CHAPTER 2 (Part 5)

(Pov- Daniel.)

Sara and I walked out of the castle.

Within the castle grounds, there are houses and other buildings. It's a village for nobles. Kind of strange, but interesting to see.

"Ugh… I feel sorry for those maids."

"Your attitude toward a King surprises me."

I think I was a bit rude… But I couldn't help it.

"I don't like treating people like they're better than me. To me, everyone is equal, no matter their social status."

"I see."

"How powerful are the chicken men?"

"They're not as powerful as a demon, but they're hard to kill; they're very resilient. But don't worry, I have experience killing chicken men. It won't be difficult."

I feel confident… That's a bad thing, but also a good thing.

"Alright, let's go."

Having Sara by my side makes me feel safer. I was really lucky to have her as a teammate.

"E-excuse me!"

"Huh?"

A girl, about 10 years old, stood in front of us. Oh, cute dress, and it looks expensive. I think she's from a noble family. What could she want from us?

"Oh, hi, little one. How are you? Can we help you with something?"

"Daniel, I think I should warn you about something," Sara said.

"Warn me?"

The girl grabbed my hand.

"P-please, be my husband!"

"… Huh?"

"Sorry, but he's my boyfriend. Goodbye," Sara said, pulling me away from the girl.

…

…

…

What just happened?!

"Sorry for lying, but it was necessary."

"W-what just happened? I-I don't understand."

"You're very handsome, Daniel. Plus, you were invited to the castle by the King himself. A ton of women already have their eyes on you. In other words, they'll do anything to get you to agree to marry them."

"… Ahhhhhhhh! Let's get out of here!"

I grabbed Sara's hand, and we started running. I refuse to stay here any longer! My heart couldn't handle that much anxiety!

"Ahhhhhhhh! This country is so weird!"

•

•

Ugh… Alright, I managed to escape without any issues… That was awkward.

Sara and I moved away from the castle. The surroundings smell nice; it's completely different from my world. There are even trees and animals I've never seen in my life.

"What's that?"

I point at something that looks like a dog but with a metal tail.

"It's a breed of dog called 'Delana' because they appeared out of nowhere hundreds of years ago. Their tail is made of metal, and they're good at detecting enemies. They're very common; you really didn't know about them?"

Delana… I think it has another name, but the magic translated it to Delana to match my language… I see.

"No… This place is amazing."

She stares at me intently. She's very interested in me. Yeah, I'm already drawing too much attention for being weird. I need to come up with a backstory soon.

"Where are you from? You're pretty strange."

I don't like lying, but I have to. I can't tell anyone the truth.

"I come from a faraway place."

"The north?"

"Y-yeah, something like that."

"From the enemy country 'Soular'? Or Soufla?"

What? Are those country names? They sound pretty weird.

"Soular? Soufla?" I said, confused.

"You don't even know the names of the countries?"

"Sorry, where I lived, we barely knew our own names. What country are we in?"

"You're very mysterious… We're in the country 'Grenfor,' the home of great adventurers."

"Sounds kind of weird."

I need to change the topic; I don't want her to suspect me more.

I take out my phone and open the map app… Hmm… Alright, it's not far. I was worried about wasting more valuable time, but it's not too far. We'll get there soon.

"The Silent Forest is nearby. I wonder why it's called that. Is it because of how quiet it is?"

"It also works as a map? What a strange device you have. Where did you get it?"

Shit… Think, Daniel… Think of something… Hmm… Oh, I can tell the truth, but only partially.

"Well… I got it from a very powerful friend."

"Can you introduce me to him?"

"He's not here anymore, unfortunately."

"Oh, I understand. I'm sorry."

She thinks he's dead. Fufu.

I thought that while trying not to laugh.

Technically, I told the truth, so I didn't lie to her.

… Oh…

I look at the animals around me; there are birds with small bodies but huge wings, cats with two heads, green bears, but they're very small. It's an amazing place. Wow… I'm really in another world.

Do mermaids and other fantasy creatures exist? I can't wait to find out.

But I hope succubi don't exist; with my luck, I'd probably end up getting assaulted.

