It seemed like Kazuma had misunderstood this world.
The heavy discrimination rate by bloodline and talent, the monster-infested world filled with countless people getting ravaged and attacked by monsters, the narrow-minded view of the people that rely on the propaganda that the despiteful intellectuals spread by the lack of intellect and study to view the world, admonishing and edging innocents that were in no way deserve such treatments.
Countless upon countless issues that lay beneath the order this world has established were severalfold worse than what Kazuma's homeland had. And the issue that cannot be said enough, is the fact that the weak have no place in this world. That the law and order were determined and brought justice only by status and strength.
Those are what Kazuma had in mind when it comes to this accursed monster-infested, mana-based world. The world that he loved yet hated so much. So when Megumin brought him to Axel.
He was crushed. Crushed under the unexpected events that unfolded right before his eyes.
Crushed under the beautifulness of this town.
Smiles and laughs, filled with sincerity and prosperity. The children, whether they have rabbit ears, dog ears, or cat ears, are integrated and immersed in their simple games.
The fully equipped adventurers that were joking around and heartfully chatting with local villagers, not harbouring a single contempt for the normal people around them. The villagers, the adventurers, the shopkeepers, tailors, smithers...
All of them were so…
"You see it, right? The genuine glint from their eyes and the simple intentions coming from their actions, not to mention the lack of boundaries that keeps every race in this world from integrating. It's very refreshing, agree?"
Kazuma could only nod. He was still immersed in processing the sight before him.
His entire life, genuine and sincere interactions are something he rarely witnesses. Modern-era people are too advanced and keep making things complex. Such an era was filled with insurmountable complexity it sickened him.
Even so, he doubts that this world, a medieval-era world, would be any different. With feudalism already established with its absolute order granted to the upper echelons of its part, with strength as the main factor to decided which was right and wrong nonetheless, then, how could it would be any better?
Absolute power always leads to corruption and demise.
But here he was, in Axel.
"Megumin, you have good taste."
Megumin, unlike her previous haughty attitude, just pursed her lips, "It's unfortunate, I love my clan, I would even die for it, but alas, as a Demon Clan, sincerity is the last thing my classmen would show. Perhaps those they consider as trusted relatives and friends, but the main point mainly integrated with them. I exactly hope that living in this beloved town, it would assimilate me with its people and turn me into something better than those damned classmen of mine. For my path required me a clear heart and an ethical soul, so I could bring it to the peak!"
Kazuma, who listened the whole time, was somehow lost to perceive half of what she said. But he gets her points, "Now, where should we go?"
"Let's go to the guild. We shall register to establish our standing in this wonderful town."
A part of him asked why didn't she question whether he was already registered or not, considering his strength, but remembering how lost he acted when he was asking for guidance, he didn't voice it out. It's reasonable to think of that. After all, this girl was frighteningly smart.
To be able to conclude a person's intent based on behavior of actions alone.
Very scary.
On the way to the guild, as he followed the hooded demon, he was curious about her. Crimson Demon? Demon classmen? So, to satisfy his hunger of information, why not opened up the screen? Specifically through an option-
[ Bond ]
«Eris Godfrey [ Rank S ] ( Interest Lv. 3 )»
«Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum [ Rank AAA ] ( Acknowledgement Lv. 1 )»
Ah yes, this. The outrageously long surname combined with her odd name in purple-gold text.
How could he not be curious about her?
He lifted his index finger and pressed against the eye-catching purple pseudo-gold text.
[ Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum ]
«The cousin of the heiress of the legendary Crimson Demon Magic Clan, a clan famous for its magic proficiencies and was even more famous in the Archaic Era for their equal standing with the Heaven, setting aside their weird tendencies in showing off and naming department. Megumin is currently 15 years old, and always runs amok. However, she was the indisputable number one of her classmen of her generation. She was obsessed with Explosion Magic, a spell for utter demise, destruction and extinction, created by the Goddess of Destruction to wipe out those who oppose her.
