Level 2 – The Hero's Beginning as an E-Rank Adventurer

Three weeks had passed since the hero Yamato awoke in this world as the E-rank adventurer Yukimiya Yuuya.

A nurse was running through the hospital corridors when a coworker spotted her and called out:

"What's wrong? Can't find a patient?"

"That's right. There should be a patient resting in Room 216, but there's no one there," the nurse replied, visibly flustered. She was new and didn't know how to handle the situation.

Her senior paused for a moment, recalling who had been in that room, then suddenly laughed.

"Eh, Senpai? Why are you laughing?" the rookie asked, confused.

"Come with me," the other said, leading the way.

The two made their way to the hospital's rear courtyard, where a crowd had gathered.

"What's everyone doing here? Is there someone famous in the hospital?" the new nurse wondered, but her surprise only grew when she saw doctors, patients, and other women all staring intently at the same spot.

They climbed to a higher vantage point, and the rookie's jaw dropped at the sight:

A man was doing one-handed push-ups, his back stacked with empty crates. His body glistened with sweat as he trained relentlessly. Around him, women discreetly snapped photos with their phones.

"9,997…"

"9,998…"

"9,999…"

"10,000!" he announced, finally stopping. "Done for today."

With a single motion, he tossed the crates into the air and caught them all, stacking them neatly in one go.

Whistle.

"That wraps up today's routine. Now, time to eat." Only then did he notice the crowd. "Huh? Where did all these people come from?"

A woman clapped her hands and announced:

"Alright, show's over! Everyone, out!"

The spectators dispersed as the man pulled on his shirt. The two nurses approached—one openly admiring him, the other trying (and failing) to avoid staring at his sweat-drenched, muscular frame.

His shoulders were broader now, his once-brown hair now jet-black, and his irises had deepened into a striking blue.

"Great work on your routine today," the senior nurse remarked.

"Thanks. I doubled yesterday's count. I can feel my health improving," Yuuya replied.

"I see."

She gestured to her flustered junior.

"This is the patient from Room 216. Yukimiya Yuuya-san."

Yuuya gave a casual wave. When he first arrived in this world, he'd been scrawny, overweight, and painfully awkward—women avoided him without hesitation. But over the weeks, his body had undergone a staggering transformation. Now, if anyone checked his ID, they'd never believe it was the same person.

The rookie nurse blurted out nervously:

"He's been discharged!"

"Yes," the senior confirmed. "The final checkup showed no issues. The doctor said there's no reason to keep him. We've already contacted his registered emergency contact."

"Got it. I'll grab my things after a shower," Yuuya said, turning to leave.

But the rookie stopped him.

"U-um, excuse me!"

"Yeah?" he asked, glancing back.

Trembling, she held out her phone.

"C-could I have your number, please?"

Assuming it was for medical records, Yuuya obliged without a second thought.

And from that day on, the hospital nurses worked in sour moods. The reason was simple: they knew they'd never see a man like him again.

◇

After leaving the hospital, I headed to take the train home.

It was incredible - even though it was my first time doing this, I was aware of every step I needed to take. My body remembered perfectly, and I just had to go with the flow.

But that wasn't all. This device called a smartphone was truly marvelous. I could do so many things with it that I couldn't even begin to list them all.

Inside the train car, all the passengers were absorbed in their phones. A guy sitting next to me was watching a live stream without headphones, and I could hear everything clearly:

"Today we have a very special guest with us! None other than ERIKA-san!"

"Hello everyone! I love you all," responded a sweet, euphoric voice. "Don't forget to buy my new album."

I was surprised to see the guy next to me biting his fist to keep from screaming in excitement. I chose to ignore him and focused on my own thoughts.

But... what exactly should I be thinking about?

I'd been discharged. I was going home. But I had no family waiting for me. My "registered contact" wasn't a relative, but someone else.

In theory, I had a lot to consider about this new life... but at the same time, Yuuya's memories made everything feel familiar. I didn't feel like there was anything I needed to think deeply about.

It was confusing. Confusing to be me.

◇

I Finally Arrived Home.

It was an ordinary two-story house, identical to all the others in the neighborhood. Though I'd seen it countless times before, it felt strange to me now—a mix of discomfort and nostalgia.

Getting used to this will be hard... especially what's coming next.

I opened the gate and approached the front door, but it swung outward before I could knock.

"Yes? Who is it?" came a voice.

Standing there was a stunning woman in her thirties. Her jet-black hair was tied up in a high bun, her blue eyes radiating purity—a stark contrast to her voluptuous, almost unreal curves. With her fair skin and red lips, she looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.

"Hmm... it's been a while, Hinami-san. It's me, Yuuya."

This was Amagi Hinami.

For a moment, her eyes went blank. Then her expression twisted into pure disbelief.

"Huh? W-wait... seriously? Yuuya-kun?"

"Yeah. It's me. I lost a lot of weight, I know."