"I'm going to love being in this place."

It's my second day in this world, and I've already met the King. God, I'm making a lot of progress. I promised not to disappoint you, and that's what I'll do.

… Hmm… Ugh… Walking is boring… I think I'll start memorizing instead.

I open the spell app and read them. I need to memorize them soon. I'll need them when the fight starts.

I wonder if those chickens are edible. I mean, they're chickens… Though I think roosters aren't eaten… Huh?

One of the spells catches my attention because of its name.

"Wow, wow… 'Solar Arrow.' Sounds interesting."

Solar… That sounds powerful.

I tap the spell, and a message pops up.

"This spell summons a bow that creates magical arrows… Is it a good spell, Sara?"

Sara looks at me with sparkling eyes and gets too close to me.

Shit, she's so beautiful and smells nice. I blush a little being so close to her. I hope she doesn't notice.

"Your phone tells you what spells do?! Incredible!" she said, excited.

It's definitely incredible… Thank you, God.

God, I thought you were only going to help a little, but this is a huge help.

… Yeah, the final enemy is definitely going to be tough to beat… Ugh, I'm screwed.

•

•

We reached the forest faster than I thought, and everything looks calm.

"It looks like a normal forest; I thought we'd run into weird animals."

"Wait."

Sara clasps her hands and closes her eyes.

"Search!"

She stays still for a few seconds and opens her eyes.

"I found them; they're close."

"What does that spell do?"

"It lets me see beyond my sight."

That doesn't tell me much, but I think I get it a little.

"Wow, wow… Sword Dex!"

A sword appears in my hands.

"Let's go."

"Sword Dex?! I've heard of it; it's a very powerful sword… Though I thought it was just a… Never mind, forget what I said. That's a very powerful sword!"

"No wonder I defeated the Black Demon so easily."

Pretty sword, thanks for defeating the Black Demon! I earned a ton of money and respect thanks to you!

After kissing my sword, we ventured into the forest and found the base thanks to Sara, who located them with her spell.

"There they are."

I wonder how they… Huh?!

T-they're men with beaks instead of mouths. Their bodies are covered in feathers, and they look very strong.

The chicken men are wearing pants, and that made me laugh a lot because they look so ridiculous and funny. Chickens with pants!

"They're wearing pants?! Hahahahahaha! A chicken with pants!"

Sara covers my mouth and glares at me angrily… S-sorry, I made too much noise.

"Quiet, look."

She points with her index finger at a girl trapped in a cage.

"What do they want with the princess?"

The princess is a little girl; she's cute, with long green hair, wearing a pink dress, and she looks very sad. Good actress, huh?

"Maybe they want a ransom for the princess," Sara said.

That's the most logical… Well, maybe Sara's just going along with it. I don't think she bought the King's story.

"Should we attack now?"

"Solar Arrow."

A red bow appears in Sara's right hand. Oh, she can use it.

"We'll attack."

We come out of our hiding spot… Alright, I have to do this; they're bad… I think.

If Sara has killed chicken men in the past, it means they're monsters. I shouldn't hesitate.

"Muslar Asio!"

The chicken men see us and get defensive.

… They didn't hear me earlier? That's too convenient… Maybe they did… Yeah, this is definitely a test.

"Adventurers!"

… Oh… They talk…

The chicken men attack us with their swords and throw feathers at us… They literally threw feathers!

"Huh?"

I dodge the feathers, just in case. They look fragile, but I highly doubt they are.

"Are the feathers dangerous?"

"They're very sharp; don't let them touch you!"

A chicken man tries to hit me, and I dodge his attack. I'm too close to him… Maybe… Ugh, this will hurt you more than it hurts me, at least in my heart.

"Arches Nexus!"

I grab a chicken man by his right arm and start flying. After getting pretty high off the ground, I stop. I'm so sorry; I really don't want to do this, but I have to. Please, give me a reason not to do it. Please, give me that reason.

"I'll drop you, and you'll die!"

… I waited a few seconds. He's just hitting me with his fist… He's not admitting this is a test… I think it's not a test, and the chicken men just have bad hearing… Or they're being controlled… No… I don't have time to hesitate… I'm so sorry. Forgive me for doing this.

