CHAPTER 2 (Part 3)

(Pov- Daniel.)

After leaving the village and walking a bit further, we stopped a few meters from some trees. Yeah, I think this spot won't bother anyone with my training.

"Try it. It took me five months to learn it; you need to have a lot of—"

"I'll try it!"

I interrupted her with my words. Sorry, Sara, but I can't hold back my excitement anymore! I have to try it right now!

"Bolflou!"

I-I feel something in my throat! Uwaaaah!

Huh?! A-a small fireball the size of a tennis ball shot out of my mouth and hit a tree. T-the fireball made a hole in the tree. It's really powerful… It's powerful… It's powerful!!

"Huh?!"

Sara is shocked, and I jump with joy. I can use spells without training! Thank you, God! I have the natural talent to learn spells like a clichéd isekai protagonist! Well, it's not natural talent since God gave it to me, but whatever! This will make my life so much easier!! Thank you, God!!

"What?!" she said, scared and surprised.

"I did it!" I said, smiling and excited.

"B-but… How is that possible?! You did it on the first try?! That's impressive!" she said, excited and shocked.

"I think I'm a prodigy. A gifted kid. Fufu," I said, smiling.

And in many ways… I'm handsome, somewhat intelligent, and I'm well-endowed… W-well, that last part isn't important… And I'm not saying it to brag. I hate boastful people… Why did I even think about that? Gross. I guess the excitement is clouding my thinking.

"Awesome… Wow…"

Sara smiles at me and claps. S-shit, the nervousness is back in my body.

It feels good to be clapped for in a non-sarcastic way.

"You surprise me… A lot."

I lower my gaze shyly.

"T-thanks, Sara."

Oh, the shadows are getting less visible.

I look at the sky; it's getting dark… I guess I can rent a house with the money I have.

"It's getting dark. Do you know a place where I can sleep?"

"You can sleep at my house if you want."

Ugh… W-well… Normally, I'd refuse that invitation, but I still don't trust the people in this place; they might try to rob me while I sleep or something. I think sleeping at Sara's house would be best.

I'm going to sleep at a girl's house… It's a bit embarrassing, but I'll accept. I'm still scared of this place; I don't want to sleep alone.

"T-thank you so much. I appreciate it."

"No need to thank me; we're teammates, aren't we? We should help each other," she said, smiling.

I really like her… I trust her a lot. She doesn't seem to have ulterior motives with me.

Ugh, I hope we stay friends forever and she doesn't try anything else with me. If she falls for me, our relationship will get awkward after I reject her. I'd rather avoid that.

"Yeah, we are," I said, smiling.

"Oh…"

Huh? I-is her face red…? She's blushing… Ugh, shit.

I look away.

I sigh and close my eyes… I almost messed it up. I don't want her to fall for me… I don't believe in love anymore.

She's no exception… If she falls for me, I'll reject her without hesitation. I want to die single.

Falling in love only causes pain.

•

•

We return to her house, and I place the coin bags next to me.

After thinking about it a lot, I know what I'll do with the money.

I'll do what I always dreamed of doing.

"Sara, are there poor people in the village?"

"No, everyone here is an adventurer, so there's always work. There are only a few vagrants, but they're expelled when they're discovered."

… They expel vagrants from the village? Yeah, this world is really weird and dangerous.

"W-wow, wow… Is there a poor area you know of?"

"There's a village next to the King's castle; most of the people there are very poor. Why?"

Oh, a castle and a King, huh? Ugh, monarchy… That disgusts me. But I'm a guest in this world; I shouldn't criticize it. They have their own way of thinking.

But that doesn't mean I won't do anything to make this world a better place. Whenever I get the chance, I'll do everything in my power to improve this world.

"I'll give them all my money."

"A-all of it?!" she said, shocked.

Her reaction is very normal. I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy or something… I don't need that much money… And I want to repay God for this new chance at life. How do I repay him? By being a good person, as always.

Besides, it's too much money; I don't even need that much. And with my power and Sara's intelligence, I'll be able to make a ton of money easily; I shouldn't worry about money.

