Ash blinked as the bright light faded from his vision. He looked around and saw open plains and a dirt road that led to what appears to be a city in the very far off distance. He looked down and saw he still had his clothes from his world; in his left hand however he had Yamato held safely. "So it wasn't a crazy dream." He says to himself carefully unsheathing the sword. By simply holding the ancient weapon alone he could feel the power it gave off, the blade gleaming in the sunlight as he looked it over. "That means I'm not fully human anymore either...neat." He says sheathing the katana and holding it by his side. "First I have to get to that city. My guess is I was put out here instead of in there; it just screams a beginning town even to me."
With that he looked around and started walking to the city. He felt in his head a small headache as new information was 'programmed' in. A sign in the edge of the road was now readable naming the city 'Axel', he now had the knowledge and ability to properly use his weapon and new species abilities. With this info in his head now he looked to an open field and saw giant toad's hoping around. They were moving toward a small farm with an older man who was trying to fight them off with a pitchfork and who Ash guessed was his son who had a shovel.
"What better way to test this." Ash said going to the toads.
The farmer and his son were being overwhelmed with one toad getting close to the son. "Jack no!" The farmer screamed out as the toad launched its tongue to snatch up Jack. However it didn't make it, instead falling limp to the ground as Ash dashed forward and sliced it off with Yamato. Jack ran time his father as they looked on to Ash, quickly moving Yamato to his side to whip off the blood in the blade. "Who are you?" The farmer asks cautiously as more toads approached.
"That does not matter right now. Get to safety if you do not wish to die to roads." Ash said to him getting a nod. He looked to the toad he cut the tongue off, now standing and done reeling in pain. "These must be some sort of starting creatures...a good test I guess." He said as he crouched a bit readying himself. The toad jumped and Ash ran forward, spinning himself and Yamato as he did before sliding to a stop before another toad: the toad behind him decapitated. "One." he said to himself.
He jumped over the tongue of the next toad and landed on its head where he sliced it off and slid off its back. "Two."
The next toad seems to learn not to blindly charge in; instead it made Ash move with its tongue flailing around at the young man. Using the scabbard he hit the tongue and pinned it to the grown by driving the metal end through the muscle. Taking the Yamato he dashed forward and sliced the toad in half. Without rest another jumped at him only to fall as it's front legs were severed and the katana's blade was driven into its head. "Four." Ash said looking around. The last few toads had turned and began to hop away preferring to not die like their comrades. Walking back to the scabbard he picked it up and whipped off the blood from it and Yamato's blade before stylishly sheathing Yamato. "That was pretty fun actually." Ash says as the farmer and Jake come out from their stables.
"That was some good blade work there son, you some adventurer?" The farmer asks.
"No, not yet at least. I just had a good teacher is all." Ash says simply. He of course was lying but not completely; he had no formal teacher for the sword but he was taught via forcing the info into his head so it counted for something.
"Ahh, I see. Must be why you're headed to Axel huh? You must have traveled for a bit to get here...yell ya what, as thanks for saving me, my son, and our farm I'll let ya stay the night and give ya some food. I ain't taken no as an answer so best be ready." The farmer suddenly said to Ash who simply nodded his thanks as they went in to the farmer's house. He looked around and noticed the quant space; it wasn't big but it also wasn't small either. There were stairs that went to a second story which the farmer led Ash up, and then another set that dropped down from the roof that led to an attic. "The attic was converted to a guest room, so you can stay up there tonight. Hmm...those clothes are strange, but they ain't gonna protect you much. I got some stairs you can have. Bathroom is down the hall from here so wash up before dinner and I'll put them out for ya." The farmer said.
"Thank you for your hospitality sir." Ash said simply.
"Nonsense. We gotta look out for one another out here with them monsters runnin amuck. At least that's what my wife believed in, so I will too." He said looking to a framed painting. It was him but younger, he had more of his brown hair and his hazel eyes had a shine to them he seemed to have lost. He was next to a young blond women with green eyes and fair skin. In her hands was who he guessed was Jake but next to the farmer was another child, a girl with the same hair color as the mother bit eyes like the farmer. "Anyhow, my name is Dean. Thanks again." He said shaking Ash's hand.
"I am Ash, and thank you for hosting me." He said as Dean went down the stairs to prepare dinner. Ash walked toward the bathroom and entered, seeing some basic things his world had: a small sink, an old fashioned toilet (to him at least), and a small tub for a bath. Carefully placing Yamato in the corner and closing the door, Ash took off his t-shirt and sweatpants; he didn't have any shoes with him when he died so all he had was these clothes. He turned on the tap for the bath and let it fill before stepping in and relaxing into the warm water.
Eventually, after he finished washing himself off and was simply relaxing for a small bit, Jack came in with the clothes Dean mentioned and a towel to dry off with. He set them carefully on the counter and looked to the Yamato sitting in the corner with interest. He slowly reached out to it...his fingers inches away from the scabbard housing the blade.
"Don't." Ash simply said and suddenly, making Jake jump a bit.
"What is it?" Jake asks looking at Ash.
"Never seen a sword before?" Ash asks jokingly knowing that's not what he meant.