-‹›-
Unlike her classmen, Megumin and her cousin cannot accept the trickery mind their classmen always harbour. She preferred face-to-face confrontation, with her blatant and confident attitude, never the one who stayed low, unless the circumstances were forcing her.
-‹›-
Somehow, she was born as the one-in-a-thousand-years genius Crimson Demon with a strange surname that veiled her good-natured heart with her overly cunning nature and haughty, show-off attitude.»
«Rank: AAA [ Overly intelligent, overly observant, overly high background, overly proud nature and overly high standard with an inextinguishable obsession with a spell for extinction. But harbour a good heart nonetheless. Remain cautious! ]»
'Oh fuck.'
Kazuma sweated out. Where did that word he put himself on about not taking an interest carelessly? Well, there he went, developing a bond until the well-described person involved acknowledged him. Very smart, Kazuma.
A genius he was, indeed!
He didn't know whether he should consider himself lucky or not. On the other hand, he actually managed to set himself in her eyes until she acknowledged him. However, she was also a person with such unique and eccentric traits etched into her overly unique background which was the cousin of the heiress of the literal Crimson Demon Magic Clan, the clan who once dominated the world as Heaven's Equal with their insane proficiencies in magic, and still considered as one, If not the strongest clan to date in this world.
Staring at the petite, hooded form in front of him, Kazuma could only look up to the sky in helplessness. Well, realizing the amount of Affectum Points he currently had did ease his heart a little bit.
[ Affectum Points: 6900 ]
Noticing how good-looking the number was put a smile on his face, despite realizing how he involved himself with a literal high-standing, apocalyptic Demon. But instead of focusing on the bad thing, he would rather check out what the [ Exchange ] option had to offer.
With his current Affectum Points, perhaps he could purchase a couple of good things.
And also, upgrade all his stats until none of them is F-ranked.
'Only the charm stat was still F-ranked, if I'm not mistaken. Oh, and agility, as I haven't upgraded it once yet.'
The stat of agility that the [ Status ] showed was the result of the rank increasement of his class. But if we talked about pure rank, then his agility is only at F-rank.
Nodding to himself, he then proceeds to increase them.
«Charm › F Plus» -› «Charm › E Plus»
«Agility › E» -› «Agility › D»
[ Remaining Affectum Points: 6700 ]
[ Unlocked: Upgrade Phase 2 ]
«From rank E to Rank D required 1000 Affectum Points»
«Locked [ Upgrade 5 stats to rank D to unlock ]»
The intense feeling of being integrated by the newly improved stats always feels good. It feels fulfilling and satisfying. What's more, the improvement could be felt instantaneously. Kazuma could sense that the lightness of his steps has been increased. If he wanted to, perhaps he could match a motorcycle at full speed.
Not to mention the increased charm stat. Such an immaterialized stat works in quite an odd way. But like talent, he could feel it, despite not being explicit. The inexplicable feeling of looking nice and attractive.
'Such an odd feeling,' He mused in wonder.
Soon, he shifted his gaze to the one he had anticipated. A feeling of giddiness rose as the option opened up, adding a new azure screen that overlaps the main one.
[ Exchange ]
«Exchange your Affectum Points for numerous items the system has provided for you!»
[ Recommendation ]
«Rank E Section»
»Wizard Set ( Low-level Staff, Mana Manipulation [ Beginner ], [ Wizard Class ] )«
› 800 Affectum Points
»Archaic Roots ( Improve all stats under rank A by one rank )«
› 10000 Affectum Points
»Basic Spells ( Create Water, Earth, Fire, Wind, Lighting, Darkness and Light )«
› 100 Affectum Points
«Rank D Section»
»[ Identifying Rank Gaze ] ( A skill to identify a person's rank )«
› 5000 Affectum Points
»Adamantine Sword ( A sword forged from a rare piece of ore, tempered over dozens of times until it reached the blacksmith's satisfaction. Capable of cutting the hardest of scales and the toughest of skins )«
› 2500 Affectum Points
«Rank C Section»
»[ Penetrating Sight ] ( A skill that breaches the stats of targets' secrecy to a certain extent to the caster )«
› 25000 Affectum Points
»Here to see other options!«
Seeing these tempting offers, Kazuma began to contemplate as he crossed over a bridge, in tow of Megumin, not realizing the numerous stares he got by his increased charm.
