As Shirou knelt beside a wounded soldier, he felt the energy from his newly learned spell, Heal Wound, surge through him. It was a simple yet effective incantation, and as he whispered the words, a warm light enveloped the soldier's injury. He watched as the blood began to staunch, the skin knitting together under his touch.
This… this feels right, he thought, a sense of purpose flooding his heart.
"Thank you," the soldier murmured, eyes wide with gratitude. "I thought I was done for."
Shirou nodded, moving on to the next man in need, feeling the weight of his choices lift slightly with each life he touched. The knowledge that he could truly make a difference here fueled him.
Meanwhile, Gazef approached, his armor battered but his spirit unbroken. He stopped beside Shirou, observing the scene with a mix of admiration and concern. "You have my thanks, Shirou," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "You've saved more lives today than I could have imagined. I underestimated your capabilities."
"Just doing what I can," Shirou replied, not pausing in his work. "These men need help, and I'm glad I can provide it."
Gazef stepped back, understanding the intensity of Shirou's focus. He didn't want to disrupt the healing process, even as he felt a surge of respect for the man beside him.
Across the square, the sisters were doing their part, tending to the injured with what supplies they could scavenge. They handed out water, bandages, and words of encouragement.
"Keep strong!" one sister called out, her voice ringing with hope. "You'll make it through this!"
The sight of them bolstered Shirou's resolve. He knew he was not alone in this fight; they were all united in their struggle for survival and healing. With every spell he cast, he felt the bond between them grow stronger, each life saved a testament to their shared resilience.
As the last of his spell faded, he looked up, noticing Gazef watching him intently. "How are your men holding up?" Shirou asked, concerned about the state of the remaining troops.
"Exhausted, but they're holding strong," Gazef replied, his voice carrying the weight of a leader. "We'll need to regroup and strategize. The threat may have retreated for now, but they won't stay away for long."
Shirou nodded, a sense of urgency flooding him. He was just beginning to understand the stakes. "I'll keep healing as long as I can. We need every warrior ready for whatever comes next."
With that shared understanding, they fell into a rhythm, Shirou healing, the sisters supporting, and Gazef rallying his men. The battlefield was grim, but hope flickered amidst the darkness, fueled by their collective determination to stand against whatever threats lay ahead.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, Gazef and his men gathered for their departure. The atmosphere was heavy with loss, the reality of their fallen comrades weighing on everyone. The carriage, borrowed from the village, was loaded with the bodies of those who had fought valiantly but paid the ultimate price.
Gazef stood tall, despite the fatigue etched into his features. He turned to Shirou and the sisters, his voice firm yet compassionate. "You've done more than anyone could ask today."
The man continued to speak, "I know this may sound wrong, but, I urge you to scour the village for resources. It may feel wrong, but you'll need supplies for the journey ahead. Trust me on this."
The sisters exchanged glances, their hearts torn between the need for survival and the grief they felt for those they had lost. After a moment's hesitation, they nodded, knowing the truth of Gazef's words. Survival required difficult choices.
"Thank you, Warrior-Captain," Shirou said, stepping forward. "We'll do what we can."
Before they parted, Gazef handed Shirou a ring, its surface glinting faintly in the fading light. "This is a token of my gratitude. Should you ever need help within the kingdom, present this. It carries my recommendation."
Shirou accepted it, a sense of honor swelling within him. "I won't forget your kindness."
With one last look, Gazef mounted his horse, rallying his men. "Stay safe, and may our paths cross again under better circumstances." As the troop set off, their figures gradually fading into the twilight, Shirou felt a mixture of admiration and sorrow.
Once the soldiers were out of sight, Shirou turned back to the sisters. They stood silently, taking in the aftermath of the battle. The village was a shell of its former self, and the weight of loss hung heavy in the air.
"We should start," Shirou said softly, trying to shake off the feeling of dread. They moved through the ruins, gathering what supplies they could—food, tools, and anything that might be of use. Each item felt like a reminder of what had happened, a bitter necessity they couldn't ignore.
As they worked, Shirou's mind wandered, replaying the day's events. The ferocity of the angels, the commanding presence of Gazef, and the strange spells that had felt so real. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this world was far from the game he had imagined it to be.
