Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess

Chapter 1: Stranded Class 1-A

“Is everyone okay? Wear your coats and maintain your temperature.”

“Uuh…it is cold.”

“I can’t take it anymore…”

“Sensei, can we really make it back?”

“Damn it, why is help not coming?!”

Our homeroom teacher, Satou-sensei, was going around talking to the students.

Everyone’s voices are fragile and dark.

How did it turn out this way?

We 1st years of the East Shinagawa senior high school were on our way back from our ski camp, but were met with heavy snow.

We were also unluckily hit by an earthquake.

The avalanche created from the earthquake dropped the bus from the cliff.

The bus was buried in the snow and it was impossible to operate it anymore.

The heating stopped, and from the openings of the broken windows, cold wind was coming in unceasingly.

More than 2 hours had already passed imprisoned inside this cell of snow.

Our teacher immediately tried to call for help with his cellphone, but there were accidents happening all over the place, and the rescue team is having a rough time.

It seems like they cannot fly a helicopter here because of the blizzard.

(Yeah, this is checkmate.)

My classmates were also spreading an aura of ‘isn’t this already hopeless?’.

No one was saying it out loud though.

Within all this…

“Takki-dono, gaming even at this kind of time?”

“I want to play games in the last moments of my life.”

“You really don’t break character.”

“You think?”

Without moving my gaze from the game screen, I responded to my close friend, Fuji-yan, who is at the neighboring seat.

Cold.

The cold is making it hard to move my fingers.

“Takatsuki-kun, don’t say something so grim.”

The girl that sits at the opposite side of ours reprimands me.

This voice, Sasaki-san, huh.

I glanced for a bit, and she was trembling from the cold as well.

“It was a joke. It is just boring to do nothing.”

“It is true that just staying in place doing nothing is rough.”

Looking at my side, I see that Fuji-yan is playing a dating sim on his cellphone.

“You are also playing games, Fuji-yan.”

“I am simply replaying a scene that I liked. Fufu, Kanon-chan really is the cutest.”

On the screen, there’s a cat-eared girl with sparkly eyes smiling.

“Uwaa…”

Sasaki-san is letting out a ‘woow’ kind of voice.

“I understand Takki-dono, but why are you getting creeped by me too!!”

“It can’t be helped, Fuji-yan. It is a world that girls won’t understand.”

“You guys, we are stranded here. Have more sense of danger.”

“Don’t you actually want to play too, Sa-san?”

I know Sasaki-san is actually a hidden gamer.

That’s how we began to talk to each other.

If not, an unsocial person like me wouldn’t be talking to a girl.

“W-What are you saying?!”

“No need to hide it at this point.”

“Kanon-chan, haah haah.”

Fuji-yan though, you should at least show some restraint.

“You really do love cat ears as always.”

“That’s not it! It is not only cat ears, but animal ears in general! They are all precious!!”

“How philosophical.”

“Are you speaking nonsense already?”

Ah, Sasaki-san got angry.

Yeah, we are indeed talking nonsense.

I went back to concentrating on my game, and while I was playing and speaking, the battery had gone all the way down to ¼.

Judging from the progress of the game, I would say it will last real close to clearing.

I am currently playing an action rpg that I have been into lately.

The main character that had his homeland destroyed by a demon fights in order to exact his revenge; a dark fantasy game.

The class of the main character is hero.

When you defeat your nemesis, the doors to the world of darkness open, and the demon lord that is the string puller makes its appearance.

After defeating the giant demonic dragon, the witch that rules over death, and the fallen hero, the last dungeon appears.

The one at the lowest floor is the last boss, the demon lord.

A cutscene I have seen several hundreds of times.

I confirm my playtime.

Yeah, it is plenty enough.

The demon lord that has a lot of defense cannot be damaged with normal attacks. Because of that, there’s the need to deal counters at specific attacks.

I have repeatedly practiced the counter timings, and I can now pull them off even with my eyes closed now.

I efficiently shave off the hp gauge of the demon lord, and deal the last hit.

“Clear…”

Best record.

I would have liked to upload this to the internet.

On the screen, there’s the main character that has finished his revenge, walking towards the throne of the demon lord, and disappearing deep inside.

This time around I aimed to clear it at the shortest time possible, so it is the Normal End.

The world is at peace, but there’s no one who knows the main character that defeated the demon lord.

Saving the world, but no one celebrates him.

By the way, my favorite ending is the one where the main character becomes the demon lord.

I would have wanted to see that once more.

I looked around, and my once noisy classmates had gotten silent.

What happened?

While I was thinking that, sudden sleepiness struck me.

I speak to Fuji-yan at my side.

“Fuji-yan?”

There’s no response. It is just a corpse.

Seriously…?

Sasaki-san on the other side has her head down and I can’t see her face.

She is completely limp.

“Sa-san? Sasaki-san?”

No response either.

The game screen ran out of battery in the middle of the ending.

(…So sleepy.)

My lifespan is on the verge of running out too.

…Haah, it was a short life.

If I get reborn, please make me into a hero.

While thinking about such nonsense, I close my eyes and my consciousness grows further away.

◇◇

I woke up.

“Where’s this?”

I look around, but this isn’t the inside of the bus.

“Isn’t a hospital either…”

It isn’t concrete, but a stone ceiling and walls. Is it marble?

I was sleeping on a hard and simple bed, with a thin blanket on top of me.

The window seems to be open, I can feel the wind entering.

It is a bit cold.

I don’t know if this is the cold of the afterlife, but I am probably still alive.

There’s a big window a bit further away.

It is bright outside.

(It is already noon, huh.)

It was night on our way back from the camp, so that means I have been sleeping for more than half a day.

“At any rate, how can they leave alone an injured person that they rescued from a snowy mountain?”

I complain alone.

I should check the outside.

I swayed my way to the window.

My head was still hazy.

Someone must have rescued me, is what I thought.

I was feeling grim thinking that they left me sleeping in a weird place.

I stand at the window and look outside.

“Eh?”

The sight spreading before me is…not Tokyo, but a deep forest.

A vast blue lake.

At the back of it, a mountain range like that of the Alps.

On top of the lake, there’s a bird of 7 color wings flying leisurely.

At the lakeshore there’s a dinosaur-looking creature drinking water.

There’s several carriages parked in front of this building.

The ones operating the carriages have lizard heads or even dog-like faces.

“…Beastkin?”

Wa…What is that?

What’s pulling the carriages are birds bigger than ostriches.

There’s also giant lizard-looking things.

“A hollywood movie?”

My voice was trembling.

“Shoot!!”

“““[Fire Arrow]!!”””

When I look below the window, there’s children forming a row in what seems to be a track field.

They are wearing robes, and all of them shot arrows of fire at the same time.

The fire arrows hit the targets and exploded.

The cinders of the explosion and the smoke reached my nose.

The smell of burned wood returns me to my senses.

This is not a dream?

“Aah…”

Is this that?

What I have seen in movies and anime?

…An Isekai.

Chapter 2: Takatsuki Makoto is way too weak

For now, let’s search for someone I know.

I head to the door with unsteady steps.

I can hear people conversing from afar.

Uum…from down the stairs, I think?

I slowly go down the stone stairs, and open the badly made door.

The room beyond the door was very spacious, and I could see the familiar faces of my classmates here and there.

What a relief.

I wasn’t alone.

“Ooh, Takatsuki. You are finally awake.”

“H-Hey there.”

While I was wondering who I should speak to, someone spoke to me.

My classmate Kitayama, huh.

A yankee that’s overly-familiar with everyone.

“Takki-dono, is your body okay?” (Fujiwara)

“I am so glad. You were okay, Fuji-yan.”

“You made me worry. You slept half a day longer than everyone else after all.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh? Only I slept that long?”

“Yeah, they were even saying that you might not open your eyes ever again. Hahaha!” (Kitayama)

Kitayama laughed heartily.

“Hahaha…”

I-I don’t find that funny.

“Uhm, what is everyone doing here?”

“Ooh! Listen and be amazed, Takatsuki. This is a parallel world! Ain’t that amazing?” (Kitayama)

Aah, it really is an Isekai, huh.

After looking at that scenery, I could tell it wasn’t Japan.

A parallel world…

I could feel my back getting cold sweat.

Without even noticing this, the high spirited Kitayama slaps my shoulder repeatedly.

Why do yankees have so much body language? It hurts.

“This is called the Water Temple. After losing consciousness, we were supposedly given shelter here.” (Fujiwara)

It certainly does look like a temple.

“By the way, let’s hear about your stats and skills, Takatsuki.” (Kitayama)

Kitayama puts his arm around my shoulders.

“Stats? Skills?”

“We apparently gained mysterious powers after arriving to this world. I got skills called: [Storage Magic: Superior Grade], and [Appraisal: Superior Grade].” (Fujiwara)

“I got: [Dragon Knight: High Grade], [Spear User: High Grade], and [Heavenly Speed]!” (Kitayama)

“I-I see.”

Even if you tell me all of a sudden, I won’t understand.

But they kinda sound incredible.

“They can tell you your own skills and stats in the room there.” (Fujiwara)

“Thanks, I will take a look. By the way, was I the last one to wake up?”

I ask this and the face of Fuji-yan darkens slightly.

“It is not as if everyone from the class was saved. The remaining ones…” (Fujiwara)

“The remaining ones…?”

His voice is gloomy.

“It seems like a number of our classmates are missing.” (Fujiwara)

“What?”

Once I check again, I see there’s around ⅔ of the class here.

I practically didn’t have friends in the class, but they are still the classmates that I passed a year together with.

If possible, I wanted everyone to be ok.

Now that I think about it…

“Fuji-yan, what about Sasaki-san?”

“Sasaki-dono isn’t here…” (Fujiwara)

“Eh…?”

She was at a seat close to us, and was having a conversation with us at the last moments, so I thought for sure that she would be okay.

But I certainly don’t see her around.

“I…see…”

What was our last conversation?

Cat ears?

That was our last conversation, huh.

We should have talked about something better.

Sorry, Sa-san…

“Don’t get so down, Takatsuki. We were lucky. A number of my friends are not here either…” (Kitayama)

Placing a hand on my shoulder, Kitayama consoles me.

He is making a sad face just like Fuji-yan.

Kitayama has a lot of friends after all.

His cheery mood was probably him acting tough.

“Just that, even if we were saved, it doesn’t mean that we can be relieved.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh, why?”

Weren’t we sheltered?

“It seems they shelter people like us who don’t have anywhere to go, but we apparently need to grow enough to go independent. This is a world where monsters run rampant. You gotta have a grasp of your own abilities first.” (Fujiwara)

Hm, I see.

But it makes sense that they wouldn’t take care of us forever.

There’s the issue of resources after all.

I was relieved that I was saved from being stranded, but it will be tough from now on.

I still don’t know if we can even return to our world.

But the part about monsters bothers me. And also the part about stats and skills.

I need to be taught a lot of things.

What’s most important is…

“Can we communicate?”

“That’s what’s impressive about this temple! There’s an automatic translation spell cast in this temple.” (Fujiwara)

“Hoh, that’s convenient.”

“That’s apparently the reason why otherworldlers are brought here.” (Kitayama)

It is true that you literally can’t have a conversation without understanding each other’s language.

But automatic translation spell, huh. This parallel world is really ahead!

“We will have to learn the language of this world before leaving this temple though.” (Fujiwara)

“I see.”

It just ain’t gonna be that convenient.

While we were talking, we arrived in front of the priest’s room.

“You have to listen to the explanation about skills on your own, that’s what we were told.” (Fujiwara)

“Takatsuki, tell me what skills you got later.” (Kitayama)

Kitayama smiles and slaps my shoulder.

“Then, I will be going.”

I knocked on the door and entered the room.

◇◇

“Excuse the intrusion.”

When I entered the room, a priest with good physique was sitting in front of a big desk. At his side, there’s a beautiful woman that seems to be a priestess.

The smiling priest and the cool beauty sister.

“Hello there, otherworldler. How are you feeling?”

“Nice to meet you, my name is Takatsuki. I think I am feeling fine.”

“Is that so. Please tell us as soon as possible if you aren’t. By the way, have you heard about this place from your friends?”

“A bit.”

“I see, I see. Then, I will explain. It may surprise you since it is so sudden, but this is a different world from the one you were in. You must be feeling anxious that you are unable to see your family. However, please don’t worry. We will provide you free support for as long as 1 year until you can go independent.”

I heard that from Fuji-yan.

“Uhm, we can’t return to our world?”

The expression of the priest darkens.

Hm? Did I say something weird there?

“So you didn’t hear about that. Takatsuki-san, you were on the verge of death before coming to this world, right?”

“Y-Yeah, that’s right. We were stranded on a snowy mountain.”

“Right, and that’s the same for your friends. The condition to come to a parallel world is to die in your previous world.”

“Eh?”

What?! Then, I died?

Seeing that I was shocked, the priest smiled.

“But please don’t fret. The Gods of this world are incredibly merciful. Before dying young, you were all transported to this world by them!!”

The priest makes an exaggerated pose. It feels like he is used to this.

“I-I see.”

In other words, we didn’t actually die.

“By the way, returning to your original world would mean that you will die. That would be troubling, right?”

“Right”, is the only thing I could say to that.

“Now then, let’s move to a positive topic about how you will be living from now on. Have you heard about skills?”

“Uhm, a bit from my friend. But not in detail.”

“Okay. Then, I will be telling you. You should have gotten Inherent Skills. To be specific, something like [Mage] or [Swordsman] are the usual. You could even say that, depending on whether it is weak or strong, it will affect your life from here on!”

“Ooh…that does sound important.”

Fuji-yan and Kitayama did mention that skills are important.

“And now, the Stats. Every otherworldler usually has outstanding stats!”

“R-Really?”

“Yeah, more than 10 times that of us common people!”

First I heard about this.

“What are my Skills and Stats?”

“Fufufu, no need to hurry. We will be checking that now. You, bring that.”

“Yes, Head Priest-sama.”

The sister-san that was silent at the side gives the priest some sort of book.

“This is an item called Soul Book that can determine your Skills and Stats.”

“H-Hoh.”

I gulp.

An impressive item appeared.

“No need to be so nervous. Please offer a prayer to this Goddess statue here.”

“Okay.”

Like this?

I stand in front of the Goddess statue and take a praying stance.

“I look forward to it. All the otherworldlers were blessed with splendid statuses.”

Is what I heard from the side.

Seriously? Is it so convenient?

The expectations of the priest seem to be sky high.

After a while, a faint light covered my body, and then, the book of the priest shines.

“Your Skills and Stats have been determined.”

The priest announced majestically.

My heart is beating fast.

