Even after 14 years, I ask myself the same question, "why me?". The question that has haunted me throughout my life, and will continue to do so. I make myself sound like the most miserable man alive. There are those who must have suffered more surely. Maybe I'm a narcissist; the most important is me.
But no... I'm special. I was reborn into this world, given a second chance. I second chance I didn't ask for. I was born to a completely different family, I had no clue what to think of them. I faked my smile all these years to not hurt their feelings. I pretended to be a village boy to be normal, but I wasn't normal.
Imagine living while your real family thinks you have been dead for 14 years. They must think that they should stop mourning me and move on.
I fear every night, if something had happened to them too or if they are truly happy. If little sis is married and content. I left her in that world as a only child. It wasn't my choice to die.
Sure, I thought my life was repetitive and boring. The concept of reincarnation and magic excited me, its natural. I wanted to be in isekai too.
"BUT THIS ISN'T IT! I DIDN'T KNOW!"
I lied to myself everyday, "they are my past life now". But I could never forget them. This world can't suffice without them. It is now I realize how much I truly loved my world.
All this ranting would sound cliché to someone else. Unless they put themselves in my shoes. Truly understand how deep the wound goes.
As waterfall of tears fell down my eyes and I looked at the ground, it was pure white. At that moment I noticed, it wasn't Rudeus Greyrat but me.
"What the hell?"
"Finally out of your monologue."
I couldn't see his face or expressions, I felt like he was smiling. He, who has no face. In this completely white room. This is the weirdest dream.
"Your life is without a doubt sorrowful, Rudeus Greyrat."
He spoke.
No one really listens to someone's else's shit. They all care for themselves and their selfish gains. And all this ranting wasn't really something I could share to anyone but a dream.
Who would believe me? Even if Zenith and Paul truly care for me, I can't tell them I have a family I miss everyday. In the first place, where even are they... In the first place... do I really care for them?
"You are a mess, Rudeus Greyrat. But I hope to fix that."
"Who the hell are you? Dreams are weird, but this one is strangely strange."
"Me? Well I'm known as Hitogami... or Human-God."
I shot him a glare of pure scorn and hate as soon as the word "God' left his mouth. I stood up, walking towards me.
"Are you responsible? Why did you do it? Was this some short of joke to you?"
I asked in a cold voice.
"You misunderstand. I'm not even sure where your world is or how you came into this world. I'm a good and humble god that oversees this world. And I wish to help you, return."
Lies.
"You seem like full of shit. What's the point of being God if you don't know crap? You reincarnated me in this world. Did you think it was a good idea, that it was a blessing? Now you wanna help me return?!"
I spoke mockingly and laughing as if I was having a mental breakdown.
"Please understand. I really don't know how it all happened. But I want to help you return to your family. I know a way that might work, but..."
"Ah yes, a God that makes deals. You'll give me salvation at a price."
"Please understand... I want you to kill someone. He's a evil man and his doings can't continue any further. He must be stopped. And there's also benefit for you in it. Don't you want to be a noble? A lord?"
I looked at him with curious eyes. My expressions remained stoic.
"Why can't you killed him yourself? You are a 'God', no?"
I don't believe his shit. He isn't any God. Imposter. I don't believe in Gods anyways.
He exhaled deeply.
"How do I make you understand, Rudeus Greyrat. I'm not some imposter. This world belongs to me and I want it prosper. But I'm trapped here."
I was surprised at the fact that he could read my mind. As if it wasn't my dream, but his realm.
He continued his speech as he circled around me.
"This is all the evil God's doing. All the worlds, all the Gods. He destroyed them. The Beast God, Demon God, Sky God, Ocean God and his own kin the Dragon God. That savage, that barbarian burnt it all down. But the last God he killed used everything in his power to make him a mortal and now he roams the Human World fearing me. But I'm trapped here because of him. My powers have been limited. I have few apostles to help me, now you are one of them. So I have to ask you to help me, trust me. And I'll do everything in my power to bring your salvation."
The story was amazing, remarkable. And I... have no choice. This is my second hope apart from Ranoa Magic Academy, to return home.
What do you want, Hitogami?
I felt him smile.
