A/N: Sorry for the long wait, been busy IRL. Made the next chapter longer than the other one. Sorry if it's too short. Anyway's, I'm outta here. Enjoy.
Chapter 2 - The Merchant Of Death
Finally, dawn arrived.
Having woken up early, I spent the time reading through my status screen. I did manage to find some stuff which I appeared to have missed yesterday. It was still early in the morning, so I assumed people were still preparing for stuff and were also giving me extra time to get used to the situation. I mean, it's only fair to give us some spare time in the morning. No one wants to feel rushed out of bed while they are still half-asleep.
After eating breakfast, I was guided back to my room again and scrambled to find something to pass time. But being nervous and excited as to what might happen next, It was hard to find something to focus on and calm down.
After waiting for what I think was about one to two hours, a maid knocked on my door and told me that I was summoned by the emperor. Being excited for my journey that was about to start, I could hardly contain myself and proceeded to the chambers with my heart beating loudly in my chest. I reached in front of the door from which I exited yesterday. There were two guards in Japanese-style robes with swords tied to their waists. I was surprised by their attire for a few seconds until I reminded myself that this was another world. I also couldn't help but pass a remark from one of the old novels I read. The guards looked at me for a few seconds as if judging me and looked between my mirror and my outfit, then bowed and opened the door. It swung open to reveal a lot of strangers, of which the majority were girls and some guys.
Most of them were outfitted as if they were ready to embark on an adventure. They all looked highly experienced, too. I entered the room, my heart beating faster than ever. The emperor saw my arrival and nodded to his attendant who then spoke:
"It seems that you have arrived, Hero. As you can see, we have selected some of our country's most experienced men and women to embark with you on your journey. You may select the ones which you prefer from among them."
Ah! So it was up to me to select the ones I wanted. It was like one of those games where you had to select your party members, which varied the path you took. I should try to select the most experienced ones since it didn't look like my weapon was…. that much suited for battle.
"Well Sir Hero, please select the ones to your liking."
Hmmm…. Well, based on the games I had played before, it would be best to interview them and select them based on their proficiency and level. That was how they did it in the games I played.
I decided to ask them to introduce themselves and then interview them before I selected them since that's probably the most reasonable thing to do in these situations.
"Uh, so would it be alright if I asked them to introduce themselves?"
"Of course, sir Hero. I assume you want to pick the best ones out of them. Adventurers! Come forward and introduce yourselves."
The first one to come was one of the translucent-ghost-like people which looked like the ones I saw on the streets earlier. She looked cute and her semi-transparent skin combined with her purple hair and red eyes made her look like an old-age Japanese beauty. She also had two fans tied to her waist. But what mattered right now was not looks, but experience. It might be harsh to reject them even though they came all the way here, I needed to get stronger, and in the games, the only way to get a good party was to do it the harsh way. I decided to ask her to introduce herself.
"Um, so would you mind introducing yourself?"
"Okay. I'm Yanagi. I came here from the dojo of Freegem style when I heard that the mirror hero was summoned, I felt like I was be able to use what I have learned if I joined your party, hence why I volunteered."
So she came from a dojo, huh. And she looked pretty experienced, too. She was outfitted with armor that looked like what samurai would wear in the movies I'd seen. I was curious about what the Freegem style was, though I'm sure it's some kind of martial art. Come to think of it, now that I took a closer look at her, she did seem pretty experienced. She looked very confident, not even moving under my gaze. She must have the pride of a warrior.
"I see. By the way, what is the Freegem style?"
"Oh. It's a martial arts style which involves fighting with fans. It is mostly suited for ranged attacks, although there are techniques which enable close combat as well. I guess you could say we use a mix of both. "
She certainly seemed like she knew her stuff. Maybe I could learn from her and get stronger. I mean, levels probably determined your speed and strength and stuff, but it wouldn't hurt to have some experience as well.
"Ah, I see. What level are you?"
The moment I asked that question she seemed to become flustered and a bit red on the cheeks, I thought I had done something wrong for a second.
"U-Umm, did I say anything wrong?"
Her eyes started darting from side to side, which made my suspicions even more worse.
"A-Ah, no. Uh, how should I explain this… I spent most of my time training in the dojo, so I didn't really increase my levels much. It's currently at thirteen."
Ah, so she thought her level was low compared to the other people. That helped ease my tension. I seriously thought I had done something insensitive. Although, even if her level is low, her experience from training in the dojo all the time should compensate for that. Besides, I was only level one, so we could level up together. She would definitely be a good addition to my party. Although, I should stop wasting time and let the other people have a chance. I told her to go back and wait as politely as I could. Then, the next person came forward.