“Your Inherent Skills are: [Clear Mind], [Water Mage: Elementary Grade]…and the last one is [RPG Player].”

Ooh, mage! But elementary, huh.

Also, there’s one weird named skill.

“Are they strong skills?”

“Hmm, the last skill is one I have seen for the first time, but the two before are normal.”

Normal, huh.

“And my Stats…”

The priest makes a dubious expression.

“Isn’t this some sort of mistake?”

“It can’t be. What’s the matter?”

“See, here. These numbers…”

“It is true that comparing them to the other otherworldlers, the numbers are low, but if compared to us…they are still low.”

Eh? What?

“Uhm, is there some sort of problem with my Stats…?”

“No no! It is okay, Takatsuki-san. It looks like your Stats might be a bit lacking, but there’s no need to worry.”

The priest was smiling as always.

But compared to before, he is using a business smile.

Meaning that it wasn’t what the priest hoped, huh.

Being so visible about it is shocking…

“Can I ask you to take over for the rest of the explanation?”

“Understood, Head Priest-sama.”

The sister lowers her head.

“Well then, Takatsuki-kun, do your best.”

The Head Priest left the room not long after.

It is now the sister-san and I alone in this room.

“Then, I will be explaining about the Soul Book. Please take a look.”

Looking at the book I received, there’s my own name and age, the skills I heard about before, as well as things like Strength, Endurance, Magic, and others.

I can’t tell anything just by looking at the numbers.

There was one part that bothered me an awful lot though.

Lifespan: 10 years.

Huh?! What’s this?!

“U-Uhm, what’s this about lifespan?”

Am I going to die in another 10 years?

No no no, that’s too much for a joke.

“I’ll explain. In our world, we can learn about our own lifespan with the Soul Book.”

“Why do I only have 10 years left?!”

I am still 15 years old.

Are you telling me I die when I am 25?!

“The 10 years is something that all otherworldlers share in common.”

“Is that so?”

That means Fuji-yan, Kitayama, and everyone else all have 10 years?

It is a really hard to describe feeling, but hearing that everyone is in the same situation made me calm down a bit.

That’s way too short though.

“This lifespan can be extended by offering Contributions to the Holy Gods.”

“…Lifespan is something that can be extended?”

Parallel worlds are impressive.

“Can you give me more details about these Contributions to the Holy Gods?”

I really want to learn about this method to extend your lifespan.

I seriously don’t wanna die in 10 years.

“There’s a variety of ways. The fastest one would be donating to the church.”

“M-Money, huh.”

“Yes, money.”

“You can buy lifespan with money?”

“Yes, you can.”

Money for lifespan.

Anything is valid in an Isekai, huh.

“Just that, extending your lifespan for several years would require an enormous sum of money. Takatsuki-san, you don’t have the currency of this world, so that method is not realistic.”

“Right… What other ways are there?”

“There’s defeating monsters that bring harm to people, or saving people from disasters.”

“I see.”

These ones are easy to understand.

Helping out people.

“Understood. Use your skills to help out others.”

“Yes, that’s right. Then, I will be explaining your skills. Takatsuki-san, you have 3 Inherent Skills. [Clear Mind], [Water Mage: Elementary Grade], and [RPG Player].”

“What kind of skills are they?”

“The explanations of the skills are written in your Soul Book.”

Fumu, let’s see.

[Clear Mind]: A skill for maintaining a calm state of mind. With this, even if you get attacked by a strong monster, you will be able to act without panicking!

[Water Mage: Elementary Grade]: A skill that allows you to use elementary grade water magic. The amount of mana you have is low, so it can’t be helped that it is elementary grade! Work hard in training, okay?

[RPG Player]: A skill that allows you to use the perspective of a person playing an RPG game. You can see 360 degrees! An Inherent Skill that only an otherworldler can have! Isn’t that great?!

Oi oi, what’s this…?

The one writing this was quite spirited.

At the very least, they wrote the cases they can be used and points of importance.

I should read this in detail later.

“For now, I have a basic understanding of the skills. And so, what should I be doing from now on?”

“You otherworldlers will be able to take classes and use the facilities of this Water Temple for 1 year. You can choose the profession that fits you the most.”

The sister explains expressionless.

“Uhm, by the way, what profession do you recommend to me?”

“…”

Why silence?

“There’s a variety of classes in this Water Temple. How about taking a variety of different classes at first before you decide on what profession to go for?”

No recommendations?!

Meaning that there’s no profession I am suited for at the current time.

No choice but to decide on my own.

Can’t be helped, let’s try out and see.

I don’t hate free scenario RPGs.

But, I apparently have way too low starting base stats…

“Understood. Then, can you please tell me how to join the classes? Also, about the lifestyle rules here.”

“The manual here has all of this information.”

She gives me a thick book.

The cover reads: Water Temple Manual (for Otherworldlers).

They are well prepared.

Apparently a variety of people come to this place, so maybe that’s why their manuals have been perfected?

“Well then, if you have something you don’t understand, please ask the closest sister or priest around you.”

The sister says this without even a smile.

The talk is over it seems.

This person was cool to the end.

◇◇

Fuji-yan and Kitayama were waiting outside.

“How was it, Takki-dono?” (Fujiwara)

“Hmm, can’t really say.”

“Takatsuki, show it for a bit.” (Kitayama)

“Ah, wa?!”

Kitayama takes away my Soul Book.

“Oi oi, aren’t your stats way too low? Hmph, it certainly doesn’t look like you have strong-sounding skills.” (Kitayama)

Kitayama seems to have lost interest.

You bastard! Forcefully taking a look on your own, and that’s what you say?!

I can’t say it out loud, but I complain in my mind.

Anyways, so my skills and stats really were low.

“You really are a game otaku, so you have weird skills. Well, do your best.” (Kitayama)

Is he trying to console me there? He slaps my shoulders.

“Oooi, did you guys know? The skills of Takatsuki…” (Kitayama)

And then, he begins to divulge my skills to our classmates.

Is there no privacy?

“Kitayama-san, you shouldn’t tell others the skills of someone else without their permission.”

The sister warns him.

“Fuji-yan, how about your skills?”

I ask Fuji-yan while looking at my own Soul Book.

“[Storage Magic: Superior Grade] is magic that allows me to freely put in or take out items. With Superior Grade, you can apparently store quite a lot. [Appraisal: Superior Grade] lets me analyze the properties of an item.” (Fujiwara)

“Hooh.”

Sounds handy.

From here, Fuji-yan’s tone lowers.

“Actually, I didn’t say it before, but I actually got this skill, too.” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan shows me his Soul Book.

“[Galge Player]?”

It is similar to my skill’s name.

“It is a skill that lets me see the conversation with a person in written format. Also, I can see the conversation log.” (Fujiwara)

“Galges certainly do have that feature.”

“I was told that this is also a unique skill of otherworldlers, but…having the name of this skill exposed to others would be embarrassing…” (Fujiwara)

Well, that’s true.

“My RPG Player is in a somewhat similar position. Do you get these kinds of skills when you like games?”

“I wonder. None of my skills are useful for battle, so I decided on aiming to be a merchant.” (Fujiwara)

“I see, the steady route.”

Appraisal certainly does suit a merchant.

“Might be. But you know, your skills might actually be unexpectedly strong once you use them, Takki-dono!” (Fujiwara)

“I wonder.”

From the reaction of the Head Priest and the Sister, it must have been a miss.

By the way, there’s a reason why the priest said that otherworldlers are strong.

In the past there have been otherworldlers who got lost and wandered into this world, and they all had strong stats and skills.

So there were past records of it.

“Excuse me. Why is it that only my stats are low even though I am also an otherworldler?”

A sister was passing close by, so I tried asking.

My classmates have more than 10 times the stats of a person of this world.

For the Light Hero, Sakurai-kun, it is 100 times more.

I am around ⅓ that of a regular person.

W-Way too weak…

“Let’s see… You must have been incredibly weakened by the time you came to this world. Since you were the most weakened among your friends, it must have impacted your Stats negatively.”

“Was I really that weakened?”

“You actually had your heart stop for a moment. A priest’s spell somehow managed to revive you.”

“…I am sorry for the trouble at that time.”

I was in a worse state than I thought.

It must be because I played games all the time and didn’t train my body.

The sister recommended me to train my skills in the Water Temple for a while.

My classmates had skills that were stronger than that of the teachers of the temple, so they were set at special classes.

My stats and skills were not strong, so I was in the regular class.

Haah.

It really throws me off.

The difficulty balance is way too bad.

Isekais are trash games…

Chapter 3: Takatsuki Makoto is left behind

“Hey there, Takatsuki-kun, you are up.”

While I was spaced out thinking, someone spoke to me.

A refreshing handsome man, who had two beauties at his sides, was right in front of me..

Well, they are my classmates.

Sakurai Ryosuke.

A central figure of the class and was the ace of the soccer club.

A honest to word normie.

“Sakurai-kun, huh. Yeah, thankfully.”

“That’s a relief. I heard that you didn’t seem to be waking up, so I was worried.” (Sakurai)

“Aah, thanks for the worry.”

I honestly am not good at dealing with him.

He is the complete opposite of someone like me.

“Have you heard about your Stats and Skills?” (Sakurai)

“Well, yeah.”

I easily told him about my own skills.

He also told me his.

Sakurai-kun has the Light Hero skill.

The two girls behind him have Sage and Holy Knight.

They all hit jackpots.

“By the way, want to join our party?” (Sakurai)

“Huh?”

What’s this all of a sudden?

“Eeh, Takatsuki-kun?”, the one who said this was Kawamoto Eris-san.

“Takatsuki-kun has a different party, right?”, the other girl, Yokoyama Saki-san.

Both of them are beauties.

“Actually, I am going to be leaving tomorrow. A variety of people have been inviting me.” (Sakurai)

“Tomorrow? Isn’t that too soon?”

Weren’t we all supposed to be learning here?

“Ryosuke is the Light Hero, so he doesn’t need to train.”

“He has been recommended as a candidate for the knight captain of the Sun Country.”

Kawamoto-san and Yokoyama-san were saying this with ecstatic expressions.

“How about you come together with us, Takatsuki-kun?” (Sakurai)

An invitation to his party, huh…

“There’s unknown people all around, so I think it would be better if we help each other out.” (Sakurai)

Sakurai says this with an innocent expression.

“Hmm.”

I ponder.

It doesn’t sound bad.

No, wait. Even if I were to go with them, the current me would only manage to be a luggage carrier.

At worst, a gofer.

Sakurai-kun seems to be a good guy, so he wouldn’t do that, but the beauties at both of his sides were looking at me and telling me with their eyes: ((Refuse already)).

“Thanks for the invitation, but I will be learning here for a while.”

“I see, that’s a shame. It can’t be helped.” (Sakurai)

He said this in disappointment.

“If Takatsuki-kun says so, it can’t be helped. Ah, right, how about having you teach him swordsmanship, Saki-chan? Stay here for a while.”

Kawamoto-san says something weird.

“Then, wouldn’t it be better for you to teach him magic, Eri-chan?”

Yokoyama-san immediately shoots back.

“What, don’t go saying stupid things.”

“Right back at you.”

““Fufufufu.””

Kawamoto-san and Yokoyama-san at a glance may look like they get along, but it seems like they have a pretty thorny relationship.

The man, who is the most likely reason for this, doesn’t seem to notice the strange atmosphere though.

“Then, if you ever change your mind, feel free to tell me, okay?” (Sakurai)

He leaves as eloquently as he came.

Kawamoto-san and Yokoyama-san didn’t say anything.

Ah, the two girls glared at me for a moment.

I think I heard them click their tongues.

Cat fights are scary.

Sakurai-kun, you might get stabbed in the back someday.

I’m a bit worried.

◇◇

“Hey there, Takatsuki.”

After a while, another group speaks to me.

“I heard you have the weakest element, Water Magic?”

“Moreover, elementary grade? Fufu!”

“No, even worse are his stats. He seriously is a commoner.”

A flashy guy that is friends with Kitayama, Okada; and a gyaru named Kawakita-san.

There’s also Kitayama.

These 3 are usually together at school too.

When all three gather, they look like a group of yankees.

In other words, people I am not good at dealing with.

“Hey hey, what profession will you be taking?”

Okada says with a grin.

“I still haven’t decided. What about you, Okada-kun?”

“Me? I will be a warrior! I am gonna butcher monsters with my [Great Sword: Superior Grade]!”

“I have the [Grand Mage] skill. I can use Fire, Water, Wood, and Earth at High Grade! Isn’t that impressive?”

I didn’t ask you, Kawakita-san, is what I was thinking, but I at least give her a: “Wow, that’s impressive”.

So they are just here to brag.

“That’s nice, you all have skills you can use immediately. I am a Dragon Knight, so I apparently have to begin by catching a flying dragon. What a pain.”

Kitayama says this, but he seems to be having fun.

“You also have [Spear User: High Grade] and [Heavenly Speed]! You have it nice!”

“Hey, if you catch a dragon, let me ride it, okay?”

“Yeah, leave it to me.”

“Oi oi, don’t go seducing my woman.”

“I am not!”

Okada and Kawakita-san were going out, huh.

I didn’t know.

In the end, they asked me practically nothing, and it ended with them just bragging.

◇◇

1 month since coming to this world.

⅓ of my classmates have been scouted by higher-ups of some country.

The ones who disappeared immediately were people who had super powerful skills like the Light Hero.

It seems like when it comes to scouting, the fast one wins. A variety of people were coming and going.

Listening to the talks of those people, we began seeing the state of the continent.

The continent we are in is called the West Continent, and there’s 6 countries in it.

Summarizing it…

The Sun Country, Highland: the leading power of the continent. Has the most national power, with their population, military force, and financial affairs at the top ranks.

The Fire Country, Great Keith: Half of their country is deserts. Their martial arts is popular, and there’s a lot of beastkin and mercenaries.

The Water Country, Rozes: The country we are currently in. Their touristic industry is flourishing. Also, the power of the church is high.

The Wood Country, Spring Log: Most of the country is forests. The power of the elves is strong. There’s beastkin, too.

The Commercial Country, Camelot: Casinos and money lending is prosperous.

The Earth Country, Karilan: an underground country. The power of the dwarves is strong. Metal business is prosperous.

Something like that. The relationship between the 6 countries is decently good.

At the very least there’s no wars.

There was also a country called Lafilogue a long time ago that has fallen.

My classmates dispersed to different countries depending on the conditions of the scouts.

There were no scouts for me.

Haah.

I am currently taking a class for magic.

There’s not a single classmate from my previous world.

I am together with children in elementary school level.