"You are a man of wits and power. On top of that you have influential and useful friends. And I know this won't be your first time killing someone... Unfortunately, his name is Philemon Notos Greyrat. It'll be beneficial for you, but does your heart have resolve to kill one of your own? But in the end, it's not like you and him had any bond."
My own uncle. But yes, I have never met him. And... He was one of the peoples responsible for Lord Sauros's death. So he kinda pisses me off.
"Right? Philemon is a snake. He used to help Ariel, made her think he was most loyal. But he used his trust to drive her away so that he could side with the other faction and increase his power. Philemon doesn't care for anything but power and wealth. He's a evil greedy man. Once you somehow deal with him, everything else will be handled by me. If you wish to be head of Notos, proclaim yourself so, there won't be any troubles."
He spoke all that while looking into the distant. But then he faced me,
"Now, Rudeus Greyrat. All I told you about the evil God is true. Be vigilant for he could be anywhere. He is able to hide himself from me. His name is Orsted, I don't need to describe him. If you were to somehow cross his path, I'm sure you'll recognize him. Well then, if you accept my offer, I'll see you next time, Rudeus Greyrat."
Wai-!
Part 2
My eyes opened in a small, shabby room with minimally furnished. Sunlight creeping through the window on the left.
I remember him vividly, Hitogami. It wasn't a dream. Back on Earth, my faith in Gods was lacking. After reincarnation, I hated the idea of a God. But Hitogami does not feel like a Godly being at all. While he isn't omniscient he knows way more than I ever could.
There's no reason to not do what he says. I have no goal at hand. Few months ago I arrived here in Shirone Kingdom. I learnt that my home is wiped off the map.
I remember the day of teleportation clearly. The second worst day since my reincarnation. I went back to Buena after celebrations of my birthday in Roa Palace. That was when the flash engulfed us. It sent me straight to the Great Forest, close to Millishion. I was sold into slavery by someone who pretended to help. They weren't fools so it took me weeks to escape, but in the process I killed them all.
Afterwards I went to Millishion. It took me a month in total to get to Millishion after teleportation. In Millishion ranking up as a adventurer was hard due to no good quests as you rank higher, I didn't want to waste time so I got myself into shady business... Not really proud of it.
Anyway, took me 3 years and 5 months to get to East Port. After that 7 months to Shirone Kingdom. In Shirone, I couldn't leave for journey to Fedoa for my money had been stolen, my trust betrayed.
I exhaled.
Whereabouts of my loved ones and friends are still unknown. Where could Zenith, Lilia and Aisha be? Sylphiette and Eris are still missing or so I think. Paul and Norn are in Millishion. I read his message when I arrived in King Dragon Realm. We must have overlooked each other in Milis Continent.
As for Fedoa nobility. Sauros-sama was executed unjustly. Blamed for the disaster. Is there any sense in that?! How could he have possibly done something like that? Why would he...? It was all a conspiracy to get rid of him. I don't know about Lord Philip and Lady Hilda, but rumors are they are gone as well.
I have no where to go but Ranoa which is a big journey. There I could study teleportation. Maybe I could try help find missing people or...
Well, even if Hitogami can really help me... Do I really want to leave this world after all this time?
"Nnn."
Lying next to me was a girl about same age as me if not few years older. The party I'm currently in wanted to save money by sharing rooms, as inns are expensive in Shirone. We are not doing anything weird. And while I'm 14, I'm mentally 33.
Coming from Great Forest to Shirone in 4 years is longer than estimated time for the journey. But my journey wasn't exactly smooth.
If I'm to really do what Hitogami said, then I must prepare. I can't kill a noble alone, not a Greyrat of Asura at least. I need help of the few people I call friend.
It isn't the first time I've killed someone. But this feels strange. Maybe because he's my uncle, but we never talked and he's responsible for death of Lord Sauros.
"Good morning, Rudeus."
"Morning."
I said and stood up to get ready but she gabbed my wrist with her small hands. It is unusual, and if something like this happens...
I turned around and immediately something soft and warm pressed against me lips. Oh well, that was sudden.
"I thought you saw me as a brother."
I spoke to the short haired brunette while looking into her green eyes.
"Not since we started sharing the room."
She spoke teasingly.
