CHAPTER 3
Oh, this clothing is really comfortable. I've never worn anything as comfortable as this. What's it made of? Well, the important thing is that it's comfortable.
… Ugh, I'm really trying, but I can't distract myself with anything else. I killed again… I killed… How should I feel about that? I feel horrible, but I know perfectly well it's necessary. If I hesitate in my actions, it could cost me my life. If the simplest, safest, and fastest option is to kill, I have to do it. If I die or delay my plans, the world will be destroyed. I need to act quickly and decisively, but I can't help feeling like a monster.
I killed… I'm a murderer… But I have to endure it.
Daniel, God gave you this mission; you won't go to hell… Hold on, Daniel… Just hold on and keep moving forward.
"Is there a church around here, Sara?"
"Hmm… I think the closest one is in the Capital. Why?"
"Just curiosity."
I want to talk to God again and confess my sins. I'm new to this church and religion thing, but from what little I know, I can talk to God in a church. I tried calling him with my phone, but he didn't answer. I guess he can only talk to me in emergencies.
Sara and I walk through the village together. People turn to look at me with curiosity and amazement, probably because I showed them something they're not used to seeing: someone defeating a demon with a single blow and possessing all types of magic… Ugh… I need to get used to this… It feels weird… I don't dislike it, but I don't like it either… I feel a bit uncomfortable. I feel like I'm some kind of… No, I think saying I feel like a freak is rude to myself… I just feel out of place.
… Wait… That's right. They're not staring because I defeated the Black Demon, a demon no one here could defeat, not even Sandro.
And now that I realize it, the Black Demon was strange… He seemed good; it never crossed my mind that he was evil when I first talked to him… Maybe Sara knows something about it.
I don't know anything about demons; it'd be best to start investigating.
"Sara, were you here when the Black Demon arrived?"
"Yes, why?"
"When I met him, he didn't seem evil; he even helped me when I arrived in the village. Are they really evil? What was he doing here?"
I shouldn't judge people by their appearance. I need to investigate first to know the demons' true intentions. Maybe demons are good, and humans are the bad ones… No, that possibility is almost zero, considering God sent me to eliminate the demons. But maybe there are good demons.
"Yes, they're evil. He came looking for a rock a week ago. When he got tired of searching, he just stayed in the village; no one knows why."
A rock? That's weird… Was he looking for a simple rock? Could it be a magical rock? Some kind of legendary rock that holds a mystical being inside?
Whatever it is, I can't let the demons find it first.
"A rock? What kind of power does that rock have?"
"We don't know what he meant. Not even I know anything about that rock. He only said he wanted the rock we humans are hiding."
A rock… Wow, wow…
It's obvious he was looking for a rock, but I think he really didn't know what kind of rock he was searching for.
If Sara doesn't know anything about that rock, it means I'll have to investigate elsewhere, maybe go to the King or travel to another country to find it. I can't let them find it before I do. If I find it, I'll destroy it. It's dangerous to keep it… What if it has a monster inside…? Hmm… I'll think about what to do later; for now, I'll focus on improving my control over my magic.
But even as a newbie, I managed to defeat a demon very easily.
Are demons' bodies really weak? Or am I the powerful one…? No… My sword is the powerful one… I think.
Being able to slice through a demon without any problem… Wow… I'm scared of my own sword.
"And are demons really powerful? I was disappointed to defeat him so easily."
Sara looked me in the eyes with that "Are you serious?" expression and then sighed.
"S-sorry for sounding arrogant or rude, but I'm just being honest; I couldn't help it. I don't know demons; the Black Demon was the first one I met."
"Don't worry, I just still can't believe I'm next to someone who felt disappointed for defeating a demon so easily… There are many demons; some are stronger than others. The Black Demon was one of the weakest, and if one of the weakest could tie with Sandro, the former most powerful adventurer in the guild, you can imagine what the stronger demons are like."