“Takatsuki-san just came to this world. Everyone, get along with him, okay?”

““““Yees.””””

The children say this in chorus.

One high school student within the elementary school students.

Honestly speaking, it is embarrassing.

“Now then, today we will be learning about elements. This world has 7 elements, and all of them have their ups and downs.”

The old lady teacher writes down the explanation on the blackboard.

Sun: Controls things like light, lightning, and wind.

Moon: Controls things like darkness, and death.

Fire: Controls things like flames, and heat.

Water: Controls things like water, ice, mist.

Wood: Controls things like animals, and poison.

Gold: Controls things like luck, and destiny.

Earth: Controls things like earth, stone, and metals.

“The 7 elements have their respective Goddesses. Aside from the Moon, the 6 elements are widely worshipped around the continent. As you may already know, Moon rules over darkness and death. You must not worship it, okay?”

“““Okaaay.”””

“When using whichever magic, you will require mana. When using a strong spell, you will require a lot of mana, and because of that, you need to raise your level…”

The lesson continued.

First, I should work hard in learning.

◇◇

3 months since coming to this world.

“Takki-dono, take care.” (Fujiwara)

“Yeah, you as well, Fuji-yan.”

Fuji-yan has been scouted.

It wasn’t an adventurer party, but a merchant company.

It seems like he formed a connection with a merchant that came to the Water Temple.

Fuji-yan really has a good head on his shoulders.

“I plan on working at Makkaren which is the closest city to the Water Temple. If you ever go there, please give me a call.” (Fujiwara)

“Got it. If I go there, I will look for you.”

“Then, please do your best in your training.” (Fujiwara)

“Yeah, good luck to you too.”

Fuji-yan and I exchange a tight handshake and separated.

I didn’t have many friends to begin with, but with Fuji-yan gone, my chances to speak with my classmates were practically gone.

More than half of the beginning members have left.

I am a bit lonely now.

“Makoto-niichan, have you gotten better at water magic?”

Lately, a boy I began getting along with after talking about my previous world has been my only talking partner.

It seems he is the third son of a noble somewhere.

“[Water Ball].”

When I say this, a water ball the size of a softball was on top of my palm.

The process of magic is: Generate → Control.

And the process to activate Water Ball is: Water Generation → Water Control (Forming the shape of a ball).

The strength of the water generation depends on the mana of the user.

The control of the water depends on the proficiency of the magic.

My mana is elementary level, so it is astoundingly weak.

It takes my all to create a small water ball like this.

Fortunately, proficiency increases the more you use magic, so I am using magic everyday.

“Wow! You can do that much in just 3 months?! It took me 2 years. [Fireball]!”

A ball of fire the size of a basketball appears on the top of his palm.

Big.

It is around 5 times the size of mine.

I feel like crying.

The boy has [Fire Magic: Intermediate], [Swordsman: Intermediate]. He says all the time that he is going to become a magic swordsman.

I want to become a magic swordsman too…

Because I don’t have warrior skills, I cannot take jobs that are related to the warrior classes.

I have no choice but to work hard in being a mage.

“Makoto-niichan, let’s work hard!”

“Yeah”, I nod weakly.

◇◇

Half a year has passed since coming to this world.

Almost no scouts are coming to the temple now.

The remaining classmates counting me have to begin thinking about what they should do themselves.

Or so I say, but they are people that have skills like [Swordsman: High] and [Mage: High], so there’s not much to be depressed about.

Aside from me.

Currently, I have begun to train in skills other than mage, like traveller and thief.

I was able to learn this thanks to my skill [RPG Player].

The skills of the traveller are [Dismantle], [Cooking], [Emergency Treatment], and [Tinder]. There’s a lot of skills that serve for journeys.

The thief skills are [Detection], [Trap Disable], [Evasion], and [Escape]. Its trait is that most skills are useful for detecting danger beforehand, and running away from the enemy.

They are necessary for someone like me who plans on acting solo.

◇◇

9 months have passed since coming to this world.

The remaining classmates are 3 including me.

There are no chances for us to meet.

I have been pouring all my time into training and the library.

It is to learn the language of this world.

If I can read the letters, I can read books.

I have no knowledge about this world.

The history of this world, the races, monsters, geography, diseases, etc.

I have to leave this place in 3 months.

I want to increase my knowledge of this world as much as possible.

I have investigated a bit about the history of this world.

The name of the era in this world is the Salvation Era.

Currently, it is the year 1001 of the Salvation Era.

The year 0 of the Salvation Era was when the Savior Abel defeated the Great Demon Lord.

Savior Abel.

According to history, it was a hero that held the two skills Light Hero and Lightning Hero.

A walking cheat.

The Savior Abel is the founder king of the strongest kingdom of the continent, Highland.

Defeating the demon lord and creating a country.

The classic hero.

The comrades of the Savior Abel created their respective countries. Like the Fire Country and the Water Country.

I managed to learn about the history of that time in detail thanks to the books of the library.

But the history before the year 0 is fragmented.

When the Great Demon Lord was present it was apparently a dark period where the continent was in his control.

Thanks to the Savior, we are in this era now.

◇◇

1 year has passed since coming to this world.

There’s no classmates anymore.

I am now the last one of the 1-A class.

Chapter 4: Makoto leaves the temple

“Makoto-kun, be careful, okay?”

The only one seeing me off was the old lady that was our elementary class teacher.

“With your magic, you can only defeat one small monster.”

She tells me with a worried expression.

The result of my 1 year of training is that my class is still Mage Apprentice.

Not only did I not get my goal that was magic swordsman, I didn’t even get to become a decent mage.

“It is okay. If anything happens, I will run away with my thief skills.” (Makoto)

“That’s right, you must not fight.”

A mage apprentice travelling alone is rare.

Apparently because they are normally killed by monsters immediately.

They told me fervently that I should join a party somewhere, but I refused.

Conversation with strangers is tiring, and they will definitely make fun of me.

That’s why, I am okay alone.

“I could actually get you a job here in this temple though.”

I was also told this many times.

“If I do that, my 9 years of lifespan will come in the blink of an eye. I have to get Contributions for the Gods.” (Makoto)

“It is a rough world.”

“Well then, I will be going.” (Makoto)

She is a nice teacher.

I was a bad student, but she watched over me till the very end without abandoning me.

A while after leaving, I look back at the temple for a bit. The teacher is still watching.

I waved widely at her and, after that, I didn’t turn back again.

I will be alone from now on.

I will do my best.

◇◇

It was a peaceful journey for a while.

The chirping of birds every now and then that could be heard from the forest was relaxing.

The brook that flows at the side of the mainroad is coming out from the lake of the Spirit Forest that extends at the back of the Water Temple.

The water contains the protection of the Spirits.

Thanks to that, it has the effect of making it hard for monsters to come near the stream.

That’s why it is relatively safe to be close to the stream, and there’s roads and settlements made because of it.

This includes the city closest to the Water Temple, Makkaren.

That is my first destination.

My friend Fuji-yan should be there.

I wonder if he is doing well.

I walk leisurely while feeling nostalgic.

I have Detection and Stealth activated all the time even when walking.

It is in order to not meet monsters and not get noticed by them as much as possible.

I can detect around a radius of 100 meters.

By the way, the Sage, Kawamoto-san, can detect in a radius of 5 kilometers. 50 times more.

Ain’t fair, right?

At the very least, my Detection can find monsters hiding in the forest that runs along the mainroad.

I was enjoying the view in the beginning because this is my first journey, but with the neverending sight of the forest, the mainroad, and the brook, I am already bored of the sight.

“Might as well train.” (Makoto)

Let’s do the water proficiency training that I was doing everyday at the temple.

Clear my mind, and raise my mana.

“[Water Ball], [Water Ball], [Water Ball], [Water Ball], [Water Ball], [Water Ball], [Water Ball].” (Makoto)

I create 7 water balls from the stream.

Volleyball sized.

Normally, with my low mana, I wouldn’t be able to make 7 water balls.

But if it is controlling nearby water, there’s almost no need for mana.

There’s only the need for magic proficiency.

It is apparently because you can control it by using the mana in the environment.

The more you train with your magic, the better your proficiency gets.

By the way, it seems the strength of the skills also changes with the proficiency.

By increasing the proficiency, you get better at the generation speed and the control of the magic.

There’s no losses in raising the proficiency as much as possible.

I have trained in this 1 year wholeheartedly without slacking.

The teacher gave me her seal of approval by saying that if it is only in water proficiency, it is more than High Grade.

It is just that the power is at elementary level.

“That’s fatal though… Hm?” (Makoto)

There’s a reaction from my Detection.

It is a bit disconnected from the mainroad, inside the forest.

“A person and monsters…?” (Makoto)

Looks like monsters are attacking a person.

I maintain stealth and silently get closer.

The wagon is surrounded by a group of goblins.

Four goblins are surrounding a merchant-looking man that is fighting back with his sword.

He is outnumbered.

Hm, should I save him?

If it were a game, I would go save him without hesitation.

Goblin battles are almost certain win events.

“If I were a hero, that is…” (Makoto)

Sadly to say, this is a survival isekai.

You won’t respawn once you die. There’s no such feature in this parallel world.

It is not like you come back with half of your money taken away.

Death is final.

And I am a mage apprentice that can’t even defeat one monster.

“This is rough… The teacher told me to run away.” (Makoto)

But…the person in front of me is being attacked by monsters.

If I abandon him, it will haunt me in my sleep.

But what’s the point if I end up dying.

What should I do…

At that time, a game window suddenly appeared in front of me.

Don’t save him ←

Save him

“Oh?” (Makoto)

What’s this?

This is a first.

The effect of RPG Player?

Oi oi, what’s with this skill?

I scratch my cheek.

You are being quite stylish in your production.

Choosing ‘Don’t save him’ here would disqualify me as a man.

“Can’t be helped. Let’s do this.” (Makoto)

I chose ‘Save him’.

I approach the goblins and raise my mana.

I fix my aim so I don’t hit the merchant.

[Water Magic: Ice Arrow]!

I turn the water balls I was using for training until now into ice arrows, and shoot them towards the goblins.

They all hit.

But…

…As expected, I couldn’t defeat them.

The goblins are bleeding heavily, but it didn’t incapacitate them.

It was far.

But it should have damaged them somewhat.

“Oi, are you okay?” (Makoto)

I speak to the merchant-looking man that was being attacked.

“P-Please save me!”

“Got it.” (Makoto)

I normally maintain [Clear Mind] at 50%, but I set it at the highest that is 99%.

With this skill, the tension and fear dim.

I can concentrate solely on defeating the enemy.

The closest goblin begins to approach me.

Only one of the four is one size bigger.

Must be the leader of the goblins.

The remaining three are still surrounding the merchant.

The Goblin Leader is holding a rusted pitch black dagger.

I don’t want to fight him in close combat.

I raise my mana till the goblin leader is at a distance where the weapon might or might not reach.

[Water Magic: Ice Needle]!

“Gya!”

The ice magic I shot blinds the goblin.

An ice needle the size of a nail was shot into the eyeballs of the enemy.

It is a shabby spell, but it is effective against living beings that rely on their eyes.

I was wary about whether it would begin waving its weapon around wildly, but it let go of its dagger and was covering its eyes.

Okay!

Without letting this chance escape, I take the dagger the goblin leader let go of.

I stab that dagger into the chest of the goblin, and…

[Water Magic: Cooling]

Elementary water magic that cools and freezes liquids.

Passing that through the dagger, I attack the blood of the opponent.

The body of the goblin twitches, and it collapses with a thud.

The killing move I did my best to think of with the low mana I have.

In the middle of a fight, I am always keeping the 360° view of the RPG Player skill.

The other three goblins were looking over here.

It has been going as planned until now.

But I am currently completely empty of mana.

I seriously lack mana…

2 of the 3 remaining goblins approach me.

I will lead them to the stream just like this.

I cannot fight without water.

I adjust my distance between the goblins while moving back.

There’s still one goblin close to the merchant, but he should be okay if it is just that much.

The 2 goblins charge at me.

[Evade]

I activate the thief skill.

Without opening too much distance, I lead them to the stream.

Okay okay, if it is here, I can use as much water as I want.

The 2 goblins are getting really close.

[Water Magic: Surface Walk]

I gently…stand on the water surface.

This is the effect of the spell.

But the depth of the water is around the waist of an adult.

The goblins entered the stream and were trying to attack me.

Got them!

[Water Magic: Water Current]

I use water magic to wrap the water around the goblins.

The body and face of the goblins get surrounded by the water.

They grab their neck and go ‘glup glup’ as they showed signs of pain.

They shouldn’t be able to breathe.

Drown just like that.

After 5 minutes, the goblins die.

“Fuuh, somehow managed.” (Makoto)

I hurriedly returned to the merchant.

◇◇

The merchant was panicking.

A group of goblins that got aggressive because of their hunger suddenly attacked me.

If it were only one goblin, I have the confidence that I could have managed.

But they were slowly surrounding me to not let me escape.

They are waiting for me to lose my stamina.

The horse is scared and won’t be of use.

“Guh!”

A pain runs in my right leg.

The goblin leader had gotten my attention, and the moment I moved my gaze, the goblin at the back threw a rock.

But the aim and speed were abnormal.

It had the projectile skill?!

A unique monster?!

I have heard that there’s times when a monster can be rarely born with a skill.

I couldn’t continue standing from the pain on my leg, and ended up on one knee.

“Gya.” “Gya.” “Gya.” “Gya.”

The goblins surrounding me seemed like they were laughing at me.

This is bad.

Even though they got the leg of their prey, they are not attacking at once.

They are patiently waiting for their prey to weaken.

At the corner of my mind, the fear that I may be dying today was slowly rising.

My throat was drying, and my hands that are holding my sword are damp.

“Gya.” “Gya.” “Gya.”

Without loosening the encirclement, the annoying shouts were stirring my concentration.

This is bad, what should I do?

The moment I thought this is as far as I can go, ice arrows pierced the goblins.

“Eh?”

What happened?

“Ooi.”

A human? An adventurer?!

“P-Please save me!”

I desperately plead for help.

The one who appeared was a boy.

His attire is light, and he isn’t holding any weapons.

Will he be okay?

Honestly speaking, he looks weak.

I don’t even know if he can even defeat one goblin.

But he came to help me without abandoning me even though I am surrounded by goblins.

No matter how weak of an adventurer he is, we have to join forces.

I held my sword tightly and, at the moment I tried to somehow stand up with my paining leg…

“Gya!”

The goblin leader suddenly covered his eyes and began to groan in pain.

“Eh?”

Did the boy do something?

But there was no chant, and no signs of him using a magic tool.

