Chapter 4

The moment our eyes met, a chilling presence enveloped me, causing me to shiver. Is this what they call killing intent...? My body feels heavy, but I don’t take my eyes off the opponent.

We both readied our weapons, but it seems the other side has no intention of making the first move; they are just observing me. This is a training session, so it’s natural for them to assess my skills before giving guidance.

The killing intent remains, but I can’t just stand here. I’ve never fought before, and I became an adventurer, yet I can’t say that. I anticipated this situation and chose to become an adventurer.

I swing my sword, as if imitating what I’ve seen in anime, and make the first move.

...Yeah.

There’s such a huge gap in our abilities... Honestly, it’s not even a matter of where to improve.

When I attack, I’m easily blocked by a shield, and a counterattack comes. At first, they stopped just short of hitting me, but from the second time onward, I get hit in the stomach or arm. They’re holding back, so it’s not painful enough to immobilize me.

While receiving attacks multiple times, I gradually change my movements, taking a step back to prepare for the next attack or raising my shield. However... the heavy attacks make my hands numb. Actually, this part was the hardest.

They don’t chase me when I put some distance between us, probably to assess my skills... but they’re too strong for me to be a match.

Continuing to keep my distance would make the training session meaningless. I attack again. I don’t just swing my sword randomly; I use slashes and techniques, but they only hit the defended parts, and they have no effect. I can’t land a counterattack either.

Their speed seems higher, but they’re intentionally taking a defensive stance and receiving my attacks. All my attacks are either blocked or deflected.

Even when I lose my balance, they don’t attack, probably because they know that even a single direct hit would knock me out.

This is what it means to be unable to fight back. I learned that to exchange blows, one needs a certain level of skill.

After about 15 minutes, I was told, "That’s enough," and I sat down on the spot.

It’s tough.

I attacked many times, but it was all meaningless. If I fight like this, I’ll die in a real battle.

My body feels cold and starts to tremble... I don’t want to die.

"Hmm... You don’t have any combat experience, right?"

"No, I don’t."

"I see... Your form isn’t bad. You’re using techniques properly. You’re better than the previous foreigners who were overconfident with their strong techniques. You’re weaker, though."

"I aimed to survive rather than be strong..."

To say I’m weak means you’ve fought before.

If you’ve fought foreigners... does that mean you were there when they were captured and thrown into prison? If I do something, will I end up the same way?

No, but since you’re giving me this training, you’re a good person as long as I don’t cause trouble.

Probably.

If you didn’t hold back, I would have been a rag doll lying around somewhere.

But... but...

You don’t have to say it so bluntly. I know it already.

Before my level went up... if I’m this bad, I need to reconsider my approach.

If being an adventurer is too difficult, I need to consider other paths.

"Do all foreigners lack combat experience?"

"...I don’t know. I never fought anyone in my original world, but some people practice martial arts as a hobby. Some countries... are at war. Some people take up the profession to protect their country... I don’t know what kind of people come here."

I was born in a peaceful era. I never had to fight. I never experienced violence.

But my grandparents and great-grandparents’ generation fought in wars.

In some countries, military service is mandatory even now.

If asked, I don’t know the answer. I have no information about anyone else.

"Hmm... Why did you choose to become an adventurer?"

"Without information about this world, I didn’t know what else I could do. When I was suddenly sent to another world... I tried to acquire skills that seemed necessary... I think everyone has different goals..."

"Acquiring skills... What skills do you have?"

"Um... Swordsmanship 1, Martial Arts 3, Water Magic 1, Light Magic 1, and..."

As I listed my skills and magic, the wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

Did I say something strange?

The instructor made a stop gesture with his palm, and I nodded and fell silent. Scratching his head, which seems to be his habit when he’s troubled...

"Don’t tell anyone else that, okay?"

"Eh?"

His scary expression and voice made me take a step back, and I nodded rapidly. The atmosphere feels tense... I’m really scared. I’m a coward, so I want you to stop.

We’re only talking because this is a training session, and he’s doing his job. He’s tall, well-built, and has a tough look, so I wouldn’t approach him otherwise.

Since I put some distance between us, he sighed and returned to a normal expression, beckoning me over. Yeah... I understand that we need to be closer to talk, but I was really scared, so please forgive me.

"Got it? Skills aren’t something you can easily acquire. It’s impossible for someone without combat experience to suddenly have a skill at level 3."

"Ah, yes."

"An adventurer can’t survive without combat skills. But the skills needed to become an adventurer aren’t easy to acquire. You need to raise your proficiency and level before you can learn them. And those who can use magic become mages, and those who can use swords become swordsmen... It’s rare to be able to do both from the start."

"Right..."

I’ve heard that. Specializing in certain stats makes you stronger. A swordsman who can use magic is mediocre. I understand that specializing in one area is the right approach.

"Huh?"

"Ah, um..."

