How I Became the Hero's Bane

By Thomas Karl

When Grayson came to this world, the last thing he expected was that he'd become an assistant to the world's hero. Thanks to his new status, he and his party gained many benefits to prepare for an all-out assault on the Tower of Ares. There, they'll fight together with adventurers from the Fighters Guild against the largest threat they've had to face--a god with an unknown motivation to conquer the world.

As they move toward this goal, they'll fight many foes, build new bonds of friendship, and take on quests that will challenge both their skills and their morals. Will they succeed in their mission to stop Ares's attempt to gain a foothold on their world, or will everything they've worked for end in failure?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638816553

Book preview

How I Became the

Hero’s Bane

THOMAS KARL

Copyright © 2022 Thomas Karl

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-63881-654-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-655-3 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Forbidden Knowledge!

Chapter 2: The Plight of the Kobolds!

Chapter 3: A Personal Quest for Silk!

Chapter 4: We’re Finally Experience Grinding!

Chapter 5: The Mine of Chikyu!

Chapter 6: An Unexpected Meeting with Old Friends!

Chapter 7: The Plight of the Kobolds: Part 2

Chapter 8: Holy Winter’s Day Massacre

Chapter 9: The Tower of Ares!

Chapter 10: The Second and Third Floor!

Chapter 11: Battle with the Bullman

Chapter 12: How I Became the Hero’s Bane!

Chapter 13: The Results of Our Actions

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

Forbidden Knowledge!

When I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the familiar view of my room. The light pouring in through my window was more than enough to wake me up. Ugh. What happened? I asked aloud even though there was no one else in sight. I brought my hand to my forehead as if it helped calm the piercing headache that I had.

Master? Thank the gods, you’re finally awake! a disembodied creepy voice said.

Foda? What happened? The last thing I remember is being at the guild hall, and then… I unlocked that ability, I asked as I tried to remember what happened, a jolt of pain shooting through my head.

Well, it seems you remember that much, at least. Before I explain, I’d like to be sure that your memory is intact. Do you remember everything about your life since coming here? he asked, seemingly concerned for my memories.

Of course I remember! I died on Earth and was brought to this world. I ended up in the elven kingdom of Elsaria and met the general of the elven army, Sylia, who’s been with me throughout the half a year I’ve been here. She brought me to the human kingdom of Heirshield, where I signed up with the Fighters Guild and ended up talking to God again because the Guildmaster is a vessel of sorts for him. Since I can’t use magic, I got a glove from God that made it so I could absorb magic energy into the glove and release it whenever I wanted. It was around that time that I met everyone in my party too. Kuhani, the loveable cat-girl protector who holds the monster’s attention so the rest of us don’t get hurt. Kuhano, an absolute jerk of a wolf who’s Kuhani’s brother and is the other damage dealer in our party. Lastly, there’s Araya, the bubbly healer who will heal monsters if she thinks they’re suffering. Our first ‘quest’ together was to clear out the giant rats that had been living here in this abandoned military outpost that we obtained ownership of. Here we also met Crice, a were-rat who’s also an other-worlder like me. Of course I was trying to keep it a secret, but he had to go and spill the beans about that to the group… Do I have to keep going? I complained.

This is silly. Of course I remember all of this stuff. It’s not like I’m going to get amnesia or some stupid trope like that, I thought to myself.

We can’t rule out anything, Master. I refuse to tell you anything until you explain everything of your new life!" Foda demanded.

I let out a groan of annoyance and continued, We trained for six months and entered a tournament that the guild held called the Battle of the Groups. We fought a bunch of other adventuring groups in the lowest-ranked bracket, and that’s where I met another other-worlder named Pauline. Pauline taught me about us other-worlders being brought here to defeat the god Ares so that God could regain total control of the world he created. Why Ares is trying to take over this world, I have no clue! It’s also Pauline who bought you, a living bow of darkness, for me. Even though she was just trying to use me to go on a fake date to get a deal on some exclusive cookies from a bake—

They were biscuits, Foda interrupted.

I looked toward the bow that was leaned up against the wall and shot him a look with my eyebrow raised. "You’re right, they were. But biscuits is just another word for cookies. I call them cookies, so I’m going to say cookies," I sassily said.

Biscuits are crunchy, whereas cookies are softer than biscuits. Usually, you’re the one who would say something about a technicality like that, Foda noted.

Dude, I’m not going to argue with you about the differences of cookies and biscuits right now! Can I just finish the recap of my adventure, or will you just tell me what the hell happened to me already?