When I first woke up in the hospital, this woman had rushed to see me. The doctor warned her I might have amnesia, so she filled me in:

She and her daughter had lived next door for years. Apparently, I and her daughter had been childhood friends, but we drifted apart as we grew up. After my parents died, Hinami took care of me, helping with expenses and meals.

I owe her a lot.

Since she knew I was being discharged today, she'd probably been cooking. She even had a spare key to my house—that's how much the old Yuuya had trusted her.

"C-come in... this is your home," she stammered, still dazed.

"Thanks. Don't look so shocked. I might look different, but I'm still the same."

(Though my hair's now black, my voice sounds deeper, and I've grown 15 cm taller...)

As I stepped inside, foreign memories flooded my mind. This place gave me an inexplicable sense of peace.

"Oh, you're finally back. And here I was, enjoying the peace without you," said a cold voice from the couch.

"Such cruel words, Yukine-chan."

Sprawled across the furniture like she owned the place was Amagi Yukine, Hinami's daughter. A beauty just like her mother, but with a short bob cut.

"So what'd the hospital say? That you needed to lose weight? Or maybe—"

She was mid-insult when she froze. Her fashion magazine slipped from her hands. She stood up, her face even more shocked than her mother's. Both stared at me like I was a ghost.

"Who the hell are you?!"

"Where's the pig?!"

"Mom, where'd you dig up this guy?! Is he your secret lover or something?!"

"Such cruel words, Yukine-chan. I'm Yuuya."

"That's why I can't believe it! That fat slob looked nothing like you!"

"Yukine!" Hinami scolded, horrified. "You're being rude! Especially when he's letting us stay here temporarily!"

(True. Before the accident, Hinami told me about her debts to the bank. They'd issued an eviction notice until she could repay them. The old Yuuya let them move in... and that's how Yukine's hatred began.)

"I-it's fine, Hinami-san. Yukine-chan doesn't mean anything by it... that's just how she greets people."

"But she's way too harsh on you!"

"That's just her personality. Right, Yukine?"

Still confused, the girl nodded.

We all knew that was a lie.

"Well, sit down. Dinner's ready," Hinami announced.

"I'll go put my things away first."

As I headed upstairs, Yukine leaned in and hissed:

"Doesn't matter if you changed your body. You're still the same disgusting pig."

Before joining us at the table, she shot me a murderous glare.

Can I blame her?

Of course not.

After all, the old Yuuya used to spy on her while she bathed... and stole her underwear. Yukine had found them stashed in his drawer.

What girl wouldn't hate someone like that?

◇

After dinner, we lounged in the living room watching TV. The girls retired to my parents' old bedroom - untouched since I'd callously tossed out all their belongings, claiming they "cluttered up the place."

Typical Yuuya behavior.

Flipping through channels, I couldn't stop yawning:

"God, this is boring. Is there anything decent... Wait, what's this?"

My profile stared back from the screen, revealing a treasure trove of shows tagged "Anime."

"Wonder if any of these are good?"

I randomly picked "Magical Girl Squad" - apparently about teenage girls battling monsters.

(Seems pretty basic...)

(What... what am I watching exactly?)

(Did that girl just shout a transformation phrase and get a glitter makeover?)

(Why is this creepy mascot character recruiting middle schoolers as soldiers?)

(...Not that I mind the wardrobe choices, just curious.)

I hadn't noticed the time slipping past midnight until the credits rolled. Overcome with emotion, I leaped up:

"HOLY SHIT THIS IS INCREDIBLE!" Tears streamed down my face. "HOW IS SOMETHING THIS SIMPLE SO GODDAMN PERFECT?!"

Pacing excitedly, I ranted:

"The storytelling! The character arcs! Even the villain's tragic backstory with his dead cat! It's all designed to emotionally destroy you! That scene where they hug in the rain, with all the raw feeling and-"

I collapsed to my knees before the television like a devout pilgrim:

"Anime isn't just TV... it's TRANSCENDENT ART! MAGICAL GIRLS FOREVER!"

Then I discovered Yuuya's massive collection:

"Death Road... Mobile Sweet Gumball... And this? Swan Piece... OVER 5,000 EPISODES?!"

The reviews were glowing: "Genre-defining," "Will change your life," "Peak shonen adventure."

"Well... just one episode to check it out," I lied to myself, clicking on the pirate epic.

(...Did that guy just stretch like rubber?)

(Why's this kid's straw hat surviving space travel?)

(...Oh no. This might be even better.)

When I finally looked up, sunlight was peeking through the curtains.

◇

Thump-thump-thump! Hinami-san came storming down the stairs like a hurricane.

"Yuuya-kun! What are you doing?!"

I turned toward her with bloodshot eyes and a manic grin, still riding that anime high.

"Never better! Just pulling an all-nighter with Swan Piece—" I waved the remote at episode 100, "—we're at the Sarlon Pirates arc where Lutty's crew saves Mami!"

Her face went sheet-white as she surveyed the warzone:

Three empty chip bags casualties Energy drink cans stacked like a frat house My favorite pillow... with bite marks? (When did that happen?)

