Re:God Bless this Wonderful World, from Zero?

by AprendizDK

After stumbling on the sidewalk after leaving the market, Satou Kazuma finds himself in a whole new world. Although it seems the same, differences begin to appear when he wakes up in the same place after... dying? Also, where is Natsuki Subaru?

3. The Shadow that Divides People

I am tired.

Even though it's my first day in this world, I feel like I've already exhausted half of my energy.

I thought at first it was the problem of being a teenager who spent most of his time indoors consuming any non-productive media. But looking better now, this has nothing to do with my Hikikomori lifestyle, everything here is the world's fault, the fault of the damn god or goddess who brought me here without even showing me a way. They threw me here, abandoned me, told me to "stand on my own two feet", but ended up ripping them off at the first opportunity.

I feel like if my parents were gods and brought me here, they would do the same thing, maybe even laugh at the way I died the first time.

If there was at least one tip, someone who could be my guide, I would gladly accept it. Maybe I would be shy the first time, but after facing death not once, not twice but three times, I think that any opportunity to at least say that "this current life is worth it", I would be someone really happy in this other world.

At first, I thought that being summoned was an opportunity to have a second chance, a way to prove that, even though I was stuck in high school, without going to school every day, I was still someone who could do something. I'm not going to say something grand like "mark my name in the world", but I would like to at least be better than I was before.

Honestly, whether I am summoned or not, I think my life would end the same way: Without energy. Sacrificing myself to do something useful in my old life, and now sacrificing my own life to do something useful in this one, are practically the same thing when put on the scale.

I don't want to die, I just want to enjoy this new world.

What's wrong with just wanting to be a better person without where I'm at suddenly ending?

I can't run away from this, it feels like I'm still stuck in obligations. This time, the price I pay for turning my back is with my own life.

I don't want to die...

Opening his eyes for the fourth time in this world, Satou Kazuma looked up at the sky.

It appears that, after falling backwards into the fountain and hitting his head, he passed out for a few minutes before finally waking up. In fact, he was lying near a shadowy wall, probably the work of that lizard man who called him when he returned through death.

His body was warm, but the phantom feeling of cold coursed through his veins. She felt like staying in the fetal position and just sleeping, recovering the energy she lost in those lost lives doing nothing. It was like being a recluse again, not wanting to see anyone's eyes on you.

Even in a new world, Hikikomori's aura was still ingrained in him, like a ghost that didn't disappear even after death. Why was he summoned?

"Wonderful world, my ass... This is just psychological torture. How can you do this to a minor?", spitting out some facts, he took off his sweater and placed it over his face, trying to hide his sour expression. "I didn't even have a helping hand. And now, if I don't do shit, the whole kingdom collapses because of a giant beast? What a shit script."

If only I didn't feel pain, I could spend my life however I wanted.

Since the first death, all the sensations he had until now remained in his memory. The toothache, the cut in his belly, the feeling of being suffocated by his own blood, even the uselessness of his limbs due to the cold, all of that remained.

Because of this, Kazuma couldn't stop placing his hand on his stomach to feel his insides, and he also couldn't stop hugging his own body to maintain a normal temperature.

"Being frozen to death sucks. What's my next checklist? Drowning, burning, trampling? I hope the next one is poison, and I die in my sleep.", removing the sweater from his face, he pulled out the shopping bag he brought from the old world.

Pulling out a snack that was still wet from the soda, he started eating, trying to recover the energy he didn't even spend. Even though your body is perfectly fine, taking away toothache, his mind couldn't recover so easily after three unsuccessful attempts.

"Now I understand how video game characters feel when they die by my hands.", getting up, he touched the back of his head, feeling a swelling. "It's stupidly terrible."

Always checking to see if everything was ok with his own body, Kazuma left the wall and turned his eyes to the crowd. It was strange to see how no one knew what he was going through. Suffering alone is something very silly, if I could, I would tell someone powerful to "save you from this cruel fate", who is the idiot who likes to keep all the pain to themselves?

At least I still have my memories after I die. It's literally a game of choices. I just need to choose the right way to get out of this situation.

Taking the shopping bag as temporary supplies, he began to walk through the crowd.

It was already clear that he had to come up with a plan to prevent these shitty events from happening to the capital. The funny thing was that a random teenager would solve all of this, and not a powerful knight or wizard who already lives in this world. Everything fell into his lap from one moment to the next, with the mission of saving everyone.

I'm not a fucking savior. Of course, I wanted to be a hero, a sword saint, but all of this was just so I could have a peaceful life in this new world.

Sighing deeply, it seems like it was time for the key change to happen, more out of obligation than out of desire. And Kazuma hates having to take on responsibilities out of nowhere.

Let's draw a line of events. First, it seems that meeting Emilia-chan is mandatory to some extent, and the loss of her badge is also part of that. Second, the loli thief always goes to the favelas, probably to sell to a bandit leader or some organization. Third, there is always a terrible killer at the end, who can either kill me and Emilia-chan, or everyone in the kingdom, it just depends on who dies first...

I have to resolve a lot of things. Give me at least a day at the very least to think of a plan! If I could use magic, I would already be able to gain the confidence to face these challenges.

Continuing. I found some people who could be the key for me to complete this first mission. Emilia-chan is someone capable of using magic using her own mana, or that of lower spirits. The guards of this royal capital don't seem to like me much, much less with problems coming from the suburbs, so I can exclude these idiots from participating.

Now, we have that handsome Julius. He doesn't seem like someone weak, especially with those inferior spirits around him. Is he better than Emilia-chan in this regard? Considering that she is the main heroine and candidate for the throne of this kingdom, she is only likely to develop her skills in the future. If she were strong, she wouldn't lose her life so easily in just one attack in the favela.

In fact, it seems that I was already destined for great things. A candidate for the throne is the main heroine. A half-elf on top of that who seems to be ashamed of her own characteristics. Is it prejudice? I didn't see anyone swearing at her when we were together, but I noticed vulgar looks at some moments. There were also no elves in the crowd, much less in the favela, so it doesn't seem like it's something historical, it must be something that happened in the present.

Sure, resolving prejudices is better with beatings, but that's beside the point now.

Now, two others that I can put as key characters, is that stranger with red hair. I couldn't see his appearance very well, but he looks like... He's actually a pretty strong guy. Carrying a sword and with a voice strong enough to reverberate throughout the capital? Don't fuck, this guy must have balls of gold in this world.

"You're late, Reinhard."

As far as I remember, his name is Reinhard, something like that. I could be wrong, but it reminds me a lot of Germanic names... It's strange that there are no Japanese names here, it seems that much of this world was created on the basis of European medieval times. If there's anything that looks like the East, I'm going to go crazy.

"This world has no more value if Lia is not here."

The other key character is that Emilia's cat. Puck seemed to be just a strong spirit who is a guardian for her, but he seems to be something bigger than that. How could someone so small turn into a beast big enough to destroy an entire city? How scary, I'm lucky I wasn't a pain in the ass in past lives.

I was surprised at first to see that the voice of that big monster was similar to Puck's. But so far, I've only seen one being called Emilia-chan "Lia", and there don't seem to be other people who have given her nicknames, not even I was so easily welcomed to call her that. If you connect all the dots, you are able to accept that a spirit can shape its shape when something happens, I just didn't expect it to be able to increase its size by almost fifty times.

I think that's all I need to know. I got very shallow information in these last lives. Why don't I be like an RPG game grinder?! You would already be at level 20 if you worked harder.

Not even the name of the thief, not even the face of the other killer. I'm an embarrassment. Kazuma is really trash…

Hitting himself with a few curses, he started to quicken his pace, as if he wanted to run somewhere.

Will I have to die again to get this information?

His arm shook at the thought of this possibility.

His only power until now was the power to remake everything after dying. Your greatest skill passive was to keep information from the ancient worlds. If you had something like this in your past life, you would definitely use it to win the lottery.

However, he had to think about the possibility of running out of strength to continue if he died a few more times. Is there a limit? If it's like games like Mario, after dying three times, this was your last life...

Should I move to the next checkpoint to recover lives? Or is it unlimited power?

Not only that, I had to consider the option of going crazy if I died too much. So far their deaths have been, even if painful, quick. What will happen to your mind if you find a path that is tortured endlessly until you die? Your mind may collapse...

I can see myself banging my head over and over until I come back to reality. What a shit future.

Scratching his hair hard, he started hitting his head a few times, treating his brain like a machine, slapping it to make it work.

Think, think, think, think. What can he do now?

Is it worth spending your life training magic until you're ready?

Die and die until you can find a way to have an inferior spirit with you?

Even if it was a right option in games, this was real life, and it was impossible to throw your life away just to get things like this.

If I send the guards, Emilia-chan dies. If I go with her, I can die with her. If I try to do anything other than that, it seems like I die too. Why did I already start a save with a corrupted world?!

"SON OF A BITCH!", kicking the wall, it took Kazuma a while to realize that he had entered a familiar alley.

It seems that talking to himself nonstop has made him distance himself from the crowd.

"...If the world goes through the same events, then the 1% line of divergence—"

"Hey, this guy is pretty crazy. Even his clothes are weird.", said the skinny guy

"Don't even tell me. It looks like he hit his head and stopped here. If he's a foreigner, he must have something valuable.", said the chubby man.

"Unfortunately for him, he found us. It's dirty, screwed up and crazy. Is it an easy dish to steal or not? I want to go buy a better knife after this, you hear!?", said the chihuahua

"We hear", said the two bandits, synchronized.

Of course they would appear if I walked to the same place.

"So they finally showed up. What do they want to steal from me, my bag, shoes, coat? Or sell my eyes to the black market?"

"...What is this crazy person talking about."

"I think we really caught a crazy person. Does he have a worthwhile target on him?"

"The black market doesn't buy normal eyes like that."

Watching the three thugs talk to each other, Kazuma became even more pissed off.

His head was already full of various problems that he had to solve in just half a day. Facing some pickpockets was simple, but I wouldn't even be able to fight head-on in a fight, maybe just in words...

I'll call them whitey, fat and dwarf.

