Chapter 7 - The Hero From Another World Part 2

John

"W-what?"

Growing extremely suspicious about what's happening, John decided to slowly back off. Confused to John's reaction, Charlotte then asked the fat raccoon about what's going on.

"U-uumm... is this the Hero, sir raccoon?" Charlotte questioned.

"Most certainly, young miss." The raccoon answered. "I can even feel a link to him."

Hearing the raccoon talked, John can't help but be baffled at what his seeing. The raccoon like creature looks too realistic to be some sort of doll or robot, yet it's talking like a human.

Making sure that what his seeing isn't a dream, John then tried rubbing his eyes. But seeing how his still in the same place, with the same people, he quickly concluded that what his currently seeing is isn't a dream.

"But his not talking though?" Charlotte said. "Is this a normal reaction?"

"Rest assured, young miss. The Hero is completely fine." The raccoon replied. "Being transported to another world, will ensure some confusion. So, such reaction is completely normal."

Transported to another world? John echoed in his mind. What the hell are they talking about?

With the fat raccoon going near to the confused John, the creature then engages a conversation.

"Greetings Hero from another world." The raccoon said. "Please relax yourself, for we mean you no harm."

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Seeing the creature not turn hostile, John was somewhat able to ease himself. But with his situation still unexplained, he did not turn his guard down for a single bit.

"U-umm... H-hello to you as well sir Hero." Charlotte greeted in a somewhat panicked manner.

With no answers in hand, John can only mutter a confused greeting "A-ahh... H-hello?" John muttered in a somewhat alert manner. Hoping to get at least some answers, John then bravely asked the people? In front of him.

"A-ahh... can anyone here explain to me, what's going on?"

Hearing John finally say a word, Charlotte became surprised. But still fearful at the unknown stranger in front of her, she quickly hid herself in the back of the fat raccoon. Seeing how he can't get any answers from the young Charlotte, John then gaze his sight at the fat raccoon.

"Greetings once again, Hero from another world. I'm the spirit sent by the goddess herself to help guide you in your journey. I currently have no name but you call me Tanuki." The raccoon said.

"H-hero?" John confusingly echoed.

"I understand that things might be confusing for you right now." Tanuki said with concern. "But rest assured that I'll answer any questions of yours that I'm capable of answering."

"I see..." John muttered. "Then could you please explain to me, what's going on?"

"How surprising." Tanuki spoke. "Normally people would still be panicking at this moment."

Hearing the raccoon say those words, John kept quiet.

"Anyhow, to answer your question. You're currently in another world, far from your own."

"Another world?" John echoed.

"That is indeed correct." Tanuki said. "You've been transported here, by the Hero ritual to help save this realm from the demonic threat."

"Demonic Threat?"

"Creatures of chaos, bent on destroying this world." Tanuki answered

"I see..." John muttered. Hearing the explanations of the raccoon, John can't help but give a big sigh. Raising both his hands, he then suddenly slapped his face with great impact. Seeing John's sudden action, both the fat raccoon and Charlotte became shocked.

"Ehhh!!! Hero, what are you doing!" Tanuki panickily shouted.

"[Sigh...] It seems, that I'm truly not dreaming." John said as his cheeks redden in pain.

"Y-you shouldn't be doing such things, Hero. You're going to injure yourself." Tanuki spoke with concern.

Wanting to check his assumptions, John then grabbed the unsuspecting raccoon.

"U-umm.. What are you doing, Hero?" Tanuki worriedly asked.

With the fat raccoon in his hand, John then checks its entire body, to see if it's truly a doll or robotic. With its fluffy body absorbing John's fingers as he squishes some spots, John was convinced that the creature in his hands is isn't a robot.

"H-Heroo.. S-stop..." Tanuki blushingly cries as John continued to check its body.

Checking its mouth and seeing some saliva inside, he is then convinced that the raccoon is real.

"... How truly odd." John muttered. "It seems that you indeed are real."

