that was almost¡­ gentle.

    This was a stark contrast to the adventurers she usually dealt with.

    If she had to describe romance in the world of adventurers, Wendy knew it was filled with sweat, muscle, and brute force.

    Most men at the guild were straightforward¡ªsometimes too straightforward¡ªoften speaking with loud voices, vulgar jokes, and very little actual depth in conversation.

    But Ren was different.

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    His words were polite, his movements calm, and every sentence he spoke felt like it carried meaning.

    Even though he didn''t smile much or show strong emotions, there was something about his demeanor¡­ something that felt almost noble.

    (Is he really just an adventurer¡­ or does he come from a higher background?)

    Wendy quietly observed him from the side, realizing that her interest was no longer just curiosity¡­ but something more.

    And yet, unbeknownst to Wendy, Ren was slowly beginning to open up as well.

    Lately, he hadn''t spoken to anyone for an extended period of time. Ever since leaving the kingdom and working independently, most of his interactions had been purely business and strategy. No small talk, no casual banter¡ªjust focusing on his goals.

    But for some reason, talking with Wendy reminded him of Kiriya, his best friend from his original world.

    (I have to admit¡­ it feels a bit strange having someone to talk to like this again.)

    As Wendy threw yet another question at him about his adventuring life, Ren simply let out a small breath and kept his gaze forward.

    "So, Strom," Wendy looked at him with playful curiosity. "Are you always this stiff? Or should I be honored that I''m the only one who can actually make you talk?"

    Ren blinked once, then turned to her with a deadpan expression.

    "Oh, my apologies. I forgot I have to speak every ten minutes to keep you from feeling lonely."

    Wendy paused for a second, then chuckled. "Oh? So you can joke. I was starting to think I''d been talking to a rock this whole time."

    Ren shrugged. "Rocks can talk. You just have to talk to them long enough."

    Wendy pouted, pretending to be annoyed. "Yeah, but a rock wouldn''t slay a Basilisk alone."

    Ren gave her a faint smile. "True. I guess I''m more like a walking castle wall."

    Wendy laughed, shaking her head.

    "So if I want to talk to you more, do I have to become an architect?" she teased.

    Ren thought for a moment before replying with complete seriousness. "Or an engineer. I respect them more."

    Wendy sighed with an amused smile. "Alright then, Mr. Castle Wall, maybe I should start studying architecture just so I can talk to you longer."

    Ren let out a low chuckle, something he rarely did. Talking to Wendy was refreshing¡ªsomething he hadn''t realized he missed.

    After the long journey, the silhouette of Vermont City finally came into view.

    The sun was beginning to set behind the horizon, casting a golden-orange glow over the stone buildings and busy streets filled with merchants.

    Wendy gazed at the cityscape with a soft sigh.

    "We''re here¡­" she murmured, her voice quiet. But underneath her calm tone, there was a hint of disappointment.

    The journey had felt too short.

    Even though she should feel relieved to return safely, a part of her wished she could have talked with Ren a little longer.

    But everything that starts must eventually end.

    As they rode into the stone-paved streets, the city came alive with the chatter of merchants and adventurers moving under the twilight glow.

    Midway through, Ren finally spoke first.

    "I live outside the city," he said casually. "A bit isolated."

    Wendy turned to him, slightly surprised. "Huh? Why outside the city?"

    Ren shrugged nonchalantly. "I need a quiet place to work. But don''t worry, if you ever need to find me, it''s the only building out there. You won''t get lost."

    Wendy frowned for a moment but nodded. "So you really don''t like crowds, huh?"

    Ren gave a small, knowing smirk. "Like you said, I''m a castle wall. Too many people just make the place feel cramped."

    Wendy chuckled softly but then fell quiet. Her expression turned somber.

    "I have to go to the guild first¡­ to report my party''s deaths."

    Ren didn''t say anything, only giving her a small nod.

    He understood.

    Losing a team wasn''t just about filing a report¡ªit was about accepting the fact that they were never coming back.

    But he also knew¡ªthis wasn''t his burden to carry.

    "Go ahead. I have my own business to take care of."

    Wendy looked at him for a moment before offering a small, genuine smile.

    "Alright¡­ Thank you, Strom."

    Ren simply raised a hand slightly, a silent farewell, before turning and walking toward a different direction.

    As Wendy headed toward the guild to report her fallen comrades, Ren made his way back to his small home outside the city¡ªbringing back the true treasure from his dungeon expedition.

    Not gold.

    Not monster parts.

    Just stones.

    But for Ren, those were far more valuable than anything else.

 [17] Yes, its normal

    Amidst the grandeur of the Eldora Kingdom''s capital, a towering palace stood as a symbol of power and pride. Yet, behind its gilded walls, a game of politics and hidden agendas unfolded¡ªone unknown to most.

    In a secluded corner of the royal training grounds, a lone figure lingered in the shadows, observing from a distance.

    Kiriya.

    It had been two weeks since Ren left the capital, while he himself remained, blending into the background of the summoned heroes. In truth, he was more like a ghost¡ªwatching, gathering information, but never fully participating.

    Clad in dark, lightweight clothing with a hood partially concealing his face, Kiriya resembled an assassin more than a hero. He had chosen this look deliberately¡ªto stay unnoticed, to meld with the darkness, and to keep his distance from the others.

    Since Ren''s departure, his position within the group had only worsened.

    The same people who once shunned Ren were now treating him the same way.

    Not that it mattered.

    (I never planned to stay here for long. The moment Ren comes for me, I''m leaving without a second thought.)

    Kiriya furrowed his brows.

    Ever since his last conversation with Ren, something had been bothering him.

    If the kingdom was truly desperate, was summoning heroes really the best solution?

    And more importantly¡ªwas this their first time doing it?

    The goddess of this world¡­

    He could still recall the indifferent voice they heard on the day of their summoning. The way she spoke so casually, as if this was not the first time she had brought people from another world.

    (How many times have they done this?)

    (And what happened to those who were summoned before us?)

    Kiriya bit his lip, suppressing the frustration building within him.

    He refused to be a pawn in this game.

    If this was the kingdom''s ploy, then he would become a parasite within it¡ªdraining every bit of information he could and using it for his own benefit.

    Keeping himself hidden, Kiriya shifted his gaze back to the training grounds.

    There, the remaining heroes were undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of royal knights and mages.

    However, amidst the entire group, one figure stood out the most.

    Since day one, this person had been idolized as the true hero. Even the princess herself seemed to favor him.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Kiriya narrowed his eyes.

    (This guy¡­ was designed to be the center of attention from the very beginning, huh?)

    He wasn''t sure what the bigger picture was yet, but one thing was certain¡ªhe needed to find out before it was too late.

    Yosuke.

    Among all the students summoned to this world, he was the most prominent.

    Back in school, Yosuke had always been the center of attention¡ªan extrovert, charismatic, and widely regarded as a "good guy" by most. He wasn''t just socially adept; he was also well-rounded in non-academic fields¡ªathletic, skilled in martial arts, and a natural leader.

    With his handsome face and confident smile, Yosuke was the very definition of an ikemen¡ªthe kind of guy adored by both girls and guys alike.

    However, to Kiriya, he was just someone who had mastered the art of maintaining an image.

    From his vantage point in the palace courtyard, Kiriya observed Yosuke conversing with the princess.

    Yosuke chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as if embarrassed, speaking with a deliberately humble tone.

    But Kiriya saw through the act.

    It was the same rehearsed performance he had witnessed countless times before.

    Like a trained actor perfecting his expressions in front of a mirror, Yosuke feigned nervousness in front of the princess, portraying himself as a reluctant young man suddenly burdened with great destiny.

    Yet the moment the topic shifted to the Demon King, his demeanor changed entirely.

    His voice deepened, his expression turned serious, and his gaze radiated unwavering determination.

    (So dramatic¡­)

    Kiriya clenched his sleeve tightly, resisting the urge to slap the guy then and there.

    This was ridiculous.

    His entire act was cringe-worthy.

    While others might be mesmerized by his heroic persona, to Kiriya, it was nothing more than a poorly written script.

    Yosuke wasn''t just trying to be the center of attention¡ªhe was playing the role of the perfect hero that everyone wanted.

    (So this is what they''re after? A figure they can control and parade around as the "true hero"?)

    Kiriya let out a quiet scoff, his gaze never wavering.

    He refused to be deceived by this performance.

    Yosuke might be able to fool everyone with his act, but Kiriya wouldn''t be swayed. He had already seen too many inconsistencies since arriving in this world, and the more he observed, the clearer it became that something was deeply wrong.

    His mind drifted back to the recent dungeon expedition¡ªtheir first real combat training.

    Many students were still inexperienced and nervous.

    They might have read about monsters in books or played games, but facing them in real life was entirely different.

    When a horde of monsters attacked, panic spread immediately. Some students froze, unable to react. Others stumbled, losing their footing out of sheer terror.

    Then, disaster struck.

    The royal soldiers accompanying them died¡ªmany of them.

    Bloodshed filled the battlefield¡ªsoldiers screaming in agony as their bodies were torn apart, students struggling to fight but ultimately becoming liabilities, and the stench of blood permeating the air.

    This wasn''t training.

    It was a massacre.

    Yet instead of allowing them time to process their trauma, the kingdom pushed them forward, drilling into their heads the idea that they had to "rise and fight."

    As if nothing had happened.

    As if losing lives in battle was normal.

    Kiriya felt a cold rage creeping through him every time he recalled that moment.

    He personally had no problem fighting goblins.

    He remembered killing one¡ªmaybe two¡ªduring the battle. His hands had trembled, his legs had nearly given out, but he had survived.

    But afterward¡­

    He threw up.

    Because that was normal.

    Taking a life wasn''t something an ordinary human could just accept so easily.

    Yet the kingdom didn''t care. They only wanted weapons¡ªsoldiers they could mold into "heroes" without concern for their emotions or mental state.

    Kiriya clenched his fists, his gaze hardening.

 [18] The birth of new energy

    In his small workshop on the outskirts of Vermont, Ren worked with meticulous care. Before him, a gleaming device was neatly placed on his workbench. Its circular shape, sleek and futuristic design resembled something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

    But this was no ordinary device. At its center was a miniature fusion reactor core he had spent days designing. This moment was the culmination of all his experiments and hard work.

    Wiping the sweat from his temple, Ren took a deep breath. With complete focus, he reached out and flipped the switch to power the device. For a moment, nothing happened.

    Then¡ª

    Bzzzt¡­ Vrrrr¡­

    A soft mechanical hum filled the room, like the harmonious song of technology coming to life. A blue light pulsed gently from the reactor''s core, as if it were breathing. Ren''s eyes sparkled with excitement, his heartbeat quickening in anticipation.

    As the system finally stabilized, he clenched his fist and shouted with joy.

    "IT WORKED!"

    A small laugh escaped his lips, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. He had created something that did not yet exist in this world¡ª

    A source of clean, sustainable energy. A technology that could change everything. The world, civilization¡­ even military power, if it fell into the wrong hands. Ren gazed at the pulsing blue light in the reactor''s core, as if staring at the heart of a new era.

    But something was missing. A breakthrough like this needed a name. Leaning back in his chair, he narrowed his eyes at his creation.

    "Right¡­ It needs a name¡­" he murmured, tapping his fingers on the table in a slow rhythm. His mind raced, searching for something that could encapsulate the meaning of this technology. A marker of civilization, something that would propel the world into a future beyond imagination.

    Then, a word surfaced in his mind.

    "Ark¡­" he whispered, repeating it a few times in his head. A small smile formed on his lips.

    "Yes, Ark Reactor."

    The name felt right. Ark¡ªas a vessel carrying life into the future, as the foundation of the progress he envisioned.

    Ren looked at the steadily pulsing core again and nodded in satisfaction. The Ark Reactor had been born.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡ª

    Outside, the sun was slowly setting, painting the sky with a gradient of orange and purple. The evening breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the scent of earth cooling after a long day under the sun.

    Along a small road leading to the outskirts of town, Wendy walked with steady steps, though a hint of nervousness stirred within her. In her hands, she carried a basket filled with groceries she had bought at the market.

    (I can''t show up empty-handed, right?) she thought, convincing herself that this was just a casual visit.

    Yet, no matter how much she tried to act normal, her heartbeat refused to slow down.

    When she finally arrived in front of Ren''s house¡ªor rather, the home of the man she knew as ''Strom''¡ªshe took a deep breath.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    The sound of her knocking echoed softly. From inside, footsteps approached. Wendy''s heartbeat quickened.

    (Ah¡­ Why do I feel like this?)

    The lock clicked, and the door slowly opened. On the other side stood the man she knew as Strom.

    But the moment she saw him, a look of shock immediately spread across Wendy''s face.

    "Ehh¡­ Strom?" She blinked, making sure she wasn''t seeing things.

    Ren stood there with an unsteady posture, his clothes disheveled.

    His cheeks were more hollow, dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his body looked noticeably thinner than the last time she had seen him. He looked utterly exhausted.

    "¡­Wendy?" Ren''s voice was weak and hoarse.

    Without waiting for an invitation, Wendy stepped inside. She pushed the door open wider and entered with a worried expression.

    The room looked like a miniature laboratory. Mechanical tools were scattered around, design sketches were pinned to the walls, and on the main workbench sat something that looked like a high-tech device.

    But what caught her attention the most was Ren''s obvious state of fatigue.

    "What happened to you?" she asked, shutting the door behind her and setting the basket on the nearest table.

    Ren lazily rubbed his neck before dragging himself toward a chair and collapsing into it.

    "I had to pull some all-nighters¡­ There was urgent work to finish."

    Wendy frowned. "At the cost of your health?"

    Ren gave a weak shrug. "It''s not a big deal. I just need a little rest."

    Wendy clicked her tongue and crossed her arms. "Is it really that bad?"

    Ren glanced at her briefly before pointing to the workbench. "Ark Reactor."

    Wendy raised an eyebrow and stepped closer.

    On the table, a circular device with a sleek design lay before her. In its center, a soft blue light pulsed steadily, as if alive.

    "This is¡­?" Wendy turned to Ren, her eyes widening.

    Ren closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm his exhausted body.

    "A clean, stable energy source. I just finished it."

    Wendy remained silent for a few seconds, then looked back at the device with disbelief.

    "You¡­ built this on your own?"

    Ren gave a small nod. "Not entirely alone. I had my brain working overtime."

    Wendy let out a long sigh. "Alright, genius. You might be capable of inventing something incredible, but your body still needs rest."

    Without waiting for a response, she pulled up a chair and started unpacking the groceries from her basket.

    "I''m cooking. Sit still and don''t even think about arguing."

    Ren stared at her for a moment before raising his hands in surrender.

    "Fine, fine. I don''t have the energy to fight you right now anyway."

    Wendy nodded in satisfaction and began preparing the ingredients. Meanwhile, Ren leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment.

    For the first time in a long while, he felt like he could finally relax.

 [19] Indirect and insensitive confession

    "Thank you, Wendy. You really saved me," said Ren¡ªor as Wendy knew him, Strom¡ªas he began eating the meal she had prepared.

    The warm aroma of food spread through the room, filling the small workshop with a comforting atmosphere it had never known before. Every bite tasted far better than the quick, makeshift meals he usually had while working.

    Wendy gave a small smile, watching him with satisfaction. "It''s nothing. If anything, I owe you a debt¡­" she said, her voice soft yet filled with sincerity.

    Ren leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "Well, in that case, I guess we''re even. You gave me food, I saved your life. Seems like a fair deal."

    Wendy let out a light laugh before giving him a teasing look. "So if you save my life again, does that mean I''ll have to cook for you forever?"

    Ren furrowed his brows for a moment, then nodded with a serious expression. "Sounds like a good deal to me. I wouldn''t mind."

    Wendy froze for a second, then burst into laughter. "Hey, that''s not the answer I was expecting!"

    Ren simply shrugged and continued eating, savoring each bite in peace.

    But on the other side of the table, Wendy suddenly went quiet. The words that had just left Ren''s mouth kept echoing in her mind.

    (Cooking for him¡­ forever?¡­)

    Her eyes widened instantly, and her cheeks turned red like a ripe tomato.