"Listen here, you three alley rats. I'm fed up with this shit, you hear?! I know I only saw you once, but considering all the shit that's happening to me, I could see it many more times! I don't want to have to look at your faces, you hear?! Much less lose anything I have, which isn't much anymore, to feed the shit in your leaky pockets!"

The bandits widened their eyes at Kazuma's words, but didn't say a single word. The white guy even thought about arguing, but couldn't find what to say.

"If it wasn't enough that I have to run like a fucking dog after that elf, half-elf, candidate, busty, whatever! I have to face the mass destruction of an entire world! I'm not even a fucking hero to begin with, and they already send me an SS level mission? If the reward is for shit, then end my life once and for all, and I'll go back to where I was before! What the hell!"

"...This guy is crazy in the head." said the three bandits.

"Now, I'm going to have to solve problem A, problem B, and I don't even know if that's what I should do! Where are the tips?! Where's my dear little sister to brighten my day? I don't give a fuck about this world, I want to live in peace. I want money. MONEY. Peace, magic, women, houses, spirits, I just want to be the fucking protagonist at least once in my life!", unable to hold back the tears, Kazuma started to cry, while screaming. "Shit summoning, shit power, where are the good parts that a generic isekai has...? I... I want to be strong, I want to be lucky... I don't want to be unlucky in this world, not again..."

Placing his hand on his face as he cried, he slowly began to walk away from the bandits, heading in the opposite direction.

The three men could only stare at the entire scene without reacting, until the dwarf said:

"What a bitch."

"Life isn't easy even for guys like that.", said the fat guy. "Do you want to go to another region? I don't want to face crazy people like that."

"No. That's enough for today, my ears are already hurting because of him."

First encounter with the bandits, mission successful.

Achievement: Through a lot of crying and screaming.

2

The Strongest

"I made a huge scene back there. How could I be so soft-hearted and give in to three idiots? What a situation..."

It looks like I managed to solve one of the problems without doing anything too much. I can't say this is luck, it was more stupidity that resulted in something good.

"Should I go to the next objective now? If looking for Emilia-chan is an option, I should go after other people..."

Being a magical fantasy world in medieval times, it is very likely that there will be an adventurers guild too. Even though this was one of the reasons that Kazuma was most excited when he was summoned, he didn't have many chances to ask if something like that existed. Everything is so busy that he only managed to find out that there were knights who served as police officers. Adventurers in worlds like this are like mercenaries who undertake missions that the kingdom cannot control, but does this problem exist here?

Considering the possibility of there being a lot of robberies and some monsters outside the capital's walls, then there must be skilled people who offer work for money.

"The problem is that I'm broke, I can't even hire a homeless person.", putting his hand in his pocket, he took out his cell phone. "At most, this is still with me. But is it worth anything in this world?"

Apart from the options to record, take photos, use as a flashlight and have some interesting applications, it's pretty simple. Magic is well explored in this world, so there must be ways to get around these problems without having a cell phone.

"I don't want to sell it. But I feel like one day I'll need it... Ah, if only the heavens would give me someone incredible to help me—"

Luck strikes at the best possible times.

"O-oops, sorry.", concentrating on his thoughts, he ended up bumping into someone in the crowd.

I should stop walking looking downeeeeeeeeeWHAAAAT!

"Don't worry. I'll be more careful.", said a man with red hair.

His blue eyes were piercing, similar to a calm sea. Her red hair was bright and quite memorable, like burning flames. His clothing, even though it was simple, gave him an air of superiority, showing someone as important as Julius was in his first impression... Furthermore, there was a large sword kept in his holster, with claw-like ornaments that went from the base to the tip.

With these characteristics, Kazuma immediately remembered being the same person he saw before he died last time.

"Anime shounen protagonist, are you?"

"...? I'm sorry, but I don't know those words. But I know that I am the protagonist of my own life.", agreed the man, smiling.

Doki-doki, he's so amazing! I'm glad I'm a man! Or would you say bad luck…? Ahh, forget it!

"N-no, wait a bit. I need to ask for your help. It's urgent. Red alert. Disaster signal beeping!", catching some air, he opened his arms. "I need help from someone like you now!"

" — — — ", the man remained silent, as if he was processing what was said. After a few seconds, he placed his hand on his chin. "It looks like something bad is about to happen, you say?"

"I'm glad you're really amazing. A saint, a wonderful man!" Pointing to himself, he continued: "My name is Satou Kazuma, and I'm really in trouble."

"...Kazuma then."

Why does everyone get closer so quickly?!

"You must be Reinaldo, right?"

"...Reinaldo?", looking around as if looking for someone, the man pointed at himself. "It looks like you got confused with someone."

"No, no, I'm sure it's you, Ricardo!"

Staring at Kazuma for a few seconds, he nodded, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword, as if to show the beginning of his character introduction.

"...My name is Reinhard van Astrea. I'm sorry I wasn't so memorable at first for you, Kazuma.", even though his name was pronounced wrong a few times, Reinhard didn't wipe the smile off his face.

"A person with a family name. So Rogério is really someone powerful.", his eyes shone as he thought about the possibilities he had now. "Please teach me the art of the sword!"

"Art of the sword?"

"A-ah, no! I mean... Errr— I need Rivaldo's help to get me out of a situation."

Reinhard's eyebrows rose upon hearing the request.

"It seems like it's something the royal guards can't resolve. Since you're asking me directly, Kazuma.", he waved. "Considering I'm also part of it, I'm flattered to be the first choice."

"...Are you also a guard, Rafael?" Looking from head to toe, Kazuma looked confused. "You look much more like hero number one in this world. Where is the party do hero together with you? Could it be that Emilia-chan was part of your old group?"

"I'm wearing more casual clothes since I'm off duty, so I'm not wearing my uniform, and I know there's nothing intimidating about my appearance.", Reinhard's smile slowly began to fade. "I'm also afraid that I'm not someone that incredible to be called hero.", again, he placed his hand on his chin. "And I don't remember joining any group before."

"Impossible, if I were a woman I would already be growing strong to stay by your side…"

"Thanks for the compliments. But now that you mention it, Kazuma..."

"Yes, I am Kazuma."

"You said the name of the candidate Emilia-sama… Are you an acquaintance of hers?" Even with the gentle expression on his face, his tone seemed a little serious, as if he was reading Kazuma's thoughts.

"I wouldn't exactly say acquaintance, but we talked a lot in the past. But she probably won't remember me now...", eyes widening, he pointed at Reinhard. "Now, more important than that! I have a favor to ask, Reinhard—… Huh"

"I'm happy to ask for help for myself, Kazuma."

"Did I say your name right? Reinhard, Reinhard, REINHARD!"

"I was a little worried if I hadn't heard my name right, so I ended up receiving the divine protection of correct pronunciation. Anyone around me now pronounce names or places correctly."

"...You're using a cheat, what the hell is that?! Divine protection? This is the first time I've heard of this. Is it a skill that can be obtained on a path or a power tree?"

"I would say I'm a very lucky person."

"If it's caught by luck, then I just need to wait…"

"...?", curious, Reinhard raised his eyebrow. "But tell me, Kazuma. You don't seem to be from Lugunica, what nation do you come from?"

"People are telling me that a lot. Are my eyes really that different?", he completely ignored Reinhard's question.

"Brown hair is common around here, eyes too. But I've never seen clothes like that. I wonder if it could be from Kararagi? The name and the words it says seem to match that region... If not, I'm sorry, I know that Lugunica is more restless than in times of peace, so I will be happy to solve this problem."

"You don't need to apologize for anything, handsome— Cough~ cough~", he coughed to change the subject. "I just wanted to know if you could help me."

"Even on my days off, the work cannot stop."

"What a hard worker. I promise to reward you one day!", smiling, he showed a thumbs up. "I hope to count on you, Reinhard!"

Kazuma's second mission has been completed, finding someone strong.

Achievement: Came across one of the strongest beings by chance. Luck is truly on your side.

His plan was slowly being built, and everything happened so naturally. Kazuma's mind in a few seconds delivered a complete summary of the events that could come in handy, leaving Reinhard thoughtful and quite apprehensive.

The only difference was that the content was slightly changed.

"A problem in the suburbs?"

"Exactly. I know you guards should always get warnings like this, but this time it's super important!"

After talking a bit and Kazuma explaining what exactly was going to happen, we arrived at this moment.

Instead of laying out the entire story like he did with Julius, he took a more relaxed approach, delivering just enough information for Reinhard to pay more attention to his surroundings.

Emilia's name was said, but nothing was mentioned involving her insignia. The redhead looked serious when he heard that there was a killer planning to kill victims in the favela region, but his attention caught more when Kazuma said that the worst could happen if someone strong didn't show up.

Sure, it seemed vague, but Reinhard's eyes showed that he knew part of the truth. Reading the boy like a book, he agreed to help.

"I don't know if it's good to take someone so powerful and amazing right away. So, you better keep your guard up in case something worse happens."

"I'll always keep an eye out, Kazuma."

Damn, he's so kind! If I were like him, I would already be putting my face on objects and selling pillows!

"Okay... Now, lastly. I wonder if you know a strong guy named Julius?"

Reinhard's eyes widened, nodding immediately.

"He's a very dear friend of mine. Is there a problem, Kazuma?"

"I wanted to ask for help for him too. I know I seem to be calling only for the cavalry, but I don't feel like lower guards could help.", joining his hands in prayer, he begged: "Can you break this branch for me?!"

I need to have a bodyguard with me if I want to go to that place again. A spiritual arts swordsman like Julius is perfect. I'll even find some time to ask him a few questions…

"...Kazuma is very lucky that Julius is nearby. The royal capital is seeing a lot of movement from candidates, and also from knights.", looking in a direction as if pointing with his eyes, he said. "You should meet him at the nearest HQ. He wouldn't say no to help, knowing him."

"Great, that's where I'm going then.", saluting, he started walking towards the HQ. "Thanks again, Reinhard! You are truly a hero!"a

"...I thank you for the request, Kazuma.", Reinhard's smile remained on his face.

Kazuma continued running in the direction where Julius would be until his image was completely swallowed by the crowd. At this moment, Reinhard's expression changed, leaving only a slightly melancholy face.