Wow, wow… I got really lucky… Or maybe it wasn't luck… I was too confident when I faced him… Maybe God helped me… I think… Or I just got lucky fighting a demon that got overconfident… Nah, I'm not that lucky in life; God definitely helped me. Thank you so much, God.
… Wait… One of the weakest?!
O-one of the weakest demons tied with the most powerful adventurer in this guild… O-one of the most powerful adventurers in the country…
Why haven't they conquered this country?! If I were a super mega powerful demon, I'd go castle by castle killing Kings and conquering countries. Why haven't the stronger demons done that yet? What are they waiting for?
… Hmm… Maybe something's stopping them? Ugh, I have so much to investigate.
But I have two theories.
Number 1: There's a being protecting this world, and if they cause too much damage, they could awaken it, so they're taking their time, planning how to eliminate that being, and after eliminating it, they'll conquer this world. The world might be destroyed because of the fight between the Demon King and that being.
Number 2: God doesn't allow it. If they sent me when they haven't even caused that much damage yet, considering the people around me seem to live relatively normal lives, I think God will send much more experienced and powerful warriors if they decide to show humans everything they're capable of.
Wow, wow. I like theory number 2 better. Either way, I think I'll be safe from attacks by much stronger demons, at least for a while.
"Wow, wow… Do you know the strongest demon…? Or have you at least met stronger demons?"
"I met one that easily defeated Sandro but didn't kill him; I don't know why. I guess he thought humiliating him and leaving him alive would be more satisfying than killing him."
"W-wow, wow. I-I see."
I guess he was very powerful… What do you mean, I guess?! That demon was very powerful!!
Leaving Sandro alive and not killing him. Do you know what that means, Daniel?
Yes. He doesn't even see one of the country's most powerful adventurers as a threat and left him alive to send a message: "No matter what you do, you'll never defeat us."
Ugh, I need to be careful… What kind of mess did I get myself into? Right now, I'd be in paradise with my grandma and parents, not here fighting demons… Well, though I think suicide is a sin… I'd probably be in hell… Oh…
Well, even if they'd given me the choice, I think I would've chosen to come to this world anyway. If my grandma found out I rejected the chance to save a world, she'd have another heart attack.
Besides, if I complete my mission, I'll save millions of lives… But if I fail, at least I'll die knowing I did everything I could to fulfill my mission.
No matter the outcome, I'll die happy.
"Ugh… Let's not talk about demons anymore. It's a pretty depressing topic."
"And what do you want to talk about, Daniel?"
"I don't know…"
Hmm… What do I want to know…? Oh, about Sandro. Sara and Sandro are polar opposites. Why was Sara on his team? If I were a woman, I wouldn't stand being on a team with someone like him.
"By the way, what were you doing on Sandro's team? He seems like a cocky and annoying guy."
"Despite his attitude, he's very powerful; that's why I joined his team, even though his constant harassment annoyed me."
Tsk. Damn… I hate sexual harassment… I hate people like Sandro. I definitely shouldn't associate with people like him.
"Wow, wow… I see…"
Huh? W-what?
I see an adventurer hugging and kissing two girls. Seeing that shocked me, especially considering everyone else doesn't pay attention to it, like it's the most normal thing in the world.
Is that normal? This world is weird; maybe it is normal.
"Is that normal?"
"What?"
"That an adventurer has more than one partner… I don't think I explained well… I mean, is it normal for a man to be with two women at the same time?"
"Huh? That's pretty normal. Men can have more than two women. Women can also have more than two men. Didn't you know?"
Wow, wow… Is that serious?! Why?! That sounds really weird. I wouldn't marry a woman who had a husband… And I wouldn't marry multiple women either. I prefer… Well, I used to prefer marrying just one woman… But honestly, I don't want to love again… I don't believe in love anymore.
I'll die alone, but I don't care.
"Is it really normal?" I said, confused by the spectacle before my eyes.
"Yes. Didn't you know? Isn't it normal in your country or hometown?"