With flowing movements, the boy closed the distance to the goblin, and stabbed him with the dagger.

That light stab won’t defeat the monster!

But I was wrong.

The goblin twitched, his body bending heavily, and then collapsed just like that.

W-What was that technique?

The goblins surrounding me must have seen the human that appeared as a threat, they attacked the adventurer.

The boy was moving as if pulling the goblins to the stream.

The most problematic goblin that has the projectile skill ran away after seeing the leader defeated.

I could hear the ‘swoosh swoosh’ sound of rampaging water and the screams of goblins.

Is he okay?

I was worried, but because of the pain in my leg, I couldn’t move.

After a while, the boy returned.

Not a single wound.

He is an unbelievably skilled fighter.

I shouldn’t judge by appearance.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-Yes, you saved me.”

He really did.

Being released from such extreme tension, I fall to the ground and lose all strength.

◇◇

“Thank you very much! You are my savior!”

The young merchant I saved was thanking me an incredible lot.

“This may not be much, but as thanks.”

“Uhm, 100,000G? Isn’t it too much?” (Makoto)

I don’t know much about what’s the regular though.

“I want you to come along with me on the way.”

“I see, as an escort.” (Makoto)

I say ‘if that’s the case…’ and accept it.

This path is normally rare for monsters to appear in the first place.

There should be no problem.

On the way, the newbie merchant was telling me stories of his pains.

Now that I think about it, Fuji-yan should be a newbie merchant too.

He must be having it rough.

“It is about time we prepare the camp.”

The merchant suggests before it gets dark.

There’s spaces to make a camp here and there at the road we are going through.

The feudal lord is apparently managing this in order so that adventurers and merchants can rest.

“I apologize for the simple meal.”

After saying this, the merchant takes out a stew that is frozen with magic.

In other words, frozen food.

Heating it on the fire, and after it is steaming hot, eat it together with hard bread. Having dinner like this while outdoors is delicious.

“Well then, I will go around and keep an eye on the surroundings.” (Makoto)

I place the sleeping bag I borrowed on the ground, and tell him this.

“Sorry about that. If I didn’t have an injured leg, I would have gone with you.”

“I am your escort here, so just leave it to me.” (Makoto)

Saying this, I leave the wagon.

It seems like the merchant is going to sleep in the wagon.

Getting slightly away from the camp space, I confirm whether there are any monsters by using [Detection].

And then, I turned off [Clear Mind] which I always have on.

“Haaah…” (Makoto)

I let out a big sigh.

My hands were completely wet in sweat, and my heart began to beat faster.

To think I would encounter monsters before even reaching the first city.

I look at the Soul Book and see that my Contribution increased.

My lifespan increased slightly?

Around 3 days.

“What a relief… I somehow did it.” (Makoto)

My legs were trembling.

“I planned on having weaker monsters as my first kill.” (Makoto)

Like horned rabbits or giant rats.

A group of goblins as my first opponents was unexpected.

“But I won.” (Makoto)

A smile appears in my face and I look up at the starry sky with a tightened fist.

“I did it.” (Makoto)

I pump my fist slightly.

The Water Temple staff got disappointed at my weak skills, I got pitied by my classmates, got consoled by a small boy, and even my amiable teacher was worried about me till the end.

Telling me that I won’t be able to survive in this world.

“It will be okay, it will be okay.” (Makoto)

I can do it.

[Clear Mind], [RPG Player], and [Water Magic: Elementary].

With these 3 skills, I will survive this world.

Like hell I will die in 9 years.

“Now that I think about it, the weapon that the goblin carried, what should I do with it?” (Makoto)

The rusted and tattered dagger the goblin had.

It doesn’t seem like it will be worth much.

It would be slightly pathetic to use as a weapon.

“Let’s save it as commemoration for my first victory. I might be able to use it somehow by clearing out the rust.” (Makoto)

I decided to wrap it around a piece of cloth and carry it with me.

Let’s go back and sleep.

My first day after leaving the temple has finished.

I couldn’t sleep for a while from all the excitement.

◇◇

When I came to, I was in a vast space of nothing.

A dream?

That’s weird. I wasn’t planning on sleeping so deeply that I would end up dreaming though.

Where’s this place?

I feel like I have seen a scene like this in one of my games.

While I was thinking that, my back felt a chill.

I felt the presence of something out of this world.

When I look back, I see it.

“Hello there, Makoto. I have been wanting to meet you.”

The one standing there was an unbelievable beauty that no one would be able to forget once you see her once.

“W-Who are you?” (Makoto)

My voice was trembling.

That’s just how unearthly that beauty of hers was.

That girl smiles.

“A Goddess.”

Chapter 5: Makoto meets the Goddess

“A Goddess…?” (Makoto)

An unbelievable beauty was standing in front of me.

Her glistening silver hair and sapphire-like eyes. Her pristine clean white skin. Her body that still has a bit of childishness remaining but is charming and bewitching.

She is so perfect like a doll, it is actually a bit scary.

“Uhm, do you have any business with me?” (Makoto)

This world is ruled by Gods.

If she really is a Goddess, then it would be better not to go against her.

Thanks to my [Clear Mind], I can stay calm even in front of a Goddess.

“I have been watching you all this time. Saving that merchant from the goblins just now regardless of the danger was a splendid act. I will welcome you as one of my own.”

The Goddess smiles.

“A Goddess welcoming me…?” (Makoto)

Those words make my memories of 1 year ago resurface.

◇◇

Soon after coming to this world, there was someone who called herself the Oracle of the Water Temple.

An Oracle is a special existence even within this country’s sacred professions.

They can hear the voice of the Goddess.

The words of the Oracle are taken as the words of the Gods.

I heard that she normally acts within the church, but this time around, she came to see the otherworldlers.

Her objective was scouting.

Oracles have the ability to grant divine protection to the people that become believers of the Goddess.

The powerful Stats and rare Skills of otherworldlers must be attractive.

The one who showed up in front of us was the Water Oracle, Sofia Rozes.

She is also the princess of the Water Country, Rozes.

An important among the important. The most important person in this country.

The skills of my 1-A classmates must have been that excelling that someone like that came directly.

“You are a High Grade Mage, huh. That’s great. I will grant you the divine protection of the Water Goddess. In order to make that possible, you will have to become a believer of our Goddess, is that okay?” (Sofia)

“Ara, you have the Golden Knight skill. I will grant you the divine protection of the Water Goddess. In order to make that…” (Sofia)

And like this, she would invite more and more of my classmates.

Mostly people with rare skills.

And then, the moment she saw my Soul Book…

“You have Water Magic…Elementary Grade, huh. Do your best.” (Sofia)

She smiled at me and passed by.

Eh?

“I-Is that all?” (Makoto)

“Oi, the Oracle-sama is busy.”

When I tried to draw closer to her, a knight blocked my way.

Later I learned that he was the guardian knight of the Oracle.

“I will become a believer of the Water Goddess! So please can I get her divine protection?!” (Makoto)

At that time, I was desperate because I only got weak skills, so I pleaded.

When you obtain the divine protection of a Goddess, you get a variety of benefits.

I wanted the divine protection of the Water Goddess no matter what.

I was that desperate.

But the attitude of the Oracle was ice-cold.

“It seems like you need to train a bit more. Maybe next time.” (Sofia)

The Water Oracle, Sofia, didn’t even look back and left.

◇◇

After that, no matter how much I trained, I didn’t get the divine protection.

Not only my classmates, but even the people of the temple were looking at me with pity, and I wet my pillow with my tears.

Since then, I began to hate the Water Oracle and the Church. I ended up hating the Goddess they worship too.

It was a bitter memory.

Remembering those times pisses me off even now.

Calm down… Don’t mind it, don’t mind it.

“That matter with the Oracle was terrible. It is okay to not believe in the Goddess that those kinds of people worship.”

She spoke as if she read my mind.

Did she?

Or more like, she knows about the incident with the Water Oracle, too?

So the part about ‘I have been watching you’ was true.

“I don’t want to remember that, so let’s stop there. By the way, can you tell me your name, Goddess-sama?” (Makoto)

The Goddesses of this world have names.

The Light Hero, Sakurai, got the divine protection called [The Favor of the Sun Goddess Athena], and it is a cheat divine protection that doubles his stats related to battle.

Seriously, doesn’t he have it way too easy?

Even if I don’t get a divine protection as strong as that, if it is a famous Goddess, I can expect a divine protection, so I tried asking with that kind of ulterior motive.

“Fufu, I am a minor Goddess, so I don’t think you would know me.”

“You may say that, but I would like to know the name of the Goddess I might be following.” (Makoto)

“Then, I will tell you one day.”

She is trying to push it off.

Why?

Can’t do anything about it, so I changed the topic.

“Will I be able to make it as an adventurer in this world?” (Makoto)

“You are worried about your low stats, right?”

“Kinda…” (Makoto)

With my magic alone, I cannot even defeat a single slime.

The power is way too low.

Also, I run out of mana in an instant.

How’s that gonna function as an adventurer?

“You have handy skills, don’t you?”

“[Clear Mind] and [RPG Player]? They are indeed handy, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the skills of mages and warriors.” (Makoto)

I ended up taking a sulking tone towards a Goddess.

But these are my true feelings.

“Do you know about your classmates Suzuki-san, Yamashita-san, and Endo-san?”

She suddenly changed the topic.

The classmates I came together with.

It is not like we got along, but I do know them.

They all should have had warrior and mage skills that were above High Grade.

“Those 3 are currently missing, or dead.”

“Huh?” (Makoto)

“They were overconfident about their skills. They fought monsters that were above their ability, and challenged a high difficulty dungeon, and failed.”

“I see…” (Makoto)

I was cooped up in the temple for a year, so I didn’t know.

“You were in a peaceful country like Japan after all. No matter how strong of a skill you people get, your hearts won’t change. [Clear Mind] is a good skill that stops overconfidence and negligence, you know?”

“About the RPG Player skill, this is a unique skill of an otherworldler. I think this is an interesting skill, too.”

“Isn’t it just a skill that changes the perspective?” (Makoto)

“By looking at yourself from the outside, you can stop surprise attacks, look 360°, and see from a far perspective. Also, it automatically does a [Mapping] of the places you have gone to. Moreover, it also has [Treasure Box Detection]. Such a handy skill like this is pretty rare, you know?”

Hmm, when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound that bad.

I see.

Meaning that it is all about how you use it.

I feel a little bit better.

I try another question.

“You said you were watching me all the time, but why is it that you didn’t talk to me until now?” (Makoto)

“The Water Temple is under the jurisdiction of the Water Goddess. I was showing restraint.”

“There were scouts of other Gods even within the Water Temple though.” (Makoto)

The Light Hero Sakurai became a Light Goddess believer after all.

“Well, isn’t it fine?”

She gives a vague response.

“Makoto, will you become my believer?”

The Goddess is really pushy.

I ponder.

At first, I had my eyes stolen by her astounding beauty.

But now that I am calm, the Goddess in front of me is a bit suspicious.

Why does she want to make a person like me with weak stats and weird skills into her believer?

In the RPGs that I have played, early events like this that look good at a glance normally have something behind it when you easily choose [YES].

That’s what my gamer instinct is telling me.

Moreover, this is not like a game where I can reset.

“Let me think about it for a bit.” (Makoto)

“Eh?!”

The elegant gestures of the Goddess were gone after that, and she made a panicked expression.

“W-Wait, please. You will be the follower of a Goddess, you know?! Moreover, a Goddess spoke to you personally. That’s an incredible honor, you know?!”

That’s right.

A Goddess appearing personally almost never happens.

Even the Oracle we talked about just a moment ago would only hear the Goddess’s voice at most.

It may be within a dream, but for a common person like me to see and talk with a Goddess personally…I have never heard of it before.

If she is the real deal, that is…

My [Clear Mind] is whispering to me.

“I am the real deal!”

“Eh?” (Makoto)

“Ah, shoot!”

She really is reading my mind.

“Well, if you are a Goddess, you should be able to do at least that much.” (Makoto)

“Y-You are really calm…”

That’s my only redeeming feature.

I did panic a bit before though.

“H-Hey, a God coming to the human plane is difficult, you know? Can you form the contract today?”

She holds my hand as if pleading, and talks to me with an upward glance.

Kuh, her body is close.

Her beautiful face closes onto mine.

It is like how cabaret girls would deal with their customers in that TV show I saw before.

The blue eyes of the Goddess were glowing lightly.

My head is getting hazy, and it felt like it shut down for a bit there.

Is this…charm magic?

I learned about the existence of charm magic in the magic lessons of the temple.

It is a Skill that’s apparently often used by women working in brothels.

There’s a variety of charm spells in this world, but the basics are: ‘Look at the target’s eyes’, ‘and while speaking to the target in a soft voice’, ‘touch their body’.

Beginner adventurers who get caught in this charm magic, would pour all their money into the industry, and end up in debt.

It is apparently something that happens often.

Isn’t this exactly what’s being done to me right now?

But because of the third person perspective of [RPG Player] always being on, I am looking at my own state, as well as the state of the person I am speaking to, from several meters apart.

Because of that, in principle, I don’t end up in situations where I am meeting eye to eye with the other party. Also, because of the skill, it is hard to feel like the body contact is with me.

On top of that, the [Clear Mind] skill.

My mind is calm.

‘I think it would be really hard for you to get caught in charm magic, Makoto-kun’, is what the teacher at the temple told me.

“Goddess-sama, for now, please get away from me. You are close.” (Makoto)

The result is that I didn’t really get distracted and I took a step back.

“E-Eh? Why isn’t it working?!”

Isn’t that a slip of the tongue, Goddess-sama?

Using charm magic to get a believer?

It feels like a recruitment for a suspicious cult.

“It isn’t suspicious!”

“Right, you can read minds.” (Makoto)

Muttering things in my mind is pointless.

“In that case, you understand why I am doubting you this much, right? It would be great if you were to give up for today.” (Makoto)

“No!! This is the chance I finally got after 1,000 years to obtain a believer, so I will definitely have you become my believer!!”

She finally fell on her back and began to flail her arms and legs.

Her majesty from the beginning is completely gone.

Her one piece is short, it feels as if I would be able to see it…and yet I can’t.

Is this the absolute territory of the Goddess?

While I was thinking something stupid, the Goddess asks.

“If I show you the inside of my skirt, will you become my believer?”

“What are you even proposing?” (Makoto)

The Goddess was still on her back as she looked at me with tears in her eyes.

Cute. Cute, but…

Becoming a believer is another story.

“Please please please! Become my believer. Please!”

She grabbed my shoulders and was shaking me.

As I said, you are too close.

What to do…

Honestly, I don’t know her intentions.

