Adventuring in Another World

by Gale-Dragon

After being transported to Another World with his classmates to supposedly save the kingdom from the Demon King, Nezumi thinks something else is up and hightails it out of the Kingdom. On the way, he runs into a Beastman and learns the ways of this New World. Now if only he could keep a low profile like he wanted.

3. Chapter 3

Adventuring in Another World. Chapter 3: Tiger Tiger.

~}I{~

The sounds of metal hitting metal echoed over the field of grass next to a small forest. Navi was tethered to a low branch of one of the trees that was in a good position for him to lower his head to nibble on his food from the feed box or drink some water in the water section of the feed box if he wanted. The horse simply watched the two bi-peadle creatures training.

Nezumi charged at the beastman with his dagger sword drawn. The blade of the weapon hit the dagger that Dotsuku was gripping in his left hand.

The two metal weapons rubbed against each other as the beastman said with a grunt, "Good, your hold on it is better. It's easier to use now, right?"

Nezumi nodded when he said, "Yes, it is."

Dotsuku smirked as he pushed the teen back and off-balanced when he said, "But your stance is still not solid enough!" He then used his left leg to sweep under the Otherworlder's feet.

Nezumi fell to the ground not even a second later, dropping his weapon as he did. The pain was some minor tingling over the areas that made contact with the ground. It was unpleasant but not bad. Nezumi rubbed his tailbone with a soft hiss with his eyes closed. The teen opened his eyes to see Dotsuku's right hand outstretched in front of him, held out for the younger to take.

Nezumi accepted the offered hand. The teen and beastman used their own momentum to get the younger one standing back on his feet.

"Not bad for a beginner," Dotsuku commented as he released his grip on the teen's hand. He tilted his head slightly when he added, "You're a pretty quick learner. Is that normal for you?"

Nezumi nodded when he replied, "Yes. it is, so it's a pre-summoned talent of mine." that was a half-truth, of course. The teen's 100 Paths was a factor in him being a 'quick learner', but he did have a natural knack for learning things. Something Nezumi's parents took full advantage of and made sure their son learned a lot of 'important' things. Although, the teen didn't understand why he needed to know and do all of those, but so far some of those skills have been coming in handy in this World so he should be thankful to his parents for them.

The teen yawned as he moved to pick up his dagger sword. Nezumi should probably try to hold off using his 100 Paths so often, but the extra training sessions were worth it.

Dotsuku noticed how tired the teen was as he sheathed his dagger. As the Otherworlder turned to look at the beastman, the older stated, "Let's take a break. Have some of that 'Energy Drink' if it helps." Dotsuku moved to the space they chose as a rest spot.

Nezumi blinked in confusion when he asked, "Are you sure?"

Dotsuku nodded as he picked up his water pouch when he said, "Yeah, you learned a lot, so a break now isn't too big a deal." He unscrewed the stopper and gulped water from the water pouch.

Nezumi wouldn't complain about that as he pulled the watered-down Energy Z out of his Item Box.

It took some experimenting on a water-to-Energy Z ratio where the effect wasn't strong. The teen managed to find the right ratio where it only recovered Mana, and man did that help him when his 100 Paths was involved.

As Nezumi took a sip of the watered-down energy drink, he heard the beastman say, "{He is a quick learner, but he tires out too easily... Going to have to find a way to work on his endurance...}"

Nezumi glared at Dotsuku when he scoffed and stated in annoyance, "Cut me some slack, I'm not used to fighting like you are."

Dotsuku stiffened before he slowly turned to face the teen with a shocked expression plastered all over his face and asked, "What did... you just say?"

Nezumi glared at the beastman and hesitated angrily, "You heard me! I'm not used to fighting like you are! So, of course, I'm going to tire out faster than you!"

Dotsuku still had that shocked expression when he asked cautiously, "Why... Would You say something like that?"

Now Nezumi was mad when he got out, "Don't try to play dumb with me! My endurance is normal for someone who doesn't fight!"

Dotsuku stared at the teen, expression unchanged, when he said, "I... Didn't say anything about your endurance..." Before Nezumi could retort, the beastman admitted with a 'hold on there' motions of his hands, "Yes, I was thinking that! But I didn't say it out loud!"

That made the Otherworlder pause. Letting that information sink in, the two stared at each other in disbelief.

Nezumi was quick to open his status window to see.

[Name] Tsugiyoshi "Nezum," Sumino

[Job] Accidental Otherworlder, Adventurer's Apprentice, Merchant's Apprentice.

[Level] 7

[Health Points] 630/650

[Mana] 300/700

[Attack] 440

[Defence] 439

[Agility] 457

[Skills] Appraisal, Item Box, Telepathy, Beginner Level Dagger Sword.

[Unique Skill] Online Shopping.

[Hidden Skill] 100 Paths of Nezumi-Kun.

Nezumi blinked at what he was seeing before he rubbed his eyes and then looked at his stats again. The new job titles the teen could understand, but his level and stats! 'How the hell did I gain two whole levels just from training?!' Nezumi thought in disbelief as he stared at his status.

"You gained two levels? Already?" Dotsuku asked in confusion, trying to understand what was going on.

A little spooked by this, especially since he didn't say anything out loud. Nezumi's eyes went to his Skills. That's where he saw the answer to this weirdness. "Ano... I seem to have gained a Skill called Telepathy..." Nezumi finally said, wondering how the hell he even got that in the first place.

Dotsuku let out a low hum when he said, "Well... That would explain... Earlier..." He was honestly glad there was some kind of explanation for that issue. The beastman wondered if this teen was lucky to gain such a rare Skill or if it was because he was an Otherworlder but still... An image flashed in Dotsuku's mind, which in turn, caused him to ask, "Huh? What's this 100 Paths of Nezumi-Kun?"

The grey-haired teen visibly stiffened at these words. Nezumi slowly glanced at the confused beastman when he asked, "How... Did you know about... That?"

Dotsuku tapped the side of his head when he explained, "I'm somehow seeing an image of stats with something called 100 Paths of Nezumi-kun that's labelled as a Hidden Skill..." He paused when he realised what he was saying before he asked the teen in disbelief, "Wait! Are those! Your stats!?"

Nezumi slowly nodded when he replied in bewilderment, "Yes... But... How could you see? You don't have Appraisal!" He paused for a second to look at his stats, more specifically, at the Telepathy Skill. The teen tapped on the word to get more information. A blue box appeared in front of the teen's eyes with the info he needed.

Telepathy

Able to communicate with others via thoughts.

Can send messages instantly to others.

Able to send images to others if the user concentrates on the visual.