… Well, I was cheated on. It's frowned upon, but some people date two people at the same time… Though they do it in secret… Disgusting infidelity.
"Not really… So, a man can have 10 wives?"
"Yes."
"And a woman can have 10 husbands?"
"Of course. My mother has three."
"… Wow, wow… That's weird."
Definitely weird… Shit, I just realized something… I'm handsome, I have great magical power, and God sent me to this world… I'm a cliché isekai protagonist! Shit, shit, shit, shit. If I'm right, I'll only get female teammates… And they'll fall for me… No! I have to avoid that… If I get teammates, and they fall for me, they'll ask me out… If that happens, I'll reject them immediately… Sorry, but I prefer to stay alone.
I need to make them respect the team's rules. I won't fall in love with anyone. I won't have sex. I won't kiss anyone.
I'll die alone; it's decided, and nothing will change my mind!
•
•
After leaving my clothes at Sara's house, we headed to the guild to have breakfast.
Phew. I'm starving. I wonder if they have desserts. I'm craving scrambled eggs with beans… Ugh… That's right. Are there beans or eggs in this world? Yesterday, I only ate meat… Well, I'll order whatever; I don't want to raise suspicions by ordering something they don't know.
"Tsk. Shitty King," said a woman walking beside me.
I totally agree with you, miss. He used his own daughter and sacrificed chicken men just to test me, but at least he seems to love his daughter.
As we walk, two female adventurers walk beside us, and I overhear them talking. Sorry for being nosy, but since you mentioned the King, I have to listen. Any information could be useful.
"King Finder still hasn't agreed?"
His name is Finder? Fufu. Finder. That's weird.
"No, and it seems the other Kings are planning something against him."
The Kings of other countries want to fight this country while we're at war with demons? How stupid.
"I wish the Kings of Grenfor were united. Those monsters would already be dead."
I guess they mean the demons… Wait, the Kings of this country?
I'm curious about what they're saying… The Kings? Are there more than one King ruling this country? That's weird.
Why are there multiple Kings? Did the family split in the past and divide the territories? Well, history doesn't matter to me unless it teaches me something useful.
"I thought there was only one King. How many Kings are there in the country?" I asked Sara.
"There are four kingdoms within the country. We're governed by King Freis."
… Freis? And we're still with the weird names.
Thanks for the help, Sara.
"Wow, wow… I see."
Four Kings… Ugh, that sounds like trouble.
I took out my phone and looked at the map… Hmm… The country is shaped like Africa, just less wide and a bit longer. This kingdom is in the center, slightly to the north.
Hmm… I see… Interesting… I still have a lot to investigate and see.
Well, Daniel, it's only your second day; don't stress and take it easy. Anyway, if our theory is correct, powerful demons won't attack us for a while, maybe two or three months.
I won't let my guard down, but I won't worry either. I'll take things easy. My grandma told me studying under stress wouldn't benefit me; I guess the same applies here. If I stress, I won't get good results. I'll take things calmly, at least at the start.
"Hey, handsome."
"Huh?!"
A-a woman with huge breasts in her underwear is hugging me?! Ahhhhhhhh! Indecent! Noooooo! I don't want people to think I'm a pervert!
"I have an offer just for you. I'll give you my services completely free."
"I absolutely refuse!"
I ran away like the coward I am.
How embarrassing! Everyone was watching me! W-why is she offering that kind of thing to me, someone she doesn't know?! You should only have sex with the person you love! I won't have sex before marriage! I won't disappoint my grandma! She told me sex is only for after marriage; I won't have it before!
•
•
After calming down and Sara catching up to me, we entered the guild, and the adventurers stared at us. It's embarrassing to be watched so much, and I blushed in that situation.
"I feel a bit embarrassed."
"And you get too nervous over a simple hug. Are you sure you're a man?"
"I-I'd rather not talk about that."
And it wasn't a simple hug; that woman was offering me sexual services! Anyone would get nervous!
Ignoring my nervousness, we sat at a table, and a waitress approached us.
