I'm a Gamer?

"W-wait-... Hold on, what do these numbers mean?"

I am Aster, though technically reborn into a new world- I guess I could go by a different name? Maybe I'll choose a name when I familiarise myself with what kind of names are around me...

I looked down and saw what looked like a light board which displayed numbers and words I couldn't understand. Matter of fact, what even is this light board? This world seems so advanced compared to my original world... All I knew back then was magic and swords, simple stuff!

"Oh well. My instincts are telling me to find safety before sun sets..."

The sun was high in the sky, so it looked like midday. Though, the white board told me numbers that looked like I could translate to time. 00:37, is what it says. There are 12 numbers in a clock, so I'm assuming it means that the big hand is pointing down and the little hand is pointing straight at 0.

"What a confusing world..."

Perhaps it was a little too much for my brain. Maybe I should've asked that Goddess a bit more... Anyway! More importantly, where am I?

"Doesn't seem to be any places nearby... In fact, I think I'm... Oh. Lightwood forest? Is that the location? There's even a Map..."

I spent about 2 hours familiarising myself with the white board and even figured out how to turn it on and off. It's odd- it's like it's there but it really isn't. Is it in my eyes? My brain? What sorcery is this?

But anyway, I figured out the map, and it looks like it's filling itself out as I'm moving. No seriously, what kind of wizardry is this? I used to have to draw my maps out...

"Hmm... Ah, do I even have..."

Nope. My sword is gone. I have nothing but these ragged clothes... I had a brilliant sword that banishes demons, and even had a wonderfully tailored outfit made from...

"Sigh... I'm in a new world now..."

At the moment I thought of my friend, I thought about the people that I didn't save. It broke my heart, and... When they were turned into demons, I had no choice but to follow the will of the Goddess. My home world was saved, but no one remained...

"...looooo... Hellooooooo??"

"Huh?"

"Hey, why are you looking so gloomy for? And uh... Why are you in the middle of a dangerous place with nothing but those damaged clothes?"

"Huh? O-oh, I uh..."

Maybe I shouldn't mention being from another world. From my experience, having anything off about yourself leads to scientists wanting to research your body.

"I got lost and don't know where I am... I don't remember anything either, so I'm just wondering around aimlessly looking at this white board that keeps appearing in front of me..."

"Oh, are you talking about your menu?"

"Menu..? Like the ones you have at restaurants?"

"No, no, no, I'm talking about like a stats screen menu. It displays your stats and stuff and even shows your name! Maybe you can remember your name by looking at it?"

After I opened it up, she pointed to where the name would usually appear but... There was nothing there...

"Wh- wait what? Even people who don't remember anything should at least have a name... Unless you were born without one?"

"M-maybe that's it... Uhm... All this talk about names makes me want to name myself, but I don't want to sound weird. What's your name?"

"Oh! My name is Blanc, I'm just your typical village gal, but you should get to safety first mister!"

"Blanc... That's..."

That's a pretty regular name. Is using Aster that bad? Or maybe I could use a different version of that name. Who knows, there could be an Aster in this world too.

"Anyway, you're right. Do you know where the nearest safe place is?"

"Sure thing! My village is a safe zone so we could head over there right now!"

"Safe... Zone? What's that? Like a secured area?"

"Yeah you can think of it like that! My village has a safe barrier that prevents monsters from waltzing in! There's a lot of places like that you know! This forest is what we call a Danger Zone."

"... Then let's go to your village Miss Blanc."

Already I found someone, but she's speaking a lot of words that's a bit hard for me to visualize. All this talk about safe zones and danger zones- she even went on about STR, DEX, SPD, RES... Complicated terms- but apparently our 'stats' will indicate how much damage you can do, how fast you are, how defensive you are to physical or magical attacks... In some sense, it sounds like these 'stats' puts your physical attributes to numbers. But how does it know that?

"By the way Blanc, what are you doing here so far from your village? We've been walking for 20 minutes by now."

"Oh- well, since you're not from the village I don't mind telling you. But you have to keep it a secret between you and me!"

She held out a pinky. This is something I'm familiar with at least, to which I locked my pinky with hers.

"I've been practicing swordplay. My family and even the village doesn't want people coming in or out, and naturally they don't want me leaving to go to the capital to learn swordsman ship."

