Chapter 32

"I'm back."

"Welcome home. You must be tired."

Tishia greets me.

"Is there anything I can help with?"

"It's fine. Take it easy."

She replies kindly. Since a lot has happened today, I decide to indulge a bit.

Perhaps because it was late, the two of them returned soon.

"The forest really gets wild after the rain. There was nothing caught."

Though there were no big catches, he held two plump pheasants in his hands.

"Welcome back. Are you alright?"

He seems quite tired, so I ask.

"The path was bad, and the tracks of the prey were lost. It's a tough job."

He answers with a tired smile.

"Cheer up, Dad. I'll make something delicious."

Today, because the hunt was late, the pheasants hadn't been processed yet.

"Can I help with the processing?"

"No, it's fine. We'll do it together. It'll be quick."

While the food is being prepared, I check the equipment and wash the clothes. The machete, which I had only rinsed and wiped, still had blood on the handle. Since the blade wasn't damaged enough to need sharpening, I just cleaned it with a damp cloth and dried it. The clothes, however, had blood from the slash at the neck, so I washed them thoroughly. Just as I was hanging them out to dry, Riz informed me that dinner was ready.

Dinner was pheasant and boar burgers, a milk stew with organs and leafy vegetables, and bread. The pheasant, which should have been a bit dry, was delicious when combined with the boar's fat. I thought the organs might be a bit gamey, but the sweetness of the vegetables and the aroma of the herbs made them quite palatable.

"A grade 7 job, huh. Even with the guild's support, I'm a bit worried."

Asto frowns and mutters.

"Three grade 7s will be with me, and slimes aren't that aggressive, so there's no need to worry."

"Is that so?"

I wanted to think for a bit, so I cleared the dishes and returned to my room.

I collapsed on the bed and reflected on everything.

Well, the administrator's intentions are unclear, but I was sent to this world. I've never really lived seriously, just playing games since my student days, which is why I have this pot belly. I complained about being a corporate slave, but as a leader, I only had eight subordinates, including temps. My job was mostly progress management and listening to complaints. When things got really bad, I had to handle everything myself. I couldn't quit, given the economic downturn and the fear of not finding another job. My wife left me because I was a wimp.

Since coming to this world, I've relied on the knowledge my grandfather taught me and a bit of luck. I would have died if just one thing had gone wrong. Meeting a god didn't give me an invincible body; it just confirmed that I was allowed to live here. The power I received is like a one-shot deal that would knock me out. It probably can't even penetrate a thick piece of metal.

The room gradually darkened.

I'm scared.

Knowledge cheat? I can't even grasp the current situation, so I don't know what will happen. I can't take responsibility. Even a hand pump could be a strategic resource, depending on how it's used. Knowledge can kill. I just wanted to test human rationality, betting my life on it.

I'm scared.

I killed three bipeds with just a machete. This isn't a game. 'Bravery' is just adrenaline. I'm just numb from fear. When the effect wears off, this is what I am. No one knows, but my hands still feel covered in blood, no matter how many times I wash them.

I'm scared.

The power I got from the administrator seems like a cheat, but it's just 'like' one. There's no manual, no limits, and I don't even know if it's truly on my side.

I'm scared.

After graduating from a third-rate university, I've been an IT laborer. I've been pitifully clinging to the knowledge my grandfather taught me. I have no idea how this world works or what will happen next.

I'm scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared.

Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared. Scared.

I feel like screaming from fear. I want to go back to my mundane life, complaining about work, playing games, drinking, and being with family and friends.

But.

But.

Suddenly, the room brightens.

I don't love her. I don't even like her.

Her bright ash-gold hair.

Ah, I love her.

Her vivid, moist blue eyes.

Damn it!

I saved her even when I was on the brink of death. Ah, I love her. I pretended to live calmly even when I was on the verge of death. But with this, I can't lie. I loved her from the bottom of my heart.

"So, I'll live here, now."

Suddenly, I see Riz's face.

"Huh? What's wrong, Riz?"

"I knocked, but there was no answer. I was worried."

She gently wraps her arms around my neck and presses her forehead against mine.

"Hey?"

"What?"

"You had a man's face."

She whispers, blushing.

Ah, I can't help but laugh from the bottom of my heart.

"Hahaha."

"Hey, what's so funny? I'm not satisfied."

That's right, that's it.

Even if I'm a pot-bellied, knowledge-less, weak, and just a salaryman, I'm a man.

<From the Skill 'Acquisition': The conditions for the Skill 'Acquisition' have been met. 'Bravery' 1.00. The relevant skill has been integrated.>

I hear a voice from 'Acquisition.' How unromantic.

In times like this, one word is enough.

"Riz, I love you. I won't let you go. Forever."