"Would you like to order?"
Ugh… It smells delicious… I'm so hungry. I'll eat until I'm satisfied. I'd say I'd eat everything I could, but eating until I'm satisfied is more than enough for me.
"I'll have a plate of your best food and water, please. Thank you very much, miss."
"Fufu. Besides being handsome and powerful, you're polite," she said, winking.
S-shit… Sorry for the bad word, Grandma, but I couldn't help it.
I'm used to those kinds of comments, but combined with everyone watching me, I can't help but feel much more nervous.
I lower my gaze to fidget with my fingers. I-I can't look her in the eyes.
"I'll have some fire-type beef and beer," Sara said.
Huh? Beer? Wow, wow.
Fire-type beef? Is it a cow made of fire or something? Sounds interesting.
We paid, and the waitress left.
"Fire-type?" I said, confused.
"They're cows that live in the red zone; their meat is expensive, but it's delicious. Worth the price."
"Red zone? What's that?"
"… It's an area surrounded by fire and lava. It's tough to be there."
Sounds cool but dangerous… When I feel ready, I'll go.
I need to get stronger.
"I have to visit it someday."
"By the way, Daniel, are you afraid of women?"
"Not that I know of. Why?"
"You get too nervous with women who flirt with you."
"W-well… Wow, wow… Sorry, I'm a bit shy, that's all."
"Shy…? Ugh…"
Sara sighed and crossed her arms.
"You're handsome, Daniel, and powerful too. You must've grown up hearing that all the time. Why do you still get nervous and shy? You're not acting; you're genuinely nervous. Why?"
"I don't know; that's just how I am. How do you expect me to act? Like Sandro?"
"No, I just…"
"Sara, my grandma raised me to be a polite and respectful guy with everyone; I'd never see women as objects, so I don't take advantage of my looks to date every girl who's attracted to me. And the reason I get nervous and shy is… Well… Because that's just me."
"But it's not normal to get that nervous. Does it have to do with some past trauma?"
"… I don't want to talk about that. Ever. Got it?"
"But…"
"Please, I'm begging you… Got it?"
"Yes… Alright."
I don't want to remember that.
A minute later, the waitress returned with our food.
My plate has meat and vegetables. Basic but delicious. Sara's plate has juicy meat, and beside it, the waitress leaves a large glass of beer.
Beer disgusts me, but that juicy meat looks delicious. Note to self: buy that meat for lunch. With love, Daniel.
"Thank you," we both said.
I gave her 5 coins as a tip. I'd give more, but for now, I need to keep more money for myself.
The waitress left, and we started eating.
Hmm… Wow, wow. Pretty basic, but very delicious. And cheap too. The food in this world is definitely worth it, though I still have tons of dishes to try.
I watch Sara start drinking her beer… Is that normal too? Is Sara of legal age? She doesn't look it.
"Aren't you a bit young to drink beer? How old are you, young lady?"
"I'm 15."
… Minors can drink?! This world needs laws!
"Y-yeah, you're pretty young."
We kept eating. The meat in this world is delicious, but Sara's meat looks way tastier. I want to try all the foods in this world! On my journey, I'll make sure to eat the typical dishes of every city or village I visit.
"The meat here is delicious… So, how will we find teammates?"
For now, I do need adventure teammates. Later, I'll have to abandon them.
I'm a newbie right now; I'll need a lot of help to defeat my enemies, but in the future, I'll be powerful because I'll have gained experience. When I'm more powerful, my enemies will be too. When that happens, my teammates won't be useful anymore, and I'll abandon them. It's cruel, but it's for the best; I don't want them to die because of me.
"We'll put up a recruitment poster. With your magical power, you'll attract very powerful adventurers in no time; you don't need to worry. I'm pretty sure by the end of the day, we'll have at least two or three capable teammates who can keep up with us."
"I see…"
Sometimes, the strongest are the most cocky and annoying. I want good and kind teammates since I'll have to put up with them for at least a year. I won't be able to stand the company of rude or boastful adventurers.