"If you’re hesitating to talk to me because you’re wary, you don’t have to force yourself. I won’t report everything you say. I’m the only one here. I’ll help you with what you don’t understand. That’s the purpose of this training, right?"

Indeed. I can’t just leave things unclear.

Honestly, it’s easier to trust people to some extent and talk to them rather than treating everyone as an enemy. Since I’m just lucky to have this training, I feel it’s better to trust this person and talk to him.

"Um... I also thought that specializing in skills makes you stronger. But that means... you need someone to cover your weaknesses."

"Yeah, that’s right. Most parties are formed with roles like tanks and attackers to efficiently defeat monsters."

"For me, it’s too difficult... Working in a group and fulfilling roles is a high bar... If I make a mistake... my limbs shrink... I want to survive on my own without causing responsibility... but I also want friends in daily life... That’s my personal hope."

Lacking communication skills makes things really tough.

I have a fragile mentality, so I get discouraged easily. I’m sorry. Even if I know someone is good, it can be tough. And when I realize they’re being considerate, I feel guilty, and my stomach hurts.

In conclusion, I don’t want to form a party.

If there’s a kind person who says it’s okay to fail, I’ll try, but in a world where one mistake can mean death, I understand that’s not realistic.

"...I see. So, you chose Light Magic to be able to heal yourself. Specializing too much can leave you vulnerable to special monsters. I think it’s a good idea to have skills for other roles if you’re working alone."

"Yes."

At least, I wasn’t outright rejected.

If he had said I was wrong, I would have been really worried.

I thought he was a musclehead, but he seems to be more flexible-minded.

"First, abilities and skills can be divided into passive skills, which are always active, and active skills, which you need to consciously activate."

"Um... That’s a bit hard to understand."

"Huh? I’m not good at explaining... But you, who have never fought before, somehow knew how to move when using a sword to attack, right?"

"Um, yes, I guess?"

At first, I didn’t know. But as I continued the training, I gradually understood how to swing the sword and move my feet.

Well, I learned desperately because random attacks hurt a lot.

There was no time to think about anime movements. After attacking, I had to dodge to the side or take a step back based on the opponent’s movements, or it would hurt... Even with holding back, pain is still pain.

"Skills like Swordsmanship and Martial Arts allow your body to move to some extent. These are passive skills. Techniques like <Smash> that you used during the training are active skills. They’re also called techniques."

"I see?"

"Passive abilities are rare, but it’s beneficial to remember them. I think it was a good choice to acquire them."

"Um, abilities, not skills?"

"Even with Martial Arts at level 3 and no combat experience, you couldn’t have moved like that. You must have something, right?"

"Eh?"

Is it <Intuition>?

But I feel it’s better not to say... Should I try to cover it up?

I didn’t feel <Intuition> activate during the battle... but it’s always active. Maybe it’s a passive skill, so I was using it? Hmm. I don’t know.

"You don’t have to tell me. As an adventurer, you shouldn’t reveal all your abilities. Unique abilities can be exploited. In this world, you can be used and then discarded. Well, you’ll develop a sense for your skills over time."

"Yes. Um... Can you tell just by the movements?"

"Some monsters can’t be defeated without observation and insight. Especially for front-line fighters, a delayed judgment can mean death. Even if you can’t tell just by looking, you can develop a sense for it through battle."

"..."

Is he a skilled adventurer? It’s hard to believe that sensing things is normal.

But being easily exploited...

Indeed, since I don’t know much about this world, I could be deceived and treated unfairly. If people who can use both magic and swords are rare, I need to be more careful.

"Well, my advice is that if you’re really going solo, declare it to everyone first. That way, you won’t be forced into a party just because you’re convenient."

I see.

Then, I should say I want to be solo at the reception.

If other adventurers ask, I should clearly say I’m solo. Declaring that I won’t join a party is also a way to avoid trouble.

From there, he explained the good and bad points of my movements during the training.

Overall, it was neither good nor bad... He praised me for continuing to think about my next move even after receiving attacks, but said that if I were solo, I could be more cautious.

Showing an opening can mean death. Without the help of others, a moment’s lapse in attention can be fatal. Therefore, assessing yourself and your opponent is crucial.

I understand. To avoid death, I said, "I really want to learn more," and he gave me a disappointed look.

"...You’re the type who minimizes risks and takes multiple precautions... You won’t achieve much as an adventurer."

That’s true, but please don’t say it so bluntly. It hurts. With my fragile mentality, I’ll keep worrying about it.

...I don’t really want to succeed as an adventurer. I became one as a means to survive in this world. I’ll do what I need to, but I don’t want to push myself.

"Um, but... I was just sent to another world; no one told me to defeat a demon king."

"Huh?"

"I didn’t come here to do something. No one told me to do anything. With so many people here, I think it’s fine for me to live a simple life while doing minor jobs. If there’s a mission, someone who wants to do it will do it. Is that not okay?"

I didn’t come here to do something.