"Hero…", he repeated the words, thoughtfully.

Even though Satou Kazuma was a stranger who appeared out of nowhere, and immediately asked for help from one of the strongest people in the kingdom—

The Sword Saint.

It seems that Reinhard had an inkling of what could happen. Something inside him told him to pay attention to the steps the boy was going to take, because something incredible could happen in the future.

"Your manner reminds me of Natsuki-sama."

3

Everyone has the Knight they deserve

"I was full of confidence back then, but what the hell do I say now?"

Standing in front of a building different from the other houses around, Kazuma finally arrived in front of the royal knights' HQ.

Some guards were stationed at his entrance, but no one blocked the door for him to enter, like a police station.

He thought a lot as he ran about what to say now, but it seems that it would have been better to have walked slowly. Arriving here, his mind went blank, and he could only think of personal questions to ask Julius. Even at a critical moment and every second had its value, he could only think if Julius could also help him get an inferior spirit to protect him.

The critical moment came and I took it up the ass. Should I bring Reinhard with me? Hell, it would be so much easier!

He thought about turning around and taking the redhead's hand to bring him here, but that could very well be a waste of time.

His eyes glanced at the guards at the side, who returned a curious look at Kazuma. His appearance certainly attracted a lot of attention. Unnecessary attention.

He had to find a way to ask about Julius and get his help right away. It will be a little difficult to talk as if it were the first time meeting, but he had to create a script in his head about what to talk about.

In fact, there was a possibility that he wouldn't even meet Julius. Even though Reinhard said that Julius was his friend, he had doubts whether the guards would accept letting Kazuma have a conversation with him… Could a random teenager talk like that to such an important knight?

Curse. Just go head first and give yourself to the fans, Kazuma! The early bird catches the worm.

Taking two steps, he reached for the doorknob—

Just like that, the door opened in front, revealing the appearance of a man with lilac hair and a white robe.

"Juli—", closing his mouth, he swallowed hard. "How lucky."

"...Sir?", facing Kazuma, Julius was curious about the teenager who stood like a plant in front of the door.

"Sorry, I came here to see you!"

A more direct approach can save some conversation time.

"See me…?", his beautiful yellow eyes narrowed, trying to read what was going through Kazuma's head. "I'm flattered to know that someone is waiting for me. But I'm sorry to inform you that I don't know you."

"Yeah, I know. I don't know you much either, but I urgently need to talk to you!", extending his hand, he said: "I'm Satou Kazuma. Someone who's desperate."

Looking from head to toe, Julius took a few seconds to finally reach out and shake.

The friendly way in which the boy approached and introduced himself left the knight a little intrigued, but he decided to follow a different courtesy. It wasn't often that a person in strange clothes acted this way, so I had to also have a different approach.

"Julius Euclius. Member of the royal knights of Lugunica. I suspect he needs a lot of help."

"Exactly. There was no one else but the amazing spiritual arts swordsman to lend me a hand."

"...I'm afraid Satou-kun wants my company for some kind of fight?"

"You're very smart. And don't worry, call me Kazum— Or rather, Kazuma-sama.", showing a stupid smile, he pointed out: "I came here because there's a problem that I can't solve alone."

Completely changing the tone, it was the first time Julius saw a serious expression on the boy's face.

Everything around you intrigues me. But he never seems to tell any lies… I'm even doubting my perception this time. Julius thought.

Looking at the guards positioned outside, the knight said:

"I think we can help Kazuma with some guards on duty—"

"I need you, specifically, Julius."

This left the man surprised.

"That's a huge trust placed in someone you just met, Kazuma."

"Yes, I am Kazuma. And know that I know that Reinhard's friend must also be strong like him.", putting the cart in front of the horses, time was short.

" — — — ", Julius remained silent upon hearing the Sword Saint's name being spoken.

Kazuma didn't know exactly who he was talking to, and that made the situation even more comical. Without even knowing it, the boy accidentally bumped into one of the strongest people in the kingdom, if not, the entire world. Julius continued to doubt his perception, this boy didn't seem real...

"It's a pretty big assumption to say that I'm friends with knight among the knights. Sigh.", showing an unformal part of himself, he threw his hair back. "Before that, who exactly are you, Kazuma? I've never seen anyone like you."

"I'm Reinhard's master— A-ah, look here, I'm just an acquaintance of his who also asked him for help. I ended up asking if there was anyone he knew, and here we are."

"...If Reinhard mentioned my name, I'm flattered to hear it." Nodding, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. "So if it's a problem that even involved the Sword Saint, I doubt that just me will be enough."

"How can I say... While it isn't, it is also. I'll explain everything— Including, Sword Saint?!"

"Kazuma, you…" shaking his head, the man smiled. "Talking to you makes me feel a little free."

"Reinhard is really the protagonist of this world…", he whispered to himself.

After that, the same explanation that Kazuma made to Reinhard began. Only a few changes happened, like not saying Emilia's name too much, as if she wasn't exactly the center of it all, and also how he needed someone strong enough to defeat a powerful assassin.

The part of the story that shocked Julius the most was knowing that Reinhard would also be participating, and as a kind of "guard", in case something got out of control.

It was difficult to accept that he would be helping with a job superior to that proposed to his red-haired friend, but Julius gladly accepted. It was strange talking to Kazuma, especially given his friendly manner, but it didn't seem like the teenager was bad.

The inferior spirits that invisibly surrounded him said this.

After finishing the conversation, Julius presented himself again at the police station saying that he was going to leave at a personal request. That left some guards surprised, but they were even more shocked when he, the impeccable knight, asked everyone inside to increase their attention to what was to come.

It was a small commotion, mainly because of the formality that existed inside, but if they could, the guards would would be whispering among themselves, wondering who was the author of all this, capable of leaving even Julius worried.

The most curious thing is how Julius managed to accept everything so naturally. It was as if something in the world made him not care whether Kazuma's explanation was a lie or the truth. Maybe something inside the boy made his mind have different ideas than it normally would have, but he didn't seem to be tense about it, in fact, the desire to "do something" increased even more.

It's as if the feeling that something great is coming has appeared.

It seems that the knights truly share this same emotion.

Now, it's time to put my luck in the game.

"Including, Julius. I wanted to ask you a question..."

"I will try to respond as much as possible, Kazuma."

So cool. Why do the knights here act exactly like knights, and not like arrogant assholes because of their earned titles?!

"I've been trying to connect with some lower spirits for a while now, but I don't know exactly how to do it. Is there a quicker way?"

"...Unexpected. Kazuma really doesn't have many barriers when talking to someone else. His questions always leave me at a loss."

"Class isn't really my thing. If I could, I'd just stay locked up at home with my maids.", said the boy who already did this and who didn't have and never had a maid. "So, is there a way?"

"Sigh. It seems that cordiality doesn't really exist.", raising his hand, the six inferior spirits appeared. "I'm afraid that the biggest difficulty in having a family member like these is how well you will get along. Trust is gained over time."

"So, it's like getting into a relationship?"

"...I would say something deeper than that. Lower spirits are like family. When you meet them, you begin to draw a line of closeness to the point that they almost become part of you.", Julius said with gentle words as he smiled at the shiny balls in his hand. "Right now, I feel like I wouldn't be who I am without them. I was truly blessed to have them, even though I relied on my swordsmanship."

…It seems like he always has the same opinion. Inferior spirits are really important beings in this world.

The good thing is that it doesn't feel like a relationship, otherwise I would be fucked. The last contact I had with an almost relationship was with an old childhood friend of mine... Promises when I was little to date... Damn, nothing happened and I even got dumped.

"I know this seems like a strange time to ask this, but is there any way Julius can teach me?"

"It will be a pleasure when the moment comes. I'm happy when people understand how important these beings are."

I just want to use magic in an easier way, but I also care a little about them.

Quickening their pace, it didn't take long for them to finally arrive at the invisible border that existed between the slums and the rest of the royal capital. The place was quite big, and the loothouse, as Julius called it, was in the farthest part.

"Unfortunately, as I said before. The killer's entity is a secret even to me. But I know that you are stronger."

"Thank you for your trust." Raising his hand once again, a small red spirit floated over. "It seems like it would be better with you, Kazuma."

"To stay with me? She's going to be surrounding me or something— A-ah, she came inside me?!", slapping his hand on his chest, Kazuma even took off his coat to see where the inferior spirit ended up.

"Ia seems to like you, I'm jealous.", laughing, he placed his hand on the hilt of the sword. "It's a form of protection, since Kazuma doesn't seem to have many ways to defend himself. If you trust Ia, she will protect you."

"Like, a magical barrier? Amazing, spirits are awesome!"

Considering the elements of this world, Ia, the red nether spirit is fire, right? Is the fire in this world capable of forming protective shields, or are only spirits able to do this?

So many questions, I hope to get an ice spirit soon. When I use my first Huma, I can say that I am finally immersed in this world!

Speaking of which…

"Julius."

"Sim, Kazuma?"

"Ugh~ So cool…" doc-doc. "Listen, I wanted to ask a little about the magic in this world. I know it's out of the blue, but my ass is tied up right now. How do you use magic in this world?"

"Your question is a little... Complicated and strange to answer, but I tell you: There are currently six elements available, apart from some original spells created that are derivatives of these elements."

"So you can create different spells using certain elements. Incredible, the system in this world is far from clichés!"

"...Continuing. I know some enchantments that I usually see companions using, such as Huma, Fula, Goa and Doma. They are water, wind, fire and earth magic, respectively. There are also ways to use magic, such as fire and water, which can be used to create ice, and also heal using the water element. There are other elements such as shadow and light, but they are rare and not widely used."

"I hope I can use ice magic… Thanks for the help, Julius!" showed a thumbs up, as he felt the lower spirit within him tingle.

"You're welcome, it's always good to see someone using skills that the world has bestowed upon them.", closing his eyes, he raised his eyebrow. "Now I'm curious about Kazuma's affinities. It seems like you're a pretty flexible person."