"I'm sorry… Now!"

I let go of the chicken man.

"Ahhhhhhhh!!" he screamed, terrified, knowing his death was near.

"I'm sorry."

The chicken man hits the ground hard; no one would survive that. That must've hurt; even I felt it.

"I knew their feathers wouldn't help with such a big body… Ugh… Grandma, am I doing the right thing?"

… Ugh… What a beautiful view. From this height, I can see the entire forest… There aren't many forests in my world… A world with advanced technology can be good, but also bad… This world has a beautiful environment, but the people are weird and dangerous… Ugh…

Grandma, give me strength to endure and bear the horrible things I'll see and have to do in the future.

I land, and only two chicken men are left. Two chicken men are on the ground with red arrows in their bodies.

I knew Sara was powerful.

"Wow, wow… Sara, you took down two on your own."

She's strong… She'll be a huge help. It'll save me a lot of time and effort if she keeps helping me.

The chicken men look at us with fear. They're trembling… They're definitely giant chickens… Ugh, that sounded rude… I don't know if they're monsters or if they're being controlled… I don't understand anything.

"We surrender!" they said, terrified.

"That was quick," I said, relieved. We won't have to kill them.

The princess looks at us, surprised.

"Thank you!" she said with a big smile.

My strength and sword disappear.

"Hi, little one, we're here for you."

The chicken men open the cage, and the princess comes out.

"We're sorry!" they said, remorseful.

The chicken men apologize to the princess; they're even crying… I don't understand anything… And it hurts not to understand.

"Don't worry, I forgive you," the princess said.

The princess smiles very sweetly. I swear, for a moment, I saw a light coming from her. She's a very kind and sweet girl, and I like that. She's too pure. I swear to protect that smile.

So different from her tyrant father… I hope that kindness doesn't fade.

•

•

We left the forest with the chicken men.

This wasn't a staged test, or so they want me to believe. I'm more than sure it's a staged test; I won't buy it, but I'll play along with the King.

"It was quick… Were there no other adventurers capable of doing this job?"

"I think the King just wanted to meet you and verify your power," Sara said.

"We left the other chicken men in the forest; is that okay?"

"I already checked the bodies; they're dead."

"Dead? They were bad, so we did the right thing, right?"

I worry for a moment; I had killed someone again. I feel like I'm becoming a murderer. I knew this would happen, but… I feel weird.

I lower my gaze and get a bit sad… I'm a murderer… Grandma…

"Of course we did the right thing," Sara said.

Yeah… I know… Maybe… Ugh… I can't hesitate… It was necessary. I need those spells.

It was necessary… It was.

•

•

On the way, I reflected on my actions. God gave me a mission, and I must fulfill it. God gave me permission to be rude; I guess that means I can be bad. If I have to become a murderer to complete my mission… I guess I have no choice.

We arrived at the King's… It was an easy job… I hope he keeps his part.

"Father!"

"Daughter!"

The two hug… How sweet… It reminds me… of my dad… For a few seconds, I could imagine my dad hugging me… He looked just like me… When I look in the mirror, I can't help but remember him… Physically, I'm like my dad… And that makes me happy.

"Thank you so much, adventurer!" the King said.

"Do your part."

The King approaches me and hands me a red spell book.

"You can have it for one day, then return it."

"I don't need it that long; wait."

I take out my phone and start taking pictures of the spells, ignoring the confused looks from the people around me.

Alright… Alright… Oh… I can't wait to try these spells.

I turn the page, and it's blank… Huh? What? So few?

"Huh?"

I start looking for spells, but the rest of the book's pages are blank. Why?

"The other pages are blank."

The King can't contain his curiosity and snatches my phone.

"What is this?!"

"Hey, that's mine!"

I snatch my phone back and put it away. I don't care if you're the King; don't take my phone again, you fat idiot… Shit… I'm acting weird.

The King looks at me with an angry expression.

"It's a secret, sorry… This book only has 10 pages with spells. Why are the others blank?"

"You're only allowed to see that book; the others are secret."