… Not worry about money… Easy money… Ugh, I never imagined the day would come when I wouldn't have to worry about money.

My life has definitely changed forever.

"I really only need about 100 gold coins; I don't need much."

"Oh… Wow… Wow, wow… Anyone with that money would spend it on useless things, but you're going to give your money to the poor. You have my respect."

I was always poor… I know what it feels like to be hungry… That's why I want to help.

I've always lived in hardship, and I want to help others not suffer what I went through.

But just because I suffered hardships doesn't mean I hated my life. My grandma always worked hard to give me food and clothes. Even though we were very poor, I never complained, because my grandma did everything she could; it wasn't fair to her for me to feel sad or angry about my financial situation.

"Thanks. I appreciate it… Well, I'm really sleepy."

I lie down on the floor… I'm used to sleeping uncomfortably, so it won't bother me to sleep on the floor.

"Good night," I said as I get comfortable.

"Good night," Sara said.

I close my eyes… Ugh, my first night in this world… Grandma, your favorite grandson did a great job today. I accomplished a lot in just one day. Would you be proud of me?

I hope so.

•

•

(Pov- Sara.)

(One hour later.)

This guy is weirder than I imagined. He looks so manly, but he acts so shy and nervous… What kind of life has this guy had?

Plus, he's crying.

I watch Daniel sleep… He's crying… He cries while he sleeps.

Why is someone as powerful as him so sensitive and shy? It doesn't make logical sense.

"Daniel is too good… He's different from the others… And he cries at night… What kind of life has he had? Why does he seem so ignorant? He's really mysterious."

And the mysterious is more attractive… Ugh, it's a shame he doesn't want a girlfriend and that dating teammates is forbidden. I'm attracted to guys like Daniel, powerful and not at all evil. I fell for Sandro because of his strength, but I stopped liking him when I realized his rude and lustful personality. Men like him just disgust me. But Daniel is the complete opposite of Sandro, and I like that. Unfortunately, I can't develop anything more than friendship with Daniel; he must have his personal reasons for not wanting a girlfriend, and I think it has to do with his ex-girlfriend.

It's a shame; I thought Daniel could help me with my dream of creating a warrior family, but I guess I'll have to find… No… I don't think that's necessary. I can simply ask him to give me his semen and let me have his children, without needing sex or a romantic relationship. All I care about is that my children are powerful, so that option is fine by me. I just need to convince Daniel. I'll wait one or two years, when our friendship is stronger, and I'll ask him. I don't think he'll refuse.

But… Why does Daniel cry while he sleeps?

Maybe… Is he lonely? Maybe he doesn't have friends or family… Loneliness can make people suffer.

A guy with no one in his life… Poor thing.

I lie down next to him… Maybe a bit of body warmth will calm him… Huh?! D-Daniel hugged me… Is he awake?! I don't want to lose my virginity to a rape! Why did I trust him?!

"Grandma…"

Huh? Grandma?

"Grandma… I miss you…"

… He's still asleep… He's dreaming… I misunderstood him.

"Grandma?"

I see… Daniel is suffering because he misses his grandma… His hug is because he misses hugging his grandma.

… Daniel isn't a pervert… He's a good guy… He doesn't try to seem like one; he is a good guy… I can trust him.

He's very different from that creep Sandro.

Choosing Daniel was a good decision. I don't regret this choice.

•

•

(Pov- Daniel.)

… The same dream again.

I love this dream, but it also hurts to dream it.

"Want some more, Daniel?"

"No, thanks, Grandma. I appreciate it. I'm really full."

I dream that I'm eating with my grandma again… I know it's a dream, and it hurts to dream it because it reminds me I'll never eat with her again.

But I also enjoy dreaming this because it lets me remember my grandma and her voice.

I miss my grandma, but I need to move forward with my life for the sake of my mission. I can't get depressed. God is counting on me; I don't want to disappoint him… I don't want to disappoint anyone.

"Daniel!!"

Huh? Sara's voice…? Ugh… Everything's fading…

I slowly opened my eyes, and the first thing I see when I wake up is Sara. Unlike her cold expression from yesterday, today she looks very scared and nervous. Did something happen? I don't sense fear in her; it's more like simple nervousness.

