V1C2 Part1

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Part 1

Lingering thoughts.

You often see it in video games and anime – these fragments of thoughts that remained in this world.

It’s plausible. It wouldn’t be weird if that was the case; it is a fantasy world after all.

Anyway, since I’m already here anyway, I might as well accept their request.

However-

“Why would the Demon race’s lingering thoughts choose me?”

“Because you chose your own path.”

…What’s that supposed to mean?

“Even though you just arrived in this world, you questioned the words of those who had a position of authority. You did not show fear towards us and instead tried to gather information calmly.”

“I’m new to this world, of course I’d want to know more about it.”

“That’s not all. In spite of losing a place to belong, you didn’t go off in a panic. You held no prejudice against any race. Even when you get information, you don’t take it in face value and give careful thought about it.”

“That’s just a matter of course, isn’t it?”

“Why were you even kicked out by the King in the first place?”

“I kept on asking about the working conditions.”

“Wasn’t it just shortly after you were summoned? What compelled you to do such a thing?”

“I thought that that was the only time I could do so…” I just went by instinct; the King’s request was too shady after all.

It’s why I was persistent in fishing for information. If they couldn’t meet my expectations, I was fine with being thrown out.

Besides, we, who came from another world were given special skills. At that time, the King still didn’t know what kind of skill I had. Should the King try and harm me in any way, and I happen to have a strong combat skill… Well, I had some counter-measures should he have attempted, but there’s still a possibility that it would turn into a bloodbath. If that does happen, it’ll definitely make the other ‘visitors’ upset.

He couldn’t risk that, so he just quickly sent me away, and gave me some compensation. I, in turn, allowed myself to get kicked out to show that I had no intention of turning hostile. Also, I relentlessly asked for information because I wanted to appear ignorant to them; make them think that I’m like a harmless creature that’d die quickly even if they left me alone.

“Amazing, you even thought that far ahead.” – Astarte hummed, as if impressed – “Both of you read the other’s intentions and acted on your best interests, and this was the result huh? And you, you didn’t care at all whether you got the information or not did, you? It was definitely the best course of action at that time. Truly amazing.”

“You’re giving me too much credit.”

“It seems that our decision of leaving our most beloved daughter to you was not an error in our judgment.”

It’s kinda embarrassing being complimented so directly. I mean, all I did was escape some shady job.

“Besides, if you’re worried about remaining an outsider in this world, then being with Cecyl won’t change it at all.”

“We might die as soon as you leave us.”

“If possible, it is my hope that you would help each other since you’re kindred spirits. We are not saying to take care of her for all your life. All we ask is that you at least purchase her. Instead of leaving her at the hands of someone with prejudice against demons, it is far better for her to become a comrade of a visitor.”

“And in exchange, you’ll teach me about my skill?”

“Yes. It should be able to help you out. In a world where swords, magic, power, and contracts rule, you would not be able to survive without understanding your skill.”

“…you’re right.”

The difference of knowing what my unique skill does or not knowing is the difference between life and death. Astarte teaching me about how to use it will actually help me a lot. Since we’re making a contract, it also means that Astarte can’t teach me any false information.

“So just to clarify, you know about my skill in great detail and you’re prepared to teach me about it right?”

“Of course. By the time we disappear, you will have received all the information about your skill. In return, with the money that you get from the skill, you will promise to buy Cecyl. She will probably be in that store for a few more days. She’s hiding the fact that she is a demon and led them to believe that she’s a dark elf. She’s being sold for 120,000 Arshe and is apparently a cheap price for a slave.”

“It’s not as easy as you say.” So a Contract huh…

In other words, Astarte will teach me about my skill and I have to free the girl. No. Wait. Isn’t this as shady as the King’s?

It’s fine if the girl will be there until I made enough money, but what if someone else buys her? Am I supposed to chase after her forever? Well that’s a Contract for ya.

“Hmm…” In short, I have to learn how to use [Skill Structure] by myself, for my own good.