'Ah... That explains it...' Nezumi thought in almost an exasperated manner. Given how much he was staring at the information box, he was sure that now the beastman could see it too. Nezumi couldn't help but think in a deadpan tone, 'Annoying at first but it's going to be super useful once I have a handle on it…'

The Otherworlder looked at the beastman, who was sporting a rather baffled expression at probably seeing and overhearing the teen due to this new, uncontrolled, Skill.

Dotsuku glanced away from the teen when he commented, "How about we avoid going into towns until you can control that new Skill..." He pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance as he thought, '{Hopefully, that won't take too long...}'

Nezumi couldn't help but respond with, "I hope so too..." And then realising too late that the beastman didn't move his lips at his last statement.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before they agreed to skip a few towns for a while. They were good on money and had more than enough supplies for them and the horse, so they didn't have to go into towns or cities unless they needed to.

"Not going to ask?" Nezumi questioned the beastman as he closed his status board.

Dotsuku let out a huff when he replied, "About that 100 Paths thing? Only if you're going to tell me." He looked off to the side when he added in a softer tone, "But I'll admit that the 'Hidden Skill' thing is a little weird."

Nezumi let out a sigh before he said absentmindedly, "I figured as much..." He took a sip from the watered-down energy drink that he almost forgot about before he explained, "I guess the best way to describe that Hidden Skill is that it's probably a carryover from my world..." He let out another sigh when he added dryly, "I guess the Summoning Ritual made my 100 Paths a Hidden Skill because I already had it... or something like that... It didn't show up on that Appraisal Mirror..."

Dotsuku glanced at the teen when he asked, "So... People from your world have just one Skill?"

Nezumi shook his head when he explained, "Not everyone... I don't know the exact percentage or if it's just a phenomenon, but having some kind of powers was a major rarity..." He stared at the watered-down energy drink when he said, "Rare enough that I've only met one other person with a Power... Back when I was five..."

"That rare?" Dotsuku asked with a raised brow, a little surprised by this fact. He guessed that the teen's former world was the reverse of this world.

Nezumi nodded when he said, "Yeah... If I hadn't met her, I would've thought I was the only person in that world who had powers..." He downed the rest of the drink, before inevitably coughing at the somewhat sour-tarty taste hitting his tongue unpleasantly. The teen gagged a bit before he added, "Before you asked, she was not a relative and she was old enough to be my grandmother." Nezumi took a deep breath before he asked, "I take it that not having some kind of active Skills is a rarity here?"

Dotsuku nodded when he said, "Pretty much... As long as you have an affinity towards something, put in the effort to develop it, or even by levelling up people usually gain some kind of Skill. It's almost unheard of for anyone who's levelled up and put in a lot of effort to not gain any Skills. So I guess it's the opposite of your world." He shrugged when he added, "I guess this means that you have more of an edge than your fellow Otherworlders. Since you're used to having Skills."

Nezumi let out a hum before he said, "Fair point..." He placed a hand on his chin when he mused, "Hmm... That's making me wonder if I can learn those elemental Skills too? Or if they level up Skills?"

Dotsuku sat next to the teen when he stated, "It could be a combination of both of those and if you have an affinity for a specific element, that's even better. It means it'll be stronger and easier for you." He let out a huff when he added, "But you do need to work on your endurance if you're planning on gaining new Skills."

"Don't rub it in," Nezumi commented with a slight growl. He sighed before he mused, "Maybe if I gain a few more levels... It'll help both my endurance and help me control my Telepathy Skill better." However, the teen still didn't understand the level scaling but maybe he could figure it out.

Dotsuku mused a bit before he said, "Let's get you to level ten before you try fighting a monster... A low levelled one."

The teen figured that he would have to fight monsters eventually, but he's not going to complain about it too much.

~}I{~

The giant cat leapt over the stream when she thought, 'I know it's a little early, but I'm just done with Fel's stupid meat obsession and him not holding up his end!" She charged out of the forest, letting the light gleam off of her vibrant orange fur with black lightning bolt-shaped stripes. Her golden cat-like eyes were charged with determination as she continued on her path. Her talon-like claws helped her keep her traction on the ground. Golden wisps of clouds wrapped around the Tiger-like creature's wrists, ankles, and near the tip of her tail. Her white snout was broken up into three parts by the black line of her mouth, ears, and nose with only the golden whiskers adding any other gleaming colour to that palette.

The giant tiger stopped just short of the edge of the forest as her ears perked up, listening for any sounds that resembled what she was looking for. "Hmm, if what the aunties and uncles told me was true then I just need to concentrate..." She mumbled to herself as she started on this task. "Oh? I did it!" The giant tiger beamed proudly as she focused on the energy signatures she locked onto. She looked in that direction when she said with glee, "Ah-ha! I've found two already!"

The giant tiger then rushed off in the direction of the energy signatures when she thought, 'Heeh! I should've done this instead of teaming up with that meat slut!'

She skidded to a halt when she realised that mortals would run from her if she were to appear before them in this form. 'Ah, I was so excited that I nearly forgot~. Glad I caught myself before I got there,' the giant tiger thought before her body was engulfed in a cloud of static.

Once the electricity faded, the giant tiger was in a human form. The large beast now had the appearance of a young woman with short orange hair, yellow eyes, wore a tiger-themed armour that mostly covered her chest area, back, waist, pelvis, and legs with only her midriff exposed, and had cat-like ears and tail that was the same colour as her hair except for the black stripes on the tail and having a black tip.

The tiger in a human body grinned excitedly before she rushed off to meet those mortals, her pace didn't change even though her form did.

~}I{ The Next Day }I{~

Nezumi panted as he sat against a tree, completely exhausted from all that training. He pulled the last bottle of the watered-down Energy Z out of his Item Box and drank it all, ignoring the sour/tarty taste as he did.

Dotsuku stared at the teen as he sighed and said, "I told you not to overdo it." He sheathed his daggers when he added, "We aren't in that big a hurry, so there's no need to grind this much." He didn't even look the least bit tired from training the teen.

Nezumi envied the beastman's stamina, but the guy was 50 levels higher so it made logical sense why the teen was already beat. Nezumi shoved the PET bottle back into his Item Box when he thought, 'Plus I am using my 100 Paths to help with training. So that's eating up at least half my energy...'

Dotsuku sat across from the teen when he said, "I am serious, don't push yourself too hard or else all this training will be for not." He then gulped his water pouch.

"Right..." Nezumi muttered with a sigh. The beastman was right, he was overdoing the training. The teen pulled two wrapped melon breads (lactose-free) out of his Item Box and tossed one of them to the other when he said, "Let's munch on this while we rest," then pulled a water bottle out of the Item Box and took a big gulp from it.