"Good morning, Sara. I hope you woke up well. Do you need help? You look really nervous."

"Daniel, they're looking for you!"

Huh…? Ugh, I'm still so sleepy.

I yawn and scratch my cheek. It's too early; I want to sleep more. I need energy to investigate all day, but I guess everyone here wakes up at 5 a.m.… I think it's 5; I usually wake up at 6 a.m., so I feel sleepy.

"Huh? What's going on?" I said, confused by this weird situation.

"They're looking for you!"

Who could be looking for me? The police?! Ahhhhhhhh! That's right, I earned a lot of money; they'll probably charge me taxes and ask for my official documents! W-what do I do? I'm an illegal in this country. I-I hope my excuses work, and they don't throw me in jail.

"M-me? Who's looking for me?"

"It's a servant of the King!"

… Oh, I see… A servant…

A servant… Honestly, I want to sleep more… I'm a bit lazy; I got that from my dad… Or so my grandma told me once.

Besides, no offense, but it's just a servant of the King; I don't think it's that important to put aside the start of my investigation.

But… A King… That sounds like trouble.

"Is it important?"

"Of course!"

She seems really nervous… I should go out. I don't want to cause Sara any trouble.

"Alright."

Alright, I'm up. I stretch my arms… Ugh… I want water.

"Let's go."

I hope this servant doesn't mean trouble for me.

I step out of the house and see the servant shouting. I expected him to be a bit more refined, considering the King sent him.

Though he's dressed elegantly, unlike the village people, who dress a bit more… Hmm… Weird? Well, most are adventurers, so they wear armor and stranger, more extravagant clothes.

I compare the people's clothes with the servant's… Hmm… Black clothes… That fabric looks shiny… Some adventurers' clothes are gold and silver, but the servant's clothes are black and shiny in some parts, like they don't absorb light… How strange.

I'd say the adventurers' clothes are more expensive, but knowing gold isn't that valuable in this world, I'm starting to doubt that.

… Ugh… Wow, that woman is huge. She's over two meters tall. Awesome! She's the tallest woman I've ever seen. And she looks cool in that full armor. What's she like without it? Does she have scars all over her body? Would she look badass? Though her breasts, judging by how her armor is made, are huge; I'd say they're three times bigger than my head… Ahhhhhhhh! Daniel, don't stare; that's harassment! Don't look at her directly; that's scary!

Though her white armor is really pretty. I wonder if I need to get my own armor.

"I'm looking for the adventurer who can use all types of magic!!"

Ugh… Yeah, they're definitely looking for me, unless God sent someone else besides me.

"Such a hassle. Do I have to go?" I said with a tired tone.

I have a lot to do today; I don't want trouble with the King.

What if I escape while I can? The King only means trouble for me. Maybe he's a kind King who wants to help me defeat the demons, but there's also the chance he's a tyrant. I don't trust people with too much power. I hate rich people.

"Of course you do!" Sara said nervously.

"Wow, wow… Alright. By the way, want to grab breakfast at the guild, or should we cook at your house?"

"W-we'll think about that later."

Hmm… If the cold Sara is nervous, it means the King is powerful or has very powerful people under his command. Ugh, this smells like trouble.

"Yeah, you're right."

I walk toward him and stretch my arms to get his attention.

"Hey, that's me!! Good morning, by the way."

The servant turns to look at me.

"How can I help you? If it's about taxes, you didn't need to call me out in public. How much do I owe? Fifteen percent?"

"You're the adventurer I'm looking for?" he said, doubting.

He doesn't believe it's me? Is it because I'm young? Well, it makes sense that powerful adventurers would be older adults with more experience.

"Kya! Yes, it's him! So cool!"

… The tall adventurer said that?! That sounded so feminine! Wow, I wasn't expecting that.

"That's Daniel! So handsome!"

"Go out with me!"

Huh?

"I want to have your baby!"

Huh?! That adventurer…?! Uwaaaah! That older woman is showing me her breasts! Sorry for being rude, but I'm not attracted to women my grandma's age! Ahhhhhhhh! This world is so weird!

