Volume 2

Chapter 4: The Story Begins

PART 1

14 Days since then.

"Kazuma let's go to heaven!"

Exclaimed drunk Dust, to me, as we walked in the streets of Axel.

Keith beside him, just as much drunk as Dust, agreed with Dust.

They aren't even walking straight. Anyone could smell alcohol from them from 30 meters away.

Though this was similar with all other adventurers.

"I have no intention of going to heaven. Furthermore, heaven is not as great place as you think it is."

I replied.

"Huh...? I'm talking about that place, you rarely come! Its great place you know!"

I'm getting what you are talking about.

"Just let me go sleep."

I was already heading towards the inn, but now I fastened my pace. Swiftly avoided the 2 drunkards.

I exhaled all the accumulated exhaustion away as I lied on top of the somewhat comfy bed.

Having ate a lot and tiredness from the quest this morning, I was in no mood for exercising or even taking a walk.

It's been a week or more since I was accepted in their party.

Maybe 2 weeks. More than I had intended to spend, but it doesn't matter.

I wanted to stay in a team to lessen my out goings and increase my income as much as possible. Though it didn't work out as I had expected.

Our party can take on medium tier quests at most and earn quite a lot.

I earn average of near 60,000 Eris everyday after dividing total earning of the party. Excluding Food and Inn expenses. The earnings go up and down because rewards aren't the same.

Being a adventurer is like owning a small private business, if you are lucky, you might get a lot of money at once. If you are unlucky you might not get any money at all.

In these 2 weeks, I have earned myself little more than a million.

I earn with the party and in my free time, I do quests alone. Though I only do less dangerous quests thus less reward.

While I'm not quite confident in the 'skill' that I have.

It's powerful, that's for sure, but not in all situations. It is best used in situations where I am aware of my enemy but not vice-versa.

In case of monsters, they are always different types of them. Fast or powerful, numerous or single.

I can beat single monsters easily if I locate them first. But everything else is difficult.

A single person can't find a Rookie Killer in a whole forest. If a single goblin were to discover me first, I would be surrounded by many others and will be unable to aim.

If a rookie killer were to detect me first, I wouldn't be able to aim at it either because it's very fast.

My aiming skills are improving but they won't become pinpoint accurate.

Furthermore, I have tested a few overpowered weapons and it turns out they aren't as overpowered as I had expected. Also I can only summon 2 OP weapons simultaneously.

They can kill Rookie Killer in one shot. When I tried to kill a 'Black Fang', a giant ferocious bear, it could only scar it deeply at most.

Also, they use mana, and quite decent amount at that. I'm not mage and I don't regret not choosing it. Thief is just what I wanted, though mage will be very useful too.

I have yet to try the true overpowered weapons. Since there are only 7 of them and only 1 time use on each, I won't be wasting them as of now.

There are 21 overpowered weapons and 7 truly overpowered weapons. The 21 weapons have different abilities, but same strength.

Everything else is going fine. My current level is 13 and I have unlocked useful Thief skills.

I have learned a lot about this world through people.

My current reputation in this town is that of a village boy not of a hero as of yet. I'm acquainted to most people and adventurers around the guild.

I think it's about time I try my hands on some powerful monster to make a name for myself.

I will also have to devise up a plan for future.

I will do that as I try to sleep.

PART 2

Next morning.

After wearing my armor, which is mostly comprised of leather and thick fabric. I bought this for 100,000 Eris. It offers decent protection. At least I'm not wearing or tearing my clothes from Earth.

It might be time for a new one.

Anyway, I went straight towards guild as usual.

Today too, we were gonna go on a quest, naturally, but we are gonna go on a harder quest to test our current prowess.

Not just me but others had leveled up too thus making us all more powerful together.

"Good Morning."

With a calm smile I greeted the other 4, who were already sitting together, as usual.

"Yo, Kazuma."

"Good Morning."

"How are you today, Kazuma-san."

Dust always seems ecstatic towards me.

He is a pervert. I, sometimes, go along with his and Keith's perverseness, so they probably think of me as a good friend.

The heaven he mentioned tomorrow, is brothel owned by succubus. Sounds so erotic, but they only provide wet dreams, very specific wet dreams.

I have no particular interest in having such dreams. What good is there when you wake up and realize all of "that" was but a dream.

Taylor, as always had a calm smile as he greeted me. Not only with me, but Taylor seems to be indifferent to anyone.

He's the kind, generous and just type of person. Though that goes for most people in this team.

Dust and Keith's perverseness may go beyond limits but they are still kind. Though Dust commits minor crime, he won't do something like murdering someone, maybe...

And finally Lynn. The girl who thought of me as junior and younger than her, gradually started to show me respect. Heh. A invisible smirk grew on my face.

"Sorry for arriving late."

I slept late at night so I woke up late too hence I arrived late.

"It's no problem. We too just arrived anyways."

"We are about to eat breakfast. We were waiting for you."

How generous of you all. Sorry, but I don't care if you waited for me to start eating your food.

"I'm sorry, but I already ate at the Inn. I thought you had already ate because I was late."