"Hehe~ don't praise me so much. Or rather, keep going, keep going!" Beating his chest, he said: "I feel like I can use all the elements, I just need to know how to use this thing. gate"

"Don't worry so much, I also have difficulties with this matter."

…So even he's not good at everything. Can Reinhard use his mana gate and cast as many spells as he wants? If so, did he use that sword against Puck just to show off? How arrogant!

"Reinhard also uses inferior spirits?"

"...Not exactly, and it's surprising you should ask. Reinhard has some abilities that make me cringe, but there's something about him that allows the spirits to always help him."

"Divine Protections? I heard him saying something like that."

"...So I think I can shorten the answer: Reinhard has a divine protection that makes all the spirits around him feel attracted to him."

"What a robbed guy. Has he ever had any difficulties in his life?!"

Things always work out for cute people. If that wasn't enough for women, the same thing happens for men.

In fact, Julius is the classic sidekick that every shounen protagonist must have one day. An archetype so perfect that it makes me envious… But I can't fight with him, having problems with Julius is the same as breaking my legs. Who could I ask for help with spells? The most accessible one always seems to be him.

"Kazuma is a rather unique person."

"Is it bad or good? Because I don't want to always be treated like a foreign animal—"

Bumped.

Being caught off guard, Kazuma ended up bumping into a person who turned the corner. Even though it was someone with excellent balance, the scare ended up making him fall on his butt.

Damn, what bad luck this is.

Looking up, a woman in a revealing dress smiled. She had black hair and eyes, as well as a kind of cloak that only covered her shoulders, leaving a large part of her bust exposed, in an I-shaped neckline.

Damn, how lucky is this!

Kazuma acted like a superhuman as he took out his cell phone and took a photo from a perfect angle, happily saving it to the gallery. The woman didn't seem to understand very well, but she didn't seem to worry.

"It's best to always be twice as careful where you go. You never know if your life will change around the corner." Placing his hand on his waist, Kazuma thanked the gods that mature women were like that. "What a strange object is that in your hands."

"A-ah this is just an... An object to record moments I spent! An artifact that only the protagonist can have"

"Um, I see…" then his attention went to the knight at the side. "I know you…"

"I'm afraid that my reputation really is high enough to always be recognized.", placing his hand on the hilt of the sword, it seems that Julius was worried about something. "A beautiful woman is a strange thing to see walking around here."

Did he call favela residents ugly?

"Ara~ Thank you for the compliments, knight. But I can't stay here for long.", licking her lips, she turned her eyes to Kazuma, who was still on the ground. "Better control your emotions a little, young man."

Surprisingly, she extended her hand to Kazuma, who accepted it immediately.

The strange thing was how the woman's hand felt like a stone, even though it looked graceful. Maybe she was someone strong, but couldn't be taken seriously because of her overly sexualized clothes caused by herself...

Thank you, boobs from another world.

"Be careful on your walk, mademoiselle!", smiling, he began to wave goodbye.

"Don't stay around these parts for too long. If you need to, there's a HQ near here.", said Julius, narrowing his gaze.

"...You guys are really kind and protective. How cute." Smiling, she waved. "See you some other time…"

So much for the opportunity to raise a family here…

Kazuma felt a bit of a chill when the woman left, as if she let something go. The impression she gave was that she was so beautiful, that she fell a little into the mature woman archetype for Kazuma. Whether it's a younger or older sister, either one is a win.

"...What's the tension? It was just a pretty woman."

"A few things crossed my mind, nothing major…", removing his hand from the hilt of his sword, he whispered: "Better control your hormones, Kazuma."

"Hormones?"

Looking down, the wooden stake was standing upright in his pants.

Kazuma screamed and hid, throwing himself on the floor in shame.

4

Unscheduled Meeting

"I can't get married anymore!" Covering his face, Kazuma walked ahead, still embarrassed by the previous scene.

"Don't worry about it. I won't tell anyone."

"I trust your words, but I wanted NOBODY to know. Sigh… We're getting close."

" — — — "

"...That woman, you seemed very tense and thoughtful. Did you think the same thing as me?"

"She really is surprisingly beautiful, but what caught my attention were her clothes. I'm afraid I've heard of someone who dressed like that."

"A rumor about a woman who dresses like that? Damn, send me more information like that!"

Even if it's medieval times, it must be possible for there to be cabarets here. I don't care about the protagonist and heroine romance, if I make money by helping Emilia-chan with this, that's enough.

Laughing to himself, it was clear that Kazuma would go in a completely different direction in the future...

"We're getting close. Julius, it's time to do what we talked about."

"Will Kazuma be okay?"

"I have my doubts, but if I act like one of them, I doubt they'll cut a gash in my stomach."

I'll give my ass if they kill me like that again.

"You speak as if you had experienced…", smiling, the knight stopped walking. "Reminds me of a friend of mine."

"Because it happened in one moment, and it's not cool at all…"

"If this is Kazuma's plan, I will remain on guard in the surrounding area. this with you if anything happens. I come running at the same time things start to get complicated."

"If the inferior spirit for It's really incredible, when I get fucked up, he'll protect me, right."

"It should be enough to deal with at first until I show up… Are you still sure you want to go alone?"

"I wish I had a bodyguard protecting my ass. But if those guys see a knight with me, they might run away or launch a coordinated attack."

"...You're right. There are places where knights are not very well accepted.", looking around, some residents in the suburbs stared at Julius with fierce looks. "May the spirits guide you."

"Good luck. See you soon."

Waving to Julius, it was time for Kazuma to be alone again, walking straight to the place where he lost his life in the past.

It was practically a reunion with death, but without being invited.

It seems like it's time to stand on your own two feet.

If I have a problem, I can ask the lower spirits for help or use magic if I remember their names. Thank you Julius!

Even though his attention was on the huge house in the farthest region, Kazuma thought about taking a look at the surroundings. Even if he had confidence in this life, it was possible to die without obtaining any information to take into the next attempt, so the more information he could get, the better to come up with a plan in the future.

The people around didn't seem to care much about Kazuma, probably because of his dirty appearance, closely resembling the slum residents.

Isn't that prejudice? I think I ended up thinking shit.

Being able to see the huge house from afar, you decided to stop and ask the first person you met?

"Yo, bro! Can you answer some questions for me?"

"...It depends on the information. There are contents that need monetary action, you know.", the man replied, making the money sign with his hand.

"It's more of a question about someone. Here, if you've ever seen a short girl, blonde, red eyes, scarf—"

"Felt? Oh, yes, yes... Did they steal something from you?"

"Not exactly, it would be more the opposite, I want to hire them to steal!"

"Services, hun... Well, the stolen items house is right up front, and Felt's tent is a little further away... Over there! Felt should be easier to find."

"Perfect. Thanks, mate!"

"Live strong!"

Waving to the man, Kazuma quickened his pace, making a small detour from the route to meet Felt in person.

It was a risky bet, but he could find the thief first, ask her to steal an item, act surprised when he discovered the insignia, and have Julius show up to arrest everyone.

Going to the place where the man told him, it looked like a kind of wasteland, where there was only a completely patched up tent, using the support of a wall from the house next door to keep it upright. They were a mix of wood, canvas, and some old furniture, you could even see a sofa and a mattress that served as a rug.

Inequality. I thought thieves had a better life.

Coming closer to see if that girl, Felt, was inside the tent, he was surprised by a voice behind:

"Who are you?"

Looking at the origin of the voice, it turned out to be the same thief from before called Felt.

Golden blonde hair, vibrant red eyes and a huge scarf… Plus the mischievous tooth. It was definitely her.

"Felt?"

"Do you know my name?", despite being curious, the girl already formed a frown. "What are you doing in my house?"

"Home? What a little place, huh..."

"What do you want? If you stand around here I'll cut you until you leave here for pain!", pulling out a blade positioned at her waist, she pointed it at Kazuma. "Get away!"

"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Raising his arms, Kazuma shouted.

" — — — ", Felt even thought about moving forward, but stopped…

"Look, look, I don't want a fight. Does it look like I want a fight? No! I don't!"

"...What a bitch."

"Respect! Look here, cap, I only came here because of some business I wanted to do."

"A dirty, slutty customer, come here, you don't look like you have any money."

"It's about some kind of badge, you know? Something small, shiny, really pretty... Even though I've never seen it."

"What a strange request. If you really want to talk about business, you better show what you have.", narrowing her gaze, Felt continued to point the blade at Kazuma.

"Fucking child, Listen here to your 5th grade idiot! I want to buy this crap you're carrying! And you respect me!"

"Slack, get out of here.", approaching, it seems that she was really confident. "I hate talking to people like you, dirty and who don't have a clear future."

"I asked I respect you garden gnome! Board! Slutty child! Are you thinking that life is a river of flowers? No! Your bad luck will be to stay that size forever!"

"I lost respect. I think it's better to cut you off, big bro."

SHOCK!

"...W-wait."

She called me...

"Han? What happened this time? Don't tell me I shit myself—"

"Could you repeat what you said before?"

"..That I'm going to cut you?"

"After that."

"...Big Bro"?

"I'm sorry for everything I said and I want you to forgive me for my actions. I judged things around me and I kindly ask you to accept my apology. I sinned, but I won't do it again."

"...What?", surprise made Felt let the blade lower. "What crazy person are you?"

"I was very disrespectful. For that, I'm apologizing... Can you call me that one more time?"

"You're a very strange guy, you definitely hit your head." Reading the mood and seeing it change, Felt put away her dagger. "He forgets, big bro. I got tired."

"Don't get tired! I still want to buy what you stole!"

"...How do you know what I have? Are you stalking me?"

"N-no, no. I wouldn't do something like that, I was just interested in the theft of an item as strange as this black parade with gold ornaments and a jewel in the middle, yes. I only stayed because of that."

"Big bro is really crazy, Sigh. Okay, if you want to buy it, let's do it somewhere else."

"Great, I'll walk beside you until we go to the place."

"...What I really want is distance."

A critical attack on Kazuma's heart, but it wasn't enough to shake him.

After hearing Felt call him big brother, nothing else in this world would make him lose this life, the opportunity he created was enormous, and failing once again was not an option.