I asked, hoping that I could coax him into giving up on making me explain my past adventures. We’ll put the argument on hold. Continue! he demanded.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Where was I? Oh, right, the ‘date’ with Pauline. I dunno, we fought some tougher opponents, and I absorbed too much dark magic, which turned out to be the dark spirit Yami or something like that? I still don’t really understand what happened there. All I remember is that she tried to slowly corrupt me with an organ of darkness, but we used that to empower you after Araya purged it from me. Then we fought Falkeen, who just so happens to be this world’s hero, as well as an other-worlder. We got absolutely decimated, but he still recognized us as worthy allies, and the next day, we negotiated terms to become his assistants.

"At the meeting, everyone learned that the Guildmaster was a vessel for God and actually lost his connection a few months prior. Apparently, around the same time that his connection was severed, a tower seemed to appear from out of nowhere. So now we’re on a mission to reach the minimum level for us to be able to be part of the group that goes and conquers the tower.

"After the negotiation, we went downstairs, and I made a joke that somehow gave me a passive skill called ‘Self Awareness.’ Then I guess, I passed out, and now we’re here.

I think that’s everything, so there! Happy? I asked in annoyance.

I prefer satisfied, but yes. It would seem your brain didn’t get completely overloaded with information like I had feared, Foda stated before letting out something akin to a groan. Now to uphold my end of the bargain. It seems that you’ve awoken information that not even the gods should know. The future, the past, even things going on right at this very moment—you seem to hold the key to knowing it all! Foda said, piquing my interest. His vague explanation made me think back to my dream where I saw Falkeen in the Tomb of Fire.

It would seem that’s not happening, though. I believe you hold the key, but you don’t know how to use it to its full extent. You’re blocking the information. To put a picture to it, you’re turning the key but just barely. Since our minds are linked, I can snag bits and pieces of the information coming out from the small turn you’ve made, so I’ll explain what I can, but don’t expect much. From what I can gather, when you said that this was all a story, you were correct. It would also happen that there’s a being called the All Creator that most of the gods don’t even know exist. It would seem that they created not just the gods, but this universe itself, Foda explained.

I had to take a few moments to let that sink in.

Yeah, it makes sense that there’s something bigger than the gods. But does that mean that I’m only here because of what this All Creator put into motion? And why would they be interested in me? I was a nobody! Couldn’t this All Creator guy have picked anyone else for this? Hell, couldn’t he just make it so that Ares isn’t going AWOL? I cried out in exasperated confusion. Did I even actually dislike my old life, or did he force me to throw it away to come here for his own twisted amusement? Are my thoughts even my own, or is he making me do, say, and think things! I asked aloud as my breathing became ragged and the pain of my headache magnified.

Master, please calm down. I suppose this is why your brain has been blocking the information. You’ve been out for around three days, so I’ve been able to gather my thoughts about the All Creator. While they created the universe and the higher beings, I don’t believe that they have the power to meddle in tiny details like our lives at all. In fact, that may be why they created the gods. The more complex something is, the harder it is to control every minute detail about it. Even if they somehow controlled every being in the universe, wouldn’t it stand to reason that we wouldn’t be able to have this conversation now? If they were smart, they would’ve made it so that we had no doubts about them or we would never have learned about them in the first place. At least, that’s what I would do if I was a ruler that hid in the shadows, Foda explained as I calmed myself down.

I understand what you’re saying, but how can we be sure they’d think like that? Because if it were me, I’d do the exact opposite. Let a couple small beings know about me and have their doubts. That way, it preserves some sort of pseudo-freedom of thought and will, I explained. After saying that, I got way more depressed than I expected.

Yeah, that’s exactly how I would do it. I always thought that I had free will. I never even really gave a thought to the fact that I might be controlled by a higher being. If that being wants me to succeed, though, wouldn’t that mean that I couldn’t really fail anything I did? Then again, I lost in the fight against Falkeen and barely got by in a lot of the other fights. Maybe the All Creator is just some sort of personification for fate and Foda’s misunderstand? I wondered.

I suppose your argument does make a lick of sense. But even if we are being controlled by some sort of higher being, wouldn’t that mean that nothing has changed and we should just live our lives as we normally would? Foda questioned.

I let out a sigh. Yeah, you’re right. I just don’t like that my whole worldview and everything’s changing suddenly, y’know? It’s pretty scuffed, to say the least. Whatever the case, I don’t like this being. Why would they create a universe where so many people are miserable and discriminated against? I said as I thought about how everyone treated Kuhani and Kuhano until they showed how strong they were in the tournament. Even then, that didn’t truly fix the issue.

You don’t have to like them. Even if you did, you’re insignificant to them. Just like how I’m insignificant to Yami in my current state, Foda said, sounding disappointed. "Sounds like someone’s got some mommy issues. Joking aside, it looks like we’ll both just have to get stronger then. When we get strong enough and that thing acknowledges me, I’m going to give it a piece of my mind," I said in an attempt to sound noble.

Hm…a goal truly befitting of my master! Foda said, seemingly content.