Dotsuku caught the food thing easily enough. He'd gotten used to the weird packaging that the food from another world came in and knew how to open/close them by this point, so he easily opened the plastic wrapping the bread was in. Then moved it so the melon bread was sticking out of the wrapping enough for him to eat it while the rest remained in the wrapping. Dotsuku glanced up at the teen taking a large bite of the melon bread before he took a smaller bite of his own.

The melon bread had an unusual taste of sweet to the beastman. It had a crunchy outside but a soft, fluffy inside that was delightful to bite into. Dotsuku never had any sweet bread before, so he didn't know what to compare it to. This bread was much sweeter and softer than any white bread he had eaten in the past! Dotsuku ate the melon bread slowly and in small bites, to savour the pleasantly unusual sweet bread. The beastman glanced up at the teen to see that he already finished his. 'He must've been really low on energy to have eaten that so quickly...' Dotsuku thought as he watched the teen place the plastic wrapper into his Item Box as he drank some more water.

Nezumi pulled the rim of the water bottle away from his lips with a relieved sigh. Before he opened his status window on a whim to check to see if he reached level 8. What he saw made his eyes go wide in shock.

[Name] Tsugiyoshi "Nezum," Sumino

[Job] Accidental Otherworlder, Adventurer's Apprentice, Merchant's Apprentice.

[Level] 10

[Health Points] 900/950

[Mana] 217/ 1000

[Attack] 630

[Defence] 628

[Agility] 652

[Skills] Appraisal, Item Box, Telepathy, Beginner Level Dagger Sword.

[Unique Skill] Online Shopping (+).

[Hidden Skill] 100 Paths of Nezumi-Kun.

Dotsuku easily noticed the look on the teen's face. Judging by how the Otherworlder was staring into space, the beastman could guess he was Appraising something that surprised him. Dotsuku swallowed what he had in his mouth before he asked, "What's wrong? Is something you're 'looking' at different from what you thought?"

It took a few seconds for Nezumi to register the question before he replied, "Uh... I'm at level 10..." He then sent a mental image of his status to the beastman. The teen was glad that he was getting used to the Telepathy Skill.

"WHAT?!" The beastman got out in shock, nearly dropping the melon bread as he bolted into a standing position. "How are you gaining levels so quickly?!" Dotsuku asked as he looked over the mental image he was given, trying to find some sort of reason behind this phenomenon. The beastman couldn't help but grumble, "It can't just be because you're an Otherworlder! None of these stories mentioned them being quick to gain levels!"

Nezumi blinked when his attention was on the beastman as he asked, "So this ISN'T normal?"

Dotsuku vigorously shook his head when he said, "No! All the stories about Heroes from Another World are about them having powerful Skills and Unique Skills. Sure! Those Skills help them gain levels easier, but they don't get levels THAT quickly!" Dotsuku let out an exasperated sigh as he rubbed his temples and then commented, "I think you're in a class of your own by this point..." He then realised an oddity in the teen's status before he asked the teen, "What? Was that plus symbol next to your Online Shopping before?"

Nezumi's eyes were back on his status when he questioned, "Plus symbol?" He looked at his Unique Skill to see exactly what was mentioned.

[Unique Skill] Online Shopping (+)

The teen stared at the plus symbol in confusion. That wasn't there when he last checked his stats, so by that logic... "I... Think my Online Shopping might have levelled up or something along that line..." Nezumi commented as the beastman moved to sit next to the teen.

Dotsuku thought about this before he finally said, "Well, when your base level goes up, Skills also get stronger and more honed... Maybe your Online Shopping is the same? I mean, it is still a Skill in the end."

The grey-haired teen knew the beastman had a point. "Well, let's find out what happens," Nezumi stated before he pressed the plus symbol with his right index finger.

This time, instead of the AEON site, a new window appeared that read, "Online Shopping Tier Acquired! New Unlock!" Right under were the words "Please Select From The Following." And then there were two pictures with names under them. The first image was of a thick juicy burger, golden yellow chips, and a medium-sized fountain drink cup with a yellow-gold 'W' on it with the name "WacDonald" under it. The 2nd image had a wood carving knife, a sewing needle with a thread attached, a whisk, a pair of knitting needles, and a Paintbrush with the name "Hobbyist" under the image.

Both Nezumi and Dotsuku stared at this screen with baffled expressions on their faces. Navi slowly looked over the teen's shoulder to see what was going on.

Dotsuku was the one to break the weird silence when he vocalised, "Uh... What are these... Tiers unlocking for your Online Shopping?"

Nezumi looked between the two images before realising what they were offering when he remembered these establishments. The teen let out a hum, thinking about how to describe these two places, and then explaining, "Well... WacDonald is... Known for serving food at a quick pace but they're not exactly the healthiest. While the Hobbyist sells items that have to do with past time activities..." Nezumi then had a thought before asking the beastman, "Are there places that craft using wood, clay, and stones? And is jewellery-making a thing? How about candle-making and embroidery?"

Dotsuku blinked in confusion at the sudden questions before he replied, "Um... Yes to all of that... Why?" He didn't understand why the teen was suddenly curious about those things at such a weird time.

Nezumi seemed to have made his decision as he pressed the "Hobbyist" image, much to the beastman's confusion.

A white box then appeared with the black words reading, "You have selected 'Hobbyist'." After 30 seconds there was a new set of words reading "Hobbyist Tier Acquired". After another 30 seconds the words changed to read, "Please Enjoy Your New Store." As soon as those words were read by the onlookers, the familiar screen of the AEON site popped up but this time the selection was different. It now had access to the entire inventory of the store that caters to every and all hobbies. There was a small blue window that popped up and had the words, "Next Tier will be Unlocked at Level 20."

Nezumi mused out loud, "Hm, good to know." Before he tapped out of the blue window to get a better look at the new selection he had access to.

Dotsuku looked at these as well when he got out in amazement, "Wow! So this 'Hobbyist' place sells the tools for any craftsperson to use! I'm surprised your world has such a place for others to have access to their chosen trade so easily."

Nezumi glanced to the side when he said, "Uh... Yeah, it does." The teen didn't have the heart to tell the beastman that the apparent careers in this world were also hobbies in his world. But this works in the otherworld's favour. Hopefully…

Nezumi thought back to the information about when the next tier would be unlocked when he mused, "Seems like my Online Shopping will access more things from my world the more I level up."

Dutsuku nudged the teen when he stated, "And you will get to level 20 WITHOUT overdoing the training." The beastman was serious about that. Despite the situation he was in, the 'master' was still a kid by the end of the day.

Nezumi knew the guy was right. Besides, there wasn't a need to gain levels right now and he could hold back on his 100 Paths while working on his other Skills. Nezumi decided to take a look at the horsebacking section of the Hobbyist tier, to check the price of the gear that the duo could use for Navi.