"Sounds good. I just hope we don't get annoying teammates."
I want male teammates to avoid the cliché of having only female teammates… But if I only attract strong women, I'll accept them since I need all the help I can get. But I'll make it very clear that the rules can't be broken for any reason to avoid misunderstandings in the future. I don't want them to think I'm trying to flirt with some action and give them false hopes indirectly.
After a few minutes, I finished my delicious meal. I ordered two more plates, and now I'm full.
We finished eating, and Sara took out a piece of paper, a small bottle of black ink with a cap, and a white quill from the pockets of her skirt.
She had that the whole time? That's kind of weird too… Why is everyone in this place weird? No… I think I'm the weird one.
Well, she's a teacher; I guess she's always ready to take notes on some observation or something… I suppose.
Wow, wow… I admire that side of her. And she's still so young. She'll surely be even smarter and more powerful in the future. I hit the jackpot with her!
Though I think she's a bit mean, but I only think that because my mindset is adapted to my world, not this one. I have no right to judge the actions people in this world consider normal since I'm not from here. It's like a Mexican telling a Japanese person how to behave; it doesn't make sense since they're from completely different countries. The same applies to this.
"You had that the whole time?"
"Yes, you never know when you'll need it. I also have bandages and a knife."
She's a very clever girl… I really like that.
"So prepared… Though it seems uncomfortable. Wouldn't a bag be better?"
"I prefer my pockets."
I guess she has her reasons for not using a bag.
Sara starts writing… Ugh, that reminds me I need to learn to read… No, it's not necessary… I'm going to die in a couple of years anyway. I don't think I need to learn to read. Sara can translate for me, and when I part ways with her, I'll already be more than used to this world, so it won't matter that I can't read. Learning to read will take time, time I could use to learn more about this world and train.
That's one of the reasons I don't want to fall in love either. I'll die at the end of my adventure. I'll die fighting… Or if I win, I'll kill myself. I'll die in either outcome.
Honestly… I want to die… God exists, which means paradise exists. I'll see my grandma again when I die.
I'll see my dad again.
And I'll meet my mom… My mom.
… Ugh, the suicidal thoughts are coming back. No, go away! God needs me; I can wait!
"Wait… Hmm… Done."
She shows it to me. They're weird but pretty letters… Hmm… I guess it looks good… I don't know.
"Is it okay?"
"Remember, I can't read."
Ouch. Admitting it is pretty embarrassing. I think I should learn to read.
"Sorry. It says: 'Daniel and Sara Churs need teammates. Please meet with them for an interview.' Should I add requirements?"
"I think it's fine like that. We won't be too picky."
We're going to get powerful teammates, but adding requirements might make us look like we only care about power. We'll also look at the personalities and behavior records of the applicants.
Yeah, sounds good… Wait… Churs?
"Churs? Is that your middle name?"
"It's my last name."
"Pfft."
I let out a laugh unconsciously. Sorry, Sara, but it's a pretty funny last name.
Sara looks at me with a red face… She seems nervous and embarrassed… Shit, now I feel bad.
I know it's wrong to laugh at people, but I really couldn't help it. It's the first time I've heard that last name, and it sounds like a sneeze.
"You think my last name is funny?" she said, nervous and a bit angry with me.
"I sincerely apologize. It's just that it sounds weird, and I'm not used to hearing last names like yours. I'm really sorry."
Churs, huh? Churs, Churs. It does sound like a sneeze. Achoo. Hehe. Are there more weird last names in this world?
Sara sighed.
"Ugh, fine. I'll let it slide just this once."
"T-thanks."
Sara stands up and puts the poster on the wall.
Hmm… Now that I think about it, requirements might've been necessary… Well, it's already up; no turning back.
"Now we wait."
I wonder how long it'll take to get teammates. Considering my new popularity and Sara's existing fame, I need to be mentally prepared to be surrounded by people interested in joining my team. Please, one at a time; don't crowd.