His voice sent shivers down my spine. Even though my mind had been linked with the bow for around a week or so, I still wasn’t used to his creepy voice. Now that I think about it, I’ve only had Foda for around nine days. It feels like it’s been so much longer than that, even with me being knocked out for three of those, I thought before the slam of a door snapped me out of my thoughts.

I don’t care if I’ve used up a lot of my mana today, I’m going to go and heal Gray! I have to bring him back even if it kills me! We all know that he’d do the same if it was for one of us! I heard a voice shout from beyond the room’s door. Is that Araya? She sounds upset. Knowing her, she’s probably been pouring all of her excess mana into healing me these last few days, huh? I thought as I let out a sigh. She should know that her health comes first! If we lose our healer to fatigue, then we could easily lose our lives.

As she gently opened the door, I sat up a bit more in the bed and scolded, Araya, you doofus! You, of all people, should know that I wouldn’t want anyone to sacrifice themselves for me.

The look on the young priestess’s face transformed many times in a matter of seconds. She went from startled to relieved then to confused and, finally, to joyous. Gray! she yelled out as she ran and wrapped her arms around me.

You’re alive! You’re awake! Are you feeling all right? When you collapsed at the guild, no one could figure out what was wrong with you, and we were so afraid! Usually, you wake up after a day when something bad happens, but that didn’t happen this time. We thought that you were in a coma! she explained after letting loose a bombardment of observations.

I gently pushed her away and looked into her yellow eyes that had a golden glow to them.

I let out a small chuckle in an attempt to lighten the mood. Don’t worry, I’m all right. Foda already explained everything to me about my condition, and I should be fine. I’m sorry that I made you guys worry about me so much, I said sincerely.

You don’t have to apologize, Gray! But…could you tell me what happened? Araya asked as she sat down on my bedside, clearly still rattled by everything.

Yeah, basical— I began before stopping abruptly. There’s no way I can tell her about this All Creator guy! For one, I’d sound like a maniac, and two, I can barely handle it myself. No one should feel like they aren’t in control of their own life. I decided. Actually, I don’t think I can—at least not yet. I’ll explain it all to you when I’m ready. It’s more of a mental problem than a physical one, I explained, trying to convince her that everything was fine. She gave me a worried look but, eventually, said, Okay. Take as much time as you need. As long as you’re okay, I’ll be happy! she finished with a smile.

Thanks, I simply stated, feeling a small amount of guilt from my hesitation. That aside, when you came in the house, you said something about using up a lot of mana? Were you guys training or something? I asked out of curiosity.

Araya looked like a kid who had been caught stealing. Umm… Err… We decided to check out the monster farm that Sir Falkeen is allowing us to use, Araya hesitantly confessed as she avoided my gaze.

You guys went without me? I spouted in surprise. How was it? Were there lots of monsters? I excitedly asked. I didn’t care that they went there and farmed experience without me. All I cared about was how efficiently we would get to level if we used it. Sure, I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to experience it with them, but just the fact that we actually have access to a monster-grinding area is surreal! I thought.

There were tons of monsters. Everywhere we looked, there were kobolds. They may look cute, but… I never knew something could be so vicious, Araya said with an exaggerated stare of emptiness. They just looked like big puppies that could walk on two legs and use weapons. But within an hour of us entering, we were forced out. They just didn’t stop coming. I used almost all of my mana just trying to keep us alive. I wasn’t even able to attack, she added.

A look of worry took over my face. You were asking if I was okay, but are you sure you guys are all right? That sounds horrible! I said.

Thankfully, we are. Though we definitely wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for the magical barrier keeping them inside.

Magical barrier? I asked as I gave a look of confusion.

Yes. There’s a transparent field that keeps the kobolds in and allows only those with certain permissions to enter or exit! she explained.

Huh, I guess that makes sense. There’d have to be a lot of monsters too if it’s supposed to be a farm, so I’m not super surprised. Were you guys planning on going again tomorrow? I asked, a way to exploit the barrier already formulating in my mind.

We decided not to go again unless you were with us. Though Miss Sylia wants us to go as often as we can to gain a large amount of levels before our first quest. If you believe you’re well enough, I’m sure everyone would be okay with going again tomorrow! she answered as if she trying to give me an answer that would make me happy.

Silly does have a point. It’s almost winter too, so we really should grind as much as we can. Maybe we should have a group meeting about what to do? I wondered out loud.

Technically, we’re already in winter, but that would definitely be the best course of action! Araya said with an enthusiastic smile.

I gave her a suspicious look. I hate this. It all feels so real. I guess Foda’s right. Even if the All Creator is controlling us, we’ve lived our whole lives like that. Maybe I should just push it all out of my mind, I contemplated.

G-Gray? Is something wrong? Do I have something on my face? Araya asked with a hint of panic taking over her voice.