Unbeknownst to the two and the horse, they were being watched by a familiar Tiger-in-human-form. She was sitting on a branch with a clear view of her targets but remained unseen by them.

The Tiger smirked when she muttered to herself, "Oh? Isn't That interesting ~."

~}I{ Two Days Later }I{~

Dotsuku and Nezumi had fallen into a routine.

Sleep, breakfast, travel, train, lunch, travel, train, dinner, make camp and repeat.

Currently, the two and the horse had settled down for lunch. Navi was happily munching on his feed as Dotsuku made lunch. Nezumi readied the rice as he watched the beastman take the rock bird meat, eggs, and vegetables.

Once the food was done, the duo ate. Each adds their little 'extras'.

Nezumi had to admit, the beastman was pretty good at cooking, once he was taught how the cooking appliances worked. The teen was glad that the bulk of the fruits and vegetables he's seen so far in this world looked and tasted similar or identical to the counterparts from his world. That was good, and so far, the only things Nezumi had to buy from his Online Shopping were eggs, extra water, Energy Z energy drinks, and some snacks

The eggs gave a 10% boost to the consumer's Health Points and Mana. Nezumi was fine with that, it wouldn't be noticed by the beastman and it helped the both of them. Water was already important, so it had to always be on hand. The Energy Z was needed to keep their Mana from depleting after being watered down. And the snacks were for the energy for after training, nothing too big.

As they ate, Dotsuku heard a sound that wasn't something from the wind or small creatures. He paused in his eating as his ears twitched to pinpoint the source of the sound. The beastman looked up as his ears continued to move.

Nezumi noticed and paused eating as well when he asked, "What's wrong?"

Dotsuku narrowed his eyes at something the teen couldn't see as he carefully placed his bowl down with one hand while the other moved to the hilt of his daggers. He quickly moved to his feet when he said with almost a growl, "Someone's here."

Nezumi was confused by these words until he heard some rustling. He carefully placed his bowl down and followed the beastman's lead, placing his right hand on the hilt of his dagger sword. Ready to fight if needed.

The next thing the two knew, a young woman with short orange hair, yellow eyes, wore a tiger-themed armour, and had cat-like ears and tail that was the same colour as her hair except for the black stripes on the tail and having a black tip walked into view of the beastman and teen. She gave them a toothy grin when she waved at them and gave them a pleasant, "Yo! Nice to meetcha!"

Nezumi raised a brow at the woman, but Dotsuku didn't budge from his stance when he got out in a more threatening tone, "I would say the same, but I don't exactly enjoy unannounced company." He drew his daggers just enough to show he can and will follow through on his attack.

The tiger woman didn't seem bothered when she said with that grin still on her face, "Aw, but I was hoping that we could travel together as a party~."

Nezumi glanced at the beastman, who had not changed his stance. Dotsuku glared at the new arrival when he told her point blank, "Not going to happen! So keep on moving!"

The woman kept a smile on her face as she moved her hands to rest them behind her head, and stated in a rather prideful tone, "Oh? What if I make a deal with yah?"

Dotsuku flashed his fangs when he snapped, "The answer is still No."

The tiger print-wearing woman smirked when she said in a more menacing tone, "Not even if I ask yah Master to Appraise me so yah can know who I am?"

Both Dotsuku and Nezumi paled at those words. The beastman took a step back when he got out, "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."

The orangette kept that smirk up when she looked at the teen when she said, "Are you going to Appraise me? Otherworlder."

Nezumi narrowed his eyes at the petite woman, activating his Appraisal skill as he did.

Like always, the blue information box appeared before the teen's eyes.

[Name] Tora, Daughter of Raijin the God of Thunder and Lightning.

[Level] 736

[Health Points] 83600/83600

[Mana] 77801/83410

[Attack] 37480

[Defence] 37480

[Agility] 43440

[Skills] Thunder Magic Mastery, Lightning Magic Mastery, Rending Claws, Lightning Fangs, Lightning Claws, Lightning Speed Strike, Rapid Mana Recovery, Shockwave Boom Strike, Thunder Strike, Lightning Strike, Water Magic Mastery, Fire Magic Mastery, Blitz Attack, Lightning Recovery, Shapeshifting (Minor), Size-Changing Magic, Dagger Mastery, Enhanced Hearing, Appraisal, Item Box.

[Unique Skills] Thunder and Lightning Immunity.

Nezumi blinked at what he saw as Dotsuku crept closer to the teen and whispered, "Uh... How did she know about..."

The grey-haired teen whispered back, "Um... Who is this Raijin God?" As the beastman glanced at the teen, Nezumi whispered, "She is this Raijin's daughter and she has the Appraisal skill..."

Dotsuku stiffened when he asked the teen, "Are you sure?"

The woman, Tora, still had that smirk on her face when she stated, "Yup! I'ma the daughter of Raijin. Name's Tora."

Dotsuku's ears pressed against his skull as his tail curled around his body. Nezumi was clueless when he asked, "Um... Is this Raijin a Major God here?"

Instead of answering, Tora made her move. In the blink of an eye, the demi-god was standing right in front of Dotsuku and had her right index finger hooked through the Control Collar while her left hand rested on her hip. Ignoring the petrified looks on the teen and beastman's faces, Tora whistled when she said, "Wow, I read about these back in the Divine Realm. Lot more humane than those Domineering Bracelets but still forces the wearer to obey whoever puts it on them." She looked at the item, apparently Appraising it herself, before she added, "Hm, wonder what the original owner was trying to achieve?"

Dotsuku snapped out of his shock to try to slash at the demi, but she easily avoided the attack and caused her to release her hold on the control collar. The beastman growled as he readjusted his cloak to cover the cursed item around his neck and snapped, "What the hell is your goal?!" Dotsuku somewhat blocks most of Tora's view of Nezumi.

Tora narrowed her green eyes when she stated, "I told yah already, I wanna join yah party."

Dotsuku bared his fangs when Nezumi asked the demi-god, "Uh... Why do you want to join a party of mortals?"

Tora clapped her hands together when she said chipperly, her tiger tail swaying happily, "Because I wanna learn all I can about mortals first-hand!"

Nezumi and Dotsuku had befuddled expressions when they got out in confusion, "Huh?"

Tora's tail wagged happily when she continued, "I've been wanting to see and learn how mortals live and how they do things for a long time." She huffed when she added bitterly, "But my previous travelling companion was more interested in his stomach than keeping his word."

Dotsuku and Nezumi glanced at each other when the teen asked uneasily, "Uh, do you mind if we... Discuss this in private?"