Huh?! A lot of women are showing me their breasts…! Ahhhhhhhh! I immediately covered my eyes. That girl is underage, by a lot! Little girl, don't copy what the women around you are doing! Ahhhhhhhh! God, this place is so weird!

"Daniel! Daniel! Daniel!"

… W-well… L-leaving aside the perverted women, it feels good to be supported.

Everyone starts cheering for me… Well, all the women… Most of the people supporting me are girls. I-I hope I don't earn the hatred of the men.

"He's the one, our hero!"

"He's so powerful!"

Ugh… I feel really nervous.

Wow, wow… They're supporting me… Thanks… They even called me a "hero"… That feels good.

I'm considered useful… It feels really good to be considered useful.

Even the servant is amazed that everyone's supporting me. Was the Black Demon that powerful? Ugh… I'm scared of my future enemies.

"Incredible. The rumors were true… The King wants to meet you; you must come with us."

Us? I guess he's with someone else.

A King, huh? This could have two possible outcomes. I benefit from visiting the King, or I get screwed over. If the King is good, I'll come out ahead, but if he's evil, I'll lose, no matter what he gives or offers me. I need to be careful with this King.

If he's powerful, he could kill me, but if he's weak, it means he's in that position because of some special ability his family has or something like that. Either way, it results in a tough enemy to beat. Ugh, that's why I didn't want to meet a King so soon; I haven't had time to research this country and the world in general more deeply.

Ugh… Alright, this is something I planned to say. I want to test something.

"Forced? Is the King forcing me to go without caring if I have important matters?"

"Yes, it's an order from the King."

I figured… Tyranny. If the King were a good person, he'd ask if I wanted to visit him, but since he's forcing me, it means he's a selfish person who only thinks about himself.

That's why I hate rich people, always thinking they're more important than others.

"Then I'm not going. Goodbye."

"Huh?"

… Huh? Everyone's starting to murmur? From what I can hear, they're worried about me and nervous, probably because they didn't expect me to refuse.

Are they scared of the King, or is it because it's rare for someone to refuse to visit him?

Everyone freezes at my response… This is worrying me. I need to think carefully about what I'll do next.

The servant looks at me, confused and nervous; he even tries to speak, but the words don't come out of his mouth.

After a few seconds, he finally spoke.

"W-w-what did you say?"

"He can't force me to go. I'll only go if the King says, 'Please, can you come?' Got it?"

I'll know what to do based on what he says next.

"The King would never say that!"

Never, huh…? I was hoping to meet a good and kind King… But I'm sure he'll be a fat, spoiled King. The typical person who thinks they're superior to others just because they belong to an important family or are rich.

I hate people like that, and I'd rather avoid getting involved with them.

This decision will cause me trouble, I know, but I won't run away; I'll stay to see what he does, and if he tries to kill me, I'll fight and escape. A risky plan, but the best one, since it keeps the King from taking advantage of me.

"That's the problem with people like him; they're too proud."

"I'm sorry, but you must come with us."

"I don't want to. This is a free country… I think…"

And I hope it is.

"Lady Cristal, help me!"

Lady Cristal?

The servant is looking up, and I do the same since he shouted at something in the sky.

Ugh… Wow, wow.

A woman is flying, circling above us, then lands and stands in front of me. The woman is tall, wearing a white dress, with long white hair. Quite elegant and mature. Wow, wow. An important woman in the country? I think so, since everyone knelt before her, even Sara.

Hmm… No, I won't kneel. I don't care how important she is in the country; I won't kneel before anyone. Everyone is equally important to me, regardless of social status.

"I, as head of the sorcerers, order you to come with us, or I'll have to take you by force."

Ignoring her arrogant behavior, she can fly!

Awesome! She was flying, though she did unnecessary circles… Oh, I see. Wow, wow. She was trying to intimidate me… I'll have to do the same.

"Can everyone fly? You're the first person I've seen fly."

Cristal starts laughing while looking at me with disdain. I don't like that look… She has no humility.

