Turns out, rest would have to wait. First, there was a slightly belated dinner ahead – which we still had to wait for. The Four Heroes decided to kill time by chatting and exploring their abilities.
I was doing the same. The only difference was that I didn't join their conversation, instead waiting for dinner in the room assigned to me – earning plenty of surprised and confused stares. What? It's not like I did anything wrong. I already knew what they were going to talk about, and honestly, I had zero interest in their petty bickering. It was already clear that we wouldn't come to any agreement – at least not with three of them – so why waste my nerves?
Even though I already knew a lot about this world, reading about it just doesn't compare to actually experiencing it. That's why I decided to explore my new abilities myself.
I remembered that Heroes can borrow power-up methods from one another – all they need to do is believe such methods exist. The only question was: did this also apply to my weapon?
Now this part was particularly curious. Unlike the usual game-like interface – which I assumed the other Heroes had – mine was... how do I put it… intuitive.
There was no standard dialog window to click on. Instead, a sort of data sheet just poured directly into my head, showing all the information I needed. Honestly, it was super convenient – probably a unique feature of my weapon.
As I got lost in thought, I started considering different ways to enhance the weapon. I didn't need to believe they existed. I simply knew they did. I was sure of it.
And sure enough, a second later, I suddenly became aware of all the upgrade methods I had seen in the novel: tempering, enhancement, enchantments – you name it. All very MMORPG-like.
The only exception was my own skill – "Life Absorption." I still didn't fully understand what it did, and there were plenty of other things I needed to test, but even what I had now was more than enough for countless hours of experimenting.
In the end, I skipped dinner. Wasn't even hungry, really.
That thought made me suddenly raise my hands to my head.
— Phew... – I sighed with relief. – they're gone.
A bit late, but I finally remembered an episode from my previous summoning – when I had horns. Brutal ones, but still horns. Not exactly a human trait.
Then again, I wasn't so sure I was human anymore. There were plenty of reasons to doubt that.
Not that it mattered. I never had much affection for humanity anyway. Actually – I never understood why protagonists in these kinds of stories cling so desperately to their humanity.
Humans are weak. That's just a fact. Weak and flawed. And if the price of gaining strength is giving up being human... that's barely even a trade-off. I'd pay that price without hesitation.
Well... maybe I've been doing too much thinking today. I was feeling a bit worn out – more mentally than physically.
With those thoughts, I went to bed. Tomorrow was bound to be an eventful day. The plot would soon come knocking. I didn't plan on interfering with the princess's plans – that part was too important for Naofumi's development. Besides, I didn't see much point in meddling with the Shield Hero's storyline. Though... I'd need to think more on that later.
Despite the flood of thoughts, sleep eventually won out, and I didn't even notice when I drifted off. Grand plans are great and all, but a proper sleep schedule is sacred.
…
In the morning, while washing up, I noticed something odd. The horns were gone, sure – but they weren't the only thing that had changed.
My facial features had become more delicate... and perfect. My eye and hair color were a few shades darker. My skin looked cleaner, smoother, paler. Even my moles had disappeared. My teeth were straighter and gleamed like a toothpaste commercial.
Something told me all these changes came from my first summoning. And the conviction that I was no longer human just kept growing stronger.
Other than that, morning greeted me with a decent breakfast and strange glances from the other Heroes.
Honestly, the only one I had any interest in was Naofumi. Though I might also try talking to Ren – he seemed like the least hopeless of the bunch.
Too bad I never finished reading the novel, so I didn't know how it all ends. The author made the other three Heroes such hopeless, stubborn idiots that I really couldn't imagine how anyone could get through to them.
But that's a problem for later. Because in a few hours, I'd get to see her in person – the bitch princess whose face I'll never forget. That image really burns itself into your mind.
Myne. Also known as Malty Melromarc, princess of the country that summoned us. And, if things go like in the novel – a complete piece of trash.
Only twelve people volunteered to become companions to the Heroes. Pretty underwhelming, considering, y'know, we're supposed to save the world. And their levels weren't exactly impressive either. Most of them hadn't even cleared the Level 40 Promotion yet.
— As promised yesterday, I have brought the companions who will accompany you on your journeys. It seems everyone here has already chosen which Hero they wish to follow. – the king announced.
And yeah, they apparently had. Unsurprisingly – no one stepped forward for the Shield Hero. What did surprise me was that two men started walking toward me.
Leaning on my huge scythe, arms crossed on its hilt, I gave them a small half-smile and shook my head while looking them straight in the eye.
Message received. Loud and clear. A little too fast, in fact – they scattered in opposite directions and ended up with the Sword and Bow Heroes. Weird. Was my smile really that creepy?
— Wait a second! Your Majesty! – Naofumi cried out like a wounded whale.
And honestly, I couldn't blame him. He was a pure tank – zero offense. Without companions, he was screwed.
The king seemed surprised too. Or at least he pretended to be. This farce dragged on until a voice came from behind Motoyasu.