Walking up to the huge house of stolen items, he felt the gazes of someone in the shadows. Probably from Julius, who must have seen that whole scene…

Even so, he continued walking, keeping close to Felt, who was always moving away.

Kazuma's heart was sore, but everything passed when he saw the entrance to the loothouse.

"It gives me a little nostalgia to be back here."

"What did you say?"

"I want to buy the item soon!"

Kazuma sucked in air, filling his chest with confidence as he stopped in front of the loothouse.

His arm shook as he remembered the last event, but he had to take the first step and forget it.

But it was difficult.

I am scared. I can't even take a step forward.

"Is everything okay, big bro?"

"Now yes, thank you.", returning to normal, he took a step to reach the door of the loothouse. "Did you have time to arrive on time?"

"...Forget it, I won't ask you what you think anymore, stranger… Live strong."

"Live strong, live strong. I want to win the lottery."

Stopping in front of the door, he gave a few sighs, jumped a few times, punched the air, moved his head to the side, and did jumping jacks.

Felt could only look at it with a disapproving expression.

It's now or never. I can't let my little sister die in this run!"

"OOOOOOOOOOOOH IS ANYBODY HERE?!", raising his leg, he started kicking the door.

"W-what are you doing, crazy?!"

"AYOOOO. AYOOOO. AYOOOOOOOOOO—

Then, the door opened, making Kazuma lose his balance and fall on his butt, sliding down the steps.

"STOP KICKING THE DOOR!"

"G-giant…"

In front of Kazuma, a large dark and bald man appeared.

The boy stayed on the ground as he stared at the old man, until Felt walked past him:

"Old Rom, we have arrived."

"What's this way of introducing yourself? Damn, it almost broke my door. Look, the screws almost came out.", placing his hand on Felt's head, the giant smiled. "And who is this stall boy?"

"H-hands off!", moving her head away, she entered the loothouse. "A buyer, he wants to buy something I picked up… It's a new customer."

"New client?"

"...Haha."

Seeing old Rom staring at him, Kazuma shrugged his shoulders.

The man's eyes seemed to read what he was up to, but he shook his head, ignoring it.

"Come in, and if you do that to my door again, I'll throw you on the other side of this slum."

"Sorry, sorry. I just thought there was no one there.", wiping his dirty ass, he went with the old man into the loothouse.

However, his eyes looked back, sensing that Julius was lurking. It was a terrible decision to enter this place alone, but he had to go to the end and find the best option for the knight to appear.

Come to think of it now… This old man and Felt are…

Fuck, these are the same people I saw dead the first time.

So they are not the ones who are the killers. It's obvious, my dear little sister Felt wouldn't be capable of that, and this old man isn't the type to move silently.

So, it's time to show off my incredible social skills that I've rarely tested. Aura hikikomori, gone forever!

5

For You to Remember

"That's what I have."

Placing a small, palm-sized object, Felt finally showed the badge he stole. Kazuma stared at the item for a few seconds, until Rom picked it up and looked more closely. Even though he was old, it seems that his eyes were great for goods, especially seeing the inside of the loothouse.

Last time, Kazuma saw everything at night, now with the brightness of the sun, it was very obvious that this place was a treasure chest full of stolen items, all with tags placed on the items. The price was also in another language, so he didn't care to know how much it cost.

He looked like an innocent child looking at everything, even though the place was very similar to an abandoned house. But the style full of wood and boulders gave it a medieval feel, exactly as it should be.

"So, big bro. What do you have to offer?"

"That's a great question."

"...What?"

"I mean, I have this here, but I don't think it would be very useful.", taking his cell phone from his pocket, he placed it on the table. "I can show you how it works."

I intend to pretend I'm going to sell it, but I can't give my cell phone away, it's practically my life being taken away!

"What a strange item…" said Rom, scratching his bald head.

Kazuma then took out his cell phone and began to show how the electronic object worked. As it was a touch cell phone, he started playing with some applications while showing it to the two, who looked like people who came from the Stone Age seeing the features.

Flashes, photos, videos, accounts, everything left them amazed, especially the games that Kazuma had installed. Felt tried to pretend she wasn't interested, but when girls with high-pitched voices appeared on the screen in a game Kazuma clicked on, her eyes widened.

He had to explain that they were not spirits or souls that he collected.

"One meet, so…" said Rom, with his cell phone in hand.

"Meetia?" questioned Kazuma.

"They are objects that are used for people who cannot use magic, practically a cane to help those who have difficulty." Placing his cell phone on the table, he waved. "It could be around... 30. 40. Depending on the buyer, up to 50 coins or more. It's something I've never really seen, especially with so many features."

"Coins of what? Gold?"

"...No."

" — — — "

It seems that the old man was sweating, scratching his bald head. While Felt widened his eyes.

"Are you sure you want to sell us something like this? It's practically breaking your legs. Do you want to take Felt too?"

"I CAN!?"

"Old Rom, stop nonsense!" Pointing at Kazuma, the girl shouted, "Listen, I don't know what you have up your sleeve, but I'm not going to sell it right away. Of course it's a lot of money and I'm really thinking about selling it right away, but I want to wait for the main c-customer."

Even though he tried to look serious, his stutters got in the way.

"...Main client? But can't we make this faster? Huh, huh?!"

"It's not just you who asked for this badge, kid. It might be really hard, but the other customer might pay even more."

"No waiting! Either hand over the badge now, or I'll leave here carrying my do it!"

"Calm down, big bro. I just want to see the fight between you two... Whoever pays the most, takes it. Simple."

"I see, then I'll wait." Nodding, he accepted quite easily…

So, they waited, while Kazuma asked the two some questions:

First, about the region.

Rom was the first to respond, saying that the "Kingdom didn't care about them", and Felt agreed a lot. Apparently, the kingdom of Lugunica, even in times of peace lately, is quite busy because of the royal candidacy.

Kazuma was confused, wondering what had happened to the King, and Felt said that "the old man died, how lucky!", while Rom shook his head and explained further: Apparently, a kind of disease spread around the royal family about 15 years ago, causing the entire lineage to pass away, leaving no heir.

The royal candidacy emerged as a way to define the next king... The problem is that all the candidates are women, and Emilia-chan is apparently one of them.

That left Kazuma confused, especially with what parameters they defined that they would be chosen.

"I don't know, maybe they will make the announcement in the future," Rom replied.

Thus, Kazuma knew that his mission now became even more difficult. Protect a candidate. But how come she doesn't have guards and strong people by her side? Apart from Puck and that transformation of hers, she seems like someone who has a very weak guard.

Not only that, when he mentioned Lugunica, Kazuma became curious about the other kingdoms around the world.

"You're really strange, but you're not from Kararagi? How strange..."

I'm starting to get used to this first impression.

There are 4 kingdoms. Lugunica, Vollachia, Kararagi and Gusteko. All following from East, South, West and North. The most difficult nation to live in seems to be Gusteko, the second, Vollachia, and the third… It's difficult, but it really seems to be Lugunica.

Another thing that caught his attention was in relation to the times of peace in Lugunica.

Rom was tired of explaining, but decided to say it very directly:

"There was a civil war almost 40 years ago."

Then something really big happened.

Looking around the favelas, it really looked like a place that was the result of war. People without homes, most of whom are demi-humans... It's clear who won this civil war: the kingdom itself.

So inequality comes precisely from war problems. I think you can understand, my world has had problems like this. It's everywhere, there is never peace. I just think how brutal she was considering the magic in this world.

"You don't even seem to know the ground you're walking on, boy. got one meet like this?"

"I got it a long time ago, from another place, from an unknown horizon, where I was blessed by it."

"Did you get it from your parents?"

"You got it right."

Sighing heavily, Kazuma lowered his head and waited.

It seems like this world has some pretty big problems. In most isekais, the past only matters when it reaches the final part of the story. Now here, there seems to be quite a lot to remember. Wars, magic, demi-humans… An isekai world. It's great to start a new life like this.

"Big bro is a person raised by his parents. How lucky...", turning his face away, Felt seemed to be bothered.

"...By the way, what are you? Niece and uncle? Grandfather and granddaughter?"

"D-don't put me as old Rom's family. Do I look like him?!", crossing her arms, she looked worried.

"Really, your height is really different from his."

"What-"

"What a way to talk to me. I've taken care of you for a long time, is this how you repay me? Damn, what a brat.", said Rom, drinking something from the wooden cup.

…But they seem to get along well. It's like an adopted child...

Now, I'm alone here….

It's a little lonely when you think about it that way. But it hasn't changed much from what I had before...

Closing his eyes, he sighed…

Thump-Thump Beat

Everyone turns their eyes to the door. Felt was the first to jump out of her seat and run over.

"It looks like we're finally going to start our contest!"

If I consider that what I did wouldn't change anything, then the person who will appear now is the killer, right?

Damn, should I call Julius now?

Clutching his chest, feeling the urge to use Ia to call the knight, he bit his lip and… He waited.

Then the door opened:

"Welcome— Gah! What?!"

"So, you were here."

Contrary to what Kazuma thought, a beautiful woman with pointy ears, silver hair, purple eyes like amethysts and a voice reminiscent of silver bells, appeared.

It was Emilia, who arrived faster than the boy thought.

"How did you—", looking back, Felt faced Kazuma, who raised his arms, as if to show that he didn't do anything.

"Hm? What's wrong with you? Was there a fight?"

"Felt, my little sister, I didn't do anything to disturb this, okay? Only the real owner appeared!", getting up, Kazuma approached Emilia.

At the same time, the half-elf pointed an ice projectile at him, which scared him, almost losing his balance.

"Don't come near. Not until they answer me."

"Damn, damn… What rubbish.", cursed Felt, threatening to take the dagger behind her back, but giving up when she saw some projectiles pointing at her. "I won't forgive you!"

"What a situation you've put yourself in, Felt. Same thing for the kid."

"This only happened because they did bad things, like stealing.

Rom blinked his eyes a few times, until he swallowed hard, saying:

"...Silver hair, purple eyes—"

"It's just a resemblance, nothing more, nothing less! Now... I ask you to return what you took from me."