Well, except for Archaic Roots and the newly-seen yet certainly useful skill, he could afford them all. The problem lies where he cannot afford the most desired offer. Well, he can, but it felt hanging. With these offers while having over 6700 Affectum Points yet could only buy a product.
Though in the end, he could only relented. Of all of the things here, the offer which affordable yet useful is certainly this one, the [ Identifying Rank Gaze ]. The sword could wait. As for the secret breaching skill? Well…
Kazuma was forced to wait for that, but he probably would buy Archaic Roots first.
'The rest presumably have to wait, until I learned magic and such…'
He reckoned, as he stared at Megumin's back expectantly. At the current moment, Kazuma could only depend on her to receive more Affectum Points and more importantly, to learn about magic.
It did feel quite wrong to build up a relation between two people for the sole purpose of benefits, but, well, considering that the target was a Demon, Kazuma feels like it would be not as simple as him receiving Affectum Points and learn magic as their connection developed further.
Not that it would be easy at all. He shifted his gaze elsewhere when the petite hooded figure suddenly looked back at him, her crimson eyes glowed menacingly, glinted with accusation and suspicion.
"What are you thinking?"
Kazuma coughed out, "Well, I'm just excited to finally be able to register as an adventurer after training for 'so long'. You know, doing quests, err… rewards, especially…?"
Megumin still narrowed her eyes, seemingly not convinced. As an observant person, how could she believes such nervous-filled words? But considering her promise to teach him magic, it was only normal for her to withstand his bad thoughts. What he said did make sense, if she thought about it, "I won't pursue any longer, for now."
For some inexplicable reason, however, he was somehow more pleasing to the eye. So Megumin gladly let him off the hook.
Kazuma nodded apprehensively. After she reverted her attention from him, he heaved a sigh, masking his terrified scream.
This girl was in possession, which she was obsessed with, of a damned spell for utter extinction that was created and formulated by the Goddess of Destruction herself. How could he not understand what could possibly happen if he irked her?
It was only a possibility, but he refused to take any chance!
He absolutely refused!
He gotta be careful with his thought around her.
Eventually, he just pressed his index finger against the azure screen.
«[ Identifying Rank Gaze ] has been purchased!»
[ Remaining Affectum Points: 1700 ]
[ Identifying Rank Gaze Lv. 1 ]
«A skill specialize for the host. Identifying the target's rank of difficulty, while probing the risks to a certain extent. Only function towards the people the host has interest in!»
Prior, he hadn't thought about it thoroughly, but when he checked out the amount of rewards, he noticed. Yes, it's the reward amount of improving Megumin's feeling development.
From [ None ] to [ Interest Lv. 5 ] gave him over 1700 Affectum Points and 2 Upgrade Points.
He understood from the exchange though, that the development of the level of [ Interest ] truly cannot compare to that of [ Acknowledgement ]. A development of Acknowledgement granted him 5000 Affectum Points! Almost three times of developing five levels of [ Interest ].
The difference is humongous.
As for [ Upgrade Points ], he reckoned it was pretty random. But the rate could be seen. From Megumin, he received 2 Upgrade Points for developing her feeling up to [ Interest Lv. 5 ]. The rate from there would be 2/5 in approximate.
From Eris though? It was kinda broken.
He received the same amount while only developing 3 levels of [ Interest ].
'[ Rank S ] is very different, huh?'