It has been only a week since we started sharing this room because another member was added to the party. She, Eve, acted caring and protective towards me, so clearly she must have seen me as a little brother, maybe because I'm the youngest. Thus reason why she shared room with me in a party of only 1 female. Rather pointless to ponder now.
"You seemed much older. And I have seen you in your sleep."
She continued with flirty tone. She is petite. Not really my type, but she's cute.
"We still have some time so... You wanna?"
Part 3
After we were interrupted for making noises in the day time, we got ready and left the inn. That made me forget what I was going to do, not that it wasn't good.
"This wasn't your first time, huh?"
Is there a bit disappointment in her tone?
"Yes. My first was a childhood friend."
We had a strange conversation as we walked towards the Adventurer Guild.
"The ginger hair girl? The one who stole your money?"
"Yeah. That bitch. We were sailing to East Port, she kept me warm at nights. The day we arrived, my money was gone with her, she at least left me my ring and sword. She might or might not be around. We met after 3 years, and that's what I get for paying her travel fees. She must have a good fucking reason for doing that."
"So that's why you hide your money. Kinda hilarious... Well, do you trust me?"
"Strange thing to ask."
She knows I hide my money, but not where after all not a single coin was missing. I'm so paranoid I count each one, it indeed is pathetic.
Their party consists of 5 people. 2 Warriors, 2 Mage, a healer. And me as temporary member. They are mostly friends except the new guy. All of them are good at their work and their party is almost A, only 3 A jobs left. I am just a C rank myself. In my 4 years journey, Adventurer's Guild was only useful for beneficial opportunities and quick money.
I had joined their party a month ago. They go for higher rank quest, thus easier money. What I have right now would suffice for travel to Fedoa. But I need more. I may also need it in...
I'm having second thoughts about Philemon Notos Greyat. Sure, he's a piece of shit. He killed Lord Sauros, true. But, what if I kill him, what after it? Hitogami said I can take his position. I had dreams of nobility 4 years ago, but now they seem like a child's fantasy. However, power at hand is never bad, is it? But at what cost, can I really trust Hitogami? Assuming I kill Philemon and no one supports my claim to his throne then I'll be executed. I know I'll carry out the murder as discreetly as possible however, son of Paul arriving in Millbots region, Philemon's assassination and then the runaway noble's sons wants to succeed Notos throne. Who in their right mind would support my claim?
On top of that, Philemon has a child. Someone older than me, wouldn't he be rightful successor? Even if my father was older brother of Philemon. Philemon is the Lord now, and his son should be the heir. Assuming I didn't get Philemon's title, than all this will be in vain. A wasted effort, except I'll get revenge. I'm sure Eris and Ghyslaine would like that revenge too.
I'll decide what to do in Fedoa. Maybe I'll find something that will sway me, either away or closer to accepting Hitogami's offer.
"You are 14 but you look way older. Unusually tall for your age. A swordsman and a mage. How did you do it?"
"What do you want me to say...? I suppose I just matured quick. While kids my age were pretending Knights, I was taught sword by my father. Read magic guides at a young age."
That... or reincarnate. If someone actually matures at that rate, that child's actually gifted or definitely not normal.
"That didn't really answer the question."
"How about you? You are almost advanced at wind and healing at this age. That's a big achievement for a normal person, no?"
"Ah, well. I don't really know either. I think have aptitude for Wind. Call me crazy, but sometimes I feel the winds talking to me. Guiding me. So many times I've avoided death, as if the protection of Winds whirls around me."
"You could make a religion out of this."
"Haha, I wish there was actually a Goddess of Wind back in the North. Milis controls the world."
She giggled and then spoke in a carefree tone.
"Are you a atheist or just don't pray to Goddess Millis?"
"I believe in Millis. But I'm afraid I'm not such a devout follower."
"There's no harm in that, surely. If she's as benevolent as they say, pray to her or not, she'll show kindness."
"Hope so."
We chattered till we came across 2 of the party members. The warriors, Jan and Lex. Jan is good in Water God Style, also the leader of the party. Lex is a North God Practitioner. Eve is the healer. These 3 are childhood friends who had aspiration to be adventurers. And ambitions of delving in Begaritt dungeons.