Tora smiled as she waved and said, "Sure! Take all the time yah need."

With that, Dotsuku and Nezumi were quick to move to where they had Navi tethered. The moment they got there, the teen couldn't help but whisper to the beastman, "Well, what do you think?"

Dotsuku let out an annoyed growl before he whispered back, "Aside from hating it... I don't think we actually have a choice..." He glanced up to see where the demi-god was when he added, "She already showed what she can do... And without trying. Plus..."

"She knows," Nezumi finished with an annoyed expression. He looked up at the beastman when he asked, "Do you think she'll be able to keep our secrets?"

Dotsuku's lips folded into his teeth before he stated seriously, "If we can get her to agree to a party contract, she'll have to adhere to whatever is in that if she wants to travel with us..."

Nezumi raised a brow when he asked in confusion, "A what?"

Dotsuku broke the jist of that down by saying, "A party contract is a basic party agreement that everyone in and wishes to join a party. Follow the agreement, you stay in the party. If you don't, you're kicked out."

"Ah," was all Nezumi got out before he glanced at the demi. The teen then asked the beastman, "Do those work on demi-gods?"

Dotsuku let out an uneasy hum before he admitted, "I hope so..." He and the teen made their way back to the demi-god when the beastman stated sternly, "Fine, you can join us." Dotsuku held up a hand before Tora could cheer when he added, "On a few conditions!"

Torn smiled when she said, "I'ma not gunna tell anyone about Nezumi's origins or the Control Collar yahr in, just as long as yah both do the same for me being Raijin's daughter."

Dotsuku frowned as Nezumi stated dryly, "I think it would be better if no one knew you're a demi-god..."

Tora had a clueless smile when she asked as her ears and tail twitched in interest, "Would it?"

Dotsuku placed a hand on his chin when he stated thoughtfully, "Nez would be right... Demi-Gods would draw too much attention..." He looked over Tora when he added, "I guess if you stay in that form, you can pass as a Tiger Beastkin easily enough." Dotsuku folded his arms when he stated, "I've heard stories about Demi-Gods being able to take more animal and monster forms, so it might be a good idea NOT to take any of those in any dwellings where there's going to be a lot of people..."

Tora had a sheepish expression when she said, "Yeah, that's fair." She then pointed at the silver-haired teen when she asked, "I take it that you don't use yahr Unique Skill in public fur tha same reason?"

Nezumi nodded when he stated, "More or less. But the main thing is that I don't want people to think that I'm from Another World." He didn't want to add more to that. Nezumi then realised something important when he told Dotsuku, "Ah, right, she's going to have to register with the Adventurer's Guild if she's going to join our party."

Dotsuku's fang folded over his lips when he stated in annoyance, "Good point... And the fee for joining and getting into the next town..."

Tora had no clue what they were talking about as Navi let out a weary huff as he clamped his right front hoof.

~}I{~

On the way to the next town, Dotsuku and Nezumi explained how the money system worked and the basics of how the Guilds worked to Tora. They also told the demi-god what was typically found in mortal dwellings, so she can blend in a little better. Of course, Nezumi gave Tora enough coins to pay the entrance toll and join the Adventurer's Guild. The demi-god examined these coins in fascination.

Dotsuku did ask Tora if she was literate, to which the demi-god replied, "Of course, Ah am. My old man made sure Ah could read and write." Tora then had a sheepish look when she added as she scratched her cheek,"But Ah'm not so good at math..."

Dotsuku let out a breath when he said, "Of course you are, but as long as you can fill out the application form for the Adventurer's Guild, that's enough for now."

Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Dotsuku and Nezumi presented their Guild cards as Tora handed over the two Silver Coins. Of course, Dotsuku explained that once she registers with the Adventurer's Guild, all she needs to do is show the guard her card when they enter towns, villages, and cities. Tora took in this information with so much joy.

Their first stop was the Adventurer's Guild to get the registration out of the way. But there was a slight snag in the whole 'creating a party' plan.

As it turned out, an Adventurer party must consist of the same Ranks or have a minimum of a single Rank difference between the highest Ranked member and the lowest. Since Tora just joined the Adventurer's Guild, her Rank was G. Dotsuku was a C- Rank. Since Nezumi was registered as an Apprentice, his Rank would be that of whoever he was apprenticed under. Therefore, they couldn't form a Party as of now.

Tord scratched her cheek when she summarised, "So, I gotta raise my Rank to a D to make a party with Dotsuku and Nezumi."

The clerk nodded at that, confirming the statement. She then stated, "You can raise your Rank by completing Requests to earn points. The more you do the faster you Rank up. But you're only allowed to take a Requests that are of your current Rank or one Rank higher." She then made sure to inform the newbie about the penalty for failing to complete a Request.

Dotsuku folded his arms when he added, "And you do have to keep your Guild Card, you need to accept a Request at least once a month." He nodded his head to the Request Board when he added, "Requests are posted there. Take one you like down and give it to any of the clerks to let them know you're doing it. Remember, you're only allowed to take ones that are Ranked G or F."

Nezumi thought that this was useful information.

As Tora looked over the Request Board, Dotsuku asked the clerk if there was an Inn with a stable.

}{

The Fenrir looked around the area he was in, but he didn't see who he was looking for. "Hm? Did she go hunting without telling me?" the legendary beast wondered out loud. He then gasped before he growled out, "She better have not found something delicious and is keeping it for herself!"

}I{

Tora's ears and tail twitched in confusion when she asked the clerk of the inn in an innocent tone, "How come we can't book one room?"

Nezumi stared at the demi-god with a 'did you have to ask that' look as Dotsuku pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

The clerk glanced at the small group before they stated as calmly as they could, "Um, Inn rules."

Dotsuku let out a breath before he suggested, "Are there a pair of adjoining rooms or two next to each other?"

that the clerk could do.

A little while later…

"Oooh! comfy!" Tora got out as she snuggled on top of the bed like a cat would.

Dotsuku frowned when he stated, "Please do that on the bed in your room." He glanced at the teen sitting on the other bed when he added, "You know that we might have to stay here until Tora gets to F-Rank."

Nezumi raised a brow when he asked, "How come?" Tora sat up as she looked at the beastman.

Dotsuku laid out a recent map of the area on the little table in the room when he explained, "The next town on our current route is a little more than 5 weeks out by horse. More than Tora's current Rank will allow." He folded his arms when he stated, "While we can't form a party yet, we can still travel together."

Nezumi let out a hum when he vocalised, "True..."

Tora's tail swayed happily from side-to-side when she Said, "It shouldn't take me too long to get to F-Rank." She waved when she added, "The F-Rank Requests are worth more points and easier for me to do." She grinned when she chipperly said, "There's a lot of easy monsters defeating Requests I can breeze through."