Kazuma thought in awe, staring at the golden text on the azure screen. No doubt, it would be hard to find another. And even if he did, it wasn't a guarantee that he could develop even to the [ Interest ] stage. He's not naïve enough to think that he would easily develop feelings with others, not to mention an [ Rank S ] figure. If he could even find one, that's it.
Besides, it could be used as a reference that an [ Rank S ] is at least an international-level important figure, reckoning that Eris is a literal Goddess Reincarnate, and until now, Kazuma has not, in the slightest idea, know why did she develop [ Interest ] towards him.
Because not to mention [ Rank S ], even [ Rank AAA ] such as Megumin would be an extremely hard challenge. Looking at her… excessive description. He could succeed in developing Megumin's [ Interest ] and even [ Acknowledgement ] only because he did not harbour any strange intentions. In addition, the Crimson Demon mentioned that he was somewhat 'Very impressive' or so he guesses. So including all of those factors, it was somewhat make sense, he think.
Of course, all of these speculations are based on nothing but objectivity. In reality, Kazuma would probably act like a believer if Eris would appear. Such ambitious thoughts like increasing development to receive Affectum Points and such were just so insignificant if Kazuma faced Eris herself. And even towards others, he probably can't, to harbour nothing but benefits and advantages.
Such attitudes are what those pieces of shit harbour.
He might be a hypocrite, not like anyone's not, but he sure wouldn't be as hypocritical as to imitate what his 'torturers' have done. Those who filled their lives with nothing but greed and pleasures. Implicating innocents to fulfil their twisted desires.
Such pieces of shit. Kazuma cannot become like that, even if he wanted to.
Lost and immersed in thought, Kazuma didn't notice the building that gradually expanded at the front. Numerous, equipped and geared Adventurers crowded the place. The gate of the building seemingly never has enough space as they went in and out. With merry chats and laughs filling up the place.
"My protégé, we have arrived."
"Protégé?"
Kazuma raised an eyebrow, staring at the petite hooded figure who turned her face to him, showing him her impeccable traits. At the same time, amidst the crowded entrance, they finally went into the building, showing the merry and warm visage of, what Kazuma saw on the signboard, the Guild Hall.
"Well, you did ask me to teach you about magic, right? So it is only right for me to call you my protégé."
Kazuma wanted to retort with might, he truly did, but her words make a lot of sense. He was seeking the guidance of magic and unbeknownst to Megumin, this world. And when she accepted his request, it was basically a form of him, a protégé, asking the Heiress's cousin to be his guidance, or in another word, teacher.
Still, it was quite awkward to let a girl who only reached his shoulder teach him and let her call him protégé. But what worth is pride when he was but a lost sheep in this world? Depending on the situation, he could be a lost wolf also.
But to this girl, who possessed extinction maker in her possession? With 'overly' added on her every trait?
Yeah, he would rather be the sheep. The trouble's not worth it. Let her think of him as a naïve guy. Or at least, as a normal person. That's all he needs. That's enough of her impression of him.
Truly.
"What? Did you get a problem with that? Or did you not want my offer as your teacher any longer merely by that narrow-minded view of me being this small? Hmph, let me enlighten you, you biased bastard, I'm turning 16 this year!"
"It seems like you're stuck in your own speculations, Megumin-san."
Kazuma hadn't even said anything yet she already bombarded him with accusations and insults. You might be a little girl with 'overly' added on your every trait, but a guy could only take so much, you know? To be accused which was based on mere speculations wasn't something to feel good about...
"Didn't you hear what I say before?"
"Err, well, you didn't say anything about mind-reading."
Megumin was ready to refute but halt herself.
He's right, she never said anything about mind reading. So what right does she have to accuse him based on speculations? Even so, a teacher cannot be outsmarted by her student! Especially since the teacher was her, the number one of her generation!
After minutes of walking through the guild, with the duo subconsciously searching for the registry table, the conversation ended absurdly as the main initiator turned her back to him and spoke out.
"Hmph, you pass my test. My protégé cannot be dumb!"
