Zero looks like a person cut straight out from a fantasy plot. This hero wears platinum-like armor covering his body, a bastard sword resting in his scabbard, and a handsome face that could attract models back in my world. His muscles show, which adds to his charm. And most importantly, Zero White looks like a teenage kid around Chloe’s age. And yet he’s a hero of this world and a powerful adventurer who has reached -S=rank from the adventurer’s guild.Zero shows his identity card, proving to me he is really an adventurer from the guild. That can also be forged. But since he’s a high-rank person from the organisation, I might as well believe in what he should say.‘What is the hero of the North doing here beside the Nylsshys Forest right next to the Eastern border of the demi-humans?’ is what I want to ask, but couldn’t. We’ve just met. I don’t even know what a hero does in this fantasy world. All I can think about is that Zero, this hero, is someone who slays monsters and protects eve
I don’t know what’s even more terrifying: Zero escorting us throughout the night and accompanying us towards the Apis town, or the monsters residing in the area. Thankfully, Zero holds onto his words and fights whatever monster that appears in front of us. There are some goblins from here and there and a dozen of [Forest Cerberus]. But with one slash of Zero’s sword, he ends the one-sided battle and resumes sleeping back on the make-shift bed made out of leaves. By the time Chloe wakes up, it’s already morning. The weird-looking sun that takes the shape of a triangle rises above our heads, hinting that is already morning. The princess has been sleeping for quite a few hours right now, but it is acceptable. I never plan on waking her up despite this... enigmatic man watching our post. After what has happened, especially fighting against the group of goblins and a mini-boss called [Goblin Shaman], Chloe deserves a rest. And this is her reward. But I haven’t. Throughout the evening, I
Chloe and Zero continue talking with each other as if there is no tomorrow. Their topics include the environment, Zero’s lifestyle, and the creatures he has slain. Every time Zero tells something, Chloe immediately bobs her head like a seal and listens to his every word. From afar, they look like a perfect pair. But in reality, I know there is something up with Zero. And he ain’t telling us anything about it.Throughout the journey, I glue my eyes at Zero, showing him that I don’t trust this hero. And the most disturbing thing is… I also catch Zero throwing daggers in my direction, as if taunting me without raising his fists. I want to stop Chloe from continuing this relationship she has with the hero, but… who am I to stop her? Warning the princess about him is the best thing I can do.So I let the two have the time of their lives as we slowly reach the Apis town.One important conversation takes place, which is Zero asking Chloe why she wants to visit Apis town above anywhere else.
“Let me take it from here, milady, Zoe.” Zero White acts high and almighty. But the thing is, Zero backs up his arrogance with the sole title imprinted beside his name.Although flaunting one’s power is never enough to get what you want, his fighting skills, which I have already seen, are now more appealing in front of me.“I want to see Edwyrd Tragwyn. He’s an old friend of mine, and I know he’s going to open his gates for me. After all, your king owes me a favour.”I see. Edwyrd Tragwyn is currently the Nylsshys Republic King’s. And based on Zero’s words, the king of the Eastern Republic has some favours to settle with the hero. Not too bad. Although Zero is currently at our side, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s still a suspicious person with little to no backstory at all… At least, for my eyes and knowledge.I have no idea why this hero is helping us and pushing himself to this extent, but this greatly places us at an advantage.,“How do you know the Nylsshys Republic’s King
At once, we have arrived at the town’s entrance. The designs of these houses and other structures are comparable to the ones built in the previous village, Honeywood town. However, there are slight changes from here and there.One is the adventurer’s guild with fewer inns, more barracks, and training grounds for adventurers. This place is becoming more of a battlefield rather than a town where people spend the rest of their lives working on farms and their houses. But there are still taverns scattered in the area. Unfortunately, it seems like these pothouses are not quite famous, given what is happening in this place. Furthermore, most houses are either burnt into ashes or demolished to create more blacksmiths for forging swords, armours, and other weapons.The second part is the castle. The Honeywood town is the first place I’ve ever visited, so I don’t know much about other Kingdoms besides the ones existing back in my world. But the castle from Earth is no different from this, exce
Right beside the adventurer’s guild is a merchant’s stall, but not the merchant’s guild. This is far too different. And when I gaze around, the store has a limited choice of goods and sells them at a heftier price. Some people can afford such items, but… the merchant’s store, which is supposed to be the general convenience store in this world, seems to be ignorant of the idea.Chloe also mentions this to me, but not to Zero or to anyone else. I also tell her the same… Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it.We are not residents of this place nor someone who knows a thing about businesses or two. So Chloe and I let it be and move toward our destination.By the time we enter the adventurer’s guild, dozens of werecats, wolftaurs, centaurs, slithering humanoid creatures, and other demi-humans greet our eyes. But their gazes aren’t welcoming as it seems.{It feels like these people are not adventurers but Bounty Hunters… I don’t want to judge, but they’re giving off this wild f
“Why do you need the White Tea Leaves, if I may ask?” Chloe queries, and follows my request.The chiselled man grunts, “They make good potions… and entertaining for the adventurers drinking at the bar. That tea is also good when mixing it with beer.”I have been meaning to know the reason behind this… endeavour of the adventurer’s guild on collecting these specific White Tea Leaves which are used for… increasing one’s sexual drive. Adventurers and most people engage in these sorts of things, but… it’s weird to imagine that kind of thing in a fantasy world where everyone is constantly fighting against monsters and wars.Anyhow, surprisingly, this adventurer… or employee seems to be affable despite his tone and physique. Jones Lockhead shatters all expectations and makes me realise that not every scary person is actually a maniac. And Zero White right here can also prove it.After a few chitchats with Jones, we finally arrive at the designated room. In spite of the miniature space the a
Chloe pauses for a second and finally finds her answer. “I… used a weapon. Unfortunately, I don’t want to tell you what weapon I currently use right now. And I know that is against the policy of the adventurer’s guild. But that weapon is similar to a bow and arrow. Somehow and someway, I manage to defeat it alone. Zero wasn’t there… until he showed up after the fight, where I collapsed on the floor.”Hubert stares at the orb, checking for the colour to change. However, it doesn’t. After a few seconds… even minutes, the sphere remains a lavender ball.“Hmph… You’re telling the truth. Zoe. Come here for a second and tell me… Did that happen? Were you there after the battle? Did you or did you not participate in Zoe’s fight against the [Goblin Shaman]?”Zero shakes his head and answers, “No, I didn’t. By the time I was wandering around the forest, I crossed paths with Zoe already lying around on the soil. I didn’t want to bother her, but… a couple of [Forest Cerberus] appeared, and she s