Dotsuku rolled his eyes when he got out, "I can believe that." He sighed before he stated, "Meh, I guess we can use this opportunity to restock our supplies and add more things now that We have another person in the group."

Yeah, that was fair.

Tora raised a brow before she asked, "Can't yah just buy whatever you need from Nezumi's Unique Skill?"

Nezumi's lips pressed into a line when he stated, "Yes, but I still need to learn what's good and safe to eat in this world, so I can blend in." He opened his Online Shopping when he added as he checked what he already had in his cart and said, "But I can use this to get some stuff we might need during our travels. Usually water."

The Demi-God had to admit that that was fair.

The trio went over their current goals for their time here. Stock up on the needed supplies, Tora getting her Rank up, and keep a low profile as much as possible. Then they went to sleep, after Dotsuku brought Tora to her room next door.

~}I{~

Over the next week, Tora was getting the hang of money and how to use it. Dotsuku and Nezumi went over how long the trip would be and how much supplies they needed. While they did have Item Boxes to keep all the extra gear and foods, it was best to not make it obvious.

}I{

Tora happily grinned as her tail swayed from one side to the other when she said, "I'm almost at Rank F!" She was sitting on Dotsuku's bed, per their normal routine as of late.

Nezumi was scrolling through the one of the sections of the Hobbiest tier of his Online Shopping when he stated, "That was fast."

Tora happily nodded when she said, "The monster hunting F-Ranked Requests are easy and worth more points. And there were a lot of them in recent days."

Dotsuku pulled up a chair when he stated, "I've heard talk about that around town. Orcs are on the uptake, so a lot of the town's folks are locking up tighter at night and there's a curfew in place."

Nezumi couldn't help but cringe when he got out uneasily, "Can't blame the town... Those things aren't the most pleasant monsters. Even within the fables and stories from my world." He closed his skill, no longer able to focus on that.

Dotsuku let out a low hum when he stated, "True, but their meat is good so there's always a demand for them."

Nezumi had a disgusted look on his face when he got out in that same tone, "People here... Eat Orcs?"

Tora shrugged when she said in an uninterested tone, "Well, yeah they're edible, but Ah don't care much for them, despite Fel goin' on and on about how delicious they are. Ah'll eat'm if th have'ta, but Ah'm not gunna go outta the way to eat'm."

Dotsuku nodded in agreement when he stated, "Same. I usually eat Orc Meat if I run out of food and they're around."

Nezumi fought the urge to hurl when he got out, "So what you're saying is that I should eat Orc Meat if offered, right?"

Dotsuku took note of the teen's behaviour when he said with a wave, "Only if you're hungry and it's the only thing available." He folded his arms when he said, "Not sure if you're going to like ore meat or not, but other's swear that it's delicious." Dotsuku placed a hand on his chin when he mused, "I wonder if there's an equivalent from your world..."

Nezumi let out an annoyed huff when he retorted, "To give an answer, I have to eat Orc Meat." the teen shuttered at the thought.

Tora stretched when she said, "How about Ah catch an Orc fur yah ta try tomorrow. The butcher at the Adventurer's Guild is nice and'll carve the meat up real nice." she then snuggled on the bed when she added with a smile, "Now we sleep~."

Annoyed, Dotsuku was quick to snap at the demi-god, "Go sleep in your own bed!"

}I{ The Next Morning }I{

Tora was staring at the Request board for any F-Rank task that she could do. Yeah, sure these were well below her level, but if she wanted to get to her goal she'll have to put up with this for now. Besides, Tora is learning more and more about the mortals thanks to this and her soon-to-be Party mates.

'Hm, not a lot of good ones today,' the demi-god thought as she read each of the leather skins pinned to the board. She also noted that each didn't offer much point-wise, or were F-Rank. Tora folded her arms in frustration before she noticed one of the clerks pinning up some new Requests.

One particular request caught the Demi-God's eye. Tora moved to read the criteria for completing the Request, and beamed when she saw what it was.

Request Level F: Orc Hunting Control.

Reward, 7 Silver Coins upon completion. Plus 2 Silver Coins per Orc brought in.

Minimum Requirement; 4 Orcs.

7 Points for Each Orc Brought in.

Tora's eyes sparkled at this when she thought, 'Talk about perfect timing! And extra points for each Orc! Ah'll be able to get my F-Rank!" The demi-god happily took the Request off the board and brought it to the front desk to say she was taking the job, much to everyone's disbelief.

}{ About Four Hours Later }{

The same clerk informed Dutsuku and Nezumi that Tora accepted an Orc Hunting Request. That was fine for the two, they knew the demi-god could handle the task easily enough.

But the clerk couldn't help but voice her worries, after all the tiger beastkin didn't look like she could fight such ruthless creatures.

Dotsuku scoffed when he said, "Don't let her appearance fool you. She's stronger than she looks." He then added as he motioned for Nezumi to go find a table, "Ran into her while she was hunting down a small herd of Red Boars. She killed all of them without getting hurt despite them being completely aggressive."

That impressed the clerk as Dotsuku moved towards the table Nezumi was sitting at.

'{Why did you tell her that?}' the grey-haired teen sent the beastman through the telepathic link.

Dotsuku glanced at the Otherworlder when he replied, '{So everyone won't be asking any unneeded questions if she comes back with a dozen or so Orcs.}' He waved for a waitress and asked for some waters be for he sent the teen, '{By the way, you've got this Telepathy down pretty well.}'

Nezumi replied his thanks before he thought about what the beastman meant. When he concluded that the other was right about others thinking that the tiger beastkin was exceptionally strong rather than people believing that she was a demi-god or an Otherworlder. Nezumi took a gulp of his water when he got the jug. The teen couldn't help but ask the beastman, "So we just wait for her here?"

Dotsuku nodded when he stated, "She'll have to come back to the Adventurer's Guild if she wants to prove she completed the request." He took a gulp of the water before he let out a breath and stated, "Besides, not like we have much else to do right now."

Nezumi couldn't help but agree with the beastman before he took a sip of his water. He belatedly wondered how long this was going to take.

Not even a minute later, Tora practically skipped into the Adventurer's Guild with a big smile on her face. She made a beeline to the front desk when she chipperly got out, "Yo! Where do Ah go when Ah need to have a lotta monsters counted?"

The clerk blinked in confusion when she asked cautiously, "Uh, that depends on the type of monster and the piles made..."

Tora's smile waivered a bit before she said, "Well, they're Orcs and uh... Um... Ah don't know about piles, since Ah just shove'm in my Item Box after they drop and Ah can get at'm..."