Yet, he brushed it aside, convincing himself it was just his mind playing tricks on him. "It's just a game, I just can't log out." He muttered under his breath, trying to find comfort in the thought. But deep down, a whisper of doubt lingered, hinting at truths he wasn't yet ready to confront.
Night fell, and the sisters rest in their house, their spirits subdued but resolute. As Shirou prepared to rest, he couldn't help but glance at the ring on his possession, a symbol of hope and a reminder of the choices he still had to make in this unfamiliar world.
As dawn broke, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Shirou and the sisters set out from the village, the weight of their recent experiences still fresh in their hearts. The road to E-Rantel stretched ahead, winding through forests and open fields, promising both beauty and danger.
The journey was estimated to take two days and a night, and the reality of that length settled over them like a shroud. Wildlife lurked in the underbrush, and the threat of bandits loomed large. Yet, there was no turning back; safety was a luxury they couldn't afford.
As they walked, Shirou took the opportunity to gather herbs along the way, slipping them into his inventory with practiced ease. He recognized the potential value in crafting potions or healing remedies—skills he'd soon be able to use as his Alchemist abilities developed.
"Do you often forage for herbs?" Enri asked, curiosity brightening her eyes. She was the eldest sister, exuding a mix of determination and kindness.
"Just when I can," Shirou replied. "I find it fascinating how nature offers so much if you know where to look."
Their conversation flowed easily, shifting from hobbies to jobs, and then to their unique experiences in this strange world. Enri shared tales of their childhood, the simple joys of village life, and her dreams of a better future for her family. Shirou listened intently, offering insights from his own past.
Nemu, the younger sister, trailed behind them, giggling as she recalled how Shirou's cooking had delighted her. "You should have seen Enri's face when she tried that stew! It was priceless!"
Enri rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "I was just surprised, that's all. You have a knack for cooking, Shirou-san. It's a talent I didn't expect."
Shirou chuckled, enjoying the light banter. "Cooking is like alchemy in a way; it's all about the right ingredients and techniques."
As the sun began its descent, the shadows lengthened, and they reached a suitable clearing to set up camp. The area was nestled between a thicket of trees, providing some natural cover. Shirou started a small fire, while the sisters prepares the camp, the flames flickering to life as night descended.
"I'll prepare dinner again," he said, eager to impress the sisters once more.
"Please don't burn it this time," Enri teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
"I'll do my best!" Shirou laughed, feeling a sense of ease that lifted his spirits.
As they settled in for the evening, the crackling fire cast a warm glow around them. They shared stories and laughter, but Shirou remained mindful of their surroundings, listening intently for any signs of danger. The night stretched on, each sister finding comfort in the shared warmth, knowing that together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After dinner, Shirou settled in front of the flickering campfire, the warmth pushing back the chill of the night. He had insisted on taking the night watch, urging the sisters to rest after the long day's journey. They were still weary from their earlier encounters, and he felt a sense of responsibility to protect them.
As the stars twinkled overhead, Shirou pulled out his gathered ingredients for alchemy. He had hoped to make use of the quiet night to experiment, but as he read through the crafting options, frustration mounted.
"Damn it!" he muttered, glancing at the system notification. "Two ways to craft: follow a known recipe or experiment with unknown results? Great. Just great."
With no recipe book and a limited supply of herbs and ingredients gathered from their travels, he was left with only the option to experiment. But even that felt daunting. He lacked the knowledge and experience to make educated guesses about what combinations might yield useful results.
Shirou sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe choosing Alchemist was a mistake after all," he admitted to himself. "I can't even remember where I might find a shop to buy recipes."
He looked at the few herbs he had collected: some common medicinal plants, a couple of herbs with unknown effects, and a few ingredients that were a complete mystery. The potential combinations swirled in his mind, but without any prior knowledge, he felt like he was flying blind.
"Let's see what I can do," he said, trying to muster some optimism. He picked a few herbs, carefully weighing them in his hands. "If I just mix a few together… What's the worst that could happen?"
As he started to combine the herbs, he recalled the alchemical principles he had read about before arriving in this world—how some plants enhanced others or might create entirely new effects. But without any experience, his confidence wavered.