These guys usually eat along and not at their Inn. I too started eating along with them, just not today.

"Oh, it's no problem, don't apologize."

Replied Taylor.

"While you eat, I will go look for quest."

They nodded.

Since the 3rd day of joining, I started picking quest for the party.

They all most likely consider me as a friend.

Since I joined them, their earning has sky rocketed, they said.

With my calm smile and kind demeanor, I won their hearts. Helped them in their need for money sometimes, though I never gave them above 30,000 Eris.

Dust and Keith gamble sometimes and get themselves in debt. Since they spend most their money on food, drinks, gambling and succubus bar, they most of the time never have enough to pay their debts.

At the left side corner of the tavern, there is a board with tons of paper on it.

I took a look at the bulletin board.

I noticed that easier quests disappear quickly while harder ones remain for long. For example this griffin vs. mantiacore quest has been here for years, is what I've heard.

I have never seen a griffin or matiacore but I'm sure they are powerful as not many people come back alive.

Though it will bring me unbelievable amount of glory, it will be just as hard. We'll have to fight 2 monsters at once, most likely.

There is also this one, one-hit-bear, this one has been here for a long time as well. The name of monster sounds tremendously dangerous and intimidating.

Hm? What's this? A new quest, huh.

'Horde of unicorn bunnies is found in the forest of the nearby village. That is not all, there are rumors of sighting of Treant and rookie killer. Exact amount of monsters is not known. Proceed with caution in the forest.'

Sounds very dangerous. Rumors can't be taken seriously but it will still be a gamble if we were to take it.

With my ability, Keith's archer and Lynn's magic, we can take out unicorn bunnies from far.

I've heard that unicorn bunnies aren't very keen in senses and can't climb high places. So climbing trees will be extremely useful.

But if there is a Rookie Killer and this wood Treant thing, it will be problem.

Rookie Killers can climb trees and are very dangerous in forests. If we were to find it first, I will be a piece of cake for us.

The Treant sounds like a giant monster. Something that could probably shake down a tree.

Hm...

I took a look at another quest.

'3 Wyverns spotted on top of the mountains near Axel. We request you to take care of it as soon as possible.'

Wyvern, small species of dragons. 3 of them at that.

Everything else seems mediocre. These quests will take us time but we'll complete them with few injuries.

I'm looking for glory plus testing our skills.

I exhaled.

I grabbed the 'Unicorn Bunny Quest' and walked towards the counter.

Luna was there as usual. She is a go to receptionist of the Adventurer's Guild, others say. Though to me it looks more like she is the manager. She's there 24/7, for sure.

She knows mostly everything about Axel and Quests on the bulletin board.

I approached Luna. She noticed me approaching and put up a smile.

PART 3

The forest near the neighboring village, sightings of Unicorn Bunnies and rumor of Rookie Killer and Treant.

Treant, a giant golem made out of wood.

Luna said that a man from the village was having nature's call in middle of forest, who knows why he was in the forest. When he was doing so he saw bunch of Unicorn Bunnies running towards the man.

Unicorn Bunnies look very cute but are carnivores. There is a horn on their head. They will eat a man alive on sight, and are always in group.

Luckily for that man, Unicorn Bunnies hate foul smells. Anyway, as the man started running at full fucking speed, he said he also saw black feral animal and heard big footsteps, he claims he heard Treant and Rookie Killer but isn't sure.

Taylor and others don't seem to like the rumors of Treant. Taylor said that it's best we avoid Treant. Even if we need to test our power, our live is priority.

There was no other quest easier than this, I don't know exactly how powerful a Treant is, neither do the other 4, but we can test our strength against Rookie Killer and Unicorn Bunnies.

We were on our way towards that forest. It will take us more than half a day so we packed up our things.

"If any of you see a Treant prioritize your life and run. I don't know how to defeat a Treant."

Taylor spoke sincerely with serious expression. Others nodded.

No need to tell me that, I will be the first one to run away. I'm just here for the money. Though I can't say that out loud.

I can kill Rookie Killer alone. With Lynn, Keith and me, unicorn bunnies will also be easy. Problem is Treant, I'm not sure how to beat a golem. I don't think I just have to hit it with weapons until he dies.

Anyway, my estimation of time is 9 AM.

We'll reach at night most likely. Even if we reach early, in the evening, we'll still have to sleep the night because it's best we hunt at day.

Unfortunately, this quest will probably not bring me that much glory, but it is a lot of pay. Unicorn Bunnies aren't minor monsters, they are terrifying. It's just our party can counter them easily.

The amount of Eris offered for this quest is about 380,000 Eris for the Unicorn Bunnies, 260,000 Eris for Treant. 100,000 Eris for Rookie Killer, if found. Completion of quest is 100,000 Eris for some reasons.

Judging from the amount of Eris, I think Unicorn Bunnies will probably be in a large group.

The reason for testing our party's strength is so maximize our profits. If we know our strength, we can estimate how much difficult quests we can take thus greater income.

Everyone is a little greedy. Especially these adventurers. Money for them is easy in this town of beginners. They accept easy quests everyday and earn Eris.