Jan and Lex both are a year older than Eve. If I'm correct, Eve is 16. Age doesn't really matter after 15 or even 13. Back when I was 11 and 12, everyone treated me like a lost child. After I hit my puberty, within a year I was way taller than someone my age should be. Now when I meet people they are surprised that I'm just 14 years old.
That is a extremely good thing. I had always hated how people treated me because of my physical age. I couldn't tell them that I'm in my fucking 30s.
"We are gonna go for a big shot. So we'll really need your help, Rudeus-san."
It was Jan who asked for my help smilingly. In Shirone Kingdom, no, in southern Central Continent in general; adventuring is not a very good occupation. Good paying and risky jobs are hard to come by because of the lack of monsters.
Anyway, in Shirone, you can earn enough to live a content life. But these folks, Jan's party, are ambitious. They have travelled all the way from North to here, and won't give up until they reach Begaritt.
"No problem."
I replied.
Part 4
We accepted multiple jobs. All of them had same destination. East of Shirone, near the Holy Sword Highway. A big river that flows from mountains. That's our destination. There is a village and a forest near that river.
The job said that a couple feral beasts known as, Flash Wolf, had migrated from the dense forest to near a Shirone village. 2 causalities were reported, both children, snatched by the monster in the dark. That's the main job, A rank.
The monster is called Flash Wolf because of its speed. It is able to rival even good Sword God users with its unpredictability and speed. It's monsters like these that give me trouble. One mistake and I'll lose my life.
Anyway, second job is a C rank. Scythe Hounds, they have scythe-like fangs. Troublesome for travelers but easy for us. Third and final job is also C rank because of its dangerous location and value. But we just need to collect some herbs that help in creating sleeping medications.
This will probably be my last job in Shirone. It took a couple days to get to this village, and we'll be staying here until the jobs are finished. It'll be a hefty pay.
The Guild said there are exactly 2 Flash Wolves and 9 Scythe Hound. For completion of the job we need ears and fangs of both monsters. We can take meat, fur and such for extra reward.
"The Flash Wolf only attack at night time and they are deep in the forest in day time, resting. That much is definite. We should lure it out in the day time. Fighting so many monsters in the forest at night would be troublesome. We should worry about the herbs after we deal with them."
Jan explained as we all sat near a small pond, cooking fish by the campfire. He continued in a pondering gesture,
"Actually. I think we should wait near the village at night. It seems there hasn't been any causalities caused by them for a while. If that is so, they will surely attack soon, today or tomorrow. Or we could try save time and rush it right now. What do you all say? I will go with the former as it's less risky."
He ended. After he spoke, other looked at each other before speaking.
"We should rush it."
Lex raised his hand and declared, loud and clear. He's a swordsman so its expected, but from a North God practitioner...
"Yeah, it saves time."
Eve should be the last one to say that as she's the healer. But she's also very bold in her actions and words. When we met she gave impression of a naïve girl, but that was clearly incorrect.
The last 2. Maru and Haruki. Their names sound Japanese, when I met Maru, who is not the new member. I thought he might have been reincarnated too. But this only led to confusion and misunderstanding. Luckily, I didn't say much to the point of no return.
Maru and Haruki are both mages. The the new member, Haruki, is a mage but he can handle himself with a sword decently. Thus their answers were:
"We should patrol at night, but can we really be sure of that information?"
Maru. He is a cautious and careful thinker. A mage through and through.
"Rush it."
Haruki spoke with a low pitched and deep voice. He's the oldest here, being 19. Maybe such answer was because of his pride of being Warrior Mage like me. We are a rare bunch.
Now the attention was on me.
"Let's just end this."
"I was afraid it would end up in a tie."
Jan spoke with a bitter smile.
I would rather choose a less riskier approach, but a tie is a waste of time.
"Well. Let's discuss formation. We are dealing with monsters that are very fast. We can't give them opening against the mages. Maru and Eve will be in the rear with Rudeus-san acting as rear guard warrior. Us 3 will make a triangle in front and try to deal with Hounds first. But we have to keep in mind, the Scythe Hounds are stupid but deadly and Flash Wolves are very fast and deadly. I would also like to say that this isn't the first time guys. We'll be okay even if its a S rank job."