If I think about it, I’m not the type to shine on the front lines. Defeating a demon king or a dragon, like in a fantasy novel, is absolutely impossible. I can’t handle wars either.

Well, I wasn’t told to do whatever I want... but if I can’t go back, I want to live freely.

I want to live a relaxed life here, doing what I can, and I just want that to be accepted.

But...

"Hey, are you okay? You’re holding your head... You look pale."

"...I’m fine."

When I thought about going back to my original world, I got a headache.

I reflexively held my head, which made him worry.

Headache... I wasn’t trying to remember anything... Was it because I wanted to go back to my original world?

It was the same headache I had a few times in the white world.

I don’t know what’s causing the headaches.

"Sit down for a moment... Do you want some water?"

"No, really... It’s fine now."

"Okay... Well, I think everyone has their own way of living. I’m not against you doing what you like, but... it’s pointless to try to instill the mindset of an adventurer in you."

"Eh!? That’s a problem, please teach me."

It’s not pointless.

He looked at me with a deadpan expression, but I nodded and he patted my shoulders. What’s going on?

"Calm down. ...Listen, adventurers are essentially a bunch of roughnecks. They dream of getting rich quick, fight strong monsters, and search for treasure in dungeons. They all want honor... ...You’re different, right?"

"Ah, um... I’m sure the people outside are like that."

When asked if I’m different, I answered, "Yes."

If I can’t make a living as an adventurer, I intend to do my best. I’ll make the effort.

I can do it if I try... I think that’s a bit optimistic, but I’ll do what I can without pushing myself. I’ll do simple jobs that anyone can do but are tedious... I don’t dream of getting rich quick, but I’m not against working for daily living.

"You’d be better off with less dangerous jobs like herb gathering or similar tasks."

"Ah, yes! Um, herb gathering doesn’t involve fighting, right? How much can I earn? Can I live without fighting?"

That’s it! If I can earn money from herb gathering, I’d really like to do it. If there’s a solid way to earn money, I’d really like to know!

"Herb gathering depends on the type and quantity of herbs collected. But it’s a constant quest. You’ll always get paid. The Adventurer’s Guild wants to ensure a steady supply of herbs for the Alchemist’s Guild and the Apothecary’s Guild to prepare healing potions and medicines. There are no specialists, but the guild sometimes asks newbies or injured members to do it."

"I see... Don’t the guilds make their own herbs?"

"......Do you think I can make them?"

"No... I don’t think you’re that type."

You can’t, can you? I’m judging by your appearance, but...

You look like a warrior. I realized through our conversation that you’re not all muscle, but you look like the type who can communicate with others through body language...

"Right. Most adventurers are like me, and there are no makers among them. Those who can make things go to the other guilds... But can you make them?"

"Eh... Um, probably?"

"Do you have the Alchemy ability?"

"...Sort of."

I’ve never made anything, but if I can do it with Alchemy, I can, right?

If I need materials and tools, I can’t do it immediately.

No, but his sly smile is creepy...

"You can make healing potions. You won’t earn 100G a day from herb gathering, but you can earn 200-300G by making and delivering healing potions. More difficult items can earn you a lot more."

"Yay! I have a way to survive!"

"But you can’t make healing potions without a recipe. And you’ll be overcharged or won’t get the recipe unless you register with the Apothecary’s Guild."

"..."

Don’t play with my emotions. That means I can’t make them.

Well, guilds might offer discounts to members, but it’s normal not to offer discounts to non-members. I can’t afford to buy a recipe with my current funds... Should I buy a recipe when I have more money?

Even if there’s a way to earn money, it seems I need to spend money to prepare for it.

"Well, don’t look so down. If you can deliver healing potions, the Adventurer’s Guild has a loan system."

"I don’t have any money."

"So... How much do you have left?"

"...500G."

I have a bit more, but considering the inn and food, I can only afford 500G.

I want the recipe, but it’s better to secure a living base first and then earn money.

"Alright. How about adding another day of training for 500G?"

"But I’ll run out of money!"

"You said you can afford it. You must have money for the inn and food, right?"

"...But I need to save that... Do I really need another day of training?"

Why does he know? He’s completely read my character.

How does he know? Even though he looks like a musclehead... Can he really sense things just from fighting? Or am I just an easy read?

But I don’t understand why I should spend all my money on training.

Money is important! I can’t spend a large amount until my income is stable...

"Hey. Tomorrow, I’ll give you training on herb gathering. We’ll go outside the town and learn about the types of herbs and how to gather them in the field. I’ll also teach you how to make healing potions. I’ll prepare someone who can teach you alchemy. It’s necessary, right? It’s better to learn properly in training than to gather the wrong herbs or be underpaid."

"Yes! Please do that."

"So, how much do you have left?"

"No more! I can’t! I’ll be broke and die!"

My money is decreasing.

I want to learn herb gathering because I don’t know what I’ll gather, but it’s worrying to keep losing money before I can earn any.

"I understand. But if you make potions in the inn, you might be