Sorry, was just thinking about something, I apologized before asking, Do ya think we should have that meeting now or tomorrow?

Normally, I’d say that we should do it now so that everyone knows you’re all right. But after using so much mana, I’m exhausted, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Miss Kuhani and Mr. Kuhano are as well. I’m sure you’re just as worn out since you’re still recovering. I’ll go update everyone and let you get some rest! Oh, you should probably let Miss Pauline know about your condition. Needless to say, she was pretty worried when we told her about you, Araya said as she pushed herself off the bed.

You guys told Pauline? That’s gonna be a pain, I complained as anxiety suddenly swelled inside me. Well, after I’m prepared to get an earful, I guess I’ll hit her up, I thought. Wait, if you all are gonna rest, doesn’t that mean we’d all be in here, anyway? I asked.

Araya stopped in her tracks and turned back with a nervous look on her face.

Promise you won’t be mad? she begged.

I raised an eyebrow in response and let out a sigh before asking, What could you have possibly done?

I…kinda forbid everyone from coming into the room because we didn’t know what was wrong with you. So we’ve been sleeping in the other room down the hall, she admitted guiltily.

My look of suspicion turned to one of confusion.

Wait, what? Why would I be mad about that? I mean, I’m a bit offended that you thought I was potentially contagious, but distancing in this case makes a lot of sense. You took steps to ensure no one else got taken out of commission. You did the right thing, Araya. I’m proud of you, I said with a reassuring smile. Did I do something to her? Why does she keep thinking that I’m going to be mad at her? I wondered.

Really? You don’t think I was overreacting or messing up again? she asked.

Of course not! None of you knew what was wrong with me. After you got me in a safe spot, it only makes sense you’d keep your distance from a potential patient zero, I explained.

Yeah, but we wouldn’t have needed to do any of this if I had just kept you healthy! Araya spouted out suddenly.

I had to take a moment to process what she said. All right, spill it. Why’re you acting so weird about all of this? I asked her.

W-what do you mean? she stammered.

I looked down at the bed and gave her a sideways glance. Araya, we’ve been partners for half a year now. I’d like to think I’m pretty decent at picking up how you’re feeling. And right now, you almost seem like you’re blaming yourself for something entirely out of your control, I explained. Part of me was concerned, another was disappointed, and the last part felt guilty about making her feel like this.

Of course I’m blaming myself! It’s my job as our healer to make sure everyone’s in tip-top shape! I’ve obviously been neglecting those duties if I let you get this far gone! I thought I didn’t have to pay as much attention to you because you rarely get hurt in combat, so it’s my fault that this happened to you! she cried out with tears running down her face as she ran out of the room.

Smooth, Master, Foda thought.

I shot the bow an annoyed look. Thanks, I try, I sarcastically replied as I got out from under the covers to chase after Araya.

But as soon as I stood up, my head started spinning like I had just gotten off a merry-go-round that was at top speed. Needless to say, I fell back onto the bed fully aware that I wasn’t going to be able to comfort her. I let out a sigh of defeat. I hope that I’ll actually be fine by the time we have the meeting tomorrow. It would be useless to hold one if I can’t even get out of bed, I said out loud. Well, if I can’t help Araya, I might as well make myself somewhat useful and put Pauline’s worries to rest. No pun intended, I dejectedly thought to myself.

As I lay in the bed, I opened up the friends list and selected Pauline’s name. I expected to have some sort of option menu pop up after I selected her name, but to my surprise, it instantly started beeping as if I was trying to call someone with a cell phone. The beeping was accompanied by a box with a message in it that stated, Contacting… I panicked while I tried to find a way to stop calling her.

I just wanted to see if I could send her a message with the system! Sure, it makes sense that there isn’t one. Otherwise, there would be no point in having couriers. But there could at least have been a warning! God really is a garbage developer when it comes to quality-of-life stuff, I thought as I resigned myself to having an actual talk with Pauline.

Hello? Gray, is that you? I heard Pauline sleepily ask when the ringing stopped.

Eh? Uh, yeah, it’s me. Did I wake you up? I asked, hoping that I’d just found a way to get out of the conversation.

Yeah, but don’t think I’m lazy and sleeping in! After our ‘poor display’ in the tournament, we were forced to go to the Kavania empire on the other side of the world for training. Mrs. Partino wasn’t too pleased with us and shipped us out here in hopes that we’d get stronger. Until we do, we aren’t supposed to show our faces in Heirshield again. Of course we’re going to sneak back over and utilize the kobold farm you got for us at some point, but who knows when that’ll be, she replied.

Kavania Empire? I’ve never heard of that place…what’s it like? I wondered out loud before I could stop myself.

