Chapter 4

It was around the time the sun was setting when we finally arrived at the town.

I felt that I had taken extra time because I had struggled with the unfamiliar forest path. I already felt like I was imposing on them, and I felt even more apologetic for the added trouble.

I am not usually someone who exercises.

If I had been in my original body, I would have definitely collapsed halfway through.

However, this young woman's body was tireless, and it was a great help. It was awkward to ask for a rest after being guided so kindly.

As soon as we arrived in town, Ralph bought me a pair of shoes. I had started to get used to walking barefoot, but he probably thought it would look too shabby to walk around the town like that.

That was not all he had prepared. He even arranged a place for me to stay for the night.

Incidentally, it was a single room, and he apparently was not staying here. I wondered how much he had paid and whether I could ever repay him. Being continuously given things unilaterally was also a source of anxiety.

I sat on the bed, opened my notebook, and picked up a writing instrument. I intended to jot down what Ralph had taught me today before I forgot. These items, of course, were also provided by him. The thought made my stomach ache, and I probably wasn't cut out for this kind of life.

First, the place where I am now. It is a city called Oranz in the country of Independent Commercial City-State Plain, located slightly to the south of the Northern Continent. The streets leading to the inn were lively, and the market vendors' calls were energetic. It felt like being in a Japanese festival or a bustling shopping district, which was very enjoyable.

In Japan, with the increase of supermarkets and department stores, traditional shopping districts have significantly decreased, so this kind of scene felt nostalgic.

Plain is a country governed by a council of merchants and the nobles of the Adventurer's Guild. Therefore, it is the most free in this region, and what matters most is one's ability.

A bit to the west is the Theocratic State of Legion. It was fortunate that I didn't have to go there, as I had no idea which way was which. Religious countries often have strict rules, and an unintended action could be fatal.

Further north is the massive Descent Kingdom, and to the south is the militarily powerful Duchy of Dotthardt. I intended to read more about these places in books later.

Now, I need to make a living in this country, which means I need a job. In this world, there is a profession that anyone can become by registering, regardless of their status.

It is called an adventurer.

According to Ralph, if I can use magic, I won't go hungry. Apparently, I have a striking appearance, and he warned me that I could attract unwanted attention. He suggested becoming an adventurer, completing jobs, and finding a patron as soon as possible. Alternatively, I should actively use magic to demonstrate my strength to others.

As someone without a proper identity and lacking the confidence to survive in the chaotic underworld, I asked him to guide me to the Adventurer's Guild. He accepted without any complaints and said he would come to pick me up in the morning.

As a token of gratitude, I clasped my hands and bowed in the direction Ralph had left.

By the way, adventurers start at level 10 and become stronger as the number decreases. However, level 1 is not the highest; there are also S-rank adventurers, who are described as monstrous beings.

At level 1, adventurers are already at a level that can influence cities and countries, so S-rank adventurers are beyond imagination.

They are said to have performed legendary feats, such as destroying an entire army, slaying a dragon, or assassinating and replacing a king. It is best to avoid them.

The S-rank adventurer class is designed to give names and privileges to these formidable individuals and to keep them on a short leash. In other words, the highest practical rank for an adventurer is level 1.

I was given the names and nicknames of a few S-rank adventurers, so I wrote them down to remember. If I ever hear these names, I decided to pretend I didn't hear anything and quickly lock myself in my house. If these names ring a bell, they are not much different from wanted criminals in my mind.

I also learned a few things about magic. Ralph cannot use magic, but he is quite knowledgeable about it.

Apparently, there are people who are suited to using magic and those who are not.

If I couldn't use magic in this new world, I would have been terribly disappointed.

I felt secretly excited that I could use magic, even though I felt apologetic toward Ralph, who cannot.

He is quite knowledgeable despite not being able to use magic. He has accumulated a lot of knowledge because he might have to fight against magic users.

Magic involves manipulating the magical elements that permeate the world to create various phenomena. There is little that is definitively known, and while there are different attributes, it varies from person to person which attribute they are good at.

However, common spells have names, and they are activated by chanting and then declaring the name of the spell.

It's a very clear explanation, and I appreciate it.

However, if that's the case, what was the magic I used earlier? I didn't chant, and I didn't say the name. That's probably why Ralph thought I was a great magic user and was being so kind to me.

Until I understand more, I will pretend to chant in a low, inaudible voice before using magic.

I also learned that the number of spells a magic user can use determines their title, and even adventurers who excel in close combat can use magical elements in battle.

As I wrote down what I had learned, I wondered when was the last time I had so eagerly sought knowledge. When was the last time I had been pushed to work hard to make a living?

I have been a single noble for a long time.

I had long since given up on strongly pursuing anything or working hard for what I wanted. I had just been living, eating what I wanted, and being consumed by the entertainment provided to me.

Because of this, I have almost no attachment to my original world.

A sigh was drawn into the ceiling of the inn.

Perhaps the reason I didn't panic much when I was suddenly thrown into another world and another body is because of this.

Once I became aware of it, my past life seemed very insignificant, and I felt oddly sad.