Dotsuku and Nezumi siffened at those words. The teen quickly sent the demi-god, '{Tora! The Item Box Skill is a rare skill for mortals to have! You can't just drop that information like it's nothing!}'

Tora glanced to the side when she added, "So... Ah wasn't keeping track of how many Orcs Ah killed except that it was a lot." Her tail swished from side to side as all eyes were on her.

Nezumi's brow twitched when he sent the beastman, '{We should've emphasised on how 'blending in' is important.}'

Dotsuku slumped slightly when he replied, '{We did... But at least it's just the Item Box.}'

}{ About An Hour Later }{

Nezumi and Dotsuku were doing some image puzzles with a couple of borrowed matchsticks as they waited for the demi-god.

The teen glanced up at the beastman when he asked, "Any idea how much longer it's going to take?" He placed a match stick in place to complete the silhouette of a rabbit.

Dotsuku shrugged when he replied, "It all depends on how many orcs she brought in." He placed a match stick to complete an image of a crescent moon when he added, "Given the uptake of Orcs, she must've found a lot. That might help with the town's issue with them." The beastman nudged a few of the matchsticks into place.

Nezumi let out a low hum as he glanced at the door to the butcher's storage area. He wondered how long it would take to count the bodies, the teen figured it wouldn't take as long as it would to count severed ears. Hopefully...

The next thing the two knew a clerk came by their table and asked them to follow her. confused, the beastman and teen decided to follow to get answers.

Soon they arrived at the butcher's shed with easily ten piles of regular Orcs with at least 20 bodies in them, a pile of Orc Generals with roughly the same number in it as the other piles, a pile of Orc Mages that had only ten, and one Orc King.

Nezumi had a potent, 'what the hell' expression plastered all over his face while Dotsuku ran a hand over his face when he asked the demi-god, "Did you somehow find an Orc Settlement or something?"

Tora smiled when she said, "Yup! Just outside the town! Pretty big one hidden in the nearby forest." Her tail was swaying happily as she spoke.

The butcher was looking over the lot as the Guildmaster explained, "Which is probably why we've been having a lot of them as of recently." He growled when he got out in annoyance, "How the hell could any of the guards Not notice a settlement THAT Big is beyond me!"

Dotsuku pressed his lips in a line when he said wearily, "I'm... Sure you'll figure it out soon..." He folded his arms when he asked with a raised brow, "But why did you ask us here?"

That was when Tora presented her brand new D-Rank Adventurer's Guild card when she beamed and said, "Ah got enough Orcs to raise my Rank all the way to D!"

The Guildmaster pointed at the pile of Orc Mages and the Orc King when he stated wearily, "Given that those are tougher than the regular and general Orcs, they're worth a lot more points,"

Nezumi raised a brow when he asked, "Enough to Skip Rank F and E?"

Dotsuku glanced at the pile of Orc Mages and the Orc King when he stated, "Well, there are ten Orc Mages and a King, which are rank B and A respectively. Neither are particularly easy to defeat for a regular Adventurer." He couldn't help but send to his companions through the telepathic link, '{This is the exact opposite of subtle!}'

Tora couldn't help but send back through the telepathic link, '{So you say, but now Ah' ma D-Rank Adventurer!}' She then said out loud with a smile, "Since Ah'ma D-Rank Adventurer, we can make a party!"

Neither Nezumi nor Dotsuku had any response to that.

"Uh... Can the Guild buy some of the Orc materials?" The butcher asked as he pointed at the piles.

Ah, right...

~}I{~

Ushii was currently practising with his sword when a demon herald came in. without looking at the sudden arrival, the Demon Prince asked sternly, "What do you have to report?"

The demon herald bowed when they said, "The kingdom of Reijseger is apparently training the children from Another world."

"Apparently?" Ushii questioned as he continued to hone his sword skills.

The demon herald stood up straight when they explained how inefficient the Kingdom's methods were, adding how they aren't even going over the basics of each of the known skill sets of the Otherworlders. The herald couldn't help but add with a cringe, "Half of all these one-to-one trainers' meatherds feel a little too hands-on for my liking."

Ushii let out a low hum before he asked seriously, "Do the spies suspect that the children are being groomed or manipulated?" He held his sword in an En Garde Position.

"Both in all honesty, your highness," the demon herald stated in uneasiness. They let out a sigh before saying, "If you want my opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if Reijseger uses Domineering Bracelets on them..."

Ushii was cold when he stated, "They've done it before, so I wouldn't be surprised if they did it again." He made a sweeping motion with his sword.

The boulders in front of the Demon Prince slid into two halves in a clean, neat row.

Ushii narrowed his eyes when he stated coldly, "But unfortunately, we have to wait for Reijseger to act first." He sheathed his sword when he added, "Tell the spies to try to spread seeds of doubt to the Otherworlders subtly as they can and try to goad Reijseger to act."

The demon herald bowed when they stated respectfully, "Understood, your Highness." Before they hurried off to follow through on the orders.

Ushii narrowed his eyes in determination as he looked over his sword.

~}I{~

Now that the 'Paperwork' for forming a Party and selling off the bulk of the Orcs have been completed... Dotsuku, Nezumi, and Tora returned to the inn they've been staying at.

The demi-god sat on the beastman's bed when she said happily, "Well, I got us a lot of Gold, a decent supply of Orc Meat, and we got the Party formed. Pretty productive day if I do say so myself."

Dotsuku examined the Magic Stones (Medium) that they got from the Orc Mages. They had gotten ten Small Magic Stones from the regular Orcs, ten Medium Magic Stones from the Orc Mages, and a Large Magic Stone from the Orc King. The beastman placed the Magic Stones on the table when he said, "True, but you drew way too much attention to us."

Tora shrugged when Nezumi asked the beastman, "Why did you want to keep those stones?" as he pointed at the purplish-blue stones that came from the monsters.

Dotsuku gathered the Magic Stones into a pouch when he stated, "They're useful and can be used for payments for information." He handed the pouch to the teen when he added, "A lot of high-end appliances use Magic Stones as a power source, so they're always in demand."

Nezumi squirrelled the pouch into his Item Box when he summarised, "Meaning it's good to have these on hand."

Dotsuku nodded before he stated, "Correct. Plus we should leave this town tomorrow." He looked over at the demi-god when he stated, "So maybe go to your room and go to sleep,"

Tora was lounging on the beastman's bed, again, when she stated, "I still don't get why we can't sleep in the same room..."

Dotsuka rubbed his temples when he explained, "Tora... We aren't related nor married, so most inns don't allow an uncoupled male and female to book a single room without a good reason."

Tora had to admit, that was a valid point

Dotsuku then got out in annoyance, "Now go to your room!"