I’ve done that before.

Back then, I used to make indie games in between jobs as a hobby. I had thought that if after high school I didn’t have any skills, I’d be brought in by a shady company. I loved games, and learning about programs and systems were fun. Also, if you made a game and it garnered some positive reactions, then it will be good on your track record. Who knows it might even lead you to be hired by one of those dream jobs.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. The app garnered a really bad reputation and even got roasted so badly on the site I put up.

Back to the matter at hand, it should be just the matter of understanding how the skill’s system works. I’ll take a crack at it to see if I can figure it out, if I can’t wrap my head around it, then I’ll do that Contract with Astarte.

Let’s activate [Skill Structure] again.

Once a window appeared, I set [Smash] on it.

[Smash: Lvl 1](1) A skill that <Deals> <Powerful Damage> to <Low-Leveled Monsters>.N/AN/A

The same words were once again displayed on the screen, but there was still some space left in the window. So what will happen if I set another skill there? Let’s get you over here! [Cleaning: Lvl 1]!

[Smash: Lvl 1](1) A skill that <Deals> <Powerful Damage> to <Low-Leveled Monsters>.[Cleaning: Lvl 1](2) A skill that <Neatly Cleans Up> a <Room> with <Cleaning Tools>.

Alright, I can set it.

…I don’t know how but, I can somewhat understand it.

This [Skill Structure] can let me pick apart the contents of this skill. In other words, you can see the [Skill Formulation], or what makes up a skill.

Disassembling, deconstructing… It should stand to reason that I can reassemble them as well. Supposing that I replace the contents of the skill what would happen?

I reach out my finger to the window with anticipation.

I was right. I can move <Low-Leveled Monsters> and <Neatly Cleans Up>.

If that’s the case, how about I do this!

(1) A skill that <Neatly Cleans Up> <Low-Leveled Monsters> with <Cleaning Tools>.(2) A skill that <Deals> <Powerful Damage> to a <Room>.

“[Skill Structure], execute!” I press the execute button on the window.

The restructured skills will be changed.

I see now! Alright!

Let me put it this way, if you break down what goes in curry, it’d be roughly comprised of <Meat and Vegetables>, <Curry Roux>, and <Water>. If you replace the <Curry Roux> with <Soy Sauce and Sugar>, you’ll instead make Meat and Potato Stew.

It’s a skill that rewrites skills. That’s the true nature of [Skill Structure].

Now as for the result, [Skill Structure] produced two skills.

[Monster Sweep: Lvl 1] Blows away surrounding low-leveled monsters using cleaning tools. (R|Rare)[Architectural Smash: Lvl 1] Deals powerful damage on the walls and interior of a room. Destructible surfaces: <Brick> <Wooden Walls>. (R|Rare)

When I reconstructed the skills, it seems that they were remade into rare skills. But… what even are these skills? Can they even be used? I thought I nailed it the first time too…

Oh well, I’ll just have to save money for now and try it next time when I’m able to buy other skills.

“Sorry about that Astarte, looks like I didn’t even need you to teach me.”

“…That certainly is too bad.”

“I’ve always been good at this kind of thing.”

“It seems I’ve been underestimating your capabilities. Who were you in your original world?”

“I’m just a student. However, I was worked hard to the bone by shady jobs.” Living a life without parents made me live a hard life. All I had in my life were my jobs. For entertainment, I had games; if I had a phone on me, I could play simple, free games.

Afterwards, I got a second-hand computer, wherein I made my aforementioned indie games; it was just a way for me to get some skills to survive, because I learned from doing all those shady jobs that if you didn’t have any knowledge or skills, you were only going to be used by someone.

“But, I didn’t really have a good sense in making games.”

“I don’t really understand but, what is it that you made?”