Emilia, even though she had gentle eyes, looked like a tiger staring at its prey. She really wouldn't take a step back.

Looks like I don't need to call Julius for this.

But I feel a strange discomfort…

However, everything is fine. Better take it like a man! As a protagonist who must act!

Coughing, Kazuma drew everyone's attention to him. At first he was scared by the looks, but soon he calmed down, approaching Felt:

"Little sister, dear. How about returning this to the owner over there? Let me still make a reward."

"You're working with her, aren't you? Damn. Big Bro lied from the beginning.", biting her molars, Felt glared at Kazuma with angry eyes.

"A-ah? Aren't you two together?", Emilia questioned.

"Everyone's confused. But we all know what's right." Pointing to Emilia, he continued: "Give back what you stole from her."

"...Damn. Damn!"

"Felt, look at your mouth.", said Rom.

"You should all die. Damn!" Taking the badge, Felt observed the object for a few seconds, until she looked at Kazuma: "You're going to give your meetia in the end, aren't you?"

"Trust me, just hand over the object."

"Scoundrel."

"...Wow.", surprised, Emilia lowered her hands.

Things were resolved very quickly.

It seems like now is when things turn around.

Felt slowly walked over to Emilia, who waited patiently.

If she came here alone before, she might have been able to handle it easily too.

How did that happen in the end? From the first time to the last time you had it. If Felt would give in so easily and give it back to Emilia, how did she die—

A small light behind the half-elf made Kazuma's eyes widen.

"JULI— PUCK!"

TIN!

An ice barrier appeared next to Emilia, making the black blade hit hard, sparks of ice coming out.

"Thank you for calling me, Kazuma.", with sword in hand, he proclaimed: "In, support!"

A small white inferior spirit appeared and soon surrounded Julius, who moved quickly until he swung his sword at the killer, almost a superhuman action.

TIN!

However, Julius' sword was deflected by another blade, showing that the killer had another hidden weapon.

Kazuma had trouble seeing, but then the killer finally came out of the shadows, jumping up and positioning himself on top of one of the columns, making Julius narrow his eyes.

You're kidding, right?

Black hair and eyes, vulgar clothes, and black blades… It was the same woman that Kazuma encountered a short time ago.

"Body~ looks like we have some guests.", pulling out both blades, she licked her lips. "I guess a gutter rat can't keep her mouth shut for business."

"Tsc—", Felt lowered his head, threatening to take the blade behind his back.

"The busty stranger!" said Kazuma not at all discreetly, while pointing at the woman.

Rom was the first to move, picking up a large club from behind the counter, looking at Emilia and Julius, as if calling for them to help.

"Don't forget I'm here too!", appearing behind Emilia, a cat with big ears appeared: "Nya! Thank you very much for letting me know, stranger."

"...A-ah! You're welcome, strange cat!", they said, giving each other thumbs up.

"I didn't think I would be exactly who the rumors are saying. I should be more intelligent in these moments. What a disappointment.", sighing, Julius ran until he was next to Emilia. "Sorry for the bad manners."

"J-Julius? You...", looking between the knight and the cat spirit, she also looked at Kazuma. "What happened here?"

"Just know that we need to put an end to this crazy hottie!"

"Elsa. I'm flattered by the compliments, but I like my name.", replied the woman, pointing the blade at everyone: "It's good to at least remember the name of the person who will open each of you…"

"You know, you're outnumbered, can you do it?" asked Puck. "I don't like hurting women like that."

"A spirit… Yeah, I'll love opening you all.", smiling, she jumped and landed in front of Julius and Emilia. "I hope they don't get mad, that's how it works."

"Black clothes, curved blades originating from the north… Yes, the appearance matches what we were looking for."

"W-Wait, is she some kind of wanted person?" Kazuma asked. "Damn, woman. How about you be a housewife? You could even be my—"

If there is any reward for her, it will be mine!

Unlike the others, the boy distanced himself from the fight as much as possible, pulling Felt who looked uncomfortable. Staying away from the fight, that was Kazuma's goal. Without magic, without spirits, what could he do?

"Let me take this, Emilia-sama."

"But…" placing her hand on her chest, she narrowed her eyes. "I can't let you guys fight alone."

"Better wait and see what happens, Lia.", sitting on the girl's shoulder, the cat scratched his beard. "You just need to get the badge, right?"

Accepting Puck's opinion, Emilia sighed and walked over to stand next to Kazuma and Felt, who looked like a scared cat.

"Hey, don't put me on the sidelines, knight!" Walking to Julius's side, Rom pointed the club at Elsa. "A very rude customer, you are! You don't deserve to do business with us."

"Said the favela resident.", laughed Elsa. "No matter what target I face, I will not take a step back."

…

For a moment, silence reigned—

"WOOOOOOOOHHHH!"

First, Rom swung the club at Elsa, who easily jumped to the side and dodged it. The fight between the two seemed as if they were fighting without being seen by an audience, the fight between the two resembled an improvised waltz, with the old giant moving his weapon while breaking the furniture, and Elsa who dodged and moved her hand easily to cut the fragments that were heading towards her.

It even seems that for her, it was very easy. As for Rom, trying hard to hit, he started to get tired.

"...Hmm." Julius at the side, closed his eyes, moving his hand close to the blade, as if he were performing some magic.

Kazuma narrowed his gaze to see what was happening, until he noticed some colorful balls appearing, rotating around the sword.

A special move!?

"Sir!" shouted Julius, opening his eyes.

"I understand, knight!", moving the club, he hit the ground.

That surprised Elsa, but she jumped back to the counter, not being hit by the flying debris.

At that time, the woman looked back at Julius, who seemed to shine in the darkness. Six spirits surrounded his blade, forming a kind of rainbow.

Kazuma lost his breath as he saw the place shake.

Rom jumped away, getting close to the exit door.

Felt couldn't look at the fighting.

Emilia clasped her hands together as her eyes sparkled.

Ia left Kazuma and returned to Julius's blade, who smiled, realizing it was "complete."

"Let's end this once and for all. AL CLARISTA—"

"How exciting.", said Elsa.

So, the knight jumped up to the counter and thrust his blade forward, making Elsa smile as she realized the crushing force placed on his dagger.

Break

His blade broke in two, causing the sword to slide until it directed the tip against Elsa—

"Really, really exciting."

When Kazuma thought that Elsa was going to pull some trick, Julius's blade cut through Elsa's shoulder, until it passed like a knife through butter, sliding over her collarbone, breaking the bone in two, and passing through her chest, cutting the organs straight away. His lung exploded and his heart began pumping enough blood to spurt out.

Until the blade passed through her entire body, cutting Elsa in two, dividing her torso upwards.

"Exciting." Even though she was cut in two, the woman moved the blade against Julius, who opened his eyes wide.

The knight drew his sword and reflected the blade, jumping back.

Elsa fell onto the counter, with part of her body falling to the floor, lifeless.

It seems like everything has been resolved.

"...We win?", said Rom.

"I would even say it is a red flag, but if she survived that, she certainly can't be a housewife!"

Sighing in relief, Kazuma stood up, realizing that his legs were shaking from the combat. It was the first time he had seen magic being used for combat, at least in this way. Elsa really looked like a formidable combatant, especially given the ease with which she moved, but Julius's cut was so quick and accurate that it took her life in just one blow.

Something is out of place… Shitty discomfort!

"It seems that the entrails hunter had no way to defend herself…", turning back, Julius turned his gaze to the others hiding away from the combat: "Emilia-sama, why did you come here? Could it be—"

A body that should have been inanimate stood up. The cut that was there before disappeared, and a blade was pulled up to the heavens.

It's this discomfort!

"JULIUS!"

Kazuma's scream made the knight's eyes widen, and he quickly raised his sword upwards.

At the same time, the blades clashed, but the woman, who should have been dead, managed to overcome herself and hit the unsuspecting knight in the shoulder.

Groaning in pain, Julius pulled away, touching the wound with his other hand.

"Sorry, I think I exerted too much strength.", said Elsa, who died seconds ago.

"H-how did she come back? Devil woman!", Kazuma pointed out. "Used extra life? What the fuck is this?!"

"I shouldn't tell you my tricks, but I can tell you that this won't work." placing his hand on his shoulders, the cloak he was previously wearing was destroyed. "I hate hearing your irritating voice. Let me just dance with the knight."

Pointing the blade at Julius, it looks like another clash will happen.

"...Looks like I won't have time. I'll have to improvise." Looking at Rom, Julius commented, "Don't come any closer."

The fight would return, and it seems that Elsa had time on her side...

If I could do something—

Looking to the side, Felt, even though he seemed confident, his legs were shaking. As if he was feeling the pressure of combat.

Kazuma watched that with a protective feeling. She was practically a little sister to him.

Sighing, he placed his hand on the girl's head, who let out an "Ah!" surprise.

"Listen, Felt. I want you to run towards the capital."

"W-what are you saying, big bro?! Run?!"

"That's it, run! Show off your hot body and your cool scarf. Just do it. I have a plan."

"A plan…?"

"Listen here—"

Whispering in the girl's ear, enjoying doing this a lot, Emilia observed it with curious eyes.

Finishing, Felt stared at Kazuma with wide eyes, but nodded confidently.

"So… I just need to run and scream?"

"That, can you do that, Felt?"

"...I—", looking at the combat, Julius began to defend Elsa's dull attacks, who laughed while pushing the knight further back.

It wasn't like it was difficult, Julius could beat her... But with so many people around, in such a small place. It was difficult to find the right move to defeat her.

"Come on, little sister!"

"Tsc— What a turn off with that word, big bro!"

"Ah~ how wonderful.", starting up, Kazuma tried to give him a hug, but Felt was faster, jumping away.

"Just listen. I hope they don't die when I get back!"

Rushing to the entrance, Felt seemed confident in Kazuma's plan.

The assassin looked at it with a look of disapproval:

"I am not going—"

"Pay attention here!" Before Elsa could throw the blade, Julius cut the woman's hand, who laughed.

However, using her other hand, she threw the knife at the girl.

Kazuma even tried to do something to stop it, but he didn't have magic, much less a weapon. He was useless.