The next person was also a woman. The first thing I noticed about her was her clothing style. She dressed rather…. 'Unusually'. She wore clothes up to her waists and then a blouse with a cloth wrapped over it. She wasn't lacking in physical assets either. She seemed more insistent on showing them too. I wasn't really a fan of pushy girls but….. it might be a bit harsh to reject her just because of the way she looks and how she chooses to dress. She came in front of me, a bit closer to me than the other women. While talking to her, the first thing I noticed was how she… repeatedly tried to ummm… 'show off' her assets. I was a bit off-put and embarrassed by her continuous attempts, but when I came to the topic of fighting she seemed to have lost some of her previous vigor.
"Sooo… ummm, can you fight well? or do you have experience in combat or such?"
"Well, I'm not really interested in fighting. However I am good at support magic and such!" She said, in an almost bragging tone.
Huh? Support Magic? Ah, this was a fantasy world, so magic obviously existed here. I guess she would be classified as a mage or a healer. Come to think of it, her appearance reminds me of some of the novels I have read which had these types of women in which they tried to seduce the hero and manipulate them? But there's no way she could be one, right? I mean, those were just novels. This is reality. I decided to ask the woman if she was proficient in anything else. She said something about 'men' before striking a flirtatious pose that you could make out if you paid enough attention to her. There was sweat coming down my back and I found myself blushing uncomfortable at the sight. I decided to ask her to wait politely. I mean, I wouldn't want anyone to see my embarrassed self. She pouted and went back.
I went through some other women who were the same as her. The next one however, was a man of medium height with a toned body. Unlike the others, he seemed as experienced as the first woman or even more. He wore a breastplate with some gauntlets attached to his arm. He also had a harpoon slung over his back. had quite the professional look. His eyes seemed to hold some sort of past to them. He was a bit taller than me too. I was a bit intimidated by him to be honest. He seemed to be observing my physique, which I wasn't very proud of.
"So, would you mind introducing yourself?"
"Yes, Of course! My name is Kyle. I came here from Label, the country of the vassal Katana. It's been a while since they selected a Hero, so I decided to travel to the nearest country in hopes of following one of the Heroes. Of course, following one of the holy heroes is an option, but right now they've only summoned the Hunting Hero, but most of the countries are in bad relations with the country to which she was summoned." He seemed to hold some charisma around him. He looked pretty laid back, unlike the other people here.
Huh, he came here from another country. There was also the 'Holy Heroes' thing again. Could they also be summoned from another like me? Maybe I should try meeting one. It would be nice to meet someone from the same world as me. I made a mental note to ask him about them later.
I then asked him some more questions. Apparently he started adventuring sometime ago and was currently at level thirty , which was pretty high compared to my meager level one. He also mentioned something about taking a 'class up' which added one more thing to my list of questions. He went back soon after and I resumed the interview.
Then, it was finally time for me to select my party members. I took a deep breath and looked at all the people. I was a bit nervous about their reactions. I already knew who to pick, but it felt really bad to reject people who came all the way here. I tensed up my muscles and called for Yanagi and Kyle from before to come forward with my voice that became low enough to be barely heard. I didn't pick the other woman because I wasn't too sure about being fawned upon in public. The two people smiled and came to my side, but the other people's reactions ranged from shock to the slightest bit of anger. Which only made my guilt worse. At that point, my body started shivering a bit from all the intense stares and my breathing was starting to become ragged. I was starting to regret my decision.
"U-Umm! I-if you want, I could try t-" I said, trying to muster the highest voice I could at the time before being interrupted by the woman with the unusual attire from before.
"No need to worry about it, Sir Hero! it is only natural you would pick the best out of us."
The other people looked at her before saying the same exact thing.
"That's right! We simply lacked the talent and experience."
"Don't worry about it. We will just try to join your party some other time!"
"We wish you a safe journey."
"If you say so…."
I wasn't too sure if they were sugarcoating it, but they did seem to be okay with it.
The emperor's advisor coughed into his hand, silencing everyone. He then looked at me and said:
"Now that we have finished the selection, it is time for you to begin your adventure, Sir Hero. Now, Please take these funds. They should be helpful for equipment and if you want to recruit party members elsewhere. Now you are dismissed. Both of you! Please guide the Hero outside."
He handed me a bag which was heavy, before dismissing me. My party members nodded and went forward, signaling for me to come, which I followed. We exited through the large door from before and walked through the hallways before arriving at another door. The guards on either side saw my approach and opened the door. I gave a quick bow to them before quickly following my party members.
There was a bright flash of light which blinded my eyes. I closed them for a moment and when I opened them, I was greeted by the city scape I saw from before. It obviously looked bigger than when I looked at it from the window. I stood there for a few moments, taking it all in, before seeing my party members waving at me.
"Oy! Make sure to not get spaced out if you don't want to be left behind!" Kyle yelled.
