Chapter 4

By the way, the names of the characters are decided by rearranging the letters that come out when I randomly type on the keyboard.

Almatina's name took a bit of effort to decide.

As they walked through the forest for a while, the trees that had been densely packed gradually thinned out.

When they went a bit further, they saw a sign with an arrow pointing in the direction of the forest and some writing on it.

To their surprise, they could read the writing.

Even though it was written in the language of another world, it was as if they were reading Japanese.

The convenience of this world was starting to make them feel uneasy.

"→Dangerous Zone: Monster Forest Grues. Do not approach without permission."

A dangerous zone? Was I in such a place?

The name "Monster Forest" sounds like it's ready to kill anyone who steps in—no way.

"There's a road in the opposite direction of that arrow. If you follow it, you'll reach the town soon."

"Finally, we're out of the forest. It was really tough on my body, which isn't used to exercise."

"Even though you're a combat class, you're out of shape? Did you catch a cold and have to rest?"

I'm not a combat class. Probably. Apparently, it can't be determined.

"No, that's why I... I don't know."

"Huh? What don't you know?"

"My, my profession."

Saying it myself, isn't that just a NEET?

Look, Alma is giving off a vibe like 'What is this guy talking about?'

Her expression hasn't changed much, though.

"You look like an adult, but how old are you?"

"...25."

"Your profession is determined when you become an adult. You should have one. Don't you want to say it?"

"No, it's not that I don't want to, but I really don't know."

"...I see. Everyone has their reasons. I'm sorry for prying."

I ended up being treated with unusual consideration. What profession did they think I had...?

Hmm? Professions are determined when you become an adult?

Alma was displayed as 16 years old...

＜In this world, at the age of 15, one is recognized as an adult, and their profession is determined based on their skills and personal preferences.＞

Ah, I see.

I just thought of a question, and an explanation screen appeared automatically. Is this a tutorial function for newcomers to this world?

It appeared suddenly, so I was a bit surprised.

The road felt much easier to walk on compared to the pathless path in the forest.

I never thought that walking on a flat road could be so appreciated. I don't want to go back to that forest. Even if the path in the forest were flat, I still wouldn't want to go.

As they continued along the road, they could see a place surrounded by a wall.

That must be the nearest town.

"I can see it. That's the town I live in, [Dijel]."

"Wow! Finally, I can see the town!"

It's a shame that the wall blocks the view of the inside. It's probably for protection against monsters.

When they reached the gate, an armored soldier approached.

Even though I haven't done anything suspicious, I feel a bit nervous.

It's like the feeling of being questioned by the police.

"Oh, Almatina. You made it back safely."

"Yeah, no injuries."

"I see, that's good. By the way, who is this man?"

The soldier turned to me and asked.

Stay calm. Just tell the truth as it is.

"My name is Kajikawa Hikaru. I was surrounded by a group of goblins in the forest, and Almatina-san saved me. Since I had nowhere to go, she guided me to the town."

"The forest? You stepped into the Monster Forest! That's a dangerous zone!"

"When I woke up at night, I found myself in the forest."

"Were you abandoned? Where are you from?"

"I lived in a place called Japan. I don't even know if it's close or far from here."

"Japan... I've never heard of it. Wait here for a moment."

The soldier returned to the guardhouse.

Saying it myself, I sound suspicious.

Even if everything I say is true, I'm still a mystery.

"You can use polite language."

"...What do you think I am? Even a child can use polite language."

"Sorry, it's just different from what I imagined."

Do they think I'm the type who screams for help when surrounded by goblins and then goes berserk and kills them with a club? That's not a good image at all!

As I was thinking this, the soldier returned with someone.

An elderly man with a monocle and white hair. He looks like a scholar or something.

I checked his status.

Filsdaim

Age: 61

Race: Human

Profession: Appraiser

Status: Normal

[Stats]

HP (Health): 30/30

MP (Magic): 30/30

SP (Stamina): 30/30

STR (Strength): 58

ATK (Attack): 29

DEF (Defense): 30

AGI (Agility): 50

INT (Intelligence): 213

DEX (Dexterity): 129

PER (Perception): 70

RES (Resistance): 20

LUK (Luck): 98

[Skills]

Appraisal Lv10, Scribe Lv6

[Master Skills]

Truth Judgment

There are a few things that catch my attention.

First, there's no level displayed. Why is that?

＜Except for combat classes, humans with other professions do not have a base level concept.＞

So, even if I defeat monsters to level up, it's impossible because there's no level to begin with?