Emilia beside her pointed her hand, trying to form a Huma, but there was no time.

Thus, the blade flew towards Felt who—

"Not with me here!", snatching the blade with the club, Rom appeared;

The blade stuck in the wood and was soon thrown to the other side of the loothouse.

So, Felt ran to the door that, protected by Rom, let the girl through. The giant didn't even ask, it was as if he enjoyed seeing her get out of this mess.

In fact, his eyes turned to Kazuma, who shrugged unconcernedly.

"...What did you say to her?"

"Just a plan I had in my head, Emilia-chan."

"c-chan? Wait, how did you—"

"LET'S GO JULIUS, YOU ARE THE GOAT! SPANK THAT BUSTY BITCH!", shouting, he punched the air.

"I appreciate the motivation, Kazuma." Defending Elsa's advance, the man used a blue spirit to heal himself. "Kua, prepare for another breakthrough."

The combat intensified even more in the loothouse.

6

To be a Knight

"You are-"

"Looks like a friend of mine was right. Good thing I kept my guard up."

"...He planned this from the beginning."

"I knew he had better plans."

"B-but, before that! I need your help! Please!"

"You don't need to ask, that was my intention from the beginning."

From somewhere else…

"It looks like you guys are getting tired."

The woman, now with her hands back, and with a blade, smiled at Julius.

The knight had some injuries, but nothing that was impossible to heal. In fact, it even seemed like the situation was going his way… The only problem was his stamina.

The woman, unlike him, jumped inside the house and tried to cut his tendons, while Julius tried to land a clean blow on the woman— However, he has already done this before, more than three times.

One hit her in the chest and he cut her again.

The other cut off her head.

The third time, he cut off both her arms and pushed her against the counter, destroying the objects on top of her.

All of her it returned whole, but seemed a little tired of it.

Maybe she had an ability similar to Kazuma's, but it didn't go back in time?

"It looks like this will end quickly.", looking at the others, the woman pointed the blade at Kazuma. "The first to be cut will be you. A fearful ant who likes to get in the way."

"Ask me on a date instead!", shouting, he hit his chest. "At least there won't be any blood or guts."

"Unfortunately, that's why I wouldn't go." Licking her lips, the woman turned her gaze to Julius.

The two faced each other, preparing once again for a clash between their blades.

A knight, who was so respectful and carried the nickname of Finest os Knights, was in front of the main window of the loothouse, being illuminated by the orange light.

Finally, the sunset appeared right behind, slowly descending, bringing with it darkness in the favela. However, the little light that was left highlighted Julius' image, as if the world wanted to highlight who the real one was. hero.

Elsa, nicknamed the bowel hunter, remained at the counter, surrounded by darkness. The light that entered the window was unable to reach it, as if it had no glory for what it was doing. Julius's shadow formed a kind of divide between the two, demonstrating in real time who the world really wanted to win.

Little by little, the light faded for Elsa, as she grew behind Julius.

"We will end this in just one blow," positioning the sword forward, he bent his knees and pointed at Elsa.

"I don't know if it will end. But I'm looking forward to getting another hit." putting the blade back, she seemed to be almost giving up her guard.

"...Julius Euclius, royal knight of Lugunica.", small glowing balls began to surround his blade, bringing with them an aura around his body. "I can't let it continue."

"...Good.", bringing the blade forward, she pointed it forward, towards Julius. "Elsa Granhiert, call me whatever you want, but mainly…", she gestured a cut on her stomach. "A bowel hunter."

"Introductions made, but only now?", commented Kazuma.

With both of them putting their blades forward, it was time to decide who would land the first blow.

…

The inferior spirits surrounded Julius, until they positioned themselves at the tip of his sword.

"Amazing.", said Elsa.

Throwing his sword forward, the man proclaimed, causing goosebumps in those who heard:

"AL CLAUSERIA—"

"I'm afraid this fight will end now."

Until a more powerful voice reached everyone.

And so, the ceiling destroyed with a powerful impact, sending debris everywhere, while a smoke screen was created between the two combatants.

Julius was the first to raise his sword, surprised by someone else's arrival.

Elsa, on the other hand, dropped her smile, curious about who got in the way of her fight.

Thus, the smoke dissipated, as if the aura of this being made a kind of natural wind.

In the middle of the loothouse, a man with fiery red hair, blue eyes reminiscent of a calm sea, a white cloak similar to that of a knight, and a huge sword at his waist, appeared, placing new pressure within the place.

Kazuma shouted at the same time:

"THE CAVALRY HAS ARRIVED!"

Everyone fell silent as Reinhard's image stood out among everyone.

Unlike before, when the sunlight bathed Julius, now the moonlight, which emerged in the beautiful night, illuminated the red-haired knight, like a beacon of hope.

His calm expression was almost an affront to the battle atmosphere inside the house.

He seemed very calm.

"Forgive me for the delay."

"How long will it take? You've arrived at the exact moment, Reinhard!", punching the air, he shouted: "Now, beat this woman!"

"Strange ways to say fight, Kazuma." Nodding, he looked at Elsa, who continued to stare curiously. "It looks like I got in the way of the fight."

"...Reinhard." Julius lowered the blade completely, surprised by his friend's appearance. "So it was true."

The woman on top of the counter came down, smiling at the whole situation. Finally realizing who he was facing, his body heated up, and the wounds closed.

"A sword saint, a candidate, an exemplary knight, a giant and a spirit and… A beggar," she commented, pointing the blade at each one.

"How did you find out that I was a sword saint?" Kazuma shouted, finding himself surprised. "You busty guts freak!?"

Beggar is my ass, I have dignity!

"I'll be happy to cut them all down. Even though we're outnumbered." ignoring Kazuma, she pointed at Reinhard. "And you, it looks like it's not just a myth."

"I don't like fighting women.", placing his hand on the hilt of his sword, he smiled. "But I can't close my eyes to what happens here."

"You don't need to hold back, I'm here right now just for that." walking in slow steps, she positioned the blade, while finally showing the fighting stance. "I would love to face a sword saint at least once. Try out their sword, their strikes, everything!"

It was a little different with Julius, as if he was now striking a more offensive pose.

Unable to pull his sword from his holster, Reinhard sighed sadly. "It's not time yet".

So, looking at the ground, the redhead looked for a weapon, but found nothing but debris.

"Sorry, but I will have to fight with a smaller sword.", he said, raising his hand, as if saying he would use his hands as a blade.

"No, that's amazing. Really amazing!"

Julius, who had been planted behind Reinhard until now, lowered his head, saying: "Thanks for the support, Reinhard."

However, before moving away to stand next to Rom, the knight shouted:

"Reinhard, take it!"

Being thrown into the air, a blade with golden details flew until it stopped in the redhead's hand, which he grabbed tightly, finally being armed. He looked back, seeing Julius in the throwing pose.

"I appreciate the help, friend.", smiling, Reinhard pointed the blade forward. "I will use it carefully."

"Don't miss it… Even if it's impossible for that to happen." laughed Julius.

Pointing his hand forward, a kind of blue aura began to form around the blade, while another, more transparent aura appeared across Reinhard's body. The moonlight greatly enhanced his image, further showing why he was the most powerful.

"I won't. Not with you counting on me."

Just his fighting pose caused the loothouse to shake. Kazuma had to cling to Emilia, who accepted the boy's arms, even though she was confused.

"Ahh, he's going to activate the cheat!" shouted Kazuma. "Gonna Ult with everyone right here?!"

"Xite?", commented Emilia. "Ult?"

Rom watched with wide eyes, seeing firsthand the sword saint's swordsmanship.

"It seems like they never really change…", whispered the old man, moving away towards the door.

"Now, I will show you the Astrea family's swordsmanship firsthand." Raising his sword, as its color began to change, the knight seemed prepared to attack.

Shaking, the ground began to deform.

Everyone was staring at the fight, unable to take their eyes off.

Kazuma even forgot to breathe a few times, trying to stay focused on the first big fight in this world.

He was alive, Emilia was alive, and the others were the same. He had to keep an eye on this fight, to further increase his desire to continue in this world, to learn even more, to one day reach at least Reinhard's feet.

…It will begin

"Reinhard van Astrea, royal knight of Lugunica."

"...Elsa Granhiert, the bowel hunter."

The two positioned themselves.

Elsa stared at Reinhard, who looked calm and calm, as his blade pointed towards the sky.

"REINHARD!", said Kazuma. "FINISH HER!"

"Thanks for the motivation, Kazuma." Smiling, he took a step forward.

His step deformed the ground, and the fight began.

Elsa took one, two, three, four steps forward, trying to reach Reinhard. His dagger made a horizontal movement, trying to hit the redhead's belly.

But Reinhard—

"PERISH"

His sword, illuminated by all the surrounding mana, caused a light to emerge from within the loothouse, pushing aside the clouds in the sky, and exposing even more of the light above him.

Blessed by the world, he came down with the blade downwards, hitting Elsa's dagger squarely, who could only see in detail how it split at the same time.

Then a light enveloped the whole house, blinding all.

"Ah~, amazing."

And then-

BOOM!

A kind of bomb fell on the place, taking away a large part of the house in just one blow.

Debris flew everywhere, but none of them hit the others inside the loothouse. Even Kazuma, who was trapped with Emilia.

The fight started just to show the difference in strength between a mercenary and the strongest man who has ever walked this world.

Red sparks remained on his blade as it crumbled into pieces.

The sword saint was truly the protagonist of this world.

7

About the Light of the Moon

When everything calmed down, and the smoke and debris were gone, there was almost nothing left inside.

Kazuma, with his body trembling, fell to the ground, pointing at Reinhard:

"Y-you crazy! How can you Ult in here?!"

"...Sorry for the scare, but I had to end this at once.", looking at the blade crumbling in his hand, he smiled sadly: "Thank you for your services."

"R-Reinhard, are you okay?!", running until she got close to the redhead, the half-elf started touching his shoulders. "Any wounds, cuts?"

"I'm fine, I was just worried about you guys getting hit…", looking back, he waved at Julius. "I can only apologize for destroying your sword."