With a deep breath, he began his first experiment, pouring and mixing the ingredients with shaky hands. "I'll just have to learn as I go," he murmured, reminding himself that every alchemist had to start somewhere.
The night wore on, and as he concentrated on the task, the fire crackled, the shadows dancing around him, keeping him company as he ventured into the unknown of alchemy.
In front of the bonfire in the middle of the clearing where the path to the city E-Rantel lies, while Shirou is experimenting with his alchemy.
Suddenly, a soft, melodious voice pierced the tranquility, "Shirou-san are you awake?" The voice was barely a whisper yet still enough to be heard.
Looking back shirou was surprised when he saw enri was wide awake behind him.
"Hey, Enri," he said, trying to sound casual as he turned back to his work.
"I thought you were...!" Before shirou could asked what's wrong enri started to strip herself of clothes surprising Shirou.
Shirou's eyes widened in shock as Enri's slender fingers began to unlace the strings of her clothes, the soft fabric pooling at her feet like a dark, silky puddle. The flickering flames of the bonfire danced across her pale skin, casting an ethereal glow on her gentle curves. Her eyes filled with embarrassment as she stepped closer to Shirou, her bare feet making barely a sound on the soft earth.
"Enri, what are you...?" Shirou's voice trailed off, his words lost in the sudden dryness of his throat. Enri's body trembled as she took another step closer to Shirou, the heat from the bonfire warming her skin, but not enough to quell the chill that ran down her spine. She reached out a hand, hesitantly, and placed it on Shirou's shoulder, her fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt.
Shirou's eyes, like two mesmerized orbs, drank in the sight of Enri's lithe, youthful form, the flickering flames of the bonfire casting an otherworldly glow on her skin. The gentle curves of her shoulders, the delicate swell of her breasts, and the subtle indentation of her waist and the little slit between her legs all blended together in a harmony of innocence and beauty. For a moment, time itself seemed to stand still, and all that existed was the soft crackle of the fire, the sweet scent of wildflowers, and the unbridled allure of Enri's naked form.
Then in a moment of clarity Shirou quickly looked away.
Don't stare you idiot! Shirou thought to himself before speaking.
"Y...you s...should we..wear your c...clothes e..enri-san I.. its cold tonight." Shirou said stuttering and awkwardly. Enri pretend that she didn't hear anything and replied, Enri's voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried a weight that made Shirou's heart skip a beat.
"I... I have nothing to repay you with, Shirou-san," she said, her eyes cast downward, her cheeks flushing with a soft pink hue.
"But I want to reward you, to thank you for all that you've done for me." Her gaze slowly rose to meet Shirou's, and her words hung in the air like a challenge.
"I can only offer you this," she whispered, her hand on Shirou's shoulder tightening, her fingers digging gently into his skin through his clothes while trembling, clearly she is forcing herself.
Shirou's eyes, still drinking in the sight of Enri's naked form, slowly rose to meet her gaze, his face a mask of calm composure. With a gentle, deliberate movement, he stood up, his tall frame unfolding from the seated position like a dark, imposing sculpture. The firelight danced across his features, casting a warm glow on his skin, but his eyes remained cool, his expression unreadable. Enri's hand, still resting on his shoulder, trembled slightly as Shirou's gaze locked onto hers. Her cheeks, already flushed with embarrassment, deepened in color, but she didn't look away, her eyes searching for something in Shirou's face.
Shirou's words hung in the air like a cool breeze. "Enri, I didn't help you for a reward, but because it was the right thing to do," he said, his voice steady and calm. "I don't expect anything in return, and I don't want you to feel like you owe me anything."
Enri's eyes filled with a mixture of relief and disappointment. She had hoped that her offer would be enough to repay Shirou for all that he had done for her, but she understood what he was saying.
Enri's face, still aglow with the soft pink hue of embarrassment, crumpled into a mixture of surprise and vulnerability. Her eyes, like two shimmering pools of crystal, searched Shirou's face for any hint of deception, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked.
