"W-what?"
Before I can react, Kara's father lunges.
His hands clamp around my throat.
"I asked you—where did you get these Runes!?"
"I—I already told you. From a friend—"
His grip tightens. Heat blooms.
Khuhuk.
Csss.
Khaaahkk.
"Father, stop! You'll kill him!"
Bruk.
I hit the ground. Neck burning. Words stick to the roof of my mouth.
"Ph… Phoenix… She used a Phoenix Rune. Her name is Lenia."
---
"So, she saved you? And you just got back from her village?"
"Yeah."
Fausto finally listens. Tension loosens from his shoulders. He knows the Frenic Clan. Knows their reputation.
I lay it out. How I met Lenia. How I got the Runes.
Then I turn to the weapons. Armor. I need replacements.
Two or three sets…
Heavy. Restrictive. But if I die because I was too picky, what's the point?
「This isn't a game, idiot.」
'Shut up.'
"This one looks solid. Like scales."
「Pick individual pieces. A full set's a trap.」
'And if it doesn't fit?'
「Then pick the right size.」
I sift through the gear. Prioritizing mobility. Defense. Nothing too heavy.
"Two gold, ten silver."
I pay.
Done.
Now I need food.
All I ate today were some overripe bananas.
---
"Strange. The city's busier than usual."
"Soldiers came earlier—said high-ranking officials from across Isra are arriving. We're staying open late."
"Why?"
"Didn't say."
Hopefully, it's not about me.
What the hell have I even accomplished? No hero rises this fast.
I head for the tavern.
Never been inside at night. Heard it doubles as an inn.
Kringg.
The bell chimes as I push through the door.
Better get used to this.
---
In the medieval times, a war raged on…
The moment I step in, a woman's voice rises over the din.
Between humans and demons, the battle strong.
The tavern is alive. A sea of warriors. Steins clash. Feet stomp.
Warriors fought with all their might,
As they clashed in the dead of night,
The demons' eyes burned with hellfire,
The humans' hearts filled with desire.
They sing with her. A song of war. Blood. Victory.
Months in this world, and I've never seen this side of the [Guardians].
The ones who come back.
This? This is what survival looks like.
For now.
---
"She an elf?" I ask the man beside me.
"Yeah. Came yesterday. See that table? That's her group. They can sing, sure. But they're arrogant bastards."
Arrogant?
I glance over. Cloaked figures around a table. A white wolf insignia on their backs.
Good formation. Swordsman. Tank. Archer. Mage. One more. Face covered. Assassin? Maybe.
Kruukkk.
Shit. Stomach growling.
I step to the counter.
"One [Regular II]. No fat."
"Got it. One moment."
Busy night. Might as well grab a drink while I wait.
Then—
Crash.
Akkhh.
Scalding soup spills down my chest.
A swordsman from the wolf group.
"Ah, sorry, man. Didn't mean to."
Son of a—why does this keep happening to me?
"Oh? What's this?" He eyes my drink. "Tea? Hah! You think this is a noble's garden party?"
What the hell is this guy's problem?
Laughing. Mocking.
Within minutes, he's turned the whole tavern against him.
No wonder they hate his group.
---
"Enough."
A voice beside me.
Wait. I know that voice.
The man next to me stands, glaring at the swordsman.
"Hey, newbie. If not for the rules, we'd have killed you already."
"Ooooh. Scary. You all follow rules like good little dogs. That's why you're weak."
Sriing.
Steel whispers free of scabbards.
Oh, this is happening.
"You wanna fight?" The swordsman sneers. "Bring it."
He draws his weapon.
A Flamberge.
Trang!
An arrow slams into his blade.
From his own party.
"Atros. Enough."
The Archer.
"Tch."
Without another word, they leave.
The tavern breathes again.
---
"I don't get them," someone mutters. "They start with songs and joy, then ruin everything."
"Been two days, and I already want to kill that Flamberge bastard," another growls.
Everyone's talking about them. About Atros. He's the problem.
"Hey, you okay?" The man beside me turns.
"Yeah. Thanks for that."
"Don't thank me. He's been a jackass since he got here. Vorn Gottfried."
I know that name.
He was there. The day I first entered the [Guild].
"Higarashi Ken."
"Ken? Ken… Oh! You're one of King Grim's chosen!"
"Y-yeah. That's me."
"Sorry for the wait—here's your food."
Finally.
I dig in.
But my mind lingers on Vorn.
If he's one of the chosen, that means he's strong. A real fighter.
Me? I barely feel like a [Hero].
---
After the meal, Vorn turns to me again.
"Hey, never seen you before. You transfer from another [Guild]?"
"No. Just joined. Silver, four stars."
I pull out my Badge. Show him.
"Vorn, you know why this new Party is being formed, right?"
"Yeah. Helmud told me. This team is heading into the Demon King's castle. With the [Hero]."
No reaction. No surprise.
He doesn't know it's me. Just like Lloyd didn't.
"Ken! To celebrate our meeting as chosen warriors, let's drink!"
"Eh? I don't drink alcohol."
"Oh, come on. Just this once."
I raise my tea. He raises his ale.
We drink.
After I finish eating, I pay ahead for the Inn.
---
I hope the rest of my Party isn't like that damn wolf group.
But our team won't be fully assambled until we rank up. That'll take time.
For now? I train.
I get stronger.
Because at least i have Stattlich by my side.
The day's exhaustion hits me like a hammer.
I collapse into bed.
Sleep takes me instantly.