But I can feel how serious she is.

Anyways, I wasn’t planning on becoming a believer of any of the 6 major Goddesses.

Mostly because of the bad impression the Water Oracle gave me though.

She is going so far here.

Let’s believe that she won’t be treating me badly.

The RPG Player skill brings out the decision window.

Become a believer ←

Don’t become a believer

“Got it. I will become your believer.” (Makoto)

“Eh, really? Y-Yay!”

The Goddess cheers and hops.

“Then, can you lend me your Soul Book?”

Do I have it even within my dreams?

When I looked for it, it was in the inside pocket of my clothes.

“Here you go.” (Makoto)

“Yes, let’s see.”

The Goddess traces her finger on my Soul Book.

I felt like the paper shone for a moment.

When I look at the contract area, it was written [First Believer of the Goddess].

“You have no one aside from me?” (Makoto)

“That’s right! You are the first! Consider it an honor!!”

My uneasiness increases.

That’s way too minor.

Just how unpopular of a Goddess are you.

It really does worry me.

If I had to point out another thing that bothers me, it would be…

“Will I get some sort of divine protection from you, Goddess-sama?” (Makoto)

This may be impudent right after becoming a believer, but it is an important point.

However, the Goddess makes a troubled expression.

“Actually, I am a young and minor God, so I can’t grant divine protection to my believers immediately. If you pray to me everyday, you might one day get one.”

Eh, no way.

“Don’t worry! In exchange, I will give you this! This is the divine treasure that will be proof of our contract. It is incredible, I will have you know!”

She gave me a dagger.

“A weapon?” (Makoto)

“You can also use it as a weapon! It is a weapon forged by a Goddess, so it won’t break by normal means! When you are praying to me, pray while holding this, okay?”

Is it something like a cross?

“Then, it is about time I go. If you are troubled with anything, rely on me!”

“Ah, wait, don’t you have an instruction or something?” (Makoto)

I hurriedly checked, and the Goddess had a surprised expression.

“You don’t want me to tell you what to do, right? You like free scenarios, right?”

“Well, yeah…” (Makoto)

She really does know everything.

“In these kinds of situations, the Goddess normally gives out a mission of sorts.” (Makoto)

“To think you would personally ask for it, you are a considerate believer. Hmm, then, one thing only. Get strong!!”

“Is that an order?” (Makoto)

“It isn’t an order. This is just a request of mine. You are my only believer, so I won’t forgive you if you just go and die, okay?! I have high expectations of you.”

She winks at me and gives me a thumbs up, telling me: “Good luck”, as she disappears.

◇◇

When I woke up, it was already morning, and there was an unsheathed dagger near my pillow.

T-That’s dangerous.

“Hm? Isn’t this the dagger I stole from the goblin yesterday?” (Makoto)

The rusted and tattered dagger had been reborn into something beautiful.

I hesitantly hold it in my hand.

Not too light, not too heavy; just the right weight.

My hand got used to it as if it were being sucked into it, and I felt like mana was seeping into my body.

A magic weapon?

The blade is slightly bluish, and it is releasing a mysterious light.

“Goddess-sama, thank you very much.” (Makoto)

I placed both of my hands together and prayed, and at that moment, I noticed there was a dim crest at my right hand.

The crest of a dog-like animal holding a dagger in its mouth.

First time I have seen a crest like this. I should research it later.

The Soul Book says I am a believer of the Goddess.

It wasn’t a dream.

“Hm? Takatsuki-san, you had a dagger?”

Oops, that’s dangerous.

I didn’t notice that the merchant was up.

“Yeah, I was praying to the Goddess for a bit.” (Makoto)

“I will pray, too. Goddess of Luck, I thank you for my meeting with Takatsuki-san.”

Haha…

“Now, let’s depart. I think we will arrive in the city at around noon.”

◇◇

—Water City, Makkaren.—

It is the 20th biggest city on this continent.

The stream that flows from the Spirit Forest and the Great Forest becomes a waterway, and eventually arrives at the Shimei Lake.

At the end of the causeway of that lake there’s a beautiful city.

Inside the city there’s a lot of waterways, and people use ferries as transportation.

Wine brewing prospers here, and it is popular. The strong alcoholic drinks made in Makkaren are liked by the whole continent.

That’s what I heard from the merchant.

“We arrived safely. I truly thank you very much, Takatsuki-san.”

“Same here. Thanks for teaching me a variety of things.” (Makoto)

Before arriving at the city, he taught me information about the influential people of the city, the place where the adventurer guild is, the stores where I can buy cheap weapons and items, good eateries, and a decent inn.

While at it, I had him check the dagger I got from the Goddess, but he said he couldn’t check it with the [Appraisal: Elementary] of his.

We bid farewell when he arrived at his own company.

I head to the Adventurer Guild that’s downtown.

By the way, the church is apparently at the center of the city.

The power of the church in the Water Country is strong.

Because of that, a city was created with the church as the center.

However, the Water Goddess is the one that the Water Country worships, and at the center of it, there’s that Oracle.

I won’t go anywhere close to there, okay?

I fervently swore in my heart.

◇◇

I soon found the Adventurer Guild.

It was bigger than I imagined, and it is a well-made stone structure.

When I went in, there was a wide open space where food and weapon stalls were lined up.

Is this the entrance?

“Ooi, how about a drink? We got nice cold ale!”

“We got some good weapons here that we just got from the Earth Country. If you buy them now, it will be 10% off.”

It is lively.

There’s simplistic tables here and there, and there’s people who are partying as well.

When I look at the information board: there’s the resting area (you can stay the night as well, men and women separated), the training area, and there’s a storehouse for the subjugated monsters.

I thought the Adventurer Guild was simply the place where you get the adventurer license, so I thought it would be like when getting a car license, but this is more like a sports gym with entertainment facilities included.

The place to issue a license is the same place where you get quests.

Luckily, there weren’t many lined up, and I was able to get to the reception window.

“Good day, what will your business for today be?”

The receptionist lady is a beauty.

When I looked around to check the other receptionists, they were all high level as well.

“Can I register as an adventurer?” (Makoto)

“Your first time here, I see. Then, please fill the required information in this paper here. Also, you have a Soul Book, right?”

I gave the Soul Book to the receptionist lady.

I write my name, personal history, skills, and class.

“I’m done.” (Makoto)

“Thank you very much. I will confirm it then.”

The receptionist lady was slightly surprised at my name and personal history saying I am an otherworldler, but she didn’t say anything.

“There’s no issues. Will you leave your class as ‘Mage Apprentice’?”

“Yes, just as it is.” (Makoto)

“Please give us a bit of time to issue your license. Take this numbered paper and wait to be called.”

I thought that I would get in some trouble with hoodlum adventurers since a newbie is joining the Adventurer Guild, but even when looking around, nothing like that happened.

I was able to get my adventurer license without any issues.

——-

Takatsuki Makoto: Mage Apprentice

Level: 2

Adventurer Rank: Stone

Unique Skills: [Clear Mind], [Water Magic: Elementary], [RPG Player].

Common Skills: [Stealth], [Detection]…….

Strength: XX

Endurance: XX

Mana: XX

Dexterity: XX

…

..

.

————

I got to level 2 from defeating the goblins.

About the other things, there’s the average stats that I have seen a whole lot at the temple.

I am weak.

I knew that, but it really drops my mood every time I see it.

“Oh well.” (Makoto)

Thanks to [Clear Mind] I can switch gears fast.

I put away the license card, and left the Adventurer Guild.

Okay, next place.

The place I am heading to now is the Fujiwara Shop that I heard from the merchant of.

Right, my classmate Fuji-yan already has his own store.

Chapter 6: Takatsuki Makoto reunites with his friend

My friend history with Fuji-yan is around 1 year long.

We just happened to be at neighboring seats in class, and became friends after a heated talk about games.

I like RPG games and Fuji-yan likes dating sims.

We like different genres of games, but we were able to form a good relationship with each other by lending each other the games we liked.

It has been 9 months since he left the Water Temple.

He now has his own store.

He went up the ranks really fast.

We are high school students, you know…

We also have our Light Hero that managed to climb all the way to being a knight captain of Highland though.

He is way too much of a special case.

No, maybe all my classmates have had a big success story.

I might be the only one who has been left in the dust…

I am feeling down now.

I arrived at the target location.

Fujiwara Shop.

That’s what’s written in a big storesign.

It’s here.

I hope the personality of Fuji-yan has not changed.

I have been doing mage and adventurer training in the temple for a whole year.

As otherworldlers, we are exempted from paying the classes, so in a sense, we were leading an easy lifestyle of being taken care of by the government.

National level NEETs.

Fuji-yan may have had handy skills, but in Japan he would be considered underage. And yet, he managed to enter a merchant guild, and went all the way up to the point that he now has his own store after 9 months.

A lot of things must have happened.

I wonder if we will be able to have proper conversations after this 1 year of being cooped up in the temple.

I am worried.

“Excuse me.” (Makoto)

I slowly enter the store speaking in a low voice.

“Welcome.”

I was received by a female clerk.

When I look there…

A rabbit eared clerk?!

A short rabbit beastkin clerk with light brown curly hair welcomed me.

Her big and clear eyes are cute.

“Customer, are you an adventurer? We have good items for you.”

She speaks to me with a smile.

Her accent was interesting though.

A beast eared clerk.

The taste of Fuji-yan is working on full here.

“Uhm, is the owner Fujiwara-san here?” (Makoto)

“Oh, you were a merchant? If it is a business deal, I will hear it out first.”

Her tone changed.

“No, that’s not it. I am a friend of Fujiwara-san…” (Makoto)

The eyes of the clerk turned sharp.

“Friend of Goshujin-sama , you say. Can I ask for your name?”

“Takatsuki Makoto.” (Makoto)

“Did you come from a parallel world?!”

“Y-Yes, that’s right.” (Makoto)

“Please wait for a bit! I will return soon!!”

She disappears inside the store and returns with a small tool.

This thing that is the size of a cigar has several buttons, and the clerk presses them.

And then, she places the tool in front of her mouth.

“Goshujin-sama! Goshujin-sama! Takatsuki-sama has come!”

“What?! Is he there?!”

I heard a nostalgic voice.

“Here, Takatsuki-sama.”

The clerk gives me what seems to be a communication device.

“Hello, is that you, Fuji-yan?” (Makoto)

“Oooh, that way of calling me, and that voice, there’s no doubt it is Takki-dono!!” (Fujiwara)

“It’s been a long time. I am in Makkaren now, so I came to visit you.” (Makoto)

“I have been waiting! I want to return at once, but sadly to say, I have a business meeting soon, so are you fine with meeting me in the store at 18 o’clock?!” (Fujiwara)

“Yeah, got it. Then, see ya later.” (Makoto)

I return the tool to the clerk, and tell her that I will be coming back later.

Fuji-yan hasn’t changed.

From what I could tell there, it seems like it is fine to keep speaking to him in the same way as before.

I am relieved.

Since there’s still a few hours before my meeting with Fuji-yan, I decided on exploring the outside of the city.

The clerk told me that the forest that’s north of the city has weak monsters like giant rats.

I want to try out the dagger I got from the Goddess.

◇◇

“This is impressive.” (Makoto)

I hinder the movement of the giant rat with Ice Arrow, and finish it off with the dagger.

There was practically no resistance.

The blade passed as if it were cutting cloth.

“I have gotten a good weapon.” (Makoto)

Let’s give my thanks to the Goddess.

“Goddess-sama, thank you.” (Makoto)

I put my hands together and prayed.

(Right? Be grateful.)

I feel like I heard the voice of the Goddess.

I can imagine her with a smug expression and pushing her chest out.

I skinned the giant rats and went to sell them to a tool store.

I apparently can sell it in the Adventurer Guild as well, but since I had the chance, I wanted to check out the store, too.

“3,000G.”

I sell the 3 giant rat pelts.

With that money, I buy a sheath for the dagger I got from the Goddess.

The middle of the city is bustling with energy. There’s things like grocery stores, clothing stores, weapon stores, and tool stores lined up.

There was even a pet shop to buy a familiar.

When you move away from the main road of the shopping district, you enter the food district where you can find restaurants and bars.

Even further back from that, there’s the inns, and deeper, there’s the pleasure district where you can find the lewd stores. I don’t have the money, so it’s got nothing to do with me.

I checked a few weapon stores that piqued my interest the most.

I think the dagger of the Goddess will be okay for a while, but if possible, I would like to aim on becoming a magic swordsman.

I have aptitude for magic, but I lack the physical strength to become a swordsman.

That’s why I can’t swing a sword properly.

I tried doing physical exercise to get myself some strength, but it felt like my body itself was not gaining much from it. As if my constitution itself has changed to match this world and the stats.

But in this world, I heard that there’s holy swords and demonic swords that make people fight like they are masters.

I want to one day find that kind of magic sword.

I check out the store to see if there’s a magic sword here.

There were also a number of adventurer-like people here, too.

“Jean, you don’t need an expensive sword like that yet, right?”

“Yeah, but the sharpness of my current sword is kind of lacking against stronger monsters.”

And within those people, there was a warrior-looking man, and a priest-looking girl.

Damn normies.

“Geez, buy me some equipment too once in a while.”

“Then, today I will give up on the weapon and buy new clothes for you, Emily.”

“Yay, that’s my Jean!”

The girl wraps her arms around the arm of the man.

Explode.

And as I passed the time in this way, the promised time came.

I went to the store of Fuji-yan at the exact time, and I saw a familiar man of good physique loitering around.

It has been 9 months since I have seen that face.

“Fuji-yan”, I called him.

“Takki-dono!” (Fujiwara)

He promptly runs towards me.

“It has been a while!” (Fujiwara)

“You seem to be doing well.” (Makoto)

“Now now, I have reserved a place! Let’s go!” (Fujiwara)

We went to a street where there’s restaurants lined up, and we arrived at one quiet restaurant that was at a side street that seemed to be hidden.

He knows quite the classy place.

It seems to be a place that Fuji-yan frequents, they lead us to a private room deep inside.

““Cheers.””

We clink our glasses together.

Fuji-yan is drinking ale. I decided on a fruit cocktail.

This is actually my first time drinking alcohol at an establishment.

In this country, you can drink alcohol when you are over 13, so it isn’t against the law.

“How is it?” (Fujiwara)

“It is kind of like juice.” (Makoto)

“Wanna try some ale instead?” (Fujiwara)

“No thanks. I tried drinking a bit at the temple, and it tasted bad.” (Makoto)

“You end up liking the taste after a few rounds.” (Fujiwara)

“Really?” (Makoto)

While we were having that conversation, dishes were being brought one after the other to our table.