"Am I... ugly?" The words hung in the air like a delicate, trembling leaf, as if the slightest breeze could shatter her fragile confidence. Shirou's expression, a mask of calm composure, softened ever so slightly, his eyes filling with a warm, gentle light. He reached out a hand, his fingers brushing against Enri's cheek, the touch sending a shiver down her spine.
"Enri," he said, his voice gentle and warm, "You are a lovely lady, and you always have been." Enri's eyes filled with surprise and gratitude as she looked up at Shirou. She had never thought of herself as a "lovely lady," but Shirou's words made her heart flutter with a newfound confidence. She smiled, a small, timid smile that held a hint of shyness.
"Thank you, Shirou-san," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Enri's hand, still resting on Shirou's shoulder, trembled slightly as she took in his words. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling of gratitude and joy that threatened to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then leaned forward, pressing her lips gently against Shirou's cheek. The touch was soft, barely there, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Shirou's body.
Enri's lips lingered on Shirou's cheek for a moment, the touch like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. Then, she pulled away, her eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and gratitude.
"Goodnight, Shirou-san," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. Shirou's stand still as he watched her turn away.
As Enri turned away from Shirou, the soft glow of the bonfire danced across her naked form, casting a warm, golden light on her skin. Her movements were slow and languid, but there was unintentional seductive flow to her step, as if she were savoring the gentle rustle of the night air against her bare skin. She reached down, her slender fingers closing around the dark, silky puddle of her clothes, and lifted it up, the fabric unfolding like a dark flower as she raised it to her shoulders. The clothes slid up her body, the soft fabric caressing her skin as it rose.
As Enri walked back into the camp, her movements slow and languid, there was an unintentional yet undeniable seductive flow to her step. The soft rustle of the fabric against her skin seemed to echo through the night air, a gentle whisper that only Shirou's attuned ears could pick up. The firelight danced across her form, casting a warm, golden glow on her skin as she moved, the shadows accentuating the gentle curves of her body.
Shirou watched her, his eyes fixed on the gentle curve of her back as she settled inside the camp. The fabric of the tent seemed to swallow her whole, but his imagination lingered on the image of her naked form, the soft glow of the bonfire still etched in his mind like a warm ember. He felt a subtle stirring in his chest, a gentle hum of awareness that he couldn't quite ignore. His gaze remained fixed on the tent, his eyes tracing the outline of her silhouette as she moved inside.
Shirou's gaze lingered on the tent, his thoughts a jumbled mess of guilt. He felt a pang of guilt for looking at her, but he couldn't help himself. The image of her naked form, bathed in the soft glow of the bonfire, was etched in his mind. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to push the thoughts away.
Until a thought suddenly present itself on his head.
Wait! Isn't this a game? Shirou become confused.
Then why am I...
Wait... this isn't possible.
Shirou stared at his hands, then down at his body, a sudden realization dawning on him. This wasn't supposed to happen—not like this.
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
The next morning, the first light of dawn crept into the campsite, illuminating the sleeping forms of the sisters. Enri stirred awake and, blinking against the sunlight, her gaze fell on Shirou. He sat by the fire, still alert, and her heart tightened with guilt as memories of the previous night flooded back.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she recalled her vulnerability and the closeness they had shared. It was a moment she hadn't expected, and now, seeing him diligently tending to the fire and preparing breakfast, her feelings tangled with embarrassment.
As the sisters fully awakened, Shirou looked over and smiled warmly. "Good morning! I hope you both slept well."
"Good morning, Shirou," Enri replied, her voice slightly hesitant. She quickly stood and joined him by the fire, trying to shake off her feelings. "Let me help you with breakfast."
As they worked together, Enri felt compelled to address the tension lingering in the air. "Shirou, about last night… I'm really sorry if I made things awkward."
Shirou paused, looking at her sincerely. "It's okay, Enri. We all have our moments. Let's just agree to put it behind us."
A wave of relief washed over her, and she nodded earnestly. "Yes, let's not talk about it again."
Nemu, still groggy and stretching, glanced between them with confusion. "What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing!" they both exclaimed, their voices overlapping, and a light laugh escaped Shirou.
Once breakfast was ready, they gathered around the fire, enjoying the simple meal together. The atmosphere felt lighter, the earlier tension dissipating as they shared stories and laughter.