“So in the game I made, I put a character creation with 260 parameters that you’re given free reign to mess around with. Afterwards, you had to pick what elemental attribute you wanted among earth, wind, fire, and water. You had to distribute points, in which there was up to 690 different ways to set up in terms of parameters such as, attack and defense power, agility, toughness, there’s even kindness. After all that, the final step was creating magic and skills and then Game Start.

“When you first meet the king, you’re tasked to see through the 16 lies that the other party made, and should you fail, you would then be dropped off to an area with high-leveled monsters. When you’re trying to invite party members, I set up some dating sim-like settings like, choices, events, and even favorability ratings. I even made it free, but people still roasted and flamed me on the internet…”

“…you had your own share of hardships too didn’t you, other worlder?”

“It’s whatever, since it’s a story of the past.” I say as I release a sigh. “Leaving that aside, I’m sorry that I can’t make the Contract now, Astarte.”

“There’s no need to dwell on it, it can’t be helped.”

“Thanks though, for giving me information about this world.” I stood up and brushed the dirt off my pants. Sitting the whole time made my butt sore.

Anyway, I’ve decided what to do from now on. I’m going to go for a normal, happy life.

To that end, I’d definitely need someone with information; someone who knows this world, and who can bridge the gap between me and this world. I need a companion that I can trust, so it’s better if I know about that person to a degree.

“Hey Astarte, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to but, would you know what the market price is for skills?”

“Hmm? Oh yes, there are plenty of common skills that range from 10 to 100 Arshe. Uncommon skills can go for a thousand. Rare skills can vary in price, it can go for ten thousand, and can go up to even one million for some of the more expensive ones.” Astarte answered with a smooth voice.

I was right after all.

He’s a pretty nice guy.

I thought he’d be scary because of his race being named as “Demon”, but I was wrong. There was no reason for him to continue supplying me with information since we didn’t make a Contract in the end.

He could’ve left me to find another guy, but still he remained and gave me information like a good Samaritan.

My previous boss from my old world was awful in comparison. Whenever I asked on how to do something, he would always yell back, “Figure it out yourself!” and whenever I did, he would yell, “That’s not how I do it!” in the end. Whenever I proved that my way was better or right, he’d say, “Wipe that smug look off your face!” Astarte, in comparison, is way more decent.

In this world, or rather, even since before in my old world, I haven’t met someone who I feel I can trust in such a long time. It’s a shame that it was just a lingering thought too.

“I’ll ask again just to make sure but, a rare skill can sell from ten thousand to a million, that’s what you said right?”

“Yes, I did, what about it?”

“And the price of that girl you said was 120,000 Arshe, is that right?”

“Yes, I, did, but… You mean-!?” You’re dense my guy, you didn’t pick up on it at all, Astarte?

Why did you think I used my [Skill Structure] just now? It was all for that.

I opened the door to the slave shop. There was a bearded little man by the entrance. Could he be the slave trader? Oh well. I’m a customer right now, so let’s try acting like a big deal.

“Lad, I have a girl I want to acquire.” I said to the slave trader. “She’s named Cecyl. She has brown skin, long ears, and a small stature; she’s the most beautiful girl in this store. I’m in a hurry, so could you bring her to me?”

I can’t help it, I have to do this.

Astarte has shown me the ways of this world: about Contracts, how you can make a deal with almost anything in this world. Knowing about these things makes a huge difference to when I was ignorant.

Before Astarte even made a Contract, he taught me the rules of making one instead of going straight to making a Contract. He’s a stark contrast to the King who didn’t even try answering my questions.

Astarte freely gave me information – in other words, he’s trustworthy.

The same Astarte introduced himself to me – in other words, he’s the closest person I can call an acquaintance.

That’s why I’m convinced, the most suitable person to be my companion and source of information of this world is Cecyl Pharott.

I don’t really know much about how Demons are being discriminated against, nor do I care whether Astarte is a ghost or a lingering thought. Those are non-issues. What I do know is that Astarte’s relative is locked up and I won’t just leave her alone.

That’s why I’ll go save her.

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