"I know it's a sword. But I've never seen a sword cut through toads like that so easily. Not to mention...it feels like it's drawing me in when I look at it." Jack says. Ash wasn't surprised by this as he reached over and grabbed the towel before standing and wrapping himself in it.
"I'm not surprised. Yamato is a powerful sword, one that takes a special something humans do not have to wield it. If you were to try and touch it there's no guarantee you'd survive." Ash says.
"Something...humans don't have? Does that mean your not human?" Jack asks carefully while backing a bit up. Ash cursed himself in his head for letting that slip.
"I am...special. Whether or not I'm not human I'll leave for you to answer yourself. But remember my wanting: do not touch the Yamato, resist it's call." Ash said getting a nod from Jack who left quickly as Ash began to dry off. He looked over the clothes and immediately realized something: they were an adventurer's attire. They had decent padding for defense and were patched up from old battles.
A coat, black in color, and with a serpentine pattern and design that was neon red near the color with three separated coattails now tattered at the edges over the years of use. There was a black sleeveless zippered-turtleneck next, with a garnet red formal vest. A pair of charcoal gray fingerless gloves, black pants and dark boots covered by fuchsia gaiters with several straps. It looked fierce yet formal, which was an interesting pairing to Ash. He knew this outfit and the irony of him having it even if it was modified slightly in colors. This outfit as well as the look of Yamato were from the last game Ash played in his old world: Devil May Cry 5.
He put the clothes on, minus the jacket and boots as he was inside, and headed out and down stairs where he was hit by a wonderful smell. Dean looked to him as he hanged the jacket next to the door and placed the boots on the ground near the other shoes.
"Just in time, foods done. Guess those duds were the right choice; take care of them from now on will ya?" Dean asks as Ash sits so he'd be between Dean and Jack at the square table, Yamato leaning on his leg as he waited for the food.
"Yes sir, thank you. But I must ask: these are clearly meant for battle and have seen much of it themselves. Were you an adventurer?" Ash asks Dean who simply keeps up on the food.
"Well, a long time ago I guess I was at one point. Then I met a girl and settled down. Those clothes haven't seen much use recently so I don't mind passin' them on to the next generation of adventurer." Dean says smiling. He grabs some plates and fills them with what he had made. "Here we are: steak with mashed potato's and green beans." He says setting them down on the table. Lastly Dean got a pitcher and filled it with liquid from a barrel: lemonade. "Now let's say grace." Dean said sitting down and taking Jack's hand. Both looked to Ash who slowly took their hands as well and bowed his head with closed eyes.
"Dear Eris, thank you for the fortune of this meal and sending us our new friend Ash to aid and protect us. Eris please watch over us and provide us good fortune through the night, keep us safe and sound this night as you have done for every night. Amen." Dean says getting quiet amens from the other two people present. "Now let's dig in boys." Dean said.
The meal was good, and after it was done Ash headed up stairs and laid down on the mattress provided. He had a blanket and pillow, and with Yamato by his side he drifted to sleep. He had a dreamless night as he slept.
The next day he woke up and stretched, propping himself up on his elbows. Suddenly a loud crashing sound went through the house making him stand quickly. He grabbed Yamato and jumped down the steps, then proceeded to run down to the first floor where he saw the door busted open and three guys dressed strangely threatening Dean.
"Where's our Eris Dean!" The leader said; he was well-built but clearly weaker then the two guys he brought.
"Why would I pay you any Eris? You haven't protected us at all these past few years!" Dean yelled at the man. He tried to reel back a hit but suddenly felt a strange tingle, followed by an intense pain. Looking back he saw his hand on the floor.
"AHHHH! What the FUCK!" The man said as his two men and him looked over to Ash who sheathed Yamato. "Who the hell are you!?" The man yelled out.
"Me? I'm just your friendly neighborhood swordsman." He said before dashing forward. No one moved until the sound of Yamato clicking into its scabbard was heard. The man fell forward dead, and the weapons his goons had were cleanly sliced apart. They looked at the man who gave them a glare, his eyes glowing red with slits. "Leave and never come back." He said. They turned and ran quickly.
"Looks like you saved us again Ash." Dean said. Ash turned back to them, his eyes back to normal now, and nodded.
"Nonsense. I just did what anyone should do. We have to look our for each other right?" Ash said recalling Dean's own words.
Dean nodded as he stood, Ash helping him as he had shaky legs. He looked over the dead man on his floor and sighed. "That'll be one hell of a cleaning. So what's your path now?" Dean asked Ash. Ash looked out the still-open door and thought for a second.
"I have to get to that town, Axel you called it. I want to register as an adventure officially there; it'll take a bit so leaving now would be ideal." Ash said getting a nod.
"Yes it would. Thank you for everything Ash, I'll not forget your kindness to us. But before you go." Dean said standing and opening a drawer. He pulled out an amulet with a large red gem in the center. "This was my wife's necklace. She always did it would bring good luck to the wearer no matter who or what they were. I feel like she'd want you to have it." He said handing Ash the amulet. "Here it's just collecting dust, and I have enough memories up here" he said poking his temples "of her to last till I'm gone. Good luck Ash." He said. Ash nodded to him and put on his boots and jacket before leaving, closing the door behind him.
