Toward My Next Journey

Waking up in the morning, I immediately fix the bed and wash my face. Then, I head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. A simple meal—fried eggs, leftover rice turned into fried rice, some sausage, and a glass of milk. The same routine every morning.

It has been over a month since I started living in Elesis Fort. Despite the scars left by the demon commander's unexpected attack, the city still stands. The people, though wounded by tragedy, continue to move forward. Their resilience is inspiring.

But for me, something feels off. The days blend together, and I can't shake the feeling that I am stuck. I came here with a purpose, yet I don't know what that purpose is.

Time for quest hunting again. I wonder what kind of quests are available today? I want to tackle a grade B quest this time. Unfortunately, because of the beast's manipulation ability, most of the monsters in the forest were wiped out. Only a few slimes remain, and those quests are just low-ranked and taken quickly by novice adventurers. When I arrive at the guild, the bulletin board is already empty.

At this rate, I won't get stronger. My experience points barely move, and my level is stagnant. If I want answers—if I want to understand why I was summoned into this world—I can't afford to waste time in this city anymore.

I glance at the vacant lot beside my house. It used to be Meily's home before the attack destroyed it. Now, only empty space remains.

"I guess... I really am leaving."

Muttering those words feels strange, like the final step of a decision I've been avoiding.

At the guild, I find Rin, Marry, and Mello. The moment they see me, they brighten up.

"Mayu!"

"Hello, Marry."

"You're growing up so fast! I can't believe it," Rin says with a nostalgic smile.

"It's just an evolution. Elves evolve like monsters do. But honestly, I'm worried about evolving too much."

"Why is that?"

"If I reach level 150, will I evolve into an old elf woman? I don't want to fight with an old lady's body!"

Marry laughs, then sighs dramatically. "You're worried about aging? I'm turning 30 this year and still don't have a boyfriend. My beauty is at its peak, and soon it will fade! I need to find someone before it's too late!"

She starts crying on my shoulder. Honestly, I never expected her to be 30—she still looks like she's in her early twenties.

Mello hands me a glass of juice. "Cool your head, Mayu. Elves stay beautiful no matter how many times they evolve. Some elves who master magic manipulation can even live like immortals. Honestly, I'm envious."

"Why envy me? Living a long life alone sounds... depressing."

I sip my juice, avoiding eye contact.

Mello hesitates before asking, "So, what are you planning to do, Mayu?"

I take a deep breath. "I'm leaving Elesis Fort."

"Eh?!" x3

All three of them react in unison, their faces filled with shock.

"Why are you leaving?! Do you hate me?!"

"Why?!"

"You don't like the new clothes I made for you?!"

Their sudden closeness makes me uneasy, and I push them away. "That's not it, everyone. I'm grateful for everything. Truly. But I can't stay here forever. I need to find out why I was summoned into this world. I need answers."

They fall silent. I know they care about me. That's what makes this difficult.

Captain Yuri arrives and listens quietly before speaking. "Then you should go. If this journey helps you grow stronger, it's worth it. You'll become an adventurer you can be proud of. Meanwhile, these three still have no vision for their futures and are avoiding work."

"Hey! That's unfair!"

"Yeah, we help!"

"Mello, you literally serve drinks all day!"

Under Yuri's glare, the three quickly scatter back to their tasks, leaving us alone.

She places a small bag on the table. "Take this. It'll help with your journey."

"I have savings, I—"

"Just accept it. The world is vast and dangerous, Mayu. The Demon King's army is invading the continent. Even Grandellia, the strongest kingdom, is struggling. I, too, will be leaving soon. I've been called to join a defensive force."

So that's why she has been working so hard lately. Training those three to replace her.

Grandellia... I've heard the name before. But I know nothing about it.

"I'm going there," I decide. "That kingdom is powerful, right? If I want to uncover the truth about my existence, it's a good place to start."

Yuri nods. "A dangerous choice, but maybe the right one. Just be careful, Mayu. And don't lose yourself along the way."

"I won't."

After finishing my drink, I return home to prepare for the journey. I don't own much, but carrying it all while traveling will be a pain.

"Inventory skill."

[100 skill points required to unlock Inventory skill.] [Current skill points: 340]

"Whoa... This world really is like a game. This will make things easier! Unlock inventory skill!"

[Successfully acquired Inventory skill. Remaining skill points: 240.]

A small circular hole appears in thin air. So this is an inventory space? If I stuck my head in and deactivated it, would I get decapitated?

Shaking the thought away, I store my necessities, including food that should last for two weeks. Hopefully, items inside won't spoil. I'll have to check daily.

Finally, I bring up my map.

"Mapping skill: World map!"

A projection of the continent appears before me, pinpointing my location.

"Where is Grandellia?"

A glowing pointer marks the opposite end of the map.

The world is wide. Vast. Full of dangers.

But I won't stop.

"I will find out why I was brought here. No matter what."

With a determined heart, I activate my transformation magic. My body shifts slightly—growing taller, rounding out my features, hiding my pointed ears.

"This should work."

Everything is ready now.

Tomorrow, my real journey begins.

I fall into bed, feeling something I haven't felt in a long time.

Excitement.

Because I was so excited last night, I overslept the next morning.