"We still have a long day ahead of us, we should get some equipment and start leveling up." Yanagi said, quieter than Kyle.
"Well, I already have everything I need, so how about I just go shopping for other stuff for a bit. You and the missy can just go do your stuff. We can meet up in front of the weapon store."
"Are you sure? Maybe we could go together." I suggested.
"Nah. Don't worry about it. I wouldn't want to burden our hero here with my luggage, would I? Anyways, see y'all later!" He replied, running off.
"Sorry about that, Sir hero, I met him before entering the castle, and he seemed a little hot-headed, to be honest."
"No need to worry about the small stuff. Let's get goin- Ah right, I forgot to introduce myself. Hehe, sorry about that." I said while rubbing my hand against the back of my head.
"No worries."
I'm Naofumi Iwatani. You can call me Naofumi for short." I said, thumping my hand against my chest.
"Alright. I'll call you Sir Naofumi then."
I wasn't too keen on the honorifics, but I guess it didn't really bother her, so I left it at that. I followed her along the streets while looking around. Some of the people looked at my unusual attire. There were delicious smells wafting all around me, and the sights made it hard to stay on track. The fact that it looked a bit like Old-age Japan helped to ease my tension a bit. Soon we arrived in front of a shop. It was at that moment I knew.
"Um, Miss Yanagi?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I can't read the sign."
"Oh."
"..."
"..."
We looked awkwardly at each other for a few moments.
"I suppose it is only natural, since you are from another world. Seems like I will have to teach you the language sometime."
"Eh?!"
Seriously?! I already hated learning in my world, and I have to do it again?! Man, life always sucks for me, doesn't it? So much for escapism.
"I might be able to find a mirror that helps me read, though…"
"You're still going to have to learn it if you want to use magic. And don't count on me letting you off the hook, Sir Naofumi."
"R-Right…"
"Anyway, Let's go inside."
I was greeted by an assortment of stuff hanging on the wall. It didn't seem to be fully for weapons, as there were things ranging from accessories to weapons and even clothes. We then saw somebody sitting on the counter. He looked bored and was tapping his fingers on the table.
I couldn't quite make out if he was a boy or a girl, but I'm just gonna assume he's a boy. He had long blond hair which was tied into a ponytail. He had high quality clothes befitting that of a noble. However, his vibe and clothing all screamed one thing: Merchant.
"Hmmm? Oh, It seems I have got some customers! Welcome to my shop!" He said with a smile. I had to admit, the smile creeped me out a bit. He extended his hand out asking for a handshake. I reluctantly held my hand out. He took my hand and shook it with vigor.
"Nice to meet both of you, fellow customers! My name is Altorese, but you can call me Alto for short."
"Naofumi Iwatani."
"Yanagi."
"So, whatcha want? I've got just about anything you want here. Assuming from your looks, it seems like you want some equipment."
"That's right." Yanagi said.
"Perfect! Follow me, I'll show you to the weapon section!" He motioned for us to follow him as he went into the back of the shop.
We went there and were greeted by even more weapons.
"What would you like, missy?"
"I don't need any weapons for now. Please equip Sir Naofumi here."
"Alright! Why don't we get you a sword first! Which would you prefer?"
"Uh, I've never used one before…" I said, chuckling sheepishly.
"Hmmm? I see. In that case, why don't we select one for you from these?" He said, placing a couple of swords on the table. "They're all coated with Blood Clean, So no need to worry about them breaking too quickly. You still have to maintain them, though."
"Blood Clean?"
"Normally, swords get eroded by blood and such. However, these swords don't have that problem. They were made by our very own Romina. You see!"
"Wow.."
The swords looked like they were very high quality. I supposed 'Romina' was the name of the famous blacksmith who made them. They looked like serious weapons.
"Why don't you try swinging one to see if it fits?"
"Thanks!"
I took one of the swords. It was heavy compared to the mirror on my arm. Alto seemed focusing on my mirror squinting. Anyway, I'd have to use this sword to fight against monsters….
Suddenly, as if receiving an electric shock, the iron sword I was holding flew out of my hand.
"What?!"
I looked at Alto for an explanation. He seemed lost in thought. I then looked at Yanagi.
She looked shocked, so it likely wasn't either of them. Alto then seemed to have discovered something.
"Hold up, that mirror of yours… now that I notice it…. I heard that they summoned a Hero around… Hold up… You aren't the Mirror Hero by any chance, are you?"
"Uh… I am."
"..."
"..."
"You have told me that earlier. You see, I have a friend who is also a hero. And she did the same exact thing. Apparently , Heroes can't wield anything other than the weapon they are assigned."
What?! So I was supposed to fight with a freaking mirror?! Come to think of it, I did read something like that yesterday. As I was thinking, the words popped up in front of me.