After they finished, the trio packed up their belongings and set out on the road once more.
The journey to E-Rantel on this day was anything but peaceful. Early in the morning, the group was ambushed by a band of goblins. Thankfully, Shirou handled them with ease, his arrows flying true and dispatching the creatures before they even had a chance to reach Enri and Nemu.
By noon, however, the situation worsened. A pack of wolves emerged from the forest, their eyes gleaming with hunger. Shirou managed to drive them back, but not before one of the wolves got dangerously close to Nemu. The girl shrieked, dodging just in time before Shirou's arrow pierced the wolf through the heart.
"That was too close," Shirou muttered, his eyes narrowing. He ruffled Nemu's hair to reassure her. "You okay?"
"Y-Yeah… I think so," Nemu replied, shaken but grateful.
Enri's face was pale with worry as she hugged Nemu, but she did her best to stay strong for her sister. "Thank you, Shirou… again."
Looking back, Shirou was glad for his decision to accompany the sisters in their journey, if they were to travel on their own...Shirou shuddered while imagining the conclusion.
They pressed on, but the worst was yet to come. While Shirou was gathering herbs by the roadside, a strange creature, resembling a large, angry monkey, leaped from the bushes and started pelting him with rocks. It screeched insults at him in a language he didn't quite understand, but one phrase stood out loud and clear:
"Yo mama's so dumb, she thought the moon was a giant cookie!"
Shirou froze for a moment, bewildered. "Wait… what?"
The monkey didn't stop. "Yo mama's so fat, she sat on a rainbow and Skittles popped out!"
Shirou's eyebrow twitched, anger flaring up inside him. "Hey, watch it…"
"Yo mama's so ugly, she scared the monsters back into the dungeons!"
That was it. That was the final straw. Shirou didn't care that he couldn't even remember his mother. It was the principle of the thing. With a growl of irritation, he drew his bow.
"Alright, that's it! You're dead!"
The monkey, still flinging rocks and insults, didn't seem to take Shirou seriously. "Yo mama's so—"
THUNK!
An arrow pierced through the air, hitting the monkey square in the chest. It let out a surprised yelp before collapsing in a heap.
"Just because I don't remember her doesn't mean you can insult her, damn it." Shirou muttered as he stepped over the fallen creature.
When he returned to Enri and Nemu, they noticed his agitated mood. "What happened?" Enri asked, concerned.
"Don't ask," Shirou grumbled, not wanting to explain how he'd just killed a monkey because of its terrible "yo mama" jokes.
Stupid developer, why did they put such a stupid Easter eggs, Shirou thought heatedly.
The rest of the day wasn't much better. Monsters kept appearing—none of them strong enough to be a real threat to Shirou, but they just wouldn't stop coming. It was as if the entire forest had decided to take turns annoying them. At least, with each battle, Shirou finally gained enough experience to level up, giving him some small consolation for all the chaos.
Finally, just as the sun began to set, they reached the gates of E-Rantel, exhausted but relieved. Shirou couldn't help but sigh in relief as they crossed the threshold into the safety of the city.
"Finally, E-Rantel." Shirou said in relief.
"I never thought I'd be so glad to see civilization," he muttered.
Enri and Nemu echoed his sentiment, both too tired to do anything but collapse into grateful silence.
As they walked through the gates, Shirou glanced back at the road they'd traveled. Part of him couldn't help but think about that monkey.
"Next time," he mumbled, "I'll have better comebacks prepared."
Turning to the sisters. "Let's find this friend of yours."
Turn out it didn't take long to find enri friend residence. A quick question to the patrolling guard about the Bareare (weird name) shop and the guard quickly pointed them where. Following the directions they soon arrived in front of a alchemy shop.
Enri and Nemu hesitated for a moment before walking inside, their steps uncertain.
The moment they stepped into the alchemy shop, the faint smell of herbs and potions greeted them. The dimly lit interior was cluttered with various flasks, strange tools, and shelves filled with ingredients Shirou could only guess the purpose of. Despite its chaotic appearance, the shop seemed alive, brimming with the subtle hum of magic.