"Swordsmanship? Well is it forbidden to learn swordsmanship at your village?"

"Well, no... But my village is so traditional that pretty much all the swordsman in our village are male only. They look down on women like me who seem only so frail to them... Naturally, I haven't practiced against real people so it's hard for me to actually get more skillful... The most I can do is do practice swings..."

"Do you want to become a swordmaster?"

She seemed like a really nice girl, she's friendly and earnestly wants to become something more than what she has been given. It reminds me of myself when I began sword training.

"I do. Specifically, I want to become a Magicblade wielder."

"A... Mana what?"

"They're special people closely tied to the elements and can call upon their blade to defend those in need..."

"Is there any particular reason why you want to do that?"

"Well... Oh! We're getting really close now! Look, my village is just over there!"

"... I don't know what I was expecting... But it certainly wasn't this..."

This village was immaculate. Compared to the villages back in my home, this was a far cry than what those were. This village was in the middle of a water system. The very air smelt fresh, and the roads were bricked and even the houses look well established. They even had a church. It didn't take us long to arrive, and it seemed like she wanted to avoid the question I asked earlier. Something tells me it's personal.

We eventually made way towards the entry point which was a bridge going over a river, guarded by two men who were armed.

"Halt... Blanc, aren't you supposed to be helping your father with some work?"

"Ah- well... I went out to see if I could gather some useful vegetables and plants that we could farm for more of."

"Collecting seeds? You're using that excuse again? When your father hears of this, he'll be furious. The chief cares much for you and you should respect his decisions for you."

"More importantly, who's this poor looking fellow?"

"He's a friend of mine, he got lost and doesn't remember anything... He doesn't even have a name."

"Hmph, I'm sorry but that's way too suspicious. I'm sorry no name, but we can't allow you to enter here."

"... I see. That's fine. If it's okay, can I make camp out here then?"

"No. You must not be in the vicinity of this village, any threats will be taken care of by answering to my sword."

This situation seems tense. But if my luck runs out here, then I really am gonna have to camp in the woods.

"He's a poor man on his own with no memory, he's... He's only level one, how could that be suspicious? I thought as a village we were meant to care and help those in need!"

"That's a rule for this village. He's an outsider, so he's an anomaly."

"Garrr! This is why this village ticks me off! You all have no sympathy nor dignity for those actually in need!"

"Blanc, I won't say this again. Return to the village now, or we'll have to resort to force."

"Won't her father... The chief, get upset about that? Besides, I won't let you do that to her. Not while I'm around."

I spoke up. I knew they were somewhat misogynistic, but they're outright treating her like an object. I don't mind people having there views but that shouldn't be taken out on individuals.

"You... Hmph, for someone with no memory, you sure have a lot of nerve. If it's a fight you're looking for, then you'll have to earn your forgiveness!"

The man said, as he raised his blade. I'm defenseless. No weapon. But that hasn't stopped me before. I can handle this guy. After all, I just defeated a Demon King in my original world.

Rushing at me as Blanc called out to him to stop, he swung his blade down at me. I effortlessly grabbed his blade by clapping my hands together. My skill hasn't left me, even if my stats are low. As expected of village guardians, they have no 'real' experience in dangerous fights.

"H-how did you catch..."

"Your form is off, and I can tell you weren't striking to kill."

"Sh-shut up! I'll kill you if I have to protect this village!"

This time, his swing was more intentional. But he lacks experience.

It didn't take much for me to squeeze his hand enough to drop his weapon. Before he could pick it back up, I locked his body and made him eat dirt. His hands were solidly held behind his back. Escaping wasn't an option for him now.

"Y-you... How... Disrespectful..."

"You attacked me despite me having no weapon. How dishonourable."

"Y-you dare question my honour..."

"ENOUGH! What is happening here? All this commotion at the entrance, did you think this would escape my watchful gaze? You're startling the villagers."

"Ch-chief! Th-this man... He assaulted me for no reason..."

"No! No he didn't! You attacked him when he was unarmed!"

"Silence. I won't have any of this nonsense. You're to tell me he was attacked when he is the one who's on top of one of our guardians?"

"I'm telling the truth dad... This guy was only trying to defend me when these guardians tried pushing me around..."