The demi-god let out a huff as she moved to leave. Nezumi then commented, "Should we inform the front desk that we're leaving tomorrow?"

Dotsuku sat on his bed to take his boots off when he stated, "We just need to leave our room keys when we head out."

Soon the group fell asleep in their respective beds.

}I{ The Next Morning }I{

After breakfast, the new Party turned in their room keyes and went to retrieve Navi from the stables. They were on their way out of town when they were intercepted by someone from the Merchant's Guild.

Apparently, they've gotten wind of the acquisition of Magic Stones and wanted to procure one, at a decent price, of course. Tora didn't know the pricing of the item so she looked to Dotsuku for an answer.

The beastman was initially going to refuse, but a telepathic message from Nezumi urged him to accept and to also sell two additional items.

So Dotsuku then stated to the Merchant's Guild rep, "Sure, we'll sell you one, Plus two things that I've acquired during my travels."

This excited the representative as he ushered the party to the Merchant's Guild.

On the way, Nezumi pulled a burlap bag and a small container out of one of Navi's storage saddles. The teen had figured out how to use his Item Box skill discreetly and managed to make it look like he was pulling something out of a bag. The burlap bag held five kilos of salt while the container held 100 grams of pepper. All of which Nezumi bought from his online shopping for five Copper Coins each.

Of course, Dotsuku knew this, since he witnessed the teen buying them. The beastman figured that the salt and pepper were low-grade, given the grey-haired teen bought both for a Silver Coin. So he figured he'd get an extra couple of Silver Coins from these.

A few minutes later, the Merchant's Guild Guildmaster greeted the party. The Guildmaster told the tiger beastkin and the teen to wait in the common area while he talked to Dotsuku in a private room. That was fine and all, but Nezumi told 'his master' to tell him all about the transaction later so he can 'learn to do the same'. Dotsuku told the teen that he will as he headed off with the Merchant's Guildmaster and the items in question.

The meeting room was nice. The chairs are comfortable and the table between them beautifully carved and assembled.

Of course, they went down to business as soon as they sat. Dotsuku presented one of the Magic Stones (Small) they had, the salt, and the pepper.

The Guild master was impressed by the Magic Stone (small) and was more than willing to pay 30 Gold coins for it. Dotsuku accepted that offer. But the salt and pepper…

The Guildmaster took a small sample of both the salt and pepper to both smell and taste them. He was simply flabbergasted by the high-quality of these two condiments. The colour, smell, and taste of both the salt and pepper were top-notch. So the Guildmaster offered to buy both for 14 Gold coins, four for the salt and ten for the pepper.

Dotsuku was rather shocked at this when he thought, '14 Gold coins?! But! But Nezumi bought those for a Silver Coin! Doesn't that mean that it's low-quality?'

"I knew it," the Guild master mumbled. The beastman was confused before the Guild master suddenly exclaimed, "15 Gold coins for Both!"

Dotsuku couldn't help but think, 'Oh, he's misreading my hesitance as reluctantness.' Not how he thought things would go.

"16 Gold coins!" the Guildmaster exclaimed, hoping that would work.

"Uh," was all Dotsuku got out in uneasiness before the Guildmaster made his final offer of 17 Gold coins. The beastman was quick to accept the offer, only to end this whole debacle and leave.

After confirming the 47 Gold coins, Dotsuku put them in a coin pouch and took his leave. Nezumi and Tora were quick to follow the beastman out of the Merchant's Guild as he told them that he'll explain on the way to their next destination.

After they were well out of sight of the town, Tora asked about their hurried departure from the town. Dotsuku's lips pressed into a line as he tossed the coin bag towards the teen when he stated, "Got 30 Gold coins for the Magic Stone..."

Nezumi opened the coin bag as he simultaneously held onto Navi's tether and counted the coins. The teen raised a brow when he asked suspiciously, "I count 47 Gold Coins. Where did the extra 17 come from?"

Dotsuku avoided the teen's stare when he replied, "That's from the sale of the salt and pepper, both of which were, I quote "The Highest Grade Ever Seen", end quote."

Nezumi slid the coin bag into his Item Box as he thought about those words. Then it dawned on the teen when he mused, "Oh, I've read that salt and pepper were worth its weight in gold in the past in my world. And my country puts a priority when it comes to quality," He gave a sheepish glance at the beastman when he got out, "Sorry about that... I'll try to keep that in mind next time "

Dotsuku grumbled as they continued walking, "We're not going to do it unless we need to..."

Tora couldn't help but mused innocently,"Well, since we're good on money now, that might not happen for a long while."

That was true.

The newly formed party continued on their path.

}I{ A Week Later, in the Town that Nezumi's Party had Just Left }I{

A pair of identical faces loomed over one of the Merchant's Guild clerks when one of them asked in a politely menacing tone, "Oh, come now, you have'ta know who sold those high-quality pepper and salt~."

The clerk tried to get away, but the twins were persistent. If they had been in the Guilds, the clerk would've had the advantage, but she wasn't and these two weren't leaving her alone without answers. She reluctantly admitted, "Uh... A male wolf beastkin wearing a grey-furred cloak travelling with a super strong female tiger beastkin and a human teen. They also sold a Magic Stone...'' The clerk was hoping this would quale the twins and leave her alone.

Luckily it did, and they went on their merry way.

The twin in the grey clothing asked the one in the blue clothing, "Aniki, you thinking what I'm thinking?"

The older one nodded when he replied, "Ore-Sama is." He smirked when he added, "We need to meet these Adventurers ourselves."

Twin Adventurers/Merchants: Tatsumi Nagayuki (older) and Tsumita Takeyasu (younger).

~}I{~

"Hm?" Nezumi vocalised before he said thoughtfully, "Orc Meat tastes similar to the pork from my world." He chewed on the ore cutlet piece in his mouth, comparing it to the taste he had eaten in the past. The teen then added in realisation, "Hm, now that I think about it Orcs are basically bipedal pigs,"

Tora was scarfing down her portion happily when Dotsuku commented, "Huh, seems like most of the foods between our worlds are pretty similar even if they look different and have different names."

Yup, they cooked some of the Orc Meat to give it a try. With Nezumi mostly cooking it in a way he was familiar with. The Orc Meat was a lot tastier that the three thought it would've been. The teen wasn't sure if it was because he knew better cooking techniques of this world, somehow, or that it was prepared in a way that brought out the flavour better, somehow. Either or, it was good and they were willing to eat it again.

And on many more adventures to come.

~}I{~

To be continued.

~}I{~

Gale-Dragon: Welp, little more laidback than some of my other stories as of now, but I'm sort of happy with how this story is progressing. Hope you all are liking this story so far.

~}I{~