It’s nothing special. It’s very imperialistic slash militaristic, so there’s a large military and significantly less adventurers. Of course that just means that there’s less competition and most of the quests here aren’t combat quests. But enough about you trying to keep the subject off of you. You’re lucky I can’t yell at you right now because everyone’s sleeping, she said with clear irritation in her voice. How come whenever I look away for two seconds, you’ve somehow managed to put yourself in danger? As soon as I leave the guild, you get knocked out for three days! You do remember that you’re the god killer right? Y’know, the one that needs to not die before he gets powerful enough so I can have a free ride to completing our destiny and then living a carefree life? she asked.

Yes, I rem— I started before I got caught off abruptly.

Then why do you keep almost dying? Are you just an idiot? Actually, that’s too generous because even an idiot can keep themselves out of life-threatening danger, she coldly said.

Even though she wasn’t yelling, it was still just as hurtful.

I’ll have you know I wasn’t in any danger this time. I awakened a new skill, and since you’re being such a jerk, I’m not going to tell you what it is! I taunted.

There was a long silence before Pauline finally said anything.

So you got a skill that put you into a coma when you got it? Either your skill is garbage or it’s insanely powerful, she said, shifting into her businesswoman mode.

She’s probably trying to think of what it could be so she can use me more, I thought. I’d lean more towards the garbage personally, but I’m sure someone would enjoy having it. At this point, it feels more like a hindrance, though, I admitted.

Well, then, figure out how to use it to your advantage so that you stop nearly giving me heart attacks. Do you ever stop to think how I would feel if you di—? she finished meekly, not even getting the last word out of her throat.

I’m sure you would be fine if I died. Besides, you’ve got Falkeen and all the other other-worlders. If you guys worked together, you’d be able to defeat Ares without me, I said, belittling myself.

Pauline let out an irritated sigh. You really don’t understand anything at all, you moron! she angrily said before groaning. Even if it wasn’t for…that. I honestly believe that we won’t be able to win without you. Plus, I need you to be able to use Falkeen’s farms, so I really can’t have you croaking. Otherwise, my growth is going to be affected too. Just promise me that you’ll stay out of harm’s way.

A pang of guilt hit me as soon as she said that. I… I promise. It shouldn’t be that hard. I mean, I am a ranger, right? I asked with a nervous chuckle.

Like that’s stopped you before. I’m gonna go to sleep, so can you end the call? she asked.

Uhh…sure. How do I do that exactly? I asked as I stared at the communicating message in front of me. Without even seeing her, I could tell that she had rolled her eyes.

You’ve used a computer before. Look in the upper-right-hand corner. You should see a red X there. Just raise your finger and hit it, okay?

Oh, ’kay. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it before. All right, g’night I’ll talk to you whenever you want so just hit me up. Stay safe, love ya! I said as I hit the X and ended the call. What I said didn’t hit me until a few moments after. D-d-d-did I just say Love ya? Why did I say that? I guess maybe because that’s how Mom and I’d end our calls when we were on Earth? Is there such thing as muscle memory but for conversation closers? Oh god, this is going to be so awkward to clear up, especially since we’ve technically been on a date and everyone thinks I like her! Okay, okay, okay, just calm down. Leave this to future Grayson. Mend one relationship at a time, and don’t overthink it, I thought to myself as I stared at the bottom of the bed above me.

Master. You really need to think before you speak, Foda said condescendingly.

Yeah, I know, I said with a sigh as my eyelids slowly shut.

As I slept, I was plagued with nightmares of a large room. The room I was in was filled with outlines of objects that I couldn’t make any sense of. All around me were shadows that appeared like the night sky. They were mostly pure darkness aside from the small stars that they had mixed into them. They had the outlines of people, and the fact they weren’t attacking me made me think they were allies. Though, there was one person that wasn’t a shadow.

He had an amethyst-colored scale chestplate and wore a black cloak with a hood that covered his face to the point where the only thing you could see was his large greying beard. The weapon that he held was a zweihander with a jet-black blade. The darkness of the blade was impressive itself, but the fact that he was holding it in one hand was even more impressive. He didn’t have anything in his left hand, but rather, he had a small crossbow mounted on his wrist.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him until we all started running up a flight of stairs. My legs moved on their own, forcing me to follow the man and the shadows. When I ascended, the next floor was large and open, much like the first. It wouldn’t be difficult to run straight ahead to another stairway that seemed to go upward, but it would be time consuming. However, that changed when the last shadow caught up to us. Walls started shifting around us; the stairway that we had just came from disappeared entirely behind us. Within moments, the open floor became a large hallway that seemed to span out in multiple directions.

Most of the shadows stopped in their tracks at the sudden development while two of the shadows seemed to be exchanging soundless words. Though some of the shadows started charging forward until one that had been talking held his arm out to block them and shouted something I couldn’t make out. All but one of the shadows seemed to heed the man’s warning. As soon as it ran ahead of him, three spears flew from the right wall into the left wall. The shadow had been impaled in three separate spots and pinned to the wall for all to see.