"You don't have a say in any of this Blanc. You have broken your word once again. If you weren't my daughter, I would have you locked up as this man will be soon."

"Dad..."

"You, don't just stand there, reprehend him."

"Ch-chief sir!"

I didn't fight back. She seemed to be in a pickle- and after having gifted me safety, I couldn't just let her get in more trouble...

_______

"AGH! I can't believe that man! Gr... I'll rip my hair off!"

The angry girl paced her room back and forth, thinking about the events that had transpired.

"He... He was only trying to get to safety, and he gets punished for defending me... I can't let him stay locked up, I have to convince my dad..."

Blanc sat down on her bed, shaking from what had happened. She sulked, sinking her head into her palms.

"God... I hate this place... I'd rather be with mom than stay in this village any longer..."

She teared up, her tears gently streaming down her delicate skin. Raising her head, she looked at her bruised hand that was full of calluses. Her ambition, her dreams- would she ever achieve it? She pondered this question everyday as time went on.

As she pondered to herself, she suddenly heard the bells chime. That would mean a village announcement would be held. Wiping away her tears, she rushed out her room.

Her eyes were red from the tears she shed, and upon looking up, the man stood next to her father who was the chief. Her expression distorted as she saw the man she had met, who was stripped and clearly beaten.

"This man here had assaulted one of the guardians of the village. A brigand in pure flesh and blood. His crimes will be served with justice by the hands of our Executioner."

_____________

I'm labelled as a criminal in this world, yet regarded as a hero from my own world... I barely even began life in this world and I'm already about to see my end.

"Boo!"

"Get lost!"

"Serves you right bandit!"

"Scum of the earth!"

"You know how many families have been lost to your hands? Criminals!"

"Now, now. His punishment will be displayed to this village to warn anymore bandits. This village will do anything to protect its people. And if those brigands ever show up again, it'll be their heads we come for next!"

The village army cheered, even with the citizens. This is definitely corrupted. Brigands and bandits alike- they're certainly bad. But, placing false crimes to advertise for your own benefit. What kind of people are these guys?

"Hmph. Criminal, do you have anything to say, before you're burned to death?"

"... I do."

"Then let's hear what you have to say."

"Okay then. Blanc, I don't know if you're hearing me, but thank you for everything you've done for me today. To be truthful, I do know my name, and I do remember where I came from. So before I go, at least let me tell you. My name is Aster, and I was a Hero of Jvagdil."

The village began to laugh at my comment. But I suddenly felt something change in me. As if, as if I had called upon something.

"Aster of Jvagdil? A children's story book isn't going to change whether you're innocent or guilty. Okay, 'Aster', you shall meet your end. Nail him and burn him alive!"

"N-no!"

Blanc called out in the middle of the crowd.

"Hm..?"

"Father... You're wrong. Aster is innocent, and he did what he did because Andrew charged at him with his sword..."

"Silence girl, this does not concern you. It is your fault for leaving this village in the first pl-"

"WOULD YOU LISTEN TO ME YOU BARBARIC OLD CREATURE?!"

"You-"

"SHUT UP! I've... I've just about had it with you corrupt people... My mom. My real mom. She was a hero, and you people clown on her for being what she wanted to be. For my whole life, I wanted to be like her. But it's always been you who restricted my freedom. You never listen to truth, you always play in your own delusional fantasy. I've had it... If you're going to kill him, then I'm going to free him myself."

"Guards, seize her. I won't have her pathetic speeches stop me from slaying this criminal."

"Ahh... Geez. You should listen to your own daughter, gramps."

I spoke, breaking through to everyone who was trying to seize her.

I could feel my power returning, now that I've claimed my identity, it felt like my stats were distributed. Breaking free easily from the binds, I checked that white board again. My stats changed, and even my name appeared. My class, was 'Hero'. Interesting development, but perhaps my world is just a children's story book in this world. Won't change that I am 'that' Aster.

"Y-you... Guards! Seize him!"

The guards began yelling as they rushed at me, but I didn't fight back- rather I dispatched every one of them without drawing the black blade that suddenly appeared on my back.

"If you're done with your pathetic fantasies, I'll be taking your daughter and leaving."

"Y-you.... You dare threaten to kidnap my own daughter?"

"Well, yeah."

"Enough of this nonsense. I've never wanted to do this but it looks like I'll have to."