    (A-Awaawa¡­ D-Did he just propose to me!? But we''ve only known each other for a short time! Is this even okay!?!)

    Her heart pounded faster, and her hands instinctively gripped the hem of her skirt. A wave of panic surged through her, though oddly enough, she didn''t completely dislike the idea.

    While Wendy was busy overthinking things, Ren continued eating, completely unaware of the misunderstanding.

    However, after a few moments, he finally noticed something strange. Wendy had gone completely silent, her face was red, and her expression looked as if she had just come to some kind of life-changing realization.

    Raising an eyebrow, Ren finally asked, "What''s wrong?"

    "N-Nothing! Nothing at all!" Wendy quickly waved her hands frantically, trying to hide her flustered state.

    But the more she tried to cover it up, the more obvious it became that something was bothering her.

    Ren stared at her for a moment longer before sighing quietly.

    (I don''t know what she''s thinking, but it''s probably best if I don''t ask.)

    Meanwhile, Wendy was busy trying to calm herself down.

    (Hmph¡­ Maybe he was just joking. Don''t overthink it, Wendy!)

    Taking a deep breath, she finally straightened her posture and tried to refocus on her meal.

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    However, the lingering blush on her cheeks refused to fade.

    ###

    After dinner, Wendy shifted her attention to Ren''s workbench, where a strange and futuristic-looking device was neatly placed.

    The machine emitted a faint blue glow from its core, its sleek and modern design making it clear that it was not from this world.

    Wendy narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to understand what exactly she was looking at.

    At that moment, the sound of footsteps came from behind her.

    "What do you think? Beautiful, isn''t it?"

    The calm, relaxed voice belonged to Ren, who had just finished taking a bath.

    His hair was still slightly damp, a few droplets of water sliding down his neck before being absorbed by the towel draped over his shoulders.

    This house didn''t even have a bathroom before, but ever since Ren settled here, he had built one himself¡ªbecause, in his culture, bathing was a necessity.

    For most people in this world, the idea of regularly bathing in hot water was a bit strange.

    But for Wendy, the strangest thing at the moment wasn''t Ren''s bathing habits.

    As she glanced at him, she suddenly realized just how athletic his body was¡ªnot overly muscular, but well-defined, showing a perfect balance of strength and agility.

    Before she knew it, her face began heating up, and her nose felt slightly tingly.

    (W-What is this feeling?!)

    Wendy quickly averted her gaze, forcing herself to stay focused.

    "Ahem," she cleared her throat, doing her best to keep her mind on the device.

    "Whether or not it''s ''beautiful''¡­ to be honest, I don''t even know what this thing is."

    Ren smirked slightly and crossed his arms.

    (Of course, Wendy wouldn''t understand it right away. She came from a world that still operated on medieval concepts, where magic was dominant over technology. Seeing something that surpassed even modern advancements must seem bizarre to her.)

    He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to explain the technical details.

    There were too many complicated terms that Wendy might not grasp.

    So, he decided to simplify it.

    "Hmm¡­ Okay, think of it like a magic furnace, but without the need for mana stones or spells to power it."

    Wendy raised an eyebrow.

    "So¡­ a kind of furnace that produces endless energy?"

    Ren nodded.

    "Exactly. With this, you can power various machines without needing fuel or magic. In short, it''s a far more efficient energy source than anything that exists in this world."

    Wendy looked at the device again, the pulsing blue glow from its core almost hypnotic. But the longer she tried to make sense of it, the more confused she became. In the end, she let out a small sigh, realizing there was something more urgent to discuss.

    Night was getting late, and if she didn''t bring up the real reason she came here, she might not get another chance.

    "I don''t really get it¡­ but anyway, are you free the day after tomorrow?"

    Ren, who was still standing near the workbench, raised an eyebrow briefly. He shifted his gaze from the machine to Wendy, his expression neutral.

    "Hmm, the day after tomorrow¡­" he muttered, thinking for a moment. After a few seconds, he shook his head lightly and looked back at her. "Doesn''t seem like I have anything planned. Why?"

    Wendy bit her lower lip slightly, hesitating before finally gathering the courage to speak. She clasped her hands together, as if debating whether this was a good idea or not. But in the end, she took a deep breath and spoke directly.

    "Well¡­ Could I ask for your help with a request from one of the ruling bureaucrats?"

    Ren paused for a moment, his expression turning slightly more serious. His sharp eyes locked onto Wendy, as if trying to read the hidden meaning behind her words.

    "A bureaucrat?" he repeated, his tone no longer as casual as before.

    Wendy nodded slowly, aware that her question had now caught Ren''s full attention.

    "Yeah¡­ I don''t know all the details, but I was told it''s some kind of special mission." Her voice held a slight uncertainty, but it was clear that this wasn''t just some trivial matter.

    Ren stared at her for a long moment, assessing the situation before finally exhaling quietly.

    "Are you sure this isn''t going to be a hassle?" he asked, his tone now sharper, laced with caution.

    Wendy gave a small, nervous smile, but behind her calm exterior, there was an unmistakable tension.

    "I''m not sure¡­ But I don''t think it''s something I can handle alone."

    Ren furrowed his brows, his mind quickly piecing together the possible implications of her request.

    If this was coming from a bureaucrat, there was a good chance that politics or internal affairs were involved.

    And if Wendy had come to him directly for help, that meant this was bigger than just an ordinary request.

    Ren didn''t answer right away. He stared at Wendy intently, weighing his options before making a decision.

 [20] Relaxing day

    Wendy quickly clarified the details of the quest, realizing that Ren might have been overthinking things.

    "Ehh¡­ Strom, I don''t think this quest has anything to do with the local lord or political matters," she said with an awkward smile, eager to clear up the misunderstanding.

    Ren raised an eyebrow, still looking at her with his usual unreadable expression, silently demanding further explanation.

    "So?"

    Wendy took a deep breath before continuing. "Actually, this quest is just a request from a bureaucrat who''s having trouble handling his pets."

    Ren blinked a few times, as if he couldn''t believe what he had just heard.

    "Wait¡­ So when you said it was a special request from a bureaucrat, you meant¡­ pet-sitting?"

    Wendy nodded quickly. "Yeah, he owns two pets, and apparently, they''re quite difficult to manage. So, he asked the guild to find someone who could help out for a few days."

    Silence filled the air.

    Ren stared at Wendy blankly, then closed his eyes for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

    "And here I was thinking this was something serious¡­ Well, if that''s all, then fine."

    Opening his eyes again, he looked at Wendy with a more relaxed expression. "Besides, this might be a good chance to take a short vacation."

    Wendy sighed in relief, flashing a small smile. "Glad to hear it. I thought you were going to turn it down."

    Leaning back in his chair, Ren seemed much more at ease. "If it''s just taking care of some animals, I don''t mind. But if those ''pets'' turn out to be dragons or high-tier monsters, I might reconsider."

    Wendy giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Hahaha, I highly doubt they''d ask regular adventurers to look after dragons."

    Ren shrugged. "This world is full of surprises. So, when do we start?"

    Wendy''s eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

    "The day after tomorrow. We should leave early in the morning to get there on time."

    Ren gave a simple nod, accepting the plan.

    The next day, in the spacious courtyard of a grand mansion, a stark contrast of events was taking place.

    On one side, Wendy sat comfortably on a garden bench, a gentle smile on her face. Her hands slowly combed through the silky fur of a large feline¡ªits pure white-gold coat gleaming under the sunlight. The beast purred softly, eyes half-closed in contentment.

    Around her, three oversized kittens frolicked in the grass, occasionally hopping onto her lap or swatting playfully at their mother''s tail.

    On the other side of the courtyard, however¡ª

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    "AAAAAH! DAMN IT, WHY AM I THE ONE BEING CHASED?!"

    Ren was sprinting for his life, a massive tiger-like feline hot on his heels. Its orange fur, streaked with bold black stripes, shimmered under the sun, and its powerful muscles tensed with every leap as it relentlessly pursued him.

    Ren zigzagged through the yard, dodging sharp claws that nearly swiped his back.

    "WENDY! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!"

    Wendy lazily opened one eye, glanced at him briefly, then returned to petting the purring feline in her lap.

    "Oh, that? Looks like he just wants to play."

    Ren stared at her in disbelief. "THIS ISN''T PLAYING! THIS IS HUNTING!"

    The massive feline lunged toward him again, barely missing his shoulder, forcing Ren to dive to the side in a desperate attempt to evade.

    While Ren was fighting for his survival, Wendy merely chuckled, thoroughly entertained as if watching a lighthearted comedy performance.

    "Hey, you said you wanted a vacation," she teased. "Think of this as free physical training."

    Ren glared at her.

    "I''D RATHER BE CHASED BY TAX COLLECTORS THAN THIS!"

    Wendy covered her mouth as she laughed, while the oversized kittens mewled in delight, as if they, too, found Ren''s misfortune amusing.

    After several intense minutes of yelling, dodging, and near-death experiences, the ''hunt'' finally ended.

    The massive male tiger-like feline eventually collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, panting heavily.

    Right beside it, Ren also lay sprawled out, arms stretched out on the grass, chest rising and falling as he gasped for breath.

    "Haaah¡­ Haaah¡­ Had fun, big guy?!" Ren muttered between pants, side-eyeing the beast.

    The feline merely flicked its tail and let out a lazy growl in response, completely indifferent to his suffering.

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the courtyard, a much more peaceful scene unfolded.

    Wendy continued calmly brushing through the fur of the mother feline, who nuzzled her affectionately. The oversized kittens rolled around in the grass, purring loudly as they enjoyed the gentle afternoon breeze.

    Just as the atmosphere settled, a new presence entered the courtyard.

    From the direction of the mansion, a graceful woman approached.

    She appeared to be in her early thirties, possessing long, flowing black hair that shimmered in the golden afternoon light. Her dress, though simple, exuded elegance¡ªsubtle, yet undeniably noble.

    Her sharp gaze held intelligence, but her expression remained gentle and composed.

    Wendy, noticing her arrival, immediately recognized her.

    "Ah, Lady Eleanor!" she greeted, speaking with a tone of respect yet maintaining her usual casual air.

    The woman, Eleanor, offered a faint smile, her eyes shifting between Wendy and Ren, who was still sprawled out on the ground.

    "It seems you''ve gotten quite acquainted with my pets," she remarked, her soft voice carrying a hint of amusement.

    Ren blinked up at her, raising an eyebrow.

    "Acquainted? I nearly became lunch for this oversized brute."

    The male tiger-like feline beside him growled softly again, as if protesting the accusation.

    Eleanor let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth with elegance.

    "Don''t be dramatic. They were simply playing with you. If they were serious, you wouldn''t have had time to run, Lord Strom."

    Ren fell silent for a moment before exhaling a long sigh.

    "Yeah, that doesn''t exactly make me feel any better."

    Wendy giggled quietly at his defeated tone.

    "Regardless, thank you both for accepting the request," Eleanor continued with a warm smile. "I hope this task hasn''t been too burdensome for you."

    Wendy nodded enthusiastically, while Ren could only stare at the sky, coming to terms with the fact that this so-called ''vacation'' might not be as relaxing as he had hoped.

    After a few moments, he finally pushed himself off the ground, dusting off his clothes. His gaze drifted toward the tiger-like feline, now lazily licking its paw as if nothing had happened.

    "¡­Okay, maybe this is a bit late to ask," Ren muttered, narrowing his eyes. "But¡­ what exactly are these creatures? You call them ''cats,'' but at this size, can they really still be classified as felines?"

    Eleanor''s calm gaze met his, and after a brief pause, she smiled.

    "Lord Strom, a cat is still a cat¡ªregardless of its size. As long as its nature remains the same, it belongs to the same category."

    Ren fell silent, processing her words.

    Then, a peculiar thought crossed his mind.

    (So¡­ does that mean I can classify a T-Rex as a chicken?)

    His expression remained blank, but deep down, he felt as though this world''s logic was beginning to slip away from him.

 [21] Request

    "That''s why I want to ask you to return these children to their natural habitat."

    Eleanor spoke in a gentle voice, but it was filled with hope. Around her, the five giant tigers rested peacefully, surrounding her with affection, as if they understood that their time together might soon come to an end.

    Wendy and Ren exchanged glances, trying to grasp the situation. However, what they saw was quite the contrast¡ªRen was sitting on the grass while a massive male tiger enthusiastically licked his face.

    "Their habitat?" Wendy finally spoke, her face full of confusion. "Isn''t that really far? It would take at least two months to reach the Penal Plains..."

    Eleanor nodded slowly, her expression shifting slightly.

    "And to get there, you''d have to pass through the territories of the Elf and Beastman kingdoms," Wendy continued, her voice tinged with concern.

    "Neither of those kingdoms allow humans, right?" she added, narrowing her eyes as she realized just how difficult this mission would be.

    "Hmm, I see..." Eleanor let out a long sigh before looking at the five giant tigers with a hint of sadness.

    "Haah¡­ I''m sorry, my children. It seems you''ll have to stay with me a little longer."

    Wendy sighed as well, realizing how impossible this request was.

    However, unlike Wendy, Ren had something else on his mind.

    (Traveling the world, huh¡­? Isn''t that my goal to begin with?)

    A journey to the Penal Plains sounded challenging, but at the same time, it was the perfect opportunity to see more of this world.

    After a few moments of thought, he finally looked up at Eleanor with a more serious expression.

    "Can you wait at least two weeks?"

    "WHAT?!"

    Wendy was immediately shocked, her voice nearly rising in pitch.

    Eleanor also reacted with surprise, her eyebrows lifting slightly in intrigue.

    "Are you serious?" she asked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity.

    Ren wiped his face, still slightly damp from the tiger''s licking, and nodded casually.

    "I was planning on going on a long journey anyway. If I can prepare everything properly within two weeks, I might as well take them with me."

    Eleanor studied Ren for a moment before offering a small smile, as if amused by his enthusiasm. With a graceful motion, she knelt and gently stroked the head of one of the female tigers that had approached her.

    "I see¡­ In that case, I''ll entrust them to you."

    Her hand softly ran through the fur of the largest female tiger among them.

    "Bella..." she whispered, gazing at the beast with deep affection.

    The tigress purred softly, her eyes locked onto Eleanor with unwavering loyalty.

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    "Go with this man," Eleanor continued, her hand still caressing Bella''s head. "He will take you back to your true home."

    For a moment, the atmosphere grew still.

    Bella looked at Eleanor before shifting her gaze toward Ren.

    "Meoow¡­"

    Despite sounding like an ordinary cat, the deep resonance in her voice was a stark reminder that this was a powerful predator capable of tearing through steel with her claws.

    Ren could only smirk, his eyes meeting the tigress''s sharp gaze.

    "Well¡­ Looks like I just got a new travel companion."

    Bella swished her tail, as if agreeing with Ren''s words, while her cubs excitedly gathered around her.

    On the other hand, Wendy let out a long sigh, feeling conflicted.

    (So, he really is a wanderer, huh¡­) she thought, watching Ren, who seemed completely unfazed by the idea of embarking on such a journey.

    If Ren was going on a long trip¡­

    If he was going to take these tigers back to their home¡­

    (Does that mean¡­ we''ll be separated?)

    The thought crossed her mind so suddenly that her chest felt a little heavier.

    She looked at Ren again, as if trying to etch his image into her memory.

    But she didn''t want to ask.

    Not yet.

    The mansion courtyard was quiet, accompanied only by the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

    Eleanor remained kneeling beside Bella, the large tigress purring softly as she enjoyed Eleanor''s gentle touch. Eleanor''s gaze was filled with love but also a hint of sadness, as if she had been preparing for this farewell for a long time.

    Ren observed the interaction in silence before finally taking a deep breath and standing up straight.

    "Alright, two weeks from now. I''ll be ready."

    Eleanor turned to him, her expression still calm, but there was a faint sense of relief in her eyes.

    "I''ll be waiting for your word, Mr. Strom."

    Bella nuzzled Eleanor with her nose before slowly shifting her attention to Ren. Her sharp, intelligent eyes studied him carefully.

    "Meoow¡­"

    Though her voice still carried the softness of a regular cat, the deep vibrations in her tone made the ground tremble slightly.