Well, with these stats, it would be difficult to defeat monsters anyway.

Why are INT and DEX so much higher compared to the others?

＜Except for combat classes, humans with other professions have a set limit on their stats. Specifically, ATK is half of STR, making it difficult to deal with monsters. However, stats without limits can be improved through personal effort without relying on leveling up.＞

What's that supposed to mean? In other words, non-combat classes are powerless against monsters.

That's a bit, no, very unnatural. What's the reason?

＜The reason is unknown according to the world's logic.＞

...I hope they don't plan to answer all my questions about the system with this response.

So, what's this [Master Skill]?

[Master Skill]

＜A skill obtained when a specific skill reaches its maximum level. It usually has a powerful effect compared to regular skills.＞

I see. It's a common feature in games.

So, what's this [Truth Judgment]?

[Truth Judgment]

＜A skill that can determine whether what is said or written is true or false. However, it is based on the person's perception, so there is a possibility of error due to personal bias.＞

...It's a skill for interrogations. It's indeed powerful.

I guess they'll use it when they start questioning me. I don't like that.

"Sorry for the wait. Before entering the town, we need to issue an appraisal certificate and an entry permit. For that, I need to ask you a few questions."

"Appraisal certificate?"

"Yes. It's a document summarizing your stats and slaying history. Haven't you heard of it?"

Well, stats are one thing, but slaying history? Like a kill log?

I don't have that feature in my menu. I'm a bit envious.

"I'm sorry, but in my hometown, we never checked our stats."

When I said that, the soldier looked at the appraiser, who only nodded slightly.

"...Your hometown seems quite different. I wonder how you manage to live there. Well, never mind. So, do you have any issues with issuing the documents?"

"Um, do I need to pay a fee?"

"Don't worry. There's no need for a fee to enter and exit the town. Thanks to that, many traveling merchants visit, but occasionally, there are those with ill intentions."

"I see. Then, I'll leave it to you."

The old appraiser took out two sheets of paper from his pocket.

Eh, are they going to write the appraisal results here? Wouldn't it be easier on a desk?

Before I could think more, the paper in the appraiser's hand began to glow, and words appeared.

Oh? Is that a skill?

＜Appraisal Skill Lv2: [Appraisal Projection] - Can transfer appraisal results to paper.＞

So, the appraisal skill has both scanner and printer functions. It's convenient for keeping records.

The appraiser and the soldier are checking the appraisal results. Is there no privacy here? Well, I also checked the status without permission (two prior offenses).

Both of them widened their eyes, made subtle faces, and finally looked at me with a mix of pity and suspicion.

Yes, my profession is unknown, and all my stats are zero. What's the problem?

Skills? I don't have any! Damn it.

"...Is this really correct? Your stats are lower than a baby's."

"Yes, I know. I can't believe it myself. There's no sign of tampering or concealment. This seems to be normal."

"Unknown profession, almost all stats are just 2. And the skill section says 'unobtainable.' Are you under a curse?"

Hey, wait, what did you just say?

The stats increased to 2 because the base level went up, but what about the skills? Unobtainable? What?

"Your status is normal. It's not a curse. This seems to be the norm. What is this? Let's check the slaying history."

"1 Kobold, 2 Goblins! Hey, you! Did you kill monsters in that forest!?"

"Ah, yes. It was a fluke."

"Fluke? How can you kill a monster with these stats!?"

"Um, well..."

First, I explained the situation when I killed the Kobold.

I sensed something and climbed a tree → The Kobold also climbed → I almost fell and grabbed the Kobold's neck → We fell together → I hit my butt hard. The Kobold died.

...Hey, old man, don't look away, raise the corners of your mouth, and shake your shoulders. Talking to you makes me want to die. Damn it.

And Alma, stop shaking your body while maintaining a blank expression! Just laugh already!

Up until this point, it was just a funny story, but when I mentioned killing the Goblins, the soldier and the appraiser's expressions changed.

"Mr. Filsdaim, was there any falsehood in the previous account?"

"No, he's telling the truth."

"But how can he punch down a Goblin with these stats? What's going on?"

"Maybe he's from a strange place and has some unknown power we don't know about. It's hard to explain here, so let's just confirm before entering the town."

"Ha, ha."

The appraiser looked me straight in the eye and spoke.

"Kajikawa, why did you come to this town?"

"...I have nowhere to go, so I thought I'd think about what to do next after being guided to the town."