Even though the being was just a shadow, watching the stars from his body dissipate in front of me somehow felt as bad as watching someone die. Eventually, not just the stars faded, but his body as well. When his body had fully disappeared, the only sign that he had ever existed at all was the large puddles of darkness that he had left on the wall and floor beneath him.

At the sight, my dream warped and brought me to another location. I was still surrounded by shadow people, but there were a few of us now. Wait… I’ve seen this before, haven’t I? I wondered as I looked around. We were all in a cavern that was formed like an arena. A large shadow creature with a purple aura stood in the middle of the cavern. The battle-ax it wielded was easily as big as me. I had no idea what was going on as my body nocked an arrow and fired it directly at the large monster. Oh, I remember now. When I was picking my class, I stabbed this thing in the back of the leg and then got impaled after it kicked me into a wall, I thought as the creature roared in response to the damage it took from my arrow.

The beast directed its rage toward me and let out a roar before it began charging at me. As the shadow creature made its way toward me, my legs refused to move no matter how much I told them to. This isn’t like the first time at all, why won’t my legs move? Better yet, why won’t my body move? I panicked as I desperately tried to do something to get out of the way. Just before the beast impaled me on horns that sprouted from its head, I woke up in a cold sweat.

I looked around as if to make sure I was safe. All that I could see in the room were beds, dressers, and moonlight that poured in through the window. I let out a few heavy breaths and said aloud, Whatever that thing is, it has way too many ways to kill me from impalement. Though that old man was weird too, why could I see him? I wondered as I tried to rack my thoughts on my dreams.

There’s no way that I had that dream just purely by coincidence, though. First, I see that creature when I’m selecting my class, and all of a sudden, I see it now? Whatever it is, it’s like I’m fated to die there too, I said heavily. With my observation stated, I noticed that my arms were visibly shaking from the fear. I let out a nervous laugh. Am I actually scared to die, even with how many times it’s almost happened? I asked as my nervous laughter shifted into being normal laughter. Hey, hey. What’s with this mixed excitement that I’m feeling with the fear? How messed up am I that I’m thinking of taking on a challenge like changing fate? I asked as I started quieting down. Guess I’ll just have to find a way to survive, eh? I concluded as I drifted back to sleep.

I had no dreams to speak of for the rest of the night.

I was woken up by gentle shaking from someone. As I opened my eyes, I could feel an obscene amount of eye gunk tear away. I had to rub my eyes so that I’d actually have a chance to see who was waking me up.

Hey there, Grayson! Jeez, ya look like ten miles of bad road, bud. You feelin’ all right, or do you need some more rest? I heard a Southern-sounding voice say. I didn’t even need to look to see who it was.

Morning, Crice. I dunno yet. I thought I would be fine yesterday, but as soon as I tried to stand, I just got slapped with dizziness, I explained as I stopped rubbing my eyes to take in the sight of the large were-rat man in front of me.

The lab coat he wore was able to contain most of his light-brown fur, but there were still a few patches that found their way out.

Have you not been grooming yourself? I asked as I looked into his dark-brown eyes that were hidden behind his cracked glasses. He’s usually really self-conscious about his fur. It’s definitely never been a ‘worried about appearances’ thing since he still wears those broken glasses, so I wonder why he hasn’t been keeping up with it, I thought, worried that something happened with him.

Leave it ta you to notice! I’ve been mighty worried about you, feller. Turns out stress makes my fur grow faster than green grass goes through a goose! he said, seeming somehow cheerful.

Even though he didn’t seem too bothered by it, I still felt guilty.

Sorry about that, my guy. Not to be rude, but you’re kinda one of the last people I expected to be worried about me. That’s weird that it makes your fur grow that much, though. I didn’t even think that rat’s fur grew beyond a certain point, I said as I sat up on the bed and planted my feet on the floor.

Ah, don’t worry about it. ’S’long as you’re fine, that’s all the matters! Honestly, I was mighty worried when Angel disappeared. I thought you had died! he said with a nervous chuckle. Though, uhh… If you’re feeling fit as a fiddle, I’d like to steal your ear for a moment, he said, suddenly seeming apprehensive about something.

Angel’s gone? I guess it makes sense that he would’ve disappeared when my glove broke, I thought as I stared down at my blackened gloves.

Grayson? Crice asked, breaking me out of my trance.

Oof, sorry ’bout that. What’s up? I asked.

Well…y’all are going to that monster-farming spot, right? he asked.

I mean, that’s what the meeting is supposed to be about. I imagine we’d be going at some point in the near future, if we don’t end up going today, so I can take a look at the place. Why do you ask, though? I replied, confusion starting to take over.