    The main street of Vermont''s commercial district was livelier than usual in the late afternoon.

    Even though the concept of weekends didn''t fully exist in this world, that didn''t mean people couldn''t enjoy their free time. Young couples strolled side by side, merchants busily attended to customers, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and warm soup.

    Amidst the crowd, Wendy walked beside Ren, occasionally sneaking glances at him with an uncertain expression.

    Her heart pounded. Something stirred inside her every time she recalled their earlier conversation.

    Ren, as always, remained calm and composed. His steps were steady, his hands tucked into the pockets of his long coat, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if he wasn''t particularly interested in his surroundings.

    Wendy, on the other hand, felt increasingly restless.

    (What''s wrong with me¡­? Why am I like this?)

    Her fingers instinctively gripped the strap of her small bag, trying to steady the thumping in her chest.

    (Strom is just a kind person who helped me¡­ I have no right to stop him from leaving.)

    Logically, this was natural.

    They were both adventurers.

    Adventurers constantly moved from place to place, taking jobs in different regions, never staying in one place for too long.

    So why did this feel different?

    Why did she feel uneasy every time she imagined Ren leaving¡ªtraveling the world without her?

    She bit her lip, staring at the cobblestone street beneath her feet as if the answer would somehow appear there.

    Meanwhile, Ren finally noticed that Wendy was acting a little strange.

    Without breaking his stride, he glanced at her.

    "What''s wrong? You''ve been looking at me for a while now."

    Wendy flinched, her cheeks heating up as she was caught.

    "A-Ah¡­ N-No, it''s nothing!" She waved her hands quickly, trying to brush off his suspicion.

    Ren raised an eyebrow before turning back ahead.

    "Huh. If you say so."

    Silence returned between them for a brief moment.

    But Wendy could still feel her heart racing faster than usual.

    (Ugh¡­ Why does he have to be so perceptive about things like this?)

    She took a slow breath, trying to calm herself down before she got any more flustered.

    Then, out of nowhere, Ren spoke up, breaking the silence.

    "By the way, are you hungry?"

    "Huh!?"

    Wendy snapped her head toward him, her eyes widening, completely caught off guard by the simple question.

    Ren looked at her with a neutral expression, one eyebrow slightly raised.

    "What''s with that reaction¡­?" he muttered, looking mildly confused. "I''m hungry. If you don''t mind, can we grab something to eat?"

    Wendy blinked several times, trying to process the situation before quickly nodding.

    "Ah, y-yeah¡­ Let''s go!"

    Her voice came out a little higher than she intended, but she quickly walked ahead, trying to hide the small smile forming on her face.

    Ren let out a small sigh and followed behind her at a relaxed pace.

 [22] Dinner

    After ordering their food, the waiter bowed politely before walking away, leaving the two of them in an atmosphere that suddenly felt awkward.

    Ren leaned back in his chair, glancing at Wendy, who seemed completely engrossed in examining the table as if the wood grain was the most fascinating thing in the world.

    (Why is it like this again¡­?) he thought, slightly frustrated by the silence.

    Trying to break the ice, he finally spoke up.

    "I didn''t know you liked furry things."

    Wendy looked up in surprise but then let out a small laugh, relieved that there was finally something to talk about.

    "Eh¡­ Ah, yeah." She scratched her neck, flashing a small smile. "I think they''re cute, even though they''re technically monsters¡­ even if they''re tame."

    Ren raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced.

    "Seriously? You''re not scared at all?"

    "At first, I was terrified, just like you." Wendy chuckled softly, recalling the first time she had to deal with those giant tigers. "But after a while, I got used to them. Honestly, they''re super soft¡ªperfect for pillows."

    Ren paused for a moment.

    "Wait¡­" He stared at Wendy with a skeptical expression. "Don''t tell me¡­ this isn''t your first time doing this quest!?"

    Wendy blinked innocently, then nodded casually.

    "Yeah, this is my fifth time."

    Ren froze for a second, processing that information.

    Then, he gave her a deadpan look.

    "¡­So I was the only one who almost got eaten?"

    Wendy stifled a laugh, her smile widening.

    "Um¡­ Yeah, pretty much."

    Ren let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

    "Note to self: next time, ask if a quest has been done before accepting it."

    Wendy kept chuckling softly as the tension between them gradually eased.

    Just then, the waiter returned with their order, and the rich aroma of pork rib soup filled the air.

    Ren eyed the steaming dish in front of him before sighing.

    "Well, since I''ve come this far, I guess I should start getting used to them."

    Wendy beamed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

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    "That''s the spirit! I''m sure if you spend enough time with them, you''ll fall in love with that soft fur too!"

    Ren glanced at Wendy, then at his soup, then back at Wendy.

    "I''d rather fall in love with food."

    As they ate, their conversation continued naturally.

    Now that Ren had accepted the reality of his upcoming long journey, he began asking more serious questions.

    "So, the route we''re taking¡­ how does it look?" he asked, sipping his soup.

    Wendy chewed her food for a moment before swallowing and looking thoughtful.

    "From Vermont, we head north, crossing the Eldora Kingdom''s border. After that, we enter neutral territory before finally reaching the Elven Kingdom to the west."

    Ren raised an eyebrow.

    "So we''re passing through two kingdoms? Eldora and the Elven Kingdom?"

    Wendy nodded. "That''s right. After getting through the elves'' forest, we''ll reach the lowlands that belong to the Beastmen."

    Ren froze mid-bite, narrowing his eyes at Wendy.

    "Hold on."

    Wendy tilted her head in confusion.

    "What?"

    Ren slowly put his spoon down and stared at her more intently.

    "Elves and Beastmen¡­ They''re two races that don''t exactly welcome humans, right?"

    Wendy cleared her throat quietly, shifting her gaze to her soup, looking slightly uncomfortable. She knew Ren had a tendency to find solutions rather than complain, but that didn''t mean this situation could be taken lightly. Both the Elven and Beastmen territories were notoriously difficult for humans to enter, and she herself had no experience beyond this kingdom.

    "Umm¡­ Yeah, that''s true. But it''s not completely impossible to get through, as long as we have a solid reason." Her voice held some doubt, but she tried to sound optimistic. The real challenge was figuring out what that "solid reason" would be.

    Ren, now leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, looked deep in thought. This journey wasn''t just about escorting a few giant tigers back to their homeland¡ªit was a mission that required them to cross into lands that historically weren''t friendly to humans.

    "You need to be invited as a guest or earn their recognition. There''s no other way." His tone was flat, as if stating an undeniable fact. Forcing their way in wasn''t an option unless they wanted to be stopped at the border.

    Wendy nodded slowly, understanding that Ren wouldn''t recklessly charge into hostile territory. After all, this adventure wasn''t just a casual trip outside the city. There were too many unknowns, and not all problems had easy answers.

    "Hmm, so what do I need to do to earn the trust of the Elven and Beastmen kingdoms?" Ren asked, watching Wendy closely. If he had to go through some kind of trial or prove himself, he''d rather know ahead of time.

    But Wendy could only give him a sheepish smile, stirring her spoon absentmindedly. She genuinely had no idea. "Uh¡­ I don''t know either. Sorry, I''ve never left this kingdom before, so I can''t really tell you."

    Ren was silent for a moment before letting out a small smile and shrugging casually. Wendy''s lack of knowledge wasn''t a big deal to him.

    "Ah, don''t worry about it. It''s fine."

    Wendy glanced at him, slightly surprised by how relaxed he was. She had expected him to be frustrated or at least a little annoyed. But his expression remained calm, as if this was just another puzzle to solve.

    "Aren''t you worried?" she asked, tilting her head. She wanted to know if he was truly confident or just hiding his concerns.

    Ren chuckled, resting one arm on the table and casually twirling his spoon. "Well, if I stress over problems that don''t have answers yet, it''ll just give me a headache." He paused briefly before adding in a relaxed tone, "Besides, we still have two weeks to gather information, right?"

    Wendy let out a small sigh of relief, a faint smile forming on her lips. She wasn''t sure why, but Ren''s calm attitude somehow made her feel at ease.

    "That''s true¡­ I sometimes forget that you''re the kind of person who prefers looking for solutions rather than complaining."

    Ren raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly. "And you''re the type who worries too much, huh?" His teasing tone was enough to make Wendy react.

    "Hey! That''s not true!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks slightly, making Ren chuckle softly.

    She knew she tended to overthink things, but still¡ªdid he have to say it so bluntly?

    Watching her pout, Ren suddenly felt that this moment wasn''t so bad. No matter how complicated their journey ahead might be, at least for now, he could enjoy this peaceful dinner.

    Even though their conversation had its serious moments, in the end, the atmosphere remained lighthearted.

 [23] Reluctance

    Ren was enjoying his meal when he suddenly noticed something. At the corner of Wendy''s lips, there was a small piece of herb that hadn''t been ground properly.

    Without much thought, he reached out and casually took it off.

    "Eh¡­"

    Wendy froze, her eyes widening at the gentle touch on the corner of her lips. The distance between them, which had felt normal just moments ago, suddenly seemed incredibly close.

    She lifted her gaze, staring at Ren, who remained calm, while her own heart pounded faster than usual.

    Ren withdrew his hand with a relaxed expression, then raised the tiny leaf he had taken from Wendy''s lips.

    "There was a piece of celery there," he said softly, as if it were nothing.

    Wendy felt heat rush to her face, and she instinctively covered her cheeks with her hands.

    "A-Ah¡­ I-I see¡­ T-Thanks¡­" she mumbled, her voice slightly trembling.

    Ren shrugged and placed his spoon back into the bowl.

    "You were too focused on eating to notice it got stuck on your lips." His tone carried a teasing hint, though his expression remained neutral.

    Wendy blinked rapidly before grabbing a napkin from the table and covering half of her face.

    "That''s not my fault! The celery leaf was too small!" she protested, though it was clear she was just trying to hide her embarrassment.

    Ren chuckled lightly and leaned back in his chair.

    "Well, you still look cute with your cheeks all red like that."

    "H-Huh?!" Wendy nearly choked, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at Ren.

    Seeing her reaction, Ren simply gave a small smile and continued eating as if nothing had happened.

    Meanwhile, Wendy could only lower her head, covering her face with her hands, trying to calm her heart, which refused to cooperate.

    (What is this¡­? Why do I feel like a girl who just fell in love!?)

    The atmosphere at the dining table subtly changed, but Ren seemed to be enjoying every second of this small interaction.

    By the time they finished their meal, the sky had turned dark, adorned with twinkling stars. The air was cooler, and the night breeze carried the distinct scent of a city still brimming with activity. Magic lamps lining the streets glowed softly, illuminating the cobblestone paths that were now growing quieter.

    Ren glanced at Wendy, who sat across from him, before rising from his chair with an unhurried movement. His gaze was brief, but it was enough to notice the slightly dazed look on Wendy''s face. "We should probably head back," he remarked casually, realizing how late it had gotten.

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    Wendy snapped out of her thoughts and gave a small nod. "Um¡­" she replied softly, her voice tinged with hesitation. They stepped out of the restaurant together, walking side by side under the warm glow of the streetlights, their silhouettes stretching across the quiet city road.

    "Well then, see you tomorrow," Ren said, glancing at Wendy. He wasn''t the type to prolong goodbyes, so after saying that, he immediately started walking away. However, for a brief moment, a strange silence lingered between them¡ªsomething unspoken hanging in the air. Wendy remained where she stood, watching Ren''s back as he moved further away.

    Her heartbeat pounded uncontrollably, her thoughts swirling with emotions she couldn''t quite grasp. Before she could even think, her body acted on its own. In a swift motion, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Ren from behind.

    Ren froze, his body tensing slightly from the unexpected embrace. He could feel Wendy''s warmth against his back, her soft breaths brushing against his shoulder. He was still processing what had just happened, unable to find a logical explanation for it. "Eh¡­ Wendy?"

    Wendy didn''t respond right away. She simply held on for a few more seconds, as if afraid of losing something important, yet unable to put it into words. But before Ren could react any further, she slowly pulled away. "Huum¡­ See you tomorrow!" she said cheerfully, though her voice carried a hint of nervous urgency.

    In the next instant, Wendy turned and jogged toward her home without looking back. Her long hair swayed with her movement, leaving behind a lingering warmth in the air. Ren could only stand there, watching her figure disappear around the corner.

    "Haah¡­" He let out a long sigh, running a hand through his face. He was a bit puzzled by what had just happened, but he decided not to dwell on it too much. With a relaxed stride, he finally made his way home, still feeling the lingering warmth of that brief embrace.

    At Wendy''s house, the rich aroma of home-cooked food filled the air. Her mother was busy preparing dinner, while her two younger siblings sat at the table, laughing and chatting with each other. Though the house felt warm and lively, something about tonight seemed different.

    When Wendy stepped inside, she didn''t say a word. She walked past the dining area without stopping, heading straight to her room at a hurried pace. Her mother, noticing her daughter''s unusual behavior, paused what she was doing and watched Wendy''s retreating figure with concern.

    "Wendy?" she called gently, but Wendy didn''t stop. The door to her room closed softly, leaving behind a brief silence.

    Inside her room, Wendy sat on her bed, hugging her pillow tightly. Her thoughts were a mess, her heart felt strange¡ªsomething she had never experienced before. She lowered her head, burying her face into the pillow, hoping it would somehow quiet the turmoil within her.

    (Why am I acting like this?) she wondered, trying to make sense of what was happening to her.

    Since childhood, Wendy had known that life wouldn''t be easy. After losing her father, a soldier who died in the line of duty, she had become the backbone of her family. Alongside her mother, she worked hard to ensure that her younger siblings could grow up without worries.

    Becoming an adventurer was never her dream, but it was the highest-paying job she could take without academic background or noble connections. Even though it was dangerous, at least she had control over the quests she accepted¡ªchoosing missions with the lowest fatality rates, though they were still risky.

    Yet, for the first time, she was starting to question her choices. If she had actually died in that dungeon, what would have happened to her family? And more than that¡ªwhat would have happened if Ren hadn''t been there to save her?

    Her grip on the pillow tightened. (I shouldn''t rely on others¡­ But why does it feel different with him?)

    In this world, where the mortality rate due to monsters was high, many women sought men who could protect them and their families. It wasn''t just about love¡ªit was about survival. And while Wendy had never thought about it that way before, her thoughts were beginning to change.

    (Ren¡­ is leaving.)

    That thought pierced deeper than she had expected.

    If she only saw him as a friend or a savior, she wouldn''t be feeling like this. But the more she tried to push it away, the stronger the emotions grew.

    Wendy took a deep breath, staring up at the ceiling with eyes full of confusion. She still didn''t know what she should do.

 [24] Need more money

    At Ren''s place, two days had passed since he began designing the vehicle he would use for his long journey. The blueprint was complete, but one major challenge remained¡ªfinding the right materials for its components, especially the tires and engine.

    Rubber was the ideal choice, but Ren wasn''t sure if such a material even existed in this world. If not, he would have to find an alternative with similar elasticity. This wasn''t just about building a vehicle¡ªit was about reverse-engineering technology from scratch.

    At that moment, Ren heard news that a merchant caravan from the east had arrived in Vermont. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, he immediately headed to the marketplace, hoping to find something useful.

    And¡ª

    Yep.

    Among the various stalls, Ren''s eyes caught sight of something interesting. A dark, solid material with a slightly flexible texture, similar to hardened rubber sap.

    Excited, he approached the merchant.

    "Hey, this thing¡­ where does it come from?" he asked, his voice sounding more serious than usual.

    The merchant, a middle-aged man dressed in eastern-style clothing, gave him a friendly smile before answering.

    "Ah, that? We call it ''black resin.'' It''s tree sap from the deep southern forests. It''s usually used for weapon grips or waterproof coatings on certain goods."

    Ren''s eyes gleamed slightly. If this material had enough elasticity, it could serve as a rubber substitute.

    "Can I buy a few kilos?" he asked without hesitation.

    The merchant nodded, chuckling.

    "Of course, sir. But this stuff isn''t cheap, you know?"

    Without a second thought, Ren pulled out a pouch of coins.

    "No problem. As long as it''s enough for my experiments, I''ll pay whatever it costs."