"Now to get this journey really started." He said walking down the path toward Axel.
/Elsewhere\\
Akira blinked as the light faded from his eyes. "Huh?" He said looking about. "The fuck?" He asked as he saw random NPC like people walking about. "Where am I?" He asked again turning to look behind him seeing a large building that said 'Adventurer Guild'. "Oh. Cool! That makes things so much easier!" He says looking down at himself. He still had his clothes, and feeling around in his pockets he felt that what money he had was converted to some coin of sort. He also had his cheat item: Gilgamesh. "Oh hell yeah! I actually got it!" He said. He thought about the mask coming on and it did, thought of it disappearing and it did.
After having his fun he walked into the guild and looked around. Big people with fantasy-like outfits sat and walked about drinking and having fun. Akira smiles at the sight and scent of everything, the excitement the hall had being infectious. "Hey!" Akira heard someone yell to him, turning to see a man with a goatee and a burly body sitting down looking to him. "You lost or something man?" He asked with a smirk to the young reincarnated man. He looked at his equipment with a whistle. "That some fancy gauntlets, grieves and armor you got there. Can't be a newbie can you?" He asked.
Akira smirked and walked over leaning on the table. "That I am actually; I wanna join up though. I've got experience with these babies and know how to take our a monster or ten." He said confidently.
The man laughs and bangs his hand against the table before chugging some bear. "I like your confidence kid! You'll be looking for Luna at the reception desk over there. All newbies apply with her!" He said getting a thumbs up from Akira who walks to the desk.
Luna looks up and smiles as she pushes back her golden hair a bit. "Hello! Are you looking to apply to be an adventurer?" She asks Akira.
"Indeed I am, I take it you're the Luna I was told to see?" He asks her getting a small laugh.
"Well of course; but you wanting to be an adventurer means you have the application fee yes?" She asks. Akira rummages around in his pockets and pulls out a few of the converted currency he had in his pocket.
"Is this enough?" He asks getting a nod from Luna as she counted out the Eris.
"Oh yes! Just enough. Here" she says bringing out a weird blu orb on a stand "place your hand on this, it'll create and list out your stats and Adventurer Card." She explained. Akira did as instructed and placed his hand on the orb. Below it a light came to life and began to move over a blank card filling it out. Once it finished she looked it over with a surprised look. "Wow! While not all being excitingly high you have some above-average stats!" She says to him. "It's as if you were specifically built to be a class with fighting in hand-to-hand as well!" She says.
"Great! Then what would my class be called?" He asked her.
"Well we call them Jobs now actually, you'd be a perfect fit for the Fighter job." She said getting the go-ahead from him to put it on there. He smiled as he took the card and thanked her, walking away and toward the board he assumed was for jobs.
"Let's see...not many here is there?" He asked himself as he looked them all over. "Welp! Better choose whatever and get some experience! Tally-ho!" He said grabbing a random job poster and running out after getting it approved by Luna. A simple job of helping clear a field of some low-level enemies. When he arrived he saw a merchant looking on at his supply cart being ransacked by some form of giant...rabbits? "Wait...the hell?" Akira asked himself looking on. He pulled out the posted and reread it again seeing the request. "Ooooh, clear the oath of Unicorn Bunnies. Now I get it, alright then!" He said summoning Gilgamesh to his arms, shins, back, and mouth. "You're gonna give me some money!" He yelled charging in.
He leapt up and kicked one back, getting the others attention. He hopped about a bit before making a 'come at me' nothin with his hand. One bunny screeched our and charged with its horn at him only to realize too late he was charging up a punch as the first connected with its face. It flipped upward as Akira jumped uppercutting it and then kicking it to go higher, where he used both his feet to launch it at another Unicorn Bunny making them impales each other with their own horns. "Three left!" Akira said as he landed. One tried to bite him but he moved and gave it two quick jabs before unleashing a flurry of near-unseeable kicks at it sending it hurling away. "Make that two." He said smirking under the mouth piece.
The last two charged simultaneously at him, so with his smirk widening he pulled his fist back and charged Gilgamesh till it flowed red and hit the ground. A wave of red energy went outward and hit the bunnies making them turn head-over-heel as they tumbled away and crashed into trees, breaking their necks. "And that's none." He said de-summoning Gilgamesh. The merchant who was being attacked ran up to him and shook his hand with tears in his eyes.
"Thank you! Thank you for saving my merchandise brave adventurer! Tell me, what is your name! People will hear of these brave acts!" He said. Akira smiles and shook his hand back.
"I am Akira Hirano, glad I could help! Now stay safe on your travels sir!" He said walking away and waving at him. He felt his hands and saw the merchant had put some Eris in his hands as thanks making him fist-pump again in victory. "Reward and a tip! Hell yes!" He said making his way back to Axel.
Fun fact, I've got like 6 chapters done for this so 4 more that can be published; I also want to note I have no good schedule for updates so this'll be updated randomly with chapters up here and there. As I said I own only Ash, Akira is owned by a friend and KonoSuba and Devil May Cry are owned by their rightful owners so support them the most!
Have a good day!