"Do you have any intention of causing harm to the residents of this town?"

"No, I don't. However, I can't rule out the possibility of self-defense if I get involved in trouble."

"...I see. Alright, I'll issue the permit. Let's prepare the procedures."

Wow, that was quick. Isn't the verification a bit too casual? But it helps me.

"Is it okay? Honestly, there are too many mysterious points..."

"We confirmed, and there's no one who has caused significant problems in this town. It's fine."

"...I understand. I'll get the permit."

The soldier returned to the guardhouse.

It seems they judged it to be fine. That's good.

Oh, right. Since the appraiser is here, I have something I want to confirm.

"Um, excuse me, I have a question. Is it okay?"

"Hm, what is it?"

"...I have no money, and I want to sell some items. Is there a place where I can sell them?"

"It depends on the item. What do you want to sell?"

"Herbs and a few Ef fruits. I picked them before dawn, so they should be fresh."

"Ho, let me see."

He appraised the herbs and Ef fruits.

From the look of it, there seems to be no problem with the quality.

"Would you like to buy them? Ah, I don't need the forest ginger. It's too strong and can only be used for herbal medicine."

Forest ginger... I'll use it for cooking. Don't be sad, forest ginger.

"That would be very helpful. How much would you pay for them?"

"Shouldn't the seller decide the price? I'm an appraiser, you know."

No, I want you to tell me a reasonable price because you're an appraiser.

...Menu, do you know the market price?

＜If the item has been picked within half a day, the market price is:

12 Shiso fruits: 1200 En

3 Large Sesame pods: 1500 En

5 Ef fruits: 50,000 En

Total: 52,700 En＞

Ah, you know the market price. And the currency unit is En. It seems to have a bit of a Japanese flavor.

...What? Ef is so expensive!? 10,000 En per fruit!?

＜Wild, freshly picked Ef fruits are difficult to obtain unless requested by the Adventurer's Guild. In some regions, they can be worth several times more.＞

Wow. I wish I had picked more.

But I don't regret giving some to Alma at all. No, really.

"Considering the freshness,

12 Shiso fruits: 1200 En

3 Large Sesame pods: 1500 En

5 Ef fruits: 50,000 En

Total: 52,700 En

How does that sound?"

I repeated the market price from the menu. Copy-paste? Yes, but what's the problem?

Actually, I could have asked for a higher price to encourage negotiation, which might have resulted in a better deal, but since the appraiser is the buyer, I don't want to anger him and risk having the permit revoked. I'll just accept a slightly lower price after negotiation.

"...How did you decide the price without the appraisal skill?"

"...I can tell the approximate market price just by looking."

Ah, close call. I almost said, "We sold them for this price in my hometown," but I can't lie to this old man.

If he finds out about the menu, it might cause more trouble, so I'll avoid lying and keep the important details hidden.

"Well, that's fine. The quality seems good, so I'll buy them at that price."

"Eh? Ah, thank you."

Wow, it was decided without negotiation.

I was prepared for a 30% discount.

Maybe it was good that I didn't ask for a higher price?

Then, the appraiser took out his wallet, ...is that a wallet? It's so ornate that the contents might be less valuable than the wallet itself.

He took out gold, silver, and copper coins and handed them to me.

＜The value of the currency is:

Platinum coin: 1,000,000 En

Large gold coin: 100,000 En

Gold coin: 10,000 En

Silver coin: 1,000 En

Copper coin: 100 En

Small copper coin: 10 En

Stone coin: 1 En＞

I see. It appeared automatically again. It's helpful, but it's a bit surprising.

After receiving the money, I handed over the fruits and herbs.

"Thank you. This will help me get by for now."

"That's good. I don't often get such fresh Ef fruits. I'm looking forward to eating them."

"Ah, before you eat them, it's better to use 5 or more MP. If your MP is not reduced, it can cause an oversupply."

"Don't worry. I used some for the appraisal projection, so I'm actually short on MP."

"Oh, I see. Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize. I used it for work. Ah, by the way, here's a copy of the appraisal certificate. Here."

I received one of the appraisal papers.

The content is almost the same as my menu display.

Kajikawa Hikaru

Lv2

Age: 25

Race: Human

Profession: ERROR (Undetermined)

Status: Normal

[Stats]

HP (Health): 10/10

MP (Magic): 5/5

SP (Stamina): 0/3

STR (Strength): 2

ATK (Attack): 2 (+2)

DEF (Defense): 2 (+5)

AGI (Agility): 2

INT (