"...There's not much to do, it was necessary.", approaching Reinhard, Julius extended his hand. "Thanks for the help, Reinhard."

"You're welcome, friend." Smiling, he turned his eyes to the others. "So it was just her?"

"Well, yes…" Kazuma replied.

The relief inside him was enormous. No wonder he couldn't even get up.

I achieved…?

After dying three times, feeling pain and thinking that everything was lost, his improvised plans ended up working out. Perhaps what a person needs most is luck and Kazuma has it in spades.

"How did you get there, Reinhard?" asked Julius.

"Two reasons. Kazuma asked me to be on guard, and a girl with blonde hair stopped me asking for help. At the time, I already knew what it was about."

The knight turned his eyes to Kazuma, smiling. The boy didn't know how to respond, giving a double thumbs up.

Rom and Felt introduced themselves to Julius and Reinhard. It seems that the two knights, even though they knew about the crime, didn't seem to be very worried, especially because of the defeat of someone famous in the capital... Elsa.

"I'm off." Reinhard said, shrugging.

"...I would like to say the same thing. But I was called here to solve just one objective. By fulfilling it, I think I can turn a blind eye to what happened here. However, it remains a crime.", said Julius, looking at Rom and Felt.

"I think this is the first time I have thanked a knight. Sigh.", scratching his head, the old man looked defeated. "Just don't cause any more problems. My house is practically gone."

There's literally nothing left in the loothouse, apart from a few walls that haven't come down yet.

"...It seems that everything happened well in the end.", commented Emilia, hugging the crystal to her chest. "Puck must have been worried. Time ran out just when it got dark."

"...I almost had a heart attack when he raised his sword and everything exploded. What kind of monster is he?!", getting up, Kazuma approached Emilia. "Protagonists really only receive glory."

The half-elf looked at the boy for a few seconds, until she said:

"You... You don't seem to be very close to those two. Who exactly are you?"

"Your savior, the person who came up with all this, your future guest, whatever. Just know that, I ended up saving you, Emilia-chan." Smiling, he crossed his arms. "And luckily for everyone, it was a great future!"

"...Well, you're right." Even with her worried expression, she seemed curious about Kazuma. "It seems like you planned everything from the beginning… Sir—"

"Satou Kazuma! Or Kazuma-sama to you, bela lady." smiling, he snapped his fingers. "Now, it seems that my journey in this world has finally begun!"

"S-sorry, but I didn't understand what you meant… Kazuma."

"Ahh~ Hearing you saying my name makes me nostalgic. Say more, say more!"

"...?", tilting her head in confusion, it seems like she really didn't understand.

But, it looks like I did things right this time.

Even though I was flustered at times, I practically moved everything correctly just using my head.

If this shitty power to die and go back in time is for me to take information and solve problems using it, I think I can get used to it in the future. Maybe a way to die instantly? There must be some kind of poison.

…I don't want to die, but if that's how this crap wants it, so be it. Kazuma-sama will be a hero here, and I will love showing off to everyone.

A mansion, money, fame, women, you just need to be strong. Little by little, everything will come to me.

I was summoned for this, after all...

Freeze

"A-ah…"

Break

As if the world froze, this is the second time Kazuma had the feeling that something big was about to happen.

There was time to look at Emilia's face, to look at Reinhard's back and... From the rubble, a figure appeared.

Bloodied, almost without strength, the black-haired woman seemed like a force against death.

Even with her arm broken, she managed to pull out the rest of the dagger she had between her fingers.

She is a demon.

Her eyes were covered in dirt and blood, but even so, she managed to face the first person she wanted to attack.

He didn't aim at Reinhard, or at Julius or Emilia. It was Kazuma that Elsa wanted.

It seems that she managed to hear what he said, and in revenge, she was going to give him the last blow.

In slow motion, the blade flew from his direction, potentially hitting his belly.

He didn't know what the intensity would be like if he hit, or even less if he would die at the moment of impact, however, in the adrenaline rush, he opened his mouth and screamed with all his strength, using the "trick up his sleeve" that he kept until the last moment.

Reaching out, in a split second, a blue projectile appeared—

"HUMA!"

The blade hit the projectile, causing it to ricochet and, instead of hitting Kazuma's stomach, it directly hit his foot. Lucky, but still unlucky.

"GAAAAHHHAAA!", falling to the floor in pain, his mind began to go blank.

The tiredness of using mana, more has foot pain, made his vision spin. The feeling was similar to stepping on black.

"K-Kazuma!" Emília shouted, catching him before he fell.

"Damn you…", Kazuma whispered.

The woman clicked her tongue. Seeing that all attention had returned to her, she jumped through the rubble and climbed onto one of the tall walls that were still standing.

Julius, seeing that he no longer had his sword, decided to point his hand, thinking about sending some inferior spirit. Already at the side, Reinaldo made a jump towards Elsa, using his hand as a weapon.

However, the woman was faster. It seems like she wanted to say something before leaving, but if she continued, she would definitely die. Jumping out of the loothouse, Reinhard thought about chasing her, but missed the opportunity.

"I will send a search convoy, Reinhars.", said Julius.

"Thank you.", realizing that he let her escape, he felt a little sad, but his attention soon turned to Kazuma.

I'm not going to die to a fucking iron in my foot, not even a damn thing!

It speeds up the process, I don't even want to faint! Help, help me!

Hell, I want a huge reward for all this, I was the final target on top of that!

Ahh… . I hope Felt is okay...

I hope to live in a mansion.

His mind slowly wavered, until finally he fell asleep due to the pain. Emilia at his side was always healing his wound.

It wasn't that big, but it was deep. A twisted blade that caught in the foot.

At least in the end, Satou Kazuma managed to save himself, and also save everyone. Even if his sacrifice was to render a foot useless.

A necessary pain…

The mind was gradually consumed by a kind of shadow.

A shadow that hugged him as if to protect him. It wasn't a desire to have him for himself, it was like a protective cloak.

It was hard to love Kazuma.

But, these shadows are here to protect you, how is that not love? Even though it's not in a romantic way, there is some feeling involved.

Any feeling I had before was gone.

Now, alone in this place, it seems like it was time for his mind to truly rest.

I'm going to be the greatest mage in this world.

Strong words, a big will.

It was possible to become someone strong.

Such great luck that it gave him the possibility of having affinity with all the elements, and having the grace of being loved by the spirits.

Kazuma Satou is truly someone lucky.

8

The Star

I thought today would be a calm day.

Even though the movement in the capital was huge, it was just an ordinary day. Help the princess into the carriage, and be her bodyguard. Even though our relationship is just that of master and servant, I am lucky that she allows me to follow her wherever I want…. Or would it be where she wants it?

"Why are these things always left for me? Sigh."

After walking for a few minutes among the crowds in the capital, I thought it was time to ask someone.

As a detective should work, Sherlock Holmes says that, to find the X of the clue, it is necessary to go back to the beginning.

And so, I went back to where she left my side, where I looked for the person who seemed most interesting to talk to.

I shouldn't be prejudiced, but most of them look like traders who forget people's faces easily.

It seems like my day was full of bad luck, what a shame.

Well, even though I was used to the princess's actions, I always had to act like the cat that hunted the mouse in the end. In the beginning, I had to find her like a lost child, otherwise I would be caught and kicked until I was left unconscious on the ground, even if it wasn't my fault.

When I find it in time, I don't even receive a repayment.

How unfair.

After looking at the person's faces, I decided to talk to a pink-haired maid. She seemed to be someone intelligent, at least her look gave that impression. If I'm not mistaken, he also appears to be a member of another camp, but I don't remember which one.

She also seemed worried, as if she was looking for someone else. It seems we are in the same situation.

Getting close, I raised my right hand. I didn't want to make a bad impression with my left hand, since most people say it's "ugly" or "weird" because it's of a different quality. You know, metal can also copy skin. The only problem is the fingers, which are a bit pointy, but the princess never criticized that. She says it's great for getting pieces of Appas.

"I need to ask something! Can you give me a hand?", laughing, I wish I had my hand back.

"...Hm.", she seemed to judge me with her look. "I can offer some information, it just depends on which one."

"It's only if you saw someone. You know, my princess always slips out of my hands when I'm not looking, and I, like a handsome knight, am always on the lookout for her."

There was a day when she fled inside the castle and walked to a nearby village. She built a huge shack and almost killed one of the residents. I had to stop the fight, and in the end I was almost sworn to death by them... At least in the end, the princess didn't hit me, at least a pat on my chest I don't consider aggression.

I don't think about what my life would be like if it were different from that. I got used to it after so long that I don't ask myself that anymore... After years in this strange world, certain things are just everyday life for you.

"It seems to me that she is trying to escape from you.", what a sharp tongue!

Am I such a strange person?

"Maybe that's it, but she always shouts my name when she needs to, so it's half and half." I also have some moments when she just calls me for nothing, as if she wanted to show power. "But then, she's a woman about that size, red hair like embers, crimson eyes, a red dress with black details, and… She usually carries a fan… And she also has a huge bust."

"...What unique descriptions. But I must say that I saw someone similar to your princess.", the maid pointed in the opposite direction. "It must be your lost child."

"I won't deny that she is sometimes, but you get used to it." Nodding my head, I waved goodbye. "Thanks for saying, maid!"

It looks like I'll be walking around the capital even more.

"...What a strange man."

Ignoring the comments, I continued through the crowd, trying to look for the princess.

When I was walking around the corner, I could hear the maid's name calling someone called Emilia.

That name… I think I've heard it at some point, but it shouldn't be important. Plus, I turned my head back, seeing the woman who appeared to be Emilia carrying a strange boy on her shoulders. He had clothes… No, it must just be crazy in my head.

"...Prisca, what have you gotten yourself into this time."

That was more or less what I've been experiencing these last few years.

A bodyguard, a knight, a summoned, an old man, a teenager whose life changed in the blink of an eye.

Even in this world, I received something that few know, a skill, something that has made me survive until now.

If Subaru Natsuki is alive until now, I owe it to my life, which I have always used as a weapon.

And I don't think about stopping using it, not after almost 15 years of doing so.