    The merchant was momentarily surprised but quickly broke into a wider smile.

    "Haha! Now that''s my kind of customer. Take as much as you like!"

    Without delay, Ren bought out all the rubber sap available in the merchant''s caravan. Though the quantity wasn''t large¡ªonly two wooden crates¡ªit was more than enough for his needs. The merchant seemed pleased with the hefty sale, while Ren carried his newfound resources back home.

    Once he arrived, he immediately began analyzing the material. He squeezed a small piece of the hardened sap, testing its elasticity, then brought it close to his nose. The distinct pungent scent and flexible nature only reinforced his suspicions¡ªthis was definitely rubber.

    A satisfied grin spread across his face. "Hah, at this rate¡­ I can finish the car in a week!" he exclaimed with excitement. With his ability to manipulate materials, building a vehicle like this was just a matter of time. In fact, if he had enough resources and tools, he could create something even more advanced than what existed in the 22nd century.

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    However, one major problem remained¡ªhis finances were running low. The money he had earned from hunting and previous quests was being drained by material costs. Because of that, while working on his vehicle, he continued taking small quests to keep his funds afloat.

    Sometimes, Wendy would help him with minor jobs. She would take simple tasks like playing with Lady Eleanor''s pets or gathering herbs around the city. While enough for daily expenses, the earnings were nowhere near enough to make him rich.

    Ren knew that if he wanted to complete his project faster, he needed a bigger source of income. That was when, while scanning the guild''s quest board, his eyes landed on a notice that caught his attention.

    A bounty on bandits.

    Ren stared at the notice for a long moment, then narrowed his eyes. (Bandits¡­ huh?) he thought, as an idea began forming in his mind.

    From that moment on, the bandits around Vermont began experiencing their worst nightmare.

    That night, the peace within a hidden bandit stronghold deep in the forest was shattered in an instant. Explosions erupted across the camp, lighting up the darkness with raging flames. Screams of panic and terror filled the air, mixed with the sharp, precise sound of gunfire.

    "Aaaah¡­!"

    "Mercy¡­ Please!"

    Bandits scattered in all directions, running blindly without a clue what to do. But there was one voice that haunted them more than anything else.

    "I-It''s¡­ Black Death! Run!!"

    They weren''t just afraid¡ªthey were utterly terrified. In the past two weeks, that name had become a horrifying legend among the bandits operating near Vermont. A ghostly figure who emerged from the shadows, bringing death without a sound, as if the Grim Reaper himself had descended upon them.

    Watching over the chaos from a small cliff, Ren stood tall, his eyes sharp and calculating.

    The all-black outfit he wore wasn''t just for disguise. With his lightweight armor infused with technology, a tactical vest packed with ammunition, and a skull-patterned helmet that concealed his entire face¡ªhe truly looked like a special forces operative from his previous world.

    If someone were familiar with modern warfare, they would undoubtedly compare his appearance to Ghost from Call of Duty.

    But this wasn''t a game.

    His assault rifle was fitted with a suppressor, and each shot landed with deadly precision. The small grenades he had crafted himself were used to create confusion, scattering the bandits like ants whose nest had just been destroyed.

    Ren moved swiftly through the shadows, avoiding the flickering flames of the burning camp. In his mind, this was nothing more than training.

    When he entered the cave where the bandits stored their stolen loot, his eyes immediately locked onto an unexpected sight. Before him, several wooden crates lay open, revealing piles of gold coins glimmering under the dim torchlight.

    Ren clicked his tongue, letting out a small scoff as he stared at the wealth left unguarded. "Tch, damn¡­ These guys are richer than me," he muttered in an amused yet exasperated tone.

    However, before he could get any closer¡ª

    "You!!"

    A furious roar echoed through the cave, causing Ren to instinctively turn around. There, standing at the entrance, was a towering man with a muscular build, clad in a worn leather coat, his face scarred from past battles.

    His eyes burned with hatred¡ªthis was the bandit leader.

    "Hah¡­ So there''s still one left," Ren remarked casually, lowering his rifle slightly.

    The bandit boss yanked a massive battle-axe from his back, his arm muscles flexing as he prepared to attack. "You bastard! You think you can steal from us without consequences!?" he roared, his voice echoing through the cavern.

    But Ren simply let out a long sigh.

    Without another word, just as the bandit boss was about to charge, Ren raised his rifle and pulled the trigger.

    BANG!

    A single bullet pierced through the man''s skull with pinpoint accuracy.

    The massive bandit staggered, his body trembling for a moment before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

    Ren stared at the lifeless body for a few seconds, then shrugged.

    "You talk too much."

    Without a shred of guilt, he turned back to the treasure before him. With one hand, he began prying open more crates, assessing just how much wealth he could take with him.

    Tonight''s profit was far greater than he had expected.

 [25] Rumors about the black death and pizza

    The day of departure was drawing closer, but Ren wasn''t spending his time idly. Instead, he had ramped up his activities as the city''s "cleaner," operating from the shadows.

    Every night, he hunted down bandits, robbers, and criminals who had long plagued society. However, he never asked for payment from the townspeople or the government¡ªfor him, his reward had already been paid by the "vermin" themselves.

    Dressed in all black with his signature skull mask, he moved under the cover of darkness, eliminating his targets without mercy. It didn''t take long for his name to spread throughout the city. The townspeople started calling him "Black Death," a ghostly figure who only appeared at night to wipe out crime completely.

    Technically, Ren could have claimed bounties for his work if he reported to the guild. But he chose not to. The rewards for turning in wanted criminals were decent, but if he handed them over to the guild, all stolen goods would be confiscated as evidence.

    So, he took a more "independent" approach. He let the bounties remain unclaimed while securing the gold, weapons, and valuables from the bandits he eliminated.

    Some might call it unfair. But for Ren, it was simply efficient.

    The money he took wasn''t just stashed away or wasted on luxury. Instead, he invested it in something more important¡ªhis own future.

    With a steady cash flow, he could speed up his projects, purchase more materials, and perfect his vehicle and preparations for the long journey ahead.

    Yet, despite his efforts to remain a mystery, people were beginning to question the true identity of Black Death.

    Meanwhile, Wendy strolled through Vermont''s bustling marketplace, carrying a basket filled with fresh ingredients. Ren had invited her to his home tonight¡ªnot for a casual visit, but for a farewell gathering.

    Being one of Ren''s only friends in this city, aside from Kiriya, Wendy felt she had to send him off properly. Not with tears or sadness, but with a night worth remembering. That was why Ren had decided to hold a small party before his departure.

    Along with buying food, Wendy also wanted to get him a farewell gift. After browsing through various souvenir stalls, she finally settled on a small accessory¡ªa keychain featuring Vermont''s signature emblem. It was shaped like a miniature enchanted sword, crafted by one of the city''s finest artisans.

    (I hope he likes it¡­) Wendy clutched the keychain tightly, a small smile forming as she imagined Ren''s reaction when he received it.

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    However, as she made her way to another stall, a conversation nearby caught her attention.

    "Hey, did you hear? Black Death showed up again last night!"

    "Yeah! I heard he wiped out a bandit group in the northern forest. They say no one survived!"

    Wendy paused mid-step, her ears picking up every word from the two men chatting near a vegetable stand.

    "I don''t know if he''s human or not, but damn¡­ that guy moves like a demon in the dark!" one man whispered, as if afraid that the figure they spoke of would suddenly appear behind them.

    "Exactly! And the creepiest part? He never collects the bounties from the guild. It''s like he''s just hunting for fun!" the other man added, his tone dramatic.

    Wendy furrowed her brows.

    (Black Death, huh¡­ The rumors about him have been spreading more and more lately.)

    A mysterious figure who only appeared at night, mercilessly eliminating bandits, leaving no survivors. No one knew his true identity, but everyone agreed that his presence had struck fear into the hearts of criminals.

    But something about this story felt¡­ familiar.

    (Wait¡­ no way¡­ Right?)

    She quickly shook her head, pushing the thought away. There was no proof that Black Death and Ren were the same person. But if they were¡­

    (I really need to talk to him later.)

    With a growing sense of unease, Wendy resumed her shopping, hoping that this was all just a coincidence.

    When she finally arrived at Ren''s house¡ªStrom''s house, as she knew it¡ªthe first thing that greeted her was the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food. As she stepped inside, the sight before her caught her off guard.

    In the small kitchen, Ren was busy preparing something, his sleeves rolled up and his expression focused. Wendy crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway with a playful pout.

    "Hey, I thought I was the one in charge of cooking?" she teased.

    Ren glanced at her briefly before returning to his work, unbothered.

    "I''m just making one dish. The rest is still up to you," he replied casually.

    Curious, Wendy stepped closer. From what she could see, Ren was flattening out a thin layer of dough on the counter, carefully sprinkling various ingredients on top.

    "What''s this?" she asked, eyeing the unfamiliar-looking dish.

    Ren smirked, seeming satisfied with his work.

    "Pizza."

    Wendy blinked.

    "Pizza¡­? I''ve never heard of that before."

    Ren let out a small chuckle and lifted the prepared dish onto a tray, sliding it into his custom-made oven. With a soft click, he closed the oven door.

    "Of course you haven''t. It''s a dish from my hometown," he said nonchalantly, wiping his hands on a cloth.

    Wendy raised a brow, placing her hands on her hips.

    "Your hometown?" she asked, studying Ren''s face with growing curiosity. "You''ve never told me about that before."

    Ren gave a small, knowing smile but didn''t answer right away. Instead, he walked over to the table, tidying up the leftover ingredients.

    "Well, I''m not the type to talk about my past much," he admitted, his voice light but unreadable. "But this dish¡­ it''s one of my favorites from when I was a kid."

    Wendy observed his expression, sensing something different. This wasn''t just about food¡ªthere was nostalgia in his voice.

    "Huh¡­ Now I''m even more curious," she said with a grin. "I just hope it tastes as good as your hometown''s reputation."

    Ren let out a quiet laugh and leaned against the table. That night, as they cooked and joked around, they forgot¡ªif only for a moment¡ªthat this was their farewell gathering.

 [26] Relaxing evening

    The small party Ren had planned didn''t really feel like a party. Instead, it was more like an intimate dinner¡ªa simple meal meant just for the two of them.

    Wendy sat across from Ren, lightly swinging her legs under the table as she savored each bite of her pizza. The lighting in the room was dim, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile, Ren sat relaxed, silently reaching for another slice.

    As she took her last bite, Wendy let out a small sigh and turned to Ren, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

    "By the way, Strom, what did you put in this pizza?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "It tastes unique, rich, and seriously delicious!"

    Ren glanced at her and smirked before shrugging.

    "Just regular ingredients you can find in the market," he replied casually, taking a sip of his drink. "Of course, with a little secret touch."

    Wendy raised an eyebrow, resting her elbow on the table and propping her chin up.

    "A secret touch, huh?" she said suspiciously, though a smile still played on her lips. "Don''t tell me this is one of your crazy experiments?"

    Ren chuckled and shook his head.

    "Hey, I''m not that reckless," he said, spinning his glass slowly. "I just looked for an ingredient that could enhance the umami flavor. Turns out, some of the fermented seasonings sold at the market work perfectly for this."

    Wendy blinked, surprised that he had put that much thought into it.

    "So¡­ you actually experimented for this?" she asked before giggling. "I''m starting to think you might have more talent as a chef than as an adventurer."

    Ren laughed again, this time a little louder.

    "In that case, I''ll make you something even more interesting next time," he said, his eyes full of confidence. "Let''s see if you still say that after tasting it."

    Wendy smiled, gazing at him a little longer than usual. There was something in his expression¡ªa thought lingering in her mind, but she hesitated to say it out loud.

    "But seriously, this dish is really unique¡­ And I don''t see anyone in this town selling it," she murmured, tracing small circles on the table with her finger. Her eyes flicked toward the now-empty plate, as if wishing there were more.

    Ren leaned back in his chair, watching Wendy closely. He knew exactly what kind of situation she was in¡ªa big sister forced to shoulder her family''s survival, becoming an adventurer not out of passion, but out of necessity.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    If Wendy had a safer and more stable option, she would surely take it. But in this world, opportunities were scarce for those without a noble name or privileged birth.

    Ren let out a quiet sigh, resting his elbow on the table.

    "If you''re interested, I could teach you how to make it," he said, his voice softer than usual. "It''s not difficult, and the ingredients are easy to find."

    Wendy''s eyes lit up in surprise.

    "Really?!" she gasped, leaning forward slightly.

    Ren nodded casually, grabbing a blank piece of paper from the table and scribbling something down.

    "The basics are simple. You just need a thin bread dough, a sauce made from tomatoes and some spices, then add toppings of your choice," he explained in a calm tone.

    Wendy watched his scribbles closely, her fingers instinctively touching the edge of the paper, as if afraid he might take it back.

    "So¡­ if I can make this, maybe I could sell it?" she asked softly, uncertainty lacing her voice.

    Ren looked at her for a moment before flashing a small smile.

    "Of course," he said without hesitation. "In fact, I''m sure this would sell really well."

    Wendy bit her lip, her mind racing. If this worked, she might finally have a more stable income instead of constantly risking her life as an adventurer.

    "But¡­ what if I fail?" she asked, still unsure.

    Ren let out a small chuckle and leaned back in his chair.

    "If you fail, then try again. Cooking isn''t that different from fighting¡ªit takes practice to master it," he said casually. "The only difference is, if you mess up in cooking, you just waste some ingredients. But if you mess up in a fight, your life is on the line."

    Wendy fell silent, then let out a quiet laugh, realizing how much sense that made.

    "You''re right¡­" she murmured, gripping the recipe paper a little tighter. "I''ll give it a shot."

    Ren smiled in satisfaction, then picked up his glass and raised it slightly.

    "Well then, good luck to Vermont''s first-ever pizza entrepreneur," he teased, lifting his glass with ease.

    Wendy chuckled and raised her own glass for a toast. The golden liquid inside their glasses shimmered under the dim light. Without thinking twice, Wendy downed hers in one go, while Ren only took a small sip.

    But the moment the liquid touched his tongue, Ren frowned and stared at his glass in disbelief.

    "Damn, I tried drinking alcohol in this world, but who would''ve thought it''d taste this bad?" he muttered under his breath, setting the glass down with a look of disgust. He had hoped that alcohol in this world might be a little more enjoyable, but apparently, his expectations had been too high.

    Wendy, hearing his complaint, burst into laughter.

    "Hahaha! Were you expecting some kind of royal-grade wine?" she teased. "This drink is strong, but if you get used to it, it''s not that bad, you know!"

    Ren scoffed, eyeing Wendy as she seemed to enjoy her drink way too much.

    "I don''t think I''ll ever get used to this," he said casually, leaning back in his chair. "Seriously, I''d rather drink plain water than suffer through this again."

    Wendy, on the other hand, had already downed her second glass in record time. Her cheeks were turning red, and her gaze was starting to look hazy.

    Ren narrowed his eyes, noticing the shift in her demeanor.

    "Hey¡­ don''t tell me you''re drunk?" he asked suspiciously, watching as Wendy rested her chin on the table.

    Wendy giggled, but her voice came out slower and more playful.

    "Hee~? Me? Drunk? No way¡­ Hehehe." She spoke in a teasing tone, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

    Ren let out a long sigh, covering his face with one hand.

    "Great¡­ So now I have to deal with this?" he muttered, as Wendy''s drunken antics started to unfold.

    Without warning, she sprang up from her seat and cheerfully wandered around the room.

    "Strooom~ You know¡­ You''re actually kinda handsome, aren''t you?" she suddenly blurted, squinting her eyes as she leaned closer to Ren.

    Ren froze.

    "¡­Okay, this is officially a problem." He muttered under his breath as Wendy''s drunken chaos escalated.

 [27] Relaxing evening (2)

    Wendy leaned against the table, her eyes slightly unfocused as she gazed at Ren, but a mischievous smile played on her lips. Her cheeks were flushed, not just from the alcohol but from something else¡ªsomething that made the atmosphere in the room feel much hotter than before.

    Ren swallowed hard, sensing that something was off. Wendy had never acted like this before. She was always energetic, cheerful, even a little playful, but now there was something softer in her gaze.