"GO. TO. BED. NOW!" she roared, snatching the remote with one hand while pointing upstairs with the other like an angry schoolteacher.

◇

I woke up well past noon, feeling surprisingly refreshed. With nothing better to do - and some nagging feeling I should be earning money (though I couldn't remember why) - I grabbed my phone and opened the Adventurer's Guild app.

Back in my old world, quests were posted on physical bulletin boards. You'd fight tooth and nail for the decent-paying, easy jobs. But here? Everything ran through this sleek, modern app.

There was just one catch: The dungeon market was rigged.

The government and big guilds monopolized all the profitable dungeons, leaving only scraps for independents like me... after paying an entry fee, of course. Why? Because screw us, that's why.

As an E-ranker, I couldn't even dream of the good dungeons - too expensive, too deadly. So I scrolled through the bargain bin.

E-Rank Dungeon: Goblin Ear Harvesting (Medical Use)

Reward: 500 yen per pair

The worst-paying job on the board. But beggars can't be choosers.

I checked my inventory. No weapons. The guild shop sold basic gear at inflated prices.

"No weapons..." I muttered. "Guess I'm blowing my inheritance on this."

Did some quick math:

"Just need to kill about 1,000 goblins to break even."

I grinned, cracking my knuckles.

"How hard could it be?"

◇◇◇

The Adventurers Guild office hummed with paperwork as Masachika and Getou went through their daily grind.

"Chief Supervisor Morimoto," Getou yawned, stretching his arms behind his head, "I'm bored out of my skull. Let's grab drinks."

Morimoto didn't even look up from his documents. "Stop making excuses to slack off."

"But chief—" Getou gestured to the mountain of files "—look at this. Scouting E and D-rank nobodies for 'potential'? Is this really necessary?"

"It's literally our job," Morimoto adjusted his glasses, "The job that pays for that disgusting instant ramen you live on. And that ratty sweatshirt you've worn every day this month."

Getou instinctively touched his beloved (and indeed, threadbare) hoodie. "Low blow, boss."

"Quit whining and read the files. If we find a promising rookie, we need to grab them before the big guilds do."

(Though honestly...) Morimoto grimaced at the thought (...we haven't produced a single A-rank adventurer in years.)

With a dramatic sigh, Getou flipped open a random dossier.

"Wonder if there's any hidden gems in this trash heap... Someone who might actually surprise us."

◇

I arrived at a fenced-off vacant lot plastered with "Adventurer's Guild Property - No Trespassing" signs. The place was deserted except for a supervisor sipping coffee while reading a newspaper.

"If you're going in, then go," he said without looking up. "I get paid by the hour, but lone rookies like you don't usually last long."

(Where the hell's the dungeon?)

(There's nothing here!)

A blue flash illuminated the ground as a portal materialized before me.

"Ah... a Portal Dungeon," I muttered.

These were common in my old world - temporary gateways without final bosses that closed automatically after a few hours. Without hesitation, I stepped through.

The portal transported me to a torch-lit cavern. The air reeked of damp earth, thick with the scent of moss and insects.

"Goblins... this should be easy," I said, drawing my dagger.

But after two hours of searching - nothing.

"Where are these damn...?"

Rounding a corner, I finally spotted one - a scrawny goblin scratching its ass. I prepared to strike...

Then everything went wrong.

The goblin vanished. A sudden blow smashed into the back of my skull. From cracks in the walls, a dozen goblins emerged wielding clubs, spears, and rusted katanas.

The pain triggered memories of my childhood:

My village in flames. Orcs devouring my family. My mother's split skull protecting me as I hid beneath her corpse for days. The stench of death. Piss running down my legs. The monster that waited... laughing... until I moved...

That ancient hatred boiled in my veins.

[GREAT BERSERKER]

A status notification flashed:

"Ability Unlocked: Release 1% of True Power (Max Level)."

Not much... but enough.

I snatched a wind spear from a goblin and shattered it against his skull. The weapon broke, but not before its magic gust cleaved through three others. I used a skull-embedded shield as a battering ram. Gouged out eyeballs with my fingers. Bathed in their greenish blood.

The last one wielded a black katana that fired dark energy spells. I dodged, using stolen daggers to deflect... until my weapons' fireball collided with his magic.

*BOOM*

The explosion sent us both flying. I stood up. He didn't.

"You got what you deserved," I spat, crushing his head under my boot. "Try being human in your next life."

I started collecting ears (500 yen per pair, per contract). But checking my status window froze me in horror:

Level: 1 (0% Progress)

I'd slaughtered thirty goblins... and hadn't gained a single level.

_______________

We start with the fanservice done with the AI.

That's right, Yukine's model is Rin/Belle from ZZZ so you can imagine what's coming.

The containing folder will contain all the fanservice to come: https://mega.nz/folder/HsREyZ5L#tKvkNE0Zmmb8VlBc1cK3bg