The young boy behind the counter, with his bowl-cut blonde hair partially obscuring his face, was holding a vial when his eyes landed on the pair of sisters. His expression immediately shifted from indifference to surprise.
"Enri!?" the boy called out, his voice a mixture of shock and concern.
The sound of her name, spoken by a familiar voice, broke whatever resolve Enri had left. She crumbled to her knees, her shoulders shaking as tears streamed down her face. The weight of everything they had been through—losing their village, the constant danger, the endless journey—finally overwhelmed her. Nemu, standing beside her, looked on with wide eyes, too young to understand, unsure of how to comfort her sister.
Without hesitation, the boy rushed over to Enri's side, concern etched on his youthful face. "What happened? Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with panic. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer comfort.
The elderly woman behind the counter, her white hair framing a face lined with age, slowly stood up, observing the scene with a soft gaze. Though she hadn't spoken yet, the concern in her eyes was evident.
Shirou stood near the entrance, unsure whether to step forward or give them space. He recognized that this was a moment between old friends, a reunion of sorts, and he didn't want to intrude. He cast a glance around the shop, taking in the strange surroundings while giving Enri time to regain her composure.
As the boy helped Enri to her feet, she choked out, "It's... it's all gone. Our village... everyone..." Her words were fragmented, but the boy seemed to understand.
"You're safe now," he whispered, his voice soothing. "You're here with us."
The elderly woman stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm. "Let's get you both inside, have a proper rest. You've been through enough."
Enri nodded weakly, still wiping away her tears, and with the boy's help, she and Nemu moved further into the shop.
Shirou finally stepped forward. "I'm Shirou," he introduced himself quietly to the elderly woman. "I helped them get here. They've been through a lot."
The old woman gave him a long, appraising look before nodding. "Thank you for bringing them here, young man. You're welcome to rest here as well. This is a safe place."
Shirou nodded, relieved that they had finally reached some semblance of safety. As he watched the sisters disappear into the back of the shop, he allowed himself a moment to relax.
As the sisters rested in the back of the shop, accompanied by the boy, Shirou found himself standing before the elderly woman, who listened intently as he explained everything that had happened—the attack on the village, the long and dangerous journey, and the relentless creatures they encountered along the way.
When he finished, Lizzie Bareare, the elderly woman, gave a thoughtful nod, her wrinkled face softening with gratitude. "You've done more than most would, bringing those girls here safely. Thank you for looking after them," she said, her voice firm but kind. "It's not easy to find people willing to go to such lengths."
Shirou, feeling a bit awkward under the weight of her gratitude, simply shook his head. "I just did what I could. It was the right thing to do."
Lizzie smiled, a small, knowing grin. "Sometimes, that's all that matters."
She then gestured to the boy who had been comforting Enri earlier. "This here is my grandson, Nfirea Bareare. He's the one who runs this potion shop now—though I still help out when needed." Her eyes twinkled with pride as she spoke about him.
Nfirea, now standing at the counter after making sure the sisters were settled, nodded toward Shirou. "Thanks for bringing Enri and Nemu here. I owe you one."
Shirou waved him off. "No need for thanks. Just glad they're safe now."
Lizzie stepped forward again. "Well, Shirou, if you're in need of potions or anything for your journey, don't hesitate to ask. We've got a good stock here, and I can brew up something special if you're looking for something specific."
Shirou glanced around the shop, his eyes falling on the various potions and ingredients scattered across the shelves. "I might take you up on that," he said, thinking about how much easier the journey could have been with a few healing potions. "But for now, I think I'll just rest a bit."
Lizzie nodded, her expression softening once more. "Of course. You've earned it."
As Shirou settled into the shop, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. They had made it to safety, and for the first time since the village had been destroyed, he could finally let his guard down—if only for a little while.
Name: Shirou
Level: 24
Class:
- *Blacksmith* lv4
- *Alchemist* lv12
- *Cleric* lv7
Spells Learned:
- *Heal Wound* (Cleric)
Class Points: 1
Items:
- *Unknown Concoctions* x3
Note: Every level, your character can choose to gains 3 spell slots or 1 boon. Once selected, you cannot change it at will.