Yeah, she was flying to show her supposed superiority, huh? I'll have to teach her a lesson in humility.

"Fufu. How funny you are. Of course not; only a few sorcerers in the world have learned to fly, and that includes me. Are you mentally challenged?"

"I can fly too."

"Fly?"

Cristal laughs even harder. She doesn't believe me, huh? Is she judging me by my age? I'll show her.

"Yeah, sure. Prove it."

That's what I'll do.

"Arches Nexus!"

Hmm… I don't feel any difference… Huh? I-I don't feel the ground under my feet.

I look down… Ugh… Huh?! It worked!

I start floating and slowly rise from the ground. A-a-awesome! I can fly! Ahhhhhhhh! My heart's going to explode from so much excitement! Calm down, Daniel. Act normal and show that woman you can fly too.

Oh, wow, wow. Fufu. Cristal's eyes are practically popping out from how shocked she is. What? Didn't expect this?

"He did it?!"

"Surprised?"

Because I am too!

And I'm also scared!

I get nervous because I'm getting too far from the ground. Ahhhhhhhh! Think, Daniel, think! How do I control the flight?!

"W-wow, wow… It's a bit tricky…"

Let's try flying forward… Oh, it worked.

Backward…? It worked!

Up, down, left, right! It's working!

"Fufu. I think this is how it's done."

I try to control my flight with my mind, and it works. I can control my flight with my mind! I just have to visualize how I want to fly, and I fly. Awesome!

I just have to think about how I want to fly… It's simpler than it seems.

Fufu. Hahahahahaha! Now I can escape like the coward I am when needed! Goodbye, fear of the King!

"Awesome! I just have to think about how I want to fly!!" I shouted, excited.

Wow, I'm hearing cheers from excited people. Ahhhhhhhh! No, nervousness, go away; you can't be with me right now! I can't act like a nervous kid in front of that woman; I have to act strong so she doesn't think I'm easy to manipulate.

I do some loops in the air and land… Alright, I learned to control flight… That was easy.

When I landed, I no longer felt like I could fly. I give a small jump, and I don't float. The spell deactivated.

"It turns off when I stop using it… That was amazing!" I said, excited.

She stares at me with a pretty funny face. Her eyes are wide open, and she's trembling.

I hope she's learned not to judge people without knowing them.

"H-how did you do that?"

"It's a secret," I said, winking.

She blushes a bit and looks away. Wow… I forget that my charm works better on older women. I could use that to… No… No, Daniel, your grandma's values come first, then everything else. Don't use your looks to your advantage. Don't take advantage of any woman for your benefit. I won't lead any woman on. I won't deceive any woman… I won't.

I could use my looks to manipulate that woman and get new spells and information, but that'd be too rude of me. I won't lead her on for my own benefit; my grandma would be disappointed in me.

"Now that I've shown I can fly, can I go? I have a date with the library."

"Now more than ever, you must come with us. Please, I beg you."

… Did she say the magic word?

"Please"? Well, that changes things.

Since she's asking nicely now, I think I could agree.

"Wow, wow… You said 'please'…"

I scratch my head… Alright, I'll agree. I've confirmed I can fly; I'll escape the King if he tries to kill me.

I'll also take the chance to visit the poor village Sara told me about. Earning money is easy when you have enough power, considering all the missions available at the guild, but if there's an entire village full of poor people, it means not everyone has enough power to be an adventurer.

Most likely, the most powerful gather in villages like this to be adventurers, earn a ton of money, and send that money to their families.

Ugh, this world seems more dangerous than I thought. Surely, many adventurers die every day. This profession is very dangerous. My respects to those men and women who risk their lives for their families.

"Alright, I was going to the village next to the castle anyway."

"With all those filthy commoners? What would someone like you do in a place like that?"

… Filthy?

… I hate you.

You think you're better than them? That disgusts me.

I won't let you insult people just because they didn't have the same opportunities as you. We're all equal in this life; we're all equally important, and it disgusts me that you look down on others for not having the same money or magical power as you.

"That tone doesn't sit well with me; don't talk about people like that. Got it?" I said, looking at her with a serious expression so she knows I'm not joking about this.