His body suddenly surged in mana, I could sense it. Raising his hand, surges of electricity poured out before coalescing into a singular entity. He planned to strike me with a ball, but compared to a Demon King, this was nothing.

"If you think you can come here and destroy our pride bandit, then you're wrong."

"... Well, you're wrong so. Anyway, c'mon Blanc. Let's go."

"B-but Aster... He's going to kill us!"

"It's okay. Besides, I'm here now. Let's get you to the capital and make your dreams a reality."

She looked at me with such an expression. Her eyes sparkled, and she was flushed. It was clear that she was dumbstruck, and as the flashing ball of electricity raced at us, I drew my sword which blew right through it, dispelling it completely.

"What... What was that..?"

"Pfft. Wouldn't you like to know."

Is it odd that I feel like a villain right now? I can't take myself seriously, but I kinda like playing things like this. It feels mischievous, and since I'm a new person, I can totally get behind it!

"That was... My most powerful attack..."

"Oh, sorry gramps. That just means you're weak."

I walked away. Wait, did I change clothes? Woah! It's my clothes! The tailor made one! Maybe I can keep some memories of my world with me!

Night soon came to struck, and I was strolling through the woods with Blanc.

"WAIT! THIS IS WRONG!"

"huh?"

"H-hold on, your name is Aster and you came from Jvagdil? I find that hard to believe..."

"A-ah, n-no, ignore that. I used to read that story all the time and loved it growing up."

"So you do remember everything... Gosh, are you really a bandit?"

"Uh. I steal from the rich and give to the poor."

"That doesn't answer my question!!"

"I'm... Just a guy at this point. At some point in my life, I took up the sword and defeated lots of monsters."

"Then... You really are a swordsman."

"Yeah, something like that. Oh, right! I came up with a name by the way!"

"Huh? Don't you remember your name?"

"I do, but I can't go around calling myself Aster. People will laugh at me."

"So you are Aster!"

"My name is Noir now. Cool right? Thought we could match as Blanc and Noir."

"I-... Oh... I can't tell if you're being serious."

"Don't sweat the details, and besides. I said I'd take you to the capital so once we're there, I hope you have something planned."

"A- you were being serious about it?"

"Yes. Though..."

"Though what?"

"I'm also being serious about not being from this world. I don't know where I'm going."

"HUHHH"

...

"You really are Aster from Jvagdil?"

"Yeah. But it looks like my world... My history is just some children's story book..."

"Come to think of it, you do look uncannily similar to him... Almost identical. He was praised for saving the world and mankind from demons."

"Then we aren't the same people then."

"Huh? Why's that?"

"Because I only saved the world. The people ceased to exist when the war went on long enough."

"... I'm... Sorry about that..."

"It's okay. It sounds like the children's story book was just to give kids an idea to become a hero. But I was anything but a hero."

"Are you okay..?"

"It's fine. It's in the past anyway. When I defeated the Demon King, I killed myself and reincarnated here. So all this stuff about these things is alien to me. Literally."

"Aster... If that's the case, then I have a proposal!"

"Huh? What?"

"You teach me how to use a sword, and I'll teach you everything you need to know about The System!"

"The System? Is that what this whole thing is?"

"Everything you do, everything you possess is all apart of The System. So if we can trade this deal, then I'll happily teach you everything I know."

"Hm... In that case, I'll take you up on that offer, Blanc."

"Hehe! Then it's a deal, Noir!"

And that's how Blanc and Noir was born. An inseparable pair whose journey had just begun. In my old life, I was a Hero. But in my new life, I'm a Gamer.

What's a Gamer anyway? Did I just somehow utter new words without knowing what it is?

No, that'd be me controlling your character.

"Who said that?!"

Me, I'm the author, now get back to reality dipshit.

"What? What does that even mean? Wait- reality? This is reality- what the hell are you and why are you in my head?"

Uh, I just wanted to make a corny finisher to end off the first chapter. You know, the name of this story is what you JUST said.

"Story? What're you talking about?"

I'm basically God, so stop arguing with me and get back to work. We have a story to tell

"I seriously don't understand what anyone is saying."

Get used to it dude. I'm gonna force you to say the line again.

"N-no!"

Dew it.

"I was a Hero in my old Life. But in my new life, I'm a Gamer."