    "Hey, are you okay?" Ren asked cautiously, trying to make sure this was just the alcohol talking.

    Wendy let out a small giggle, pushing herself up from her seat with one hand on the table for balance. "I''m fine, Strom~ But you know? You''re really mysterious¡­ and that makes you interesting."

    Ren raised an eyebrow, feeling increasingly uneasy. "I think you''re pretty drunk," he said, attempting to shift the conversation. But Wendy ignored him.

    With light but unsteady steps, she walked closer, disregarding the fact that her balance was starting to waver. Her hand reached out, landing on Ren''s shoulder, making him tense up instantly.

    "You''re going to leave, aren''t you?" she whispered, her voice softer than usual. "I know this might sound strange¡­ but I feel like I don''t want you to go."

    Ren froze. His eyes met Wendy''s, who was now standing dangerously close to him. He could feel the warmth of her body, hear the slight unevenness in her breathing.

    "Wendy¡­" Ren exhaled, trying to find the right words.

    But before he could say anything else, Wendy leaned in even closer. The hand that had been resting on his shoulder slowly slid down, her fingers brushing against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his skin.

    Ren felt his heart pounding faster than usual. A battle raged inside him¡ªthis wasn''t the Wendy he was used to, but at the same time¡­ it was still Wendy.

    The girl he had always thought of as a friend¡­ or maybe something more?

    He could push her away, but something held him back. Whether it was curiosity or just a man''s instinct, he wasn''t sure.

    But the moment shattered in an instant.

    "Hngh¡­" Wendy suddenly stopped, her expression shifting to discomfort. A few seconds later¡ª

    "Urgh¡­ I feel dizzy¡­"

    And just like that, she collapsed forward, landing straight against Ren''s chest before completely passing out.

    Ren sat frozen in place, still in his chair, while Wendy''s head now rested on his shoulder.

    Silence filled the room.

    "¡­Seriously?" Ren finally muttered, staring at the ceiling with a mix of frustration and relief.

    Carefully, he adjusted Wendy''s position and laid her down on the sofa, making sure she was comfortable. Then, he let out a long sigh, running a hand down his face.

    "Damn¡­ This was really unexpected," he mumbled, watching Wendy as she now slept peacefully.

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    Tonight¡­ felt longer than usual.

    ---

    After making sure Wendy was comfortably asleep in her room, Ren took a deep breath and stepped out. He returned to the dining area, cleaning up the table and putting away the scattered dishes. Then, without much thought, he grabbed his coat and walked outside to the wooden storage shed behind the house.

    Inside the shed was something far more than just a simple storage space.

    It was where he kept one of his greatest achievements in this world¡ªhis self-made car. A sleek, modern vehicle powered by technology far beyond the standards of this world, a testament to his ingenuity.

    Ren opened the door, climbed into the driver''s seat, and leaned back. He stared at the ceiling of the cabin, trying to clear his mind, but instead, his thoughts drifted back to what had just happened.

    Wendy''s words. Her gaze. The way she had leaned against him.

    Ren let out a deep sigh and ruffled his hair in frustration.

    (Damn it¡­ I shouldn''t be thinking about this so much.)

    He had always been good at controlling his emotions. He wasn''t the type to get carried away easily, and even in the past, plenty of women had confessed to him¡ªbut it had all felt¡­ empty.

    But this time¡­ something felt different.

    (Why does this feel so real¡­?)

    Ren closed his eyes, trying to suppress the unsettling feeling creeping into his chest.

    He wasn''t naive about emotions. Since he was young, he knew that if he ever got into a relationship, it had to be based on deep understanding, not just fleeting attraction.

    At the same time, he had high standards¡ªespecially when it came to women.

    He disliked childish girls who depended too much on others.

    He preferred women who were mature, independent, and knew what they wanted.

    Ren ran a hand over his face, sighing again.

    "Well¡­ I guess mature women don''t suit me," he muttered, half-joking, half-frustrated.

    Even though he tried to deny it, the reality was right in front of him.

    Wendy was a mature woman. Wendy was independent.

    And without realizing it, he had started seeing her differently.

    That night, in the car that was supposed to be his temporary resting place, Ren found himself trapped in his own emotional turmoil.

    ---

    The next morning, Wendy woke up with a slight headache. Sunlight peeked through the window, making her squint as she stretched. Her body felt a little weak, and she groaned softly as she tried to shake off the lingering drowsiness.

    But the moment she realized where she was¡ªher eyes shot wide open.

    "A-Aaaah!!"

    Wendy sat up abruptly, her face instantly turning red.

    (Wait, this¡­ Strom''s room? WHY AM I HERE!?)

    Memories from last night flashed through her mind like lightning. Their conversation, their laughter, Ren''s homemade pizza¡­ then the alcohol¡­

    And after that¡ª

    (I-I got drunk¡­! And I¡­ What did I even say last night!?)

    Wendy clutched her head, feeling so embarrassed she wished she could disappear.

    (Why was I so weak!? Ugh, I knew I shouldn''t have drunk that much!)

    She quickly threw off the blanket and climbed out of bed, but in her rush, she lost her balance slightly. Her legs were still weak, nearly making her stumble.

    "Whoa, careful."

    A familiar voice came from the doorway. Wendy turned immediately, her eyes meeting Ren''s as he leaned casually against the frame.

    He was dressed simply¡ªa black T-shirt and loose pants¡ªhis hair slightly messy, showing that he had only recently gotten up.

    But what made Wendy the most flustered was the look in Ren''s eyes¡ªone that practically screamed, I know what happened last night.

    "Morning, Wendy," he greeted smoothly, his tone light but with a hint of amusement.

    Wendy instantly covered her face with both hands, feeling her blush deepen.

    "Aaaaah!! Don''t look at me! Forget everything!" she yelled, desperately trying to erase her own embarrassment.

    Ren chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest.

    "Yeah, I can''t promise that," he said casually before adding teasingly, "But don''t worry, you didn''t do anything too weird¡­ at least, not too weird."

    Wendy''s eyes widened as she shot him a suspicious glare.

    "What do you mean ''not too weird''!?"

    Ren just shrugged with a mysterious expression.

    "You''ll remember it eventually," he replied before turning toward the kitchen. "Anyway, I made breakfast. If you''re still feeling dizzy, you should eat before your headache gets worse."

    Wendy wanted to argue more, but suddenly, her stomach growled.

    (Ugh¡­ This isn''t the time to fight my own stomach.)

    With a defeated sigh, she reluctantly followed Ren out of the room, though her embarrassment still lingered.

    That morning, despite starting with panic and chaos, slowly became more relaxed¡­ with Ren enjoying every second of Wendy''s flustered state.

 [28] Starting the journey again

    After finishing breakfast, Wendy quickly excused herself, remembering that they had already planned to meet again at Eleanor''s mansion later that afternoon. Though there was still some lingering awkwardness from the events of the previous night, she tried to act as normal as possible as she stepped out.

    Meanwhile, Ren began preparing his gear for the journey. With his car now fully ready, all that remained was ensuring that all his equipment was properly packed.

    This vehicle didn''t use a combustion engine like the ones from his original world. Instead, its fuel came from his own invention¡ªthe Ark Fusion Reactor¡ªa clean energy source that powered a large dynamo within the vehicle''s system. In short, it was an electric car, but with durability and mobility on par with an off-road vehicle.

    Ren efficiently loaded his supplies into the small storage compartment at the back of the car. He made sure everything was neatly arranged¡ªhis weapons, survival gear, and a few spare parts in case of any trouble on the road.

    Once everything was set, he went back inside to tidy up the house. Even though he had no idea when he would return, he didn''t want to leave the place in a mess.

    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Ren finally started the car and drove toward the city. The engine made almost no noise, only emitting a soft hum from the fusion reactor.

    However, as soon as he entered the city limits, his vehicle immediately drew attention.

    People along the streets stopped and turned to look, their faces filled with shock and curiosity. Some whispered among themselves, trying to figure out what they were seeing.

    Near the town''s marketplace, a small commotion broke out as crowds gathered, eager to get a closer look at the strange machine.

    Ren ignored them all, maintaining a steady speed as he drove forward.

    At the entrance to the noble district, a guard stepped forward, signaling him to stop. His brows furrowed as he eyed the vehicle with suspicion.

    "You¡­ What is this thing you''re driving?" the guard asked, his tone wary.

    Ren rolled down the window, meeting the guard''s gaze with a blank expression.

    "A vehicle," he replied casually.

    The guard was momentarily silent, seemingly unsure whether to accept Ren''s answer. After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally sighed and gestured for him to proceed.

    "Alright, go ahead¡­ Just don''t run into anything," he said reluctantly.

    Ren gave a small nod before driving past the checkpoint toward Eleanor''s mansion.

    All along the way, he continued receiving odd stares from the townspeople. Some looked impressed, while others appeared confused or even a little frightened.

    (Well¡­ I expected this to happen.) he thought calmly.

    Still, as long as no one interfered with him, he didn''t care about their reactions.

    His goal was simple¡ªwrap up his business with Eleanor and finally set off on his real journey.

    ###

    Upon arriving at Eleanor''s mansion, Ren brought his car to a stop right in front of the main entrance.

    As soon as the vehicle came to a halt, the mansion doors swung open, and Eleanor stepped out. Her elegant dress billowed slightly in the wind, but it wasn''t her grace that caught attention at that moment¡ªit was the sheer surprise on her face as she laid eyes on the massive metal contraption standing firmly in front of her home.

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    "What¡­ is this thing?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze scanning Ren''s car with astonishment.

    But it wasn''t just Eleanor reacting to the vehicle''s presence.

    In the courtyard, two fully grown tigers and three cubs, who were usually calm, immediately tensed up. Their ears flattened, their bodies crouched low, and a deep growl began rumbling from their throats.

    The fur along Bella''s back¡ªthe largest of the tigers¡ªbristled as her instincts kicked in, treating the ''foreign creature'' before her as a potential threat.

    However, before the situation could escalate further, Ren¡ªwhom they knew as Strom¡ªstepped out of the car with his usual composed demeanor.

    The moment his feet touched the ground, the tigers swiftly shifted their focus from the vehicle to the man himself.

    And just like that, their growls ceased.

    The tigers glanced at Ren, then exchanged looks with each other, as if they had just realized that the ''threat'' they sensed was nothing more than a lifeless object.

    Bella, who had been the most cautious, slowly swayed her tail before approaching Ren with a more relaxed gait.

    Ren casually patted her head, running his fingers through her thick fur.

    "You''re overreacting, Bella," he remarked flatly, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

    Bella let out a low purr, as if embarrassed by her earlier reaction, then calmly sat beside him.

    The tiger cubs, who had been hiding behind their mother, now scampered forward, sniffing curiously at Ren''s car.

    Eleanor, watching the scene unfold from the mansion steps, finally crossed her arms and sighed.

    "Haa¡­ I should be used to your surprises by now, but this time¡­ I honestly don''t know what to say." She shook her head, still eyeing the vehicle with fascination.

    Ren shut his car door and turned to her with a relaxed expression.

    "I figured you''d be surprised. But judging from your reaction, I guess I need to try harder if I want to leave you truly speechless," he said with a teasing tone.

    Eleanor chuckled and gracefully descended the steps.

    "So¡­ I''m curious, what kind of vehicle have you brought to my home?" she asked, her voice filled with intrigue. "And more importantly¡­ how fast can this thing go?"

    Ren smirked slightly, glancing at his car.

    "Fast enough to make you regret challenging me to a race," he replied nonchalantly.

    Eleanor narrowed her eyes, her smile brimming with interest.

    "Oh? That sounds like a challenge, Mr. Strom."

    Ren chuckled, realizing that their conversation was only getting more entertaining.

    Despite the small commotion his arrival had caused, it seemed this meeting would be more enjoyable than he had anticipated.

    His gaze wandered around the courtyard, but one particular person was notably absent.

    "By the way, where''s Wendy?" he asked, looking at Eleanor with mild curiosity.

    Eleanor shrugged.

    "No idea. Maybe she''s running a little late. Let''s just wait for her," she said with a knowing smile. "You''re not eager to see her before you leave, are you?"

    Ren leaned against his car, thinking for a moment before exhaling.

    "It''s not that¡­ Whatever. We''ve got plenty of time anyway," he replied, trying to sound indifferent¡ªeven though he was slightly curious.

    His eyes then shifted to the two adult tigers nearby¡ªAlfred and Bella.

    Alfred, the male tiger, was slightly smaller than Bella but still looked powerful. Meanwhile, Bella, despite being female, was visibly larger and carried herself with a quiet authority, as if she was the true leader of the group.

    Ren studied them both before glancing at his car.

    (Wait¡­ Can they even fit inside? The seats are pretty tight, especially for two tigers this big¡­) he thought, scratching the back of his head.

    As if reading his mind, Eleanor let out a soft, amused laugh.

    "Hohoho¡­ Don''t worry, Mr. Strom," she said with absolute confidence.

    With a graceful motion, she reached out and touched the small bell hanging from Bella''s collar. The moment she snapped her fingers, a soft glow enveloped the tigress''s body.

    Within seconds, Bella''s massive form shrank, her body shrinking down to the size of a large housecat.

    Ren''s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

    "Whoa¡­ Is this some kind of magic item?" he asked, still processing what he had just witnessed.

    Eleanor nodded with a proud smile.

    "That''s right. This is a special magic item I received from someone very dear to me," she explained. "A single one of these is ridiculously expensive, but for Bella and Alfred''s comfort, I was willing to spare no expense."

    Ren glanced down at Bella, who now sat elegantly in her miniature form, her tail flicking slightly as if enjoying her new size.

    He chuckled before looking back at Eleanor with an amused expression.

    "Hah¡­ I thought I was the only one with advanced technology, but it looks like you''ve got some pretty interesting tricks up your sleeve too," he admitted with a smirk.

    Eleanor let out a soft laugh before winking playfully.

    "Of course. You''re not the only one full of surprises, Mr. Strom."

    Ren could only sigh with a small smile, realizing that he might have been a little too arrogant in underestimating this world''s magic.

 [29] See you later, Strom

    After both adult tigers had shrunk and all their supplies were loaded into the car, Eleanor gazed at her tiger cubs with eyes full of longing. She couldn''t hide the heaviness in her heart, even though she knew this was the best decision.

    "I''m going to miss you so much¡­" she whispered, gently stroking the heads of Bella and Alfred, who were now no bigger than ordinary house cats. "I want you to stay by my side, but that would only complicate things¡­ and that would just be my own selfishness."

    She took a deep breath, then pulled Bella and Alfred into a tight embrace against her chest. Meanwhile, the smaller tiger cubs nuzzled against her legs, pressing their heads against her body as if they understood their master''s feelings.

    Ren, who had been silently watching the emotional scene, finally let out a sigh and glanced around.

    "Yeah¡­ but where the hell is Wendy?" he muttered, realizing the girl still hadn''t shown up.

    On the other side of town, Wendy was rushing through the streets, a basket of food clutched tightly in her hands. Her breathing was slightly ragged, but her eyes burned with determination.

    (Why did I have to be late on such an important day!?) she thought in frustration, trying to pick up her pace.

    She should have arrived a while ago, but an issue with her mother had held her up longer than expected. Of course, her mother had scolded her for not coming home last night without saying a word.

    However, after explaining the situation¡ªadding just a little embellishment to keep her mother from worrying too much¡ªthe problem was finally settled.

    Now, she just had to make it to Eleanor''s mansion before Ren left.

    "Wait for me, Strom!" she cried out in her heart, pushing herself to move faster through the now-bustling city streets.

    ###

    Ren gazed at the sky, which was growing darker, thick clouds slowly rolling over the city. He let out a long sigh, staring at the empty road ahead with a hint of boredom. Waiting around for too long wasn''t his thing, and the longer he stayed here, the more unease crept into him.

    Beside him, Eleanor stood with her usual grace, but the look in her eyes showed that she understood exactly what was on his mind. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her expression as calm as ever. "If you keep waiting, you might get caught in the rain on the way." She spoke gently, a warning without pressure.

    Ren turned to her, giving a small nod. "Yeah, I get it¡­ Besides, the sky''s already getting dark." His tone was relaxed, but there was something thoughtful in his eyes. After a brief pause, he looked at Eleanor more seriously. "If Wendy shows up later, pass along a message for me."