The others’ve told me about our fate as other-worlders, but I’m not really much of a fighter, so I’ve been lookin’ for ways ta be useful ta everyone. Miss Sylia found me this book! he said as he handed it to me.

The title of the book was Unusual Ways to Easily Level Up! Adventurers hate him! Learn one quick trick that’s leaving them in shambles! I jokingly thought as I opened the book to a random page and saw a diagram of some sort of birdlike monster. The diagram had multiple labels, but the one that caught my eye was one called the soul of experience.

What exactly is this supposed to be? I asked Crice. I had some sort of idea in my mind, but I figured it would be easier to ask him than to spend time reading the book.

Well, y’see, all monsters have a physical culmination of their experience. Turns out that if ya got someone with the knowledge and skill, they can harvest that ‘soul’ to give raw experience to other people. ’Parently, when the greater races were at war with each other, the souls were in high demand. As a result, this book was made to teach people how to harvest the souls of monsters.

I see. So you’re asking me to use this book to learn how to harvest the experience monsters have gained so that you can use them to level up. Does that sound about right? I asked.

Crice gave me a small nod.

Bro, you’re the homie. Of course I’ll do whatever I can to help you level up. We may not have one-on-one talks a whole lot, but we’re bound by our other-worldy bonds! Plus, your potions and food help us out immensely, I said.

Crice gave me what I could only assume was a thankful look.

I’ve never really noticed how little his expression changes, I thought.

Thank you, Grayson! This makes me happy as a dead pig in sunshine! If there’s anythin’ y’need, just lemme know! Crice exclaimed as he jumped and pumped his arms in the air.

I had to let out a smile. All you gotta do is just keep doing you. Though maybe you should use the training grounds every now and then. I’m not going to force you to fight, but at least having a fighting style you’re comfortable with could save you someday. Ya feel me? I asked. Man, whenever I talk with Crice, I always end up drifting back into my old-world dialect. It’s not a bad thing, but it definitely is different than how I usually talk now, I thought.

I may be busier than a moth in a mitten, but I swear ta you I’ll try my best! Crice responded.

I looked down at the book and remembered something. Oh yeah, I gotcha something when we were out in the city, I said as I unlatched a pouch that was on my side.

Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, I can’t say I expected this! Thank you kindly for the gift, Grayson! Crice said happily.

No problem, dude. It’s an herb pouch, though, so you can only put herbs in it. But you can fit an infinite amount of herbs in it, and they won’t age as long as they’re in there. I figured it could be useful since you’re doing the whole alchemy thing and all, I explained, feeling a bit embarrassed at his gratitude.

This is…amazing, Crice said as he started to tear up. No one’s ever been so kind to me!

I just stared at him in disbelief. I just told him that his gift is basically only to help him work. How is that being kind? Why am I making everyone cry! First Araya and now Crice? I swear something’s wrong with me. Sadge, I thought to myself.

Um…well, I, uh… I should get going to the whole meeting thing. Thanks for the book and the deal we’ve made, I said in an attempt to excuse myself from the awkward situation I got myself into.

Crice licked his paws and then started rubbing his head. Right, I darn near forgot about that. Well, you do seem to be right as rain, so I’m sure you’re itching more than a dog with fleas!

I gave him a blank stare and blinked as I tried to work out what he had just said.

If you’re saying I’m wanting to do things, then yeah, you’re right. That’s just such an odd way of saying it, though, I complained. But I digress. I gotta go tell everyone that I’m doin’ all right! I said as I pushed myself to my feet. Fortunately, the dizziness from the day before was completely gone.

I cautiously moved over to where Foda was resting against the wall and bent over to pick the bow up. Well, I expected to be a little light-headed or something, but there’s absolutely nothing. Sweet, I mumbled to myself after I rose with Foda in hand.

Good to hear that you’re doing well, Master! Foda thought to me.

What’s with you, man? I noticed earlier that you seemed to be a bit nicer than before, but I figured I was just delirious, I asked suspiciously.

"Hm, I suppose it may be due to our link. Part of you rubs off on me. Part of me rubs off on you. Though I believe it’s greatly due to the fact that I understand just how powerful you are. You truly are worthy of being my master, and I merely recognize that now," he explained.

Oh. Well, thanks, Foda. I don’t really get why I have to be your master and we can’t just be equals, though, I muttered to him as I blushed.

I can’t move unless you’re holding me. I can’t use my power without your go-ahead, and you clean me. You might not realize you’re doing these jobs as a master, but you are, Foda explained in an attempt to convince me.

Yeah, well, I couldn’t fight without a weapon. We both help each other, whether we realize it or not. We can agree to disagree on this, but I’m always gonna think of you as a partner, I said with a shrug as I started to move toward the door.

I appreciate the thought, but I already told you I’m not a great fighter, Crice said, seemingly happy about what I said.