Jan spoke with confidence. Trying to boost the morale, though I think everyone here is somewhat fearless.
After eating, and preparing. It was still very bright so we entered the forest. It is not so dense so it was illuminated by the sunlight. We marched slowly in a diamond formation with Eve and Maru in the center. Everyone kept their senses sharp. Eyeing the trees, bushes and faintest sounds.
"It wouldn't be a good idea to go deeper in the forest. We could try attract the monsters. If I'm correct, Flash Wolves tend to live way deep in the forest at day time. So if we try attract monsters we might just have to deal with Scythe Hounds before Flash Wolves arrive."
Maru spoke while being vigilant of his surroundings. Jan nodded in agreement and Maru fired a fireball in the sky that exploded with loud boom.
"Let's go there. It's a bit open area."
Said Haruki pointing at a small open field in the forest. Soon we heard faint howling. And then the plan worked. Though we were surrounded it was just 7 of them.
"Let's just get them. We can easily deal with this."
Lex said and broke from formation to try and lure some out to kill them. There was one behind a bush, it was a silhouette. Lex quickly took out one of his throwing knives and sent it flying at surprising speed and straight in the Hound's skull.
"Thats one down already. Let's deal with them."
No one objected or yelled, only looked at each other and nodded. Scythe Hounds are easily dealt with. Maru and Jan must have been fearing Flash Wolves to be with them. But it seems luck was on our side, their number are lower than we were expecting.
But that doesn't mean it's all of the monsters. And it's also not very good as we'll have to wait some time or delve deeper to kill the rest.
Jan squinted his eyes in unease, but nevertheless he taunted the Hounds to charge at him. The mages fired magic spells upon them.
Despite knowing magic, I prefer Sword. I think my magic capabilities surpass by sword skills tremendously. And it also helps to avoid rusting my body and swordsmanship.
In swift dashes and I took out many before they could even slash at me.
Haruki decided to use magic. Staying at the mages side with wand in one hand and sword in the other.
After a while, I had killed 6. The mages killed 5. Lex and Jan killed 5 too. The number doesn't add up because more Scythe Hounds had joined. Total counting the dead ones is about 24.
Creating the formation again was pointless. We had already charged, spread out and we were winning this way. In the last 8 Hounds left, there were 3 Sickle Hounds; more faster, bigger, intelligent and deadlier.
I never thought that things couldn't go worse. I never do. Flash Wolves had rushed at a speed that even surprised me, a Advanced Sword God.
Jan and Lex were back to back, struggling because of being outnumbered and out skilled by Sickle Hounds. All while I was getting charged by a Flash Wolf and same as mages too.
Will they blame Lex if anyone died today? Probably not. Even if it is his fault, there was no one who objected. Jan could have stayed to the formation and Lex would have no choice but to come back.
Could we blame Adventurer's Guild for their faulty intel? Sure. But in the end, as a veteran party Jan and co should know better. Adventurer's Guild does everything in their power to provide right information. They'll argue they can't send scouts on daily basis until someone accepts the job.
Does it all matter to me? Not at all. I've seen people die and this won't be any different. They aren't the only party that I can join. But it'll be a hassle to find new A rank party in Shirone.
A Sickle Hound pounced on Haruki and a Scythe Hound caught Maru's hand under his bite.
A Flash Wolf was dashing at me using its unnaturally toned muscles. It side-jumped off of a tree's trunk and was high in air with its claws pointed at my chest.
It was fast, fast for Jan and Lex. But I have fought many Sword Gods who were way faster than this. As quickly as I could, I shot a tempered Ice Arrow, it pierced through its neck and hung it's body to a tree. Then I spun around to face Maru and Haruki. I launched my bastard sword from the right hand, it went whirling at the Sickle Hound and I shot another Ice Arrow with my left hand targeting Scythe Hound before it snatched Maru's hand off.
Luckily, Eve helped by ducking Maru away so there was less chance of the arrow hitting Maru instead.
When my sword reached Sickle Hound, it's upper half was perfectly sliced off. Immediately Eve helped in healing the wounds while Haruki and Maru focused on casting spells to help Jan and Lex whilst lying on the ground. They were competent enough to hold off and even kill some monsters despite being encircled.