    Eleanor raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued by his request. "What message?" she asked, resting a hand on her hip, a small smile playing on her lips as if expecting something interesting.

    Ren took a deep breath, his eyes gazing into the distance before he finally spoke. "Tell her¡­ I''ll miss her." His words were light, but the sincerity behind them was undeniable. "And I promise I''ll come back here someday."

    For a moment, Eleanor simply stood there, letting his words hang in the air. But then, a gentle smile formed on her face, full of understanding. "I see. I''ll make sure she hears it." She answered warmly.

    Ren nodded, satisfied that at least someone would deliver his message. With a casual step, he turned and walked toward his car, still parked in the mansion''s courtyard. "Alright, I''m heading out then." he said before opening the driver''s side door.

    Before getting in, he glanced at Alfred, the male tiger who had shrunk thanks to Eleanor''s magic item. "You''re riding shotgun, Alfred." he said, patting the seat beside him as if signaling his new companion.

    Alfred let out a soft purr before leaping gracefully onto the passenger seat. With his now smaller body, he looked like an oversized house cat sitting there. Bella and her cubs, already settled in the back, merely glanced his way before returning to their spots.

    Eleanor remained standing at the mansion''s entrance, watching them with a faint smile. Taking one last deep breath, Ren started the engine, the quiet hum of his electric vehicle filling the air. Slowly, he pulled out of the courtyard, officially beginning his long journey.

    Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Wendy was sprinting as fast as she could, her breathing ragged with urgency. Her long hair was a mess from the wind, but she didn''t care. In her hands, she clutched a small basket, which shook slightly from her frantic movements.

    (Don''t leave yet¡­ Wait for me, Strom!) she thought, her heart pounding with anxiety.

    She ran with all her might, her breath growing heavier, but she refused to slow down. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted it¡ªa large, metallic vehicle passing by in the distance. And behind the glass window, she saw a familiar figure sitting in the driver''s seat.

    (There he is! Strom!) Her eyes widened in hope.

    Without a second thought, she spun around and began chasing after the car, her feet pounding against the cobblestone streets as she desperately tried to close the distance.

    Inside the vehicle, Ren hummed lightly, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His thoughts lingered on Wendy for a moment, but he tried not to dwell on it too much.

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    (We already said our goodbyes this morning¡­ So why should I wait for her?) he told himself, trying to brush off his unease.

    But before he could get lost in his own thoughts, Bella, who was seated in the back, suddenly reacted.

    The tigress walked up to the window and started scratching at the glass with her small claws. As she did, she let out a sound¡ªa distinct feline noise, almost as if she was trying to tell him something.

    Ren frowned slightly, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Hey, Bella¡­ What''s up?" he asked, confused by her behavior.

    Then, he shifted his gaze to the mirror, checking what had caught her attention. The moment his eyes landed on the left side mirror, his breath hitched.

    In the distance, Wendy was running at full speed, her face filled with determination as she chased after his car.

    Wendy didn''t stop, even as her breathing grew unsteady. Her hands lifted slightly, as if trying to call out to him, but the words were caught in her throat.

    (Strom¡­ Look at me!)

    Every step felt heavier, but she refused to give up. The distance was closing¡ªbut at the same time, it was getting harder to keep up.

    Ren''s gaze remained fixed on the mirror, his body momentarily frozen. He hadn''t expected Wendy to go this far just to catch up to him.

    He blinked, then let out a long sigh. "Haaah¡­ This girl¡­" he muttered, turning the steering wheel slightly as he prepared to stop.

    Slowly, he eased onto the brakes, bringing the car to a halt by the dusty roadside. The quiet hum of the engine faded, replaced only by the sound of Wendy''s hurried footsteps approaching.

    Wendy nearly tripped as she finally reached the car, gasping for breath. Her cheeks were flushed, whether from exhaustion or the emotions churning inside her. Her teary eyes locked onto Ren''s, as if making sure he was really there.

    "Haa¡­ haah¡­ You seriously left without waiting for me¡­?" Her voice trembled between uneven breaths.

    Ren rested one hand on the wheel, looking at her with a blank expression. "Didn''t we already say goodbye this morning?" he replied, trying to sound casual, though he knew this situation was anything but normal. However, seeing Wendy''s face¡ªclearly holding back emotions¡ªhe realized that wasn''t the answer she wanted.

    Wendy clenched her fists, her lips quivering slightly. "I¡­ I just wanted to say goodbye properly!" she said, her voice rising slightly. She lowered her head for a moment, trying to sort through her overwhelming feelings.

    Ren let out a sigh before opening the car door and stepping out. As he stood in front of Wendy, he realized just how close they were. She was a little shorter than him, but right now, the distance between them felt even smaller.

    "Alright¡­ I''m listening." he said quietly, giving her the chance to speak her mind.

    Wendy lifted her face, her eyes still glistening with unspoken emotions. "Don''t get hurt¡­ Don''t do anything reckless¡­ And¡­" She bit her lip, hesitating. "Don''t forget about me."

    Ren blinked, slightly caught off guard. He hadn''t expected Wendy to be so direct. All this time, he had thought of their meeting as a coincidence, but now¡­ maybe it was something more.

    Scratching the back of his head, he searched for the right words. "Of course I won''t forget. You''re pretty loud, after all."

    Wendy''s eyebrow twitched as she shot him an annoyed look. "Hey! I''m being serious here!" she huffed, though a small smile crept onto her lips.

    Ren chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright¡­ I''m serious too." He then looked at her more intently. "I''ll come back. I promise."

    For a moment, silence filled the space between them. Wendy bit her lip again, looking hesitant¡ªlike she had something else she wanted to say.

    But before Ren could ask, Wendy suddenly stepped forward¡ªclosing the last bit of distance between them.

    And then, in one swift motion, she stood on her toes and pressed her lips against his cheek.

    Ren froze.

    The world seemed to stop. His eyes widened slightly, his body stiffening, while the warmth of Wendy''s touch lingered on his skin.

    Wendy quickly pulled away, her face turning bright red¡ªalmost as red as a ripe tomato. Her hands were clenched tightly at her sides, and she avoided Ren''s gaze like her life depended on it.

    "T-Thank you for saving me back in the dungeon¡­ That¡­ was a farewell gift!" she stammered, her voice unsteady, before abruptly stepping back in a flustered panic.

    Ren just stood there, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. His fingers instinctively touched his cheek, as if trying to confirm whether that brief, warm sensation had been real or not.

    From inside the car, Bella let out a low, smug purr, her small feline form looking far too pleased with the situation. Alfred, on the other hand, simply stared at Ren with a lazy, unimpressed gaze¡ªas if saying, "I saw this coming."

    Ren closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. He wasn''t sure whether he should feel awkward, confused, or¡­ something else entirely. But one thing was certain¡ªthis was something he wouldn''t forget anytime soon.

    When he opened his eyes again, Wendy was standing a few steps away, her head still bowed slightly, her hands gripping the hem of her shirt.

    For a split second, he considered saying something¡ªmaybe a joke to lighten the mood, maybe something reassuring. But before he could decide, Wendy suddenly took a deep breath and hurriedly held out the small basket she had been carrying all this time.

    "W-Wait! This is for you!" she blurted out, stretching her arms toward him with urgency.

    Ren blinked, still slightly thrown off by everything that had just happened. His gaze flickered to the basket, then back to Wendy, who was still avoiding eye contact.

    "What''s this?" he asked, his voice more neutral than he intended.

    Wendy puffed out her cheeks slightly, her embarrassment quickly shifting into mild frustration. "Lunch! I made it this morning¡­ before I was late!" she said in a rush. "You''re going on a long journey, right? So you need to eat something!"

    Ren sighed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. After everything that had just happened, this situation was getting weirder by the second.

    But seeing the determination in Wendy''s expression¡ªdespite her obvious nervousness¡ªhe eventually reached out and took the basket with one hand.

    "Alright, alright¡­ I''ll take it." he said in a quieter tone. "But you really didn''t have to go through all this trouble¡ª"

    "No excuses!" Wendy cut him off, putting her hands on her hips. "I worked hard on this, so you better eat it all!"

    Ren let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Hah¡­ Fine, fine. I get it."

    He placed the basket on the passenger seat, right next to Alfred, who sniffed it curiously.

    Before Wendy could say anything else, Ren swiftly stepped back into the driver''s seat, closing the door behind him. But just before starting the engine, he glanced at her one last time.

    Unlike before, his gaze was softer¡ªmore thoughtful.

    "Thanks, Wendy¡­ for everything."

    Wendy went quiet for a moment, as if surprised by his words. Then, slowly, she smiled¡ªa small but genuine smile. Her cheeks were still tinged pink, but this time, it wasn''t from embarrassment. It was from happiness.

    "Take care on the road, Strom." she said softly.

    With a quiet hum, the car''s engine came to life. The wheels rolled forward, and the vehicle gradually moved down the road, away from the city that had been his home for so long.

    Wendy remained where she was, watching as the car grew smaller in the distance. Her fingers curled slightly, her lips parting as if to say something¡­ but in the end, she only whispered under her breath.

    "See you later, Strom¡­"

    And with that, the wind carried her words away.

 [30] Border of the elf kingdom

    After Ren''s departure, Wendy finally made a big decision in her life. She decided to retire from adventuring and open a pizza shop in the city of Vermont. The idea had come from one of her past conversations with Ren, and she was convinced that this was a safer and more stable path for her future.

    Fortunately, Lady Eleanor was intrigued by the concept of this new type of food and agreed to become the main investor in Wendy''s business. With enough capital and Eleanor''s support, Wendy began building her first restaurant in the city center. Though she initially faced many challenges¡ªfrom sourcing the right ingredients to convincing her first customers¡ªshe never gave up.

    Over time, the restaurant gained widespread recognition for its unique menu, offering flavors that couldn''t be found anywhere else. Pizza became a new specialty of Vermont, alongside its already famous mining industry. Merchants from other cities even started visiting just to get a taste of her special dishes. Within a few months, Wendy''s business grew rapidly, completely changing her life.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Ren''s journey was relatively uneventful. Aside from a few broken roads and the occasional encounter with small monsters near the city borders, there weren''t any significant obstacles. With no major challenges in sight, he spent most of his time focusing on perfecting his personal project.

    During his travels, Ren began designing and crafting his own armor. Using the materials and resources he had gathered from previous hunts, he didn''t want to fall behind when it came to his own protection. Every night, he dedicated time to refining his designs and testing the durability of his materials.

    Two weeks later, he finally neared the Elven border. A dense forest stretched out on the horizon, with towering trees blocking out much of the sunlight. From this point on, new challenges were bound to arise.

    Ren brought his car to a stop at the top of a hill, just before the road sloped down toward the border fortress. Calmly, he grabbed the binoculars hanging from the dashboard and scanned the area ahead. He wasn''t about to charge in blindly without first assessing the situation.

    As his eyes swept over the fortress, his brow furrowed. The once-sturdy stone walls now had several gaping holes. Signs of explosions and scattered debris surrounded the main gate, as if a fierce battle had recently taken place.

    "Hmm¡­ What is this?" Ren muttered, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.

    Focusing his binoculars further, he spotted corpses strewn across the battlefield. Some wore the distinct armor of the Elven forces, while others donned unfamiliar uniforms¡ªlikely soldiers from another kingdom.

    (An invasion? Or just a border skirmish?) he wondered, analyzing the situation. The aftermath of the battle looked fresh¡ªpossibly from just a few days or even hours ago.

    Ren lowered his binoculars, leaning back against his car seat as he contemplated his next move. If the fortress had already fallen, that meant the main route was no longer safe. However, if he opted for an alternate path, he would have to venture through the dense forest, which posed its own set of dangers.

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    Taking a deep breath, he finally made his decision.

    "Well¡­ I guess I should check it out myself." he murmured before starting the engine and slowly driving toward the now eerily silent fortress.

    As he got closer, the stench of battle grew stronger, filling the air with the acrid scent of burnt wood, charred flesh, and the metallic tang of fresh blood. The surroundings were littered with bodies and debris, creating a hauntingly quiet yet tension-filled atmosphere.

    Ren kept his eyes sharp, scanning his surroundings carefully. Meanwhile, in the backseat, Bella and Alfred began growling softly, sensing the presence of nearby strangers. Their predatory instincts kicked in, ready to react at a moment''s notice.

    "Looks like an invasion¡­ Should I just ask them directly?" Ren mused casually, despite the gravity of the situation.

    He brought his car to a stop near the shattered fortress gate, watching as a group of human soldiers approached.

    The moment they spotted the strange vehicle, they immediately raised their weapons, their stances tense and alert. However, the moment Ren stepped out of the car, their expressions shifted.

    A man with dark, bluish-black hair, wearing unfamiliar yet clearly human attire. Seeing him, the soldiers slowly lowered their weapons, still wary but no longer as hostile.

    One of them, a man in light armor who seemed to hold a higher rank, stepped forward. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion but not outright hostility.

    Ren casually slid his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and offered a small smile. "Just a traveler passing through¡­ and wondering what exactly happened here."

    "As you can see, we''re at war."

    Ren maintained his relaxed expression, though his mind was already analyzing the new information. So, this wasn''t just a simple conflict¡ªit was an outright territorial expansion, openly violating their non-aggression treaty.

    "War, huh?" Ren raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I thought your kingdom had already signed a peace treaty with the elves?"

    The soldier in front of him nodded firmly, his face devoid of any remorse. "That''s true," he admitted without hesitation. "But our king has big ambitions. This land is too valuable to leave untouched, so we struck before they had a chance to prepare."

    Ren frowned slightly, already feeling disgusted by their blatant arrogance. But before he could respond, another soldier chimed in with a sneer.

    "Speaking of which," the man said, grinning smugly, "I really enjoyed watching our commander humiliate that elf girl."

    Ren paused, his body stiffening for a split second.

    "Elf girl?" he asked, his voice noticeably colder.

    "Yeah, a pretty one with silver hair. I think she was the elven princess, wasn''t she? People call her the ''Flower of the Southern Forest'' or something like that." The soldier chuckled, his expression filled with twisted pride as if boasting about some great achievement.

    Ren didn''t respond right away. He simply stood there, staring at the man with an unreadable expression. But for anyone perceptive enough, the atmosphere around him had begun to shift.

    From inside the car, Bella and Alfred growled lowly, sensing the sudden change in their master''s mood. The air around them grew heavier, and the other soldiers started to realize that something about the man before them was¡­ different.

    Ren exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a brief moment.

    Then, in a motion so subtle it was almost imperceptible, his hand¡ªstill in his hoodie pocket¡ªtightened around something.

    When he finally opened his eyes again, the laid-back look he had before was gone.

    What replaced it was the gaze of a predator that had just found its prey.

 [31] Unnecessary involvement

    In an instant, two Desert Eagles were already in Ren''s hands, their barrels aimed directly at the soldiers in front of him. His blue eyes gleamed with an icy sharpness¡ªwithout a hint of hesitation.

    Before they could react, his finger squeezed the trigger.

    BANG! BANG!

    Blood splattered across the already blood-soaked ground. The high-caliber rounds tore through their armor as if it were mere paper, shredding flesh and bone beneath. One soldier, shot square in the chest, was flung backward, his lifeless body collapsing amidst the ruins.

    "W-What!?"

    Another soldier scrambled to draw his sword, but before he could even raise it, a bullet pierced his skull, sending him crashing face-first into the dirt.

    Too late. They were all too late.

    Ren moved swiftly, his footsteps light as he weaved between the panicked soldiers. Some tried to run, but his precise shots cut them down one by one. No one escaped. No one could even cry out for help.

    From inside the car, Bella and Alfred growled lowly, their eyes tracking Ren''s every movement with sharp attention. But they knew¡ªhe didn''t need their help.

    This was a one-sided massacre.

    As the final shot rang out, silence once again blanketed the area. Ren slowly lowered his guns, scanning his surroundings. Lifeless bodies littered the ground, some still twitching in their final moments before going completely still.

