Chapter 5

Well, as I've mentioned before, I'm a half-breed.

From the Kingdom of Harperia and the Holy Kingdom of Sangre. A man and a woman from these two countries worked hard at night, and that's how I was born.

While the differences between the Harperians and the Sangreans aren't as stark as, say, white and black people in modern times, they are still quite noticeable.

Their facial features aren't that different, but the most obvious difference is their hair.

Some Harperians have hair as black as the night, while some Sangreans have hair as white as light. While not everyone is like this, black and white hair are easily distinguishable elements that can clearly differentiate the two ethnicities.

My appearance, with black hair and a few white streaks, loudly proclaims that I am a half-breed from Harperia and Sangre.

What do you think happens then?

The hint is: "Harperia and Sangre have a terrible relationship."

Did the good kids understand?

That's right, it's racial discrimination.

"Why is there a Sangrean in the guild?"

In the middle of the day at the guild, an unfamiliar male voice echoed clearly.

The man who spoke out loud what he could have kept silent in his monologue was probably doing it on purpose to let me hear.

"Probably a slave born to a Sangrean."

"Looking like an old man's hair."

"Ha ha ha."

They were a group of four new faces, but their equipment and demeanor suggested they weren't amateurs. They must have come to this city for some escort job.

But to single me out and insult me in the guild, in this city, is quite reckless.

I am indeed a half-Sangrean.

They are an enemy nation that we go to war with every few years. It's understandable that many people hold grudges. In fact, it's not uncommon for me to be picked on like this.

However, since the two countries share a long border, there is a history of interaction, and it's not as if there are no mixed-race individuals like me.

While my mixed heritage is clearly visible in my hair, there are quite a few half-breeds who manage to blend in and hide their origins.

So, to openly discriminate based on race in this city is, to put it mildly, a rather rash act. That's why...

"What's this, a lively new recruit? But the guild initiation seminar isn't today. Come back another day with the membership fee."

There are fights worth picking.

No matter what, it's not good to just take it and smile. While it's important to be charming to the public, fawning over fools like these can actually lose you respect.

I do a physical job. If I'm underestimated, I have to be ready to kill.

I was feeling refreshed after finishing the morning road cleaning and slurping down some disgusting oatmeal, but now it's all ruined.

I got up from my seat and made eye contact with the counter. The person there looked a bit annoyed but didn't try to stop me.

I guess they're saying, "Do as you please, it's your own responsibility." And I can feel a bit of pressure not to start a fight inside the guild. I wouldn't do it here anyway.

"Don't get cocky, you half-Sangrean. You're just a noob with a cheap sword."

"I've killed 56 Sangreans like you in the Twais Plains."

"Should I rip out that creepy white hair, huh?"

Come on, 56 is a bit of an exaggeration, right? What kind of squad leader are you? If you're that strong, what's with the copper accessory hanging from your neck?

"Let's not cause trouble here. If you want to fight, let's take it outside."

"Fine with me."

So, I went outside the guild with the four thugs.

"Die!"

The moment we stepped outside, a man who had been waiting on the side swung his fist.

Hey, that's cheating. Not only a group beating, but an ambush? You're really pumped up, aren't you?

"Huh, I thought you'd do that."

With a dull thud, my body rolled onto the curb.

The man's punch hit my cheek perfectly, catching me off guard and sending me flying.

Oh, I might have cut my mouth a bit...

"What's with this guy?"

"It... doesn't hurt as much as it looks... I mean, really..."

"Ha ha, you fools. Get him!"

"Right!"

Seeing my weakness, the men attacked all at once.

A full-on charge with no hesitation, much easier to handle than being surrounded and cautiously attacked.

"You bastards! Take this!"

"Ugh!"

I hit one in the gut with a punch to the stomach, knocking him out.

While the other three attacked, I dodged... well, I got hit but countered.

"Ow!?"

"What's with this guy, he's strong...!"

"Do you understand what it means to pick a fight with me, a mongrel!?"

"Ugh!"

I don't have any stylish techniques to dodge and counterattack.

So I allow myself to get hit a bit and use my magic-enhanced physical abilities to retaliate.

It hurts me too, but it hurts you more, right?

"Stop, stop... I'm sorry, I apologize..."

"Shut up, fool! You said you'd rip out my hair! I won't forgive you!"

"Yeeek!?"

I pulled out a bit of his bangs and headbutted him, taking down the first one.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"56 people? You're blowing it out of proportion! Lower your kill count, idiot!"

"Ugh!"

I hit the second one in the face, making sure to leave a nasty bruise.

"Help, help!"

"Don't think you'll be forgiven just because you ambushed me! You're a despicable scum!"

"Ow!?"

I broke the third one's fingers by hitting his hand, and he crumpled in pain.

"I'm sorry, we're sorry. We won't pick a fight with you anymore..."

"You mocked me."

"I'm sorry! I'm very sorry! I won't call you a Sangrean anymore!"

"You also mocked my bastard sword, didn't you!?"

"Wh-what!? No, I didn't... I didn't...!"

"Take this, bastard sword kick!"

"Ugh!"

I kicked the last leader in the stomach, finishing the job.

Ke, the clean road I just swept is now dirty.

"Never mock me or my bastard sword again."

I spat at the fallen men and quietly returned to the guild.

"You did well, mongrel. I was watching from outside. To stand up to four of them without flinching..."

"It hurts... It really hurts... Those guys were serious... An ambush is not okay..."

"Good job, Mr. Mongrel. Their mission evaluations weren't good, and they were known for their bad behavior. I'll take this into account and lower their ratings even more."

"Go ahead, Erena... Can I use the treatment room?"

"Sure, but you'll have to pay. You can pay later."

"I'll pay, please... Ow, ow, ow..."

This time, I showed my strength to some extent to send a message, but the pain isn't worth it.

If it happens again, I'll try to fight more stylishly and avoid getting hit...

"...Mongrel, aren't you going to get promoted?"

"Apparently not. He doesn't like the jobs he's assigned."

"Ha. What a waste of talent."