All this happened in matter of seconds. Luckily, except Maru and Haruki, no one was harmed. Maru's hand might be a little severe case though. I ran to Eve to help in healing. There's still one Flash Wolf left. I kept my eyes open while healing.
"Ha.. ha.. Well, that didn't go so well, but we aren't dead, right guys?"
Lex spoke with a bittersweet smile. Others would keep their mouth shut after nearly getting their friends killed but Lex is a special case.
"Is... it not here...?"
Jan was panting and paranoid. It seems he didn't forget about the Flash Wolf either.
"Thank you, Rudeus-san."
"Yeah, thanks, Rudeus."
Said Maru and Haruki weakly.
"You can always count on Rudeus."
Lex, trying to lighten the mood.
"You count on me too much. I'm not a permanent member."
I will be leaving after this job. Right after, we heard those the howls again as if they were calling reinforcements.
"There are still more?!"
"The Guild is fucking with us!"
Lex and Haruki yelled.
"Quickly, let's get out of the forest."
Jan commanded in urgency.
Part 5
We got out of the forest. Despite the injuries, the wounded could still run with little support. We waited for the monsters to chase after us, but they did not.
We quickly set up camp and it was dark until we finished. We would put ourselves at risk if we were all to sleep now, so someone will stay watch.
"Will they eat the dead ones? We didn't skin them yet, all effort will go in vain."
"There are still more to kill. And the Guild will surely compromise because of these circumstances."
"To hell with Guild. They sent us with wrong information, what if it wasn't us and Rudeus but some C rank party?"
"The Guild did warn us about uncertain numbers, actually. I think I heard about Hounds and Flash Wolves plaguing this village way before this job showed up on commission board."
"Uncertain numbers? What we are dealing with is way off the estimate. Why are you siding with the Guild so much?"
"I'm not taking sides. If I had to, I'd choose you all. We have been adventurers for years. This isn't the first time something like this is happening, but yeah it was a bit severe this time."
They chattered in the soothing and cold wind, sitting by the campfire's warmth.
If I was back on Earth, right now I'd be on manga or games. But, right now, I don't really know where I could be. Married? Working 9 to 5 or worse? Children...? Heh.
I chuckled. I'd never have children.
"Why are you laughing?"
Eve inquired with a smug.
"To be honest, if it wasn't for Rudeus, we'd be dead."
Sometimes I wish I wasn't so special. I was raised being praised by everyone, deemed a genius child. I liked it, grew arrogant. But now, sometimes I wish I wasn't so unique. Maybe it would help with some things.
'What about yourself and Jan? You held the hounds for good enough. It doesn't have to be about me all the time. I'm not perfect. I don't have eyes on all directions. You might say I could solo jobs, if I did what were doing today, I'd probably be dead. I had never heard of Flash Wolf in my life, if Jan hadn't told me, I would have been caught off guard. I have been adventurer for 4 years and I'm still C rank. Not one party that I've joined was lead by me. 4 years as adventurer and I don't know shit.'
I wanted to say that. But that's embarrassing.
Why me? Who has to receive praise out of no where? Without Jan's leadership this party wouldn't go anywhere. Lex keeps the mood light and morale up. Eve, despite being second youngest, is like a older sister to them all. Haruki as well as Eve are both prodigies themselves. Without Maru this party wouldn't exist.
Anyway, maybe I'm starting to get irritated by the attention that I receive. I should stand out less.
I just nodded to Lex's appreciative remark.
"You should talk more."
Eve suggests.
"First I'll go piss."
I left these guys to themselves, they will chit chat themselves to sleep. It was already decided I'd have to watch guard because I was least tired.
A few minutes walk in South and I heard flowing water. There indeed was a stream mentioned in job location. The river that flowed from Dragon King mountains. Behind some thick bushes there it was.
Illuminated by the crescent moon. And the moon beautifully shining in the flowing river. The sound of water was soothing. Weird how I still like this scenery but I've seen same thing thousand times before.
I watched myself get reflected in the river. Nearly shoulder length hair, maybe its about time to cut them, or tie them in a manbun.