Thick steaks, fried prawn, sashimi of freshwater fish, pasta with a whole lot of cheese on top, and soup with a whole lot of ingredients in it.

“Delicious, it is delicious.” (Makoto)

“Ooh, so it is to your liking.” (Fujiwara)

“It is the best. It is completely different from the thin flavored food of the temple.” (Makoto)

“That was flavorless.” (Fujiwara)

We enjoyed the food for a while.

“You worried me, you know. There was no communication from you even after 1 year.” (Fujiwara)

“I stayed close to the time limit of 1 year after all. I was the last one remaining. I wasn’t invited to any party.” (Makoto)

“Is that so.” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan showed pity in his expression.

I smile at that.

“Actually, yesterday, I defeated a group of goblins solo and saved a person that was being attacked.” (Makoto)

“What?! In order to defeat a group of goblins alone, you would normally need to be an Intermediate Mage or an Intermediate Swordsman. Wasn’t it dangerous?” (Fujiwara)

“I wonder. It was relatively easy. The use of the skills I had in hand were not bad.” (Makoto)

I tell him about the information of my skills that I got from the Goddess.

Fuji-yan went ‘Hohoh’ and listened with interest.

“Since I have safely registered to the Adventurer Guild, I will slowly do my best from Stone Rank.” (Makoto)

“Adventurer, huh. It is impossible for me, but I am slightly attracted to the idea.” (Fujiwara)

“You are succeeding greatly as a merchant though.” (Makoto)

“No no, I still have a long way to go. I still have a debt I have to pay for when I made my store.” (Fujiwara)

“And you also have a bunny eared clerk. It seems like you are having fun.” (Makoto)

“Pfft!!” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan spurts out his ale.

“Right, you met the clerk at my store.” (Fujiwara)

“That clerk-san was cute.” (Makoto)

“W-Well, it is not like I chose her for her looks, you know?” (Fujiwara)

“It was a dream of yours, right? Being able to hire a cute girl like that with bunny ears. You are on the winners side now.” (Makoto)

“She is a clerk that I met at the Fire Country, and hired as a guard. She may look like that, but she is actually a Silver Rank adventurer, you know?” (Fujiwara)

“Hoh. She didn’t look that strong though. So not only is she cute, but she is also a strong adventurer, huh.” (Makoto)

“Fufufu, she was expensive after all……ah.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

Expensive?

Fuji-yan, what are you saying?

“Forget that.” (Fujiwara)

“No no, there’s no way I can. What did you mean by expensive?” (Makoto)

“T-That clerk, she was a s-slave.” (Fujiwara)

“Uwaaa…” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan bought a sex slave!

“It isn’t a sex slave, okay?!” (Fujiwara)

He spoke back as if he read my mind.

“Our relationship is purely that of business partners. I am paying her a salary too.” (Fujiwara)

“I see. So you are her employer.” (Makoto)

“Yeah.” (Fujiwara)

That’s impressive.

As expected from someone that has been sailing the stormy seas of society.

I can tell that he has experienced a lot of things.

Speaking of experience, there’s something that I am interested in asking.

It seems the alcohol is already taking its effect, so it should be fine to enter these kinds of topics too.

“Fuji-yan, you are still a virgin, right?” (Makoto)

“Pffft!!” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan once again spurts out the ale he was drinking.

“W-What’s with that sudden question?” (Fujiwara)

If you stay a virgin for 30 years, you become a wizard -is the kind of urban legend that exists in Japan.

In class, we would often say ‘We are the virgin alliance! Let’s aim to become wizards!’.

I remember how Sasaki-san would say ‘Are you idiots?’ and look at us with cold eyes.

How nostalgic.

You are keeping our promise, right?

“Fuji-yan?” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan averts his gaze as if feeling awkward.

D-Don’t tell me…

“You have to associate with a variety of people as a merchant, you see… There’s times when I have to obligatorily go to those kinds of establishments.” (Fujiwara)

T-Those kinds of establishments…

I remember the pleasure district I passed by when I was exploring the city.

“I have lost the qualifications to become a wizard.” (Fujiwara)

“Y-You traitor!” (Makoto)

I ordered the most expensive drink from the restaurant, and after taking a sip it, I coughed it out.

What’s this?!

Is this poison?!

“C-Calm down please, Takki-dono.” (Fujiwara)

“I am calm. With my [Clear Mind], I am always calm.” (Makoto)

“It doesn’t look that way at all.” (Fujiwara)

“But now that I think about it, I kept the promise and became a mage, while you broke yours and couldn’t become one. In other words, I win.” (Makoto)

“That logic is weird.” (Fujiwara)

I know.

And I feel an incredible sense of defeat.

Let’s just stop this topic.

Even so, my friend climbed the stairs of adulthood in the while we were apart.

“By the way, what have you been doing after leaving the temple?” (Makoto)

There’s no doubt he grasped success as a merchant, but I wanted to hear about it in more detail.

“Ooh, hear me out. I was a member of an organization called the Frantz Company at first.” (Fujiwara)

The Frantz Company is the biggest company in the continent.

I heard that there were scouts from there in the time at the Water Temple.

“In the beginning, it was an everyday life of using my [Storage: Superior] to carry luggage.” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan speaks nostalgically. Wasn’t that pretty rough?

“At times I would stock in weapons and be sent to the Fire Country, and at others I would be stock with ores and metals to sell them at the Earth Country. There were also jobs like getting a massive amount of clothes from the Wood Country to deliver them to the Sun Country. There was practically no rest, and I only had a little bit of sleeptime.” (Fujiwara)

“…That must have been hard.” (Makoto)

And from there, Fuji-yan grins.

“However, I have [Appraisal: Superior].” (Fujiwara)

When he was sent to a variety of countries, he would dig out things from the local bazaars, and sell them to other countries to earn some funds.

“Next, I found a person that I could trust in the company, and he helped me go independent. I still haven’t been able to repay all he has done for me.” (Fujiwara)

Wow.

What’s with this decisiveness and communication skills?

That’s impossible for me.

“But I am surprised that you can find people you can trust in such a short period of time.” (Makoto)

No one even gave me the light of the day because of my all-around weak points.

On the other hand, for Fuji-yan who has handy skills, people that would want to utilize him would get close to him.

“Actually…” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan lowers his voice to a whisper.

“Takki-dono, do you remember my skill?” (Fujiwara)

“Uhm, [Storage], [Appraisal], and…was it [Galge Player]?” (Makoto)

“Yeah, that last one is the thing.” (Fujiwara)

If I remember correctly, it is a skill that lets you keep a log of your conversations.

“When the proficiency of my skill increased, it began to read the mind of the person too…” (Fujiwara)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

What’s that. That’s awesome.

“Just like the Goddess.” (Makoto)

“Eh? What did you say just now?” (Fujiwara)

“I will tell you after. So, does that mean you are reading my mind right now?” (Makoto)

“What you said just now piqued my interest, so I just ended up reading it… I will explain my skill to you.” (Fujiwara)

Summarizing it, the Galge Player skill was originally a pretty unique skill that let him read conversations in written format.

When talking to people, a message window only he can see would appear, and the conversation would be shown as text.

It is a system normally seen in adventure games.

You could say it suits the dating sim lover Fuji-yan.

By the way, the text is in japanese.

He said that at first it wasn’t that great of a skill, but it was convenient that he didn’t have to take memos every time he spoke to a variety of people as a merchant. The people around him were saying they were impressed by his astoundingly good memory.

“I was simply looking at the conversation log though.” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan said this while laughing.

“I noticed something strange around half a year ago, I would say.” (Fujiwara)

The skill that had been showing the conversations in text until now apparently began to show the thoughts of the person as text in parentheses.

“Good day, Fujiwara-san. You profited a whole lot today.”

(Tch! You damn rising otherworldler bastard.)

Something like that.

“That’s awesome. That’s a cheat power.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, that’s true, but…” (Fujiwara)

Thanks to this skill, he was able to find the people that were speaking ill of him behind his back, and the people that had a grudge on him.

And it was incredibly useful in finding his allies.

Well, that’s a given.

“It is just that, it just isn’t good for my heart.” (Fujiwara)

It seems like he couldn’t tell anyone that he had obtained this power.

“Is it okay for you to tell me this?” (Makoto)

“I don’t have anyone else I can. Also, if I don’t say it from the beginning, it makes it increasingly harder to say it later.” (Fujiwara)

He says this with a dry laugh.

True. It would be way too awkward to tell someone that he was actually reading their mind.

“Are you not creeped out by my power, Takki-dono?” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan hesitantly asks.

“You are the second person I know that can read minds after all. I think it’s fine.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, that! That! What’s that about a Goddess?!” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan jumps up.

Well, it isn’t something I need to hide.

He is reading my mind anyways.

“Actually, last night…” (Makoto)

I tell him about how I became the believer of a Goddess inside my dream.

I showed him my Soul Book.

“Fumu, it does say Believer of the Goddess, but the fact that it doesn’t show her name is weird.” (Fujiwara)

“Right? I wouldn’t be able to increase the number of her believers like this.” (Makoto)

“Is that Goddess going to be okay?” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan seems to be worried.

This must feel like meeting a friend after a long time and learning that they have joined a weird cult, huh.

Yeah, that’s indeed worrying.

“Ah, also, the Goddess gave me a dagger after becoming her believer. Can you appraise it, Fuji-yan?” (Makoto)

“Hoh! A Goddess’s dagger! Sounds like it will be amazing. I would definitely like to see it.” (Fujiwara)

(Ah, wait, this is bad.)

I heard a voice in my head.

What was that?

“Fuji-yan, it is this one here.” (Makoto)

“Fuooooh! Simple yet beautifully ornamented. At a glance it looks like mythril, but it is a metal I have never seen before. This is clearly a rare material that has mana in it! It is quite the great weapon!!” (Fujiwara)

“It looks like there’s an Appraisal Prevention spell cast on it.” (Fujiwara)

“That’s pointless, pointless! My Appraisal skill has been trained and sharpened!!” (Fujiwara)

He seems to be having fun.

Fuji-yan looks at the dagger in excitement.

He looked at it with rough breathing for a while, but after a while, he froze in place.

He suddenly stopped saying anything, and was staring straight at the dagger.

Fuji-yan, who always had a smile on his face, had his eyes wide open now.

“Fuji-yan? What’s the matter?” (Makoto)

“U-Uhm, Takki-dono, you said you got this dagger from a Goddess, right?” (Fujiwara)

“Yeah, that’s right.” (Makoto)

What?

What was the result of the appraisal?

“Fuji-yan? I would like to know the result of the appraisal.” (Makoto)

It seems like it was incredibly hard for him to say it, but he finally spoke.

“Takki-dono’s dagger…has been appraised as the Dagger of the Evil God Noah…” (Fujiwara)

“…”

It looks like I have become the believer of an Evil God.

Chapter 7: The request of the Goddess

It looks like I have become the believer of an Evil God.

“T-Takki-dono?” (Fujiwara)

“…This is a problem.” (Makoto)

The good mood of this friend reunion has fallen in an instant.

It is true that that Goddess was suspicious.

But to think she would be an Evil God.

She got me there.

“What’s an Evil God to begin with.” (Makoto)

“Uhm, if I remember the myths correctly, it is what the old gods that were defeated in the God Realm War are now called.” (Fujiwara)

The rulers of the God Realm that stand at the summit of the world.

According to mythology, the world has changed rulers 3 times in the past.

The Creation God that created the world.

The Creation God left one day from this world.

The next rulers were the sons and daughters of the Creation God.

Their rule continued for a long time.

Eventually, the Old Gods became arrogant, looked down on others aside from themselves as lower beings, and treated them rudely.

The ones who went against that were the current rulers, the Holy Gods.

After that, a war between the Old Gods and the Holy Gods that had the king of Gods, Jupiter, as their top began.

The God Realm War, Titanomaquia.

After an intense war, the Holy Gods side won.

They are the current rulers of the God Realm.

And so, the Old Gods are now called Evil Gods.

I did learn about that myth in the Water Temple.

“It seems like the Goddess I am a believer of is an Old God then. The Old Gods are currently confined somewhere, and continue to aim for the recapture of the God Realm, is how the story goes, right?” (Makoto)

“The Goddess you made a contract with seems to be one of them.” (Fujiwara)

“This is troubling.” (Makoto)

She was such a dangerous Goddess?

“Takki-dono, you are going to continue being the believer of such a Goddess?” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan asks me worried.

“Hmm…” (Makoto)

My head is still in chaos right now.

Being unable to say anything, and seeing me stay in silence, Fuji-yan changed the topic.

“By the way, this dagger is amazing, you know! I appraised not only the name of the weapon, but its abilities too!” (Fujiwara)

I see.

It certainly did have shocking sharpness.

“So, what abilities does it have?” (Makoto)

“The material is the legendary metal, adamantite. There’s a lot of abilities endowed to it with the power of a God. [Godly Strike], [Indestructible], [Beheading Demon], [Mana Resonance], [Spirit Resonance]…there’s also a lot of abilities that I have not heard of before. There’s other things like…” (Fujiwara)

“O-Ooh…” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan explained the abilities of the dagger in detail.

Eh? Isn’t this a cheat weapon?

“Could this possibly be amazing?” (Makoto)

“It IS amazing! It is by far the best weapon I have seen within all the ones I have worked with! This is a weapon that could be treated as a national treasure, you know?!” (Fujiwara)

“I see.” (Makoto)

Fumu, so that part about being a divine treasure was true.

This is the first cheat I got since coming to this world.

A contract with an Evil God in exchange though.

“Goddess-sama, thank you for giving me something this good.” (Makoto)

I put both of my hands together and prayed.

“Is it okay that it ended up being an Evil God?” (Fujiwara)

“I will have to question her about that.” (Makoto)

“But it would be hard to meet her.” (Fujiwara)

“I wonder about that. She might be listening to this conversation right now.” (Makoto)

“Seriously?” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan looks around restlessly.

She did say she was always watching.

Are you watching, Goddess-sama?

(……..)

No response.

Oh well.

“I will think carefully about whether to continue as her believer or not.” (Makoto)

“I see. If I can be of help somehow… There might not be anything I can do, but please consult with me if you need to.” (Fujiwara)

“Thanks.” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan finished gulping down his ale.

By the way, this is his third one.

After that, he asked the waitress for a drink on the rocks.

“Fuji-yan, you can really hold your alcohol.” (Makoto)

I am still on my first one and it still has around half left.

“I am made to drink all the time as a merchant.” (Fujiwara)

The bitter smile of Fuji-yan was that of an experienced man.

“I don’t think I can become a merchant then.” (Makoto)

I can’t drink that much.