«The host succeed in making Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum [ Rank AAA ] agitated!»
«Receive 300 Affectum Points!»
«Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum [ Rank AAA ] acknowledgement has increased!»
[ Acknowledgement Lv. 1 ] » [ Acknowledgement Lv. 2 ]
«Congratulation on the achievement!»
«Reward of Achievement › 7500 Affectum Points»
Inwardly, Kazuma's eyes bulged out.
He thought that by initiating feelings, it was only limited to developing them, looking at his whole experience. It turns out to be wrong. Reasonably, the description was clear enough, but it was only because he had not experienced it itself that he hadn't realize it.
If it worked this way, then…
Kazuma secretly adorned an evil yet embarrassed smile, 'I apologize, my teacher, but I have to do all the deeds.'
The one who he followed in tow, a petite figure, suddenly shivered. Her tiny shoulders shook before they solidified. Still, Megumin has a bad feeling about it. She looked over to her new protégé but only saw a casual visage on his face.
With a troubled look, she ends it with a head shake, 'Maybe I'm thinking too much,' Unconsciously, she once again glanced at her protégé.
'Yeah, all because of this guy.'
Megumin intensified her gaze on him, trying to figure him out. But he just replied with a questioning look and asked, "What's wrong, Teacher?"
Look at him, adapting to things too fast. Such a suspicious fellow. But no matter what, she couldn't find anything unpleasant or upsetting about him. It was very frustrating. She was too used to easily discovering people out that she forgot how it feels to be left in the dark.
Even so, this guy doesn't make her uncomfortable at all. Maybe because he did not leave her even when they were threatened by the group of female orcs, or it could be the lack of greed or hidden intents concealed within those conspicuous green eyes of his.
They are very conspicuous.
'Holy, this much?'
After his new teacher's gaze left him, he read the rest of the notification and was bedazzled.
Indeed, development on the level of [ Acknowledgement ] is not to be underestimated. Even so, getting this many points left him confused as to what to do with them.
He looked over the many options he had, mainly the [ Exchange ] option, particularly that good 'ol Archaic Roots. To buy it, he just needs a little bit more points.
[ Affectum Points: 9500 ]
...it was so close.
Just a little bit more, and it would've been good. Kazuma feels a little pang in his heart. It was quite a pity.
Conceivably, he just had to spend it on stats or maybe save them up. Still, that incident of facing the feline was still etched deeply in his mind, so the thought of saving up is pretty much at the last place if he considered his choice.
But it was just so close-
'Ah.'
The hood of the figure at his front swayed, showing him the waving, silky raven hair of his teacher. And it comes with a realisation, enlightenment.
...it seems like he was too focused on his thought that he forgot this particular method.
…
…
"My lovely, beloved Teacher, what shall I serve for your esteemed, impeccable being tonight?"
"H-Huh?"
«The host succeed in making Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum [ Rank AAA ] agitated!»
«Receive 200 Affectum Points!»
Not enough!
"Shall I prepare myself with utmost effort to be with my lovely teacher for the rest of my life?"
"K-Kazuma-san?!"
«The host succeed in making Megumin Ostensionem Daemoniorum [ Rank AAA ] very agitated!»
«Receive 500 Affectum Points!»
'Nice!'
Kazuma mused in extreme delight and embarrassment, turning his back to his agitated teacher whose face resembled an apple.
The immense embarrassment that he currently felt and probably the numerous accusations and insults from his teacher for this shortcut is definitely worth it!
'I apologize, but this is too important!'
The duo haven't realized, however, that they already stood before the registry table. The person in charge there, a black-haired lady in white, looked at the embarrassed duo strangely, "Um, Sir, what business do you have here with your daughter?"
Though after hearing that, Kazuma's whole body was petrified. He didn't even have the guts to look at his teacher, 'Oh boy.'
"Please repeat that."
An: Anyhow, I apologize if any of the paragraphs look like wall texts. I was on my laptop for this one.