Damn, though, I look like young Keanu Reeves. If I remember him correctly.
Anyway, better not piss in the river. Water in this world is mostly clean because water can be produced through magic, which makes it unlimited in a sense.
"Gahh..."
"Hehe, pee shivers?"
Eve's voice.
"What the hell are you doing? What will others think?"
Making advances this often will make me think you are a whore...
"The others are sleeping."
"Are you so sure? I'm 100% sure someone saw you coming this way and this will make things weird now."
"You are the one making it weird. I was horny one time, it's not like that always. I just came for a walk."
Hopefully that's it.
She sat down near the river, gazing at the black void and sparkling stars. All while I was pissing.
"Do you know who was my first time."
Don't really care.
"You should sleep. Need energy tomorrow."
I zipped my pants.
"Well, it was my father... He was a drunkard. He beat my mother to death then cried rivers day and night. He apologized, said he'd make things better and stop drinking... Week later he came home drunk and forced me. Two days later, Lex killed him. He was scared, so were me and Jan. We ran away, we were old enough so we started our party. I learned magic from a wandering mage and my mother."
Oh boy.
"You don't seem too disturbed about it."
She asked with squinted eyes and a smile. She kept her face calm through the whole monologue. I might just like her a bit.
"Should I cry and say it'll all be better...? You are happy now. You have gotten over your past."
"What makes you think I overcame my past?"
"Because I'm someone who hasn't."
"Well. Enlighten me, master Rudeus. Everyone suffered from the mana calamity. You still have a chance at finding you mother and your half sister, I'm sure you will. So what else past is there for you? There's not much past besides growing up with adventurers as parents. Being a genius child."
Ha ha, don't shit with me about mana calamity. That's just cherry on the cake. But, to be honest, there's not much past to get over for me except that one cursed day.
The day I'll spit profanities at as long as I live.
Eve's expressions suddenly tensed. And then it hit me too, a strange and disgusting presence. We ran back to the camp.
Fortunately we made it back in time, before the Hounds could get dangerously close to the camp. This party has hella lucky.
There were 5 of them slowly advancing with their quite paws until they sensed us. All 5 of them faced us and growled with saliva dripping from their scythe-like fangs.
The one's on further right still charged at the people sleeping. Eve was about to yell them to wake up, but I hushed her and at the same time casted a Earth Wall to block them from going towards the tent.
Now, its me and them. They all charged at me. I inhaled... and exhaled.
Water God stance in perfection like Paul.
One hound pounced at me ready to gnaw my throat off. A vertical slash cut his head in half. One went of my right leg, I stepped left and slashed to the right, cut its chest open. A hound ran at my left side, I sidestepped and slashed down, beheading it. Last two were dealt with a cross slash. All this within 4 seconds.
"Now you have to go wash yourself."
Blood all over me...
Fuuuu... I could have used Earth magic to make spikes and kill their charge in one go. Do I really just enjoy blood and cutting flesh?
"I'll do that and skin these. You should sleep."
Part 6
It took them 2 days of travel to get near the subjugation quest location. And it took them 4 days to travel back to the town. Almost a week, but it was worth the haul. Fur, meat and other goods on monsters sell for decent price.
After drinking and toasting in a tavern. The party went their ways to their inns. Eve and Rudeus walked on a empty path as the cricket's chirps echoed in the dark corners. Rudeus applying detoxification magic to himself. While Eve wished to remain drunk.
This was Rudeus's last job in Shirone. After sending a letter to one of his friends, he will now wait for his arrival before settings important things in motion.
They, Rudeus and Eve, strolled merrily. There was a girl, pondering and casually walking down the path before them. Her long ginger hair were perfectly tied in a pony tail and her blue eyes glinted in the darkness of night. She was clad in black leather armor and brown shorts. A arming sword hanging on her hip.
"Look what we have here."
Rudeus said in a prickly and amused voice. But he wasn't slightest bit amused to see her. Both of them watched each other in scorn.
"All I want is my money then we can go our ways."
There was no hostility in Rudeus's voice. However, there was a hint of fear for what she knew about his past.
Eve on the other hand realized who she was. Ginger beauty who robs her friend.