    He let out a slow breath, then holstered his pistols at his waist. His gaze flickered over the corpses, yet no sense of satisfaction or pride surfaced within him. Instead, a faint confusion settled in his mind.

    "Hah¡­ I should''ve expected this, so why did I still go through with it?" he murmured softly, his words more for himself than anyone else.

    He had no ties to the elves. This was their war, their loss.

    So¡­ why had he interfered?

    Ren turned his eyes toward the sky, the evening sun dipping lower on the horizon. Then, he glanced at his right hand¡ªthe same hand that had pulled the trigger without a moment''s doubt. He flexed his fingers slowly, trying to grasp the impulse that had driven him.

    (Well¡­ at the very least, I got rid of some pests.) he finally reasoned, searching for justification.

    With a light step, he returned to the car, opened the door, and slid into the driver''s seat. Alfred and Bella, who had been quietly observing, gave him a brief glance before settling back into their seats.

    "Alright¡­ let''s see what''s really going on here."

    His voice carried a new edge of determination as he started the engine.

    The car rolled forward, passing through the ruined fortress gates, leaving the corpses behind. In the distance, thick black smoke curled into the sky from deep within the forest¡ªa clear sign that the chaos was far from over.

    Ren pressed down on the accelerator, his sharp gaze locked onto the path ahead.

    If this invasion was tearing deeper into Elven territory, then there were still plenty more pests left to exterminate.

    ---

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    The village near the border fortress was nothing but a scene of devastation and sorrow. Houses burned to the ground, corpses lay scattered in the muddy streets, and the stench of death thickened the air. The men of the village had been slaughtered without mercy, while the women¡ªyoung or old¡ªwere captured.

    To humans, elves had always been seen as beautiful. And that alone was reason enough to turn them into merchandise.

    Amidst the ruins, a small silver-haired girl hid inside a food basket. Her wide eyes brimmed with tears, her lips quivering as she struggled to hold back her sobs. She had just witnessed her father being cut down before her eyes, while her mother¡ªthe one who was supposed to protect her¡ªhad sacrificed herself as a decoy so her daughter could escape.

    But the world was never kind to the weak.

    Her muffled sobs, no matter how small, sealed her fate.

    Among the crackling flames and the heavy footsteps of the invaders, a single soft whimper was enough to catch the attention of a man with a sickening grin.

    "Hmm¡­ Did I just hear a little rat?" muttered a burly man dressed in more refined clothing than the other soldiers. His eyes, filled with vile intent, swept across the debris around him.

    He stepped forward and kicked over a pile of baskets.

    "Aahh¡­!"

    The girl¡ªShua¡ªtumbled out from her hiding spot, her small body trembling in terror.

    Her horrified gaze met the man''s leering smile, his expression twisted in amusement as if he had just stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

    "Oh-ho¡­ Well, look at this. What a lovely little girl," he sneered with sick pleasure. His hand shot out, roughly grabbing a fistful of Shua''s silver hair, yanking her up as she whimpered in pain.

    His eyes roamed up and down her tiny frame before he let out a low, pleased chuckle.

    "You''ll fetch a high price at the slave market. Don''t worry¡ªyour new life starts now!"

    Shua bit her lip, her body trembling even harder. She wanted to fight back, to scream¡ªbut her mother''s last words still echoed in her mind. Stay quiet. No matter what happens¡­ stay quiet.

    But miracles didn''t come so easily.

    She could do nothing as the man began dragging her away, tearing her from the remnants of the home she once knew. That night, her world collapsed in an instant, leaving her alone in the hands of those who saw her as nothing more than property.

    That night, a row of iron cages sat deep in the forest, each packed with crying elven children. Their sobs mixed with the rattling of chains, echoing through the cold night air. Some were too young to understand what was happening. Others, old enough to grasp the horror of their fate, could only sit in silent fear.

    Among them, Shua sat curled up, her body trembling. Her eyes were swollen from crying the entire day. Her legs felt weak, her tiny hands clenched into fists atop her knees, desperately seeking a sense of comfort that no longer existed.

    Memories of her burning village, of her mother''s sacrifice, played in an endless loop in her mind.

    Outside the cages, a group of armed men sat around a campfire, laughing crudely as they ate and drank. But among them, a fat man with a thin mustache approached the cages, his beady eyes scanning the children like a predator picking out his next meal.

    "Hey, bring that one over here," he said in a heavy voice, pointing directly at Shua.

    One of his lackeys, dressed in worn-out leather armor, nodded and casually unlocked the cage. Without hesitation, he reached in and grabbed Shua''s small wrist, yanking her out.

    "A-Ah¡­!"

    Shua tried to pull away, but his grip was far too strong.

    "Quit squirming, brat. You should feel honored¡ªour boss has taken an interest in you!" the man sneered, dragging her forward.

    Shua''s panicked eyes darted toward the other children, but they could only watch in horror, too afraid to move. As she turned her gaze toward the fat man, a sickening wave of nausea churned in her stomach.

    "Hmph¡­ Pretty cute for a little thing," the man murmured with a disgusting smirk. "I''ll make sure you get the ''attention'' you deserve tonight."

    His hand reached out, ready to touch her cheek.

    Shua''s breath hitched, her entire body convulsing in terror. She didn''t know what would happen, but her instincts screamed at her¡ªshe could not let this man touch her.

    But before she could think¡ª

    BANG!

    A deafening gunshot shattered the silence.

    The glow of the campfire flickered violently as a lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

    Shua froze. Her wide eyes locked onto the man in leather armor¡ªthe very same one who had dragged her from the cage¡ªnow lying motionless, a clean hole pierced straight through his head.

    Panic erupted among the bandits.

    "S-Shit! We''re under attack!" one of them shouted, drawing his sword.

    But before they could react¡ª

    The low growl of an engine rumbled through the darkness.

    Then, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed across the forest floor.

    From the shadows of the trees, a lone figure emerged.

    Dressed entirely in black, his face was concealed beneath a skull-patterned balaclava, casting an ominous silhouette against the firelight.

    In his hands, he held a weapon unlike anything the bandits had ever seen¡ªan odd metal staff with a menacing presence.

    Black Death had arrived.

 [32] Hunting

    The name Black Death was only famous in the city of Vermont, but beyond that region, he was nothing more than a mysterious figure with no clear identity. However, Ren didn''t care about his notoriety. What stood before him was nothing but human trash that needed to be wiped out.

    With his assault rifle raised, he began firing mercilessly at the soldiers and slave traders. The high-caliber bullets tore through their armor with ease, creating gaping holes in their unfortunate bodies. Some of them attempted to flee, but Ren shot without hesitation, ensuring that not a single one could escape.

    However, not all enemies could be taken down with ordinary bullets. Among the bandits, a few mages started casting spells in his direction. Fireballs and lightning bolts streaked through the air, creating small explosions on the ground around him. Ren moved swiftly, dodging their attacks with unnatural agility.

    "Heh¡­ Quite troublesome," he muttered, taking cover behind his car. He knew mages weren''t to be underestimated, but for someone who applied military tactics in combat, they were just targets that needed to be eliminated with the right method.

    One of the mages began preparing another spell, his hands glowing with an intense blue light. But before he could finish his incantation, Ren had already crouched and fired a single bullet straight into his head. The spell dissipated instantly, while his body collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.

    They had magic.

    But Ren had something faster.

    The other mages quickly realized they weren''t up against an ordinary opponent. Fear began to spread across their faces as their numbers dwindled.

    Ren pressed a button on his rifle, switching to burst-fire mode. The cold night was soon filled with the deafening roar of gunfire, turning the entire encampment into a slaughterhouse.

    ---

    Shua had no idea what was happening. The echoes of small explosions rumbled around her, followed by the fading screams of men. But she didn''t dare open her eyes. All she could do was curl up on the ground, her body trembling violently, praying that this was nothing more than a nightmare that would soon pass.

    At that moment, Ren had just confirmed that no reinforcements were coming. His gaze swept across the battlefield, now littered with the corpses of soldiers and slave traders. Once he was certain the situation was under control, he let out a quiet breath and removed his skull mask. The cold night air touched his face, damp with a slight sheen of sweat.

    He nearly stepped on something¡ªor rather, someone.

    At his feet, a small girl was curled into a tight ball, her body still trembling with fear. Ren stared at her for a moment, then glanced around. The only sound left was the whisper of the night breeze.

    Curious, he crouched down and gently placed a hand on the girl''s back.

    "Hey, it''s over now." His voice was calm, though still emotionless.

    But to Shua, still trapped in her terror, that touch felt like a bolt of lightning. Her body jerked violently, her breath hitched, and she instinctively tried to back away in panic.

    "N-no¡­ please¡­ don''t¡­" Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

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    Ren raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled by her reaction. But then, he understood. To this girl, all humans were monsters. Whether saviors or enemies, fear had completely overtaken her.

    He let out a quiet sigh and adjusted his posture, making sure he didn''t appear threatening.

    "I''m not one of them," he said, his tone softer this time. "Look around you. They''re all dead."

    But Shua still didn''t dare to open her eyes. She could only feel the presence of someone so close to her. Fear still gripped her heart, but underneath it¡­ there was something else.

    For the first time since this nightmare began, she heard a voice that wasn''t cruel. No scorn, no disgusting mockery, no threats.

    Just a voice¡ªcalm, cold, yet strangely comforting.

    Shua swallowed hard, her body still trembling, but slowly, she lifted her face. Her tear-filled eyes met the man in front of her, and for the first time, she saw her savior clearly.

    Under the moonlight that had begun to peek through the sky, the man looked more real than the nightmare she had just endured. His face was sharp, his dark blue-black hair an uncommon color among humans. But what stood out the most were his eyes¡ªsilvery blue, glowing faintly in the darkness, creating an aura of mystery that was impossible to describe.

    Ren stared back at her and let out a small sigh. He could see the way she looked at him, filled with fear and confusion. So, he did something he rarely ever did¡ªhe smiled.

    A small, gentle smile, just enough to show that he wasn''t a threat.

    Shua froze, her chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. She didn''t know how to react.

    From inside the iron cage, the other elf children cautiously peeked out. Their wide eyes stared at the man who had slaughtered all their captors in an instant. They didn''t know who he was, but one thing was certain¡ªhe wasn''t one of the monsters who had destroyed their lives.

    Ren glanced toward the cage before turning back to Shua, who was still frozen in place. His voice remained steady as he asked,

    "Can you stand?"

    Shua didn''t answer immediately. Her fists were still clenched over her tattered skirt, her body stiff. But something in his voice made her feel¡­ just a little bit safer.

    Slowly, she gave a small nod, though her body still trembled.

    Ren let out a quiet breath and stood up. "Ah, you all wait a moment too," he added, his voice calm despite the lingering tension.

    He walked over to one of the fallen soldiers, searching through the leather belt filled with small pouches. After a few seconds, he finally found what he was looking for¡ªa rough, worn iron key.

    Without hesitation, he returned to the cage where the elf children were locked up and quickly unlocked the rusted padlock. A distinct ''click'' echoed in the night air, followed by the creak of the metal door swinging open.

    The elf children, who had been huddled inside, stared at the open door but didn''t move. They remained frozen, their gazes fixed on the human standing before them.

    They didn''t know what to do.

    It was humans who had destroyed their village. It was humans who had kidnapped them and turned them into slaves. And now, another human had come to save them.

    One of the older children stepped forward, his body still tense with wariness. The younger ones clung to his back as if using him as a shield.

    Ren observed their reaction and let out a quiet sigh.

    But before he could say anything, heavy footsteps echoed from the shadows of the trees.

    In an instant, two large figures emerged¡ªBella and Alfred, now back to their original size. Their golden eyes scanned the area, their massive bodies tense with alertness.

    The elf children gasped, some recoiling in fear, while others bit their lips to hold back a scream.

    "Grrrrr¡­" Bella and Alfred growled lowly, still on guard in case any remaining enemies were hiding.

    But to the frightened elf children, the sight of two giant tigers was just another nightmare.

    "W-why are there monsters here¡­?" one of the children whispered in fear, clutching their friend''s sleeve.

    Ren glanced at Bella and Alfred before looking back at the children. Their eyes were filled with fresh terror.

    He let out another sigh and crouched down again, lowering himself to their eye level.

    "Relax," he said, his voice quiet. "They''re not enemies."

    But for children who had just lost everything, trusting a human was already difficult¡­ let alone believing in the two beasts standing before them.

 [33] Armored Tactical Trial

    Ren ignored the fearful gazes of the elf children, who remained wary of him. Instead of explaining further, he turned his attention to Alfred, the male tiger who had long been his traveling companion. Despite being just an animal, Alfred possessed remarkable intelligence, capable of understanding commands and conversations with surprising clarity.

    "Is the area clear? No more enemies?" Ren asked in a calm yet firm tone.

    Alfred let out a low growl, his deep voice vibrating in the cold night air. Then, he flicked his tail slightly before nodding his head.

    "Grauugh."

    Ren narrowed his eyes, processing the response. "Mmm¡­ so there are no other troops?" he muttered. "Alright¡­ In that case, that means they were either split up, or¡­"

    He paused for a moment.

    "Or they''ve already been taken to the royal fortress," he continued, his voice turning more serious.

    As those words left his mouth, Shua suddenly stiffened. Her thoughts immediately raced to one person¡ªher mother.

    Without hesitation, her small hands reached out and grabbed the hem of Ren''s clothing, pulling at it forcefully.

    "Mom¡­!!" she cried, her voice nearly breaking into sobs. "Please save my mom!!"

    Ren was briefly startled by the tug and looked down at the little girl staring up at him with wide, desperate eyes. Her dirt-streaked face was still wet with tears that had yet to dry.

    Beneath her fear, Shua no longer cared who this man was. All she knew was that he had slaughtered all the wicked people who had kidnapped them. This man was strong enough to do what no one else in her village could.

    If anyone could save her mother, it was him.

    Ren observed the little girl with an unreadable expression. Her tiny hands still clutched his clothes tightly, as if afraid he would disappear at any moment.

    He let out a deep sigh before glancing back at Alfred and Bella.

    "If they''re at the fortress¡­" he muttered to himself, "then there''s a good chance they''re still alive."

    Shua bit her lip, anxiously awaiting his next words. Her heart was filled with fear¡­ but also hope.

    And finally, Ren raised his hand and gently patted Shua''s small head.

    "Alright," he said, his voice steady but now carrying a hint of resolve. "We''re going there."

    Shua''s eyes widened, and tears welled up once more¡ªnot from fear this time, but from sheer relief.

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    After assessing the situation, Ren realized one problem¡ªhis vehicle wasn''t large enough to transport all the children to the fortress at once. They would have to be taken to a safer location first before he continued his mission to rescue the captured elves.

    With measured steps, Ren crouched before the group of frightened elf children. Their eyes remained wary, some still hiding behind each other.

    "Listen carefully," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I''ll take you somewhere safe before heading to the fortress."

    The children remained silent, exchanging uncertain glances.

    Ren took a deep breath, then gestured toward Bella and Alfred, who stood tall behind him. Though the tigers looked intimidating, they remained still, as if understanding that the children were still terrified.

    "These two are my companions. If any bad people or monsters come, they''ll protect you."

    The children stared at Bella and Alfred with frightened eyes. Even after hearing they weren''t a threat, their instincts still found it hard to trust such massive creatures.

    But at the same time, Shua also hesitated. To her, humans were just as terrifying¡ªbut the man before her had proven that not all humans were evil.

    As she struggled to overcome her fear, something brushed against her leg.

    Shua looked down and gasped.

    Bella''s cubs¡ªthree small tiger kittens¡ªwere sniffing at her legs with curiosity. One of them even nudged its head against her, as if asking to be petted.

    "A-ah¡­" Shua tensed, but she didn''t step back.

    The other elf children also turned their attention to the tiger cubs. Compared to Bella and Alfred, they were much smaller. Though they still resembled large cats, they looked far less threatening than their mother.

    One of the elf children hesitantly reached out, gently touching the soft fur of one of the cubs.

    "They''re¡­ warm," the child whispered in disbelief.

    Seeing that, the children''s fear started to ease¡ªjust a little.

    Ren observed the change in their expressions and nodded inwardly. At least this was a step toward making them feel safer.