I let out a sigh and looked at him. Right, you don’t know. My bow’s a living bow, so I was kinda talking to him. Sorry, I said, feeling awkward about him thinking that I was talking to him.

You can’t fool me, Grayson! We’re gonna have a bond as great as a tick and an armpit, no need to come up with lies because you’re embarrassed! Crice said giddily.

"I see. So most other-worlders are foolish, not just you and Lady Pauline. Interesting," Foda thought.

All I could do was let out another sigh in response as I exited the room with the book and Foda in tow.

As I walked through the hall, memories came flooding back to me. It feels like forever since we first came here. I can’t believe it’s only been half a year, I said as I thought back to our first fight as a group. When I walked down the stairs, I let out a small chuckle. It’s not like we had a battle or anything in this place. Granted outside is a completely different story, but walking around here shouldn’t be making me think about that!

Well, well, if you’re well enough to reminisce, then you’ll probably be well enough to head to the farm! Sylia said, looking up at me from the bottom of the stairs when I was on the platform step.

"You said ‘well’ way too many times in that sentence. Plus, don’t make it sound like I chose to be in a mini coma! How’ve you been these last few days, Silly?" I asked the half-elf woman who was in front of me.

Well, I had to lug you back here, so I’m sure you can imagine, she said.

I furrowed my brow and stopped in my steps. Did you just insinuate that I’m fat? I asked as I looked down at my boardlike body. That insult doesn’t even make any sense! I added.

Sylia just started laughing. It’s good to have you back, Gray. Everyone’s waiting for you in the war room, she said as she started heading toward the front door.

You goin’ out somewhere? I asked as I turned to go to the room.

She shrugged. Got some things to take care of. Private stuff, job stuff, the works. You four are basically adults. Plus, I know I can trust you’ll convince them to get back there. Make me proud! she said as she opened the door and walked out. Oh, wait, here, take this! she called as she popped back in and threw her bag to me.

I made a cradle with my arms to be able to catch it and still hold everything.

Isn’t this your bag of holding? Isn’t this really valuable? I asked in surprise.

Yeah, but if you guys go to the kobold farm, then you’ll need something to hold a bunch of items, right? If you tear it at all, though I. Will. Murder. You. Got it? Sylia sternly said with a glare that sent shivers down my spine.

A nervous grin took over my face as I said, Yeah, I got it. Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to it.

Good to hear. You can take the strap with the buckle out of the bag too. Just wrap it around the book, and then set it against your side. It should stick to your waist until you decide to remove it. I’ll be back in a few days! Close the door behind me, and be safe, you idiot, she said with a smile before walking away.

You too! I called after her as I shut the door.

Lady Sylia never fails to amaze me. I wonder where she finds these mundane items that prove to be very useful, Foda thought as we started moving down the hall toward the war room.

I slung Foda over my right shoulder and threw the bag over my left.

Even you call her Lady Sylia? What’s up with that? I asked as I opened the door to the war room.

Foda didn’t even get a chance to answer before Kuhani had grabbed me in a hug and quickly started spouting, Gray! You’re alive! Ohmigosh, I was so worried! Areyokay! Her ability to slur her words together really showed just how panicked she was.

I let out a sigh of disappointment as I gently pat her back with my free hand. Yeah, I’m fine, guys! Sorry to worry everyone.

I wasn’t worried. But if you somehow weren’t fine, I definitely wasn’t going to forgive you, Kuhano thought to us all.

I looked down at the beast-person who was basically just an intelligent wolf. Thanks, Kuhano, glad to know you had faith in me, I said with a smile.

Whatever, just don’t pull a stunt like that again. If you do, I’ll just save us the trouble and kill you myself.

With his response, I let out a nervous chuckle.

Kuhano! Don’t say stuff like that! Kuhani fumed at her brother as she released me from the hug.

Even though it felt like life as usual, there was still a heavy atmosphere in the room. I let my eyes wander and eventually found Araya sitting with her eyes stuck to the table. Hey, you. You okay? I asked her as I walked to the seat opposite her. I could hear Kuhani and Kuhano’s bickering quiet as they watched me. It made me feel like they had already tried to talk to her, but to no avail. Araya didn’t respond at all to me either. She didn’t even move an inch, her eyes unblinking as she stared at the table.

Araya? You there? I asked as I tried to look at her face to see if she had fallen asleep in her seat. Before I could get a look, she tore her face away from the desk and hid her head under the table. I let a sigh of defeat and thought, I figured it was going to come to this eventually, but I didn’t think I’d have to play this card so soon.

If I tell you what happened, will you stop blaming yourself for it? I asked to our priest. I barely got a response, but at least I received one.

She peered her golden eyes over the edge of the table and looked at me. Maybe, she simply said.

I let out a chortle at her response. "I’d like to deal in a yes or no basis, but I guess this is all you’re going to give me, eh?