Mad with his earlier treatment, Tanuki then shouted at the oddly calm John. "What the fuck was that for!" Tanuki said in anger. "Just because you are the Hero, that doesn't you just threat me cruelly."

"Right... sorry about that?" John said unenthusiastically.

"[Sigh...] Was that even an apology?" Tanuki said somewhat tiredly. "Anyhow, you should rest first, Hero. We still have many tasks ahead of us."

Confused as what the raccoon was talking about, John can't help but ask some questions.

"What are you talking about?" John asked.

"Eh? Didn't I already explain earlier." Tanuki said. "There's a current demon threat in this world and being the Hero, you are tasked to deal with such threat."

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Demon threat, Hero? What kind of nonsensical story are you talking about?" John spoke, not fully convinced at the raccoon's story.

"I'm not talking nonsense." Tanuki spoke. "Much of what I'm telling is real!'

Still not believing the raccoon's words, John stared at the raccoon with plain look. Seeing how his words won't fully convince John, Tanuki then asked the quiet Charlotte to explain for him.

"Stop giving me that look, I'm telling the truth. Right, young miss?" Tanuki asked Charlotte to back his claim.

"U-uummm... I'm sorry sir raccoon, but I'm kind of in the same boat as him." Charlotte explained. "I really don't know much about this Demon King shenanigans."

"Could you at least explain to him about how demons are real." Tanuki asked.

"Well... I suppose that part is real." Charlotte said.

"I don't think that brainwashing some kid, will help you in your case." John spoke.

"I'm not brainwashing anyone; I'm telling the truth!" Tanuki shouted.

Seeing how the conversation is going nowhere, Charlotte decided to raise her voice. Grabbing the attention of both John and Tanuki, she then said these words.

"I'm not really sure about sir raccoon's claims, but I assure you sir Hero that demons are real." Charlotte said.

"How nonsensical." John uttered. "There's no way that such things exist. Plus, why are you both calling me Hero. I'm just some normal guy."

"U-uumm... I apologize. But sir raccoon here told me that the one he summoned is the Hero."

"Summoned?" John echoed.

"Well... we performed a ritual just now, and we summoned you here." Charlotte answered.

"Rituals and summoning's? Are both of you pulling a prank on me?" John said.

"We are not, sir Hero." Charlotte replied. "A huge light suddenly burst from the circle, and not long after you were summoned."

A huge light... Recalling the light that engulfed him in his sleep, John quickly remembered the things that happened to him. Enrage at what Camellia did, John then made his way out of the dark and dusty basement. Surprised at his sudden action, Tanuki quickly stopped John from leaving.

"What are you doing, Hero?" Tanuki asked.

"I have enough of your games, so I'm leaving." John stated. "I need to find Camellia and make her regret for what she did."

"Who the hell is Camellia?" Tanuki said. "Wait, don't just leave!"

Finding the stairs that lead to above, John then made his way to the ground floor. Seeing how the place is currently unfamiliar to him, he grew more and more suspicious about his situation.

Where the hell have, I been taken. John thought in his mind.

"Please don't just leave, Hero. We still have a lot to talk!" Tanuki shouted.

Getting annoyed at the fat raccoon, John decided to ignore the pleading creature. Searching for the door outside, he then made his way to the living room, in where he found the wooden door that leads to outdoors. Without hesitation he quickly opened the thing, in which he again was greeted with an unfamiliar place.

Various wooden houses and unknown buildings in his sight. The place reminded John of those rural towns in Europe. Currently confused at where he has been taken, John wasn't able to do anything other than stand in the brick road. Looking at the night sky, John was shocked to see that there are two moons above.

"T-the hell..." John muttered. Baffled at what his seeing, John can't help but be shaken to the core. All the things he has been experiencing this night alone has been truly abnormal, from meeting Camellia to being taken to this unknown place. It's as if his experiencing a bizarre dream.