    "So?" he asked again, looking at Shua and the others. "Can you stay here for a while and wait for us to return?"

    Shua glanced at the tiger cubs, who were now casually rolling on the ground. Then, she raised her face and met Ren''s gaze with newfound determination.

    "Don''t¡­ take too long," she said softly, but her voice carried hope.

    Ren gave a faint smile. "I''ll be back as soon as I can."

    With that, he turned and walked toward his vehicle. Once he reached the driver''s seat, his hands pressed a few buttons on the control panel. Suddenly, a mechanical hum filled the night air.

    Vrrrr¡­ Clank! Clank!

    Metal shifted, wheels rotated, and the exterior of the vehicle began to transform. Additional armor plating rose from its sides, mechanical panels slid into place, and the sound of hydraulics echoed through the air.

    The vehicle had morphed into a highly advanced portable workshop.

    The elf children stared in awe, their mouths hanging open. To them, Ren''s vehicle had already been an incomprehensible object. But seeing it change shape before their very eyes¡ªthis was something beyond their understanding.

    "W-what¡­ is that?" one child whispered in a trembling voice.

    Shua also stared at the vehicle, her fingers clutching her clothes tightly. A massive metal machine that moved on its own¡­ Was this magic? Or something even more terrifying?

    But Ren paid no mind to their shock. He merely muttered to himself while activating the systems inside the vehicle.

    "I should''ve run some tests on this armor first¡­ but the situation is urgent." His voice remained calm, but there was a slight hint of excitement.

    His eyes scanned a small screen on the dashboard, checking the various indicators that were lighting up.

    "And this prototype has never been tested in a real battle¡­ I don''t even know how long it''ll last before malfunctioning." His fingers typed swiftly on a hidden keyboard.

    On the screen, a program booted up, displaying schematics of the vehicle alongside several technical data points.

    Taking a deep breath, Ren finally made his decision.

    "But it''s worth a try."

 [34] Beta Tester started

    Ren took a deep breath, his fingers swiftly typing on the keyboard embedded in his car. As he pressed the final key, a more complex mechanical hum filled the air.

    ¡ºMode: Combat Suit ¨C Activating.¡»

    Vrrrrr¡­ Clank! Clank! Psssshhhhh¡ª

    Inside the vehicle, several panels slid open, revealing hidden layers of armor. Mechanical components moved automatically, releasing a thin mist of steam as the metal joints adjusted to fit Ren''s body.

    Two mechanical arms extended from the interior, each carrying pieces of armor that looked far sleeker than the traditional plate armor of this world. The suit had a futuristic design, predominantly matte black with silver-blue accents running along certain sections.

    ¡ºSuit Link¡ªEngage.¡»

    As the system''s voice echoed, the armor panels began attaching to Ren''s body, starting from his legs. A lightweight first layer covered his shoes, followed by additional plating that adjusted to his form, encasing his legs and knees completely.

    A triangular chest plate locked into place, automatically connecting to the primary power source¡ª a mini Ark Reactor embedded at the center. As soon as the device activated, silver-blue lines pulsed across the armor, flowing like streams of energy.

    Psssshhhh¡­ Click! Click!

    The arm guards were fitted with flexible plating, allowing for rapid movement without compromising protection. On his wrists, small mechanisms were installed¡ªexpandable components that could function as either mini projectile launchers or emergency shields.

    Finally, the helmet slid into place, emerging from the back and sealing shut with precision. A transparent visor briefly appeared before shifting into a sleek, blue digital display, immediately syncing with the suit''s control system.

    Inside the helmet, the HUD (Heads-Up Display) came to life, displaying temperature readings, energy status, and a map of the surrounding area. The simple AI that Ren had personally modified¡ªbuilt from a repurposed smartphone he brought from Earth¡ªbegan activating the suit''s primary functions.

    ¡ºCombat Suit¡ªOperational.¡»

    Ren clenched his fists, feeling the familiar weight of the armor he had spent weeks developing. Though this was only the first prototype and had never been tested in actual combat, he was confident this technology could be a game-changer in this world.

    He glanced at his reflection on a metal panel inside the vehicle, taking in his appearance now fully clad in high-tech armor.

    "Hah¡­ I really do look like a tokusatsu hero now."

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    From a distance, a group of elf children peeked out from behind the trees, frozen in shock. Their eyes widened, and their mouths hung open at a sight beyond even their wildest fairy tales.

    To them, this man was no ordinary human.

    He was like a god of war from another world.

    "Alright~... Time for some rescues."

    Ren''s voice was casual, but there was a firm resolve behind it. He pressed a button on his wrist, and once again, the sound of mechanical activation filled the air.

    ¡ºThruster System¡ªEngaging.¡»

    Vrrrrr¡­ PSSSHHHHH!

    From his back, two panels unfolded to the sides, revealing a pair of jet thrusters that began glowing with a bright blue light. Meanwhile, two small nozzles extended from his calves, releasing thin streams of fire as the system initiated its startup sequence.

    ¡ºInitial thrust¡ªstabilizing.¡»

    The air around Ren swirled, dust and leaves scattering as the pressure from his jet propulsion system increased. The elf children, still standing nearby, could only watch in stunned silence.

    "W-what is that!?" one of the elf kids shouted, eyes bulging at the sight of blue flames bursting from Ren''s armor.

    "T-that metal thing is breathing fire!!" another child stammered, stepping back in fear.

    Shua, still standing among them, clutched her ragged clothing tightly. Her eyes were wide¡ªnot just with fear, but with awe.

    "He¡­ can really fly?" she murmured unconsciously as Ren''s body slowly lifted off the ground.

    Ren adjusted his posture, slightly bending his knees to stabilize himself. The system inside his helmet displayed stability indicators, confirming everything was working as planned.

    "Alright, everything''s set..."

    Then, in a mere fraction of a second¡ª

    BOOOOSHHHH!!

    Ren shot into the sky at high speed, leaving a blazing blue trail in his wake. The sudden burst of wind from his launch forced the elf children to shut their eyes and hold onto each other to keep from falling over.

    From below, they could only watch as the black-armored figure soared into the night sky, like a meteor moving in reverse.

    "H-he''s not human¡­ he''s a god!!" one of the children shouted in a trembling voice.

    Shua continued staring at the sky, her small hands slowly clenching into fists.

    "Mother¡­ he''s going to save you."

    And with that, the hero had departed for the enemy stronghold.

    ---

    At the Elven Kingdom''s fortress, the battle raged through the night. Elven warriors fought desperately to hold their ground, but their numbers were far too few against the seemingly endless waves of human soldiers.

    Despite their superiority in magic, the overwhelming difference in numbers was suffocating. Worse yet, the enemy used despicable tactics¡ªhiding behind their own civilians as human shields.

    The elven mages, who could have unleashed devastating spells, were forced to hold back. They couldn''t risk harming innocent lives, and the enemy exploited that hesitation to press forward.

    On the battlefield, filled with screams of agony and the clashing of steel, the captured elves could do nothing but watch in despair.

    Some elven soldiers began losing hope, realizing there was no way to turn the tide of battle. They needed a miracle. But no such thing existed.

    Then¡ª

    BOOOOOM!!!

    A massive explosion erupted behind the human forces.

    Flames roared high, debris and shrapnel scattering in all directions. The soldiers nearest to the blast were sent flying, some landing with their bodies scorched.

    From the billowing smoke, a lone figure emerged.

    A black armor with glowing silver-blue lines illuminated the battlefield. His eyes gleamed through his high-tech helmet, while steam rose from his legs and back-mounted thrusters.

    He stood tall, scanning the battlefield like an executioner descending upon the chaos.

    For a moment, silence fell over the battlefield.

    Both elves and humans were frozen, captivated by the sight of something beyond their understanding.

 [35] Those who see it as a storm

    Atop the fortress walls, Commander Ryul Venris stood, eyes widened in shock. That massive explosion just now hadn''t come from their forces¡ªit was enough to shake the entire battlefield''s balance.

    Wasting no time, he turned and issued a sharp order. "Find out what happened! See who did that!"

    Several elf soldiers rushed to the edge of the fortress, peering out into the chaotic battlefield. But before they could make sense of the situation, the next sight left them even more stunned.

    A figure clad in black armor, streaked with glowing blue lines, shot straight into the midst of the human army.

    Ren raised his hand, and from his wrist, a bright blue plasma beam erupted. The energy blast struck multiple enemy soldiers at once, sending them flying, their bodies scorched.

    Without missing a beat, Ren moved swiftly, utilizing the thrusters on his legs to dart between enemy troops.

    With precise, calculated movements, he fired projectiles from the weapons mounted on his shoulders, cutting down enemies before they even had a chance to react. Some tried to strike back, but before their swords could even graze him, Ren had already dodged with inhuman reflexes.

    "W-what kind of monster is that?!" a human soldier screamed in panic, his hands trembling as he tried to lift his sword.

    Ren shot forward in a low glide, firing an energy round directly at the man''s legs, sending him crashing to the ground.

    His combat style wasn''t just about brute strength¡ªit was a blend of strategy and advanced technology, something no one in this world could comprehend.

    Commander Ryul watched the battle unfold, his eyes wide with disbelief.

    "This¡­ isn''t magic."

    As a war veteran, he had witnessed countless battles and all sorts of mystical powers, but what he was seeing now defied all logic.

    Behind him, the elf soldiers began murmuring among themselves, some even forgetting for a moment that they were still on the battlefield.

    The human troops, who had been so confident at the start, were now faltering. The presence of a single man in black armor had completely disrupted the rhythm of the battle.

    One of the human captains tried to regain control, shouting orders to his soldiers who had begun to retreat.

    "Don''t panic! He''s alone! Surround him and attack from all sides!!"

    But before his command could be carried out, a small explosion erupted right beside him.

    Ren had thrown a grenade directly into their formation, sowing chaos among the troops.

    "W-WHAT IS THIS?!"

    Some soldiers were flung away by the shockwave, while others collapsed to the ground, coughing as thick smoke filled the air.

    Ren didn''t let the opportunity slip.

    With lightning-fast movements, he activated the thrusters on his back and legs, propelling himself into the air. From above, his helmet''s auto-targeting system locked onto multiple enemies.

    ¡ºTarget locked.¡»

    From his shoulders, two small barrels unfolded, launching a barrage of mini-missiles that rained down on the battlefield. Each shot hit its mark with pinpoint accuracy, cutting down soldiers one after another before they could even react.

    Amid the chaos, a human mage finally stepped forward, his face twisted in fury as he raised his staff.

    "Damn monster! Let''s see if that armor can withstand my magic!!"

    Bright blue energy gathered at the tip of his staff, coalescing into a massive fireball that crackled with raw power. With a final chant, he unleashed the spell straight at Ren.

    BOOOOOM!!

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    A massive explosion erupted, sending flames roaring across the battlefield. The sheer force of the blast knocked soldiers off their feet, scorching the ground and leaving behind a scene of devastation.

    The elves watching from a distance held their breath, some believing the armored man had been obliterated.

    But¡ª

    Through the thick smoke, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed.

    As the haze began to clear, Ren''s figure emerged, completely unscathed.

    The blue glow of the Arc Reactor on his chest remained steady, a sign that his defense systems were still fully operational.

    Ren turned his gaze toward the mage, his mechanical helmet amplifying his voice with an intimidating edge.

    "Magic, huh?" he mused, his tone laced with indifference. "Interesting, but not even close to enough."

    Before the mage could react, Ren raised his hand and fired an energy shot straight at the staff.

    Crack!

    The staff shattered instantly, sending the mage sprawling onto the ground, his face twisted in horror.

    He could only stare at Ren, his eyes filled with sheer terror. That black armor hadn''t suffered a single scratch, while the magic he had always prided himself on was destroyed in an instant.

    "M-monster¡­" he choked out, his voice trembling.

    But Ren had already shifted his focus elsewhere. His eyes scanned the battlefield, where hundreds of human troops were struggling to reorganize their ranks.

    "Hmm? There''s quite a lot of them."

    Inside his helmet, a holographic display calculated the enemy''s numbers, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly.

    ¡ºEnemy count: 1,200¡»

    Ren let out a slow breath.

    (If I want to take them all out in one strike, I''ll need something bigger. But that would drain a lot of energy¡­ Well, let''s see how it goes.)

    Rising higher into the air, he ensured that all eyes were on him. The thrusters on his back and legs flared with a brilliant blue glow, casting an ominous silhouette against the night sky.

    The human soldiers stood frozen, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing¡ªa lone armored figure hovering in the air, radiating the presence of a war god about to deliver judgment.

    With smooth mechanical precision, the components on Ren''s back began shifting. Hidden mechanisms deployed, quickly assembling into a colossal rifle far beyond anything seen in this world.

    Ren activated burst mode, and his helmet''s interface displayed real-time weapon diagnostics.

    ¡ºMode: Anti-Material Rifle ¨C High Energy Output¡»

    Thanks to his ability, Material Transformation, constructing weapons on the battlefield was effortless, as long as he had the necessary materials.

    The Arc Reactor embedded in his chest redirected its energy entirely to the rifle. Along the barrel, a dazzling blue light began to concentrate, growing brighter with each passing second.

    Everyone on the battlefield held their breath at the sight.

    The human soldiers no longer dared to advance. Even those who had been eager to fight now stood motionless, their faces drained of color as an unfamiliar terror took hold.

    Atop the fortress, Commander Ryul Venris gripped the stone railing tightly, his gaze fixed on the growing sphere of light in the armored man''s hands.

    "H-he''s really going to fire that¡­?" an elf soldier beside him whispered in disbelief.

    Ren narrowed his eyes, locking onto the enemy''s positions with precision.

    His helmet''s system calculated the optimal trajectory, ensuring maximum impact.

    The wind howled through the battlefield, carrying an unbearable tension that gripped every warrior present.

    And then¡ª

    Ren pulled the trigger.

    BZZZZT¡ª!!!

    In an instant, a blinding plasma explosion surged from the rifle''s barrel, roaring through the air with immense force. The energy bolt streaked forward, igniting the very atmosphere, leaving behind a trail of electrified blue light in its wake.

    A heartbeat later¡ª

    BOOOOOOOOM!!!

    The blast struck the center of the human formation, triggering a cataclysmic explosion that lit up the entire battlefield. The ground quaked violently, shockwaves ripping through tents and even shattering parts of the fortress''s ancient walls.

    A massive crater, over fifty meters in diameter, was left in the aftermath. The once densely packed human army was now nothing more than a smoldering void, thick smoke billowing into the night sky.

    The soldiers nearby had no chance to escape. Some vanished instantly in the explosion, while others were sent hurtling hundreds of meters like ragdolls, crashing into the ground with the sickening sound of breaking bones.

    The surviving remnants of the human army could only stare in horror at the devastation before them, their eyes wide with disbelief.

    "T-this¡­ is a disaster¡­" one soldier muttered, his voice choked with fear.

    "A m-monster¡­ t-that thing isn''t human!!" another collapsed to the ground, his entire body trembling violently.

    A more seasoned captain tried to maintain his composure, but the terror creeping through his veins was undeniable. His hands, gripping his sword, wouldn''t stop shaking.

    "R-Retreat!!" someone finally screamed. "R-Run!!!"

    And like a receding tidal wave, thousands of human soldiers broke into a frantic retreat, their formation crumbling as they fled in every direction, heedless of orders or discipline.

    Some even trampled over each other in a desperate scramble to get as far away as possible from the black-clad figure still hovering in the air.

    Atop the fortress, the elves who had been on the brink of despair could only watch, their mouths hanging open in shock.

    Commander Ryul Venris blinked repeatedly, as if trying to confirm that this wasn''t some illusion.

    "One¡­ shot¡­?" he murmured, his voice unsteady.

    "H-he wiped them out with just one attack¡­?"

    Suspended in midair, Ren remained silent, observing the chaos he had unleashed.

    The energy within his armor dimmed slightly, but it was still more than enough for further combat if necessary.

    However, seeing the enemy forces retreat in absolute terror, Ren knew this battle was over.

    He lowered his massive rifle, which seamlessly disassembled and retracted back into his armor with smooth, precise movements.

    In a cold, mechanical voice, he muttered softly¡ª

    "Mission complete."