"Legendary Weapon specification: a weapon besides the assigned equipment was held, violating the rule."
"Well, I think I can't use anything else.." I said, wincing a bit. There was too much to remember at once, So I was probably going to have to read the help menu a couple of times.
"I see. Then we should get you set up with some armor then. You seem like you're just starting, so we will get you some normal leather armor for now. It doesn't restrict your movements, and gives you a decent defense boost at the same time."
He gave me some leather armor. When I held it in my hand. A flashing icon opened in my peripheral. I focused on it and it showed the specs of the armor.
Leather armor: Raises Defensive Power
I see, it didn't show the stats of the sword because I couldn't equip it.
"How much for this?" Yanagi asked.
"250 doumon."
"250 doumon? Is that the currency here?"
"Yep. There's also Gyokugen and Kinhan. Think of it like this: Gyokugen is equivalent to copper,
Doumon to Silver and Kinhan to Gold."
I see, So that means it is 250 silver.
"How much do we have?" I asked Yanagi.
"We currently have 700 Doumon."
"I see."
I decided to try and haggle. I mean, we might need the money for other stuff later.
"How about 70 Doumon?"
"Oh?" Alto raised a brow and a smile creeped up his face. "Nope, 200 Doumon."
"150?"
"200."
"100."
"150 then. I'm not going lower than that."
"90."
"Pfft… HAHAHA!"
"...What?" I asked, dumbfounded.
"You're quite the business savvy person, arentcha? I'll give you a discount and make it 100 just for you." He said, slapping my back.
"...Okay…"
"And I was going to sell it to you for 150 anyway. Couldn't help but play a prank."
"Here." Yanagi said, handing him 100 Doumon."
He gave me the armor. I put it on. It was easy to put it on, since it was only really a chest plate, and some boots and pants.
"Nice doing business with you. Good luck adventuring."
As we turned to leave, he told us to wait.
"Hold up for a second!"
"Is there anything you need?"
"I almost forgot to give you this."
He gave us a box full of stuff ranging from herbs to potions.
"What are these?"
"You see, before I reached here, My friend who I told you about told me to give you these. She heard about the Mirror Hero being summoned from another world, and since she was also summoned from another world, she was excited to meet you. Apparently, Hero weapons can absorb stuff to unlock new forms and They can also copy weapons . She told me to give you these. Although, I ain't gonna give you these for free, so I'll give you a deal for 70 Doumon. And also 20 doumon for the information I'm about to give you."
Huh, so there was another hero who was summoned like me? And She seems pretty nice. Hopefully I can meet her someday. Although, this guy seemed like he was ripping me off. Although, I will probably need those stuff and whatever info he was going to give me, so I handed him the money and he gave me the box.
"..So how do I absorb this stuff?"
"Before absorbing them, Try this. " He gave me an old mirror. "This is just a random mirror. Try copying it."
"...What?"
"..."
"Can't believe I have to give a tutorial to a Hero. *Sigh* try holding the mirror near your weapon. Apparently it will copy the mirror onto your weapon. "
"Okay."
I was surprised none of this was in the help menu. I took the mirror and held it close to my weapon, nothing happened for a while, which disappointed me. Then however, the mirror started glowing.
"What?!"
It glowed for some time. When I opened my eyes and my arm there was an exact copy of that mirror on my arm.
[ Wooden Mirror]
Type: Oak Wood
Abilities Unmastered:
Equip Bonus: Defense 2+
"...Wow, It seems to have worked."
"I didn't know hero weapons could do that." Yanagi said, looking curiously at the mirror.
"Well, What do I do with the rest?"
"Just put it in your inventory."
"I have an inventory?"
Alto facepalmed.
"Man, even Kizuna was better than this. Look at your status screen, you should find it."
"O-Okay." I said, a little flustered.
I looked around a bit and found it. When I focused on the icon, the box in my hands disappeared.
"Cool! It works!"
"Alright, Now you two can be on your way now, good luck on your journey. I normally wouldn't give info like this, but I know a good investment when I see one, and having another hero as an ally wouldn't hurt."
"Thanks a bunch!"
"No problem."
We headed out of the store.
"Didn't Kyle say he would be here?"
"Here he comes." Yanagi said, pointing in a direction
"Huh?" I said, looking in the direction she pointed. I then spotted Kyle running towards us.
"I'm back! What did I miss?" Kyle yelled.
"Keep it down. We just finished equipping Sir Naofumi."
"Sir Naofumi? Ah, that must be your name. You really look like a hero with that armor, Naofumi! Anyway, what are we waiting for? Let's go and start leveling up!" He said while laughing for some reason.
"...Okay."
We headed towards the forest that was just outside the town. I was finally going to start fighting monsters!