Not long after John made his way outside, Tanuki and Charlotte followed suit. Seeing how John hasn't gone too far, Tanuki was relieved.

"[Phew...] What a relief, you still haven't gone too far." Tanuki sighed.

Looking at the unsuspecting raccoon, John then asked the creature about what's currently happening. "H-hey... what the hell is this? Where have you taken me?" John questioned seriously.

"U-umm... didn't I already told you? You're currently in another world." Tanuki answered.

"I said stop playing games with me!" John shouted. "I'm being completely serious here. So, why won't you answer me correctly!?"

Seeing how John seems to be unease at the situation, Charlotte decided to raise her voice.

"P-please... calm down, sir H-Hero!" Charlotte said loudly. "E-everyone.. I-Is currently sleeping, so please don't make much noise."

Seeing the shaking Charlotte raise her voice, John decided to stay quiet for now. He still doesn't know much about his situation, but if keeps panicking at the moment. Then he isn't going to receive much of any answer.

Calming his senses, he then looked at the fat raccoon. Seeing the creature invite him back to the wooden house, he was left with no choice but to follow.

Sitting on a chair, John then awaits for any answer.

"I hope you seriously answer me now." John spoke.

"God you're such a pain." Tanuki said. "Even the past Hero wasn't this stubborn."

"Huh?"

"I keep saying the truth and yet you won't believe me." Tanuki spoke. "So how the hell would I be able to "Seriously answer you"?"

"Like hell I would believe such story." John uttered.

"Well, too bad. Cause it's the truth." Tanuki said.

"You keep saying such things, but how can I be sure that you're not fucking with me?" John asked seriously.

"You've seen the moon outside, right? I'm pretty sure that you were baffled at such bizarre thing. Even the fact that I exist is already proof that you're in a foreign world" Tanuki answered.

Not being able to refute Tanuki's answer, John can't help but bite his lips. Such story is very nonsensical for the logical John, yet with no logical answer to disprove the things he has seen. It seems that he has no choice but to believe the absurd story.

"[Sigh...] How fucking absurd..." Sighing from the thought of believing such nonsensical story, John can't help but cursed. "So, if what you're saying is true, then that would mean that you also have the power to bring me back?" John asked.

"What do you mean?" Tanuki questioned.

"I'm talking about bringing me back to my original world." John answered. "If you are able to brought me here, then it's also logical to think that you can also bring me back."

"Ah... That. Of course, I'll be able to take you back." Tanuki answered.

"Then please, take me back." John pleaded. "I still have some business in there."

"Eh?" Hearing John's words. Tanuki can't help but be surprised.

"Stop giving me that confused look." John said. "You brought me here, so I demand you to take me back."

"I'm sorry... but that's not how that works." Tanuki uttered. "If really want to go back, then you first need to defeat the Demon King."

"Defeat the Demon King?" John echoed. "W-wait... so you can't take me back home?"

"Unfortunately, but I can't do such a thing until my task is over."

With Tanuki's words echoing in John's ear, his eye suddenly blackened. With his hands shaking uncontrollably, John can't help but curse in his mind.

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit... What the fuck do I do, what the fuck do I do... John cursed. With me here, then Camellia and the others will take all of Grandfather's hard work.

Seeing John's unease looked, Charlotte tried holding John's shaking hands. Feeling the sudden warmth in his hand, John was caught off guard.

"A-are you okay, sir Hero?" Charlotte asked with worried eyes.

"A-ahhh... I-I'm fine." John said. "Sorry for bothering you, young miss."

"I see..." Charlotte muttered. "Your eyes looked somewhat tired so I was worried."

"Again, I'm fine. Such thing is very normal for me." John uttered. Letting his hand go at Charlotte grips, he then eases his mind. With his mind clearer he then asked the fat raccoon once more.

"You say... that I would need to defeat this Demon K-King? If I want to go back. So, can I get some clarifications about it?" John asked.

"It's really not that complicated." Tanuki said. "The Demon King is the leader of all Demonkind and by defeating it, you can essentially go back."