Cristal looks at me with fear… Do I really look that scary? I hope so, to scare her and make her take my words seriously.

"I-I'm sorry!"

Class discrimination exists here too… I hate that… Ugh, now it's more likely I'll see disgusting things I don't want to see, like sex slaves, murders of innocents, forced prostitution… So many disgusting things the poor suffer for not being born with money or enough magical power to live as an adventurer.

"Alright… I'm going to give them some money. Wait for me, please."

I go back into the house and come out with the bags.

"Let's go. I just hope you don't try anything funny, or I'll defend myself."

"Have fun, Daniel!" Sara said.

Huh?

I turn to look at Sara… Why is she saying goodbye? I don't want to go alone. I refuse to go alone! I don't want to mess things up more than I already do. I need someone with common sense by my side to stop me when I'm screwing up.

"Don't you want to come, Sara?"

"The King wants to meet you alone."

"But you're my teammate. Come on, come with me, please. I don't want to be alone."

Sara's eyes light up… Wow, wow… She really wants to go to the castle.

Are nobles and the royal family really that important to this country? I hope they don't disappoint me and are powerful.

"Thanks, I've always wanted to visit the castle!"

"Get in the carriage, please," Cristal said.

Very good, you're polite.

I guess she knows now that if she's not polite to us, I won't go.

A wooden carriage, huh? It looks uncomfortable.

We get into the carriage… It's a classic elegant carriage. Oh, wow, wow. It feels comfortable, even though the seats are wooden. It's more comfortable than I thought. Is it special or expensive wood?

There are no cars in this world… Will it take long to get there? I hope not; I want to research more about this country, and I don't want to talk about that in this carriage with Sara, since someone else might overhear. I don't want anyone else to know I know nothing about the country and its common sense. I can trust Sara; I'll ask her when we're alone.

"Is it far?" I asked Sara.

"Not too far; it'll take an hour to get there."

Good, I guess hours are the same in this world; I won't have trouble with time.

I take out my phone to check the time… It's early… It's just dawn, though I thought it was earlier. I guess yesterday's exhaustion made me sleep more than I usually do.

"It's barely 7 a.m. If everything goes well and we don't get into trouble, we'd be back by 9:30 or 10. It depends on how long it takes to talk and distribute the money."

Sara looks at my phone with curiosity, not taking her eyes off it.

"Wow. It's also a clock?"

"Yeah."

Cristal looks at my phone with curiosity too. Yes, yes, I know, my phone is beautiful. My first phone! I'll treasure it forever!

"Let me see."

Huh?

Cristal tries to take my phone, but I immediately put it back in my pocket. That's wrong. You should say, "Can you lend me your phone?"

Well, even if she said that, I wouldn't lend it to her. Phones are private! Especially this one, which is a magical phone.

"Sorry, it's a secret. And it's rude to take something without permission."

"Tell me, what is that?"

Ugh, it's best not to tell her anything. I can't trust her.

"As I said, it's a secret."

I shouldn't tell her anything; she might try to steal it. I'll keep it a secret from others and only share it with my friends.

The carriage is moving, and I look at the people through the window… They're looking at me like I'm someone important… Shouting my name… I hate this.

"I'll wait for them outside the village."

"Huh?"

I get out of the carriage.

"Muslar Asio!"

I run as fast as I can. I see people in slow motion, which lets me run through them and avoid collisions.

Oh, the tall girl. I wonder if she's powerful. She caught my attention… Well, I'll look into it later.

I kept running until I left the village, where I waited for the carriage to come out.

Hmm… Ugh… Hmm… Here it comes.

The carriage stopped in front of me, and I got back in.

"Sorry about that."

"Why did you run off? Did you buy something?" Sara said.

"No, I just felt uncomfortable being in a fancy carriage while so many people were watching me. It made me feel… Ugh, don't worry, it's nothing. Let's not talk about it."

"If you say so, alright."

It made me feel gross, like I was more important than them. I hated that feeling, so I preferred to run instead of leaving the village in the carriage.

I won't let this world corrupt my mind and values. I won't allow it.