"Alright, thanks…"

I lower my gaze and smile.

"Something is better than nothing…"

I'm making progress in so little time… Perfect.

God, I won't let you down.

•

•

After a lot of blah, blah, blah from the King, he finally let us go.

We left the castle, and Sara and I got into the carriage.

"Well, at least I learned some spells."

Sara seems unable to contain her excitement; she gets close to me and shouts.

"We met the King and the princess!!"

"That's not that important."

A girl enters the carriage. She's wearing a maid uniform… Ugh… I can't help but feel bad for her. Stay strong; one day, you'll stop suffering.

"Huh?"

"Hello, Daniel. The King sends the following message: 'Thank you for saving my daughter. I confirmed you're a very powerful adventurer, so I want you to be one of my bodyguards and come live in my castle.'"

The King said "Thank you"? Hearing that surprised me, and I thought about it for a few seconds.

I still have three or four years to learn spells and get better at fighting. But if I stay as a bodyguard, I won't have as many adventures as I want.

I scratch my head… Hmm… If I stay, I could steal the King's books, but better not; I'd rather not risk it for now.

"No, thanks."

Sara starts pulling me and shouting. Uwaaaah! Aren't you overreacting?!

"Daniel, you could live in luxury!!"

"Y-you should know by now that I don't care about money. I want to live adventures, and being by a King's side could be boring."

And disgusting.

After hearing my response, the girl gets out, and we leave.

"You rejected the King… You're incredible."

"It's not that big a deal."

"So… What will you do now?"

"I'll go to the guild, have breakfast, and take a mission."

"Don't you want to get more teammates? Usually, a team has 5 members."

True, I need teammates… I want strong and kind teammates. I'll need a lot of help in the future.

"I guess so; we'll find some later. I just hope Sandro doesn't pick a fight with me."

"I think he will challenge you to a fight."

"He's kind of cocky and annoying; I think I'll accept his challenge."

Sandro… Ugh… If only you weren't so arrogant and boastful.

•

•

(One hour later.)

During the trip, Sara told me how strong Sandro is. In short, he's one of the strongest adventurers in the country. Hearing that filled me with doubts. Why did I defeat him with one hit? It really doesn't make sense.

But what I suspect the most is what scares me the most. If Sandro is really one of the most powerful, it means the demons are even stronger… I'm scared of the future, but I'd better not think about that for now. I need to calm down and move forward with my progress.

We arrived at the village and got out of the carriage.

"Thanks!" I said to the man who brought us.

We headed to the guild, and the adventurers keep looking at me strangely. Ugh, I need to get used to it.

Hmm… Now that I think about it, I don't look like an adventurer… I compare my clothes to the adventurers' clothes. My clothes are very different from theirs, so I think they're looking at me weird because of my clothes.

"Where can I buy new clothes? I think if I keep wearing these, people will keep staring at me."

"Of course, with those clothes, you look like a noble."

Sara points to a shop.

"They sell clothes there."

I take out some coins from my pocket.

"Hmm… Will this be enough?"

"Of course."

We enter the shop, and a girl greets us… Wow, she's cute. She's messy-haired and very pretty. She has long pink hair and pink eyes. Her eyes are beautiful.

Wow… She's a beauty.

"Welcome. What kind of clothes are you looking for?"

"We want something that looks good on him."

The girl looks at me.

"A handsome guy… Hmm… I have something perfect for you."

The girl grabs black pants, a white shirt, and a black vest.

"This would look perfect on you."

I take the clothes. Wow, they feel comfortable.

"Try them on."

I go into the fitting room and put on the clothes… Basic design, but I like it… Though the shirt is too tight, but I guess that's how it's worn.

"It feels comfortable."

I step out of the fitting room.

"Do I look good?"

"Yes, you look better dressed like that."

"I agree with the lady."

"Then I'll take it… I'll take three sets of the same, please."

•

•

After buying the clothes, we left the shop.

"Now I'm comfortable."

"Let's leave your clothes at my house and go to the guild."

"Sure."

Ugh… I'm going to love this world.

Cris, Valeria, I'll miss you.

Sonia… I hope I get over you soon.