“I will take it slow as an adventurer.” (Makoto)

I take only a small sip of my glass.

“By the way, have you heard about this? The Great Demon Lord is apparently going to revive in 10 years.” (Fujiwara)

First time I heard of that.

“I didn’t know. Is that true?” (Makoto)

“That’s the rumor that’s been spreading around. The countries are denying it though. All 6 Oracles excluding the Moon one apparently received an oracle like that.” (Fujiwara)

“I didn’t know that. If that’s the case, the guys that were chosen as heroes are gonna have it rough.” (Makoto)

Like the Light Hero Sakurai-kun.

At any rate, the Demon Lord, huh.

If I were stronger, I would have wanted to try challenging it.

“Just between you and me, there seems to be rumors that we might have been called to this world to fight the Demon Lord.” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan whispers this to me.

“That does sound plausible, but if that’s the case, I would have liked more powerful skills.” (Makoto)

“No no, I am not good at fighting. Being a merchant fits just fine for me.” (Fujiwara)

I personally would like skills that make me stronger in battle.

“I have heard that each nation is gathering military power in preparation for the battle against the Demon Lord.” (Fujiwara)

“Aah, so that’s why there were so many scouts coming to the Water Temple from a variety of countries.” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan is an information network. It is really helpful.

“By the way, what do you plan on doing from now on, Takki-dono?” (Fujiwara)

“I will raise my level as an adventurer for a while.” (Makoto)

“If it is okay with you, do you want to form a party with me?” (Fujiwara)

“With you, Fuji-yan?” (Makoto)

Can a merchant fight?

Didn’t he say he wasn’t good at fighting?

According to him, merchants can’t fight, but they can hire adventurers to do things like exploring dungeons.

He did say that the clerk I met at noon was a Silver Rank adventurer.

If I go together with the fighting force that Fuji-yan hired with his money, I will be able to have safe adventures.

It is enticing.

But…that’s way too lukewarm.

“Thanks for the offer, but I will try to do my best solo first. I did train in the temple for the sake of that after all.” (Makoto)

“I see, that’s a shame. But if you have a problem with anything, feel free to give me a call.” (Fujiwara)

I am really grateful for that.

One should really have a good classmate friend.

After that, we had fun talking about memories of our previous world, and the fun memories we had in this world.

The memories of our previous world are, as always, about games.

It has already been a year, so we definitely must be missing a lot of titles.

Fuji-yan said he ate a whole lot of food from around the continent, and it seems like the level is unexpectedly high and praised it.

But it seems he didn’t like the fact that there’s no ramen in this world.

So he was talking about making a ramen chain one day.

I would like to eat hamburgers.

In the past, I would pass my days eating things like cheese burgers, potatoes, and drinking cola while playing games.

Aah, I miss those days.

“You are way too unhealthy, Takki-dono. Passing 3 days without sleeping while eating only hamburgers and potatoes is crazy.” (Fujiwara)

“I don’t want to hear that from you who ate ramen and curry for breakfast.” (Makoto)

“I haven’t been able to do that now.” (Fujiwara)

“You end up being healthy in this world. Our meals in the temple would be bland vegetable soup with rice gruel.” (Makoto)

“That was indeed bland. You should go to the Commercial Country, Camelon, one day. That place is the country of the rich, and the food is delicious.” (Fujiwara)

We talked till late in the night.

We left probably when it had already passed midnight.

Fuji-yan invited me again and again to stay in his house, but I didn’t want to impose so much on him, so I refused.

He did pay for all the food after all.

Next time, it will be my treat.

I went to the resting room for adventurer use in the Adventurer Guild, and wrapped myself at a corner of the large room. And so, I passed my first night as an adventurer.

It was noisy with the snoring and sleep-talking of the adventurers, but I was tired, so I managed to fall asleep pretty quick.

◇◇

That night, I dreamed again.

A space with nothing.

It’s been one day since last time.

“…What are you doing, Goddess-sama?” (Makoto)

The Goddess was prostrating.

Her back was completely straight and her hands positioned diagonally from each other on the ground.

Apparently showing the top of your head is a display of submission towards the other party.

Her nape that’s peeking out slightly is a bit sexy.

No wait, that’s not it.

“Noah-sama.” (Makoto)

I kindly call her.

The Goddess’s shoulders quiver.

“That’s your name right, Goddess-sama?” (Makoto)

“……..Yes.” (Noah)

She tells me in a fleeting voice.

“You were an Evil God?” (Makoto)

“…”

There’s no answer.

“For now, please show me your face. Staying prostrated won’t let me relax.” (Makoto)

“You won’t stop being my believer?” (Noah)

“……”

“Please don’t stay silent!” (Noah)

She snapped her head up, stood up, and grabbed my shoulders.

“I am sorry! I didn’t intend to deceive you. I simply didn’t say it.” (Noah)

That’s called a fraud.

“It is not a fraud! Also, there’s no mistake that I am a Goddess!” (Noah)

“But you are an Old God, right?” (Makoto)

“Calling me old is also a bit… I don’t really like that way of calling us. Within the Titan Gods, I am on the young side, you know.” (Noah)

She sulks and makes a gesture of kicking the air.

As cute as always.

Ah, she grinned.

Right, she can read minds.

“Cute Goddess-sama, looks like you will be okay even if I am not your believer anymore.” (Makoto)

The face of the Goddess stiffens.

“I won’t I won’t I wont!! It took me a 1,000 years to even get one believer, you know?! Without believers, a God will stay weak. I am being treated as an Evil God, so I can’t get believers. I can only recruit otherworldlers!” (Noah)

And most of those otherworldlers were seized by the six Great Goddesses.

“H-Hey, the dagger was good, right?” (Noah)

“This?” (Makoto)

I look at the dagger at my waist.

Based on what Fuji-yan said, it certainly is an impressive weapon.

It isn’t something I would have been able to obtain by adventuring normally in this world.

“But getting caught as an Evil God from an Appraisal was a bit careless of your part.” (Makoto)

“That’s not it! A normal appraisal wouldn’t have managed to!” (Noah)

So Fuji-yan’s skill isn’t normal.

That’s an [Appraisal: Superior] for ya.

Or more like, you totally intended on deceiving me then.

“No, well, you see…” (Noah)

The Goddess fidgets.

Looks like she can’t find a good excuse.

Well, she did hide that she was an Evil God, but the quality of the weapon she gave me is the real deal.

I wasn’t given a weapon at the Water Temple, so having this dagger and not having it makes a lot of difference.

Then, what I should say is…

“Noah-sama, thank you for this dagger. I will use it with care.” (Makoto)

“I am glad that you like it.” (Noah)

She smiles.

When looking at her like this, she really doesn’t look like an Evil God at all.

“No, it is just the Holy Gods arbitrarily calling us Evil Gods. I am also a Goddess.” (Noah)

She puckers her lips and says this.

I see.

Apparently Goddesses can’t lie.

Fuji-yan told me that.

So her saying she is a Goddess is not a lie.

When thinking about it in that way, our conversation the first time wasn’t a fraud.

“I am okay staying as your believer.” (Makoto)

“R-Really?!” (Noah)

“Yeah.” (Makoto)

Honestly, I was happy.

This Goddess was the only one who has told me ‘I have high hopes for you’ since coming to this world.

Other people only made fun of me, pitied me, or worried about me.

Aah, but she is reading my mind.

Maybe it really was pity?

While I was thinking that, the Goddess suddenly approached me.

“Makoto.” (Noah)

And hugged me.

“You are my important believer. I have high hopes for you, so slowly become stronger.” (Noah)

“This is so obvious that it stinks of fake, you know.” (Makoto)

“S-So horrible! I did my best there!” (Noah)

She lightly beats my head.

I am sorry.

[Clear Mind] and [RPG Player] are just too good at their job, you see.

Seeing from the side my own figure being hugged by the Goddess is embarrassing.

Anyways, the contract still stands.

I will do my best as a believer of the Goddess Noah-sama.

“By the way, don’t you have any instructions for me, Goddess-sama?” (Makoto)

“Why is it that you want such an oracle that much?” (Noah)

“Meeting a Goddess and the only event is receiving a dagger, is just a bit, you know…” (Makoto)

Most times it is ‘defeat the Demon Lord’ or something unreasonable.

It is kinda the usual trope of an RPG.

“What a weird believer.” (Noah)

The Goddess says with a troubled expression.

“Then, how about this? I am currently imprisoned for the sin of going against the Holy Gods. How does saving me sound?” (Noah)

Ooh, nice!

A classic event.

Saving the captured Goddess.

I have dreamed of situations like this.

Right right, that’s the kind of thing I wanted.

“The place where the Old Gods are imprisoned in, right?” (Makoto)

“Aah, that’s a different place. The place where the Old Gods are imprisoned in, Tartaros, cannot be reached by a mortal in the first place. I am still a young god, so I am in a different place. It is a place that a mortal can just baaarely get to.” (Noah)

Really?

So there’s a lot of things that can’t be learned with only the passed down myths.

“The place I am currently in, you see, is the Deep Sea Temple.” (Noah)

“Eh? What did you say just now?” (Makoto)

“At the abyss of the deep sea. The dungeon that’s said to be the deepest in this world. The Deep Sea Temple is in the very last location of that place.” (Noah)

The Goddess Noah-sama just said the name of one of the 3 top most difficult dungeons in the world.

A dungeon that mankind has not reached yet.

“Ahaha, want to call it quits after all?” (Noah)

The Goddess asks me with a smile.

“I will go. I will aim for it. I will save you as thanks for this dagger.” (Makoto)

“The dagger is my thanks for you becoming my believer. You don’t have to mind it. If you pray everyday, you might eventually get a divine protection, so it would benefit you to continue being my believer, you know.” (Noah)

The Goddess speaks as if she is making a sales pitch for a newspaper subscription.

“Well, excuse me. Then, it is about time you wake up.” (Noah)

My consciousness grows hazy.

“Come rescue me when you feel like it, okay? I will wait patiently.” (Noah)

Noah-sama waves her hand all smiles.

I only have 10 years of lifespan though.

For now, let’s raise my level and earn lifespan.

“If you free me, I will do whatever you want me to~.” (Noah)

I heard that voice as my consciousness grew further and further away.

Aren’t you just saying random stuff without meaning it, Goddess-sama?

◇◇

I wake up and look at the back of my hand.

The crest is there as always.

My Soul Book has Goddess Noah’s Believer written in it.

I am glad it doesn’t say Evil God.

(I will do my best, Noah-sama.) (Makoto)

I hold the dagger in both hands, and offer a prayer.

“Okay, let’s do this.” (Makoto)

Today will be the day my life in Makkaren starts!

I come out from the resting area of the Adventurer Guild and head to the reception.

It is early morning so it is free.

“Uhm, with the level and adventurer rank of Takatsuki-san, it would be around here.”

The quests that the guild receptionist recommended me were.

Hunt horn rabbits in the great forest (3).

A porter for a trip to the Fire Country by carriage (includes 2 meals and lodging).

A porter for a trip to the Sun Country by carriage (includes 3 meals and lodging).

They were all errands.

“Is there no quests like monster subjugation?” (Makoto)

“You are acting solo, right? Lately, there have only been subjugation quests for parties.”

“I see… Then, the horn rabbit hunt quest.” (Makoto)

“Understood. By the way, you can kill or capture goblins and orcs. They are quests that are always active, so there will be a reward for it too.”

Hoh, is that so.

“At your level, I think it would be difficult to kill them, so it would be better to run away.”

She warned me.

Well, I haven’t fought orcs before.

If I meet one, I will check the situation first.

“Are there any questions?”

“No, I am okay.” (Makoto)

“I see, then, do your best. Next one please.”

I leave the Adventurer Guild and head to the west gate.

I showed my guild license to the gatekeeper and he easily let me pass.

He gave me a ‘do your best’.

I bowed lightly and headed to the forest.

My destination is the Great Forest.

—Great Forest—

The Tree Country Spring Log neighbors the Water Country Rozes.

Most of it is comprised of forests.

Inside the Great Forest, there’s a natural dungeon called the Forest of the Lost, also called the Demonic Forest, which is filled with strong monsters.

By the way, at the back of the Water Temple I trained for 1 year, there’s the Spirit Forest that’s within the Great Forest, and it is famous for being a safe place where no monsters show up.

This time’s quest is to capture Horn Rabbits that inhabit a wide area of the Great Forest.

A rabbit with a horn on its head that has the cute appearance of an animal.

It doesn’t attack people, but it is a harmful monster that devastates farms.

Because of that, there’s quests to deal with them.

Their meat is apparently suited for consumption.

According to the book I read, it is a light brown rabbit that has a small horn on its forehead, but as it grows, the horn also grows.

[Water Magic: Ice Arrow]

I approach it with [Stealth], and before it notices me, I shoot an [Ice Arrow].

The power of my magic is so low, that I couldn’t kill it with that, so I finish it with my dagger.

I soon finished hunting the 3 I needed.

I was thinking about going back now, but my Detection skill has been ringing for a while now.

This feeling, goblins.

There’s probably a goblin colony around here.

I don’t have much knowledge about the geography of the Great Forest, but from the information I gathered beforehand, this place should be close to the Demonic Forest.

The strong monsters are in the deep parts of the Demonic Forest.

The weak ones are at the beginnings of it.

(There’s around 40.) (Makoto)

10 times the amount I fought before.

Thinking about it normally, the only choice would be to run away.

But the vicinity of the Demonic Forest is covered in a thick mist, and the visibility is close to zero.

I have Detection and Night Vision, so there’s no problem.

(There’s a number of them that are moving alone.) (Makoto)

If I use Stealth to defeat them one by one, I might be able to reduce their numbers.

(What should I do?) (Makoto)

Run ←

Fight

[RPG Player] is reading the mood and showing me choices.

I will report this to the guild, but since I am here, it should be okay to defeat them, right?

(Don’t raise a weird flag!)

I feel like I heard someone say that.

Goddess, you are watching me too much.

I erased the sound of my footsteps, and silently creeped my way to 1 goblin.

Chapter 8: Lame nickname

“Ooh, the rising rookie. The Goblin Cleaner has returned.”

“Good work in your daily cleaning of weaklings.”

“Aim big every now and then, man.”

“Nah, he can’t. He is a Mage Apprentice.”

“Moreover, solo.”

“There’s no way there’s a Mage Apprentice that goes solo.”

“There’s one right here.”

“““Ahahahaha.”””

The moment I returned to the Adventurer Guild, jeering flew my way.

Why did it turn out this way…

◇◇

3 months have passed since I became an adventurer.