— Excuse me… I'd like to join the Shield Hero.
Well well, who could that be? Naofumi lit up like a Christmas tree. Can't blame him.
Myne really did have a striking appearance. Silky red hair, cute face, perfect figure, generous chest... yeah, not many guys could resist.
And not a single hint of the monster she really was. Along with her looks, Princess Melromarc had some top-tier acting skills.
— So that's everyone... And the Scythe Hero didn't get anyone either. Unfortunately, Naofumi-dono, Not-dono, that means you'll need to rely even more on your talents. But worry not – each of you will receive monthly financial support, and I'll grant you both an extra share.
— Naofumi-dono and Not-dono will each receive 800 silver coins. The rest of you will get 600. Use this money to buy equipment.
Tossing the weighty pouch in my hand, I shot a glance toward Naofumi and the princess who was already clinging to him.
Honestly, I didn't feel like getting involved in the whole betrayal thing. Naofumi was way too naïve right now, and if he stayed that way... I don't think I could handle a fourth idiot in this story.
So I slung my absurdly light scythe over my shoulder and followed the Sword Hero.
— Did you want something… Not-san? – Ren, predictably, noticed me approaching.
— Yeah. I heard this world is a lot like the games you guys played. – Ren nodded silently. – Great. Then I'd like you to point me toward good grinding spots. If it's not too much trouble. – and smile. Always smile.
Ren flinched. What's up with that?
— Well… I can help with that. We already divided some areas for leveling, but there are still a few good ones left. Here…
On the map I had acquired earlier, Ren drew out a full route heading north of the kingdom. From weak to stronger monsters – he basically gave me a beginner's leveling guide.
— Thanks. That's a big help, Ren.
— Hmph. Just make sure you're useful.
The Sword Hero even looked a little flustered. If I'm right, he's actually much simpler than he lets on. And being the youngest summoned Hero probably plays a part too.
So, after the leveling advice, I headed into the city. I wanted to meet the legendary Weapon Shop Uncle in person. Which turned out to be surprisingly easy. Just ask anyone for the best weapon shop in town – every answer pointed to the same place.
— Oh, welcome.
The moment I stepped through the door, a large bald man in classic blacksmith garb greeted me – and I instantly recognized him from the anime and novel illustrations.
— Good day. – I returned the greeting.
— Huh… that smile of yours is creepy as hell, kid. Especially with that scythe…
Straight to the point, huh? Well, at least someone said it out loud.
— I'll take that as a compliment. Though I don't think your shop has what I'm looking for…
After scanning all the displayed weapons, I didn't see even a hint of anything resembling a scythe. Not surprising.
— Yeah… – the man glanced at the weapon in my hands. – So you're the Scythe Hero, huh?
— In the flesh. – I gave a theatrical bow.
— Huh… No one uses that kind of weapon here, so I don't have anything ready-made.
— What if I ordered one? Could you make something worthwhile if I brought the materials?
That was a really important question. After all, I needed to copy weapons and get their stats to grow stronger. I was already forced to use placeholders because there were no scythes for sale in Melromarc – if this guy wouldn't take custom orders either...
— Hmm… if you let me examine that scythe of yours more closely, then… yeah, I might give it a try. – he scratched his beard thoughtfully.
— Perfect. – One problem down. – I don't have the right materials yet, so for now let's stick to armor. Got anything to recommend?
— Armor, huh… – another thoughtful look. – Your weapon suggests mobility, so something light… What's your budget?
— I've got 800 silver. Don't want to blow it all, but I'm not looking to skimp on quality either.
— Got it. Give me a minute.
The blacksmith disappeared into the back of the shop. For ten minutes I heard clanking and rustling. A few loud curses too. Then suddenly everything went quiet – and he reappeared.
— Here. – he placed something on the counter. Looked like a leather coat with short sleeves. – Light armor, with thin metal plates and enchantments for durability. Best I've got for now.
It looked… pretty damn cool. I definitely had the vibe of a classic anti-hero.
— And how much for this masterpiece?
— 450 silver.
— Have mercy, old man! – I gasped dramatically. – That's quite a hefty price… I'm not really familiar with the pricing here, so maybe I should come back later with my Shield Hero buddy...
— Ek… – the blacksmith flinched. – No need for that, kid. I don't want to go bankrupt here… 200 silver. That's the lowest I can go.
— Deal. – I smiled and shook his hand. His smile now looked a bit forced.
Oh yeah, I knew about the Shield Hero's haggling skills. I figured he'd already been here.
Do I feel even a little guilty? Not at all. That's just the kind of bastard I am. I mean, I'm risking my life to save a world that isn't even mine… I deserve a good discount.
Honestly, the idea of world saviors having to pay for their own gear is just absurd. But hey, what can you do…
After securing some decent armor, I finally headed out in search of adventure. I planned to spend the rest of the day grinding – fully immersing myself in the fantasy world. I'd never actually held a real weapon before... and that's a problem I needed to fix. Fortunately, I already had a few ideas in mind.