Some adventurers keep earning until they reach level 20-25 then leave this town for either bigger challenge or to help Belzerg against Demon King.

While others, retire before and stay in this or other town, to lead a enjoyable life. The 4 in my party feel just like that, but I will have to confirm.

Sigh. What's so fun about living a trivial life? To me, it's nonsense. There's no fun in a simple life where you have nothing but few moments of happiness and everything else is working hard to live. I don't want to risk my life for a kingdom I don't care for or go and find challenging monsters just to die in the end.

I'm not little greedy like these other people, that's why I don't understand the satisfaction they can get from whatever they are pursuing.

As of now it's just the beginning to achieve my satisfactory life.

PART 4

It might be late evening right now.

We had arrived a while ago.

The forest was far from where we are making our tent.

We'll sleep the night and get to work tomorrow.

The journey was safe with little to no problems.

Forest around Axel are clean from monsters so that was easy to travel. Next, in middle of way between Axel and this Village is a mountain trail, there were no monsters at the mountain either. After mountains comes plains so here we are, in the plains.

As I was look towards the forest under the starry night, Lynn called me:

"Kazuma-san, the camps are ready!"

I looked in Lynn's direction.

There were 2 tents.

All together, they could fit 4 of us at most.

There was a campfire lit to fend of feral monsters and provide us warmth in this cold night.

One of us will have to stand on guard in rotation. The first to be on watch is yet to be decided.

Taylor and Lynn were finishing the little setting up that was left.

Keith and Dust were cooking some food for themselves while chatting joyously.

Since no one was asking just yet, I spoke:

"So who's gonna be the first one to watch?"

They looked at me.

"I'm tired so..."

It was obvious Dust didn't want to stand guard. Lazy asshole.

Keith yawned as if feeling sleepy. Just now he was having quite fun talking to Dust.

"I'm sorry but you three can decide."

Dust said as he finished eating the cooked meat in his hand and went inside the tent on the left.

I don't wanna stand guard either. Though I don't mind since it will just be safer if it was me.

"It's okay you all. I'm not tired at all so I can do it."

Taylor came forward. Not a ounce of weariness was on his face. Seems legit.

"Well, Taylor is always the first one so it doesn't matter."

Said Keith as if it was actually natural.

"It's Kazuma-san's first time camping with us, isn't it."

Lynn spoke with her cute smile.

Guess it's gonna be Taylor. Not that I mind.

"Well am off to sleep then, good night."

Keith finished eating and went in the tent where Dust is. I.. am pretty sure they are just gonna chat. [1]

Taylor sat on a log beside the campfire.

"You should sleep too. Best not be tired tomorrow. It isn't gonna be a easy day."

Said Taylor with genuine concern. I nodded.

Lynn was going inside the tent on the right.

She looked at me. I didn't felt like she felt unsecure.

What? I'm not an lolicon...

I shrugged and followed Lynn inside the tent.

The strategy for tomorrow quest was planned by me, naturally. Taylor and Dust will be bait. Us there will sit atop trees and exterminate whatever monster we see.

If anyone of us three is late, Taylor and Dust will most likely suffer.

We can't leave Taylor and Dust behind because if Rookie Killer and Treant were to appear we three would be in trouble.

If everything goes fine, it will be a piece of cake. If it will be a piece of cake, then we'll know we are quite strong as a team now.

I could also use one or two of my overpowered weapon at our advantage. Though I will have to be aware of my mana reserves. I can use at least 3 OP Weapon(s) abilities at most. I haven't tried using 4 times however I think it's possible.

Just 3 of them are quite powerful.

The tent was closed with hook to prevent cold as much as possible.

We had already lied down on the mattresses.

They were quite far apart, not that I care about her or her insecurity around me.

Lynn is a humble, kind and cheerful girl younger than me.

Around 14-16 years old, I don't really know.

Unlike others, she doesn't talk much to me. Could be because I mostly keep to my business. Actually, Dust and Keith are just extroverts who keep talking to me.

They probably think I'm just like them because I went to Succubus Bar for a few times with them.

Gave them beers from me.

Talked shit about the handsome adventurer who was crowded with ladies.

Hm... might not be such bad memories.

Taylor is talkative in tavern but not on quests, he's seriously serious.

He's the nerdy type of guy who turns out to be most talkative.

"Are you awake, Kazuma-san?" [2]

Spoke Lynn beside me.

After Word:

[1] Seriously, its nothing weird... (◔_◔)

[2] What might happens next I wonder. Kazuma isn't into lolicon but I'm not quite sure yet. Also, if there are harems, the girl won't just fall in love cuz Kazuma is cool powerful or saved their life. Just like KonoSuba, it will progress slowly.

I wanted to upload bigger chapter and complete the quest writing but I need to upload and I am trying to keep the quality good, so it takes time. I have to think of stuff like nerfing Kazuma's ability and stuff I can't explain.

Anyway, I am gonna keep continuing this because I, myself, am liking this fanfic of mine.

"The Story Begins" this is where KonoSuba Kazuma working as labour.