I safely managed to deliver the Horned Rabbits for my first quest.

On top of that, I reported the subjugation of 5 goblins.

The guild lady went ‘Huh? No way’.

And then, got amazed at me for being so reckless.

I don’t think I was reckless there though.

After feeling good surprising the guild receptionist, I defeated goblins the next day as well.

After 2 weeks, I managed to wipe out the goblin colony that I found.

This became news in the Adventurer Guild for a short while.

They pressed me with questions about where the goblin colony was, and when I answered that it was close to the Demonic Forest, they accepted it.

There’s a lot of goblins around there, so there’s no problems. If it had been anywhere else, an investigation would be required as to why they are outside their usual territory.

But I was warned that I shouldn’t be so reckless, since the Demonic Forest is way too dangerous for a Stone Rank. Telling me that I shouldn’t worry, that they will promote me to Bronze Rank soon, so there’s no need to hurry it like that.

It seems they thought I was pushing myself because I wanted to raise my adventurer rank.

My objective is to raise my level and increase my lifespan though.

I am not putting that much importance to adventurer rank.

Even if I raise my adventurer rank, I am made fun of by the other adventurers just because I am a Mage Apprentice anyways…

When I raise my level, my stats increase.

Things like Strength, Endurance, and Mana.

If I raise my stats, I will be receiving less wounds, which is something that comes with the job of being an adventurer.

Increasing my level is of utmost importance if I want to survive.

Goblins are dangerous monsters that attack people, so getting Contribution Points for defeating them makes me happy.

Horn Rabbits and Giant Rats don’t give points.

When I increase my CP , my lifespan increases.

My lifespan is still around 10 years.

No choice but to slowly earn it.

Increasing my level is fun.

In RPG games, the moment when my level increases is the moment where my spirit raises the most.

More so in this Isekai.

Once you get used to goblin hunting, it is easy.

The risk is low, and I can steadily increase my level.

I hunted a whole lot of goblins close to the Demonic Forest when I found them.

As a result, I was being called Goblin Cleaner…

That’s lame.

If you are going to give me a nickname, make it something cool.

“You guys, at least acknowledge goblin hunting a little bit. He is doing his best alone, you know.”

“Then invite him to your party.”

“Oi oi, an apprentice that can only use water magic? Where can I use him?”

“Damn right. Hahahaha!”

I heard a distasteful conversation.

Let’s ignore them.

“Boss, a plate of skewers.” (Makoto)

“On its way.”

I sat on a bench in front of a food stall inside the guild, and gave my order to the stallkeeper.

“What will you be drinking?”

“Apple soda.” (Makoto)

In this stall, ordering skewers and alcohol is the usual.

But I don’t like alcoholic drinks.

I always go for soft drinks.

“Also, rice balls.” (Makoto)

“Got it.”

While waiting for the skewers to be ready, I munch on the salty taste of the rice balls.

It is a bit harder compared to the rice of Japan.

The scent of cooking meat was tickling my appetite.

There’s a variety of other stalls in the guild, but this is my favorite one.

The taste is close to that of the yakitori in Japan.

I heard that this taste was spread a long time ago by otherwordlers.

Maybe they were japanese?

“Here you go, plate of skewers, right on.”

A plate of 5 skewers was placed in front of me.

The meat is from the Horn Rabbits you can get at the Great Forest.

My very first delivery quest was from this stall.

Since then, I have been a frequent customer.

I munch on the sweet and sour taste of the leg meat skewer.

The meat juice spreads inside my mouth.

“It is delicious as always.” (Makoto)

“Thanks. By the way, how was today’s hunt?”

I am acquainted with the boss, so we could converse casually.

“22 goblins, and 5 horned rabbits. I told them to send the meat to your place.” (Makoto)

“Thanks as always, Makoto. You can have your drink for free.”

This is the usual exchange as well.

“But I am surprised that you can hunt goblins all the time without getting bored. What level are you now?”

“Around 14. I am going to go at it till 20.” (Makoto)

“What a weird guy you are. A level 20 is considered a full-fledged adventurer already, you know? In my days…”

The boss here was apparently an adventurer in the past and was over level 40.

He was a warrior, but because of a wound on his leg, he retired.

He sometimes talks about stories of his adventurer times, so it helps as reference.

“Ooh, talking a storm here. Boss, ale and skewers please.”

“Got it. Lucas, you were back, huh.”

A large sized warrior old man sat at my side.

“I went to the Fire Country to defeat a Sand Dragon. We were prohibited from drinking any alcohol. The reward was good, but it was rough. Ooh, Makoto, long time no see.” (Lucas)

“It’s only been 5 days. Good work out there.” (Makoto)

“Alright, cheers. Puhaaa~, delicious!” (Lucas)

Lucas-san is a veteran adventurer in Makkaren, and he is Gold Rank.

It seems he is an old friend of the boss.

And he is also an instructor for newbies in a sense.

He taught me a lot of things at the beginning.

“Makoto, how about challenging a dungeon soon. You are close to level 15, right?” (Lucas)

“When I get to 20, I am thinking about challenging the dungeon for newbies that’s close by.” (Makoto)

“The recommended level there is 10-12 though…” (Lucas)

“I am weak after all. I will go at it carefully.” (Makoto)

I didn’t say anything weird, and yet, Boss and Lucas were looking at each other.

“What’s with this rookie?”

“There’s nothing to caution him about as a veteran.”

Ain’t it fine to be careful?

“Ooh, you are already gulping it down here, people.”

A blonde and beautiful lady inserted herself in between Lucas-san and I.

“Mary-san, thanks for the hard work. Are you done for today?” (Makoto)

“What’s with you, Mary, don’t get in between us.” (Lucas)

Mary-san is the receptionist of the Adventurer Guild.

Since the time of my first quest, I have met her a lot.

She likes to look after the newbies.

Also, she is a hopeless alcoholic, and when she finishes work, she would always come here to have a drink.

Thanks to that, getting involved with her has become a daily occurrence.

I am just having dinner without any alcohol involved though.

“One ale for me. Also, roast me some vegetables there!” (Mary)

“Got it.”

“Well then, cheers~. Haah. The first drink after work is really the best.” (Mary)

“Ooh, Mary, how about instead of drinking in this dirty stall, you get a man, and go to a stylish bar?” (Lucas)

“Huh? Lucas-san, you know how exhausting it is to work as a receptionist of the Adventurer Guild, right?! I don’t have the time to get a man. Old man, another one.” (Mary)

“Mary-san, you are drinking too fast.” (Makoto)

She is a beauty when she stays silent though…

Mary-san is one heavy-drinker that doesn’t lose to adventurers.

“Aah, Makoto-kun! Drinking juice again. You got a decent pay today, so you gotta drink a whole lot, you know.” (Mary)

“Oi oi, what is a guild staff saying?”

The Boss is amazed by her.

“I do drink every now and then, you know.” (Makoto)

You can drink alcohol when you are over 13 years old in this country.

So there’s no issue in me drinking, but I don’t like alcohol to begin with.

The ale I drank in my first time was simply bitter, and the one on the rocks I ordered, I spat it out the moment it entered my mouth.

The only thing I can drink are things like cocktails made from apple soda.

And I get immediately drunk even with that, so I keep it to only 1.

There’s no need to push myself to drink, but Lucas-san told me that if an adventurer can’t drink alcohol, they will get looked down on.

“Why only every now and then?” (Mary)

“Like a reward after working hard? Also, drinking alcohol moderately helps me relieve a bit of stress.” (Makoto)

Not like I have accumulated stress though.

Raising my level as I go has been incredibly fun.

“Oi, Mary, did you hear that?” (Lucas)

“My, you are really level-headed. Boss, another one~.” (Mary)

“Here ya go. Mary, how about you learn from him a bit and don’t drink everyday? Not like I should be the one saying it.”

“Why is it that this boy is so young, yet so mature. That’s not cute~, take this and this.” (Mary)

She head-locked me. Her big boobs pushed against my back.

Awawa.

[Clear Mind] activate!

Be cool, be cool.

Mary-san is popular with the adventurers.

Because of that, I can feel the jealous stares of the adventurers gathering onto me.

“Tch.” “That bastard.” “Even though he is a weakling mage.”

I heard those words of disdain.

I have done nothing wrong.

“Mary-san, you are way too drunk.” (Makoto)

“I am not drunk at all just yet~. It begins from here on~.” (Mary)

She is hugging me from the back now?!

“Today it was 22 goblins? Well done, well done.” (Mary)

She dishevels my hair while still hugging me.

When Mary-san gets drunk, her physical contact increases.

Because of that, it makes others misunderstand easily, and there have been many adventurers who have fallen for her.

A devilish woman.

But! I am the man that resisted the seduction of a Goddess.

I won’t panic over something like this.

*Boing*

Soft things were being pushed on my back.

W-Won’t panic!

Aah, soft…

“Ha! Acting all big just from hunting goblins.”

Someone speaks out.

I look back and see a young man in warrior equipment.

A newcomer adventurer by the name of Jean, was it?

He apparently became an adventurer around half a year ago.

His current rank is bronze.

It is apparently quite the speed to be promoted in half a year.

But it seems like he doesn’t like the fact that I have become Bronze Rank in the three months I came to the Adventurer Guild, and would bother me every now and then.

“Oi, Jean, get along with each other as newcomers.” (Lucas)

“Lucas-san! Why haven’t you been helping me with practice lately?!” (Jean)

“I look after Stone Ranks, but Bronze up are treated as being fully-fleshed already.” (Lucas)

“Don’t be like that, Jean-kun. Don’t go scaring Makoto-kun just because he is docile.” (Mary)

I am not really scared.

No, I wonder.

There’s a mage and a priest at the back of Jean.

A party of 3?

Honestly, a 1 vs 3 is scary, so I will keep it down.

“Isn’t it okay? He is a mage apprentice. I don’t think you need to bother. You are an Intermediate Swordsman, right?”

The one who spoke to Jean was the red haired female mage.

She is wearing clothes with quite the high exposure.

What a flashy beauty.

“Right right, let’s finish the subjugation quest already and aim for Iron Rank.”

Is what the priest girl said.

The one here is a bit child-faced and more on the cute side.

A harem party, huh…

Tch!

A man should shut up and go solo.

“Oh, a subjugation quest?! Who are you going against?” (Lucas)

Lucas-san changes the topic.

“Ogre subjugation! Travellers have spotted it recently it seems.” (Jean)

“Hoh! A Bronze Rank party against an ogre, huh. It is like a promotion ceremony. Do your best!” (Lucas)

“Yes! I will show you we can! Oi, Makoto! I will be the first one to become an Iron Rank, you got it?!” (Jean)

He left after saying that.

The priest girl lowered her head apologetically.

The priest girl is a good girl.

The mage girl seems to not have any interest here.

“No need to mind it.” (Mary)

Mary-san consoles me.

No, I really am not minding it, you know.

“I will go at my own pace.” (Makoto)

I will be defeating goblins tomorrow as usual.

“Just for your information, defeating 22 goblins alone in one day cannot be called ‘my own pace’.” (Lucas)

Lucas-san retorted.

Even if you tell me that, I have secured a safe hunting pattern.

In RPGs, I am the type that raises their level as much as possible before defeating the boss.

I will be doing it in this way for a while.

◇◇

The next day, on my way back from hunting goblins.

Today I got 20.

After this, I was thinking about hunting some horn rabbits on my way back, and sending them to the stall of Boss.

*Kan kan kan kan!*

Suddenly a siren from Detection rings inside my head in a loud volume.

There’s quite the dangerous monster around?

I currently have Stealth activated.

It is okay, they shouldn’t have found me yet.

I silently check my surroundings.

There’s something.

Around 50 meters ahead, inside the mist, there’s a giant shadow.

A stray ogre?

It has a wide and stout humanoid figure, and there’s something like a horn at its head.

But…isn’t it way too big?

The average ogre is around 2-3 metres.

This one is over 5 metres.

Each step it takes makes a heavy sound, and I think the ground around it was trembling along.

There’s normally other monsters around this area, but right now I can’t see any at all.

They all ran away.

I won’t be able to get any horn rabbits like this.

I should go back to the guild and report it.

The moment I was about to leave the place silently…

“Kyaaa!!”

I heard the scream of a woman.

“Damn it! This guy!!”

The shout of a man.

(Oi oi, there’s people being attacked.) (Makoto)

Now that I look closely, there’s a number of adventurer-like people there.

A swordsman, mage, and priest; a party of 3.

They are all young.

Doesn’t look like they are veteran adventurers.

“Or more like, it is them, huh.” (Makoto)

The party of Jean that came to bother me yesterday.

He did say he would go subjugate an ogre.

And now he is in trouble.

Got what you deserved…is what I want to say, but it would be dangerous if I get dragged into it, too.

I maintain Stealth and observe.

(They are going to run away, right?) (Makoto)

The iron rule of adventurers is ‘life is important’.

When an enemy stronger than you appears, just run!

Lucas-san warned me a whole lot in the past.

They should have been told that too.

(The mage and priest are in a terrible state.) (Makoto)

Maybe because of fear, or hesitation, they cannot properly escape.

The ogre is going to catch up.

“Emily!” (Jean)

Jean grabs the hand of the girl and runs.

“Wait! What about me?!”

The mage shouts.

It looks like the priest is more important for Jean.

(What a rough world.) (Makoto)

Aah, the mage tripped on her confusion.

The ogre is getting closer.

This is bad.

Abandon ←

Save

Oi oi, no matter how you think about it, this is too heavy for a bronze rank mage apprentice.

I heard a voice inside my head.

(Abandon her.)

A simple instruction.

But isn’t there a better way to put it, Goddess-sama?

Abandon ←

Save

The choices begin to flicker.

How annoying!

Let me think for a bit here!

If I die, it would all be over, you know?!

“Hiih! Stay away.”

The mage has lost strength on her legs.

The ogre is really close now.

Jean was shouting to the female mage, ‘run away already!’.

The female priest is covering her mouth and making a bitter expression.

No good.

This is not the time to think.

“Noo noo! Save me!”

The scream of the female mage rang weakly, and the hand of the giant ogre stretches towards her.

Aah, geez!

“[Water Magic: Ice Blade]!” (Makoto)

Ice Blade hit the ogre’s eye.

The ogre went ‘gyaaaa!’ and covered its eye in pain.

“Oi, run away quickly.” (Makoto)

“Eh, ah, wa?”

Looks like the female mage is in complete confusion right now.

I had gone in between the ogre and the female mage, and had taken a stance with the Goddess’s dagger.

(If you die, I won’t forgive you.) (Noa)

I heard the fed up voice from the Goddess.

I am sorry.

I want to act cool.