"How strong is this Demon's you've mentioned?"

"Well... the Demon King is as strong if not stronger than an army of knights and an average Demon is stronger than a normal human by a large margin. I'm not really sure how strong a demon is in comparison because I never did the math." Tanuki answered.

"Wait, wait, wait... what do you mean that the Demon King is as strong as an army?" John questioned.

"It really means what it says, The Demon King is as strong as an army." Tanuki answered.

"And... you expect me to defeat someone like that?"

"Yes." Tanuki said with a straight face.

Hearing such absurd statement, John can't help but stare at the fat raccoon with a serious gaze. All the stories that raccoon told him is already nonsensical for him, yet being told to defeat someone who's stronger than an army of people is too insane for him.

"You're not joking right?' John questioned.

"I'm not."

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"[Sigh...] Are you fucking insane!" John shouted. "How the hell I'm I going to defeat someone that insanely strong."

"It's not that absurd than you think." Tanuki spoke.

"Right... cause limp ass me can just casually beat army level Demons. Who mind you, I still think is bullshit."

"For fuck sake, where not going to discuss about the legitimacy of what I told you, again." Tanuki said. "Plus, you're not that weak than you think. Because a trait of being a Hero is being given a blessing from the Goddess."

"What the hell is a blessing?" John asked.

"A blessing is a random power given to you. Being a Hero, you are certain to have one." Tanuki answered. "And another trait of being a Hero is having your capabilities enhanced. So, you're far stronger than you think."

Gripping his hands, John can't feel anything out of the ordinary. It's as if his strength is still the same from, he was before.

"Everything seems normal to me." John said.

"That's because your capability is tied to your experience." Tanuki answered. "As you grow and experience more things, the more your capabilities are enhanced. So, if you want to get stronger, you should try grinding first and foremost. There's like many monsters and dungeons that you can take on in this world."

Thinking more about what Tanuki is saying, John can't help but wonder something. Feeling like that it should be mentioned. He then calmly asked the fat creature.

"Say... you keep saying things like defeating monsters and demons. But what happens if I don't."

"What do you mean?" Tanuki questioned.

"Let's say that I was killed while fighting a demon. Do I like permanently die or something?"

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"I'm not one to deliver any bad news, but if you indeed are killed in this world. You permanently die."

"I see..." John muttered. "So, to sum it all up, I'm a Hero who both of you summoned through a ritual. I'm task to defeat this Demon Lord thing, you've mentioned. Which in turn, will make you bring me back to my original world when defeated."

"That would be correct." Tanuki said.

"And as a Hero I have blessing, which gives me some random ability and the capability enhancer. And I can also die in any moment, if I'm not careful."

"Yes."

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"[Sigh...] How truly absurd." John said.

"I know that it's hard to digest, but such thing is the truth." Tanuki spoke. "But seeing how you seem to get the broader point; I can guess that you're somewhat ready."

"I suppose... I can say that I get the point." John said.

"That's great, then!" Tanuki said somewhat happily. "Then you'll happily defeat the Demon King, right?"

Still doubtful about what raccoon is saying, John then tried assessing his situation in his head.

If what this fat raccoon like creature saying is true, then I'll be surely be facing a ton of Demons and this Demon King thing? In my current state, I'm currently no match with the army level Demon. And there's also the threat of death that I have to consider. Dying is something that I really don't want to experience. John said in his head.

With his assessment taking about a few minutes, John then opened his eyes. Fully aware of the threats and his current capabilities, he was certain on his choice.

"Hmmm... That look of yours, you now understand of what to do, right?" Tanuki said.

"That's correct. With the threat you've mentioned being out of my current league. I think I understand what I have to do." John said with confidence.

"[Hmm-Hmmm..]" Tanuki nodded. "We should strengthen ourselves first."

"A-ahh... I'm sorry but that's not it." John said.

"Eh?" Tanuki stared at John in surprised.

-End