"To ask me that after all you did. Sure, I did steal your money but you deserved it... So you have made new friends here, they know what you did in Millis, right."
Ellen's tone wasn't aggressive in the slightest, wasn't mocking either. Her expressions remained stoic.
"Eve, I think you should go to the inn. I'll be there in a moment."
Rudeus said is a bit of desperation. Eve didn't hesitate, but she felt sad. Someone else's life wasn't really her business, but Rudeus, a friend, doesn't trust her... It saddens her.
Eve was going to go past them both, but Ellen grabbed her hand and stopped her.
"We can all talk together about your tales."
Ellen squinted her eyes as she saw a opportunity.
At this, Rudeus's eyes went cold in fury. In a indifferent tone he spoke,
"If you wanna tell her your story, go ahead."
Ellen furrowed her brows at his apathetic tone.
"You say that as if you did nothing wrong! Sure I'll tell her! How you killed Cillian. How you robbed and murdered for money. How you told me to whore myself so we could get to East Port!"
Eve remembered the name Cillian. He was teleported near Rudeus in the Great Forest. Rudeus told her Cillian was eaten alive by monsters before he could save him. To say that Rudeus killed his own friend, it was outrageous. The same Rudeus who helped them on every quest, the same Rudeus who saved their lives countless times. The same Rudeus who volunteers for other adventurers.
"Don't talk shit about him! You steal someone's money then try to frame them! To say he killed his own friend, do you have any shame?!"
Eve shouted in the same loudness as Ellen.
"Hey you brats, quiet down!"
Some stranger yelled at them, peeking their head out of a window.
"Eve, lets go. Forget the money."
Rudeus said with a sigh.
"But-"
"Forget it."
He insisted. Ellen was surprised to see Rudeus give up. They walked past her, leaving her a little shocked. But Ellen took the opportunity and started walking to her own inn.
As she walked, he would glance behind her. Every time she took a look, Rudeus and Eve would be even farther, until they were out of sight. This was her chance to leave Shirone as quickly as she could and meet with Rile who was staying in Whishiru Region.
Although she knew Rudeus was already out of sight, she still glanced back one last time and she was right to do so. As there was a figure approaching her at a moderate pace. Of course she knew who it was.
She was contemplating, should she run or should she wait? What he heard, no, after all Rudeus has done, she should fear him to be blunt. She and him alone will not go good.
'Run!' Ellen thought.
But when she started running as fast as she could. Rudeus too, ran. And Ellen knew, she could never outrun him. With her eyes moist from sense of impending doom, she stopped in her tracks and accepted her fate.
"To think you'd run from me..."
Rudeus stopped beside her and spoke in a sad tone. He continued,
"What Rile has fed you is all shit. He blames me for Cillian's death, I don't know why! But how could he say that I killed him... I'm mad about you stealing from me, but I won't hurt my friends. If possible, I'd still like some money back, I need it."
He turned around.
"It was hard for me to believe you'd kill Cillian too. But isn't assassinations and robbing true? You did do that, didn't you? And you... You told me to sell my body."
Despite how kind Rudeus could be to his friend, killing for money and telling her to be a whore will never be forgotten. But was it really the truth?
"You believe Rile after all that. And yeah, I did say something mean to you and I regret it. I just wanted us to get home quickly."
Let's assume Rudeus truly regretted what he said. Let's say that he didn't kill Cillian, which was outrageous. But now, who should Ellen believe? Rile's story of cold hearted murder, or Rudeus claiming that Rile is full of shit?
If she had to choose between them, she would never have a answer. Rile has been her friend longer than Rudeus has. Rile has given her joyful moments to remember. She, Rile and Cillian along with Sylphy were amazing friends, while Rudeus barely visited them from Roa. But, Rudeus has protected her from savages in Millis Continent. Rudeus had gotten her back to Central Continent. He could have just left her behind if he was so heartless. He wouldn't have raised his adventurer rank for her so that they could pay for ship to East Port.
If Rile was lying, then she really feel sorry for betraying Rudeus's trust. Despite how sorry Rudy sounded and seemed, the odds are still with Rile. But for Rudeus, it does not matter as much as long as he gets the money. What good could come from Ellen anyway.