chapter 3

We set our sights on Izuruli City…

But as we moved forward, we were attacked by monsters.

“Fanged Wolf”

A canine monster common to this area. Their level wasn’t that high, so even new adventurers could defeat them.

“This settles it!”

Although multiple Fanged Wolves surrounded me, I cut them down one by one until the last one died by my sword.

The last Fanged Wolf died, fell to the ground, then disappeared after a while…

And Meryl and I were given XP.

In this world, Reinbark, as you defeat monsters, you gain XP in a gamelike system.

Other than that, they can also drop items and materials.

From when we first set our sights on Izuruli up to now, my level has risen to 6.

Thanks to this, I was able to get myself some offensive skills, as cliche as they may have been.

First off, offensive skills that used the sword: “Slash” and “Power Slash.”

“Slash” was more powerful than a regular attack, and “Power Slash” had the added effect of knocking back enemies.

Next were offensive skills that used the gun: “Blast” and “Power Blast.”

“Blast” shot out bullets at a faster velocity than normal, and “Power Blast” gave them more penetrative power.

Finally, skills that could be executed unarmed: “Power Punch,” “Power Kick,” and finally “Spin Kick.”

“Power Punch” and “Power Kick” were enhanced punches and kicks, respectively, while “Spin Kick” was a kick performed by spinning around.

On the other hand, Meryl, who had leveled up to 3, had not learned any magical skills other than “Heal.”

It seems like, in this world, you get more experience from attacking and defeating monsters while healing and protecting would net you less.

Of course, people who did nothing but watched would get no experience from battles.

After sheathing my sword,

“Are you injured, Meryl?”

“Nope! Thanks to you defeating them all, I’m completely unharmed!”

Meryl gave me a thumbs-up.

Actually, my name was spelled in katakana in this world – since there was no kanji, I had to use katakana.

“As we level up more and more, your ‘Heal’ won’t be as important…”

Since blows wouldn’t be as hard-hitting anymore, we’d have less use for ‘Heal.’

“T-then! Does that mean you’re going to dismiss me?”

“No, nobody said anything about that…”

“No~!” says Meryl, holding her head down as I retort with a sigh.

It’s true that at this rate, Meryl’s level isn’t going to get any higher….

And so if Meryl got targeted, it’d be troublesome….

We’ve got to get to the city and accept some quests….

After a while, as we continued, the city came into view.

“Ah, Aruto-san, that’s Izuruli City!”

“Well, we’d better get going… ‘Kyaaaaaa!’…!?”

My words were drowned out by a scream coming from somewhere. From the looks of it, a woman…?

As I looked around, I saw a blue-haired woman being attacked by multiple goblins.

I couldn’t just stand by the side and do nothing, and so, I sprung into action.

“Ah, Aruto-san!”

Meryl straggled behind me…

The trapped woman, about to be attacked by goblins, trembled in fear.

“N-no… I’m scared… Someone help!”

Seeing the woman’s fearful expression, the goblins let out a vulgar laugh.

This laugh served to make the woman even more fearful.

The goblins moved closer to the woman. There was no hope, the woman thought as she gave up, closing her eyes and looking away….

“‘Power Punch’!”

As she heard my voice and the sound of the goblins being hit, she opened her eyes.

After hitting one of the goblins with “Power Punch,” I put myself between her and the goblins. Then, I turned to look at her.

“Are you okay?”

“Ah… yes! Thank you very much!”

“Save the thanks for after! Meryl, take care of her!”

“Got it!”

Leaving the woman to Meryl, who had come some time ago, I returned my gaze to the goblins.

The goblins were surprised to see Meryl and me, and they were angered from having been interrupted. As such, they started attacking me.

I drew my sword from my bag and used “Slash” on the goblins attacking me.

There was one among them carrying a shield, but…

“Blow away!”

I whizzed up into the sky with “Power Slash,” then with that, leaped and kicked the goblin with a shield to the ground with “Spin Kick.”

After that, pointing the muzzle of my revolver at the three goblins looking at me, I used “Power Blast” and fired three rounds.

The three bullets pierced through the three goblins, and they disappeared.

Now, for the final one…!

The last remaining goblin was ripped apart by my sword… the goblins were completely wiped out.

I quickly made sure there were no reinforcements… and when I finished, I sheathed my sword. I shifted my gaze to Meryl and the woman, and then I walked to them.

As I got there, the woman took Meryl’s hand, got up, and bowed to me.

“Thank you for saving me!”

“Don’t mention it. You’d do the same if I were in trouble, right?”

As I said that, the woman smiled.

“I’m the receptionist for Izuruli’s Adventurers’ Guild! My name is Lulu Niccata.”

“I’m Asou Aruto. This is Meryl Sheening.”

The woman named Lulu Niccata extended her hand to us, and we shook it as we introduced ourselves.

“Aruto-san and Meryl-san, huh. Why are you two here?”

“The truth is that we were heading towards Izuruli City. We were chasing some goblins when we saw you, and we decided to lend a hand.”

“I see. In that case, why don’t we go together?”

“Sure, though it’s right in front of us. Meryl?”

“I don’t mind!”

And so we entered the city of Izuruli…